the-islander-newspaper-e-edition-wednesday-april-15-2026

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Wind, waves slow progress at Anna Maria City Pier Island ferry landing rejected by resort

By ryan paice islander reporter

After months of discussion, Manatee County’s last option for a ferry landing in Holmes Beach was tossed out of the water.

Mainsail Lodging & Development president Joe Collier opted not to sell a Waterline Villas & Marina boat slip to the county for a Gulf Islands Ferry stop, according to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and City Commissioner Dan Diggins.

Collier did not respond to an April 10 call from The Islander.

The service currently shuttles people between downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

Construction equipment on the Anna Maria City pier rests April 8 as high winds and choppy waters prevented Tampa Bay Marine from continuing its work rebuilding the walkway. Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short told The islander April 10 that “not much progress” was made over the past week due to weather conditions. islander photo: robert Anderson

Beach

work halted in BB; DEP steps in

By robert Anderson islander reporter

A shoreline dispute in Bradenton Beach remains under review following an April 8 meeting involving the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where, city officials said, a property owner admitted to moving revetment rocks and boulders.

Despite the admission, no enforcement action has been taken.

Speaking with The Islander April 8, interim Bradenton Beach building official Rob Perry said developer Shawn Kaleta acknowledged during the meeting that he has moved limestone boulders recently and in the past.

Kaleta owns property at 2200 Gulf Drive N., adjacent to the area where the boulders were moved. Boulders near the property also were moved in 2024 and again in March 2026.

Perry said the rocks, exposed after hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, were likely placed years ago by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of an erosion-control effort to protect the shoreline and adjacent roadway.

“They had been buried under the sand for years,” Perry said. “When the storms came through, it exposed them. They’re there for a reason — to armor that area.”

Premium parking

The shore is crowded and the parking lot packed April 5 at Manatee public Beach for an easter sunrise service.

Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique says conversations are taking place on the issue of paid parking on Anna Maria island. read the story, page 4. islander photo: Jacob Merrifield

Perry said that during the meeting, DEP investigator Erin Luaces indicated the agency would not pursue enforcement related to past movement of the rocks, citing emergency conditions following the 2024 storms that allowed for certain coastal work without full permitting.

However, Perry said, the agency made clear that no additional disturbance should occur without state coordination.

“What she does want is that there would be no movement or any more rocks in the future,” Perry said, referring to Luaces.

“Anything on the beach requires notifi cation,” Perry added.

Gayle Luper, who owns nearby property at 2108 Gulf Drive N., previously raised concerns that rock placement obstructed longstanding beach access from her property.

Following the April 8 meeting, she said the issue remained unresolved.

“Erin listened and said she will research the rocks and get back to us,” Luper said in an April 8 text message. “Meanwhile, no one is to touch the rocks or change any access.”

It previously stopped at the Anna Maria City Pier before the 2024 hurricanes destroyed the structure’s walkway and the county hopes to build a new ferry landing adjacent to the new pier.

On the other hand, a ferry landing has never been established in Holmes Beach, which lacks a municipal pier.

The county needs a public dock for the ferry service but has shown little interest in the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach, due to the potential cost of redeveloping the facility to accommodate the service.

So the county set its sights on the Waterline, where

pleASe, See FerrY, pAge 2

AM mulls over commercialization of beach

By ryan paice islander reporter

The city of Anna Maria is eyeing a near-total ban on commercial activity in its coastal conservation zone.

But not before taking up a deeper round of discussion.

City Commissioner Christopher Arendt led a discussion about commercialization in parts of the coastal conservation zone — which covers most of the municipality’s beaches — during an April 9 commission meeting.

However, the discussion on rental cabanas began before Arendt even spoke.

During general public comment, five people spoke about the cabana issue.

It began with resident Polly Ruggles, who requested a meeting with Mayor Mark Short and for the city commission to revisit its cabana regulations.

She said she represented multiple neighbors on her block and said that the number of cabana rentals had skyrocketed in Gulffront Park following the passage of the first beach commercialization ordinance in February.

“Our particular block … has become what the commission did not want to occur. And that is: we have become the Palma Sola Causeway,” Ruggles said. “The conditions have become intolerable.”

She added that while the cabana companies were complying with the new code, they left little space for others to enjoy the beach.

Kingfish ramp to close for up to 3 days to connect subaqueous waterline

By ryan paice islander reporter

A new Manatee Avenue water main could be pumping water soon enough.

Manatee County senior project engineer Jim Shuler told The Islander April 6 that Loxahatchee-based DBE Management was on track to complete installation of the subaqueous pipeline by July.

The main will replace a temporary pipeline that spans the west half of the Anna Maria Island Bridge’s southern sidewalk.

Work on the new pipeline began last December and, so far, the contractor has tunneled beneath Anna Maria Sound and pulled the pipeline through, according to Shuler.

Now, DBE will work to extend the water main — which runs along the north side of Manatee Avenue — west across the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee

FerrY CoNTiNueD FroM pAge 1

it proposed to purchase at least one boat slip in order to establish a ferry stop in the marina.

The concept was met with pushback earlier this year from a group of Holmes Beach residents who collected more than 40 signatures on a petition in opposition.

They said bringing the ferry into the marina would be “invasive” since the marina’s entrance channel runs between multiple properties in the city’s R-1 zoning district, which is designated for low-density residential use.

Those petitioners can now rest easy.

Titsworth told The Islander April 10 that Collier told her and other local officials that he would not sell a boat slip for a ferry landing.

She said Collier’s main concerns included a lack of consistency with the catamarans in use, as they are dependent on weather conditions to operate, and the inability of the county’s incoming third vessel to use the marina.

The third vessel cost the county $3 million to build and is designed to carry 96 passengers in an enclosed area with air conditioning and heat.

Because the new ferry could not navigate the marina, the county planned to run it to Anna Maria or Bradenton Beach, then run the existing catamarans as “hoppers” between the island cities.

On top of the inconsistency of the smaller catamarans, another problem was that the ferry service would end up competing with local sightseeing services, according to Titsworth.

“We already have local captains that are offering sightseeing. We already have several of them in that boat basin alone, and they have a certain rate they have to charge that’s not government subsidized. If they can jump on the county hoppers for $7, why would they pay full rate to the captains here trying to make a

DeP stePs iN CoNTiNueD FroM pAge 1

Luper disputed portions of a timeline and events described by Kaleta during the meeting, referencing photographs of beach construction to support her position.

The meeting took place at city hall and included Perry, code enforcement officer Evan Harbus, public works staff, Luaces, Luper, her son Jason and Kaleta, who participated with legal counsel by phone.

Perry and Luper agreed that all parties were directed to avoid further disturbance, particularly with sea turtle nesting season starting up on May 1.

The DEP said April 10 it was unable to comment about the agency’s review until information could be processed. As of Islander press time April 13, the department had not issued a formal determination. Kaleta texted The Islander April 13 in response, saying he intends to support coastal protection efforts. “We want to help protect the shoreline and wildlife by repairing the dune system and seaoats.”

Ave., Holmes Beach, so it can be tied into existing utilities.

That work will result in the boat ramp’s closure from 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, to 7 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

Shuler said work would continue at the boat ramp following the closure, but the contractor would work segment by segment and close only the necessary area.

He added that the work was not expected to impact the Australian pine trees — including an osprey nest at the east side of the ramps —despite the trees wide and shallow root systems’ and their proximity to construction. However, plans call for removal of a couple of cabbage palms.

After work on the pipeline is finished, it will be tested and tied into existing utilities, at which point the temporary main will be removed from the bridge.

living?” Titsworth said.

Additionally, the marina area lacks the facilities needed to accommodate the number of visitors who would arrive there by ferry.

“If it’s 49 people getting off and 49 people getting on, where do you queue all those people?” Diggins said. “There’s really no place to put all the people.”

Diggins said he was disappointed at the end of the day that Holmes Beach lacks a ferry stop.

“I really wanted a landing in Holmes Beach,” he said. “But I have to be realistic here. I don’t see the long-term future with the (hoppers).”

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and lead on the county’s ferry efforts, did not respond to an April 10 call from The Islander.

A ferry docks April 1, 2025, at Waterline Marina in Holmes Beach, where it was met by elliott Falcione of the BACVB, left, and HB Commissioner Dan Diggins during a trial run for a gulf islands Ferry landing in the city. islander File photo

Partial beach renourishment project slated for June startup

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Beach renourishment on Anna Maria Island is expected to begin in phases this year, starting at Coquina Beach in June, followed by a larger U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project from Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach to 79th Street North in Holmes Beach later in the summer.

Manatee County natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker outlined the timeline for the multistage effort during a March 27 interview.

The schedule includes bidding and awarding the contract for Coquina Beach this month or next, with construction June-August.

“We’ve been able to secure permits for our Coquina Beach renourishment sooner than we expected, which is good, so that we can get on and off the beach before the Army Corps returns with their project,” Hunsicker said.

This phase is a FEMA Category G project managed by the county. The cost is budgeted at $4,306,633.

For the larger Corps-managed project, the schedule includes preconstruction activities through early

Another view Drone photographer Jacob Merrifield shows a March 21 view of ongoing work at the Anna Maria City pier. The city anticipates finishing the walkway in June and shifting to renovations at the T-end.

summer, with construction beginning in August and continuing into early 2027.

The project area is Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach to 79th Street North in Holmes Beach.

Phase 2 is budgeted at $23 million-$26 million. The project is expected to be fully federally funded.

The second phase renourishment project will include dune restoration, compensating for losses that occurred during hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

A third phase will take place at Coquina Beach after the federal work is completed.

The schedule shows Helene-related FEMA renourishment at Coquina in spring 2027.

Did you know?

In addition to renourishment, longer-term projects at Coquina Beach include the construction of breakwaters, rehabilitation of the Longboat Pass Jetty and the addition of mitigation and recreational reefs, which are scheduled for 2027 into 2028 to improve shoreline stability and reduce erosion.

Phase 3 is budgeted at $4.5 million. It will not involve dune construction but it will include reinforcement of existing dunes and vegetative plantings over the existing dunes at Cortez and Coquina beaches.

Combining phases is expected to reduce costs. By incorporating the third project, Manatee County and the state of Florida are expected to save about $4 million-$6 million in mobilization costs, Hunsicker said.

Hunsicker said the shoreline north of 79th Street to Anna Maria’s Bean Point are not eligible for nourishment because property owners in the area have not agreed to establish an erosion control line that is required for inclusion in the federal project.

Renourishment will take place during sea turtle nesting season, with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring checking nesting and relocating nests if necessary based on a long-standing contract with the county.

Executive director Kristen Mazzarella said April 1 that AMITW must obtain specific authorization through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to relocate nests for renourishment.

“We have to do it before 9 a.m.,” she said, explaining that moving eggs too late in the day can damage developing embryos.

Relocated nests are placed in areas with similar conditions to their original location.

“We make a nest that is the exact same measurements as the nest that the female had laid before,” she added.

Still, Mazzarella said, “we would expect to have just as many hatches in a relocation year as we would in years past.”

She added that starting construction early in the season may help reduce impacts on turtle populations.

“It’s better for us to start when there are fewer nests being laid,” she said.

Manatee County eyes parking revenue on Anna Maria Island

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Manatee County staff is exploring whether paid parking could be introduced at county parking areas on Anna Maria Island, while also discussing with local officials whether an islandwide system might be feasible.

The concept is being considered as a way to offset maintenance costs and address traffic, though questions remain about its potential impact on residents.

No formal proposal has been presented to county commissioners. The effort is being explored at staff levels, including through the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

County Commission Chair Tal Siddique, R-District 3, said the county is working with island municipalities to gather feedback before any formal proposal is brought forward.

“Ideally, it’s islandwide,” he said of a paid-parking system.

“I think where we’re at is working closely with city officials on a concept, getting their feedback and seeing whether something can be put together,” the commissioner added, saying the discussion stems from a broader review of how the county funds services and amenities.

On Anna Maria Island, costs include maintaining county parking areas, collecting trash and servicing restrooms and other public facilities that are tied to heavy visitor use. Siddique said those county expenses, during

Siddique cited a Florida Department of Transportation traffic study indicating paid parking could reduce traffic congestion, with a mobile app directing motorists to open spaces.

But any paid-parking system could bring tradeoffs.

While county officials are examining whether fees could help manage demand and reduce property taxes, questions remain about whether it would increase the number of motorists seeking free parking in residential areas.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said that possibility has been part of early discussions on the issue.

He added that some beach parking in Bradenton Beach is on city property. “For us, some of the spaces would be on city property and we would want compensation, I would assume,” he said.

Cosby said the county has “been very good about communicating ideas” to the city.

peak tourist season, run $1 million-$3 million.

He said discussions have focused primarily on parking at the county’s beach accesses, while decisions about city lots would remain with individual municipalities.

“It’s up to the cities on whether they charge for their properties, like city hall,” he said.

He said one option could involve providing county residents with free or reduced-cost access through a pass system and charging others.

The concept also has drawn attention from municipal leaders further up the island.

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short said the concept remains in its early stages and that city officials have not been formally engaged by the county.

“My understanding is it is in its infancy,” Short said.

Siddique agreed.

“If a plan does come together, there will be public discussions,” he said. “We want the public’s input.”

Palma Sola highway board requests causeway enforcement

By ryan paice islander reporter

Commercialization on the Palma Sola Causeway continues to ramp up and some people are calling for enforcement of regulations.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Byway Organization unanimously voted April 8 to approve a letter to the Bradenton Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office calling for them to regulate commercial activity on the busy stretch of the causeway.

The byway organization is part of the Florida Scenic Highway program and serves as caretaker for the 5.4-mile stretch of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue, from its intersection with 75th Street West in Bradenton into Holmes Beach.

That stretch includes the causeway, where a growing number of vendors station themselves in the rights of way during the day and provide services like horse rides and personal watercraft rentals.

Members of the board have long expressed concern about commercial activity and its impacts on the causeway but have found little success in their attempts to gain corrective action.

The organization drafted a letter to Sheriff Rick

Wells, Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer, as well as Manatee County code enforcement manager Volker Reiss and field supervisor Tom Wooten about the matter.

Copied on the letter are Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and city council members, Manatee County commissioners, as well as Trisha Hartzell and Dean Stoddart of the Florida Department of Transportation.

The committee’s letter calls for the BPD, MCSO and county code enforcement to ensure compliance with regulations that prohibit advertising, signs and other uses in rights of way.

“We have observed up to 11 businesses on the 1 mile of Palma Sola Causeway’s rights of way, which extends 500 feet into Palma Sola Bay north and south,” the letter reads. “These businesses are violating city of Bradenton land use regulations, state law, and federal code. We ask for your help to enforce them.”

The letter points to Bradenton’s code, which prohibits signs in public rights of way, state statutes that prohibit advertising and solicitation in rights of way, as well as federal law that precludes outdoor advertising on scenic highways.

At the April 8 byway meeting, board members agreed to make small revisions to the letter, then voted to approve it.

There was no public comment.

The Scenic Highway committee members will meet next at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton.

support for cabana rentals. She said she has had skin cancer on her face three times and appreciates the sun protection cabanas can provide for others.

Following general public comment, Arendt posed his own question for discussion: can and should the city allow some cabana rental activity in the coastal conservation zone between Magnolia and Coconut avenues?

He said many people frequent that area of the beach due to the availability of parking and its proximity to the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., despite its location in the coastal conservation zone.

“I just think to ban it carte blanche is closeminded,” Arendt said. “It’s really doing us a disservice because I think a lot of people want to be in those areas and they do have the right to be safe from the sun.”

“I’m perfectly good with banning every other single thing other than something to protect people from the sun, but to me that’s a very important thing,” he added.

Commissioner John Lynch disagreed. He acknowledged that it was a popular area for beachgoers, but said allowing commercial activity would go against the city’s original intent for the coastal conservation zone.

“I feel like we need to preserve the character and the environment of the island, so I’m not in favor of expanding in that area,” he said.

Commission Chair Charlie Salem asked city attorney Becky Vose if the city has the authority to allow for commercial activity in the coastal conservation zone.

Vose said the city had no such authority without the consent of the adjacent property owners.

Short said the city and county own public sections of coastal conservation beach between Magnolia and Elm avenues, but was unsure if they were consistent across the shoreline.

During public comment, resident Doug Copeland spoke against allowing cabana rentals in the coastal conservation zone.

“In case you haven’t noticed, our beaches are overcrowded,” he said. “I think it’s somewhat crazy to open up more space for commercial activity and people to come when we have too many already.”

“I think conservation is what is says: Conservation. Protect it, please,” Copeland added.

Colleen Geller said the cabana rentals take away from the beach experience for residents like herself, as well as other beachgoers who cannot afford to rent them.

“Our beaches are becoming a space where you’re buying a spot,” Geller said.

Salem ended the discussion by stating that Vose will provide a legal opinion on the city’s authority to allow commercial activity in certain areas of the coastal conservation zone. He said additional dialogue on the matter may be necessary at a future meeting.

The city commission will meet next at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Plan now for season!

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Background on cabana regulations

City code previously prohibited all commercial activity on the beaches, but the municipality did not enforce the rule.

However, concerns about the emergence of cabana rental services on the city’s shores last year led the municipality to craft new regulations.

City commissioners voted in February to adopt an ordinance establishing rules for commercialization on beaches zoned for recreation/open space.

That includes Gulffront Park, a stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico between Oak and Magnolia avenues, as well as the run from Bayfront Park down to Magnolia Avenue along Tampa Bay.

At the city meeting March 26, the commission unanimously approved a fi rst reading for an

ordinance that would establish new regulations for beaches zoned as coastal conservation, which is mostly private property.

The ordinance would entirely prohibit commercial activity like cabana rentals on the small amount of public beach zoned for coastal conservation.

On private beaches, only those “in control” of upland property adjacent to the coastal conservation zone, such as residential owners or renters can hire cabanas.

The ordinance would also establish a citywide annual registration system for the commercial rental of beach equipment and the operation of organized passive recreation activities like yoga.

— ryan paice

Scenic highway member recognized for cleaning causeway palma Sola Scenic Highway Byway organization member Mike Meehan, standing, holds a plaque April 8 recognizing him for a decade of service clearing litter and maintaining a stretch of the scenic highway — which includes the palma Sola Causeway — that he adopted through the Florida Department of Transportation’s Adopt-a-Highway program. The program requires adopters to complete four cleanups per year but Meehan does them almost weekly. The plaque was presented during the byway organization’s April 8 meeting at the palma Sola Botanical park in Bradenton. islander photo: Courtesy ingrid McClellan

OFFERING PERMANENT JEWELRY !

Speak up

After many questions about the story behind the news on March 25 about a parishioner evicted from St. Bernard Catholic Church as Mass was about to begin last month, there’s more to know.

You should be aware the newspaper found that parishioner John Di Masi was falsely accused of wrongdoing and wrongfully evicted from the church.

We found numerous allegations of impropriety involving staff at St. Bernard, rising to the highest levels. And our review continues until we all know what happened.

Meanwhile, I attended the Easter sunrise service at the Manatee Public Beach for the beauty of the service and to shoot photos and report for The Islander.

With that in mind, I am sharing with you an encounter with a diocese employee, St. Bernard’s bookkeeper, at the Easter service.

A man walked up to where I stood with Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer near the altar as the service was “in progress.” There were about 2,000 worshippers present when a couple walked in front of us, stopped briefly, whispered, then proceeded to put chairs about 10 feet or so from us, near the exit.

A few minutes later, the man approached me, asked my name, then told me his name. It was the St. Bernard bookkeeper. We shook hands and I turned my attention back to the service.

The chief and I were still standing and listening to the service when the bookkeeper walked to within 5-6 feet in front of me and took several photos. He stepped forward and turned — his shirt pulled up slightly — exposing a handgun on his belt.

The chief took note of the gun and asked if I’d seen it. The chief also expressed concern that the man appeared to be intoxicated.

Meanwhile, I took a seat in the front row with friends, where I took photos of the service.

I’m telling you about the incident and this man’s threatening behavior, intentionally carrying a gun to a church service among a crowd of 2,000 people and taking my photo repeatedly within several feet of me, very nearly brushing against me with his weapon exposed — so that you get a sense of the problem he presents as a representative of the church.

The bookkeeper’s behavior and his intent were threatening and the church has yet to take action — to my knowledge — to protect its worshippers. And, yes, some have expressed their concerns to me.

If it’s your church, and you see something, say something. Speak up.

This man is not our shepherd.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Dismayed at coverage

I was dismayed at the article in the March 24 issue headlined “Parishioner evicted at Mass.”

Heritage Day festival thanks

Our annual Heritage Day Festival in March was a fun celebration of great music, food, local arts and crafts demonstrations and public service info booths.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many local businesses and media, our event sponsors and private donors whose generous contributions made this a successful fundraiser.

A special thanks to the Anna Maria Island Privateers, whose “capture” of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short required “bail money” for his release.

While the occurrence was unprecedented, it hardly was worthy of front page and a full second page in The Islander. It seems that you were trying to throw mud at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

While I do not know what John Di Masi did to warrant this action, I am confident that his escort out of church by Holmes Beach police was done only after many discussions and frustrations.

▼ Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org ryan paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Mike Sales

▼ Advertising Sales lisa e. Hlywa, lisae@islander.org ads@islander.org

▼ lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts

Judy loden Wasco

▼ Webmaster

Wayne Ansell

Thanks to the generosity of the festivalgoers and Shoreline Builders, the mayor was bailed out with all donations benefiting AMIHS.

All others: info@islander.org

Finally, thank you to our dedicated volunteers who make this event possible. Your service to the museum and the community allows us to continue to preserve and share the distinct history of this beautiful island and its three cities.

Carolyn Orshak, AMIHS festival chair

The bias of your paper was affirmed by Bonner Joy’s note at the end of her “our opinion” piece in which she calls for fairness to and good luck to Di Masi. It seems that The Islander has chosen to actively support him.

I am offended by this hostile article. Anna Maria Island’s other newspaper did not find the story front page news or even worthy of mentioning in that week’s edition.

Marie Yates, Anna Maria

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes opinion letters. Send letters with name, address and phone number to news@islander.org. Only the name and city are published. Letters are edited for space to no more than 250 words.

Digital Islander

Polling on policing

City of Anna Maria voters cast ballots at city hall in a July 1977 referendum on policing. They were deciding whether to contract with the Manatee County Sheriff’s office, create an islandwide police department or maintain a city law enforcement department.

islander photos:

Courtesy Manatee County public library System

Keep clear

A sign warns of construction at the Anna Maria City pier in August 1974. The historic pier has undergone a number of renovations and improvements. The pier walkway is being rebuilt after being destroyed by storms in 2024.

Looking back

Longtime FISH treasurer announces resignation

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage treasurer

Jane von Hahmann will step down from the board this summer, marking a leadership transition for the Cortez-based nonprofit.

Von Hahmann shared her decision during an April 6 board meeting in Cortez, saying her resignation would take effect in late June or July.

“I am having to resign … effective no later than June 30 or July 31,” she said. “I need the next few months to make sure I get a very good transition.”

Von Hahmann has served with FISH since about 2009 and had been involved with the nonprofit even longer in various roles.

A Cortez resident for more than four decades and a former Manatee County commissioner, she has been a central figure in the organization’s preservation efforts, helping guide financial oversight, grant coordination and long-term projects tied to protecting the fishing village. She has been a consistent advocate for supporting

treasurer Jane von

announces her resignation during an April 6 meeting of the nonprofit’s board.

Cortez’s “old Florida” character and commercial fishing heritage, often representing FISH at public events, restoration efforts and community initiatives.

Von Hahmann cited personal obligations and the need to step back from commitments as factors in her decision.

Board members acknowledged her years of service and the importance of continuity as they prepare for the transition.

“Jane has worked hard for Cortez for many years. Her deep knowledge of Cortez history and people and her ability to get things done are remarkable,” board member Cindy Rodgers said. “Her love for Cortez is evident and her shoes will be difficult to fill.”

Von Hahmann said her timeline aligns with a board election in the coming months, though plans for her replacement were not discussed at the meeting.

About FISH

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage is a Cortez-based nonprofit preserving Florida’s commercial fishing heritage since 1991 through education, its 100-acre bay preserve and an annual February fishing festival. FISH’s website is fishcortez.org.

10-20-30 years ago

From the April 11, 1996, issue

Police reported a riot at Coquina Beach on Easter Sunday, with about 1,000 people assembled and some 30 law enforcement officers dispatched. Six people were injured. two people were arrested.

The state attorney’s office was considering charges against unnamed people who allegedly destroyed seagrapes, century plants and sea oats in Anna Maria’s Gulffront Park to improve their water view.

• Holmes Beach commissioners voted to fi le a trespass complaint against the owners of five boats in T-end canals. The city described the owners as “canal squatters.”

From the April 12, 2006, issue

Talk of consolidating municipal services ended before a study could begin. An institute in Georgia had offered to study consolidation for $20,000.

One person died and another person was critically injured when an SUV crashed on the Anna Maria Island Bridge, went through the rail and plunged 17 feet to the water.

Bradenton Beach planners were considering the proposed construction of a “boatel” adjacent to the Bradenton Beach Marina.

From the April 13, 2016,

issue

Ariel Sloan, city clerk II, hired in January 2016 by city clerk Terri Sanclemente, was dismissed by Sanclemente April 8 — short of her 90-day probationary period.

A Longboat Key beach renourishment project got underway on the beaches along the Bay isles Beach Club in the 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

— lisa Neff

Election 2026

AMI candidate qualifying ahead

Candidate qualifying for elected office on Anna Maria Island takes place in June.

What offices are up for election?

According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Election’s Office:

• Mayor and two commission seats in Anna Maria;

• Two commission seats — Ward 2 and Ward 3 — in Bradenton Beach;

• Mayor and two commission seats in Holmes Beach.

Election calendar

• State, county and special district candidate qualifying, June 8-June 12.

• Anna Maria qualifying, June 1-12.

• Bradenton Beach qualifying, June 8-12.

• Holmes Beach qualifying, June 8-12.

• Registration deadline for 2026 primaries, Monday, July 20.

• Primary election, Tuesday, Aug. 18.

• General election, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Contact the supervisor of elections

To contact the SEO’s office, go to votemanatee. gov or call 941-741-3823.

— lisa Neff

You can peruse The islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc. ufl.edu.

denton.

Kids chart course for camp

Compiled by lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

Thursday, April 16

10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, 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.

• Throughout April, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibit by Susanna Spann, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

Friday, April 17

6-8 p.m. — Bradenton Music in the Park series, Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-3018445.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• 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.

• Through April 17, Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Annual Aqueous Exhibition and National Association of Women Artists Curated Exhibition, Herrig Center for the Arts, 888 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: herrigcenter.org, 941-746-2862.

• Through April 19, Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., “Living History,” De Soto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. 941-792-0458.

• Through June 28,” ¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues / En los barrios y las grandes ligas. ¡Pleibol!” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through June 28, Florida Maritime Museum “Vacationing in Cortez” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through Aug. 23, “In the Flesh: The Nude in Modern Japan,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• April 23, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park series, Bradenton.

• April 23-May 3, Manatee Players’ “Big Fish,” Bradenton.

• May 7-17, Island Players’ “The Outsider,” Anna Maria. KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Wednesday, April 15

10 a.m. — Toddler Playdough, 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

DEVINE DESIGN

The Center of Anna Maria Island is registering kids for Summer My Way, a nine-week summer camp program that lets campers choose between sports, creative discovery and specialty programming each week.

The camp runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday June 1-July 31 at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Weekly costs are $195 for members and $215 for nonmembers, with a sliding scale available for qualifying families.

Optional specialty camps are offered each week on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability.

Registration must be completed by the Thursday before each week of attendance. Space is limited.

For more information or to register, visit centerami.org/summer-my-way or email youthprograms@centerami.org.

The center’s phone number is 941-778-1908.

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.

Saturday, April 18

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Desoto National Memorial Food Truck Saturday, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. Info: 941-7920458.

SAVE THE DATES

• April 24, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria.

• April 25, De Soto Grand Parade and Block Party, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, April 16

1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

Saturday, April 18

6 p.m. — AME PTO Spring Gala, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-708-5525. Sunday, April 19

8 a.m. — Coquina Beach Cleanup with Manatee County Natural Resources Department, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: shelby.reece@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 Fridays, 1 p.m., bridge, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-3390.

• First and third Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island luncheons, the Beach House patio, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: amirotary.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

• May 19, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Workday, Bra-

LEARNING & EDUCATION ON

AMI

Wednesday, April 15

11:30 a.m. — Making Sense of Medicare, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Tuesdays, through April, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.

• Tuesdays, through season, 10 a.m. until sellout, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Settler’s Bread sales, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: amihs.org, 941-778-0492.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet thrift store at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638.

• Most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

• Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Longboat Island Chapel’s Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-4738.

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, south Coquina, Bradenton Beach. Info: coquinabeachmarket.org.

OFF AMI

Saturday, April 18 6-10 p.m. — Snatch It Art Up for Grabs, Herrig Center for the Arts, 888 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: herrigcenter.org, 941-7462862.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-301-8445.

SPORTS & FITNESS

OFF AMI

• Through Sept. 6, select dates, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941747-3031.

SAVE THE DATES

• May 8, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

• May 9, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Fishing Tournament, Cortez.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• June 26-28, Full Send Fishing Tournament, Anna Maria. CALENDAR NOTES

MARK THE DATES

• April 22, Earth Day.

• May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

• May 10, Mother’s Day.

• May 15, Armed Forces Day.

• May 25, Memorial Day.

• June, Pride Month.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Live! AMI! Music!

Who’s playing tonight?

If you are in the mood for a cheeseburger in paradise, you’ve come to the right island. And while you eat, you can enjoy live music at these venues: Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, mademoiselleparis.com. Chuck Davis, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday- Saturday.

Sales

Harry’s Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, AM, harrysgrillami.com. Pamela K. Ward 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Skip Eaton 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday; Steve Arvey & Deacon Gibson, 6-8:30 p.m. Monday; Scotty Yates 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, uglygrouper.com. Dave Fazio noon-3 p.m. and Joe Wood 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Kaptain Kurt noon-3 p.m. and Rob Viola 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Paul Dudrich noon-3 p.m. and Kaleb Woods 5-8 p.m. Friday; Marko Coconut noon-3 p.m. and Zion 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Scotty Mac noon-3 p.m. and Nathan Allen 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Sebastian Tenorio noon-3 p.m. and Miguel Lantigua 5-8 p.m. Monday; Cody Moore noon-3 p.m. and Justin Layman 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, HB, amibeachcafe.com. Scott Blum Jazz Quartet 5:158:15 p.m. Wednesday; Open Jam Band 5:15-8:15 p.m. Thursday; Mike Sales 5:15-8:15 p.m. Friday; Anna & Tom 5:15-8:15 p.m. Saturday; Harold Antoine 5:158:15 p.m. Sunday; Bobby Stillwell 5:15-8:15 p.m. Monday; Ronald Headley 5:15-8:15 p.m. Tuesday. Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh Street N., Bradenton Beach, wickedcantina.com, Ross David 6-9 p.m. Wednesday; Drew Navy 6-9 p.m. Thursday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Ross David 6-9 p.m. Friday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Chad Tallman 6-9 p.m. Saturday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Chad Tallman 6-9 p.m. Sunday; Mike Sales 6-9 p.m. Monday; Paul Cataldo 2-5 p.m. and Ken Macy 6-9 p.m. Tuesday.

Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S., BB, islandtimebarandgrill.com. Valerie Rose 6:309:30 p.m. Wednesday; Jay Taylor 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Stockton Brothers 7-10 p.m. Friday; Mojo Filter 7-10 p.m. Saturday; Damon Earlewine 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday; Dos Macs 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday; Mike Williams 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Coquina Beach Market, 1800 Gulf Drive S., BB, coquinabeachmarket.org. Mike Sales 10-2 p.m. Wednesday; Chuck Davis 10-2 p.m. Friday. Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St. W., Bradenton, swordfishgrillcortez.com. Opie Taylor 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Frankie Lombardi 5-8 p.m. Friday; Tim Chandler noon-4 p.m. and Stockton Brothers 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Tim Chandler noon-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Stockton Brothers 5-8 p.m. Monday; Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. Porkbelly’s Eatery, 9516 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, porkbellyseatery.com. Tommy Gath 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday; Open Mic with Steve Paradis 2:30-5:30 p.m. and Tanya McCormick 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday.

88 Live Piano Bar, 6640 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 88livebradenton.com. Eric Von 7-10 p.m. Wednesday; Damon Fowler 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Dueling Pianos featuring Brandon & Don 8-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; The Boomers Experience 6-9 p.m. Sunday; 88 Live Jam Band 7-10 p.m. Tuesday. Clancy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. clancysirishsportspub.com. Rye Road 6-10 p.m. Thursday; Jack’d Up 6-10 p.m. Friday; Jezabelle 5-9 p.m. Saturday; Dr. Dave Band 3-7 p.m. Sunday; Rum Jumbies Duo Tuesday.

Say “Hi” if you wind up at one of my gigs.

“¡pleibol! in the Barrios and the Big leagues / en los barrios y las grandes ligas,” organized by the Smithsonian institution Traveling exhibition Service, is at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton through June 28. islander Courtesy photo

Smithsonian baseball exhibit at Bradenton museum

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is hosting a Smithsonian traveling exhibition examining the deep ties between Latino culture and baseball through June 28.

“¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues / En los barrios y las grandes ligas,” organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the National Museum of American History, traces how baseball served as a cultural anchor and a path toward economic opportunity for Latino communities throughout the 20th century.

The bilingual exhibition features historic photographs, graphic elements and a short video produced by La Vista Baseball.

De Soto hosts Food Truck

De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton will host the final Food Truck Saturday in the season’s series. The event will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 18.

The memorial is at 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway. Attendees also take in in the park’s free “Living History” program.

For more information, visit nps.gov/deso, call 941-792-0458 or on Facebook find De Soto National Memorial.

Connections

Vacationing on, about AMI?

Visiting Anna Maria Island? We’d love to see the island through your eyes.

The Islander invites vacationers to share vacation photos taken at local restaurants, shops, beaches and favorite hangouts across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Cortez.

Your snapshots help capture the energy of our community and support the small businesses that make the island special.

Submit photos to news@islander.org with names of people pictured, location, date the photo was taken and a contact name, phone number and email.

Bishop CEO Andrew Sandall noted the exhibition’s local resonance, pointing to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training presence in Bradenton and the Bradenton Marauders play as living extensions of the Latino baseball tradition the show celebrates — including the legacy of players such as the late Roberto Clemente.

The exhibition was developed through collaboration with more than 30 partners across 14 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The Bishop is at 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. There is an admission fee most days.

For more information, visit bishopscience.org, call 941-746-4131.

A-plus for attendance

First-grade intern teacher Ashley pitkin, left, and school counselor Kim Sherrbourne celebrate April 6 with rachel Mauk’s and pitkin’s first-graders at Anna Maria elementary School, 4700 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The students earned top honors for the highest attendance rate in March. islander photo: Courtesy AMe

Island cities in limbo, awaiting FEMA money

By robert Anderson islander reporter

More than a year and a half after hurricanes Helene and Milton pushed surge and high winds over Anna Maria Island, local officials say millions of dollars in federal reimbursements remain delayed or disputed, leaving cities to carry the cost of storm recovery projects.

In Bradenton Beach, Police Chief John Cosby, also emergency management officer and public works director, said the city has received some federal reimbursement, but remains at odds with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over how storm damage costs are calculated.

“The state just keeps asking for more documentation to prove what we’ve already proved,” he said.

City treasurer Shayne Thompson said Bradenton Beach had received $2,035,146 in FEMA reimbursements as of March 27 and $66,712 in state matching funds, totaling just over $2.1 million.

However, more than $1 million tied to roadway repairs remains unresolved.

“The culprit is the roads and their interpretation,” Thompson said.

Disagreement centers on roadway construction standards, with FEMA calculating reimbursement based on a 6-inch base layer, while the city used a 12-inch base — as required under Florida Department of Transportation guidelines for barrier island conditions — to account for high water tables and improve road stability.

“That’s where the disconnect is,” Thompson said. “FEMA (is) inappropriately calculating the damage.”

He said the city might need to pursue an appeal or arbitration to recover the remaining funds.

“As far as they’re concerned, they’re done,” he said of FEMA.

Cosby said FEMA’s lack of communication has compounded the issue.

“No one’s reaching out, no timelines,” he said.

Municipalities typically pay upfront for storm recovery projects and then seek reimbursement through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which generally covers 75% of eligible costs, with the state contributing an additional 12.5% match. The remaining share is paid by local governments.

For smaller coastal cities like Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria, that process can require carrying hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars in completed work while awaiting repayment. Officials say delays in reimbursement can strain reserves and limit flexibility in budgeting for future infrastructure

Resources for hurricane season

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

BBPD chief to receive honor

John Cosby, Bradenton Beach’s police chief and emergency operations manager, is set to receive the Chad reed First responder Award at the 40th annual governor’s Hurricane Conference May 12-16 in West palm Beach. He’s being recognized for his leadership dealing with hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. islander photo: Courtesy Bradenton Beach

projects and storm preparedness.

Recent federal court action has highlighted broader disruptions affecting FEMA programs.

In a March 6 ruling, U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns of the District of Massachusetts ordered FEMA to restart its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program and release roughly $750 million in frozen funding.

Court filings cited staffing shortages and budget constraints within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as contributing factors to delays, creating uncertainty across FEMA programs, including disaster recovery reimbursements.

Earlier concerns in Bradenton Beach centered on debris removal reimbursements. Thompson said more than $1 million for debris hauling and monitoring has been received.

In Holmes Beach, officials reported most FEMA funds were received despite delays.

Building department administrator Kim Charron said the city received about $2.3 million in FEMA funding for approved projects during the 2024-25 fi scal year, including about $1 million received last month for projects pending for roughly 190 days.

City treasurer Julie Marcotte said the delays were not always clearly explained.

“We’re not sure what the holdup was,” Marcotte said, noting the city’s consultant worked with FEMA to resolve outstanding payments.

Marcotte said a small number of projects remain under delayed disbursement.

In Anna Maria, Mayor Mark Short wrote in an April 8 email to The Islander that the city was awaiting approximately $3.4 million in FEMA reimbursements related to debris removal and damage to public property, along with an additional $4.2 million in approved claims tied to the rebuild of the city pier.

Short said the city has no disputed claims but continues to face delays tied to FEMA’s review process.

“The city has experienced significant turnover with our assigned FEMA team due to federal government workforce reductions and furloughs,” Short wrote. “Items submitted for reimbursement continue to be delayed in the FEMA review process.”

Cosby said the issues appear to be affecting other jurisdictions.

“Everybody’s having the same problem,” he said.

Streetlife

Island police reports

By robert Anderson and ryan paice

Streetlife is based on incident reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments.

Anna Maria

April 4, 100 block of Palmetto Avenue, theft. A beach wagon valued at $2,500 was taken from a public access area.

April 6, 419 Pine Ave., AM I Coconuts, shoplifting. The MCSO responded to a report of shoplifting and interviewed store personnel. A report was filed.

Bradenton Beach

April 4, 1407 Gulf Drive S., Coquina Moorings, crash. The MCSO responded to crash involving a pedestrian and vehicle in a parking area. The pedestrian was conscious and alert. The motorist left but returned.

April 5, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Coquina Beach, threats. A parking dispute escalated when a driver allegedly threatened another individual while attempting to park. The driver left before authorities arrived. Cortez

April 3, 4200 block of 126th Street West, battery. A complainant reported a man pushed him and bumped his girlfriend while they were cleaning their assigned dock space. A man was arrested.

Holmes Beach

April 6, 100 block of 52nd Street, underage alcohol/marijuana. An officer responded to a noise complaint and found a group of young people on a bench drinking alcohol. A 20-year-old had an open can of alcohol and a joint but had a medical marijuana license. A 21-year-old on felony probation and carrying 1.4 grams of marijuana, was arrested and went to jail.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: A water main project is underway along Manatee Avenue and on the bridge, requiring temporary lane closures. Also, work will require the closure of the Kingfish Boat Ramp April 16-18. Info: amiprojects.io, 941-3064660.

Gulf Drive/55th Street/56th Street : Holmes Beach’s Gulf Drive Sea Level Rise Mitigation Project continues, with periodic lane closures in the area of 55th 56th streets, from Gulf Drive to Marina Drive. Info: 941-708-5768, mgorman@holmesbeachfl.org. Gulf Drive/State Road 789: The Florida Department of Transportation is milling and resurfacing Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1. Motorists can expect single-lane closures overnight. Info: swflroads.com/project/451021-1. Cortez Bridge: Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge. Underwater installation work is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-306-4660, info@ amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io.

— lisa Neff

Trolley around AMI

Manatee County Area Transit’s island trolley operates most days 6 a.m.-10:45 p.m. between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. Riders will find buses to the mainland at the Coquina and Manatee Public beach hubs. There is no fare on the trolley or the mainland routes. For more, go to mymanatee.org/mcat.

Despite strong winds, springtime fishing is coming in hot

By Capt. Danny Stasny islander reporter

Despite days of strong winds blowing from the East-Northeast, springtime fishing is a good bet in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.

Most fishing has been limited to the inshore bite and within a mile of shore in the Gulf due to the wind, but there is plenty of good fishing to be had.

Stasny

Spotted seatrout are showing in good numbers throughout local waters, with limits of fish being caught on most days. Sizes vary depending on which flat you’re working.

Deeper flats hold exceptional numbers of fish 14-16 inches, while shallower flats in 2 feet of water are home to “gator” trout exceeding 22 inches. And don’t forget, you’re only allowed one over-slot trout on the boat, which is anything over 19 inches in our region.

Redfish are hanging around if you know where to look. Spoil islands, oyster bars and mangrove edges are good places to start. Keep your eyes peeled on the approach to the spot because there have been schools of reds popping up randomly on some flats.

Along the Gulf beaches, finding areas where clean, clear water exists is key to finding action. Cobia are trolling these waters, so keep a heavy spinning rod handy in case you have an opportunity to sight-cast to one of the brown bombers.

Fishing structure like reefs and wrecks is producing cobia. So again, have that heavy rod handy even if you just soak a large bait over the reefs. Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are being found along the beaches in the same areas. Finally, if you fish in the surf, keep a pompano jig handy, just in case.

On a side note, be aware that there is no fish cleaning table at the Kingfish Boat Ramp. You may want to take your fish home to fillet or use a different ramp. Remember, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, your fish need to be brought ashore in whole condition.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing the snook bite improving. Numerous days of strong winds and slow tides makes the bite slightly harder, but we are falling back into a normal pattern, which will prove to be good for snook fishing.

Spotted seatrout are lurking in deeper grass flats and are responding to live shiners as bait. Slot and over-slot fish are being caught depending on location. Ladyfish and an occasional mackerel are mixed in to add variety to the bite. I’m also seeing some flounder being caught, especially while hunting for big trout. Many of the flounder, which is always a welcome catch, are 18-20 inches.

Bonnethead and blacktip sharks are frequent-

with good numbers being reeled to the boat during incoming tides.

Mackerel, ladyfish and jacks are present on some of the flats, adding a good variety to the bite.

Moving offshore when the wind dies, Mattay says red grouper are plentiful when using live or frozen baits and mangrove snapper are being caught in good numbers.

Capt. David White is spending most mornings putting anglers on snook along mangrove shorelines, spoil islands and channel edges. Free-lined live shiners are working best for bait. Numerous catches are 24-26 inches, with some 28- to 33-inch slot-sized fish making it to the boat.

Spotted seatrout are biting well, especially on deep grass flats where good tidal flow exists. And, as far as redfish go, White says he’s finding his share on the flats during incoming tides in the afternoon.

Pelagics like kingfish and cobia are being found along the beaches from less than a mile out up to 7 miles. For the cobia, artificial reefs are showing prospects and some larger specimens have been caught.

Patrolling the beaches for rogue fish on the surface is also yielding results. As for the kings, finding bait schools is key to finding the bite.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

ing shallow flats, which is providing good action on medium spinning gear.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is impressed with the number of redfish he’s finding on the grass flats from Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. Whether he’s finding schools of redfish or just putting anglers on random fish along the mangroves, Mattay says the numbers are good.

Casting live shiners on a flat line or under a cork is leading to redfish in all size ranges. Most of the schooling reds are over-slot, while fish along the mangroves are in the slot of 18-27 inches.

While targeting reds along the mangroves, Mattay is finding action on snook for his clients. On many mangrove shorelines, snook are dominating the bite while striking free-lined shiners.

Spotted seatrout are being caught on deeper flats,

Estuary report: Sarasota Bay shows resilience

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program released its Ecosystem Health Report Card in early April, offering an encouraging assessment of Sarasota Bay for 2025.

The annual evaluation looked at five bay segments using four key indicators — total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, seagrass and macroalgae.

After intense 2024 hurricanes brought heavy rainfall, storm surge and nutrient runoff to the region, water quality rebounded across most areas by 2025’s end, with nutrient levels returning to target ranges,

according to SBEP.

Macroalgae levels also held stable.

SBEP’s executive director, Ryan Gandy, credited infrastructure investments while urging residents to reduce fertilizer use and properly manage yard runoff, including pet waste and chemicals.

“With a little bit of effort and persistence, we can each help protect the landscapes and waterways we call home,” Gandy said in a news release.

— lisa Neff

Obituaries

Ronald Arbanas

Ronald Arbanas, 98, of Holmes Beach, died March 8. He was born Dec. 9, 1927, in Cook County, Illinois. He lived a long and meaningful life filled with creativity, connection and love for those around him. He and his beloved daughter, the late Susanne Arbanas, were well known to many on Anna Maria Island through their business relationships.

Mr. Arbanas was a familiar and friendly face on the island, having worked for years at Hurricane Hank’s Liquor Store, where he enjoyed connecting with locals and visitors alike. He was often seen riding his moped on the island, a joy that reflected his independent spirit and love for the island lifestyle.

He also had a passion for pottery. He found peace and purpose in creating with his hands, shaping works that reflected his artistic spirit and his appreciation for the beauty of life. Those who knew him will remember his creativity.

A celebration of the lives of Ron and daughter Susanne will be noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Mr. Arbanas is survived by his son, Keith, and cousins Jim and Ronnee Brady and their family. He also leaves behind many friends who will remember him for his kindness, steady presence and the joy he brought to those around him.

Susanne Arbanas

Susanne Arbanas died Dec. 8, 2025. She resided on Perico Island.

She was born June 4, 1956, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Ronald and Dolores Arbanas.

She loved fashion and had the wardrobe to prove it. She had a career in the hospitality industry, including nine years in Australia, where she was a flight man-

A celebration of life for Susanne and ron Arbanas will be held April 25 at the Center of Anna Maria island.

ager, overseeing thousands of flight attendants.

She had a sparkling personality that was unrivaled and from her AMI Concierge business, she claimed the title, “Director of Contagious Enthusiasm.”

A combined celebration of life for father Ron and Susanne will be noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

She leaves fond memories to siblings Keith and John and a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

Robert ‘Bob’ T. Hinds

Robert “Bob” T. Hinds, 79, of Holmes Beach died April 1.

He was born Jan. 5, 1947, in Hamilton, Ohio.

He also was known as Handyman Bob, having operated a home repair business on the island for many years.

A service will be held at 11 a.m.

Friday, April 17, at Sarasota National Cemetery. Mr. Hinds is survived by five children, Amy Waldron, Tonya, Christopher, Zig and Julia Ware.

Richard T. Morash

Richard T. Morash, 92, formerly of Holmes Beach, died April 7 in Bradenton.

He was born to Ellen and James June 14,1933, in Malden, Massachusetts, and grew up in Queens, New York. He graduated from CCNY with a degree in engineering. While at CCNY, he served as a member of the U.S. Army Persian Rifles Unit.

He began a career with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. and moved to NASA, where he was a team member for the Apollo Program, specifically working on the lunar module.

In the early 1970s, he moved to Bradenton and worked at Precise Power Corp, where they developed and patented motor generators and uninterruptible power systems.

He and wife Marge moved their family in 1975 to Anna Maria, where he enjoyed swimming and walking the beach.

He also enjoyed his role as scoutmaster for Anna Maria Troop 7 for many years. He was an exemplary role model for many island youth and to many of his children’s friends.

He also was a fourth degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Gathering

By lisa Neff

Faith, food and fellowship

Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria is inviting mothers to slow down and connect at Mom’s Cafe, a welcoming gathering designed to offer community and conversation in a judgment-free space.

Held in the church fellowship hall — with child care provided — Mom’s Cafe runs 9:30-11 a.m. on select Wednesdays: April 22, May 6 and May 20. Attendees can enjoy complimentary coffee and treats while swapping stories, tips and the everyday realities of motherhood with other moms.

Roser Church is at 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria.

For more information, call 941-778-0414, visit roserchurch.com or find the church on Facebook at @ roserchurch.

Over on Longboat Key, the Faith250 Interfaith Celebration on Saturday, April 18, will honor the United State’s 250th birthday.

LBK’s houses of worship are involved in the day, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. with an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Other plans include an interfaith breakfast and fellowship at 9:30 a.m. and a morning worship service at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

For more information, call 941-383-3428.

Also, the Longboat Island Chapel is running a Clear the Cupboards food drive throughout April, collecting nonperishable items for Stillpoint Mission. Guest speakers Gene Tischer and Gary Scott will appear at a Gather & Give event at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. It’s BYOB with a dish to share.

Finally, the chapel’s Arrivederci Luncheon will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 26, in Shook Hall to send off snowbirds heading north for the summer.

For more information, call 941-383-6491.

To send notices, email calendar@islander.org.

A celebration of life and visitation were held at Brown & Sons Funeral Home, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, April 11. Mass was to be celebrated April 13 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Interment was to follow at Skyway Memorial Gardens, 5200 US 19, Palmetto. Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Mr. Morash is survived by his sons, Richard Jr. and Kevin and daughter, Kathleen Boucher; grandsons Kristofer II, Stephen and Sean; and nine great grandchildren.

Mary E. Peevler Neff

Mary E. Peevler Neff, 81, of Bradenton, died April 3.

She was born Sept. 30, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa. She treasured memories of growing up in the Mississippi River town with her mother, Sue Wallace Peevler, and siblings.

She married John William Neff in August 1963. Together, over the

Boosting AID, academics

ABoVe leFT: Cornelia Zanetti, president of All island Denominations, accepts $1,000 March 31 from Sandy Haas-Martens, secretary/treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria island Foundation. ABoVe rigHT: Sandy Haas-Martens, secretary/treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria island Foundation, presents Mason peters, president of the State College of Florida Key Club, with a $2,000 scholarship.

islander Courtesy photos

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-0414.

• Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers. Info: 608-4440084.

• Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for storage. Info: amiprivateers. org.

• Cortez Village Historical Society seeks volunteers. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.

• Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers. Info: 941-920-1362.

• Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, seeks volunteers to lend books. Info: 941-779-1208.

• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.

years in Stockton, Kirkland and Waukegan, Illinois, they raised four children, embraced their children’s spouses and cherished their grandchildren.

Mrs. Neff valued her relationships with an extended family of friends and co-conspirators. To her kids’ friends, she was “Dear” and “Mom Neff.” She also welcomed into her life the many players on the high school football teams coached by her husband.

She worked for the Waukegan School District and Pierce Florist, and also served as a Democratic precinct committeewoman in Waukegan and on the city’s Bicentennial Commission in 1976.

She was a den mother, baseball coach, cheerleading coach and Democratic activist. She was a protector of Waukegan’s dunes system, a supporter of public libraries and an advocate for historical preservation and community unity.

She was passionate about gardening, designing, cooking and photography and appreciated art, music, the printed word, a good prank, a questionable joke and a great movie line.

As a snowbird, she loved her Madeira Beach community and Florida’s sunshine and warmth.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

Email listings to lisa@islander.org.

Giving Challenge April 15-16

The 2026 Giving Challenge approaches, with nonprofits working to rally supportors to donate to generate matching funds.

The Giving Challenge is a 24-hour online giving event — set this year for noon April 15-noon April 16 — that connects about 700 nonprofit organizations with donors to support diverse causes and create impact in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

Many island nonprofits participate in the challenge, which is hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and strengthened by the Patterson Foundation.

For more information or to search for participating nonprofits, go to givingchallenge.org or call 941-955-3000.

— lisa Neff

Strong and resilient, she persevered through illness until the end, which she approached bravely, with a determination to share her remembrances and say her goodbyes.

Rather than flowers, memorials or donations, Mrs. Neff asked people to remember all the good times. Brown and Sons Funeral Home of Bradenton is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of her life is planned in Keokuk, Waukegan and Madeira Beach this summer and fall.

She is survived by her husband, John; children Lisa and wife Constance Wolgast, Mark and wife Giovanna Guerrero, Melissa and husband Frederick Mutter, David and wife Erin Rogers; grandchildren John Frederick and Jacqueline Mutter and Philippa, Gavin and Georgiana Neff; siblings Suzanne Peevler Arnold, Tom Peevler, Tim and wife Bonnie Van Rheenen Peevler; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Women’s champ crowned at KRC; soccer, horseshoe highlights

By Kevin P. Cassidy islander reporter

There was a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach starting April 6 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match.

Dave DuVernay carded a plus-5 to earn clubhouse bragging rights by one point over four other golfers.

Jim Goff, Greg Shorten and Larry Pippel each won a skin during the match.

Linda Dorsey won the Women’s Senior Championship April 8 with a 12-over-par 76 in the 18-hole match.

Second went to Margrit Layh with a 91, while Jana Samuels was another stroke back in third.

The men played ramble/scramble format in over 18 holes April 9 for their Stag Day tournament.

The team of Brian Comer, Rod Hammonds, Charlie Porter and Don Tilden combined on a 2-over-par 66 to grab first place in the annual event. The team of Jack Lowry, Dave Richardson, Roger Rottschafer and Peter Solleveld tied the team of Brian Hogan, Bob Paine, Brian Pecquet and Matt White for second.

Horseshoe highlights

Swordfish Grill — are out in front with 2-0 records. Bubble Binz, Duncan Real Estate and Salty Printing follow with 1-1 records. Meanwhile, Florida Impact Windows, Pizza Social, AMI Real Estate, Ross Built and Solid Rock are all in search of a win.

Action kicked off April 9 with Sato cruising to 4-0 victory over Salty Printing behind two goals from Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos and a goal each from Hakan Toka and Jamal Duzgun. Tuna McCracken helped preserve the victory with eight saves in goal.

Connor Ludwig kept Salty Printing in the game with nine saves in the loss.

The next match saw Leo Gonzalez score three goals to lead Bubble Binz past Ross Built. Osvaldo Cabello, Julio Cantu and Lila Naeher each added goals, while Caleb Arendt made eight saves in the win.

Zachariah Anabtawi, Damir Glavan and Alex Villanueva each scored goals for Ross Built, which also received nine saves from Steve Oelfke in the loss.

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Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a playoff during April 8 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

The team of Tom Farrington and Bob Lee earned the day’s bragging rights with a 24-10 victory over Steve Kriebel and Bo LaMura.

The April 11 games saw Bob Brown and Ron Gagnon post the lone 3-0 pool-play record, making them the day’s outright champs.

Play gets under way at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at Anna Maria City Hall. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. It is free to play and all are welcome.

Girls’ soccer kicks off season

The 2026 All Girls Division of the Center of Anna Maria Island soccer league kicked off April 6 with a pair of matches.

First up, RAK’s Wings ‘N Things and Beach Bums battled to a 3-3 tie. Elin Bannick, Heidi Bannick and Reagan Kesten each scored a goal to lead Wings ‘N Things, which also received a combined six saves from Kesten and Loretta Hopkins in the tie.

Juliette Sato scored a pair of goals to lead Sato Real Estate, which also received a goal from Kirra Taylor and two saves from Ava Bishop in the draw.

The second match of the night saw AMI Rental Cars cruise to a 5-0 victory over Bubble Binz behind three goals from Ruthie Ball and two goals from Elle Blackburn. Ariyah Carlton helped preserve the shutout victory with four saves.

Bayla Lance paced Bubble Binz with eight saves in the loss.

Adult soccer posts 2-week standings

It’s two weeks into the regular season of the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island and three teams — Pool America, Sato Real Estate and

Florida Impact Windows and Pizza Social battled to a 4-4 tie in the third match of the night. Axel Delarosa and Nick Schreiber each scored a pair of goals, while Raul Loera and Alex Quintero both had two assists. Tyler Bekkerus helped preserve the tie with seven saves for Impact Windows.

Kieran Cloutier notched a hat trick to lead Pizza Social, which also received a goal from Jackson Pakbaz and seven saves from Luke Naeher in the draw.

Pool America held on for a 4-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind two goals from Christopher Klotz and single goals from Selena Gonzalez and Dean Hinterstoisser.

Tim Holly scored two goals and Erica Nielson added one goal to lead Solid Rock, which also received 12 saves from Rex Kesten in the loss.

The last match of the night saw Swordfish cruise to a 5-1 victory over Duncan behind two goals and an assist from Sarah Phillips and goals from Brandon Rolland, Kevin Roman and Lucas Wilson. Caleb Phillips and Ian Donella combined on eight saves in the victory.

Jonathan Stern notched the lone goal for Duncan while Max Gazzo made eight saves in the loss.

Send sports news to news@islander.org.

By Lisa Neff

In the forecast

If the early forecast from researchers at Colorado State University proves accurate, the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season will not produce a Wilfred.

The season won’t even see a Nana, the 14th name on the list of 2026 storm names.

The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project’s annual spring forecast, released April 9, calls for a below-average Atlantic hurricane season, with 13 named storms. Of those, researchers forecast six to become hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

The CSU forecast also puts the probability of at least one major hurricane hitting the entire U.S. coastline at 32%, compared to the historical average of 43%.

The probability of a major hurricane hitting the Gulf coast, from the Florida panhandle to Brownsville, Texas, is 20%.

For Floridians still carrying the weight of backto-back blows from Helene and Milton in 2024, this is cautiously positive news.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30.

An average season produces 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, three of which become major hurricanes.

The CSU has been issuing its forecasts every year since 1984, when the late William Gray pioneered the science of seasonal hurricane prediction.

The April forecast is the team’s earliest, with updates due June 10, July 8 and Aug. 5.

So why the below-average outlook this year?

The main driver is El Nino.

The tropical Pacific is currently in a weak La Nina pattern, but researchers expect that to flip to El Nino by peak hurricane season.

El Nino tends to crank up wind shear — the change in wind speed and direction at different altitudes — across the Atlantic, which tears apart developing storms before they can intensify.

“So far, the 2026 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to the 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2023 seasons,” said Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the CSU Department of Atmospheric Science and lead author of the April report.

But the forecasting is complicated because waters in the western tropical Atlantic — including the Gulf and Caribbean — are running warmer than normal, which historically feeds stronger storms.

in a view from Orion, the near side of the moon — the hemisphere seen from Earth — is visible at the top half of the disk. it is identifiable by the dark splotches, which are ancient lava flows from a time early in the moon’s history when it was volcanically active.

Atlantic hurricane names

The 2026 list of hurricane names includes Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.

just how strong it will be by August and September, when storm activity typically peaks.

CSU’s forecast factors explain only about 50%-60% of the year-to-year hurricane variability — meaning 40%-50% remains unpredictable.

A wobble in El Nino’s strength, a surge in Atlantic warmth or a shift in atmospheric patterns could change the outlook.

The report’s caution is worth repeating: “It only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season.”

To the moon

A view of Earth taken April 2 by NASA astronaut and Artemis ii Cmdr. reid Wiseman from the Orion spacecraft after completing the translunar injection burn.

On April 1, people gathered on AMi’s shores and in Bradenton’s riverfront parks to look for the rising white plume from Artemis ii’s launch at the Kennedy Space Center. islander Photos:

Orion snapped a high-resolution selfie in space with a camera mounted on one of its solar array wings.

Show off your Earth Day

Earth Day 2026 arrives

Wednesday, April 22, with a global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet.”

It’s a rallying cry and The Islander wants to see how you’re answering that call.

Send your Earth Day photos and selfies to lisa@ islander.org on or after April 22.

Whether picking up plastic along the shoreline, planting a tree, attending a demonstration or pausing to appreciate natural Anna Maria Island, snap a photo and share it with The Islander’s community.

Please, include a brief description of what’s shown in the photo.

— lisa Neff

BAGELS & CATERING

The researchers believe El Nino will be the dominant factor, but they acknowledge uncertainty about Lox Bagel Platter garden-ripe tomatoes, capers, red onion and fresh lox with cream cheese, made to order on your choice of bagel! Yummmmm.

Nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Adopt a nest, protect a legacy

With the official start to sea turtle nesting season just weeks away, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch invites people to support the Suzi L. Fox Adopt a Nest Program.

Named in memory of Suzi L. Fox, the longtime director of AMITW who died in 2022, the program gives turtle lovers a tangible way to support local environmental efforts.

For a tax-deductible donation of $149, adopters receive a certificate of adoption and a wooden plaque that announces the adoption at a nest on the beach.

Nesting season officially opens May 1 and runs through Oct. 31. So now is the time to get an adoption in the queue.

The program also offers a “Special Request” option for $199 — an upgrade for visitors who want their plaque on the beach during a specific trip, or who’d

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like it placed near a particular stretch of coastline. To adopt a nest, visit islandturtlewatch.com or email info@islandturtlewatch.com.

On the calendar

In other news, AMITW will hold a nesting season workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Holmes

Selling for sea turtles

Cole Montgomery, 10, and siblings lucas, 9, and Beau, 2, of Morristown, New Jersey, sell lemonade from a stand on 81st Street in Holmes Beach. islanders Marcia and Dave Noto told The islander that their grandkids sold enough pink lemonade April 3-5 “to sponsor a nest at our corner of the beach — with a little help from us!” islander Courtesy Photo

Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, as well as Suzi Fox Day 3-6 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Coquina Beach Cafe in Bradenton Beach.

At the Turtle Season Workshop, AMITW will cover nesting season basics, safe-lighting tips and good beach habits.

Residents, businesses and visitors are all welcome.

At Suzi Fox Day, property owners can pick up free wildlife-friendly PAR20 amber LED bulbs and educational materials, including tips on how to maintain a sea turtle-friendly beach, as well as a complimentary beer from Coquina Beach Cafe with the outreach material pickup.

The event also features turtle-themed games and activities for families and music by Scott Blume and Bill Vinhage.

AMITW’s phone number is 941-301-8434.

Repaired, refreshed restrooms reopen at Coquina Beach

ABOVE: Workers complete final exterior details April 3 at the Coquina Beach restrooms in Bradenton Beach. The restrooms at Coquina Beach South, 1438 Gulf Drive S., reopened following repairs to damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The north beach restrooms, 1330 Gulf Drive S., remain under renovation. islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County

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New dining options at SRQ

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has completed a terminal concessions overhaul, adding six dining and retail concepts.

SSP America, the airport’s food and beverage partner, opened Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Patrick’s, Motorworks Brewing, Wahlburgers, Sarasota to Go and The Shoppes at Siesta Key as part of the project.

The additions blend local favorites with national brands — Motorworks joins the celebrity-founded burger chain Wahlburgers in the updated concourse.

The expansion comes as SRQ sees passenger traffic exceeding 4.5 million travelers annually, with the airport also adding a new six-gate concourse and modernized baggage handling in recent years.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” said SRQ President and CEO Paul Hoback.

SRQ is at 6000 Rick Piccolo Circle, Sarasota, and the closest airport to Anna Maria Island.

For more information, go to flysrq.com.

— lisa Neff

IslBizCal

Compiled by lisa Neff

SAVE THE DATES

• May 8, AMI Chamber Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton. Send listings to calendar@islander.org

Hunter Point dispute moves closer to trial

By robert Anderson islander reporter

A legal dispute over canal access and residential docks tied to the Hunters Point development, 12300 Cortez Road W., Cortez, could see a trial in May.

The lawsuit, filed June 3, 2022, by Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc., the parent company of the Hunters Point development owned by developer Marshall Gobuty, centers on a constructed canal bordering the community, an 86-unit residential development of new elevated homes.

The complaint names Jonathan and Sheila Graham, Mark S. Ibasfalean, Timothy Fitzpatrick and Wendy and George Kokolis as defendants. Court records show defendants Jacquelyn Shepard and Mary Norman were dismissed from the case.

CRIF alleges the homeowners are maintaining docks, lifts and related structures without authorization within a canal the developer claims as private property. CRIF looks to recover possession of portions of the waterway, which provides direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

The ownership claim is rooted in a series of recorded deeds tied to the Hunters Point property, including a 2016 quitclaim deed and subsequent warranty deeds that describe the canal as part of privately owned upland property rather than solely a navigable waterway.

The legal descriptions included in those filings say the canal was constructed on previously dry land and is part of the conveyed property. Other exhibits include historical deeds referencing canal and mangrove parcels, along with aerial images showing the canal and adjacent properties.

A court is expected to decide whether the other property owners keep legal rights to use the waterway based on decades of prior access, existing permits or potential easements. The court also is expected to address whether docks and lifts violate county regulations regarding canal width and navigation.

The case has progressed through amended complaints, motions and discovery filings.

Gobuty said April 9 that the case is expected to go before a jury in mid-May.

A Feb. 19 settlement agreement removed Shepard from the case. According to Gobuty, the settlement allows dock access through recorded easements, with certain modifications and insurance requirements.

“They added me to the insurance policy … and they modified one of their docks,” he said.

Gobuty said his goal is to bring the docks into compliance with a county regulation limiting structures to no more than 25% of a canal’s width while also addressing safety and liability.

The homeowners across the canal, however, dispute the ownership claim and the extent of the alleged violations.

Kim Ibasfalean, whose family has lived along the canal for decades, said the lawsuit came without warning.

“We’re not suing him, we were just minding our own dang business and a cop shows up at the door … ‘You’re being sued,’” she said, describing notice of the complaint in 2022.

“We’ve been here for decades and now we’re spending all this money just trying to keep what we’ve always had.”

Ibasfalean referenced other nearby canals and said they accommodate docks along both shorelines. She also disputed the claim that the canal is privately owned.

“It’s been a public canal since … the ’60s,” she said. “He has never ever provided proof of ownership for the canal.”

Business news Send business news, including announcements of operational changes, expansions, achievements to news@islander.org. Photos appreciated.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce reports approximately 20K visitors for February.

FOR SALE

PING PONG TABLE and paddles, $100, Gem e4 cart trunk, circa 2013, $50, two bikes, $10 each. 609-933-1660.

JEEP EXTERIOR TRIM parts, $99 and less. 941524-0433.

FREE: DVD PLAYER and cabinet, many DVDS and VHS tapes. Just pick up. Call 941-4476740.

BLACK AND RED roll suitcases, $40 each and carry-on suitcases, $15 each, Tigerxbang oar/ paddle for outdoors, $45. 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).

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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 941-704-9382.

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

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HELP WANTED

LOOKING FOR SALES clerk at beach shop on Bridge Street. Part-time day shift, Noon-4 p.m. $15/hour. Call 941-209-0497.

ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Details at RoserChurch.com/ job-opportunity. To apply email info@roserchurch. com or call 941-778-0414.

THE ISLANDER IS looking for a savvy, sharp, sales rep to manage client advertising and connect with businesses looking to increase their bottom line by advertising in the newspaper. We’ve got 34 years of experience and results to share. Email news@islander.org.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org

KIDS FOR HIRE

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.

SERVICES

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OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941404-9163.

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SERVICES Continued

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ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.

HOME WATCHE r : WHEN you can’t be at home, i’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. i’m a State Certified residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

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.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941720-7411. 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

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. 941-7228792.

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.

l OOK i NG FO r 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.

DONA l D PE r K i NS PA i NT i NG ll C. i nterior/exterior/pressure washing. i sland references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GO rill A D rYWA ll r EPA ir ll C. l et’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

QUEEN BEE PAiNTiNG: “We Do it royally.” interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. Sheryl, 864-884-3380.

TETi TilE: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AM i and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John Teti, 302983-5774.

TRUE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.

CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

PERICO ISLAND PATIO home: 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423.

ANNUAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Off Island: Perico Isle, 3BR/2BA unfurnished pool home, two-car garage, $3,100/month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished condo, $3,100/month. All require application, first, last and security. Wagner Realty, 941778-2246.

COZY 2BR/1BA ANNUAL rental: Unfurnished north Holmes Beach, ground-level, backyard, fiveminute walk to beach, washer/dryer hookup, no dishwasher, no smoking/no pets. $2,600/month plus utilities. 941-447-9672.

ANNUAL RENTAL: BRADENTON Beach, elevated 3BR/2BA, garage. Gulf View, reduced $2,250/month. First/last. 941-778-1098, leave detailed message.

PERICO BAY CLUB: Upgraded villa. 2BR/2BA, garage. $3,600/month, off-season rate. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

OFF-SEASON RENTAL: Upgraded 2BR/2BA, 1,500 sf condo. Turnkey furnished, heated pool and spa. Pickle ball and tennis. Three to six-month lease. Call for times and price. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1546.

HO l MES BEACH DUP l EX r ental: semiannual term, second floor, 2Br/2BA, newly remodeled, beautifully furnished, one-car garage. $3,350/month plus security deposit. ralph, 847-530-8833.

ANNUAL RENTAL: RECENTLY renovated 2BR/1BA. One house to the beach! 107 29th St., Holmes Beach. Mike Norman Realty, 941-7786696.

REAL ESTATE

W i NN i E MCHA l E, r EA lTO r , 941-5046146. Dalton Wade real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced r ealtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

SNOWBIRD SPECIAL: NICELY furnished upgraded 2BR/2BA condo. Heated pool and spa, pickle ball and tennis courts. Super deal at $179,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

FANTASTIC PRIVATE VIEW of lake and golf course. 2BR/2BA plus den/office. Two-car garage with caged, heated pool on The Tara golf course. Open floor plan, high ceilings. Come have a look. $580,000 or best offer. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

NORTH PALMETTO: EASY access to St. Pete or Tampa. Like new 3BR/2BA, three-car garage. Lakefront with fire pit. $398,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.