The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Jan, 28, 2026

Opposition building over cruise port concept

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

A proposed cruise ship port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge has prompted concern from Terra Ceia residents, commercial fishers and conservation advocates who say the concept threatens one of the last largely undeveloped areas of old Florida along Tampa Bay.

Slip Knott LLC, through an engineering consultant firm, Stantec, submitted pre-application materials to Manatee County’s economic development division earlier this month as part of the county’s Rapid Response program, an

early, nonbinding review process that does not constitute project approval.

The documents dated Jan. 15-16 outline a conceptual cruise terminal project southwest of the Skyway. Materials reference a proposed project area of 328 acres — about the size of 248 football fields — and show a potential access point from Interstate 275.

The land, known as the Knott-Cowen tract, is owned by Slip Knott LLC, a holding company listed in county records.

The pre-application materials indi-

Ferry landings face challenges in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach

Anna Maria shoots down ferry landing resolution

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Clearance for the construction of a Gulf Islands Ferry landing at the Anna Maria City Pier may not be a given.

City commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 22 to reject a resolution that would have supported and agreed to the construction of a water ferry landing connected to the pier’s walkway, which is currently being rebuilt.

Manatee County launched the ferry service in January 2024 to provide an alternative mode of transportation between downtown Bradenton and the

island. The AMCP was the service’s first stop on the island, but it has been closed since hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed the walkway in October 2024.

The municipality hired Gibsontonbased Tampa Bay Marine Inc. last fall to rebuild the walkway. So far, most of the walkway pilings have been driven, but the pier is not expected to reopen until this fall.

The county tourist development council recommended county commission approval of the city’s $2 million

Fire district honors life-saving, longevity, leadership

LEFT: West Manatee Fire Rescue 2025 Firefighter of the Year William Thomas, left, 2025 Officer of the Year Capt. Paul Hopkins and 2025 Rookie of the Year Matthew Joseph, right, show off their trophies Jan. 20 after the district’s annual awards ceremony in Bradenton. ABOVE: Firefighter/paramedic John Stump, right, shakes hands with WMFR fire commissioners after accepting an award recognizing 30 years of service with the district. Islander

Photos: Courtesy WMFR

Back in Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach post office clerk Cindi Jones, a 10-year U.S. Postal Service employee, is ready to greet customers on the first day of the facility’s reopening. The post office, 116 Bridge St., had been closed since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024. “It’s good to be back home. I miss all my regular customers,” Jones said as limited services resumed Jan. 20. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Seafood stars at weekend Coquina festival

AM beach signage ordinance heading to a vote

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Beach cabana regulations are almost in place for a portion of Anna Maria’s shoreline.

City commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 22 to approve with amendments the first reading of an ordinance establishing rules for commercialization on beach zoned for recreation.

City code prohibits commercial activity on its shores, but the municipality has not enforced the rule.

However, concerns about the emergence of cabana rental services and their impact on the beach led the city to draft code revisions to address beach commercialization moving forward.

The proposed ordinance would establish zoning regulations for commercialization on recreation beaches, such as:

• Prohibiting temporary beach structures — like personal tents and cabanas — that exceed 169 square feet of ground coverage or 13 linear feet;

• Prohibiting more than two commercially rented cabanas from being placed within 50 linear feet of each other, measured in any direction;

• Requiring rental structures be delivered, set up and torn down within park hours, from dawn to dusk;

• Limiting commercial signage.

The ordinance also would allow dogs in city parks, other than beaches and coastal barrier sand dunes, as well as permit organized passive recreation activities with no more than 15 participants.

During the meeting, commissioners agreed to amend the proposed ordinance to prohibit rental cabanas from being located side-by-side for more than 338 square feet in ground coverage and 27 linear feet in any one direction.

They also directed city attorney Becky Vose to draft code to prevent bad actors from operating on the beach.

The ordinance is now set to go before city commissioners for a second hearing and potentially final reading, when they can vote on its adoption.

If adopted, it will go into effect on March 1.

Regulations for commercial activity in the city’s coastal conservation zone, which covers most of the municipality’s shoreline, will be addressed in a separate ordinance.

Beach projects advance amid federal conditions

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Manatee County officials say coastal restoration and beach protection projects planned for Anna Maria Island are moving forward on paper, but construction schedules remain tentative and, in some cases, are contingent on federal requirements still being resolved.

A county construction timeline provided to Bradenton Beach city officials shows multiple projects proposed in 2026 and 2027, including beach renourishment, offshore breakwaters, artificial reefs and jetty rehabilitation centered around Coquina Beach and Longboat Pass. County staff have said that the work schedule is subject to change based on permitting, funding and property access.

In a Jan. 9 email to Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, county natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker said the projected schedule for the work had not changed, but he emphasized that the start of the federally managed central beach renourishment project, stretching from 79th Street North in Holmes Beach to Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach, depends on the county securing supplemental construction access easements requested by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The easements would affect 10-20 privately owned properties within the federal project area.

County officials said additional clarity on those easement requirements is expected in March.

County commissioners voted unanimously in March 2025 to approve state grant funding supporting several of the other projects listed in the timeline.

The vote allocates funds from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for shoreline improvements, primarily at Coquina Beach.

The state grant funding approved in 2025 applies to reef, breakwater and jetty projects.

The proposed state-funded projects include offshore breakwaters, a mitigation boulder reef, a recreational nearshore reef and rehabilitation of the Longboat Pass jetty. The artificial reef components are funded through a $60,000 FWC grant, while $375,000 in DEP funding is designated for erosion control measures, including removal of deteriorating groins at coquina beach north and construction of four offshore breakwaters.

The county timeline also lists a Hurricane Helene FEMA “Category G” renourishment project at Coquina Beach, with bidding and award phases proposed in 2026 and construction extending into 2026-27.

In addition, the Longboat Pass Jetty rehabilitation is shown as a proposed late 2026 early 2027 construction project intended to stabilize the southern end of Coquina Beach by retaining sand and reducing shoaling in Longboat Key Pass.

A graphic timeline for Manatee County beach renourishment projects in 2026 is available online at islander.org.

Holmes Beach commissioner fields questions at town hall

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Carol Whitmore made a comeback in Holmes Beach politics in 2024, and now she’s working to engage with “her community.”

Whitmore, chair of the city commission, led a town hall Jan. 22 at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, that boiled down to a back-and-forth with attendees, who had an array of questions.

Whitmore served as city commissioner 1991-98 and mayor 1998-2006, and then spent the next 16 years on the Manatee County Board of Commissioners. She returned as a city commissioner in 2024 and was named chairperson last November.

Whitmore opened the town hall by introducing herself to about 20 audience members.

“What I have realized in the last year is that I’m not knowing a lot of people like I did before,” Whitmore said. “I spent 16 years as a county commissioner and I worked all the time and, needless to say, I think I lost touch with a lot of my citizens in Holmes Beach.”

Before taking questions, she briefly addressed the cruise port proposed near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County. Whitmore said she does not support “anything that is going to interrupt the integrity of our shorelines.”

She then spent most of the meeting answering audience questions.

One of the main topics discussed was the future of the defunct Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property. The church has remained closed since the 2024 hurricanes damaged it beyond the congregation’s means for repairs.

Whitmore said she did not know if there were plans for the property, since its owners turned down the city’s $3 million offer last summer.

She acknowledged that the property was worth more than the city offered, but she was unwilling to spend more.

“I’m not in favor of going in debt to buy it unless

there is some kind of return on investment that we can get paid back and pay back our debt,” Whitmore said.

“I feel we should live within our means.”

Attendees also asked about the city budget and if Whitmore had plans to reduce it moving forward.

Whitmore said she would not raise the city’s mill-

Holmes Beach City Commissioner Carol Whitmore speaks Jan. 22 at a town hall she organized at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

age rate or the stormwater fees in the future and does not “plan on raising our budget at all.”

She also agreed with attendees that the number of city staff had ballooned in recent years. She said she supported trimming that number through “attrition,” as well as considering whether old positions should be filled when staff leave the city.

Whitmore thanked people for attending.

Resident Al Robinson, a former West Manatee Fire Rescue District commissioner and HB city commissioner who attended the meeting, encouraged Whitmore to run for mayor later this year despite her saying earlier that she did not want the job.

Her current two-year term as commissioner will end in November.

Anna Maria hires new city treasurer

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria city commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 22 to approve the hire of Clewiston resident Randy Maxson as the new city treasurer.

Maxson graduated from Florida State University in 1995 with bachelor of science degrees in accounting and finance.

Maxson

The certified public accountant currently works as the director of finance for the city of Clewiston.

In his application, Maxson wrote that he was hoping to move to a less rural area and already had a home in Bradenton.

He listed his desired salary as $99,000 despite making $102,000 in his current position.

The city sent an offer of employment Jan. 7 to Maxson with a starting annual salary of $103,000.

Maxson accepted the offer the same day, but his hire required city commission approval since the city treasurer is a chartered position.

Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson moved to approve the hire at the Jan. 22 meeting.

Commissioner Gary McMullen seconded the motion, which passed.

Maxson’s starting date as city treasurer will be Feb. 10.

He expressed excitement in a Jan. 23 text message to The Islander.

“My wife graduated Manatee High School and we got married on Anna Maria Island about 33 years ago, so we are basically coming back home,” Maxson wrote.

Petitioners express opposition to Holmes Beach ferry plans

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County wants to establish a Gulf Islands Ferry stop in Holmes Beach.

But a group of locals is pushing back against one possible location.

Daria Grinenko and Dana Sky told The Islander Jan. 23 about a petition they are leading in opposition to a potential ferry landing at Waterline Marina, 5325 Marina Drive.

The GIF service runs between downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. The fleet currently consists of two 49-passenger catamarans, but is set to expand in the near future with the addition of the Manatee Belle, which is capable of transporting 93 passengers.

Prior to the 2024 hits from two hurricanes, the ferry serviced the Anna Maria City Pier.

The county plans to use the Manatee Belle to transport people from the mainland to the island, then use the pontoon catamarans as “hoppers” — transporting riders between island stops.

However, multiple island stops are needed for that to happen and, right now, only one exists.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The Islander Jan. 22 that GIF is aiming to have at least three island stops. The county is “really close” to establishing a second island ferry stop at Coquina Beach, so

am ferry ConTInuED FRoM PagE 1 request to help fund the rebuild project last June. However, while county commissioners have expressed support for the funding request, they have yet to vote on its approval.

In the meantime, the county has been seeking the city’s approval for its own plans to build a ferry landing off the pier.

County staff has presented multiple options for ferry landings to city officials, but a final design has yet to be presented or approved.

Nevertheless, the county requested the city “formally express its support for the potential construction” of the undetermined landing, according to background information included with the agenda item for the Jan. 22 city meeting.

A resolution to do so was included on the meeting’s consent agenda. The proposed resolution included provisions expressing that the city commission “supports and agrees to the construction of a water ferry landing … should Manatee County decide to construct such a water ferry landing.”

That support would be conditioned on a handful of stipulations, such as:

• The landing can be located on the east or west side of the pier walkway, but not adjacent to the T-end;

they are eyeing options for a third stop in Anna Maria or Holmes Beach, he said.

The Anna Maria City Pier was one of GIF’s original stops, but has been closed since October 2024, when its walkway was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The pier is not expected to reopen to the public until this fall, and the city denied the most recent plan to link a new ferry landing and gangway adjacent to the pier.

In the meantime, the county has narrowed its options for a stop in Holmes Beach to Waterline Marina.

Falcione said a stop at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., was “unlikely” due to the projected cost of redeveloping the facility to accommodate the service.

On the other hand, he said the Waterline “checks all the boxes” for a ferry stop and the county is doing its due diligence to explore the possibility.

Such a stop would require site plan approval from the Holmes Beach City Commission.

Falcione did not provide a projected timeline for submitting an official request and seeking commission approval.

“At some point, we’ll present an opportunity,” he said.

However, not everyone in Holmes Beach is onboard with the county’s plan.

Grinenko and Sky have collected more than 40 signatures from locals who oppose a ferry stop at the Waterline Marina.

The two residents told The Islander that they began collecting signatures when they heard about Commission Chair Carol Whitmore’s efforts to establish a stop there.

They noted that 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.

Sky, who lives along the channel, said bringing a ferry into the area felt “invasive” to her. She said she is concerned about potential congestion caused by an influx of ferry riders to the area, her safety and privacy, as well as wear and tear to her seawall.

“I want the people to come, I just don’t want them to come through my backyard,” Sky said.

Grinenko said the marina is busy and narrow, so a ferry could impact boater safety and sealife, like dolphins and manatees, which often find harbor in the marina.

“I just don’t think it’s a good fit,” she said.

Both petitioners argued Kingfish would work better for a ferry stop and, if the county cannot make it work, they would rather have no stop in Holmes Beach than one at Waterline.

They said they will continue collecting signatures

• The landing must be a separate structure from the pier, connected by a walkway or gangway;

• Construction of the landing can only occur after pier repairs from the 2024 storms are completed;

• The city must agree not to charge the county a maintenance fee for the pier in connection with the ferry landing’s construction and operation.

City commissioners pulled the resolution from the consent agenda for discussion.

Commissioner Christopher Arendt said the ferry service would bring tens of thousands of people to the pier, resulting in an “enormous burden” on the city to maintain the structure. He called for the county to “share that burden” by contributing to maintenance costs.

Arendt also noted that there was nothing in the resolution to prevent the county from moving forward with aspects of previously rejected landing designs, such as an extended gangway for passenger queuing.

Tampa Bay Marine continues to drive pilings Jan. 21 closer to shore while rebuilding the anna Maria City Pier’s walkway. Manatee County has proposed building a water ferry dock after the walkway is completed.

Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Commissioner John Lynch, who attended the meeting via speakerphone, said the proposed resolution was not “acceptable” and agreed that the county needs to contribute to maintenance costs.

Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson asked Mayor Mark Short if the $2 million greenlighted by the TDC was contingent on the resolution’s approval.

Short said action on the resolution may impact the timing of that funding.

Regardless, Commission Chair Charlie Salem called the resolution “premature” and said the city would be best served by focusing on the pier rebuild for now.

Commissioner Gary McMullen moved to reject the proposed resolution. Arendt seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

The city commission will meet next at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

port concept ConTInuED FRoM PagE 1 cate the project would require rezoning and a largescale comprehensive plan amendment. As of Jan. 23, applications had not been submitted to the county.

The review at the county level is preliminary but opposition to the concept exists at the local, state and federal level and is building, with letters to elected officials, social media campaigns and at least one petition.

Terra Ceia residents say they’re concerned about the impact of such a port on water quality, marine habitat, traffic and the character of the historic island community.

“It is very, very old Florida and commercial business, even on a small scale, doesn’t fit in with the character of the island,” Terra Ceia resident Ashley Bowing said Jan. 22. “And when you start talking about something of this measure, I mean, it is like, it’s soul shaking. I mean, there have been people in tears.”

Terra Ceia resident and business owner Jane Cofer, whose family history in the area dates to the late 1800s, is in the opposition. She said the environmental consequences would be devastating.

“They’d have to dredge so much,” Cofer said Jan. 22. “People fish here, kayak here, enjoy this water. It’s just too much.”

Cofer said months ago a woman who identified as an intern affiliated with a company representing development interests visited her store, Zula’s Antiques, and asked about a cruise ship port.

“I just said, no, no, no,” Cofer said. “You’re not going to find anybody out here that’s for any of that.”

Organizing opposition

Bowing, who has lived on Terra Ceia since 2019, said organizing opposition is underway, including a Change.org petition started by Corey McKeever, owner of McKeever Marine in Bradenton.

The petition, as of Jan. 23, drew thousands of signatures in a few days. It’s titled “Stop Manatee County from building a cruise ship port on Rattlesnake Key” and is directed to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

The port’s project website and preliminary county records identify the Knott-Cowen tract as the proposed development site, but conservationists are concerned about the impact on nearby Rattlesnake Key, acquired for conservation purposes through Rattlesnake Key Preservation Co. LLC, a subsidiary of SSA Marine, a global terminal operator, according to the project website.

In addition to petitioning, opponents plan a rally at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Seabreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop, Terra Ceia. A flyer posted by People Protecting Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a Facebook group started and administered by Terra Ceia resident

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Geoff Click, calls on people to join.

The group is “a community-led space for residents, environmental advocates, and anyone who cares about protecting Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve including Rattlesnake Key, Terra Ceia Island, and the surrounding Tampa Bay waters from the proposed cruise port development.”

Concern extends beyond Terra Ceia residents and business owners.

Charter fishing guide Scott Moore of Holmes Beach, who is known statewide for his conservation efforts and pushed hard for the state or county to acquire Rattlesnake Key for preservation, said the waters around Terra Ceia, Miguel Bay and nearby passes support sensitive estuarine ecosystems, as well as recreational and commercial fishing.

“It won’t be good,” Moore said Jan. 21 of a possible port. “That area is used by a lot of guides and fishers, and it’s going to make a lot of people angry. If they dredge into Miguel Bay, that area will be done completely.”

In Cortez, Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish Co. Seafood Market and Restaurant,

hb ferry ConTInuED FRoM PagE 4

for the petition and had a number of people lined up to sign it despite the lack of an online access point.

“We just wanted to make sure that residents and homeowners were aware that this is going on, and if you’re opposed, you need to let them know now,” Grinenko said.

At a Jan. 22 town hall led by Whitmore, she said she initially opposed the ferry service as a county commissioner, but had been won over due to ridership numbers for 2025.

From Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, the ferry service shuttled more than 52,000 passengers between the island and mainland, according to Falcione.

“There is ridership. They proved me wrong. And no matter what anybody tells you, it takes trips off our roads. You can’t say those people weren’t going to come out here anyway,” Whitmore said. “It’s keeping traffic off this island.”

She added that she had been contacted by five

a map found in Manatee County pre-application materials outlines the KnottCowen tract as the conceptual site for a proposed cruise port. The port would be south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Islander graphic: Courtesy Manatee County

added that many commercial fishers depend on the waters of Terra Ceia.

“Those are really valuable nursery grounds,” she said Jan. 22. “When you start dredging and bringing in equipment to dredge, you’re impacting the environment.”

About

the petition

The Change.org petition opposing a port can be found at: www.change.org/p/stop-manateecounty-from-building-a-cruise-ship-port-on-rattle-snake-key.

About the rally

The rally to oppose a possible cruise ship port southwest of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Seabreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop, Terra Ceia.

About the plans

Go to islander.org to review the pre-application documents submitted to Manatee County.

county commissioners asking her to move the possibility forward and had met the same day with county staff to discuss the matter.

“I just pray that y’all give it a chance, and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work,” Whitmore said.

Boarding the ferry

The Gulf Islands Ferry operates Wednesdays-Sundays between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, and the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

Dependent on weather, first departure from Bradenton is 7:30 a.m. The last Bradenton departure is 9 p.m.

One-way fares are $6, with discounts for seniors and children.

For more information, or go to www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry/.

— Lisa neff

OpinionOur

Hang fire

Yes. It feels like government officials are hanging fire, waiting, delaying decisions, stalling or cruising in neutral. It seems they can’t or won’t make decisions for fear there will be opposition.

Just look at what’s happening on AMI with two hurricanes in 2024 that are still taking a toll. As we look toward Easter, business owners are dreading a short season that leaves bank accounts in the red — again — rather than storing up cash for the slow times.

In fact, for most businesses, tourist season has barely begun.

We’re hoping season swells our shops and restaurants and, as it wanes, it’s the perfect time to review how our future aligns with our goals.

We should have goals for the environment, fisheries, development, traffic, bridges, nature’s habitats on land and in the waters.

Yes. We’re facing challenges.

At least, two state lawmakers have stepped up to oppose a cruise ship port that would result in dredging, mega-ships coming and going, spewing fumes and leaving behind damaging turbidity.

Let’s just hope those lawmakers are true to their word and not subject to pressure from the governor.

There’s hope, too, since the Waterline Marina used to be my “hood,” that the ferry will dock there and passengers will patronize nearby shops and restaurants.

It seems the Holmes Beach opponents — irrational or not — fear vehicle traffic will worsen if pedestrian “traffic” increases and the crosswalks see more use.

The intent of county tourism officials is to reduce vehicle traffic. It’s up to the cities to police the crosswalks and make sure they are safe and effective.

There was a time back in the 1990s when one of the oldtimers, Holmes Beach police chief 25 years and Cortez native Snook Adams, told me that with people, we have to have roads, houses, churches and schools and all that keeps the community safe.

His words helped form my opinions about growth on AMI — to welcome everyone. Whether 50 years ago or yesterday, they all come to love it here.

But cruise ships? The eventual Disneyfying of our community? The same curse that ruined the coral reefs, fisheries and lifestyles in Key West?

No thank you.

But the ferry? Yes. Please.

If the ferry takes cars off the roads and puts smiles on passengers — bring it on.

The more stops, the better for all.

— Bonner Joy

P.S. Your opinions are welcome at news@islander. org.

OpinionYour

Opposing port proposal

Editor’s note: The following is addressed to U.S. Rep, Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key. The letter was edited for length.

I am very concerned to hear that SSA Marine and Slip-Knott LLC are in the preplan phase of trying to rezone parts of Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, Rattlesnake Key, Fletchers Point, and other locations in that area for the purpose of installing a cruise port.

I do not want this. Many of our Manatee County residents are opposed as well.

Connections

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JAN. 28, 2026 Vol. 34, No. 14

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This beautiful estuary is one of the most important ecological areas in our vicinity.

All others: info@islander.org

Development will destroy and destabilize the entire area. Skeet key and the coastal islands in this area serve as a protective barrier against hurricanes. Local fishermen tell us the Terra Ceia estuary is where the majority of our local fish are spawned. Additionally, dredging a new channel and development off Miguel Bay is a dire threat to the seabed grasses, effecting dolphins and the already endangered manatees of the Tampa Bay area.

Miguel Bay was named for one of the county’s earliest pioneers, Miguel Guerrero, who settled on the island by 1848. In antiquity it was also the ancient home of prehistoric tribes who lived there for nearly 2,000 years before European settlers arrived in the area. Today, Miguel Bay is beloved by fishermen and recreationalists and cherished by the residents of Terra Ceia Island who chose to live there because of its pristine, natural beauty.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter and helping save Miguel Bay.

Ron Prouty, Manatee County

Letters to the editor

This week’s question

Do you support a cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County?

A. No way, environmentally disastrous.

B. Yes, great development potential.

C. Unsure, too many unknowns.

D. Meh, will never happen.

To answer the poll, go to islander.org.

Last week’s question

When does “Season” begin on AMI?

• Mid-February, 43%.

• Never ends, 36%.

• Mid-fall, 13%.

• March 1, 8%.

address and contact phone number. Email to news@islander.org.

The Herb Loomis Manatee County Postcard Collection contains this 1930-45 postcard of the historic anna Maria City Pier. The archival information with the card states, “The 776-foot-long pier accommodated paddlewheelers … prior to construction of the first bridge from the mainland in 1922.” The pier was commissioned by the anna Maria Beach Co. During the 1910s and ’20s, the pier had various buildings attached, including private residences.

‘Fishing, boating, bathing’

Looking back

Contacts, from city hall to Washington, D.C.

Anna Maria: Mayor Mark Short; 941-708-6130; 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216; cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie; 941-778-1005; 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach FL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth; 941708-5800; 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County : Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, tal@mymanatee.org, 941-3984729.

Governor: Gov. Ron DeSantis, 850-7179337; 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee FL 323990001; flgov.com.

Florida Senate: Sen. Jim Boyd; 941-7426445; boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Florida House: Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., District 71; 941-708-4968; will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

U.S. House: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, District 16; 941-747-9081; buchanan.house.gov.

U.S. Senate: Ashley Moody, 202-224-3041; moody.senate.gov; and Sen. Rick Scott, 813- 2257040; rickscott.senate.gov.

President: President Donald J. Trump, 202456-1414; whitehouse.gov.

‘Wish you were here’ a Colourpicture Publishers’ postcard from the 1950s features the historic anna Maria City Pier, built in 1911. The back of the card reads, “anna Maria Island, Florida. City Pier, popular fishing spot for Bradenton and Sarasota residents and visitors.”

Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

Election 2026

Voter registration open

10-20-30 years ago

From the Jan. 25, 1996, issue

“I really don’t want to turn this into an issue that divides the community,” Darcy Lee Marquis said a week after she said she was forced to resign as the executive director of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

• Longboat Key officials organized a summit to discuss a “war on red tide.” “Many of us are fed up with red tide as it wreaks havoc on our tourism, creates an intolerable air to breath,” said LBK Mayor Jim Patterson.

• The Holmes Beach City Council agreed to a series of meetings to discuss the design of a new city hall. The council rejected creating a citizens’ committee.

From the Jan. 25, 2006, issue

• Demolition took place at Anna Maria Elementary School to make way for a new bayside building.

• A film producer received approval from city officials to shoot scenes for a “low-budget independent” horror flick later in the year.

• St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach celebrated its 50th anniversary with worship and festivities.

• The Anna Maria Island Art League announced plans to stage an exhibit with “nude” as the theme.

From the Jan. 27, 2016, issue

Voter registration is open for the 2026 election cycle, which includes contests at the local, state and federal levels.

People seeking to register can use an online application at a Florida Department of State’s website, registertovoteflorida.gov.

Details on registration also can be found at the Manatee County Supervisor of Election’s website, votemanatee.gov, which has a refreshed look since the November 2025 elections.

People also can check their registration at the website, as well as request a mail ballot.

The 2026 primary election will be Tuesday, Aug. 18, and the deadline to register ahead of the voting will be Monday, July 20.

The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Start thinking about a run?

The general election will include offices in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

Seats up for election in 2026 include: mayor and two commission seats in Anna Maria, two commission seats in Bradenton Beach and mayor and two commission seats in Holmes Beach.

All the offices are two-year terms.

Candidate qualifying in the municipal races will take place in June. People can learn how to qualify at votemanatee.gov.

— Lisa neff

• Anna Maria Island and Cortez saw minor damage from rain and winds associated with a thunderstorm system but more severe damages and two deaths were reported in east Manatee.

• The city of Holmes Beach denied a permit to the Center of Anna Maria Island, which was wanting to host a luau party on the beach. The party was relocated to the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria.

— Lisa neff

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

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. Now it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Thursday, Jan. 29

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture, Carol Ann Felts’ talk on Florida crackers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

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 January, Artists Guild Gallery exhibit by featured artist Wendell Graham, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

• Throughout February, Artists Guild Gallery exhibit by featured artist Anne Abgott, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

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.

• Throughout January, Island Gallery and Studios exhibit by Janet Flickinger. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.

• Through March 19, “Clyde Butcher Lifeworks in Photography,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

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

• 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, 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.

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 5, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 5-8, Village of the Arts Suncoast Cigar Box Guitar Festival, Bradenton.

• Feb. 6-7, Feed the Peeps market fundraiser, Anna Maria.

• Feb. 12, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island Atlanta Rhythm Section concert, Anna Maria.

• Feb. 14, De Soto National Memorial’s Food Truck Saturdays, Bradenton.

• Feb. 14-16, Sundays at Neel/Jersey Boys Tribute, Bradenton.

• Feb. 14-15, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

• Feb. 19, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 19-March 1, Manatee Players’ “The Cemetery Club,” Bradenton.

Florida Maritime Museum exhibition opens at Bishop

The Florida Maritime Museum’s new traveling exhibition, “Vacationing in Cortez: Greetings from Old Florida,” is on display at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton through June.

The exhibition explores the history of tourism in the historic fishing village of Cortez, with a focus on the charter fishing industry and the Albion Inn. The nostalgic display features artifacts and photographs that capture how early visitors experienced “old Florida” along Manatee County’s Gulf waters during the steamship era, when the area’s temperate climate and pristine beaches first drew tourists.

The collaboration comes as Cortez’s Florida Maritime Museum undergoes rehabilitation of its historic building, temporarily closing its facility to the public.

FMM members will receive invitations to a VIP reception celebrating the exhibition in February.

The exhibition is included with regular admission to the Bishop, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton.

For more information, call 941-746-4131.

• Feb. 25, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Bradenton.

• Feb. 26, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 28, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s The Florida Highwaymen exhibit, Bradenton.

• March 1, Center of Anna Maria Island John Oates and The Good Road Band concert, Anna Maria.

• March 1, Taste of the Island, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 28-March 1, Springfest, Holmes Beach.

• March 5-15, Manatee Players’ “Bright Star,” Bradenton.

• March 6-7, Center’s Murder Mystery Dinner, Anna Maria.

• March 12-29, Island Players’ “The Second Time Around,” Anna Maria.

• March 14, De Soto National Memorial’s Food Truck Saturdays, Bradenton.

• March 15, Island Players’ “The Outsider” auditions, Anna Maria.

• March 21-23, Sundays at Neel/Elton John Tribute, Bradenton.

• March 28, Realize Bradenton’s BAM!Fest, Bradenton.

• March 29, Sundays at Neel/John Denver Tribute, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY

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.

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 20, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria.

• March 15, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, AMI.

• March 20, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria.

• April 24, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria.

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

• May 2, Center Crawfish Boil, Anna Maria. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Wednesday, Jan. 28

5 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Dinner, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: 513-368-6454. Saturday, Jan. 31

8-11 a.m. — Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Thursdays through March, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community

The Florida Maritime Museum’s new traveling exhibition, “Vacationing in Cortez: greetings from old Florida,” is on display at the Bishop Museum of Science and nature in Bradenton through June.

Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 513368-6454‬.

• 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

• Feb. 13, City Block Party, Anna Maria.

• Feb. 21, Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup. Anna Maria.

• Feb. 24, Tingley Memorial Library grand reopening celebration, Bradenton Beach.

• Feb. 25, Annie Silver Community Dinner, Bradenton Beach.

• Feb. 28, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria.

• March 14, Paws in Motion Walk-a-thon, Bradenton.

• March 7-8, Back to Angola, Bradenton.

• March 17, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Workday, Bradenton.

• March 21, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria.

• March 21, Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup. Anna Maria.

• March 25, Annie Silver Community Dinner, Bradenton Beach.

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 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.

• 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.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE

• Wednesdays, 11 a.m. through season, Holy Yoga, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

SAVE THE DATES

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

• Feb. 20-21, Bradenton Regatta, Bradenton.

• Feb. 21, Pirates spring training begins.

• April 2, Bradenton Marauders season begins. 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

• Feb. 8, Super Bowl.

• Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.

• Feb. 16, Presidents Day.

• Feb. 17, Mardi Gras.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Island happenings

AGAMI features watercolorist

Award-winning watercolor artist Anne Abgott will be the featured artist in February at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s gallery.

The artist is known for a vibrant, expressive use of color and luminous compositions that create dynamic light and rich shadows.

A reception for Abgott will be 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the gallery, coinciding with the monthly Night Market.

Attendees also can experience the “Paint Around,” where member artists pass around a painting, each adding to the previous artist’s work. A raffle will be held to select the winner of the completed painting.

The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6694.

FISH, AGAMI open photo contest celebrates Cortez

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island are hosting a photography contest as part of the 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

Photographers are invited to submit images capturing Cortez village and its commercial fishing industry, including sea life, the working waterfront and village scenes. This year’s festival theme is “From Boat to Market.”

Participants may submit up to three photographs electronically for judging by Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 11:59 p.m. to artistsguildannamariaisland@gmail.com. Submissions must include the photographer’s name, category and title.

Printed photographs for display must be delivered to A.P. Bell Fish Co., 4600 124th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 12. Photographs should be matted, titled and in a cellophane sleeve.

Photographs will be displayed on longline cable throughout the interior warehouse at A.P. Bell during the festival, which is Feb. 14-15.

For more, email artistsguildannamariaisland@ gmail.com or call Karen Bell at 941-704-7643.

Gathering By Lisa Neff

Super Bowl bake sale set

The Women’s Guild at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold the annual Super Bowl Weekend Bake Sale SaturdaySunday, Feb. 7-8.

The sales take place after Mass at the church.

A notice in the church bulletin said, “All parishioners are invited to contribute baked goods and Super Bowl treats.”

The guild also will begin sales for its Basket Bonanza on Feb. 7.

The bulletin notice read, “The contents are AMAZING and not to be missed!”

The church’s phone number is 941-778-4769. LBK chapel to host tailgate party

The Longboat Island Chapel will kick off Super Bowl Sunday with a tailgate party.

The event will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in Shook Hall and feature game-day fare — pulled pork, wings and potato salad.

Attendees are encouraged to bring dollar bills to participate in a Squares Games pool.

The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key,

For more information, call 941-383-6491.

Obituary

Craig Fox Moore

Craig Fox Moore, 67, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria Island, died Dec. 20, 2025.

Born on Aug. 21, 1957, in Bradenton, his journey through life was one marked by dedication, service and an unwavering commitment to the contestation.

Mr. Moore earned a bachelor’s degree that would serve as the foundation for a distinguished career. He became an airline mechanic for the U.S. Air Force, where he not only contributed to the safety and security of countless flights, but also to the lives of those he worked with.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Moore was deeply involved with veteran affairs. His leadership as commander of the VFW in Washington, D.C., showcased his loyalty to his fellow service members and membership in the American Legion of Gainesboro reflected his continuous efforts to better the lives of veterans and their families.

Pancake breakfast at Roser

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will hold a series of pancake breakfasts this winter and spring.

The dates are Saturdays, Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 21, with breakfast served 8-11 a.m.

A $10 breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea.

There is no charge for children age of 5 and under.

The Guild Thrift Shop also will be open.

To present the breakfasts, Roser seeks volunteers: flippers, mixers, sausage servers, syrup servers and more.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper.

His memory will be cherished, his contributions honored, and his life celebrated as a true American hero.

No services are scheduled at this time. Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Moore is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia, of Whitleyville, Tennessee; daughter Cyleigh of Oregon; brother Capt. Scott of Holmes Beach; and sisters, Holly Ann Cory, of Granville, Tennessee, and Sheryl Jean, of Whitleyville, Tennessee.

&

Brian Spellissy flips pancakes at a Roser Church breakfast and he’ll be back at the griddle Saturday, Jan. 31, for the church’s first pancake breakfast of 2026. Islander Courtesy Photo

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Anna Maria Island Garden Club seeks sponsors for its Anna Maria Island Historical Society Park rejuvenation and Holmes Beach beach access beautification projects. Info: 941-224-1761.

• 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 to catalogue materials and serve as docents. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.

• Friends of the Island Library collects jewelry for its spring jewelry sale to benefit the library. Info: 941-778-4255.

• 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.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

• All Island Denominations offers financial help. Info: 941-778-0414.

— Lisa neff

Email listings to lisa@islander.org.

The Wailers Band returns to Center

Atlanta Rhythm Section to rock center in February

The Atlanta Rhythm Section will bring its classic hits to the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, Saturday, Feb. 14.

Tickets can be purchased at centerami.org/concerts/.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section has been a fixture in Southern rock for decades, known for chart-toppers and high-energy performances.

Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, SoundWave Productions and the Center of AMI are presenting the concert.

For more information, visit centerami.org/concerts/ or call the center at 941-778-1908.

Bingo, supper at Annie Silver

The Annie Silver Community Center is inviting the public to weekly bingo nights and a barbecue dinner designed to bring neighbors together.

Bingo Nights take place Thursdays at 6 p.m. The center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, describes the weekly event as a fun, relaxed opportunity to meet new friends.

Also, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, the center will host a barbecue ribs and chicken dinner night. The casual community gathering promises attendees another chance to socialize and connect with neighbors.

For more information, including costs, contact call 513-368-6454.

Coffee, conversation, conservation on calendar

The Cortez Village Historical Society will host a special morning event combining local history education with environmental conservation on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The “Coffee, Culture & Conservation” program 10 a.m.-noon will bring together the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Cortez Village Historical Society, the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage and Florida Sea Grant for an exploration of Cortez’s maritime traditions.

Attendees will hear about community-led preservation efforts over coffee before taking a guided tour of the recently restored FISH Preserve.

The event will begin at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W.

For more information, contact the CVHS at 941840-0590 or cvhs2016@aol.com.

The Wailers Band brings the sounds of reggae Jan. 24 to a large crowd on the sports field at the Center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. The concert was part of the 2026 Bradenton gulf Islands Concert Series.

a table of mothers and their children play bingo Jan. 16 at the Center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. The center will host three more bingo nights 6-8 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 20, March 20 and april 24. Islander Photos: Courtesy Center of anna Maria Island

Free horticultural classes at Palma Sola park

The University of Florida/IFAS Manatee County Master Gardener Program is hosting a series of free horticultural classes at Palma Sola Botanical Park, covering topics from Florida-friendly landscaping to wildlife gardening.

The monthly sessions, running through October, will feature Florida-Friendly landscaping program coordinator Susan Griffith and master gardener volunteers.

Classes begin at 11 a.m. and cover subjects including native plants for landscaping, creating bird-friendly yards, gardening for pollinators, planting and main-

taining landscape plants, identifying poisonous and heat-tolerant plants, salt-tolerant coastal landscaping, and backyard wildlife habitat creation.

Upcoming dates include Feb. 19, March 26, April 23 and May 28.

The Palma Sola Botanical Park is at 5800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton.

For more information, call 941-761-2866 or visit www.palmasolasbp.org.

Cops & Courts

Bradenton man arrested in Holmes Beach for alleged DUI

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper arrested Alec Davis, 31, of Bradenton, Jan. 18 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

He also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for refusing to submit to DUI testing.

A Holmes Beach police officer stopped Davis in the 5200 block of Gulf Drive for allegedly driving without lights at 12:12 a.m. and determined Davis showed signs of intoxication.

Davis told the officer that he was coming from a local bar and admitted to drinking alcohol before driving, according to a police report.

A DUI traffic officer with Florida Highway Patrol was called to investigate and had Davis perform field

sobriety exercises, which he failed.

Davis was arrested for DUI and cited for driving with no lights during nighttime and lacking proof of insurance.

Davis was taken to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Jan. 19 after posting $650 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

As of Jan. 22, a court appearance was not scheduled.

— Ryan Paice

Bradenton woman arrested by HBPD for alleged DUI

Holmes Beach police arrested Patricia Johnson, 74, of Bradenton, Jan. 18 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence.

Johnson also was also charged with first-degree misdemeanor charges for obstruction without violence and refusing to submit to DUI testing.

At about 8:32 p.m. Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, an officer conducted a welfare check on Johnson, who was parked in an “unusual manner” and obstructing traffic in the parking lot, according to a police report.

The vehicle’s engine was running and the officer reported Johnson was in the driver’s seat “fixated straight ahead and seemingly unaware of her surroundings.”

The officer began to suspect Johnson was intoxicated. However, soon after beginning sobriety exercises, Johnson refused to cooperate.

The officer arrested Johnson, who resisted arrest by pulling away and grabbing the officer’s hands.

When he escorted Johnson to his patrol vehicle, she refused to enter voluntarily, so he physically assisted her inside the vehicle with the help of a backup officer.

Johnson also refused to provide a breath sample for testing.

Johnson was taken to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Jan. 19 after posting $1,150 bond.

A search of her vehicle and purse uncovered three gummies that tested positive for cannabis.

If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be Feb. 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— Ryan Paice

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria No new reports.

Bradenton Beach No new reports.

Cortez No new reports.

Holmes Beach

Jan. 19, 600 block of Crestwood Lane, theft. A man told Holmes Beach police that kayak was stolen from his dock. He said a chain was cut and the kayak taken.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO. — Robert anderson and Ryan Paice

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project is underway, with plans for 24/7 drilling operations for a submerged pipe in the Intracoastal Waterway and temporary lane closures at the bridge. Info: www. amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660, info@amiprojects.io.

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, with sidewalk closures. Pipe installation work is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-3064660, info@amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive/55th Street/56th Street : Holmes Beach’s Gulf Drive Sea Level Rise Mitigation Project continues into April, with periodic lane closures in the area of 55th Street and 56th Street, from Gulf Drive to Marina Drive. Info: 941-708-5768, mgorman@holmesbeachfl.org.

75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West : Manatee County is working on its 75th Street West Improvements Project from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West. Motorists can expect delays. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.

— Lisa neff

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are cozying up to a shopping trip to their favorite shops, boutiques and vintage markets, and never mind the weather!

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at our other locations:

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ 1175 N Washington Blvd

Scavengers Palmetto 2100 US Hwy 301

Check out Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace where vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage vinyl records.

You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor.

Next to Cat’s Meow, there’s Blue Flamingo, another “must stop.” They are always festive but now the collection includes the Gathering Place and the Sea Hagg, formerly in Cortez. They have three large buildings filled with assorted quirky, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures and nauticals, hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans, as well as Dixie Belle paints.

Your place for fun, funky quirky!

Local Artisans. Upcycled, Vintage Furniture, Decor, Artwork

Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More!

Featuring “The Sea Hagg” collection. theblueflamingo.biz

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

Don’t miss the once-a-month outdoor Vintage Flea market at Blue Flamingo — with the next event Feb. 8.

Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.

FYI: Scavengers carries Fusion Paints. The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

WMFR presents awards, receives state honors

West Manatee Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, left, presents the district’s Phoenix awards Jan. 20 to 21 recipients for providing life-saving emergency treatment to people who were found without a pulse. Johnson said district staff helped save the lives of seven people over the past year.

aBoVE: award plaques from the Florida Fire Chief’s association naming WMFR fire marshal as the FFCa’s 2025 Fire Marshal of the Year, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson as its 2025 Executive Fire officer of the Year and fire inspector Josh adkins as its 2025 Fire Inspector of the Year. The awards were presented Jan. 7 at the Florida Fire & EMS Conference.

LEFT: Firefighter/paramedic gabriel gonzalez, firefighter gavin Johnston and Lt. Cameron Frazier go down the line Jan. 20, shaking hands with fire commissioners on receiving the district’s unit Citation award. Islander Photos: Courtesy WMFR

Anna Maria magistrate postpones ruling on grand tree removals

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The clearcutting of an Anna Maria lot of trees may result in more than $90,000 in fines and fees.

Special magistrate Gerald Buhr postponed a ruling Jan. 20 on a city code violation for the alleged removal of six grand trees at 610 N. Bay Blvd.

The municipality prohibits the removal of grand trees without city commission approval. City code defines grand trees as those with 8-inch diameters at 4.5 feet above ground level, excluding Ficus and Australian pine trees.

There is a workaround under state law, which preempts local government from requiring “notice, application, approval permit, fee or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.”

State law establishes that a tree only poses an “unacceptable risk if removal is the only means of practically mitigating its risk below moderate.”

Code enforcement manager David DeZutter and city planner Ashley Austin presented the city’s case against property owner 610N Bay LLC and a pair of contractors, Palmetto-based G&S Construction Services Inc. and Bradenton-based West Coast Resources LLC. The claim is that six grand trees were removed from the property during demolition, including a sea hibiscus tree, a gumbo limbo, a Hong Kong orchid, a mahoe and two plumeria trees.

Austin said city staff repeatedly asked for clarification about whether the work would involve removing grand trees during the permit review process. She said the respondents eventually sent a letter stating that no grand trees would be removed.

However, when work began Nov. 26, 2025, the city received calls about trees being removed from the lot. DeZutter responded to the property and found G&S removing the sea hibiscus and gumbo limbo trees. The other four trees had already been removed by West Coast Resources.

The contractor on site had no documentation to allow the removal, so DeZutter halted work and determined a violation had occurred.

Austin said the city did not receive an arborist letter to remove trees at the property until Jan. 14, but

it was not properly signed and dated and did not meet state requirements. She said the letter failed to provide the trees’ locations, species or measurements, and did not provide for health conditions and structural assessments.

Buhr asked if there were any measurements for the removed trees to prove they qualified as grand trees.

Austin said the city relies on applicants to provide measurements and, having failed to do so, that information was not available.

DeZutter asked Buhr to fi ne all three violators $5,000 for each of the six removed trees and a $100 administrative fee, totaling $30,100 per violator and $90,300 overall.

Representatives for all three respondents attended the meeting, including G&S co-owner Kelly Parks and West Coast Resources owner Diego Rivas.

Rivas said none of the trees he removed qualified as grand trees since they did not have 8-inch diameters at 4.5 feet above ground level, but he did not provide measurements to prove his claim.

Parks said Sarasota-based Sam’s Tree Service had provided an assessment that the sea hibiscus was an unacceptable risk before its removal, so no permit should have been required to remove the tree. He added that the tree also was deemed a risk to power lines by Florida Power & Light, which trimmed the tree so G&S could remove it.

Parks called the ordeal a “witch hunt” and said the city was operating off hearsay instead of facts. “I think it’s wrong and I think it’s utterly disappointing to see this,” he said.

Buhr said the arborist letter provided to the city only provided assessments for two trees, the sea

hibiscus and a coconut palm. He said he wanted to speak with the arborist, saying the letter was “a little sketchy.”

Buhr ordered to continue the case to a future hearing.

BB building official resigns Bradenton Beach building official Bill Palmer submitted a Jan. 21 letter of resignation. He cited personal and health reasons for his departure from the city. Palmer was sworn as building official Feb. 26, 2025. City commissioners were scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at city hall, 107 gulf Drive n., to discuss options for filling the role. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

KRC crowns women’s champ; center fields soccer, football

By Kevin P. Cassidy

Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s first 35-andolder adult soccer league is underway. The five-team league plays Wednesday nights.

We checked in on the league, now two weeks into the season, and found Bubble Binz and Hogan’s Pool Service & Repair tied for the top spot with 1-0-1 records.

Second place MG Construction, Emily Moss Designs and Language Services Associates complete the standings.

Action Jan. 21 kicked off with MG Construction edging Emily Moss Designs 3-2 behind a pair of goals from Connor Bystrom and Joseph Ciasullo. Goalie Mark Long helped preserve the win with two saves.

Chris Culhane and Daniel Anderson each scored for Moss Designs, which also received three saves from Brian Leifried in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Bubble Binz and Hogan battle to a 5-5 tie.

Bubble Binz was led by captain Nate Welch, who finished with two goals and an assist, while Nicola Angelicol, Jennifer Autry and John Shanks each added goals. James Lynch and Samuel Romero chipped in with assists, while Brett Lance notched seven saves.

Hogan saw three goals from Will Kretzman, single goals from Wille Klapheke and Jonathan Stern and 10 saves from Tyler Bekkerus.

Flag football news

The all-girls 8-11 division flag football league at the community center completed its second week of action.

Print Wizards and Sato Real Estate are tied for first place early in the season, just ahead of Emily Moss Designs and Poppo’s Taqueria.

Action Jan. 19 got started with Print Wizards and

Sato battling to a 24-24 tie.

Heidi Bannick threw for three touchdown passes, including two to Willow Moss to lead the Wizards. Jordyn Autry added a touchdown catch and a 2-point conversion in the tie.

Bayla Lance and Juliette Sato paced Sato with a receiving and rushing touchdown while Vivian Geller threw for a touchdown.

Quarterback Elle Blackburn threw four touchdown passes to Ruthie Ball to lead Moss Designs to a 24-6 victory over Poppo’s in the second game of the night.

Ariyah Carlton paced Poppo’s with nine receptions in the loss, including one for a touchdown on a pass from Gia Ciasullo.

After two weeks of action in the 14-17 coed division of the youth flag football league, Swordfish Grill is on top, while a quartet of teams tied for second, including Mi-Box, Solid Rock Construction and Wings ‘N Things, while Moss Builders has a game in hand. Better On Bikes and HSH Designs complete the 14-17 standings.

The 11-13 division early standings are tight at the top and bottom of the table. 82 West Home Inspections,

Rene Chapman poses Jan. 21 on winning the Key Royale Club

Women’s President’s Cup tournament. Islander

Florida Impact Windows and Slim’s Place are tied, just in front of USA Fence. The other side of the coin has Cloud Pest Control, G.I. Bins, Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness and Sato at the bottom.

The 8-10 division standings are spread out with Adrian Griffin Interiors and Shady Lady Horticultural Services on top, just in front of 1-1 Gulfster.com and USA Fence. Grooms Motor & Automotive and Sato next while Solid Rock Construction holds down the cellar.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits Jan. 21 was short and sweet. Bob Hawks and Dom Livedoti posted the only 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

Action Jan. 24 saw three teams advance to the knockout stage. Adin Shank and Bob Baker drew the bye and watched as Neil Hennessey and Livedoti advanced to the finals with a 21-13 victory over Bob Palmer and Billy Silver.

The championship match was a close, back-andforth affair that saw Hennessey and Livedoti hold on for a 21-19 victory. The win was the fourth consecutive for Livedoti.

In addition to the regular action in Anna Maria Jan. 24, four AMI pitchers traveled to Clearwater to participate in the state doubles team tournament. Bob Hawks, Gersey Fernandes, Bob Lee and John Poccynek took second place in the tournament.

Play gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started Jan. 19 with the men’s weekly Stableford-skins match. Blake Ress captured first place in the quota-points game, finishing at plus-2, a point

By Lisa Neff

Shade plus solar?

Sometimes, a dog barks up a different kind of tree.

The city of Holmes Beach is at work on plans to improve the dog park in city field just north of city hall.

The park features fencing to create zones for canines large and small, seating, some shelter and water for thirsty pups.

Some people would like more amenities, especially shaded seating and shade trees. Their requests seem fair and the city’s take-action response makes sense. Of all the elements at city field, the dog park is likely the most used on a daily basis.

I play basketball on the nearby court and have yet to see the dog park empty — canines and their companions are a constant presence. The park is an attraction. My neighbors in west Bradenton take their pups out regularly and I’ve read pet-friendly vacation rental listings for AMI that praise the park over the beaches.

The fixes under consideration could be implemented quickly and at modest cost, and that pragmatism may be exactly what’s needed in the near term.

Still, there’s an opening to consider more imaginative, forward-looking improvements in this central

SPORTS COnTInUED FROM 16

ahead of second-place finishers Dave DuVernay, Buddy Foy and Marty Hicks.

Hicks also won a skin on the fourth hole, while Brian Comer won skins on the sixth and seventh holes.

The Women’s President Cup Tournament was played Jan. 21 in a modified-Stableford format.

Rene Chapman earned clubhouse bragging rights on 18 points, edging second-place finisher Lori Waggoner by a point. Julia Fay and Jana Samuels finished in a tie for third place with 15 points each.

Members played a scramble/shamble combination Jan. 22 on a course modified to a par of 52.

The team of Mike Cusato, Julia Fay, Tim Friessen and John Kolojeski combined on a 3-under-par 49 to earn the day’s bragging rights. The team of Jim Bailey, Rich Salzburg and Greg Shorten matched the 2-underpar 50 carded by Brian Comer, Mike Clements and Tom Nelson to finish in a tie for second place.

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park by city leaders who time and again have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability.

The very morning I took up the editing of Ryan Paice’s latest story on the improvement plans on the dog park, I joined a Zoom call with a national organization promoting climate solutions.

One of the call leaders shared a news report about improvements in Milwaukee’s Wick Playfield to provide shade, shelter, seats and lights not with traditional fixtures and construction but with e-trees.

The E-Cacia tree, made by Solar Forma Design of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, serves as a shade shelter but also holds up photovoltaic panels. The sculptural e-trees generate clean, renewable electricity — enough to power lights and charge electric vehicles while doubling as public shade. They stand about 17 to 22 feet tall and have a span of about 22 feet.

The name pays homage to the acacia tree, which captures maximum sunlight while shading the base.

In the Milwaukee park, three E-Cacias shade visitors, illuminate the area, light the open space and power a scoreboard.

The e-trees, or solar trees, also were “planted” in other Wisconsin communities.

The projects were incentivized by federal tax credits under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act that have since ended under the Trump administration.

State turtle nesting tallies complete

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in January released the final totals statewide for 2025 sea turtle nesting from 225 monitored beaches covering 822 miles of coastline.

Loggerheads remained the dominant nester with 100,951 nests, a bit below recent years.

Green turtles had a standout year with 66,476 nests, making 2025 the second-highest season on record. The record was 77,042 in 2023.

Leatherbacks set a statewide record with 2,012 nests, breaking the previous high of 1,848 in 2022.

Kemp’s ridleys remain rare. There were 12 confirmed nests, plus another 21 pending genetic confirmation.

There were no recorded hawksbill nests.

The 2026 nesting season officially begins on Anna Maria Island on May 1. However, the area has recorded nests earlier and elsewhere in the state sea turtle nests have been recorded months earlier. The earliest documented nest in the state was a leatherback’s, found Feb. 6, 2020, on Hutchinson Island.

— Lisa neff

I don’t know what additional funding aid exists for solar trees. Plus, I think Holmes Beach’s dog park users will want shade trees and wooden shelters before the city could land a grant, bid the project and buy e-trees.

Even so, the idea is worth sharing: integrating renewable energy into public green spaces is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach that fits this green little city.

Escrap collection set

Manatee County will collect hazardous waste and electronics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.

The collection will be at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, where signs will direct motorists to drop-off locations.

People can dispose of solvents, latex and oil-based paints, garden pesticides, waste oil, propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, such mercury-containing devices as thermostats and thermometers, as well as pool chemicals.

Old gasoline in gasoline containers and some household, auto and marine batteries also will be collected.

Electronics to be collected include TVs, computer components, copiers, video and audio equipment and also small household items.

For more information, call Manatee County Solid Waste at 941-798-6761 or go online to www.mymanatee.org/escrap.

— Lisa neff

Find your voice, take action to protect local fishery, area waters

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers and just about every other Manatee County resident who enjoys boating and fishing are dealing with another threat to the ecosystem and our way of life, and it comes in the name of Slip Knott LLC and SSA Marine.

The 724-acre parcel of Rattlesnake Key and the spoil islands to the north have been sold and there is a proposal to create a cruise ship terminal for cruise ships too large to fit under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge adjacent to the fishing grounds.

The port, currently a concept, would threaten the health of our local watersheds, including Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Bay and Sarasota Bay, as well as increase the pressure on our county’s infrastructure.

The public is speaking out in protest with one petition at change.org/SaveRattleSnakeKey. About 10,000 signatures have been collected, which means we have a lot of work to do.

We have a voice about these matters, and now is time to raise it.

Let your thoughts be heard among our county

commissioners and sign that petition. Get involved.

Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper will be organizing, attending public hearings and monitoring the process. Visit suncoastwaterkeeper. org/stop_skyway_cruise_port to stay informed.

We can make a difference.

As far as fishing goes, many of my fellow anglers are seeing a wintertime pattern while working inshore. Using live shrimp as bait is the best option, yielding species like sheepshead, black drum and redfish. Rocks and docks are good locales to try your luck. Also, inshore reefs in Tampa Bay and in the Gulf are excellent spots to drop a shrimp because sheepshead, snappers and grunts tend to frequent these areas.

Moving to deeper waters of 45-55 feet, is producing good action on more varieties, including hogfish, snappers, porgies, flounder and grunts. This bite is consistent depending on your numbers and can provide an ample amount of fish if you plan on a fish fry.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding redfish around canals and docks by casting live shrimp as bait. Mixed in are sheepshead, flounder and black drum, as well as mangrove snapper.

On calm days I’m venturing into the Gulf to fish ledges and reefs, which are yielding snappers, grunts,

porgies and hogfish.

Capt. David White says sheepshead are the main catch, with good numbers being caught in a variety of places, from the reefs in the Gulf to structure inside Tampa Bay.

It’s worth a stop and a cast at the many bridge and pier pilings.

Live shrimp on a bottom rig will lure these zebrastriped fish to the hook, resulting in some great action and great tablefare.

While working inshore, White is finding action for his clients on redfish and black drum. This bite is occurring along the beaches and in some canals.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is putting his clients on quite a few species of fish while anchoring over reefs and ledges in the Gulf. Mangrove snapper, grunts and porgies are frequent catches, with some hogfish mixed in, which is a great assortment for a fish fry.

Flounder and sheepshead are present in these areas, especially along the edges of the reefs. Using live shrimp as bait is yielding the best action, according to Mattay, especially for the sheepshead.

Share your catch with us and send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Palma Sola academy producing elite tennis players

By Mark Scoop Malinowski Special to the Islander

A small tennis academy is thriving in west Bradenton.

Inspiration Academy, 7900 40th Ave. W., Bradenton, attracts young players who hope to maximize their talent.

Training at the academy for three years is Teodor Davidov, 15, of Bulgaria. He recently made the semifinals in an International Tennis Federation tournament, which earned him ATP World Tour points. He’s ranked 2,053 in the world in doubles.

Davidov also won a money tournament at the academy in December 2025, beating recently retired ATP veteran, Peter Polansky, who was once ranked 110 in the world and competed in the four Grand Slam tournaments. Davidov won in two sets to win $2,000.

Other standouts now and recently at the academy are from Chicago, South Africa, China, New Zealand and Australia. There also are local and college players, who visit for a week or a month.

Currently, 15 juniors train at the academy, which is operated by Abrie Du Plooy, who previously ran a tennis academy in New Orleans. A world-class player, Du Plooy was ranked 765 in the world in 1988 on the

ATP World Tour.

“We try to be, not a big academy, but a boutique, focusing on each player,” Du Plooy said from the courts, as eight kids trained on a late afternoon.

“We have 10 courts, three to five kids per court, 32 kids max, 25 is optimal,” he added. “A lot of good players came through here — Sofia Rojas, now at University of Georgia, Brooklyn Olson was top five in the country, and Kaylan Bigun, who won the 2024 French Open juniors singles title and was the ITF No.1 ranked junior.”

Former U.S. Open player notches win at Palma Sola

Some tennis fans were focused on Palma Sola and Inspiration Academy in the past few weeks.

While most of the tennis world was in Australia to play the season’s first Grand Slam major tournament with millions of dollars at stake, Bianca Andreescu, former 2019 U.S. Open champion, played in the lowlevel W35 ITF tournament at Inspiration Tennis Academy in Bradenton for a total purse of $30,000 — or $3,000 for the winner.

Andreescu came with her father Nicu and new coach, Dusan Vemic, former ATP player and ex-coach of Novak Djokovic.

Andreescu won all five of her matches and the final

62, 75 vs American Vivian Wolff. The match had to be moved to an IMG Academy indoor court due to rain.

“So happy to be here. This win means a lot. I haven’t won a title in so long,” said Andreescu, the top seed in the tournament. “This one is very special. I’m so glad I came. Everybody has been great.”

The Mississauga, Ontario, native, who owns a 2-0 pro record vs Serena Williams, is ranked 225 in the world and is trying to make a return to the elite level of pro tennis after five years of injury struggles and tough luck.

The final point of the championship match at BraPLeaSe, See Open player, neXt PaGe abrie Du Plooy looks over some of the players in practice at Inspiration academy in Bradenton, where he is academy director. Islander

Bradenton Beach committee tackles signage gaps, grant setbacks

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

The Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES committee Jan. 21 addressed gaps in bicycle route signage and reviewed grant efforts put on hold in 2025 as hurricane repair work took precedence.

Committee chair Ingrid McClellan said several signs along the scenic highway bicycle route are missing, including signs near Fifth Street South and Church Avenue that provided turn directions. Without the signs, cyclists might ride toward heavy traffic, a situation the route is intended to help them avoid. The route aims to assist cyclists traveling the Gulf Drive scenic highway by directing northbound riders east onto Fifth Street South, then north along Bay Drive

South around the Cortez Bridge before continuing along Gulf Drive.

“The whole point of the route is to guide cyclists around Bridge Street and Cortez Road, because those are dangerous places to ride,” McClellan said.

The committee discussed coordinating with public works to install replacement signage.

Grant funding

The committee also reviewed the denial of a grant for wildlife and water-quality educational signage from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

“They said the justification for the project being outside the watershed was not provided and the educational programming wasn’t described in enough

2025 water quality report flags ongoing concerns

Even without major hurricanes or extreme rainfall, water quality concerns persisted in 2025 at bayside swimming and paddling spots, according to a new report from Suncoast Waterkeeper.

The nonprofit recently released its 2025 Suncoast Safe to Swim summary review, a yearlong analysis of bacteria levels at 12 sites across Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The region includes waterways that feed into Palma Sola Bay and other spots frequented by Anna

denton’s IMG featured a thrilling, extended rally and then a great volley winner by Andreescu.

The tournament director, Abrie Du Plooy, is no stranger to staging pro tennis, as this was his 16th professional tournament.

Despite inclement weather, Du Plooy was happy with the week of hard-fought competition, which attracted two TV networks to report on the tourney and “not one complaint from any player.”

The tournament ran Jan. 12-18 and was sponsored by Solid Rock Construction and presented by Reel Coastal Properties.

Andreescu has won the U.S. Open, Indian Wells and Toronto titles, all in 2019, and almost $10 million in prize earnings. At the U.S. Open and Toronto, she defeated Serena Williams in both finals.

Her best career world ranking was No. 4.

— Mark Scoop Malinowski

Maria Island boaters, paddlers and shoreline swimmers.

The review draws on weekly sampling for enterococci, a bacteria used by the Florida Department of Health as an indicator of swimming-related illness risk.

One of the report’s key findings is that at some locations, bacteria levels are trending toward exceeding state criteria, raising concerns about the long-term safety of recreational use in local bays.

“Our goal is to empower people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions before entering our bays and waterways,” said Suncoast Waterkeeper executive director Abbey Tyrna. “By tracking trends over time, we hope this information helps keep water recreators healthy today while also driving the long-term solutions needed to protect the Suncoast’s waters for the future.”

New this year, Suncoast Waterkeeper added siteby-site grades — A-F, based on the percentage of swimmable weeks and potential sources of bacterial pollution.

Local areas and their grades include:

• Palma Sola Causeway North, Bradenton, F.

• Herb Dolan Park, Bradenton Beach, F+.

• Longboat Key Boat Ramp, Longboat Key, F+.

The organization also is preparing to expand microbial source-tracking in 2026 to pinpoint where contamination originates.

— Lisa neff

detail,” McClellan said.

She said the educational component will be revised before reapplying or seeking other funding.

The committee also discussed a Florida Forest Service grant application for tree planting in medians near the Bridge Street roundabout.

“The concern was that the proposal relied too heavily on palms and they wanted to see shade trees included,” McClellan said.

The committee members agreed to review the site and consider other locations.

The committee’s next meeting will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. About ScenicWAVES

The committee is a citizen advisory group dealing with Bradenton Beach’s Scenic Highway — Gulf Drive/SR 789. The focus is advising the city commission on landscaping, beautification and public education. For more, go to www.cityofbradentonbeach. com.

gives trees for free Holmes Beach code compliance employees Sandy olson, left, and allyson Kalicharan, right, pose Jan. 16 with the Coopers of Key Royale and a pair of silver buttonwood trees given away by the city to celebrate florida arbor Day. the Coopers were the first to attend the tree giveaway, Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach

Allegiant to acquire Sun Country Airlines

Allegiant Air Jan. 12 announced a deal to acquire Sun Country Airlines to combine two budget carrier services with a total of more than 750 routes.

Allegiant CEO Greg Anderson, in a statement to Allegiant rewards members Jan. 13, said the development would result in “more frequent flights to popular vacation spots and leisure destinations from origin cities that have been underserved.”

Also, with access to Sun Country’s international network across Mexico, Central America, Canada and the Caribbean, the combined airline will offer Allegiant customers access to expanded service from its small and mid-sized cities to 18 international destinations.

Allegiant and Sun Country both operate out of SRQ.

— Lisa neff

• Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m., Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s awards dinner, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto.

• Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber luncheon, Daiquiri Deck, Bradenton Beach.

• Feb. 20, 5 p.m., Island Cabinets and Design grand opening, Holmes Beach.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org

— Lisa neff

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

For professional real estate needs, call a TRUE ISLAND NATIVE, born and raised on AMI, selling the “Island Dream” for over 25 years, right here with her family.

All aboard the trolley campaign

the anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit representatives gather Jan. 22 at the Chateau anna Maria, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, for the chamber’s annual trolley Grant awards. the Chateau served refreshments and light bites and the chamber distributed checks to nonprofits that totaled $17,472. the money comes from the chamber’s surplus from trolley advertising revenue. to help keep the trolley fare-free, the chamber years ago committed to selling advertising space. each year, after collecting funds for Manatee County and chamber management, the chamber awards the surplus to nonprofits in the island and Cortez communities. Islander Photo: Lisa e Photography

Out & about

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.

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

Whether it’s a sunset dinner, a beach stroll or a smiling souvenir stop, share your memories and be part of the island story.

Thank you for sharing your island moments.

941.778.6696 | 941.685.3393 Mike Norman Realty

ISLAND SPECIAL:

Any current proposal, dated within 30 days of Jan. 1, 2026, will be reduced by $500 with presentation of this coupon. This includes all new proposals for replacement of your AC and heating equipment. Call us for more details.

Anna Maria P&Z recommends expanding office plan, off-site parking

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

An old Anna Maria cottage is one vote away from a transition to office space.

Planning and zoning board members unanimously voted Jan. 21 to recommend the city commission approve a site plan and special exception to use a relocated cottage as an office addition for Sato Real Estate, 519 Pine Ave.

The P&Z is an advisory board to the commission that reviews proposed ordinances, variances, special exception requests and more for compliance with municipal code.

Last October, a 1920s-era cottage was relocated from 106 Willow Ave. — where the property owner was building a new home — to the north side of 519 Pine Ave. so it could be repurposed instead of demolished.

The Sato property is in the city’s ROR — residential/office/retail — zoning district, which allows for commercial activity.

Sato has run its offi ce there out of the historic Roser Cottage, which was built in 1912, for about 20 years.

Now, the business is requesting site plan approval from the city to use the 836-square-foot Willow cottage as office space and a special exception for off-site parking in the adjacent Roser Memorial Community Church south parking lot.

As part of the request, Sato would install a 6-foottall landscape buffer and fence along the north property line, which runs adjacent to residential property.

City planner Ashley Austin said that the proposed expansion increases the required number of parking spaces to six.

Sato’s request more than covers that requirement by maintaining one accessible space on the property and six off-site spaces in the Roser lot.

The business has leased a portion of Roser’s lot since 2010. So, while the off-site parking agreement

using hydraulic lifts, workers from aJS Building Moving & Leveling position a cottage onto its new site behind Sato Real estate, 519 Pine ave., anna Maria, in october 2025. Islander file Photo: Robert anderson

does not need to be changed, the city must approve a new special exception to account for the increased number of required spaces.

City staff recommended approval of the proposed site plan and special exception since the request complies with both the city’s land development code and comprehensive plan, according to Austin.

P&Z chair Jeff Rodencal asked if the cottage proposal included plans for drainage improvements.

Austin said drainage improvements would not be required since it would be an addition of less than 1,000 square feet.

P&Z member Don Buswell-Charkow asked why the cottage would not need to be elevated.

Austin said commercial buildings had different elevation requirements than residential buildings. She added that the cottage would meet the city’s elevation requirements under the proposed site plan.

Buswell-Charkow moved to recommend approval of the proposed site plan and special exception. P&Z

member Christine Aaron seconded the motion, which passed.

Following the vote, Rodencal expressed gratitude that the Willow cottage would be saved from demolition.

“Thank you very much for saving a wonderful building on the island,” he said.

The P&Z board will meet next at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

an illustration of Sato Real estate’s plan to use Willow cottage as office space. Islander Photo: Courtesy anna Maria

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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).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. All you can eat at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria.

F RIDAY BRDIGE GAMES AT Roser Church. Weekly starting 12:30 p.m., Feb 6. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

L oo KI n G fo R f R an K from Island Print? He’s available by call or text 941-704-8108. email frankhtc.fw@gmail.com

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, 941896-2915.

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.

WeLCoMe aBoaRD JoYfISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on facebook. Call to reserve, 941-840-3181.

FOR SALE: FOUR place galvanized kayak trailer, three used kayaks with paddles and life jackets. $500. 231-282-0027.

KAYAKS FOR SALE: Two matched blue Lifetime 8-foot kayaks in excellent condition with paddles and rack. $420 for both. Holmes Beach. 941-778-5432.

L oo KI n G fo R B oat rentals in Bradenton or anna Maria Island? Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports provides well-maintained boats with direct access to the Manatee River, anna Maria Island and e gmont Key. Reserve online at https://manateeriverwatersports.com/ or call/ text 941-932-3700.

HELP WANTED

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

HEALTH CARE

RETIRED SEASONAL RN with over 20 years’ experience. Can help with your family members or your skilled needs. Please contact me for further inquiries, 973-819-2824.

SERVICES

IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.

PC oR teCH issues? not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-5871309. www.gse.codes

SaRaSota PaIntInG: InteRIoR/exterior/cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. free estimates. fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

SERVICES Continued

RIDeeaSY 247 YouR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-4477737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail.com We are available 24/7.

LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.

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

IS YouR PooL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call u Plus Me LLC at 727-623-5050 or visit u-plus-me.com

Got DIRtY WInDoWS? free estimates/insured. five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

LooKInG foR SoMeone who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234.

aCHauffeR4u foR tRanSPoRtatIon anywhere in florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941-812-5930.

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

HoMe WatCHeR: WHen you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a State Certified Residential appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

a MI a IRP o R t SH utt L e Guy: We pick up from tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota airports. u p to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, Licensed and friendly transportation to and from a nna Maria Island. a MIShuttle.com. 941-500-3388.

CLEANING SERVICES: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. Contact Jessica, 941-900-8051.

NEED HELP MAKING your home, rental property or retail shop beautiful? 15-plus years of experience in residential and retail design. Free consultations. Call 330-806-5919.

RIDES 4 YOU: Airports, shopping, short trips, events 24/7. Call or text, 941-398-8404, Don.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkle. 941-920-3840.

e. u

SERVICES

Continued

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” 941-7200770.

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.

LooKInG foR anY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-2462410. We would love to help.

TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.

DonaLD PeRKInS PaIntInG LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941-705-7096.

GoRILLa DRYWaLL RePaIR LLC. Let’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, 864884-3380.

tetI tILe: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on aMI and surrounds. tile, marble, murals. free estimates. Call John teti, 302-983-5774.

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.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike’s cell: 1-616-2048822.

RETIRED LIFETIME PAINTER: Works alone. $27/ hour. 502-817-6786.

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.

WINTER WEEKS AVAILABLE: 6505 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Call Lisa, 267-566-8577. www. gulfbeachbungalows.com

FEBRUARY-APRIL CONDO rental near AMI beaches. Delightful 3BR/2BA condo, photos available. Close to pool, hot tub, tennis/pickleball, shopping and restaurants. Walk to beach with Palma Sola views. Covered carport, guest parking. One small dog under 30 lbs. considered. $3,300/ month, utilities included, three-month minimum. 617-803-4659. zoe.perrywood@gmail.com

CENTRAL HOLMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. Annual, $2,595/month. 941-713-6743.

WANTING TO RENT a parking space. Do you have an extra parking space? In a driveway, condo or open parking lot? Looking for some additional income? We are looking to rent a parking space for several months, a year. We live in Bradenton and want to come to the island frequently. Not looking for overnight, would be a Jeep or Chevy Colorado. Closer to the beach the better. 937231-3524.

DUPLEX: 2409 AVE B. Rental, 2BR/2BA. Washer, dryer. Just steps to beach, park and pickle ball court. Month to three months. Cheryl, 419-6104062.

REAL ESTATE

WInnIe MCHaLe, ReaLtoR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come true.”

2BR/2Ba ConDo In Mt. Vernon for sale. fully furnished, on lake with view of Sarasota Bay. Clubhouse, pool, workout room, and hot tub. Minutes to beaches and shopping. asking $370,000. Call Sharon, 941-7305645.

SNOWBIRD SPECIAL: NICELY furnished 2BR/2BA condo. Community heated pool and spa. Minutes to beach. $249,000. Call agent direct, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

NORTHWEST BRADENTON: SINGLE-family custom home. 2BR/2BA, two-car garage. Community pool, spa, clubhouse and boat docks. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

FULLY FURNISHED AND cute trailer for sale: Sarasota Bay RV Park. 1BR/1BA with lanai. Great condition. $31,000 for building. 920-344-8271.

BEST ISLAND DEAL! 1BR/1BA trailer, takeover remodel. Sandpiper Resort $69,499. Retirement, annual, seasonal income. 831-212-2606.

LaRGe DouBLe Lot in Sunny Shores park, one mile from Gulf beaches. Concrete pads for RVs, boats, no Hoa. Room for any size manufactured home. $169,000. 941-2660439.