The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Nov, 26, 2025

Crowd converges for Christmas on Bridge Street

Crowd converges for Christmas on Bridge Street

People turn out in droves for the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach, packing the historic district for the lighting of a 42-foot Christmas tree. The event, organized by the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association in conjunction with the city, filled the street with vendors, music and holiday activities. More inside, page 10. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Morning fire damages

Cortez home

Firefighters knock down smoke and flames Nov. 19 from the front of a burning home at 4408 123rd St. W., Cortez. According to a news release from West Manatee Fire and Rescue, firefighters encountered fire on arrival and initiated an exterior attack before moving inside. The home was a total loss.

Islander Photo:

Courtesy WMFR

Anna Maria fires city treasurer

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

LeAnne Addy is out of a job in Anna Maria after almost a decade as clerk and treasurer for the city.

“Addy is no longer an employee as of Monday,” Mayor Mark Short told The Islander Nov. 21.

Short declined to comment further on Addy’s dismissal and did not disclose the reasoning behind it.

Addy was appointed city clerk in 2016 and was later named city treasurer as well.

She served as both city clerk and treasurer under former Mayor Dan

A plume of smoke rises with the sun over Cortez, as seen by motorists traveling east over the Cortez Bridge the morning of Nov. 19. Firefighters, including crews from West Manatee Fire and Rescue, Cedar Hammock and Bradenton fire departments and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services responded to flames and heavy smoke at a house on the village’s east side. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Islander Photo: Courtesy Krista Carpenter

False alarm: HB bomb threats deemed hoaxes

Holmes Beach police officers responded to two bomb threats Nov. 21 after a caller claimed he planted explosives near the White Sands Beach Resort, 6504 Gulf Drive, and intended to carry out a shooting at the scene, according to HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer.

Tokajer

Tokajer, in a Nov. 22 interview with The Islander, said the first threat came in around 11 a.m. The caller told dispatch he had hidden a bomb on the resort grounds, was armed, and was “on his way there” in a silver pickup with plans to be an “active shooter.”

HBPD created a two-block perimeter, evacuated guests and urged beachgoers to avoid the area. A search determined the threat was unfounded.

That afternoon around 4 p.m., the same caller reported a second bomb allegedly buried outside the resort’s fence on the beach. Officers, coordinating with Manatee County’s bomb-detection canine unit, again confirmed the threat was a hoax.

Tokajer said the number used to call in both threats also was associated with a similar call in Apex, North Carolina, earlier that day. He said the HBPD was working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to

identify the caller.

In Florida, making a false bomb threat is a second-degree felony.

— Robert Anderson

Municipal matters

Keeping up with HB

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth emailed The Islander Nov. 15-16, saying a switch up was occurring with city attorneys.

Since the Clearwater-based Trask Daigneault law firm where city attorney Erica Augelo practices took on Bradenton Beach, it also took on Pinellas County as a client and assigned Augello to the account.

As a result, Titsworth recommended Randy Mora of Trask Daigneault to represent the city. Mora managed the beachfront treehouse case for the city, among other matters. He also has provided staff and city boards with ethics, public records and Sunshine Law training.

“Being that this is a charter position, Mora will be meeting with commissioners between now and our December meeting,” the mayor wrote. “He is very well liked and respected and known by most of the board with the exception of our new commissioner.”

Augello will continue to represent the code compliance department.

Meanwhile, Titsworth said, “I have been busy working on our 75-year event.”

She’s also talked with Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, about a ferry stop at the city center boat basin.

“The city is working with the bureau on what we will be looking for in a site plan application,” Titsworth said.

In other matters, the city heard concerns from some residents along 65th Street about a proposed sidewalk. “I have elected to modify our TDC grant application to remove this section from the scope,” the mayor said. “And I can assure the existing sidewalks to the beach access will meet our needs.”

Bradenton Beach mayor John chappie Nov. 17 recites the oath of office during his swearing-in at city hall as he begins a new term in office. chappie was reelected without opposition earlier in the month.

In a Nov. 20 conversation with The Islander, Titsworth said, “It appears we have a new majority on our legislative board.”

She was planning to adjust commission liaisons and other administrative assignments accordingly.

Holiday closings

Thanksgiving brings closings

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 27.

Most government offices will be closed that day and Friday, Nov. 28, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

The fare-free island trolley and the Beach Express will operate Nov. 27 but Manatee County Area Transit will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service on the holiday. Friday will be business as usual for MCAT.

Any residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Thursdays will be pushed back. Preserves and beaches will be open but libraries and schools will close for the holiday.

Taking the oath

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT THE ISLANDER!

Holmes Beach commissioners sworn in, elect new chair

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Holmes Beach City Commission has a new member but the board will be led by a familiar face.

City clerk Stacey Johnston swore in the winning candidates, Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel and Terry Schaefer for two-year terms on the commission during a Nov. 18 organizational meeting.

They were the winners in the Nov. 4 election, a four-way contest for three commission seats. The fourth candidate, former Commissioner Carol Soustek, received the lowest number of votes, resulting in the end of her 11-year run in public service.

Her seat was filled by Patel — the only nonincumbent candidate to run in the election.

Oelfke, a former planning commissioner who was appointed to the city commission in February, began his first full two-year term on the board at the Nov. 18 meeting.

Schaefer, a retired bank executive, has served on the commission since 2019 and is now serving a fourth term on the dais.

After the winning candidates were sworn, the new board voted on officers for the year.

Schaefer nominated Commissioner Dan Diggins,

Q&A The Islander poll

Do you shop on Black Friday?

a. Yes!

B. Sometimes.

c. wait until Small Business Saturday.

d. Prefer cyber monday.

e. Not into any of it.

To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.

who has served on the commission since 2022, to reclaim his role as chairperson.

Patel nominated Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who rejoined the dais in 2024 after a 16-year run on the Manatee County Board of Commissioners and prior service as commissioner and mayor in Holmes Beach.

The commission voted 3-2 in favor of Whitmore as chairperson.

Oelfke, Patel and Whitmore voted “yes.”

Diggins and Schaefer voted “no.”

After she was named commission chair, Whitmore nominated Diggins to serve as vice chair.

No other nominations were made and Diggins was awarded vice chair without a vote.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

HB city attorney stepping away, recommends partner

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The new year is going to bring a new city attorney to Holmes Beach.

Erica Augello, a partner in the Clearwater-based Trask Daigneault law firm, emailed Mayor Judy Titsworth Nov. 13 that the municipality will need to appoint a new city attorney.

Augello began as city attorney in January 2022, succeeding Patricia Petruff.

In a memo attached to her email, Augello wrote, “It is with great sadness that I must inform you that due to the business needs of my firm, I will no longer be able to serve as the city of Holmes Beach’s appointed city attorney.”

“That being said, I will not be stepping away from the city entirely and will continue to serve as the city’s primary attorney for all code enforcement matters, and wherever else I may be needed,” Augello wrote.

She recommended the city appoint Randy Mora as her successor. Mora graduated as a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School in 2010.

He currently serves as the city attorney for Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Pinellas Park.

Mora, also a partner at Trask Daigneault, has represented Holmes Beach in past litigation, including in the infamous treehouse case — which the municipality won — and in developer Shawn Kaleta’s 2022 federal lawsuit — which resulted in a settlement.

Referring to Mora, Augello wrote, “I have no doubt that he will serve the city well in this role.”

City attorney is a chartered position in Holmes Beach, which requires the mayor’s recommendation

and commission approval.

Titsworth, in a Nov. 15 email to The Islander, wrote that she would recommend Mora.

“He is very well liked and respected and known by most of the board,” she wrote. “He also has been giving the staff and our boards their ethics, public records and Sunshine training for the past several years.”

Titsworth added that Mora’s appointment would be on the commission agenda at a meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Another item that may be up for discussion is a proposed rate hike from Trask Daigneault.

In her memo, Augello wrote that the current $200 per hour pay rate for attorneys does not meet market conditions and has not been increased since 2019. She proposed $285 per hour.

“This rate not only meets with the current market but also reflects the value of the services that the city is receiving from the firm,” Augello wrote.

Another commercial lot owner making plans for paid parking in Anna Maria

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some prime beachfront parking might be converted for paid public use.

Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board members unanimously voted Nov. 19 to recommend city commission approval for a variance and site plan to develop a paid parking lot at 105 Spring Ave.

The property consists of two platted lots with 27 parking spaces located across from Sandbar Seafood & Spirits and near a public beach access point.

A lease agreement with the restaurant allowed the business to use the lot for off-site parking since 2006, but that agreement was not renewed when it expired in February 2024.

There was no discussion on the impact to the Sandbar site plan, but the lot owner Anthony Manali Jr., plans to develop a private paid public parking lot.

If approved by commissioners, it will be the second paid parking lot permitted by the city in recent months.

Commissioners approved a paid parking lot with 22 parking spaces at 9806 Gulf Drive in September.

The application for 105 Spring Ave. requires two

Murphy, but Short hired Amber LaRowe in March to be the municipality’s new clerk.

Addy, who earlier had asked to reduce her workload, continued to serve as city treasurer until her termination.

According to records requested by The Islander, Short emailed a notice of termination Nov. 17 to Addy.

The notice states, “As you are aware, the city of Anna Maria is an ‘at-will’ employer, and as such, the

approvals: a variance for buffer requirements and a site plan to develop the lot.

A variance is required because city code requires 6-foot-tall fences and 5-foot-wide landscape buffers along the northeast and southeast property lines, which abut residential uses.

The requested variance would eliminate the fence requirement along the southeast property line and allow Manali to maintain an existing 4-foot-tall vinyl fence along the northeast property line.

P&Z members agreed to approve a variance to allow the vinyl fence to remain, but not to eliminate the fence requirement along the southeast property line due to concerns about a buffer.

The parking lot site plan included marking for diagonal parking spots, adding wheel stops and installing parking management signage, such as signs with pay-to-park instructions and parking rules at the front of the property.

Staff recommended approval of the site plan.

There was no public comment.

The P&Z will meet next at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

city ‘retains the right to terminate employment at any time and for any or no reason.’”

It continues, “It has been concluded that your services as city treasurer are no longer required. … The decision has been made to terminate your employment with the city as of today.”

The notice offered a choice for Addy: get terminated and get paid through Nov. 17, her final day of employment, or sign a voluntary resignation agreement and waiver and receive 20 weeks of severance pay.

Short did not respond to a Nov. 21 text from The Islander asking if Addy signed the agreement and waiver.

While she was terminated without cause, Addy has been the subject of misconduct allegations in the past.

In 2024, multiple former city employees, including Tyffanny Rios and Candela Lemos, told The Islander that they found themselves on the receiving end of alleged racially motivated mistreatment from Addy.

Other former employees, including Benzard Hol-

land, Roosevelt Jones and Nick Huling, have alleged that Addy’s behavior created a hostile and toxic workplace at city hall.

Even back in 2019, former code enforcement administrative assistant Angela Albrecht told The Islander that Addy had allegedly directed her to close multiple permits that lacked inspections.

Earlier this year, The Islander found that Addy also had logged an excessive amount of overtime hours following Hurricane Helene last September.

Over the 27 weeks between Sept. 24, 2024, and March 31, Addy averaged 67.12 hours per week, including 8.79 hours of regular overtime and an average 19.61 hours of disaster-related overtime.

The city paid Addy $211,560.49 in 2024, according to her W-2 form from the city.

City attorney Becky Vose declined to comment on Addy’s dismissal during a Nov. 21 phone call with The Islander.

Addy also did not respond to a Nov. 21 call from The Islander about her dismissal.

Bradenton Beach planner search reflects deeper shakeup at city hall

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners moved forward Nov. 20 with plans to advertise a new request for proposals for planning services, the latest step in a year marked by staffing changes and a reevaluation of how the city manages development and zoning oversight.

In the draft RFP, the city seeks firms or individuals to provide on-call planning support, including zoning review, land-development code interpretation, comprehensive planning assistance and possibly even community redevelopment agency focused urban planning.

In February, the city made changes to its development oversight structure when it hired building official Bill Palmer to succeed Darin Cushing, who had been contracted through Safebuilt, a national firm that has historically supplied the city’s building official and planner services.

According to officials, Bradenton Beach is shifting toward bringing key development positions under more direct city oversight, part of an effort to stabilize permitting and zoning functions following recent disputes and reconstruction challenges.

The city has not publicly announced any change regarding its contracted planner and officials did not discuss planner Luis Serna’s status during the Nov. 20 meeting.

Bradenton Beach also has seen turnover in its legal department. City Attorney Ricinda Perry resigned Sept. 18 after 21 years of service, a tenure that spanned multiple development cycles, storm recoveries and zoningrelated disputes. She was succeeded by city attorney Erica Augello of Trask Daigneault LLP, who is overseeing revisions to planning processes and the creation of the new RFP.

Augello said the RFP will be structured to allow

the city to hire firms and individuals to ensure “depth of bench” in specialized areas.

Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce recommended the city raise its qualification standards for the position.

“Qualifications for a city planner include a bachelor’s degree — sometimes it’s a master’s degree,” she said. “At the very least, they need to have an AICP certification. And right now, the only qualifications are three years’ experience, and I’m not comfortable with that.”

Augello said the revised RFP will appear on the commission’s Dec. 4 meeting agenda and commissioners should submit any comments through the clerk to avoid Sunshine Law conflicts.

Mayor John Chappie also reminded the board that once advertised, discussions over the RFP will enter a mandatory “cone of silence.”

Settlement talks continue over disputed Bradenton Beach structure

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners continued discussions Nov. 20 on a long-running land-use dispute involving a redesigned multistory accessory structure at 106 23rd St. N.

Commissioners directed city attorney Erica Augello to return to a Dec. 4 meeting with a revised settlement proposal.

The structure in question, which began as a separate garage building, was demolished and rebuilt into a larger, multistory accessory building — a redesign that triggered questions at city hall about size limits, habitable space and whether the project can be legalized through a negotiated agreement.

The city issued a stop-work order. That order and confl icting interpretations of the land-development code have stalled the project for months. The new structure, roughly 360 square feet and about 85% complete, exceeds the city’s 25% size limit for accessory buildings and includes habitable space, which is prohibited under city code.

Augello has warned that the proposed settlement carries legal risk, saying she has “concerns with the city being able to actually enter into an agreement of that nature” and cautioning it could be viewed as contract zoning.

Contract zoning refers to a private agreement between a city and a property owner to change zoning rules in exchange for specific conditions set by the owner.

Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing property owner Neal Morse, urged the city to resolve the issue.

“Our client is bleeding money every month,” he said, adding that Morse would “have no choice but to file suit” if no agreement is reached.

Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said she opposes a settlement that allows occupancy for the

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accessory structure, while Commissioner Scott Bear said the city is in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” position because approving a settlement could trigger code-based challenges from neighbors but denying one could prompt a lawsuit.

In a Nov. 4 meeting, land-use attorney Robert Lin-

coln told commissioners the project had been “permitted in error,” saying approval by former building official Darin Cushing did not create vested rights.

The revised settlement is expected to go before commissioners in their next meeting, set for 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is working to meet new state reporting requirements.

City attorney Erica Augello briefed the board — the mayor and city commissioners — Nov. 20 on a compliance review prepared by attorney Nancy Meyer of Trask Daigneault LLP. The memo explains that special districts, including CRAs, must publish annual reports detailing performance measures, standards and which goals were achieved.

Meyer noted the CRA website needs to include

Vosburgh gets warm sendoff from city Bradenton Beach commissioner Ralph cole, left, mayor John chappie and commissioners Scott Bear and deborah Scaccianoce stand behind commissioner Jan vosburgh Nov. 20 as the city bids farewell on her final day in office after more than 11 years of service. vosburgh, who did not seek reelection earlier in November, was presented with a bouquet of flowers and received a round of applause. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

recent adopted budgets. The CRA also must confirm whether the district’s digital boundary map, last updated in 2017, is accurate.

Treasurer Shayne Thompson and city clerk Terri Sanclemente said they will meet with Meyer in early December to complete the report.

The CRA voted 4-0 to direct Meyer to prepare the December report.

The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Robert anderson

Thankful indeed

This week kicks off the giving season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, Kwanzaa, the new year, it’s all just around the corner.

Is it too much, too soon? Not if you’re one of those folks who look forward to the “twinkles” and “glitter” that signal, “Let the holidays begin.”

Finally, we are seeing a trickle of snowbirds in shops and restaurants — a long time coming since the disastrous hurricanes in the fall of 2024.

Along with the beginning of tourist season, a “second” season has begun on Anna Maria Island — it’s the holiday season.

First comes Thanksgiving. A heartily consumed feast that comes with a menu of parades and football games on TV. One of my local traditions calls for mullet spread to celebrate the fall fish harvest. If not mullet, then stone crabs are a must.

Next comes Christmas Eve, celebrated with lastminute shopping and wrapping of presents, and delivering good cheer to neighbors and friends. There also are prelims —the Privateers parade and Lester Family Fun Day.

And then comes the long night of waiting for little ones who believe in miracles — and Santa Claus.

Christmas Da y, Dec. 25, the Christia n holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus brings celebrations to island churches. Sadly, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is missing from our landscape.

And Santa will have made his magical trip, leaving wondrous gifts under the holiday tree.

New year’s eve on Anna Maria Island is traditionally celebrated by many islanders with quiet reflections and a walk on the beach.

With this season, as in years past, we invite you to peruse our Wish Book.

We’ve assembled a list of items that help local community organizations in their year-round efforts, providing the needs for so many people, young and old, wildlife and pets, too.

Amid the miracles and joy of the season, we also encourage you to remember those less fortunate and those who seek to serve them.

It is our hope that you include them on your holiday shopping list, give volunteer time or a donation.

With the Wish Book, we hope to provide everyone with one of the season’s greatest traditions — the joy of giving.

This year more than ever, we’re thankful to our advertising sponsors and readers, for all that you do.

Happy Thanksgiving from us all.

— Bonner Joy

Looking back

10-20-30 years ago

From the Nov. 23, 1995, issue

• The Florida Department of Transportation announced the Cortez Bridge would reopen to traffic in early December, about two months after it was closed for repairs.

NOV. 26, 2025 • Vol. 34, No. 3

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Where was Westview?

a 1930s map shows longboat Pass, the south end of anna maria Island and the northwest end of longboat Key where the washed-out village of westview had been. the village was platted in 1905 and washed away in 1932.

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.

• Television evangelist Jim Bakker, who served time in federal prison, was spending time on Anna Maria Island, where he told people he would write his prison memoir.

• Longboat Key officials announced a “Let’s Get Rid of Red Tide” organization hoping other local officials would catch the activist wave.

From the Nov. 23, 2005, issue

• Professional sandsculptors with Sandtastic arrived on the island’s Gulf coast to build a scenichighway themed attraction and draw attention to Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Sandblast contest on the beach.

• St. Joe announced more details for its planned development along Manatee Avenue east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Perico Island, including a restaurant-meeting room and a retail-office complex.

From the Nov. 25, 2015, issue

• The Bradenton Beach Marina sued the city of Bradenton Beach to halt the installation of tenants on the Historic Bridge Street Pier, alleging that plans failed to meet the needs of the boating community.

• Residents in the fishing village of Cortez were expressing concern about plans for three developments that would have 11,500 homes, boat docks, marinas and millions of acres of commercial space “knocking on their door.”

— lisa Neff

The Islander is archived online by the University of Florida library at www.ufdc.ufl.edu.

County adopts revised tourist development plan

Manatee County commissioners Nov. 18 voted 7-0 to adopt an ordinance that revises the tourist development plan, last updated in July 2024.

The updated plan reflects an increase in the tourist development tax from 5% to 6% in January, which was approved by voters in November 2024.

The revisions also reflect changes in funding amounts and program updates.

The plan states that over the next two fiscal years, the county expects to collect $48,474,000 in the tourist development tax, a tax on overnight accommodations of six months or less.

One cent of the tax — totaling an estimated $8,079,000 over the next two years — will be dedicated to beach renourishment projects, this is an increase from $7,800,000 in the last plan.

One-time projects include $12 million for work on a parking garage at the convention center, $30 million for an auditorium at the Premier Sports Campus and $5 million for convention center parking.

The plan also annually projects $250,000 for the BACVB’s operations, $12 million for advertising and promotional costs, $5.1 million for the Bradenton Area Convention Center, $1.5 million for maintenance at county beaches, $1.5 million for capital improvements at county beaches, $7 million for the ferry program, $450,000 for spring training at LECOM Park and $3 million for historical, cultural and educational efforts.

The plan also authorizes $1 million for an emergency marketing fund for “Act of God” occurrences.

— lisa Neff

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT THE ISLANDER!

Anna Maria City Pier contractor commences walkway work

Holmes Beach adopts dock, plat approval ordinances

The city of Holmes Beach has two new ordinances on the books.

City commissioners unanimously voted Nov. 18 on motions to adopt a pair of ordinances involving the approval of plats and docking/mooring facilities.

A new state law requires plat and replat applications to be approved on an administrative level.

Since the municipality previously required city commission approval for such applications, Ordinance 25-13, “Administrative Approval of Plats and Replats” was crafted to bring city code into compliance with state statute.

It establishes the new administrative approval pro-

cess, which designates development services director Chad Minor as the officer in charge of final decisions.

On the other hand, Ordinance 25-06, “Seawalls, Bulkheads, Docks and Piers” replace sections 66.10666.113 of city code.

The new code retains much of the old content but was rewritten and reorganized to improve clarity and readability.

Both ordinances were recommended for approval by the planning commission earlier this month.

— Ryan Paice

compiled by lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most third Mondays, 1 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through November, Island Gallery and Studios “Feather and Fin/Camera and Clay,” featuring work by Kathy Storm and Susan Swanson. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.

• Throughout December, Island Gallery and Studios, handmade holiday gifts. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.

• Through Jan. 11, “Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

• Through April 12, 2026, “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120, floridamaritimemuseum.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• Dec. 10, Center of Anna Maria Island hosts Blue Oyster Cult concert, Anna Maria.

• Dec. 7, Bay Chorale’s The Voices of Christmas concert, Bradenton.

• Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota A Christmas Carol Concert, Bradenton.

KIDS

& FAMILY ON AMI

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Noon — Pizza Party, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. org.

• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Nov. 28

a collectible from the mistletoe market at city field in Holmes Beach SaturdaySunday, Nov. 29-30. Islander courtesy Photo

and Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. Info: 941-304-3265. SAVE THE DATES

• Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland, Bradenton.

• Dec. 6, Center’s Lester Family Fun Day, Anna Maria.

• Dec. 6, AMI Chamber tree lighting, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 6, Holiday Open House, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 12, Holiday Walk, Anna Maria.

• Dec. 13, Christmas in Cortez, Cortez.

• Dec. 13, Christmas Parade, AMI.

• Dec. 13, A Night Before Christmas, Bradenton.

• Dec. 16, Island Library’s Storytime at the Beach, Bradenton Beach.

• Dec. 19, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON

Tuesday, Dec. 2

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Blood drive, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

• 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

• Dec. 5, Holmes Beach 75th Anniversary Celebration, Holmes Beach.

MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES ON AMI

Saturday, Nov. 29

Mistletoe Market Nov. 29-30

The seventh annual Mistletoe Market returns to Holmes Beach for Thanksgiving weekend, offering island shoppers a curated selection of handmade gifts and local artistry.

Blue Ribbon Events will host the two-day show 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 29-30, at city field featuring fine artists and creative crafters showcasing paintings, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, glassworks, sculptures, beachwear and more.

The organizer promises the boutique-style market emphasizes handmade, one-of-a-kind items perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Featured artisans include Sparrow House Woodshop, which supports Fifth Sparrow Refuge, a home for boys aging out of foster care.

Mixed-media artist Rachel Wu returns with signature wine glasses and wall art, while woodturner Tim Gillespie showcases exotic hardwood bowls.

Local jewelry artists Barbara Ehren and Candace offer wearable art ranging from gemstone pieces to hand-forged gold and silver creations.

Food vendors will offer crepes and Dole cones, plus samples from Caribbean Moonshine Distillery.

Blue Ribbon Events asks attendees to bring nonperishable food items for the Roser Food Pantry. Also, the company will donate $500 to the pantry.

City field is at 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call Blue Ribbon Events at 231-350-8277 or go to www.daniellesblueribbonevents.com.

Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 231-350-8277. Sunday, Nov, 30

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Mistletoe Market, city field, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 231-350-8277.

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 sell out, 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.

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

DEVINE DESIGN

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Mistletoe Market, city field, 6001 Marina

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

SAVE THE DATES

• Dec. 5, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, Nov. 26

10 a.m. — Intro to Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

2 p.m. — Making Sense of Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-7786341, mymanatee.org.

Gallery promotes holiday gifting the Island gallery and Studios is showcasing “oneof-a-kind” holiday gifts in december, including at its first friday reception 5-7 p.m. friday, dec. 5, and its reception during the winter wonderland celebration 5-8 p.m. Saturday, dec. 6, as well as on Saturdays during the Bradenton Public market. IgS is at 456 old main, Bradenton. for more info, call 941-778-6648. Islander courtesy Photo

SPORTS & FITNESS

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 14, 2026, Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Bradenton. 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

• Dec. 18-21, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, Bradenton.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

• Nov. 27, Thanksgiving.

• Nov. 28, Black Friday.

• Nov. 29, Small Business Saturday.

• Dec. 1, World AIDS Day.

• Dec. 2, Giving Tuesday.

• Dec. 14, first night of Hanukkah.

• Dec. 25, Christmas.

• Dec. 26, Boxing Day

• Dec. 26, first day of Kwanzaa.

• Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

• Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Island happenings

Market Day is Tuesday

Sarasota Sips owner cassie figueroa assists a customer Nov. 11 at the anna maria community farmers market, which takes place tuesdays outside Roser memorial community church. 512 Pine ave., anna maria. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Tingley book club to meet

Tingley Memorial Library’s Florida Author Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, to discuss “The Amalfi Curse” by St. Pete author Sarah Penner. The novel is about witchcraft, a hunt for sunken treasure and forbidden love on the high seas.

Club participation is free for library members. Membership is $10.

The library is at 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach.

To register, call 941-779-1208 or email the library director at bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

Settlers Bread sold Tuesdays

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s volunteer bakers are back at their ovens, preparing Settlers Bread for Tuesday morning sales at the museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

AMIHS has resumed bread sales using an old recipe with just basic ingredients — flour, sugar, salt and yeast.

Proceeds from the sales benefit AMIHS’s scholarships.

The bread will be sold Tuesdays beginning at 10 a.m. and until the last loaf is gone.

For more information, call AMIHS at 941-7780492.

compiled by lisa Neff

Parade registration open

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are organizing the annual Christmas parade, which will take off about 10 a.m. from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, and travel north to City Pier Park at the intersection of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria.

Parade entries — motorized or peddled and decorated for the holidays — must assemble at Coquina by 9:30 a.m.

To register for the parade, which is free, go online to amiprivateers.memberlodge.org.

For more information about registration, email Terry “Capt. Cookie” Rapert via email at moespride@ verizon.net.

Blue Öyster Cult at center

Rock legends Blue Öyster Cult will bring their five-decade catalog of hits to the Center of Anna Maria Island for an outdoor concert Wednesday, Dec. 10.

The band, known for rock staples including “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You,” will headline the show at 8 p.m.

Gates will open at 6 p.m., with opening act BB Steal 80s Live taking the stage at 7 p.m.

Original members Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom continue to lead the band’s current lineup, which includes Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda and Jules Radino.

The group released its latest studio album, “Ghost Stories,” in April 2024.

BB Steal 80’s Live specializes in dance hits and rock anthems from the 1980s.

The outdoor lawn concert, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, requires general admission attendees to bring their own chairs. Tickets start at $75.

Through Nov. 28, tickets are offered at buy two, get two.

Tickets are available at www.centerami.org/concerts.

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

Gathering

By Lisa Neff

Roser holds Celebrate Sunday in renovated sanctuary

Roser Memorial Community Church held Celebrate Sunday Nov. 16 to mark the first worship service in the renovated sanctuary.

In late June, the church, 512 Pine Ave., closed the sanctuary for improvements, specifically the expansion of the chancel — the platform for worship.

During the Celebrate Sunday festivities, Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and others delivered remarks. “Roser Church has always been a significant pillar of this island,” he said.

After worship, people gathered in the fellowship hall for refreshments.

Christmas on Bridge Street

Roser plans Thanksgiving service

Roser memorial community church will hold a service on thanksgiving — Nov. 27 — at 10 a.m. in the chapel, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. for more info, go to roserchurch. com or call 941778-0414.

adolf Hendriks, vacationing from green Bay, wisconsin, took this photo from a rooftop terrace on Bridge Street of the lighting of a 42-foot christmas tree Nov. 22 by mayor John chappie during christmas on Bridge Street. the tree-lighting countdown was emceed by derek williams, owner of the drift-In amI. the tree is in the parking lot at the post office, which remains quiet since the 2024 hurricanes.

chase and leigh pose with their children, Steele, 3, and Slade, 9 months, for a festive photo with mr. and mrs. claus during the Nov. 22 christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach. the family, visiting from ohio, joined a long line of attendees waiting for holiday photos beneath a 42-foot christmas tree. go online to islander.org for more photos. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Holiday events bring festive cheer to AMI and beyond

compiled by lisa Neff Islander editor

‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, musical performances and visits from Santa Claus. From symphonic spectacles to neighborhood gatherings, here’s a roundup of festive events happening over the next month, including:

• Lester Family Fun Day at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The center hosts its cherished annual celebration featuring old-fashioned family entertainment. Activities include pony rides, inflatables, crafts, cookie decorating and a performance by the Manatee High School Drum Line. DJ Freeze will spin music throughout the day and Santa arrives at noon to meet children and distribute small gifts. Food options include Duffy’s burgers, Anna Maria Oyster Bar hot dogs and Small Town Creamery ice cream. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. For more, call 941-778-1908 or go to centerami.org/events.

• Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting and Holmes Beach Holiday Open House, city center, Holmes Beach. Plans include a tree-lighting ceremony at the chamber, carols, visits with the Anna Maria Island Privateers and their special guest, Santa, as well as open houses at local businesses. 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. For more, call 941778-1541 or go to annamariaislandchamber.org.

• Anna Maria Holiday Walk, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. The community event features shopping, treats and a visit with Santa at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. For more info, go to cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130.

• Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, islandwide. The parade rolls from Coquina Beach north on Gulf Drive to Holmes Beach and into Anna Maria. It’s followed by a party with Santa and lunch for kids at city field. 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. For more, go to amiprivateers.org.

Off AMI

• Tree lighting at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. The resort kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree-lighting ceremony. The public event features the illumination of the resort’s Christmas tree in a festive atmosphere. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. For more information, go to event.marriott.com or call 941-304-3115.

• Orban’s Poinsettia Open House, 9601 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. The nursery kicks off the holiday season with its annual poinsettia sale and celebration. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. For more, call 941792-8717 or go to orbans.com.

• Christmas in the Garden at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The event is a celebration of lights and music features.

5-9 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 31. For more, go to longboatislandchapel.org.

• Winter Wonderland on Old Main Street, Bradenton. The evening includes visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, rides on a snow slide, musical performances, carnival games and food and beverages. 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. For more, go to realizebradenton.com.

• Christmas in Cortez, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. The Florida Maritime Museum event features entertainment, vendors, games, crafts. noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. For more, go to floridamaritimemuseum. org.

• Bay Chorale: “The Voices of Christmas,” SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5820 26th St. W., Bradenton. Bay Chorale presents its holiday concert with proceeds supporting music scholarships. Tickets cost $15. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. For more info, go to baychorale.com/next-concert or call 941-727-7259.

• A Night Before Christmas, G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. The event includes

photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, face-painting, letters to Santa and a petting zoo. A Shop Local vendor marketplace will operate in the parking lot alongside food and dessert trucks, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. For more info, go to mymanatee.org/night or call 941-742-5923.

• “A Christmas Carol, the Concert” with the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota, Manatee High School Davis Performing Arts Center, 902 33rd Court W., Bradenton. The production features a 65-piece orchestra, full chorus, actors, vocalists and dancers performing the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation. Tickets start at $35. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. For more info, go to thepopsorchestra.org.

• Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. The park transforms into a wonderland with acres of light displays, visits with Santa, music, a market. 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 18-21. For more info, call 941-761-2866 or go to palmasolabp.org.

Family Fun Day, circa Christmas 2021

Santa claus is joined by chuck and Joey lester, island community center executive director Pierrette Kelly and some members of the anna maria Island Privateers for a photo at the center of anna maria Island during the 2021 lester family fun day. Islander file

Bonner Joy

Christmas in the Garden 2025

A Celebration of Lights and Music 5-9 pm Nov. 30~Dec. 31

Special Performances at 6 pm ADMISSION FREE

Opening Night in the Garden Nov. 30

Island Breeze with Greg and Steve GARDEN

Lido Beach Commodores Dec. 4

Jazz Ensemble GARDEN

Sarasota Academy of the Arts Chorus Dec. 9

Bryan Egan, Director SANCTUARY

Fort Lonesome Dec. 11

Featuring Robbie Ahlbrandt, Country Western Singer GARDEN

John Patti Dec. 15

Steel Pan Artist GARDEN

Brian Gurl Trio Dec. 16

Piano, Violin, Cello SANCTUARY

Alyssa Adamson, Soprano, and Stephen Fancher, Piano Dec. 19

Pine View Elementary School Chorus SANCTUARY

Boris & Sax Dec. 22

Saxophone Artist GARDEN

New Year’s Eve Dec. 31

The Voice of Solid Gold, John Rinell FELLOWSHIP HALL

Complimentary Heavy Appetizers

Entertainment 4:30-6:30 pm

Donations Appreciated!

Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service 5 pm Wednesday, Dec. 24

BBPD welcomes new officer officer Jorge castro is sworn in as Bradenton Beach’s newest police officer by city clerk terri Sanclemente during a Nov. 20 city commission meeting at city hall, 107 gulf drive N. Islander

Photo: Robert anderson

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

Cortez

Nov. 13, 4528 119th St W., Cortez Kitchen, threats. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report that a terminated employee threatened to shoot a current worker. Deputies documented the allegation and an incident report was filed.

Holmes Beach

Nov. 13, 6400 block of Flotilla Drive, computer hack. A man called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report that his computer was hacked and his identity might have been stolen. The man said he used AI trying to find a number for Microsoft customer support, but it connected him with a hacker instead. He said he provided access to his computer and the hacker copied PC documents. An officer referred the caller to the Federal Trade Commission to report the identity theft.

Nov. 13, 2800 block of Gulf Drive, fake identification/obstruction and resisting arrest without violence. An officer located a motorist pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system and conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke to the driver, who said he was the son of the vehicle’s registered owner, but provided

a fake name and birth date. The officer arrested him. Afterward, the man’s passenger, who appeared intoxicated, refused to leave the scene. An officer went to handcuff the woman, but she pulled away and began to flee. The officers arrested her and transported both people to the Manatee County jail.

Nov. 14, 100 block of 52nd Street, fraud. A man called the HBPD to report that an unknown person opened a credit card through his bank account and numerous transactions, totaling almost $8,000, were completed at a store in New York. He said he was disputing the transactions.

Streetlife is based on reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Beach Police Department and Holmes Beach Police Department.

— Robert anderson and Ryan Paice

Crash sends 2 to hospital

People stand Nov. 19 next to a damaged ford mustang involved in a collision with another vehicle at manatee avenue and east Bay drive in Holmes Beach. Police chief Bill tokajer told the Islander Nov. 20 that the crash sent both drivers to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. a dog that jumped from a vehicle and ran following the crash was later returned to its owner, according to tokajer. Islander Photo: Stacey Shores

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

Gulf Drive/State Road 789: Overnight, the Florida Department of Transportation will be milling and resurfacing about five miles of Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1, 2026. Motorists can expect lane closures overnight. Info: swflroads.com/project/451021-1.

Cortez Bridge: Utility relocation is continuing in preparation for the construction of a new bridge. Construction is ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road. Info: amiprojects.io.

75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West : Manatee County is working on 75th Street West from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West, including at the Manatee Avenue intersection. Motorists can expect delays. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.

Get the message: Don’t block the box “do not block” is the warning from the city of Bradenton, which recently authorized a “don’t block the box” campaign for pavement markings at major intersections. the city plans to eventually add pavement markings at manatee avenue and 75th Street west, where beach traffic often clogs the intersection during the winter-spring season. a ticket for “blocking the box” carries a fine of $166. Islander courtesy Photo

Warmer temps provide endless opportunities for hookups

By capt. danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With water temperatures falling to the 70s, Anna Maria Island anglers are finding endless opportunities for hookups —the options to fish are plentiful inshore, nearshore and offshore.

While working inshore, snook and redfish are being found on the flats, enjoying warmer water temps and an abundance of bait. Casting live shiners among mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and even in the passes yields hookups with snook and reds.

Stasny

Spotted seatrout are enjoying warmer water temps where they lurk in deeper grass flats, especially where glass minnows are present. The trout will take a live bait such as shiner or shrimp, but casting artificials like soft plastics or top water plugs also can be effective.

Black drum and sheepshead numbers are growing as we wrap up November and move into December. Offerings of live shrimp around docks, bridges and piers should yield good odds of catching both.

And don’t forget migratory fi sh like mackerel, jacks and ladyfish can be found over some of the artificial reefs in Tampa Bay, as well as in the passes of Bean Point and Longboat Key.

Nearshore possibilities are growing, especially in depths of 40-60 feet. Hard bottom areas are a great place to soak a live shrimp on the bottom. Species like mangrove snapper, lane snapper, hogfish, porgies and a

bounty of Key West grunts will keep most anglers busy for hours provided they don’t run out of bait shrimp. This bite is fish fry material all the way.

Moving out to deeper waters, red grouper are being found in depths around 100 feet. There’s gags out there, too, but they’re catch-and-release.

A variety of snappers are available, including mangrove, yellowtail and lane. There’s also plenty of red snapper but check your calendar for season, so you know when they’re open and when they’re not.

Lastly, kingfish are being found in nearshore and offshore waters in depths starting at 60 feet.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding action inshore and nearshore. Fishing inshore yields catches of snook, redfish and trout, depending on tides and temperatures.

Snook and redfish are being found on mangrove shorelines, as well as around rocks and docks.

Spotted seatrout are around and are being caught over deep grass flats, with a few stragglers being found along the Gulf beaches.

Also along the Gulf beaches are a variety of other species, including sheepshead, black drum, flounder, mackerel and jack crevalle. Fishing around structure, such as inshore ledges and artificial reefs, can yield the best action.

Moving into the Gulf of Mexico in depths of 40-50 feet, hogfish are being caught in addition to snappers and grunts.

Capt. David White is finding good numbers of black drum and sheepshead for his charter clients while

working a variety of locations, including docks, reefs and the beaches, where live shrimp as bait works well for these targets. And, he said, live shrimp as bait also works for hogfish and porgies at nearshore ledges.

Switching to live shiners results in action on snook and trout in the backcountry, according to White. Casting along mangrove shorelines and deeper grass flats works best.

While fishing over structure in Tampa Bay and along the beaches, White says his clients are hooking up with mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel.

Capt. Johnny Mattay is impressed with inshore fishing and he reports his anglers are catching good numbers of snook and redfi sh. The best results are occurring around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars during higher stages of the tides.

Spotted seatrout are being caught frequently by Mattay’s clients around deep grass flats. Many trout catches are in the lower end of the slot, although some fish exceeding 20 inches are mixed in.

Moving to the passes, Mattay is finding plenty of Spanish mackerel with a mix of jacks and ladyfish for his anglers. Moving into the Gulf, hogfish are beginning to show in depths of 40-60 feet of water where live shrimp as bait works well.

Finally, in depths of 100-feet plus, red grouper and a variety of snappers are being caught.

Blackfi n tuna are being found around offshore wrecks reports Mattay.

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