#wearthemask
VOLUME 28, NO. 52
The Best News on anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6 anna Maria holds firm on mask mandates. 2 County accept CaReS act funding apps. 3 Holmes Beach grapples with parking plans, increases fines. 4
Meetings. 4 BBPD chief to retire. 4 Holmes Beach sets legislative priorities. 5
Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO
Looking back. 7
Holmes Beach candidates report election finances. 8 announcements, calendar. 10-11 Vendors tout busy farmers market. 12 aMe students check out library’s lending process. 15 Island police reports. 16 Cortez stilt-house must come down. 17
Gathering. 16
OCT. 21, 2020 Free
islander.org
Couple found dead, BBPD unravel murder-suicide By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
A string of domestic incidents may have been the precursor for two deaths in Bradenton Beach. Law enforcement officers began an investigation Oct. 17 at a triplex in the 2500 block of Avenue C in Bradenton Beach, where Sabrina Dumdei, 37, and Zachary Winton, 34, were found dead, according to Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz. Diaz called the case a “probable murdersuicide,� but added Oct. 18 that he was waiting for the medical examiner’s assessment of the bodies. Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale told The Islander that Dumdei’s father called the BBPD around 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 to report he found two bodies when he arrived at the property to contact his daughter. Neighbor Patty Shay told The Islander that she walked by the scene moments after the father reported finding the bodies and heard him say, “My daughter and her boyfriend just killed each other.� Speciale, who lives a block over on Avenue B, was the first to respond to the scene after a neighbor ran to his home and notified him of the father’s discovery. Speciale said Dumdei was a family friend who’d worked for his now-retired wife at a salon she owned. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office crime scene unit arrived around 2:50 p.m.
of the scene. “We don’t know the weapon yet, so we’re waiting to find out where the wounds are and what they’re consistent with.� A broken, blood-spattered chair was visible on the second-floor balcony of the triplex as law enforcement officers began investigating the scene. Blood also could be seen splashed across the sliding glass door and blind behind the chair, as well as smeared on the door to the residence. Diaz said the mess was even worse inside, where they found the bodies. “It was a gruesome scene,� he said. “Probably the worst I’ve seen in my 30 years.� Employees from the District 12 medical examiner’s office removed the bodies from the residence around 9:50 p.m. for examination, which could take up to a month to complete, according to Diaz. BBPD Officer Steve Masy and other law The couple had been involved in three enforcement assist the medical examiner known domestic incidents in the months in removing a body Oct. 17 from the apart- leading up to their deaths. ment where two people were found dead Dumdei was arrested July 19 for misdein the 2500 block of avenue C in Bradenmeanor domestic battery, but the charge was ton Beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice dropped before the case could make it to an arraignment hearing and she was released. to begin its investigation. Winton was arrested for misdemeanor Authorities had not disclosed many domestic battery Aug. 10 and was released details about the incident as of Oct. 18, after posting bond. including what weapons were used or how The bond was later disposed when the and where the bodies were found within the charge was dropped. upstairs rental apartment. Most recently, Winton was arrested Aug. “There’s a lot of blood,� Speciale said TURN TO Murder-suicide, PaGe 3
Hey coach, would you like that served on ice?
Obituaries. 18 GoodDeeds. 18 Get in the game. 20 Stone crabs reach markets. 21 County seeking survey of boat speeds at aMI bridge. 22
NESTING NOTES. 24 Youth soccer cycles into playoffs. 26 Migratory species invade local waters. 27
PropertyWatch. 28
NYT puzzle.
Tampa Bay Lightning CeO Steve Griggs, left, coach Jon Cooper and restaurateur/hockey fan Sean Murphy show off the Stanley Cup Oct. 9 at Murphy’s Doctor’s Office bar in Holmes Beach.
The Stanley Cup final Sept. 28 saw the Lightning defeat the Dallas Stars 2-0 in Toronto. Coach Jon Cooper and CeO Steve Griggs brought the cup “home,� so to speak, as they both reside on anna Maria Island, where Beach Bistro-eat Here-Doctor’s Office owner Sean Murphy holds a close relationship with the team. The Stanley Cup toured with its “keepers� Oct. 9 to myriad island hot spots for photo opps with the trophy. Pictured above at the limo with the cup at the Doctor’s Office are staff, Rob and Rachel, “hangin’ loose� with the coach. Islander Courtesy Photos
42%!4).' 0!4)%.43 "9 2%3%26!4)/. /.,9
/0%. /#4/"%2
/54$//2 3%!4).' #/-).' 3//.
"/ / + ! . ! 0 0 / ) . 4 -%. 4
2%3%26!4)/.3
/ 2 $ %2 / . ,). % %! 4( %2 %& ,/ 2 )$ !! -) #/ -
Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Anna Maria holds firm on mask mandate, outdoors, too By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Anna Maria is holding firm with face covering and social distance requirements in the city to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan prohibits local governments from issuing fines for violating pandemic-related orders, such as municipal mask mandates. However, with around 3,000 Floridians testing positive for the virus every day and 15,735 dead since March, many people continue wearing face masks and social distancing. The virus spreads through close contact and can be airborne. To that end, Mayor Dan Murphy issued two new orders to replace the city’s mask mandate, which previously included a $50 fine for violations. One order grants businesses and special events within city limits the right to require face masks and to enforce the requirement by trespassing violators. Another order requires people to wear face coverings and maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing while at city properties, including city hall, the city hall annex on Pine Avenue and at City Pier Park. Violators “shall be subject to removal from the city location,” according to the order. The launch of the 2020-21 Anna Maria Farmers Market at City Pier Park Oct. 13 was one of the first special events in the park since the pandemic closed events and an early test for the new orders. Deputy clerk Debbie Haynes wrote in an Oct. 14 email to The Islander that there were no issues enforcing the face mask and social distancing requirements for both vendors and marketgoers at the event. A code enforcement officer stationed at the park had to give “only a few reminders to put on masks,” she said. So far, the market vendors are satisfied with the city’s safety measures, Haynes said. “The vendors I spoke with were pleased with the first day,” Haynes wrote, adding “No requests for
changes for next week’s market.” The market runs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through May 11, 2021. A couple of marketgoers told The Islander they were happy with the event’s safety measures. “I think it’s safe the way it is,” marketgoer Miguel Acosta said. “It’s spaced out. If there were more people it’d need more space, but it’s fine the way it is. It’s outside, too.” “It’s nice to have it,” he added. “It’s a little something different than going to the beach or the pool.” “If they implemented even more safety measures, I think it would probably discourage people from coming because then you lose the vibe that you want,” Indiana-resident and longtime visitor Tom Cates said. “But I wouldn’t do less. They’re probably at a happy medium right now.” “I like what they’re doing with the market,” he added. “They could even expand it a little bit, add more vendors and advertise it a bit more.” Another special event planned for city property will be the Vintage Flea Market on Sunday, Nov. 8, at City Pier Park, with the same face mask and social distance requirements as the farmers market. The event — which will run 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — will be coordinated by Michelle Brunone, who has staged the vintage flea market for several years. This year won’t be like any that have come before. “It is new to all of us and we still are a handful of weeks away from our first market on city property,” Brunone wrote in an Oct. 15 email to The Islander. “I will be taking instruction from the city as to what they require regarding safety guidelines.” She declined to comment further. Murphy expressed confidence in Brunone, who told the commission Oct. 8 that she would uphold the city’s orders. “If someone chooses to violate the order, we are confident that they will be properly addressed,” Murphy wrote in an Oct. 14 email. “We are also con-
fident that she can and will enforce the order to the best of her ability.” “Brunone has been doing business with this city for many years and we know her as a person who keeps her word,” he added. However, there was no clear answer for what would happen if a special event coordinator refused to uphold the city’s orders. Murphy did not respond to an Oct. 14 email from The Islander regarding repercussions for event coordinators using city property who refuse to uphold face mask and social distancing requirements. Both orders expire every seven days, so Murphy can renew or modify them on a weekly basis.
Tillman Thomas, left, Grumpy’s Farm Market owner, and John Nason work in masks at the Oct. 13 farmers market. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
Experienced Staff. Commercial/Residential s WWW.MillerElectricFl.com Licensed & Insured, FL State Lic# EC13003233, EC13007205
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
County reopens window to CARES Act funding, applicants By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Financial relief is back on the table for those struggling to survive the coronavirus pandemic’s economic impact. Manatee County announced Oct. 13 that it would resume accepting applications for Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding through its numerous assistance programs this month. Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act in March with bipartisan support and the president’s signature. The bill distributed emergency funds to every state to then divvy up between local governments, small businesses, community organizations and citizens. Out of the $8,328,221,072 Florida received through the CARES Act, Manatee County received $70,000,000. Murder-suicide from page 1
31 on four felony charges, including aggravated assault of his partner with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, battery, false imprisonment and tampering with a witness. He denied the allegations and was released Sept. 1 after posting a $16,000 bail, and the case remained open. Winton was instructed not to contact Dumdei, but Winton’s attorney filed a motion Sept. 9 for consensual contact. Judge Lon Arend of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court granted a motion Sept. 15 to lift the no-contact order between the pair.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigators discuss a broken, blood-spattered chair Oct. 17 on the balcony of a triplex in the 2500 block of Avenue C in Bradenton Beach, where two people were found dead. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
The county created several assistance programs to distribute the funds to the recipients, including: • Manatee CARES Housing Assistance Program to help county residents pay rent and mortgage payments, as well as past due utility fees associated with COVID-19’s impact; • Small Business Grant Program to help keep struggling businesses afloat; • CARES Act Funding for Nonprofits and Community Organizations to help fund nonprofit community organizations with offices within the county. The programs will resume taking grant applications on different dates. The Manatee CARES Housing Assistance Program will reopen its application window for a fourth round of funding at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. County residents who experienced a loss of income or delinquent rent or mortgage payments with asso-
ciated past due utility payments can apply for up to $10,000 through the program. Individuals will be awarded funds based on their documented needs for delinquent housing and past due utility payments that have accumulated since March 1. The Recover Manatee Safely First Small Business Grant Program was to resume taking applications for a third round of funding at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Businesses in the county with up to 500 employees can apply for up to $50,000, including a $5,000 grant to help reopen and operate safely, as well as up to $45,000 to reimburse documented business losses due to the pandemic. The Funding for Nonprofits program was to reopen its application window for a third round of funding at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. To apply for that money, nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations registered in the state with offices in the county or adjacent counties. The organizations also must have “evidence” that it serves county residents and “of local needs specific to COVID-19 impacts.” Applicants can receive up to $5,000 for personal protective equipment and other items to comply with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, and/or money to expand existing food distribution programs, including local food banks. Any nonprofit that received relief funding through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Paycheck Protection Program or any other source of CARES Act money must disclose such funding in its application. County information outreach manager Nicholas Azzara has told The Islander that while county staff was reviewing an overload of grant applications as they come in, all CARES Act funding should be distributed by the end of 2020. People interested in learning more about the CARES Act, or how to apply, can visit the county’s website, www.mymanatee.org.
Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Holmes Beach grapples with parking plans, fines OK’d Parking fine hike approved
Holmes Beach is attempting to deter illegal parking with increased penalties. At a teleconferenced work session Oct. 13, commissioners reached consensus on an ordinance to increase parking fines in Holmes Beach. A general parking violation incurs a $50 fine, blocking an emergency access leads to a $75 fine and unlawful use of a handicapped or Purple Heart parking spot triggers a $200 fine. If approved on final reading, the new ordinance establishes a general violation fine of a $75 and illegal Tokajer handicapped or Purple Heart parking would be $250. People who display fraudulent permit parking decals for the recently implemented program in the city would pay $250. In September, Police Chief Bill Tokajer suggested hikes to $75 for the general fine, $100 for blocking an emergency access and a $200 fraudulent permit fee. However, Commission Chair Jim Kihm proposed higher penalties. “This is fraud,” he said of a potential fake permit fee violation. “This is one thing we want to guard against happening.” The first reading and a public hearing on the ordinance fines will be at the next commission meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, conducted via Zoom. Instructions to join the meeting will be provided on the city’s website at holmesbeachfl.org.
Records undergo review
A rapid reduction in on-street parking in Holmes Beach has prompted an investigation. Michael Barfield, a paralegal consultant focusing on the enforcement of open government laws and board president of the Florida American Civil Liberties Union, requested all documents, emails and text messages about parking exchanged between Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer in the time preceding and during the enactment of a new plan for reduced beach access parking. Barfield told The Islander Oct. 7 he had also received Titsworth’s and Tokajer’s phone records for FebruaryJune, but not reviewed them. “Upon reviewing the records I will get a better picture of the planTitsworth ning and chains of communication that went on, leading up to implementation of the plan,” he said Oct. 7. Previously, the city sent Barfield 864 pages related to parking, which also included social media posts and comments on the topic. In late April, the commission Barfield agreed to remove more than 1,000 on-street parking spaces without a vote. In July, the city scaled back the restrictions and the commission approved a permit parking program with decals for residents and owners, reinstating 619 of the previously removed spaces. — Chrisann allen
Rental cars omitted from plan
The Holmes Beach permit parking program is underway. And some property owners are concerned rented vehicles are not allowed. For $15 per vehicle, residents and owners can obtain decals for parking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in 619 on-street spots that were eliminated when beach parking was reopened in June. After 5 p.m., parking in the zone is open to the public. The zone was established for a six-month test period. In an Oct. 9 email to The Islander, Holmes Beach property owner Kim Herbst wrote she often flies down and rents an agency car when she stays at her second home. When she tried to apply for the permit to register her for-hire vehicles, the city rejected her application. “The permits are only for your owned vehicle,” Herbst wrote. “This brings a large problem to me. I am being told when I fly here and rent a car I will be unable to park at the beach.” According to permit parking restrictions, the decals are nontransferable between vehicles and must be registered to the owner. “If you transfer the decal from car to car, we cannot check if you are permitted to be there by checking the number against the vehicle,” Tokajer said. “Most people that fly and own here, leave a car down here — if they are not renting out their house.” — Chrisann allen
— Chrisann allen
Holmes Beach mask mandate remains in force
With loosened restrictions, some people are wondering: Do I still have to wear a mask? At a teleconferenced Oct. 13 Holmes Beach work session, Commissioner Terry Schaefer asked if the face mask mandate, first approved by the commission in June, was still in force even though the state removed the ability to assess fines. Mayor Judy Titsworth responded that the mandate remains in effect. “On city property, we will ask them to leave if they enter the building without a mask and private businesses can do the same,” Titsworth said. “We are just no longer writing citations.” Manatee County repealed its face mask mandate Sept. 29 following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Sept. 25 decision to lift restrictions, and further limited local governments from enacting fines for noncompliance with face mask regulations. When the Holmes Beach mandate was approved, it included the stipulation that commissioners could repeal the measure prior to the Jan. 12 expiration date that was set in September via a separate emergency ordinance. “From what I’ve heard in talking to many of our business owners and managers, I haven’t run into a one that hasn’t said this really helped them,” Schaefer said. “The position we took gave them the backbone to enforce it.” — Chrisann allen
BB chief to retire in 2021 The Bradenton Beach Police Department has an opening at the top. BBPD Chief Sam Speciale told The Islander Oct. 18 that he gave his retirement notice to Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie Oct. 9. Speciale will retire Oct. 8, 2021, precisely 35 years after joining the department. Speciale began his tenure as chief in 1986 and is the longest serving police administrator in Manatee County. He did not detail his retirement plan. Chappie did not respond to an Oct. 18 call from The Islander. — Ryan Paice
Holmes Beach gears up to ban autocycles
Meetings
Anna Maria City Oct. 22, 6 p.m., commission. Oct. 29, 9 a.m., special magistrate. Nov. 12, 2 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.
Two autocycles — motorcycle-like vehicles with three wheels, a steering wheel and non-straddle seats — are parked Oct. 15 outside the Toy Barn on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. City commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 14 to approve a draft ordinance for a fourmonth moratorium and prohibition on autocycle rentals. Toy Barn’s rentals would be grandfathered. a public hearing on the ban will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Photo: Chrisann allen
West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Oct. 22, 9 a.m., commission (land). Oct. 27, 9 a.m., commission. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.
Bradenton Beach Oct. 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Oct. 22, 9:15 a.m., commission. Oct. 29, 9:15 a.m., commission. Nov. 4, 9 a.m., CIP. Of interest Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Nov. 3, general election. Nov. 4, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, most government offices Nov. 5, 6 p.m., commission. will be closed. Nov. 10, 10 a.m., commission. Nov. 26, Thanksgiving, most government offices Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., will be closed, as well as Nov. 27. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. About meetings Holmes Beach Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach commission Oct. 21, 10 a.m., code compliance. meetings are taking place at city hall but also can be Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m., police pension. attended via Zoom. Holmes Beach commissioners Oct. 27, 6 p.m., commission. are meeting via Zoom but other meetings are taking Nov. 4, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. place at city hall. Manatee County commission meetNov. 4, 6 p.m., planning commission. ings are taking place in person but can be attended Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, via Zoom or watched on cable TV. — Lisa Neff 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Holmes Beach sets 2021 legislative priorities By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach Commission Chair Jim Kihm is thinking ahead to the 2021 legislative session. The session is scheduled to begin March 2 in Tallahassee. In September, Kihm, as legislative liaison, presented a list of priorities for the 2021 session and asked fellow commissioners for corrections or additions. The list includes the city’s stance on rights to regulate vacation rentals, water and air quality, local government revenue and tourist development tax revenue allocation. Commissioner Terry Schaefer proposed several changes to the document, all agreed upon by commissioners during the Oct. 13 teleconferenced work session. Schaefer’s amendments included a previously discussed change to Kihm’s section on tourist development revenue to state that the city supports a formula based on proportional return of bed taxes contributed by the city, as part of the total generated in Manatee County, and removing reference to population size as the county continues to grow. The priorities will be shared with the city’s lobbyists in Tallahassee, Martha Edenfield and Dave Ramba, as well as the Florida League of Cities, as they lend support to the cities in legislation affecting local government during the next session. Additionally, the points will be shared with the public to provide guidelines for support letters and discussions with legislators as session approaches. “The intent is that these will become our legislative priorities for the city of Holmes Beach. So they are our talking points with local and state representatives as they move into session next year,” Kihm said. “We have an election coming up. So we may have some changes in personnel and want to make sure we have our message ready to deliver.”
Renourishment plows toward Cortez, Coquina beaches a morning walker Oct. 14 heads away from the “STOP” sign warning people of beach construction in the 300 block of Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach, while an extractor sloshes sand onto the beach. The $17 million project to replenish sand on eroded beaches from the north end of Holmes Beach to Longboat Pass resumed Oct. 15 after a weeklong pause for Hurricane Delta’s passage through the Gulf of Mexico. Contractors expect to finish at Fifth avenue South and take a 5-10 day break the week of Oct. 19 to reconfigure the pipeline for the final stretch. Project updates can be viewed at mymanatee.org/beachproject. Islander Photo: Chrisann allen
Bradenton Beach reappoints 3 zoning board members A few familiar faces will continue to serve on Bradenton Beach’s planning and zoning board. City commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 15 on three motions to reappoint residents Ken McDonough, Bill Marrow and Fred Bartizal to the P&Z board. All three were appointed to the board in 2017 and served three-year terms before requesting reappointment from the commission. Their new terms will end in 2023. The P&Z board advises the city commission, recommending land-use policies and reviewing some
development proposals. “These guys all do their homework and are always concerned about the best results for neighbors and residents,” Mayor John Chappie said. “We’re grateful to these folks for their continued dedication,” building official Steve Gilbert said. There was no public comment. People interested in applying a P&Z board seat can contact the city at 941-778-1005 or email city clerk Terri Sanclemente at tsanclemente@cityofbradentonbeach.com for an application form. — Ryan Paice
CUSTOM HOME ORGANIZATION Solutions for every room in your home Custom Design
Complimentary Consultation We offer complimentary design consultations with 3D renderings
Quick 1-3 Day Install* Enjoy your new, organized space in as little as 1-3 days.
High-quality, furnituregrade product customized to your space, style, and budget.
Affordable Financing We offer multiple financing options to make your project affordable [on a monthly basis].
Call or visit for your
FREE IN-HOME OR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION HOMEDEPOT.COM/MYHOMEORGINSTALL Scan this QR Code
941-900-4179
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY Our Installation Associates and Authorized Service Providers are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and success of your installation. For more information on how The Home Depot® is keeping you safe, visit homedepot.com/hscovidsafety Home Depot local Service Providers are background checked, insured, licensed and/or registered. License or registration numbers held by or on behalf of Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. are available at homedepot.com/licensenumbers or at the Special Services Desk in The Home Depot store. State specific licensing information includes: AL 51289, 1924; AK 25084; AZ ROC252435, ROC092581; AR 0228160520; CA 602331; CT HIC.533772; DC 420214000109, 410517000372; FL CRC046858, CGC1514813; GA RBCO005730, GCCO005540; HI CT-22120; ID RCE-19683; IA C091302; LA 43960, 557308, 883162; MD 85434, 42144; MA 112785, CS-107774; MI 2101089942, 2102119069; MN BC147263; MS 22222-MC; MT 37730; NE 26085; NV 38686; NJ 13VH09277500; NM 86302; NC 31521; ND 29073; OR 95843; The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. is a Registered General Contractor in Rhode Island and its Registration Number is 9480; SC GLG110120; TN 47781; UT 286936-5501; VA 2705-068841; WA HOMED088RH; WV WV036104; WI 1046796. ©2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. All rights reserved. *production time takes approximately 2 weeks. HDI20K00015
HDIE20K0015_Local Ad_Horizontal_HomeOrg_10x8.indd 1
8/21/20 11:05 AM
Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Opinion
Our
Shock and awe
I can’t recall where I first heard the phrase, “Shock and awe,” but it stuck. Apparently, it’s a military term, according to Wikipedia, where I learned shock and awe — technically known as rapid dominance — is a tactic based on the use of overwhelming power and spectacular displays of force to paralyze an enemy, distort the battlefield and destroy the foe’s will to fight. More than you wanted to know, right? OK. I’m shocked. I think you might be, too, about the couple who either killed each other this past weekend, or killed themselves in a bloody fight — a gruesome event in Bradenton Beach. While the news on Anna Maria Island often surprises me, it never ceases to amaze me. Murder, after all, seems more likely for a stage production of the Island Players than in our idyllic community. But murder happens. In 2005, a woman from Bradenton Beach shot her lover and, with help from her son, buried him among the mangroves on Palma Sola Boulevard. In 2007, a Sarasota woman was murdered under a seagrape tree on the beach and the crime is unsolved. In 2011, an elderly man killed himself after he shot his wife — who crawled from the house in Holmes Beach to attract help and survive. A murder-suicide occurred in Anna Maria the day after Christmas in 2003. And then Sabine stays on my mind. The murder in 2008 of Sabine Musil-Buehler by her boyfriend still troubles me. I loathe knowing that she suffered. This small island carries a lot of pain and memories of domestic violence and, sadly, we don’t hear the cries from the victims until it’s too late. It’s something for us to work on in the future. For me, chasing the news is the awe factor, digging for facts, wading through evidence and law enforcement roadblocks and finally — finally — getting the news. Knowing the truth can be satisfying. From shock to awe ... The Stanley Cup win for the Lightning is grand! There were many thrills when coach Jon Cooper and the cup “keepers” brought the magnificent trophy to share with friends on AMI. That’s two Stanley Cups for “Coop.” And many cheers to you, the team, the admins and everyone in the NHL “Bolt” family. Now it’s “Batter Up” for the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series. And that’s inspiring another round of cheers. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org.
OCT. 21, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 52 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, office manager info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org) ▼
Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WeBSITe: www.islander.org PHONe 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821
Opinion
Your
Vote for Kim Rash
This election looms as one of the most important in modern times — for America and for Holmes Beach. Both are going through major transition periods. Who we elect will have a major impact — locally and nationally. As a 30-year resident of Holmes Beach, I’ve seen tremendous growth, some good, some bad. One thing is certain, growth has seriously affected the lives of every resident and created major problems that have to be addressed. While all candidates for the city commission appear qualified, one stands out head and shoulders above the rest — Kim Rash. I have been his friend for many years, long before he entered the local political arena. Back then, he was constantly talking to all his neighbors and taking their concerns to the authorities. On his own, he spent untold hours listening and caring. No problem was beneath him taking a personal interest. As a commissioner, his record is clear. He got things done. The Holmes Beach noise ordinances and increased enforcement efforts can certainly be tracked to his untiring efforts. On Nov. 3, you have a choice. Vote wisely. Bob McCaffrey, Holmes Beach
Reelect Rash
I am writing today to encourage the good citizens of Holmes Beach to reelect Kim Rash to the Holmes Beach City Commission. He has always cared about and worked for the residents of this fine city. He is always in touch with the residents and takes their problems and issues seriously. They have his ear and he is always available to listen and share their concerns.
When faced with problems, Rash attempts to present common-sense, pragmatic solutions. Over the years, Rash has volunteered countless time and effort to help beautify and maintain our beaches, and has contributed materials, time and muscle to community improvements. He has always volunteered to help with city-wide cleanups along with countless other acts of good citizenship. Please, vote for Kim Rash for commissioner. He listens and works for the residents of Holmes Beach. Toni Kennedy, Holmes Beach
Vote no on bond referendum
A sneaky way to pass a tax is to label it a bond referendum. That’s what voters in Manatee County will see on the Nov. 3 ballot. Voters in Manatee County will have a chance to vote for or against a new tax. The tax will be used to protect water quality and wildlife habit, a commendable goal. Now is not the time for a new tax as many rentPLeaSe, See OPiNiON, PaGe 7
Have your say
The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment online. And, we have an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
From the archives
Planning Perico Developer Wilbur Boyd Jr. with a plan for developing land on Perico Island. Perico Bayou is marked in the upper right on the plan. The photograph is dated 1982. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System
From the archives
OPINION CONTINUeD FROM PaGe 6
ers and homeowners are strapped financially and the added estimated $25 or more on the tax bill is an added burden. This tax, 0.15 mill, will be the fourth tax increase in four years. Voters approved the following: In 2016, Manatee County instituted a half-cent infrastructure sales tax to generate $30 million. In 2016, the Manatee County School District instituted a half-cent sales tax to generate $30 million. In 2018, the school district instituted a 1.0 mill tax increase for an additional $37 million. Taxes based on millage will rise with the increase in value of property, a more predictable amount than a tax based on sales. A “no” vote at this time will help those who are pressed for every dollar. Strolling the shore Former State Rep. Peggy Simone, Bradenton Debbie Carr and Steve Coccidone take a stroll at
The Islander archive is online: ufdc.ufl.edu..
Beer Can Island on the north end of Longboat Key in June 1976. The Longboat Pass Bridge is in the background.
10&20 years ago
From the Oct. 18, 2000, issue:
• A consultant hired by the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to predict growth by 2025 said Manatee County would need a six-lane Cortez Road to accommodate all the people living in the east part of the county who want to visit Anna Maria Island beaches. • Cortez Waterfronts received a $25,000 grant from the Florida Department of Community Affairs to construct a memorial to commercial fishermen in Cortez that would include plaques honoring those fishermen who died at sea. • A real estate broker said she was disappointed with Bradenton’s mayor, who told the Manatee Board of Realtors he had a “positive legacy” on real estate after his first year in office. The broker questioned how that could be when he facilitated a high-rise project on Perico Island.
From the Oct. 20, 2010, issue:
• Tourism climbed 16% on Anna Maria Island in September 2010 compared with the same month in 2009. Occupancy in island accommodations was at 45.9%, up from 39.4% the year prior. • Minto Communities announced the first phase of its Perico Island development would include two-story buildings, not high-rise condominiums as proposed by the prior owner. • The island chamber held Bayfest on Pine Avenue from Gulf Drive east to the City Pier, where a fishing contest took place. • Two candidates were competing to become Anna Maria’s next mayor — Sandy Mattick and Mike Selby. Fran Barford decided not to seek reelection after serving two terms in the office. — Lisa Neff
E
LIFETIM
$
99 ION
IPT R C S B SU
DON’T chase the dog for the news! Go digital! View the weekly e-edition of The Islander on your laptop, desktop or cellphone for $36 a year. Or, for $99, you get early access to the weekly e-edition for a lifetime as well as premium subscriber benefits, including breaking news!
Subscribe online now to the e-edition to get this limited offer! Look for “lifetime” subscriber at islander.org. Online only! Not available by mail or in person.
Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Holmes Beach candidates report finances ahead of Nov. 3 vote By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter
The signs are up and the mailers are out. And voting is ongoing. Meanwhile, Holmes Beach City Commission candidates have filed their reports on campaign contributions and expenditures for the Nov. 3 municipal election. The four candidates in the running for two seats include incumbent Commissioners Pat Morton and Kim Rash, former Commissioner Rick Hurst and newcomer Jayne Christenson. Mayor Judy Titsworth is unopposed in her bid for a second term. She contributed $1,000 to her campaign fund and her expenditures included a $240 qualifying fee. Christenson contributed $1,500 to her campaign, received $2,385 and Titsworth spent $3,086.62 as of Oct. 13. She garnered contributions from Richard Brown, Frank and Mark Cashin, David and Susan Cheshire, Nancy and Mike Deal, Renee Ferguson, Margaret and Tim Finley, David and Barbara Hines, Jeannine Inda, Margie Motzer, Melissa Rash, Louis and Frances Richardson and Marty Robertson, all of Holmes Beach. Additionally, former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and wife Denise, Commission Chair Jim Kihm, Commissioner Kim Rash — also running for a seat — and his wife, Theresa, Commissioner Terry Schaefer’s wife, Vicky, and alternate planning commissioner Gale Tedhams contributed to Christenson’s campaign. Out-of-town contributors included Terry Bach of Glenview, Illinois; Tim Brian of Traverse City, Michigan; Stephen Matthew Crump of Dothan, Alabama; Thomas Flynn of Kentwood, Michigan; Richard Giardelli of Sarasota; James Janaszak of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; David Johnson of Port St. Lucie; Chris Misamore of Leesburg, Georgia; and Brian Parish of Columbus, Ohio. Christenson’s expenditures went toward her quali-
fying fee, printing costs, campaign buttons, website domain name, Facebook advertising, Paypal fees for online donations, postage and signs. Hurst contributed $100 to his campaign, received $3,350 in campaign contributions and had spent $2,871.89 as of Oct. 13. He reported donations from Holmes Beach residents Nate and Amy Christenson Bowes, James Hamilton, Mark and Karen Hanson, Mark and Zoie Kelly, Gerald and Constance Martinek, Craig McDonald, Michael and Lee Ann Pritchett, Lori Schlossberg, William Shuman and planning commissioner James McIntire. Hurst Holmes Beach business owners Mondher Kobrosly of Bradenton, owner of the Time Saver Liquor Store, and Margaret Davenport, also of Bradenton, co-owner of Duffy’s Tavern, donated as individuals. Duffy’s also contributed as a business entity. Morton Hurst’s campaign expenditures included his qualifying fee, signs, mailers and envelopes, postage, stickers and print advertising. According to his finance report, Morton contributed $800, received $1,400 and spent $1,474.46 on his Rash campaign. The money paid for the qualifying fee, signs flyers and mailers. He received contributions from Gerald Newbrough and Hugh Holmes Sr. of Holmes Beach, as well as $300 from Shoreline Builders of Southwest Florida, a construction firm owned by Mayor Judy Titsworth and husband Steve. Other contributing business entities included the Beach Bistro restaurant and Mike Norman Realty, both in Holmes Beach, and Palma Sola Animal Clinic and RE/MAX Alliance Group, both in Bradenton.
Rash contributed $1,000 to his campaign account, received $2,500 in contributions and has spent $1,618.41. Holmes Beach contributors included fellow candidate Jayne Christenson and her husband Joseph, Michael and Nancy Deal, Renee Ferguson, Gerald Newbrough, Margaret Patall, Vicky Schaefer and Margie and Dick Motzer. Other contributors included Timothy and Johanne Dunigan of Anna Maria; Virginia Harrod of Lockport, Kentucky; Mark Kennedy of Murphysboro, Illinois; Daniel and Mary Kerns of Charleston, West Virginia; Carl and Lynne Koenig of Newton, Pennsylvania; Sean Muniz of Wheaton, Illinois; and Richard and Laura Weingart of Bradenton. Rash reported expenditures for his qualifying fee, postcards, postage, signs and printed advertisements as of Oct. 13. Voting is underway by mail and early voting will be 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. through Nov. 1 at mainland locations. On Election Day, Holmes Beach registered voters will cast ballots 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. Of 2,784 registered voters in Holmes Beach, 856 people voted in the November 2019 municipal election.
In line for early voting
Manatee County voters line up Oct. 19, the first day of early voting, to cast ballots in the Nov. 3 election. a line stretched from the entrance to the polling place at the Manatee County Utilities office, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton, into a back parking lot — about two blocks. The polling place is the nearest to anna Maria Island and open 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily through Sunday, Nov. 1. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff
Speedy trial waived for former AME principal By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter
A former principal at Anna Maria Elementary will face a Hillsborough County judge Nov. 19 for a charge related to soliciting prostitution. Thomas Levengood, 68, was arrested Sept. 10 at Sun City Park in Ruskin for entering/remaining in place for prostitution, lewdness or assignation, according to the record of his arrest. Levengood’s case was scheduled for 13th Judicial Circuit Judge John Conrad’s court for a virtual arraignment Oct. 12. However, Conrad said Levengood’s attorney of record, Brian Palacios, submitted a waiver of speedy trial so Levengood did not have to appear that day as his case has been continued. Levengood’s case is next scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Nov. 19. The proceedings will be virtual. Following his arrest, Levengood posted a $250 cash bond and was released from jail. He pleaded not guilty Sept. 14. Grayson Kamm, chief communications director
for the state’s attorney’s office in the 13th circuit, said charges were filed by the office Sept. 25. Natalia Verdina, public relations coordinator for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, said Sept. 23 that Levengood was arrested when he allegedly approached an undercover detective and solicited sex. A Sept. 18 news release from HCSO identified Levengood as one of 11 men arrested by deputies in two Hillsborough County parks as part of “Operation Park Cleanup.” All were similarly accused in the sting operation. Levengood was principal at AME February 2007-June 2014, and principal at Bayshore Elementary August 1994-January 2007. Levengood did not answer a call from The Islander Oct. 12 and his attorney that day declined to discuss the case. If convicted of the charge, a second-degree misdemeanor, Levengood could face up to 60 days in prison and/or a fine up to $500.
Laid-back incumbent waves to traffic Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton waves to motorists Oct. 14 near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives. Morton, known for his easygoing manner, has been a city commissioner for 18 years and hopes to win a new term to make it 20 years come election Day, which is Nov. 3. He is one of four people running for two seats on the dais. Islander Photo: Chrisann allen
Vote
2020
Early voting ballots cast
If you plan to vote early and in-person, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections is conducting early in-person polling 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. through Nov. 1. The early voting location nearest Anna Maria Island is the Manatee County Utilities Office, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton. Polls on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 3, will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Anna Maria voters will cast ballots at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach voters will cast ballots at the old fire hall, 201 Second St. N. Holmes Beach voters will cast ballots at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. A record number of people requested ballots by mail, which can be returned via mail — postage is 70 cents — or dropped off at the supervisor of elections office 24/7 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, Bradenton. Mail-in-ballots also can be returned to early voting locations. For more information, go online to votemanatee. com or call the elections office at 941-741-3823. — Lisa Neff
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OWN YOUR OWN VACATION.
CL FI OS NA EO L UT !
ONLY 10 RESIDENCES REMAIN! DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN AT ONE PARTICULAR HARBOUR MARGARITAVILLE. 2- AND 3-BEDROOM RESIDENCES FROM THE MID $400s Florida’s last private island is selling out fast! Come enjoy the resort lifestyle any time you wish with exciting activities and all the amenities for a perfect vacation home or year-round residence. The choice is yours! • • • • •
State-of-the-art marina Beach Club with poolside cabana bar Fully-equipped fitness center and yoga lawn Views of Anna Maria Sound Across the bridge from Anna Maria Island
NOW OPEN
• 6-story island-inspired Compass Hotel by Margaritaville • Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar
Can’t be in paradise all year? Place your residence in a short-term rental program for a vacation home that works on your schedule.
Sales Center and Model Homes Open Daily. In-Person and Virtual Tour Options Available.
Visit OPHMintoUSA.com to book your tour today! (941) 304-4140 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2020. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2020. CGC 1519880.
Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI
AHEAD ON AMI
Jan. 1, 2021, Anna Maria Island Privateers launch 50th anniversary celebration.
AHEAD OFF AMI Through October, Pat O’Neill’s “The Beauty of Acrylics� exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Nov. 11, Rotary Club of Longboat Key Veterans Day ceremony, 941-778-6648. Longboat Key. AHEAD ON AMI TIVE
Dec. 4, holiday walk and tree-lighting, Holmes Beach. TENTA-
OUTDOORS & RECREATION
Get listed in The Islander calendar. email calendar@islander.org.
GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 1, daylight saving time ends. Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election. Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Thursday, Nov. 26, Thanksgiving. Friday, Dec. 25, Christmas. Thursday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.
ONGOING ON AMI Dec. 11, holiday walk, Anna Maria. TENTATIVE GET LISTED • Through Oct. 31, submit photos to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Dec. 12, Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. TENPOST IN THE CALENDAR Project King Tides Photo Contest, Anna Maria Island and beyond. TATIVE Information: sarasotabay.org, 941-955-8085. Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ VIRTUAL islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the AHEAD OFF AMI Monday, Oct. 26 publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripNov. 6-15, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program seagrass survey, tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. 7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Virtual Trivia Fundraiser. Fee applies. Information: Facebook at annamariaislandprivateers. Sarasota Bay.
FAMILY ONGOING OFF AMI • Through Nov. 29, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 45th anniversary orchid show, “Women Breaking the Glasshouse Ceiling,â€? 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-3665731. Through Jan. 3, 2021, “Water’s Extreme Journeyâ€? exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. AHEAD OFF AMI Dec. 4-6, Bradenton Blues Fest, Bradenton. Jan. 5, 2021, Florida Maritime Museum reopens, Cortez.
COMMUNITY & CLUBS
Islander collecting wishes
The Islander is collecting wishes from community organizations for its annual Wish Book. Each fall, the newspaper collects a list of needs from island-related nonprofits for publication at Thanksgiving. Nonprofit representatives can submit wish lists to Lisa Neff at lisa@islander.org. Please, include any special requests due to the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, call the newspaper In 2019, the Privateers wished for toys in the Wish Book. Islander File Photo office at 941-778-7978.
Island Players auditioning for ‘A Christmas Carol’
Now casting: An actor to portray a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, ONGOING ON AMI old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and selfentertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941- contained, and solitary as an oyster.� Yes, the Island Players at Islander press time were 896-2222. casting an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Tuesdays into May 2021, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Carol� for two live-streamed, virtual performances. Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the theater group canceled stage productions last spring and also this fall. Now, for the first time in Island Players’ history, Used & Consigned Musical Instruments the group will perform live, via Zoom, a COVID-19themed “A Christmas Carol.� Here’s the summary from the Island Players: Music Lessons: Guitar, Piano, “It’s Christmas and COVID has sequestered everyUkulele, Saxophone and Drums one at home aside from Scrooge’s nephew and his 941.896.9089 hapless workers at the bank. As the rest of the world playitagainjams.com adjusts to the new normal, Scrooge says ‘bah humbug’ and churns out high interest loans to the unemployed
8208 Cortez Road W., Ste.5, Bradenton
5% OFF "656./ 41&$*"-
and beaten down. “One night, three ghosts crash his FaceTime and force him to take a hard look at a forgotten past, a difficult present and a possible future.� Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 20. Jeffrey Allen Steiger will direct the production. Steiger has acted on the Island Players’ stage in Anna Maria and is now directing. His credits include creative director at AWED Theater at Florida International University, founding artistic director of CRLT Players in Michigan, recipient of the Hesburgh Certification of Excellence and the James T. Neubacher Award. Auditions took place virtually Oct. 18 but those who could not make the date were encouraged to contact stage manager Denise Handley at nese424@hotmail.com. For more information about joining the virtual audience, follow the Island Players online at www. theislandplayers.org. The theater can be reached at 941 778-5755.
12 MONTHS SAME AS CASH
Call Greg Cobb. Project Manager / Island Resident Cell 941.999.0620
$"31&5t5*-&
8"5&31300' 7*/:- 800%
Complete Sales & Service 718 23rd Ave. W. Bradenton 941.747.2904 gregc@aaflooring.net www.aaflooring.net
Available At‌ . .. AMI CENTRE, 3216 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG
We’re offering care and learning for students age 6 weeks-12 years. Our mission is to provide each child with the foundation and tools to be successful. Our purpose is to nurture, engage and guide your child's developmental stages through the first years of his or her life. WE’RE ACCEPTING STUDENTS 6 WEEKS-12 YEARS. s -EALS PROVIDED s 3TRUCTURED CLASSROOMS s 6IDEO MONITORING s /PEN GYM ENRICHMENT s $AILY UPDATES VIA "RIGHTWHEEL
ND 3T 7 "RADENTON 941-900-1022 or 001tmlc@gmail.com
Island happenings
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Fishing for art The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the Florida State-Fish art Contest for K-12 students. The program inspires creativity while promoting conservation, according to the FWC. Students are invited to submit original 9-by-12 -inch artwork. The deadline is March 31, 2021. For more details, go online to www.statefishart.org.
Estuary project’s king tide photo contest ongoing Did you put on your Wellies to take a king tide photo Oct. 14? The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is conducting its King Tide Photo Contest and collecting images of extreme tides from the Sarasota Bay area that began Oct. 14 and were to continue through Oct. 21. To enter, photographers need two photos from the same vantage point, one at low and one at high tide to show the water level change that occurs with a king tide. King tides are the highest predicted high tide at a coastal location. They are a normal occurrence once or
twice annually, taking place when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon and sun combine to produce the greatest tidal effects of the year. Manatee County’s highest nighttime tide, 2.73 feet, was forecast for 2:21 a.m. Oct. 20 and the daytime high, 2.45 feet, occurred Oct. 14. Photos, with times, dates and locations, can be submitted through Oct. 31 on Facebook by tagging @ sarasotaestuary. Photos also can be submitted to SBEP by emailing info@sarasotabay.org. First-place winners will receive a $50 Visa card. Runners-up will receive $25 cards.
Friends of the Island Library celebrate staff, services The Friends of the Island Library celebrated National Friends of Libraries Week with a tribute to Island Library staff and supporters. The library is being recognized through Saturday, Oct. 24. Friends of the Island Library president Julie Perry encouraged people during the week to sign up for library cards, which can be accomplished online at mymanatee.org. She also encouraged library patrons to make use of the library services.
The branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is open to patrons, with masks and social distancing required. Additionally, the branch and the Manatee County Public Library System offers an array of virtual programming, including book discussions, crafts, story hours and more. For more information, contact Perry at julieperry279@gmail.com, go online to www.friendsoftheislandlibrary.org or call the Island Library at 941-7786341.
Moose Lodge to celebrate Halloween with members’ kids The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge No. 2188, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, will host a private event for members’ children on Halloween. The Oct. 31 event will involve a drive-thru at the lodge, with a bag of candy offered for each kid and Tommy Moose, the lodge mascot, waving to the parade
of passing children in vehicles. “We wanted to do something safe for our kids,” Byron Dalton, lodge administrator, said Oct. 15. “We figured they can stay in their cars and still get a treat.” For more, call the lodge at 941-778-4110.
TERRA’S Handmade Sterling Jewelry Open noon-4, Tues-Sat
Or Shop Facebook: Terra’s Handmade Jewelry and Gifts.
714 43rd St. W • Bradenton
941.779.5350
need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com
FISH finalist for $114K grant
Casting a wide net can reap big rewards. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage has learned it is in the running for a six-figure grant. Impact100 SRQ, a nonprofit group of 342 women who pool at least $1,000 each to fund local work named FISH as one of five finalists for three $114,000 grants. Impact100 SRQ members reviewed grant applications and divided them into five categories: arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family, as well as health and wellness. The members then selected the best candidate for each category, according to an Oct. 14 news release. FISH plans to use the money to improve the 100-acre FISH Preserve east of the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. Proposed improvements include adding two bridges to allow people access across a tidal creek installed during the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s restorative work. Other improvements include a new entrance sign and educational trail signage related to the surrounding wildlife, an informational kiosk and two benches. Other finalists include: • Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota; • SKY Family YMCA in Venice; • Children’s Cancer Center in Sarasota; • Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program in Sarasota. The finalists submitted presentations with their applications that will be broadcast Nov. 1 at a virtual 2020 annual meeting and grant award ceremony. Impact100 SRQ will announce the grant recipients following the presentations. People can find instructions to attend the ceremony at Impact100 SRQ’s website, www. impact100srq.org. — Ryan Paice
Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI. A Hair Day Salon & Spa Make a date with our experienced care professionals. Call for massages by Shelley and hair, nails and waxing by Katy.
941-795-5227
MOUNT VERNON PLAZA 9516 CORTEZ RD. W., CORTEZ MM34454 | MM87857
Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Vendors tout busy 1st week for Anna Maria Farmers Market
Bill Nelms, producer for Mr. Fun Guy Mushrooms, sells an assortment of fungi Oct. 13 during the anna Maria Farmers Market. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The coronavirus isn’t stopping patrons from shopping the Anna Maria Farmers Market in 2020-21. The pandemic had sidelined the market’s season in March. The new market opened Oct. 13 with a solid crowd and safety measures, such as requiring vendors and customers to wear face masks and maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing. The market, run by the city under the shade sails at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., began in 2017 as a way to draw people to Pine Avenue during the closure and reconstruction of the Anna Maria City Pier. The season ended early due to the pandemic but, after seven months, city commissioners agreed to reopen for a new season with masks and social distancing requirements to protect patrons and vendors. On opening day, some vendors reported better business this season than last. “For me, today was better,” said Melissa Ignoti, owner of Meli Gusto, selling jams and jellies. Ignoti, a vendor since the market began, said she didn’t know what to expect. “I was not expecting that much but, for me, it has been very good,” she said. “I’m very happy.” Bill Nelms, producer for Mr. Fun Guy Mushrooms, was singing an upbeat tune. “Business has been going very good,” he said as he sorted a variety of mushrooms on display. “Last year, at this time, there weren’t this many people.” “I’m sure the coronavirus affects things a little in some ways, but we do a lot of markets and our sales are actually up this year,” he added. Nelms pointed to an increase in support for small businesses and a boost of home-cooking due to the
pandemic as possible reasons for improved sales. Regardless of sales, Nelms said he was happy to return to the market and its island view. “I really like this market,” Nelms said. “It’s got a beautiful view, the customers are great and it’s just a really nice open-air market.” Tillman Thomas, owner of Grumpy’s Farm Market, said the first day wasn’t at last season’s level as he hid from the scorching October sun in his tent. “The morning was really busy. It was crazy. We had standing lines of people,” Thomas said. “But it’s hot now and I don’t think we have the tourists we usually do.”
a market sign informs people to wear face coverings and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance.
He said there were fewer foreign tourists at the market than in seasons past, perhaps due to travel restrictions. However, Thomas said business exceeded his expectations. “It’s still gone well, especially for the first one in October,” Thomas said. “And when the northerners come down, we’ll be crazy again.” The market runs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through May 11, 2021. Vendors interested in a market spot can contact Anna Maria deputy clerk Debbie Haynes at 941-7086130, ext. 121, or depclerk@cityofannamaria.com. a family browses Pleyoo Microgreens’ selection of baby cabbage, lettuce varieties and other greens Oct. 13 during the anna Maria Farmers Market. Pleyoo is new to the market, which was sidelined in March due to the coronavirus.
#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
9v®vȌŒ L O %L :S ½À³—ÀvÂà *– â³ËÀ ‚ËÜ®ŒÃà švà Ã˖–ŒÀŒˆ v –œ®v®ƒœv¨ ¨³Ãà ³À œ®ƒËÀÀŒˆ vˆˆœÈœ³®v¨ Œá½Œ®ÃŒÃ ˆËŒ ȳ ?_* Æ°ÅŵƜ f?V Âvâ ‚Œ Œ¨œ—œ‚¨Œ ȳ ÀŒƒŒœÛŒ 9?: f ȚÀ³Ë—š ³®Œ ³– 9v®vȌŒ ³Ë®Èâǀà L O ƒÈ ½À³—ÀvÂÃƛ $/5($'< $33/Ζ(' 25 '(1Ζ(' <RX DUH ZHOFRPH WR DSSO\ DJDLQ (9(1 Δ) \RX DOUHDG\ UHFHLYHG PRQH\
:+(1 72 $33/< 6PDOO %XVLQHVV *UDQWV È‚ 5RXQG :(' 2&7 1RQ 3URILW &RPPXQLW\ 2UJ *UDQWV 5RXQG 021 2&7 +RXVLQJ $VVW *UDQWV 5RXQG :(' 2&7
*2 72 %(/2: /Ζ1. )RU (OLJLELOLW\ +RZ WR ILOO RXW DSSOLFDWLRQV )RU Δ1)2 \RX FDQ XVH 'DWHV WR VXEPLW
+$9( 48(67Ζ216" FKHFN RXW WKHLU IUHTXHQWO\ DVNHG TXHVWLRQV ZZZ P\PDQDWHH RUJ PDQDWHHFDUHV
6((.Ζ1* :25. 25 1((' 67$))" MREIRFXV FRP 12 &267 WR (PSOR\HUV -RE VHHNHUV
ZZZ P\PDQDWHH RUJ PDQDWHHFDUHV
Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Many island restaurants retain limits to fend off coronavirus By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter
“Be safe” is still the best advice for restaurants. A number of island restaurants continued their policies to operate at limited occupancy after the governor allowed a return to 100% occupancy. One such operation is the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, one of four AMOBs owned by John Horne. Horne “can open at 100%, but he won’t because he listens to his customer’s feedback and chooses to stay at 50% for his guests, to keep them safe,” Ginny Clark said Oct. 15. Clark manages the AMOB at 6696 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Another limited capacity dining spot is Minnie’s Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “I’m not putting in more tables until it’s safe,” owner Kathy Smart told The Islander Sept. 25. The virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted mainly from person-to-person in close contact through respiratory droplets and also can be airborne. Public health experts recommend social distancing of at least 6 feet and the wearing of masks to limit the spread. Smart said limiting occupancy at the cafe means she is not eligible for financial aid from the state to subsidize potential lost profits after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Sept. 25 announcement that the state was moving into phase 3, eliminating pandemic restrictions. Still, Smart said she won’t risk the health of diners or staff during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, was operating at full capacity the week ending Oct. 18. “I don’t want to get sick, and I don’t want to get anyone sick, but I can’t run a business without customers,” Peggi Davenport, Duffy’s owner, told The Islander in an Oct. 16 phone call. Duffy’s maximum occupancy is 53 people.
a friendly scarecrow and sign at the entry to the anna Maria Oyster Bar, 6696 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, greet diners and advise the restaurant’s mask policy. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty
“Right now, it’s still slow,” Davenport said of business. “People usually skip a table between them and others.” As the season progresses and business picks up, Davenport said she would keep an eye on the situation and, depending how crowded the tavern gets, she could scale back occupancy. Minnie’s and AMOB also were requiring that customers wear masks when not eating and drinking while in the restaurant. Davenport requires her staff to wear masks and they request that customers wear them, but she wasn’t forcing mask usage. Horne told The Islander Oct. 16 that his decision $2 @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
!"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5*
!,((*@AB4C*'"*.+0%-2(%*)"2/*+"1D(&1%#',/)*-%.&:#*+"#.2(','&"#E
45%&'2)(-<)'(0%5>< &1"8"!7
!"#$%&'("&)"*'+' ,-./*..0 !"#$%&'()*+%,'-.%/*0) 1(-.*2)'23%45%678#9 :::;<'-0)-=>?*;<'@ !"#$%&'#'('"')
!"#$%#&%#'()*("+,'%-*'"*.%/$%*'0%*+"112#&'&%.*"3*4##,*5,/&,6*7"(1%.* 8%,+06*8/,-%#'"#*8%,+06*9"#:;",'*<%)6*!"/'%=*,#-*>?*8/,-%#'"#
to continue limited occupancy was based on customer feedback. “All that really matters is customer confidence,” he said. “We realize our clientele wants to be healthy and safe, so we’re not letting up on the sanitation.” As an extra measure, AMOB uses a sanitizing fog machine every morning and night. At other island eateries, owners were taking similar precautions. Sean Murphy, who owns the Beach Bistro, Doctor’s Office and Eat Here, all in Holmes Beach, announced in September that the HVAC system at the bistro was retrofitted for air treatments “consistent with guidelines from the Harvard School of Public Health and air treatment technologies utilized by England’s National Health Service.” The bistro, which closed in March, was to reopen Thursday, Oct. 22. “We have always said we would reopen when we thought we could do it safely,” Murphy said in a Sept. 24 e-blast. “We think we are ready and the time has come.” At the Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, owner — and city commission candidate — Rick Hurst, told The Islander Oct. 6 that he was operating with limited seating and masks as the “status quo.” He said Merv 13 air filters, as recommended by the CDC, were added in the restaurant and he would continue 50% capacity limitations, as well as mask requirements for employees. Hurst said he would encourage customers to wear masks but “if a patron refuses to wear a mask, we do not refuse service.” Also, Hurst said the Fin was accommodating dining parties of up to 10 people, more than during the summer peak of the pandemic in Florida. “That was something I never agreed with as we would have a group that is staying in the same house, coming together on the Monkey Bus, and then we’d have to tell them they can’t all be together” in the restaurant. “That never made sense to us.”
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AME students check out school library’s lending process Limiting attendance numbers at Anna Maria Elementary’s media center and issuing a “browsing stick” are among the precautionary measures designed to keep students safe while encouraging them to read. Another measure intended to limit potential exposure to the novel coronavirus is “gel in and gel out,” which requires everyone to use hand-sanitizer when entering and exiting the school media center, media specialist Lynne McDonough wrote in an Oct. 12 email to The Islander. Meanwhile, school library cards are a thing of the past. For this year, anyway. McDonough keeps barcodes for students on a sheet of paper at the plexiglass-surrounded circulation desk. When students approach with a book to checkout, she scans the student barcode from the sheet and the book barcode through the plexiglass. When books are returned, they are “quarantined in a sealed, colored plastic bag for three days before being returned to the shelf,” McDonough said. In addition to browsing during class library time, aMe media specialist Lynne McDonough scans a book through the plexiglass that surrounds the circulation desk Oct. 16. Islander Photo: Courtesy aMe
By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org
of the Books programs for older students are going strong. The Sunshine program encourages independent reading for pleasure. The Battle of the Books is designed to promote reading fluency and comprehension, while also encouraging independent reading for pleasure. AME has captured the title in Manatee County’s Battle of the Books for two years in a row and staff and students this year look forward to keeping the streak going, McDonough said. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.
students may visit three times weekly during “openlibrary.” During those sessions, two students per classroom may visit at a time and the time is divided between primary and intermediate classes. Students also participate in weekly online minilibrary lessons, accessing studies through online Schoology accounts. Older students can learn research skills, while younger students can listen to audible stories. Students also can learn about new books and hear author talks. “We continue to have our Rotary Reader program AME turns the page to for our primary grades,” McDonough added. The program, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria a virtual book fair Island, “promotes the love of reading with students Anna Maria Elementary students can buy books earning different colors of dolphin charms as they read from the comfort of their home and help the school books from various genres.” media center. Also, the Sunshine State Reading and the Battle Due to novel coronavirus restrictions in the Manatee County School District, the annual Scholastic Book Fair is being held online. Between Monday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 15, AME students will be able to log in and use an interactive booklist to shop online. The books will be shipped to homes, with free shipping for purchases exceeding $25. AME will receive 25% of the profits from the fair to purchase books for teachers and the media center, school media specialist Lynne McDonough wrote in an Oct. 12 email to The Islander. For more information on the book fair go to the AME page at manateeschools.net or call McDonough at 941-708-5525, ext. 2409.
AmE NEWS
2020-21 school calendar • Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5:45 p.m., Manatee County School District board meeting at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Monday, Nov. 2-Sunday, Nov. 15, book fair. • Tuesday, Nov. 3, picture day. • Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. • Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5:45 p.m., district school board reorganization meeting. • Nov. 23-27, Thanksgiving break. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.
Bring this ad for 5% OFF
Join us for OPEN HOUSE 9-4 Friday Oct. 23 and 9-noon Saturday Oct. 24
Located at Sunny Shores off Cortez Road Turn north from Cortez Road into Sunny Shores at 115th Street West, turn left at first STOP sign.
11703 40th Ave. W. • Bradenton 941-794-1226
j
Paid by Campaign to Elect Michael Daugherty Manatee County Mosquito Commissioner 'ƌŽƵƉ 2
Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Bradenton woman pleads no contest to 3rd DUI By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter
A Bradenton woman who is a defendant in a 2018 lawsuit stemming from an alleged drunk driving collision with two Holmes Beach Police vehicles has pleaded no contest to DUI charges in a separate case. Bradenton police report that at about 10 p.m. May 11, Chase Purtill, 43, drove in an eastbound direction on a one-way portion of Manatee Avenue West near Ninth Street West. She was charged with DUI third violation within 10 years of a prior conviction and refusal to submit to a breath test after prior refusal. Purtill, represented by Sarasota-based attorney Brett McIntosh at an Oct. 1 Zoom hearing, pleaded no contest to the charges. A sentencing date is undetermined. The maximum penalty for the DUI charge is five years in jail. On the other charge, Purtill’s driver’s license may be suspended for 18 months. Purtill already was ordered to submit a biological
Streetlife
sample to Florida Department of Law Enforcement DNA Databank. McIntosh did not respond to The Islander’s request for comment Oct. 14. In another case, Purtill was arrested June 9, 2018, for driving under the influence after crashing her 2003 Lincoln Navigator into two Holmes Beach police trucks east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. With emergency lights flashing, the HBPD officers had been conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of Manatee Avenue on Perico Island. Purtill’s SUV rear-ended the vehicle driven by HBPD Officer Alan Bores, who was injured. That criminal case against Purtill is pending. Also, a lawsuit pursuant to the 2018 crash was filed July 24, 2018, by Bores against Purtill and her employer at the time, the Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. In the ongoing civil suit, Bores claims continuing, permanent and severe injuries, past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of capacity to earn future wages.
Staff reports
Island police reports
Anna Maria Oct. 9, 200 block of Willow Avenue, lost property. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office took a report that a resident’s trash can, valued at $60, went missing sometime in the past few months. Oct. 9, 500 block of South Bay Boulevard, Marchman Act. Oct. 10, 400 block of Pine Avenue, vandalism. The MCSO responded to a report of vandalism — someone broke the glass in the rear window of a rental car. A deputy reported the window bowed out, as if it was broken from inside the vehicle. Oct. 10, 700 block of Jacaranda, disturbance. The MCSO responded to a verbal disturbance between
Erin Fountain, EA, RSSA
intoxicated individuals at a wedding reception. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Oct. 8, Coquina South Boat Ramp, 2651 Gulf Drive S., assistance. A man called the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office from Coquina Beach to report that his son was stung by a jellyfish and was suffering an allergic reaction. Manatee County Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the boy to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Oct. 11, Anna Maria Island Club condominiums, 2600 Gulf Drive N., larceny. A man called the Bradenton Beach Police Department to report that his locked bicycle was stolen. The man said he was working with the condo association to access security camera footage, which he planned to provide to the BBPD. Oct. 14, Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., trespass. A patrolling BBPD officer noticed a man drinking an alcoholic beverage on the pier, so he advised him to leave the premises. The man was later found sleeping on the pier with an open container of alcohol, and the
optimal strategies for SSA retirement single, married, divorced, disabled tax implications on SSA income
Bradenton man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach
A Bradenton man was arrested Oct. 12 for driving under the influence of alcohol in Holmes Beach. Miguel Serrano-Ortiz, 47, was arrested at 3:42 a.m. in the 4100 block of Gulf Drive by a Holmes Beach police officer. According to the HBPD report, the officer observed the motorist on Gulf Drive swerve across the doubleyellow line several times while traveling at about 10 mph. The officer stopped the driver and reported Serrano-Ortiz smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred. A witness also reported seeing Serrano-Ortiz driving recklessly. Another officer conducted a field sobriety test. Serrano-Ortiz failed the field test and blew more than 0.15 on two Breathalyzer tests. The legal limit is 0.08. The officer also determined Serrano-Ortiz was driving with a suspended license. Serrano-Ortiz was cited for driving with a suspended license and arrested for DUI. He was transported to the Manatee County jail and was being held on $1,620 bail. He was in custody as of Oct. 15. — Chrisann allen
officer trespassed him from the property. Oct. 14, 200 block of Gulf Drive N., larceny. A man called the BBPD to report that his locked bicycle was stolen from a city-owned bike rack. He told officers he left his bike there while at the beach. An officer issued the man a case number and entered the bike’s serial number into the databases. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Oct. 10, 700 Manatee Avenue West, marijuana. A Holmes Beach police officer observed a motorist run a flashing red light. Upon stopping the driver, the officer saw a vial with marijuana in the console. The motorist also turned over a plastic bag of marijuana to the officer. The driver was cited for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. Oct. 11, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, battery. An HBPD officer was called to a fight at the bar. The fight had ended when the officer arrived. Witness statements PLeaSe, See sTreeTLiFe, NeXT PaGe
941.248.3638 srassurance@outlook.com
"' ") (&2 6$)( (&2 6$)(
'LVLQIHFWDQW 6HUYLFHV 'LVLQIHFWDQW 6HUYLFHV
Residential | Commercial Disinfectant Fogging Service
·S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE
941.237.0700
www.eco-safeservices.com
BEN AND KAREN COOPER TAXES & ACCOUNTING
"ANK 2ECONCILIATIONS s 0REPARING &INANCIALS #ALCULATING 0AYROLLS s (OMEOWNER !SSOCIATIONS )NDIVIDUAL #ORPORATE 4AX 2ETURNS 4401 MANATEE AVE. W., BRADENTON NEXT TO REGIONS BANK 941-795-7048 Office benacooper@aol.com
Same location for 47 years!
DID YOU KNOW? Your vehicle needs
3 FILTERS
to do the job: oil, engine and cabin
DID YOU KNOW? During September and October, you can get a $20 prepaid VISA card if you purchase all
3 FILTERS
337349-1
and have them installed.
Offer valid September 1 - October 31, 2020. Claim ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com by November 15, 2020. Enter code: NAPAAUTOCARE. This offer is only valid to U.S. residents. Limit two (2) rewards per customer account, household, family or address. Cards are issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa Inc. These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no value after that date. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details. Void where prohibited. Requires purchase of all three NAPA oil filter, air filter and cabin air filter.
5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217
(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM
941-795-4878 Fax kacooper77777@aol.com
WE TWEET TOO @ami_islander
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Illegal house built in Sarasota Bay near Cortez docks to tumble By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter
The stilt-house built over the water near the commercial fishing docks in Cortez is coming down after three years of legal maneuvers between builder Raymond Guthrie Jr. and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. On Oct. 8, a virtual court hearing was held on a DEP motion for contempt against Guthrie for his failure to remove the non-permitted stilt-house in the public waters on Sarasota Bay. In spite of multiple court orders, Guthrie was not found in contempt. Still, the court gave him a final deadline to remove the structure. “They gave me 90 days to take it down,” Guthrie, a Cortez resident, said Oct. 14. “I’ve just got to pull it down.” “This matter is still in litigation so we are limited in our ability to comment at this time,” DEP public information manager Shannon Hebron wrote in an Oct. 15 email to The Islander. The statement continued, “On Oct. 8, 2020, the department attended a hearing on its motion requiring Mr. Guthrie comply with the provisions of the court’s final judgment after he failed to remove the unauthorized structure, despite the 30-day time extension proSTREETLIFE CONTINUeD FROM PaGe 16
were taken. The alleged victim planned to give a statement at the police station the following day. Oct. 12, 3800 block of East Bay Drive, theft. A person reported a locked bike and bike lock stolen from a carport. Oct. 13, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Island watch: In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-7786311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.
vided by the department. While the judge declined to hold Mr. Guthrie in contempt of court, he did order Mr. Guthrie remove the unauthorized structure within 90 days of the order on the motion.” In a Nov.17, 2017, order against Guthrie, the DEP stated the terms for the removal: • Guthrie must give 24-hour notice to the DEP in advance of the structure’s removal. • Stockpiling of tools and materials along the shoreline is prohibited; • A floating turbidity apron must be installed around the structure prior to removal; • The removed structure must be placed in a selfcontained disposal site; • Any watercraft associated with the removal must be operate within waters of sufficient depth to prevent dredging. Guthrie declined to say how much it might cost him to remove the structure. “It’s a lot, that’s for sure,” he said. Guthrie had claimed the structure is a historic “net camp,” where cotton fishing nets were stored by Cortez commercial fishers for generations, including by his father and grandfather. The dispute between Guthrie and the DEP began in June 2017, when the DEP discovered what it termed an “enclosed docking structure,” built without permits
trespass. An officer observed two people sleeping on a picnic table and trespassed them from the public beach for a year. Oct. 14, 4600 block of Gulf Drive, Marchman Act. An officer was called to a residence about a fight. Witnesses reported a physical altercation. Emergency management services was called and the individual was taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
Laura, Rick and Tori
Raymond “Junior” Guthrie’s illegal house sits in the water near the commercial docks in Cortez. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
on submerged land owned by the state. Based on Google Earth aerial imagery and historic aerial photo reviews, “prior to 2017, a smaller dilapidated structure existed in the place where the enclosed docking structure was subsequently constructed,” the DEP stated in its 2017 complaint. Guthrie built the structure with a metal roof, air conditioning and other amenities between February 2017 and May 2017. On Feb. 18, he was given until June 3 by Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court to dismantle and remove the structure. On May 6, Guthrie, requested a time extension and on May 16 the DEP filed its opposition to the extension but then gave Guthrie an additional 30 days to comply, giving him until July 3. On July 9, as the structure remained standing, the DEP filed the motion for contempt. “The department is committed to enforcing Florida’s environmental laws and will continue to share information as we progress through this enforcement process,” Hebron said.
Elect ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Rick Hurst for Holmes Beach Commissioner
My Roadmap to a Stronger Future for Holmes Beach
★
Validate our stormwater/resiliency plans.
★
Challenge department budgets.
We currently have all of our critical stormwater projects in the hands of a single local engineering firm. The increased flooding we are experiencing causes concern about the effectiveness of our plan. In order to eliminate the risk of wasted time and money, I suggest we conduct an expert review to ensure we have the best possible stormwater mitigation solutions.
Our city’s operating expenses are too high and continue to rise. This causes our taxes to rise and prevents us from being able to afford critical infrastructure projects. The only way we can reduce these expenses is through efficiency gains and right-sizing. I suggest a deep review of each department’s budget along with a review of all processes/policies and eliminate those that are out-dated, inefficient, provide little value/cost ratio and waste our tax dollars.
★
Involve stakeholders, leverage technology.
This endless pursuit of more laws, more fines, more signs, more code enforcement is not working well. I propose we find better ways to manage our visitors based on realistic expectations and focused on awareness and education designed to help our visitors understand how to be part of our community.
★
Reach out for input from residents.
★
Instill a sense of community.
Too often, policy is made that negatively impacts many stakeholders. In most cases those stakeholders are non-resident property owners and/or island visitors; however, sometimes it includes residents that are not part of the influential “inner circle.” When cities like Holmes Beach make policies that negatively impact too many stakeholders, we run the risk of providing incentive for state officials to eliminate our right to “home rule” and/or not support us when we request funding for our infrastructure projects. I suggest when making policy, city officials consider the impacts on all stakeholders in order to create a fair and proper balance and not give state officials reason to take away home rule.
Holmes Beach is filled with wonderful people; however, no attempt is made to create a sense of community. Many towns similar to ours have a government that facilitates community gatherings. My solution would be, when Covid-19 is behind us, city officials encourage and facilitate community gatherings and help us have a little fun together.
Vote for me for a stronger future for Holmes Beach — Rick Hurst
For more info or to discuss the city’s future, contact Rick Hurst at 248-765-0785 or electrickhurst@gmail.com. Political advertisement paid and approved by Rick Hurst for Holmes Beach Commissioner.
Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Tidings
Gathering
Roser will not host community Thanksgiving dinner
There will be no diners to feast Nov. 26 on turkey and all the trimmings at Roser Memorial Community Church. The church confirmed Oct. 13 in an email to The Islander that it will not host its traditional “Genuine Community Thanksgiving” on the holiday due to the coronavirus pandemic. On past Thanksgivings, the event involved opening the church fellowship hall to more than 100 diners and many volunteers, who shared tables as they shared grace, thanks and the holiday meal. The event also involved many hours of preparation in the communal kitchen at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Roser continues to host worship services online and in person, with face masks and social distancing required. For more information about Roser, go to www. roserchurch.com or call 941-778-0414.
Obituaries
Barbara Parkman
Barbara Parkman, 88, of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Oct. 8. She loved the Lord and all living creatures. She was instrumental in the opening of the dog park in Holmes Beach. She thought dogs, like people, needed a place to play and socialize. Anyone who ever knew her could tell you numerous stories about her passion and drive to get things done. Her children called them “Mom missions.” Parkman She lived on Anna Maria Island for many years before moving to Bradenton in 2014. She will be sorely missed. Donations may be made in her honor to aspca.org. A memorial gathering will be announced at a future date. Mrs. Parkman is survived by her son, Dominique Bergeron and wife Bonnie; daughters Terry Cappello and husband Michael and Linda Bergeron; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her precious dog, Baer; and her cat, Pumpkin.
Carl Larner Parks
Carl Larner Parks, 75, of Bradenton and formerly of Bradenton Beach, died Sept. 11. He was a man of many talents. Raised in East Lansing, Michigan, he excelled in classical piano and pipe organ as a child. At age 12, he won the renowned Interlochen senior division piano competition and served as assistant Parks organist at a large local church. He graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s
REGULAR WORSHIP
EVENTS
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship.
Wednesdays 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe Fellowship, Holmes Beach. Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941383-6491. Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Zoom-based. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com. SAVE THE DATES Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Nov. 2, All Souls Day. Dec. 10-18, Hanukkah. Dec. 25, Christmas.
ONLINE WORSHIP Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook. Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com.
Gathering
Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Please, send announcements, photographs and calendar listings for the page to news@islander. org, as well as calendar@islander.org.
in journalism. He served in the U.S. Army and, while stationed at the Army base at Fort Dix, he was a sharpshooter, clerk typist and chaplain’s assistant, also accompanying entertainment personalities at the base. Returning to the Detroit area, he was a newspaper reporter, political speech writer and technical writer for automotive companies. He also championed large pipe organs by performing concerts. His personal style was honed as a member of the Art Deco Society of Detroit. Mr. Parks relocated in the late 1990s to Bradenton Beach, where he served at many local churches and performed annual pipe organ concerts. He wrote for political campaigns, was appointed to the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway Committee, where he served as chair for many years, and was elected dean of the local American Guild of Organists to which he donated his vast musical library. Interment will be in Michigan. Mr. Parks is survived by a sister and her family.
Thomas Foster Tyrrell
Assistance sought from AMI
Assistance offered to AMI
GoodDeeds
• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce collects food donations for a Manatee County Food Drive through October. Information: 941-778-1541. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • Rotary Club of Longboat Key seeks donations to support military veterans and programs for veterans. Information: 703-593-4447.
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
Tommy Tyrrell, died Oct. 12. He was born July 10, 1980, the year his soon to be loved, Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series. He lived in Manatee County, growing up with his family and close friends on Anna Maria Island. He was an avid, competitive athlete and loved to practice and play ball with his good buddies on the island and was captain of his basketTyrrell ball team at Manatee High School. He had a passion the Philadelphia Eagles. Fly Eagles Fly! His open heart and his kind, loving spirit will be missed by his family and friends. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences to Shannon Funeral Homes. He is survived by his father, Michael; mother Rosemary Fleck; step-dad Todd Fleck, sister Tiffany Vreeland, niece Natalie, nephew Beau and his good friends.
• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information:941-778-1541. • Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee offers fresh produce at select locations. Information: 941-7474655. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • All Island Denominations offers monetary help, including relief for unemployed people. For information or to apply, call 941-725-2433. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Growing in Jesus’ Name
Sunday Service 10:00 AM
Please Register to Attend • Masks Required
In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin. The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation.
941-778-0414 • info@RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch
Worship With Us at Our Church 941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON:
Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons
or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)
6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
•
941.383.8833 (office)
•
www.christchurchlbk.org
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Volunteer planner sought, parks member appointed in HB By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach has extended its deadline for volunteer board member applications. At a teleconferenced city meeting Oct. 13, commissioners postponed appointing new planning commissioners until more people apply. The commission recommends proposed land development regulations, including amendments to land development codes and the comprehensive plan. The planning commission is presently in progress with LaRue Planning of Fort Myers to update the comp plan, a contracted arrangement slated to last through 2021.
“We’d like to allow some more time for anyone else that would like to apply for this very important job on the planning commission, particularly in light of the comprehensive plan that is under review at the present time,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said. Second alternate planning commissioner Gale Tedhams Sept. 10 emailed the mayor and commissioners she would step up to participate as a full member, but the commission did not vote on her offer. Additionally, 17-year resident Lisa Pierce applied for the committee. The planning commission volunteer position — open for a three-year term as either a full member or second alternate — is pending the commission’s deci-
sion on Tedhams. The commission meets at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. In other business, commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Mary Catherine Melancon to the parks and beautification committee, which is seeking an additional member — an alternate volunteer spot open for a two-year term. The committee meets at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, October-May. To apply for either committee by Oct. 30, residents can contact the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800 ext. 221, or email an application request to deputyclerk@ holmesbeachfl.org.
AMOB celebrates 25 years Anna Maria receives 1 app to fill commission vacancy By Ryan Paice to learn more about the community. with philanthropy award Islander Reporter After six years in Anna Maria, she said she’s ready By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter
What better way to celebrate 25 years in business than with an award for philanthropy? Just ask John Horne. Shortly after celebrating 25 years in business in September, Anna Maria Oyster Bar — and CEO John Horne — was named one of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 17 honorees for the One Tampa Bay award. The Business Journal is one of 44 Horne weekly metropolitan business news publications in the American City Business Journals. The journal award honors the philanthropic efforts of nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies, such as AMOB owner Horne’s restaurants. AMOB was chosen from a field of more than 220 nominees, according to an Oct. 7 Tampa Bay Business Journal article. “These awards bring together the region’s nonprofit organizations with the companies going above and beyond when it comes to giving back to the community,” the article read. Throughout AMOB’s 25 years, Horne has maintained a commitment to nourish the community through support to local nonprofit organizations, such as the PACE Center for Girls of Manatee, according to the restaurant’s website at www.oysterbar.net. Horne and AMOB’s more than 300 employees raise funds for PACE at restaurant locations, including the one on the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Horne and AMOB staff volunteers don’t stop with fundraising for PACE. They also assist with organizing fundraisers and activities, as well as hosting PACE students at the restaurant to inform them about the hospitality industry and employment opportunities. In 2017, Horne and wife Amanda piloted a Dive Into Reading summer reading program to help improve children’s reading levels and combat the “summer slide.” The program expanded after the startup to serve more than 370 elementary school students with support from more than 354 mentors. Horne and other honorees will be featured in a Nov. 20 special section of the Business Journal. For more information visit www.oysterbar.net, or call 941-741-2662.
BUSINESS INSURANCE SAVINGS • Property • General & Liquor Liability • Workers’ Compensation • Equipment • Auto • Umbrella • Payroll
A candidate for Anna Maria’s vacant commission seat has stepped up to the plate. Doris “Deanie” Sebring, 54, applied Oct. 8 for Amy Tripp’s now-vacant seat, which will remain empty until her two-year term expires in November. Tripp resigned at the end of August to move to Black Mountain, North Carolina, but the commission delayed naming a successor until Sebring after her term expires. The window to apply for the position opened Oct. 1 and, as of Oct. 15, only Sebring had applied. Sebring told The Islander Oct. 15 that she was raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she helped run her father’s interior design store until she moved to California, where she lived for 15 years and became the general manager of an auto dealership. She then moved to Florida, where she created a company that helped reunite people with their lost keys before selling the business. In 2017, Sebring wrote a children’s book, “Skip and Deanie’s Flying Bike Trip,” which is based on the imaginary adventures of herself and her real-life diabetic alert dog, Skip. Sebring touted her business acumen in her application. “With my strong background in business, business development, employee and customer service experience, I feel I would be a real asset to the city commission,” she wrote. Sebring said her priorities as a commissioner would be to maintain the city’s home rule in regulating short-term vacation rentals and improving pedestrian safety. Sebring said she was interested in getting involved when she moved to the city in 2014, but first wanted
WE TWEET TOO @ami_islander
to serve. “I love Anna Maria and plan on living here for the rest of my life,” Sebring wrote in her application. “I would like to have a hand in shaping the future of my city. I have a strong sense of community and am passionate about helping to make Anna Maria a better place to live, work and visit.” Current commissioners A couple of city commissioners encouraged residents to apply for the open seat. “It’s been very rewarding for me,” Commission Chair Carol Carter told The Islander in an Oct. 14 interview. “It’s been a steep learning curve because I’ve never done anything of this sort before, but I think we should always be learning.” Carter encouraged “leader-type people” with open minds to apply for the vacant seat. “I’d love to see people get interested in serving,” Commissioner Jonathan Crane said Oct. 14. “It’s rewarding. You get to know what’s going on, and you get to make a difference for your city.” “If you’re going to complain about how your city is run, you ought to step up and help change it rather than complain about it,” he added. Application forms can be found at the city’s website, www.cityofannamaria.com. Applicants must be Anna Maria residents of at least two years, registered to vote in the city and at least 18 years old. They are asked to provide 2-3 reasons why they should be considered for the commission seat on the application form. Completed forms must be submitted to city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, or amadmin@cityofannamaria. com, before the application window closes at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. Commissioners make $4,800 per year.
LONGBOAT KEY BLOOD DRIVE Monday, November 2, 2020 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Christ Church of Longboat Key Parking Lot APPOINTMENTS ENCOURAGED: www.oneblood.org/donate-now (Sponsor Code #61176) 1-888-9-DONATE 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive
•
941.383.8833
•
www.christchurchlbk.org
PERSONAL INSURANCE SAVINGS • Home / Condo • Wind / Flood • Auto / Golf Cart • Boat • Motorcycle • Umbrella • Life
Island Shopping Center | 5412 Marina Drive | Holmes Beach | 941.778.2253 | ThinkWALLER.com
Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
0)#+ 4(% / / 7)..%23 s #/,,%#4 ")' "5#+3 s ! 7)..%2 %6%29 7%%+ s / 7%%+,9 02):%
GET IN THE GAME Skye Morrow, Anna Maria Rollover #/.4%34 7)..%2 ??????????????????????????? "5# 3#/2% 7)..%2 ??????????????????????????
WATCH BANDS, BATTERIES SERVICE/REPAIRS
40% OFF ALL pre-owned Ladies Rolex.
778-9622 Packers at Texans Pizza s Sandwiches s Beer s Wine s Pool
YOUR CHOICE: $3,495
Open Sundays @12:30!
Panthers at Saints
MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-4 941-798-9585
Steelers at Titans The Island Experts Since 1972 5347 Gulf Drive #4 Holmes Beach Business Center 941-778-9622
1
2
8110 CORTEZ RD. W.
NFL PACKAGE, SEC & BIG 10!
��Ž/6¨ŽOŽ[²Ž* /-ŽŽ -/Ž7 -Ž" Ž
Come watch the games on NFL Sunday Ticket and play Solo’s NFL Beer Game!
Pool/Spa Renovation Equipment Repairs & Installation www.tomsangerpools.com
5
9701 Gulf Drive, AM 941-567-4056 slimsplaceami.com
HOLMES BEACH (NEAR DOLLAR TREE)
941.778.8118
Cowboys at Washington
3
Island Mail & Print
WESTBRIDGE VETERINARY CLINIC Custom New Pool Construction
4
OPEN 7 DAYS-LUNCH & DINNER
3244 E. Bay Drive
TEAM VS. TEAM HERE
A Mobile Veterinary Practice, Bringing Compassionate Pet Care to Your Home
Bills at Jets
,5.#(s$)..%2 $!),9 30%#)!,3 #2!&4 "%%23 %8#%04)/.!, 7).%3 -!2).! $2 (/,-%3 "%!#( 941-778-5092
Voted BEST Wings, Philly Cheese Steak, & Sports Bar
WORLDLY CUISINE MADE FROM SCRATCH! Dinner Tues-Sun
'/,& 4%..)3 #,5"
BEACHWAY PLAZA
/PEN TO THE PUBLIC
www.Westbridge VeterinaryClinic.com
7232 Manatee Ave. W.
941.92O.4O1O
‘TWEEN PUBLIX & BEALLS
Bradenton
941-932-1414 CPC1458020
www.facebook.com/ WestbridgeVeterinaryClinic
Browns at Bengals
Virginia at U. Of Miami
Jaguars at Chargers
6
7
8
GiclĂŠe & Large-Format Printing
4ERRA #EIA "AY "LVD
941.778.1911
0ALMETTO
Buccaneers at Raiders
Lions at Falcons
9
10
Enjoy stunning sunset views, dining and libations from our expansive outdoor chickee and bar. Fresh seafood specials daily. First-come dock space and, we’ll cook your fresh catch!
Compass Bar & Chill
3230 E. Bay Drive | Holmes Beach
941-896-9422
&
Pink White .!), 30!
FSU at Louisville
MEDICARE PLANS Need help choosing a plan? Turning 65? We have answers ‌ Albrecht’s Insurance Group Angela Albrecht Albrechtsagency@gmail.com www.aig-medicare.com
Mention ad for 2O% OFF professional nail services for ladies & gentlemen. .OW OFFERING IN HOME SERVICES WITH PROFESSIONAL %NGLISH SPEAKING TECHS
941-242-1772
/ -ANATEE !VE 7 "RADENTON "EACHWAY 0UBLIX 0LAZA
49ers at Patriots
941.794.6168
11
12
Lic#FL W237471
PARADISE BAGELS CAFE & CATERING Best-ever bagels, egg-el, muffins, full breakfast, lunch salads & sandwiches, lox platters and more! 3220 E. Bay Drive Anna Maria Centre Shops DROP YOUR ENTRIES HERE!
for Happy Hour in Paradise! 4-6 Sunday-Thursday overlooking the marina at Compass by Margaritaville, Anna Maria Sound. Visit daily for dockside dining and beverage specials. 941.741.9700
941-779-1212
12332 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
12324 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
Missouri at UF
Chiefs at Broncos
Seahawks at Cardinals
13
14
15
* ÂŽ/ ÂŽ7 s 4HE )SLANDER PAYS TO THE PERSON WITH THE MOST COR RECT GAME WINNING PREDICTIONS #OLLECT PRIZE IN PERSON AT 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, or by mail. s %NTRIES MUST BE MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED TO THE NEWS PAPER OFl CE AND ARRIVE BY P M &2)$!9 EVERY WEEK s ! WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM TYING ENTRIES 4HE DECISION OF 4HE )SLANDER FOOTBALL JUDGE IS l NAL s !LL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON THE PUBLISHED FORM %N TRIES MUST BE HAND WRITTEN ORIGINAL -UST INCLUDE NAME AD dress and phone number. s !LL ADVERTISERS MUST BE LISTED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN
941.741.8700
Join us at the
,-ŽOŽ7 Ž[lÇ
s ONLY /.% %.429 PER PERSON, PER WEEK. Winner 1________________ 2________________ 3________________ 4________________ 5________________ 6________________ 7 _______________
Advertiser ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
$5O BUCS CONTEST
Winner 8________________ 9________________ 10_______________ 11_______________ 12_______________ 13_______________ 14_______________ 15_______________
Advertiser ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
Your correct score prediction for this week’s Buccaneer game could win you $50. Drawing in the event of a tie. Rollover if there’s no winner! (no game/no prize) BUCS ________ vs ___________ SCORE
SCORE
Your name ___________________________________ Address/City _____________________________________________ Phone _________________________ -AIL OR DELIVER BY P M &2)$!9 TO 4HE )SLANDER s % "AY $RIVE (OLMES "EACH &, s ).&/
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Holmes Beach approves county agreement to police beach By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter
It’s a start. During an Oct. 13 teleconferenced Holmes Beach City Commission meeting, commissioners authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with Manatee County to provide the city $46,412 to pay Holmes Beach police officers to monitor the Manatee Public Beach — a county park — for fiscal year 2021. “It’s a good number but it’s not a great number,” Police Chief Bill Tokajer said of the allocation, which amounted to a funding increase. For 2020, the county provided $15,000 to police the public beach at 4000 Gulf Drive. City officials and staff have appealed to the county for several years to increase funding for policing the public park. Tokajer created a spreadsheet tracking costs to the department for patrols at the public beach and Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave. W., also a county-run park within the city limits. The report showed policing in 2019 at the public beach cost the city $158,291.74, while policing the boat ramp cost $7,736.13. “Our costs of providing this service far exceed the remuneration we receive from the county,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said. “I know that is an area the
A Holmes Beach Police Department patrol stands watch July 29 over the $17 million sand replenishment project, partially funded by Manatee County. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen
administration and some of us will continue to bring to the attention of the county to reach an equilibrium.” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said the county pays Bradenton Beach $125,648.04 per year to police Coquina Beach at the south end of the city. Tokajer said the Bradenton Beach Police Department has a devoted officer for Coquina and the park is larger than the Manatee Public Beach. Kihm said he reached out to county administrator Cheri Coryea, asking to increase the annual amount,
but received no response. “Now we are left with this interlocal agreement that I find woefully lacking in the amount of dollars versus the amount of effort that we put in,” Kihm said. A motion to approve the agreement passed 4-1, with Kihm voting “nay.” The next Holmes Beach City Commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Stone crab season launches with modest catch, high interest By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Florida’s 2020-21 stone crab season began Oct. 15 with modest hauls for Cortez crabbers. Karen Bell, a founding member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish market and restaurant, told The Islander Oct. 17 she estimated crabbers in the area were averaging a half pound of stone crab claws per trap during early harvests. Bell said crabbers in northern waters around Tarpon Springs and Tampa had better hauls of around a full pound of stone crab claws per trap, but wasn’t too concerned. “They do move and migrate,” she said. “Like, right now, it’s not unusual for them to start better north of us. Then, I think when the cold weather comes, they start moving south.” Additionally, many Cortezian crabbers had yet to pull traps as of Oct. 18, according to Bell. “Around here, a lot of people didn’t put their traps out until maybe less than a week before they were allowed to pull them because of the weather,” Bell said. “They didn’t want to lose their traps, so a lot of them here haven’t pulled a lot yet.” “We’ve only had three guys actually pull traps, and they aren’t big crabbers,” she added. John Banyas, the owner of Cortez Bait & Seafood and a crabber who owns around 2,400 traps, told The Islander Oct. 17 that he was sitting out of the season because his boat was out of commission. However, Banyas said he gave many of his traps to smaller crabbers to use in his stead. On a positive note, Bell said both price and interest for the crustaceans have exceeded her expectations at the start of the season despite the novel coronavirus’ economic impact. “I thought people were going to hold on to their
money but, apparently, they want stone crabs!” she said. “And the price is definitely higher than I thought it would be. I was definitely wrong about that.” However, Bell said she has yet to determine a standard price for how much she would pay crabbers for a pound of stone crab claws. “I haven’t set a price yet,” she said. “I haven’t committed to one because I can’t tell our projections because nobody has really pulled traps yet.” Bell said the continued price and interest in the crab claws are some of the only factors mitigating the cost crabbers face in harvesting the crustaceans. “I heard someone say, ‘Why are they so expensive anyway?’” Bell said. “It’s like, well, you get a boat and get a thousand traps and go out there all day and see how it is.” “They are pricey, but that’s just the market, I guess,” she added. Chris Massey, a crewman aboard Cortez businessman John Banyas’ boat, sits with 10 baskets of stone crab claws after an early morning harvest last year. Banyas said he would sit out the season and let other crabbers use his traps while his vessel was out of commission. Islander Courtesy Photo: John Banyas
i.wed
The Islander Wedding Directory T
ACCOMMODATIONS ACCOMMODA ATI
Holistic wellness center and spa
Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall. Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach
941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com
Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800-779-3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com TO BE INCLUDED: TONI
LYON
941.778.7978 TONI@ISLANDER.ORG
BEACH CABANAS CABANUP! Tents, Chairs, Coolers, Beach Gear and more -- delivered and set up on the beach. 941-243-3871 PHOTOGRAPHY Jack Elka PhotoGraphics The finest wedding photography since 1980. www.jackelka.com 941-778-2711
Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
County nears completion of BB sewer projects By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Two Manatee County projects to replace Bradenton Beach’s sewers soon may end. But residents may not have much downtime before more construction begins. County strategic affairs manager Ogden Clark told The Islander Oct. 14 that work on Force Main 1 and the AMI Phase 32 Water Main could be completed by late October or early November. The Force Main 1 project is the second phase of a project aimed at replacing the city’s entire 50-yearold sewer system. This phase includes replacing sewer lines along Church Street North, Bay Drive South, Fifth Street South, Sixth Street South and Gulf Drive. The project was approved in July 2019 with an April 13 deadline that was extended to Aug. 11, then Oct. 31. Clark said work was delayed by weather and the pandemic, and hit a snag when a section of new pipeline failed to pass inspection and had to be reset. The remaining work involves restoring and resurfacing the excavated roadways and connecting the force main to the Manatee County Southwest Water Reclamation Facility. Clark said Harris McBurney would continue construction Mondays-Saturdays to expedite the project. “It’s mostly just cleanup work at this point,� he
said. The project has instigated traffic jams and slowdowns since it began last summer, especially when Gulf Drive was reduced to one lane in February. Clark said the county was aware of the impact on Bradenton Beach, and was trying to improve its methods of informing people about its construction projects. “We really intend to step up our public coordination as we move forward with some more projects out there on the island,� Clark said. “There are a lot of impacts going on. We’re trying to time them all now, so we don’t have to keep coming out to the island to make massive system repairs,� he added. The county’s AMI Phase 23 Water Main project in Bradenton Beach also is close to completion. The project involves installing the main water lines and resurfacing several sections of Avenue A and the intersection of 24th Street North and Canasta Drive. An Oct. 9 update from the county stated that the construction crew finished installing the pipelines, but had yet to finish connecting properties to the new system or restore the roadway with new asphalt. The report stated that the project is “expected to be completed in the next 30 days, weather permitting.� While work on the two projects is expected to end soon, Clark said the county plans next to “rehabilitate�
Harris McBurney employees excavate Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach Oct. 14 as part of Manatee County’s ongoing Force Main 1 sewer replacement project. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
a sewer along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South in Bradenton Beach. “It’s almost an extension of the Force Main 1 work,� he said. “It’s just about the same thing, but with the rehab, there are some instances where there is some infrastructure you can save or hold onto.� Clark said the county had yet to set a start date for construction. “They’re still doing the surveying for the design work,� Clark said. “That work isn’t expected to begin until the new year, when they have a design, so there should be a little bit of a gap between construction.� For more information on the projects, as well as The marine unit reported observing several neara map showing roadways affected by the work, visit collisions involving vessels traveling under the bridge www.amipipereplacement.com. at higher speeds. Intracoastal Waterway/Anna Maria Bridge Area Layout “It should be noted that most other bridges in the area are designated ‘slow speed’ due to the congested boat traffic,� the sergeant said. # Florida Statute 327.60 prohibits local governments # from regulating any vessel upon the ICW. # # However, Alan Lai Hipp, environmental program Q R manager for the county parks and natural resources # Anna Maria Bridge department, said commissioners could authorize staff to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to request a state review of boating safety conditions at the location. “Any potential establishment of boating safety regulations within the ICW is solely by decision and action of the FWC,� he said. lW ate
Intr aco asta
Hey boaters! Your opinion is wanted. Manatee County commissioners are heeding a request from the sheriff’s office to study boat speeds at the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The commission acted in approving its consent agenda during a meeting Oct. 13 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. MCSO Sgt. Russell Schnering, who heads the marine unit, wrote to county officials in July, raising concerns about boat speeds under the bascule bridge that links Anna Maria and Perico islands on Manatee Avenue. Schnering suggested creating a “slow speed� zone and said “the area has no speed restrictions currently and a new marina has been built with a channel intersecting the Intracoastal Waterway on the northeast side of the bridge, across from the channel leading to the Kingfish Boat Ramp, northwest of the bridge.�
rwa y
County seeks review of boat speeds at AMI bridge
) "
) "
) "
) "
Kingfish Boat Ramp Channe l
) "
) "
64
) "
Priv ate Ma
) "
rina Channe l
Area of Concern Within Red Circle
0
— Lisa Neff
$2 @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.
250
500 Feet
Âą
an image shows the waterway, bridge, two channels and, in the red circle, the targeted area for a “slow speed� zone. Islander Courtesy Image
SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984
â?Š Truly Homemade Ice Cream
(yes, we really make it ourselves)
â?Š Voted Best Ice Cream â?Š Open 7 Days a Week www.tylersicecream.com Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333
Looking for the perfect outing? Look no further ‌
Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935
NO. 2 ON TRIPADVISOR OUT OF 407
GERMAN & MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE "%%2 7).% \ "%%2 '!2$%. 6OTED "EST 'ERMAN 2ESTAURANT
OCT. 31: GERMAN OCTOBERFEST 3EATINGS AND ./ '2/503 ,!2'%2 4(!. 0%/0,%
(AVE A FUN TIME DRINK ENJOY AUTHENTIC 'ERMAN MEAL AND 'ERMAN FOLK MUSIC BY !LMDUDEL &RED 2ESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(/523 -ONDAY 3ATURDAY #ORTEZ 2OAD 7 "RADENTON WWW LUCKY FROG COM s
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Corps considering sand dredging project at Greer (Beer Can) Island By Lisa Neff Islander editor
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues its review of a Longboat Key permit request for dredging and renourishment at Greer Island, better known as Beer Can Island, on the town’s north end. The agency issued a public notice of the application July 14, triggering a 21-day comment period. The town needs a permit under the Clean Water and Rivers and Harbors acts because the 15-year project would affect the waters at Longboat Pass. The pass and the Longboat Pass Bridge separate the north end of Longboat Key from the south end of Anna Maria Island. The town already has received permits from the Corps and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for an emergency dredge of 1,000 cubic yards from the entrance to a canal — Canal 1A — east of the Longboat Pass Bridge. The longer-term project — a shoreline and navigation restoration, according to the Corps’ notice — would involve “maintenance dredging and sand placement every four to eight years on an as-needed basis� for 15 years from the park and preserve at the northern tip of the key. Manatee County owns the beachfront park on Greer Island and contracts with Longboat Key for law enforcement at the site. Longboat Key has said sediment migrating from Gulf beaches around Greer Island created a sand spit and current shoaling at Greer Island necessitates dredging to facilitate access to the canal and encourage
bridge. Beach compatible sediment— sand — dredged from the site would be placed on dry and submerged portions of LBK beaches. The Corps’ notice said the project may affect endangered species, including piping plover, red knots, loggerhead turtles, green turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles and manatees but is not likely to “adversely affect� them. The Corps also said its initial determination is the project would not adversely impact federally managed fisheries or historic properties in the area. Also, the Corps said the town indicated there would be no impact to seagrasses. Responding to the town’s plan, former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, a recreational boater and also environmental activist, raised concerns. Writing Oct. 2 to a project manager at the Corps, McClash said the proposed project site often is “stacked with boats� and “if the material is removed there will be a loss of recreational area that is not replaced.� McClash conceded the need to remove sediment for navigational needs but said “the question is how a graphic indicates Longboat Key’s proposed projmuch material should be removed to comply with ect for Greer Island on the north end of the town. minimal impacts to the environment.� Islander Courtesy Image The agency might hold a hearing on the plan, suggested McClash, who also recommended posting flushing of a lagoon. notices to alert boaters who frequent the site. The initial phase would involve dredging 25,000Caitlin Hoch-Nussbaum, an environmental engi35,000 cubic yards of material from a sand spit and neer with the Corps’ regulatory field office in Tampa about 500 cubic yards from the canal west of the said Oct. 8 the permit application is pending.
Bradenton Beach aims to improve Gulf Drive park, Bridge Street
More improvements are in store. Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 5-0 Oct. 15 to authorize public works director Tom Woodard to work with Commissioner Marilyn Maro to clean up and improve Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2200 Gulf Drive N., by cutting back vegetation, widening a pathway to the beach and adding benches. Maro, who proposed the project, said the park’s pathway to the beach has been narrowed by overgrown seagrape plants and other vegetation. She suggested pruning the vegetation and widening the walkway, then
RoadWatch
Eyes on the road
The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2 involves work on the north side of Cortez Road with trafďŹ c to Harbor Landings detoured to 127th Street. • Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: A county pipeline replacement project continues, involving resurfacing the roadway, reinstallation of paver driveways, removal of construction materials Monday-Saturday. Expected completion is this fall. • Clark and Marina drives in Holmes Beach: Roadway striping is to be installed this fall. — Lisa Neff
installing ropes and bollards to delineate a clear path and prevent erosion. She also proposed adding two benches and planting trees to provide seating area and shade for parkgoers in lieu of the picnic tables and tiki huts that were there but removed after sustaining storm damage. “I think this looks like something that, for the most part, we can do,� Mayor John Chappie said. “It sounds great,� Commissioner Jake Spooner said. “I appreciate Marilyn for bringing this to our attention.� Building official Steve Gilbert said the park is set beyond the Coastal Construction Control Line, so any improvements require a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. City engineer Lynn Burnett said the city may be able to include the improvements as work under a Florida Department of Transportation permit for Gulf Drive beautification to cut costs and save time. Woodard said he would return to the commission with pricing for the work. There was no public comment and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh moved to authorize Woodard to complete the work. Maro seconded the motion. City attorney Ricinda Perry advised on a couple of Bridge Street improvement projects, including one to replace the strip’s solar-powered lighting with LEDpowered lighting to improve vehicle and pedestrian
You can read it all online at islander.org
Katie Pierola Sunset Park in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.
½-Ê t
:H KDYH 6WRQH &UDE
Little Italy in the â?¤ of Anna Maria Island.
Don’t forget‌
visibility at night. While the city must wait 8-11 weeks for a streetlight manufacturing backlog to smooth out, Perry said she soon may call a special community redevelopment agency meeting to discuss the “big-ticket� cost. In the meantime, Care Electric relocated five solar-powered streetlights from Third Street North to Bridge Street to improve lighting, however, three of the streetlights failed. The contractor plans to repair the malfunctioning fixtures in the coming weeks. “I think this was a great safety move on the city’s part,� Perry said.
7 ĂŠ , ĂŠ "* ĂŠ ",ĂŠ 1- --ĂŠ ĂŠ-/ ĂŠ
"" t SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER TAKE-OUT ONLY UĂŠ*Ă€iÂŤ>Ă€i`ĂŠ i>Â?ĂƒĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ/>ÂŽiĂŠ"Ă•ĂŒÂ° UĂŠ Ă€ÂˆVŽ‡"Ă›iÂ˜ĂŠ*ÂˆĂ˘Ă˘>ĂŠUĂŠ iÂ?ÂˆĂŠUĂŠ ĂƒÂŤĂ€iĂƒĂƒÂœĂŠUĂŠ7ˆ˜i UĂŠ Ă€iĂƒÂ…ĂŠ >ÂŽi`ĂŠ œœ`Ăƒ]ĂŠ Ă€i>`ĂŠEĂŠ*>ĂƒĂŒĂ€ÂˆiĂƒ
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11-7 5337 Gulf Drive ~ at the corner of Holmes Boulevard and Gulf Drive
941-896-9754
/XQFK 3UL[ )L[H &RXUVHV 1LJKWO\ /RFDO 6SHFLDOV
7DFR 7XHVGD\ )ORULGD JURXSHU WDFRV 7KXUVGD\ TXHHQ FXW SULPH ULE GLQQHU )ULGD\ 6DWXUGD\ FUDE VWXIIHG PDLQH OREVWHU 6XQGD\ URDVW DXVWUDOLDQ UDFN RI ODPE
:HHNO\ /RFDO 6SHFLDOV :LQH 'RZQ :HGQHVGD\V
RII DOO ERWWOHV RI ZLQH 6SHFLDO &KHHVH DQG &KDUFXWHULH 3ODWH
:LQH 'LQQHUV 6DYH WKH 'DWH ,WDOLDQ :LQH 'LQQHU 1RYHPEHU WK &D\PXV :LQH 'LQQHU 1RYHPEHU WK
+DUU\ V *RXUPHW 'HOL $0 72 30 7DNH RXW &XUEVLGH 3LFNXS
+DUU\ V &RUQHU 6WRUH $0 WR 30
ZZZ +DUU\V.LWFKHQ FRP
* 8 / ) 2 ) 0 ( ; Ζ & 2 ' 5 Ζ 9 ( Č?
$ /RQJERDW .H\ /DQGPDUN
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AMITW volunteers Linda Oneal, Amy Waterbury, Barbara Riskay and Carla Boehme pose Oct. 14 between the last two sea turtle nests yet to hatch in the nursery near Peppertree Lane in Anna Maria before season ends Oct. 31. The team has been collecting data since nests began hatching in July. The data is shared with the state and Manatee County. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen
Nesting notes By ChrisAnn Allen
Last nests close to hatch date, surprises still possible
Sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island is all but over. However, people must remain vigilant of possible “surprise hatches” through early November in all areas of the beach but, the days are counting down at a nest nursery established between White Avenue and Peppertree Lane near the border between Holmes Beach and Anna Maria, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring director, Suzi Fox. Since May, turtle watch relocated 349 clutches of eggs to human-made nests to the nursery, out of harm’s way from a sand renourishment project, which started July 8 near 77th Street in Holmes Beach and was planned to end the first week in November at Longboat Pass. As of Oct. 16, two nests in the nursery remained to hatch and 20,174 hatchlings had made their way to the Gulf of Mexico. But Fox said there might be nests laid in other areas that turtle watch volunteers did not spot on their morning ATV patrols. So people must adhere to turtlefriendly lighting regulations, as any of the unknown nests could hatch late. “Surprise hatches happen every year,” Fox said. “We do the best we can to spot them all, but occasionally they fool us.” Additionally, nests laid north of the project in Anna Maria were counted but not monitored for data, so those nests were not staked off and hatch data was not
documented. In the meantime, a small team of volunteers has been excavating hatched nests in the nursery, since flotillas of hatchlings — usually about 100 per nest — started emerging in July. Linda Oneal, one of the nursery volunteers who dug new nests for relocated eggs early in season, has been conducting excavations and collecting data in the mornings. Oneal and teammates Carla Boehme and Barbara Riskay wait 72 hours after a nest hatches, per Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations, then dig into the nests to count how many eggs hatched, didn’t hatch, or if there are dead or live hatchlings remaining. The data is shared with the state and Manatee County and live hatchlings are released to the Gulf of Mexico. “I’ve learned a lot as I’ve never gone through this before with renourishment,” Oneal said. “We’re tired but we don’t want it to end.”
To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles or shorebirds contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. For more information on nesting season, contact AMITW executive director Suzi Fox at suzifox@ gmail.com or 941-778-5638.
As of Oct. 18 there were 349 nests and 451 false crawls within the renourishment area, with 288 hatched nests and approximately 20,174 hatchlings to the sea.
Welcome to Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, the newest waterfront restaurant to join Anna Maria Sound!
FREE! SMOKED FISH SPREAD APPETIZER
Join us Sunday-Thursday in October and enjoy our locally sourced smoked fish spread on the house! Just mention The Islander during your visit.
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS!
Calling all early bird diners to paradise! Visit us 11-12:30 or 3-5 MondayThursday for 15% off entrees, plus select beverage specials. 12332 Manatee Ave W., Bradenton 941.741.8700, Floridays-annamaria.com Terms: One free smoked fish spread appetizer per table, dine-in only, based on table availability. Additional exclusions may apply, subject to change. Early bird special discount does not apply to alcohol purchases or beverage specials, No cash value and offer subject to change. Both offers expire 10/31/2020
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Manatees begin fall migrations to warmer water
By Lisa Neff
Opportunity aplenty
“What do you want to do?” “I don’t know? What do you want to do?” When I was a kid and summer vacation was in its third month — maybe even the second month — those were the daunting questions with which we dealt. We were hot. We were broke. We were bored. We were kids. In the eighth month of the coroNeff navirus pandemic, I found myself repeating the “what do you want to do?” conversation with my wife. One would sigh. And one would say, “Want to take a walk?” or “What is there to do?” But an invite this month to participate in a virtual exploration of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in search of rare orchids freshened my spirits and reminded me of the opportunities open to us during these trying times. With each week, new virtual opportunities arise to engage in recreation, entertainment and education. Outfitted with a computer or smartphone, we can Zoom into a conversation from the Island Library about “The Inner Life of Animals” and chat with the artist on the opening of a water-themed exhibit at Island Gallery West. We can subscribe to YouTube channels and observe our local conservationists rescue wildlife, check sea
Conservationists are reminding boaters to watch for manatees on their migration path from cooling waterways to warmer water. Manatees have little body fat despite their large size and cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68 F for long periods of time. They can experience what is called “cold stress syndrome” and die from exposure to prolonged cold weather. So Florida manatees are somewhat migratory. Throughout the summer, the marine mammals can be found enjoying seasonally warm waters throughout the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. In the fall, manatees move to warm-water refuges, including canals, natural springs and power plant outfalls, such as the one at Tampa Electric Co. in Apollo Beach. Boaters are reminded to observe posted speed limits and to look out for manatees to avoid collisions. Manatees are on the move in Florida as they seek — Lisa Neff
warmer waters for the fall-winter season. Islander File Photo
turtle nests and monitor bird habitat. We can connect online with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to attend “virtual bear school,” pick up boating safety tips, witness the release of a Florida panther and learn how to harvest a stone crab claw. We can go to bee-keeping school, too. From the comfort of home, we can attend Florida Audubon’s virtual state assembly this week and hear the keynote speech by author, poet and wildlife biologist J. Drew Lanham. From our own garden, we can attend Yoga in the Garden classes at Sarasota’s Selby Gardens. At any hour, we can explore the grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, taking a virtual tour of the gardens and using TreeKeeper at ringling.org to learn about the more than 100 tree spe-
cies on the Sarasota museum grounds and the environmental benefits. For the politically engaged or curious, participation is as convenient as joining a teleconference call or using a message app. In one week, I joined a virtual debate audience on Twitter, trained on Zoom to serve as a poll watcher, messaged potential voters on WhatsApp, attended a county commission meeting by phone and helped to circulate a “clean water” petition on Change.org. In these times, it seems we can do “virtually” anything and go “virtually” anywhere. So what do you want to do?
Send your environmental news and photos to news@islander.org.
Share the fun.
SEAFOOD $YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG
STONE CRAB PARFAIT 7-10:30
º/ iÀiÊ ÃÊ Ê ÛiÊà ViÀiÀÊÌ > Ê Ì iÊ ÛiÊ vÊv `°»ÊpÊ ° °Ê- >Ü
COME ON OVER!
FOR THE BEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN!
Breakfast Platters, Omelets, Huevos Rancheros, Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy, Jumbo Muffins AND Bloody Marys and Mimosas! UÊ iÊ ÊUÊ >ÀÀÞÊ"ÕÌÊUÊ"«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÉ££\Îä ÊÊx{äÈÊ >À >Ê À ÛiÊUÊ Ã > `Ê- «« }Ê i ÌiÀ iÃÊ i>V ÊUÊ {£°ÇÇn°xä Ó
clancysirishsportspub.com ÈÓ£nÊ ÀÌiâÊ, >`ÊUÊ À>`i Ì ÊUÊ {£°Ç {°Ó{n
Fresh Stone Crab and Old Bay butter-Whipped Potatoes
Live Music Friday & Saturday Cocktails, Beer & Wine 121 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach 941-896-9737 bluemarlinami.com
Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Youth soccer shifts to playoffs, adults tackle soccer, flag football By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
The last games of the regular season were played and playoff seedings were set Oct. 13. Progressive Cabinetry nailed down top seed in the 8-10 division, while Beach Bums finished second. Moss Builders held onto third seed, while HSH Designs takes No. 4. Moss Builders takes on Beach Bums followed by HSH Designs taking on top-seeded Progressive Cassidy Cabinetry in the semifinals Oct. 20, after press time for The Islander. The winners will meet in the championship match at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, following the consolation game between Miz & Hiz Biz and the loser of the Oct. 20 Moss vs. Bums matchup. The 11-14 division has Tidy MD riding the top seed, taking on Slim’s Place after the 8-10 division wraps up Oct. 20, followed by No. 2 Ugly Grouper taking on No. 3 Gulf Drive Cafe in the second semifinal match. The winners will meet in the championship match Oct. 27. Meanwhile, the final games of the regular season kicked off in the 8-10 division with Progressive Cabinetry cruising to a 5-1 victory over Beach Bums behind two goals and one assist from Jack McCarthy and a goal and an assist from Jesse Zaccagnino. Cale Rudacille chipped in with a goal while also making four saves between the pipes while sister Cammie Rudacille made it a family affair with a goal of her own. Hayden Eurice scored the lone goal for Beach Bums, which also received four saves from Cyrus Ryan in the loss. The second 8-10 division match saw HSH Designs edge Moss Builders 3-1 behind a pair of goals from Sterling Holiday and one goal from Paxton Lee. Brady Thompson helped preserve the victory with six saves in goal. Nixon Conner notched the lone goal for Moss Builders which also received five saves from Liam Nunez in the loss. The final 11-14 division match of the regular season saw Ugly Grouper earn a 6-0 shutout victory over Slim’s Place. Audrey Guess and Ronan Robertson scored two goals apiece to lead Ugly Grouper, which also received a goal apiece from Hamish Robertson and Mason Moss and four saves from Benjamin Young in the victory. Madison and Ferrari and Chad Nunez combined on three saves to lead Slim’s Place in the loss. The last match of the night saw Tidy MD slip past Gulf Drive Cafe by a 1-0 score behind Jayden Sparks’ lone tally. Sparks also made two saves between the pipes while Emma Raulerson made four saves in goal to help preserve the victory. Evan Talucci, Aidan Gannon and Dennis Gallager combined to make six saves for Gulf Drive Cafe in the loss.
Progressive Cabinetry’s Cale Rudacille clears the ball just before Beach Bums player Lexi Baugher arrives during Oct. 13 youth soccer action at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
first place with a 3-0-1 record, just ahead of Sato Real Estate at 3-1. Signature Granite holds down third place at 2-0-2, just ahead of Blalock Walters at 2-1-1. Ugly Grouper sits in fifth at 2-2, while Solid Rock Construction and Progressive Cabinetry share 1-3 records and sixth place. Skinny’s Tavern is alone at the bottom. Action Oct. 14 kicked off with Ugly Grouper outscoring Skinny’s 9-5 behind four goals from Chris Scott and three goals from Nate Welch. Greg Ross added a goal for Ugly Grouper, which also received an assist from Eliza Faillace and nine saves from Robb Marshall in the victory. Kevin Bell scored a hat trick to lead Skinny’s, which also received a goal each from Chase Diaz and Katie Christenson and 10 saves from Hayden Brewer in the loss. Sato Real Estate cruised to a 7-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind four goals from Raul Loria and two goals and an assist from Rico Beissert. Jessica Williams added a goal and an assist in the loss, while John Hagerty made three saves. Blalock Walters crushed Progressive Cabinetry 9-1 with hat tricks from Tyler Brewer and Murap Akay. Greg DeMeuse, Damir Glavan and Matt Staggs each scored a goal to round out the Blalock Walters scoring. Chris Circharo scored the lone goal for Progressive in the loss on an assist from Daniel Adan. The final matchup of the night produced some competitive play and a 3-3 tie for Signature Granite and Slim’s. Brent Moss, Andy Thompson and Nick Bouchard each scored goals to lead Slim’s, which also received an assist from Clancy Vaughn and six saves from Ryan Moss. Zach Lieb, Toby Wickland and Zoran Kolega scored a goal each and Hakan Toka added two assists to lead Signature Granite. The adult league action continues Oct. 21.
struction and Sandbar are both 4-1 with Sandbar on top by virtue of a victory over Solid Rock Construction. Slim’s is right on the Gulfview heels with a 3-2 record, Ugly Grouper follows at 2-2, while Moss Builders, Beach Bums and Progressive Cabinetry follow with 2-3 records. Action this past week kicked off with Sandbar easing past Solid Rock 27-22. Other games saw Beach Bums crush Progressive 41-14 and Slim’s Place cruise past Gulfview Windows and Doors on a 20-6 score. The game of the night, however, had to be the matchup that tipped for Ugly Grouper 31-30 against Moss Builders behind Ray Gardner’s two touchdown passes and a receiving touchdown for the Grouper. Ben Sato also had a big game, throwing for two touchdowns and catching a pair. Jay Hoffmeister, had a pick six and Chad Woods’ extra point completed the scoring for Ugly Grouper. Moss Builders was led by Ryan Moss, who threw four TD passes to four receivers. Jon Moss, Evelyn Long, James Roadman and Cole Carter each had a touchdown catch with Carter chipping in a pair of 2-point conversions in the loss.
Key Royale golf news Golf is ramping up at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, where a growing roster of members returning from their winter digs celebrated fall Oct. 10 with an Oktoberfest Scramble — and 52 golfers on the links. Playing a Miami scramble — a regular scramble where the team plays its second shot from the spot of its best drive. The difference in the Miami scramble comes when the best drive hitter is eliminated from his or her second shot. The team of Anne Klein, Tom Nelson, Dan Haversten and Andi Saia combined on a 24.5 to win clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Eric Lawson won the men’s long-drive contest, while Debi Wohlers captured the prize among the women. Standings tight in adult flag football league Ellen Boin took the closes-to-the-pin for the women Adult soccer pushes on at center pitch Aside from winless Gulfview Windows and Doors, and Steve Vasbinder was the men’s winner. After four weeks of action in the adult soccer Following play on the course, more than 60 memleague at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Slim’s the standings in the adult flag football league at the Place is the only team without a loss. They are alone in Center of Anna Maria Island are tight. Solid Rock Con- bers enjoyed Oktoberfest food and libations at the clubhouse. FWC recovers dead manatee Regular golf action teed off Oct. 12 with the men’s A dead manatee is found Oct. 11 on the nine-hole modified Stableford-system match that saw shore of Anna Maria Sound near Sunbow Terry Tarras card a plus-5 to edge Larry Pippel by a Condominiums in Holmes Beach. “We point for the day’s honors. were walking there just before 5 p.m. … when we saw it,” says islander Jessica Patel. “We called up FWC, and they said someone else had called.” The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission did not report a cause of death as of Oct. 15. The Florida manatee is listed as “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and designated as “depleted” under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Threats include boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, loss of warm water habitat, toxins associated with red tides, cold stress and disturbance by swimmers. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kimberlee Blecha
Horseshoe news Horseshoe action at the city of Anna Maria’s horseshoe pits was dominated by Tim Sofran. During the Oct. 14 games, he found himself matched up against Jerry Disbrow and Steve Doyle in the finals after both teams forged 3-0 records in pool play. Sofran cruised to a 22-0 victory to earn the day’s championship. And he was again the winner at the conclusion of play during the Oct. 17 games, posting the lone 3-0 record in pool play. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Progressing through fall, migratory species invade local waters By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter
It’s time to start the hunt in the Gulf of Mexico for migratory species. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and bonito, as well as a variety of sharks can be found within a couple miles of Anna Maria Island. Be on the lookout for bait schools, shorebirds diving and similar disturbances on the surface of the water to Stasny locate the bite. Good places to start looking are around the artificial reefs and other structure in the Gulf. Live bait fishing is proving most effective, although artificials — jigs and silver spoons — are working, too. Most fishers are anchoring and chumming with live shiners to attract the migratory fish to the hook. Once the chummers are in the water, you’ll know the predators are there by the sudden explosion on the surface caused by the feeding fish. For tackle, longshank hooks tied to 30- to 40-pound fluorocarbon for a leader is most effective. If you find you’re getting cut off, you can add a small length of wire to the rig. Sometimes this works to keep the fish on the hook. You just have to be careful that the fish aren’t seeing the wire, which can spook the fish, resulting in no bites. So play it by ear. If you can get away with not having to use the wire, you may be better off. As for the sharks, you’ll need a wire leader. For bait, fresh-cut chunks of mackerel — make sure to use legal-sized fish —are working great. A nice slab of bonito also is prized bait. And be ready to hook all shapes and sizes of shark. Hammerhead, spinner and blacktip sharks are the most frequent predators in our waters. They range in size from 4-8 feet, so heavy tackle is required. Moving to the flats of Tampa Bay, catch-andrelease spotted seatrout are dominating the bite. Casting live shiners over deep grass flats can yield catches of 20 or more trout in a morning. And typically it’s more than that, provided you’re fishing on a good tide where there is clean, clear water. Catch-and-release snook fishing is quite good for sport fishers, especially along the mangrove shorelines. And, if you’re lucky, you might encounter some catchand-release redfish mixed in with the linesiders. On my Southernaire charters, I’m targeting migratory fish along the beaches. The action is spectacular, and it’s nice to get out of the back country into a different style of fishing. With an ample supply of live shiners in the bait well, I’m anchoring in depths of 20-30 feet of water, where I chum the water heavily with live shiners. The chumming attracts a variety of species to the boat, including Spanish mackerel and kingfish, bonito, blue runners, jack crevalle and sharks.
Deb Gregory of Palmetto shows off the nice pompano she caught Oct. 11 on a 1/4-ounce Dock’s Jig in pink and white while fishing in Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Gross.
For rigging, a 2/0 extra-long shank Eagle Claw hook combined with 4-5 feet of 30-pound fluorocarbon leader is getting the job done. We are experiencing some cut-offs every now and again, but when you’re getting a bite on every bait, cut-offs are bound to happen. The bonito and king mackerel are putting up the biggest fight when compared to the Spanish mackerel, jacks and blue runners. And don’t forget about the sharks. They’re at the top of the food chain for a reason. We’ve seen numerous bonito and mackerel falling victim to the sharks as we reel them to the boat. It’s a bloody affair but quite exciting to witness the large predator at work. One second the fish is fighting tirelessly at the end of your line. The next, a huge explosion on the surface of the water, and the result is a half fish on your line — or just the head. Or maybe nothing at all. After everyone on the boat is worn out fighting the high-activity fish, we retire to the backwaters of Tampa Bay for a little action on catch-and-release spotted seatrout. Don’t doubt for a minute that this bite won’t keep you busy. In some areas, the trout are so abundant that we’re getting a bite on just about every cast. Hamilton Brown at the Rod & Reel Pier says Spanish mackerel are the most frequent bite and pier fishers
Anna Maria Island Tides
Date
Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct 25 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 28
AM
2:15a 3:00a 4:01a 5:39a 7:44a 9:14a 10:20a 11:12a
HIGH
2.8 2.7 2.4 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1
PM
— — — 10:14p 10:26p 10:41p 10:56p 11:09p
HIGH
AM
— 10:35a — 11:49a — 1:04p 1.9 2:10p 1.9 2:04a 2.0 3:21a 2.1 4:11a 2.1 4:50a
LOW
PM
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 1.6 1.3 1.0 0.8
— — — — 3:05p 3:49p 4:25p 4:55p
LOW
Bob Siemering, visiting the AMI area from Minnesota, hooked up near shore with a kingfish Oct. 8 using shiners as bait. The fish was released after a trophy photo. He was guided by Capt. Warren Girle.
Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle
Moon
— — — 1st — 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8
AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later
using an assortment of jigs, spoons and Gotcha plugs are catching as many keeper macks as they want. Mixed in with the mackerel bite are jack crevalle and ladyfish — which adds some variety to the day. Those anglers opting to use live bait — such as shrimp — are being rewarded with a variety of species, including mangrove snapper, whiting, as well as catch-andrelease snook and redfish. For the big snook and reds, slightly larger baits — pinfish and grunts — are working well according to Brown. Capt. Jason Stock is enjoying some great offshore fishing while in the Gulf of Mexico. Migratory species such as amberjack, blackfin tuna, mahi, kingfish and sailfish are being caught while fishing round reefs, wrecks and hard bottom areas. On windier days — when offshore fishing is less than favorable — Stock is hunting prey in the Gulf of Mexico, but slightly closer to shore. This bite is also good. Spanish mackerel, kingfish, sharks and tripletail are on Stock’s charter menu. These fish are great action without having to run 15-20 miles offshore in heavy surf. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing along the beaches of Anna Maria Island with good results on migratory fish — mackerel, kingfish and sharks. Free-lining live shiners in depths of 20-30 feet is yielding Girle’s clients non-stop action on these fish. Bonito, jack crevalle and blue runners also are present, which makes for quite a variety of species. Moving inland to the bays, Girle is finding catchand-release spotted seatrout in impressive numbers. Also in the backwater, catch-and-release snook and redfish are taking bait from Girle’s clients. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
INSHORE RE Redfish Snook
O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper
LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren
$YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG
Southernaire Fishing Charters
Licensed
Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE
ITEMS FOR SALE Continued
TRANSPORTATION Continued
FRee SPIRIT TeN-speed bike: Ride away now for $50. 941-356-1456.
SHIP’S WHeeL TaBLe: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@ gmail.com.
GeM e4 eLeCTRIC 2011. Four seats, new motor and batteries this year. Island use only. 7,000 miles. $4,995 or best offer. 941-7783366.
TRaILeR TIRe aND rim: Kept as a spare, never mounted. Size ST205/75D-15. Load range C. $75. Call 813-240-6529.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
CaR ROOF RaCK: Quick install, black, like new $90, 941-920-2494.
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, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)
BOaT HOIST: I BeaM system. Steel. excellent condition. $49. Leather couch, nearly new, $100. 941-778-3920, 941-778-5542. STaTIONaRY PeDaL eXeRCISeR: Like new! $35 or best offer. 941-730-2444. FRee TRUNDLe BeD/high rise. Good condition, clean mattresses. 941-778-1399. Leave message.
Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983
Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED
Paradise Improvements
941.792.5600
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows
Andrew Chennault
FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471
RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential
AdoptA-Pet
ANSWERS TO OCT. 21 PUZZLE
A D M I G O D S O C T O M O U T O W H A R L U M P S H A H B I G T O P C O S T A
R E B U F F
E N E M Y
S T H O O H O O N F O R I E H R Y O E S H N L Y A S E P B I F L A A M R Y T O E S O M E T H W O P A I N A R C H
A C D D I R M A B A I O U R G B L A R A L I M I S S A T S F L T N O W I R O A N G R G O O D O S G D I C O M A I D N I N G E R E X Y S T
KeNNY CHeSNeY FaN? Check out SandBarSoul at Island Time Bar & Grill, Oct. 21 from 7-10 p.m. #1 live acoustic tribute show in No Shoes Nation!
HeLP WaNTeD: HaRD WORKeRS for small family-friendly restaurant. Front and back of house needed. Inquire in person at Pizza Social, 308 Pine ave., anna Maria.
WaNTeD: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
BUBBLeS LINeNS LaUNDRY facility in aMI is now hiring full and part-time. Day and night shifts. Need to be able to lift 40-pound bags. $10 per hour. 941-962-7294.
WaNTeD: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
WaNTeD: GeNeRaL MaNaGeR. Will train. Inquire in person at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. RePORTeR
FRee GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe. eSTaTe SaLeS
SaLe: 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Oct 23-25. Huge tropical-theme yard sale. Lots of everything. 2516 ave. C., Bradenton Beach.
HeLP ReSCUeD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. TRANSPORTATION 2019 eZGO TXT L6 express 72V 6-seater golf cart. White with beige interior, ready to be street-ready. Lift kit installed. $9,000. Basically new. 203-247-6405.
PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram
Island real estate transactions
SPONSOReD BY
T A K E O N
U N I Q U E
I N D E O W D B O Y A S A A L P A O L S A M R U
P H O E T R N G M E U A L S R D Y O J S H O G T H E R A I L E R A R N T T O U S T E T H E H A I N G N Y Y O N U R S E O A S S K T A
T D A T U E D A B L U S A L T B Y T E O S O G A P O I N R O A P E T C O O T I R S O N T A M I T A C R C R E E U K E E E S T M I L I A R E P N E W
E T H O S S T R O N G Y E L P K A S
2004 PROLINe 22-foot walk-around Cuddy. 2009 Suzuki 250-hp. 813-240-2697. HELP WANTED
PETS
Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.
BIMINI BaY SaILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GARAGE SALES
References available • 941-720-7519
BOATS & BOATING
100 73rd St., No. 203C, Holmes Beach, a 902 sfla / 1,026 sfur 2bed/2bath pool condo built in 1972 was sold on 10/08/20 by Baker for $450,000; list $475,000. 242 Chilson Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,989 sfla / 2,910 sfur 3bed/3bath/1 car canal-front pool home built in 1973 on a 11,983 sqft lot was sold on 10/09/20 by Lepore for $1,960,000; list $1,949,000. 2211 Ave. C, Bradenton Beach, a 1,614 sfla 3bed/2bath home built in 1947 on a 5,001 sqft lot was sold on 10/08/20 by Goodwin for $645,000; list $649,900. 611 Ambassador Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,727 sfla 3bed/2bath/1 car canal-front pool home built in 1964 on a 9,932 sqft lot was sold on 10/09/20 by Tabicman for $850,000; list $864,900. 6301 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, a 1,850 sfla / 3,164 sfur 3bed/2 and 1 half bath/2 car pool half duplex built in 2010 on a 9,409 sqft lot was sold on 10/14/20 for $895,000; list $915,000. 204 77th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,493 sfla / 3,078 sfur 4bed/4 and 1 bath/2 car pool home built in 2019 on a 5,298 sqft lot was sold on 10/12/20 by 206 77th
WaNTeD: Full- to part-time. 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 in person at The Islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. SERVICES U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USa. airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688. NeeD a RIDe to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. CLeaNING: VaCaTION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. We service VRBO and airbnb. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PReSSURe WaSHING, PaVeR sealing, driveway, roof, fence,
Street Unit B LLC for $1,925,000; list $1,955,000. 528 74th St., Holmes Beach, a 3,636 sfla / 5,478 sfur 4bed/3bath/2 car canal-front pool home built in 2006 on a 12,360 sqft lot was sold on 10/13/20 by Valentine for $2,300,000; list $2,550,000. 605 N. Point Drive, Holmes Beach, a 3,214 sfla / 4,127 sfur 4bed/4bath/1 car canal-front pool home built in 2012 on a 9,901 sqft lot was sold on 10/13/20 by Tally for $1,725,000; list $1,799,000. 403 63rd St., Holmes Beach, a 1,150 sfla 2bed/2bath villa built in 1971 on a 3,441 sqft lot was sold on 10/11/20 by Peters Properties Investment LLC for $369,000; list $389,000. 610 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, a 1,188 sfla / 3,036 sfur 3bed/2bath bay bay-front home built in 1981 on a 5,101 sqft lot was sold on 10/15/20 by Gray Beach House LLC for $1,600,000; list $1,750,000. 115 Mangrove Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,522 sfla 6bed/4bath pool home built in 2013 on a 5,502 sqft lot was sold 10/14/20 by By The Shore Investments II LLC for $1,895,000; list $1,895,000. Johann Bertram, real estate associate at Michael Saunders & Co., can be reached at 941-779-3856
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S HOME IMPROVEMENT continued
RENTALS continued
I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
BAYSHORE HOME WATCH (accredited service): Providing certified professional weekly home checks. Peace of mind while you’re away. 941-920-5597. Bonded/insured.
PERICO ISLAND: SEASONAL rental. 2BR/2BA. Ground floor, lake and preserve view. Fully updated. Two miles to beach. Three-month minimum, mid-January to midMay. George, 336-708-5125
BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.
REAL ESTATE
PREMIUM CLEANING SERVICES for premium clientele. 941-216-8238. A clean space is a healthy space! DAILY MONEY MANAGER providing personal financial services/organization. Grande Planning. www.grandeplanning.com. Contact Steve, 732-221-7732, info@grandeplanning.com.
HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162. RENTALS FIRST FLOOR, SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA. Classy, 2020 total renovation. Beautiful, quiet Westbay Point & Moorings. Monthly, FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also, #1106, 2BR/2BA, gorgeous bay views. Monthly. Kayaks and bikes included. Call Sue, 207944-6097.
RESIDENTIAL-BUSINESS CLEANING by Jessie. 10-plus years experience. Top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. References from long-term clients. I work alone so no “crew” in your home. I have bimonthly openings. Text or leave a message at 941-526-9900.
SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, Ground floor, three-month minimum, large, heated pool, laundry facilities. 941-363-1227.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
2BR/2BA CONDO FOR rent: Pinebrook / Ironwood golf course community. Available December 2020 - May 2021, $2,400/month plus taxes. Fully furnished, first-floor unit, both bathrooms completely remodeled in 2020. Master bedroom has queen bed, guest room has two twin beds. On-site amenities within walking distance include: 18-hole golf course, tennis, clubhouse, swimming pool, sauna, shuffleboard and 160 acres to stroll, jog, or bike. No smoking and no pets. This unit comes with a covered parking space. Under carport Application and background check required. Contact Karen, 401-9323402 or galipeaukl21@gmail.com.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228. LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-7200770. LANDSCAPING: DEPENDABLE, HARDWORKING. We go above and beyond. We are very professional. Call 941-226-3320. SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. Office, 941-518-6326. Cell, 720-2991661. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net. TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.
WESTBAY COVE, 2BR/2BA waterfront unit for rent. November, $4,200. January, $ 5000. April $5,000. 973-208-0020.
WINTER SEASON RENTAL availabilities. Three-month minimum. $2,800-$3,600/ month. Call for details. Anna Maria Realty Inc., 941-778-2259. STEPS TO BEACH 1BR/1BA, totally renovated. March, April availability. Floridarentalbyowners.com#2097. Call Pat, 732-6735462. RENTAL IN HOLMES Beach. One room condo with large bathroom, kitchen and bed alcove. Private parking and patio. Available Dec. 15-April 15, 2021. No pets. $1,800/ month. 908-914-1182. BEAUTIFUL WESTBAY POINT & Moorings fall offering. 2BR/2BA condo, spectacular Tampa Bay views. Restrictions apply. $2,000/ month. 941-778-2824.
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY 1-4 p.m. Steps to beach! 4BR/4BA elevated beach duplex now available on Anna Maria Island! Unique design totally separates each unit. No common walls. Quarter-acre lot, large decks, huge carports, wood floors, central air conditioning, washer and dryer hookups, ceiling fans, weekly rentals OK. $749,900. 403 Clark Lane, Holmes Beach. Chard Winheim Horizon Realty. 941-713-6743. NORTHWEST BRADENTON: MINUTES to the beach, Robinson Preserve and DeSoto Park. Spacious, modern home with caged pool on a premium lot. $599,900. Call Fred Flis, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. LARGE WATERFRONT LOT on a deep canal in Apollo Beach is ready for your custom home plans. Direct access to Tampa Bay and Gulf, next to million-dollar homes. This large, level lot is walking distance to restaurants and a marina. No HOAs or CDDs. Call Diane Miralis, Realtor with Dalton Wade, 508-265-2019. Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured
HURRICANE
Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC
LIC#CBC1253145
KLEAN MOVES: BEST movers in AMI. Small moves, long distance and local deliveries. No job too big or too small. Senior discounts. 941-877-6580. Ask for Reggie. KleanMoves. com.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
COZY COTTAGE: SANDPIPER Resort. 55-plus. 1.5-minute walk to beach or bay, near pool. 1BR/1BA, washer/dryer. For sale or rent. Call 941-251-4767, leave message.
Bed: A bargain!
King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net
AMI TAXI
professional, metered, on-call, gps, cards accepted www.amitaxi.com • amitaxi4u@gmail.com holmes beach, bradenton beach, anna maria
941-447-8372 airports • shops • dining
IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL! Horticultural Design Services | Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance | Irrigation Installation & Repair Brick & Stone Pavers | Walls, Gates, Fences | Tree Trimming Low Volt Outdoor Lighting Repair & Installation
PALMA SOLA TOWNHOUSE weekly rentals now until Dec. 31. $800/week. 2BR/2.5BA, pool, boat slip. Also, 2BR/1BA, steps to beach, $3,000 month. Real Estate Mart, 941-345-1456. ANNUAL RENTAL: BRADENTON Beach, Bayview Terrace, one bedroom, bay in back, Gulf in front. Walk to everything, no smoking, no pets. $1,250/month unfurnished; $1,550/ month furnished. Call 603-969-6840.
FOR MORE INFO 941.704.9025 ShadyLadyFL.com OUR BEST PRACTICES PROMISE IS APPLIED TO RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE.
317924
pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.
Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
isl
BizCal
Biz leaders honor school staff
biz
Kelly Gitt of the Gitt Team/KW on the Water and The Feast Restaurant owner Joey Dale make a pizza — lots of pizza — delivery to the staff at anna Maria elementary Oct. 16. They teamed up to donate lunch in recognition of the hard work put in by school staff for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. The first quarter ended Oct. 9. Islander Courtesy Photos: Sheila Zink
Amy V.T. Moriarty
COMPILED BY LISA NEFF
AMI CHAMBER ON AMI
Thursday, Oct. 22 5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.
Business news
Kelly Gitt, left, delivers several pizzas to aMe principal Jackie Featherston Oct. 16. Gitt and Joey Dale, co-owner with brother Chris of the Feast Restaurant in Holmes Beach treated the aMe staff to lunch for their work at the brickand-mortar school and online during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.
I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics. — Johann Bertram, Realtor
6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach
941.779.3856 or JohannBertram@ michaelsaunders.com
MIKE NORMAN REALTY
Place classified ads online at islander.org
EST. 1978
Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696
GORGEOUS BEACH VIEWS
Panoramic, unobstructed views of the Gulf and beaches of Anna Maria Island. This spectacular 3 bedroom, 3 bath home sits across the street from a beachfront park that can never be built upon — allowing beautiful views that will never be taken away! Two spacious, beach side porches and a private heated “cocktail” pool. Open floor plan, 10-foot ceilings throughout, kitchen with stainless appliances, solid surface counters, wooden cabinetry and a dumbwaiter. Huge master suite with sitting area, spa-like en suite and private scenic master porch. Spacious garage currently being utilized as a game room by guests. Offered with turn-key furnishings. Bradenton Beach allows 1- to 7night minimum stay to maximize vacation rental income. $1,845,000
Mike Norman Realty 800-367-1617 • 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com
Chantelle Lewin
Broker Associate Licensed since 1983
When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.
—
Chantelle
941.713.1449
INC
WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM
ÓÓ£ÇÊ Õ vÊ À ÛiÊUÊ À>`i Ì Ê i>V
RELEASE DATE: 10/18/2020
New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword
OCT. 21, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org No. Page 1011 31 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
YOU’RE TELLING ME!
1
BY SAM EZERSKY / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Sam Ezersky, 25, is an associate puzzle editor for The New York Times. He sold his first crossword to the paper when he was 17, just before starting his senior year at South Lakes High School in Reston, Va. Eight years and 30 Times crosswords later, Sam says his professional goal is to ‘‘never, ever create an ‘ordinary’ puzzle.’’ His favorite clues/answers in this one are at 111A and 81D. — W.S.
AC RO SS
1 Marvel at 7 L.G.B.T.-aligned advocacy group since 1987 12 Occasion to get all gussied up 19 Stroke of good fortune 21 Newswoman Sawyer 22 ‘‘You ain’t lyin’!’’ 23 What the Old English called ‘‘Winterfylleth’’ 24 To a cosmetician: ‘‘You’re …’’ 26 Home to Antilia, the world’s most valuable private residence (27 floors, $2.2 billion) 28 Is 29 Kind of clef 30 To a produce vendor near closing time: ‘‘You’re …’’ 34 The ‘‘B’’ in GB 35 Fisherman’s ____ (San Francisco attraction) 36 Utter nonsense 37 Eyes: Sp. 39 Feature of a batter that needs more whisking 40 Wong of stand-up comedy 41 Drive (away) 42 Laughing matter? 45 Palindromic rulers 47 To a bad free throw shooter: ‘‘You’re …’’ Online subscriptions: Today’s
puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 28 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).
52 All ____ 54 Ruin, as plans 55 Crowd noise 56 Blubbers 60 The dove’s-foot crane’s-bill, for instance 62 Big seller of animal supplies 63 To a temp worker: ‘‘You’re …’’ 65 To a rude driver: ‘‘You’re …’’ 68 Architect Frank 69 Sci-fi classic featuring the Three Laws 71 Taylor Swift’s first No. 1 country hit, 2007 72 Things stuck in clogs 73 Itching to eat and irritable about it, in slang 75 [Leave it] 76 With 98-Across, to an aspiring entrepreneur: ‘‘You’re …’’ 80 Friendship 85 Vim 86 Parts of Twitter profiles 87 Clicking sound? 88 All over hell’s half ____ (everywhere) 89 Item on a president’s lapel 90 Placing a call 94 Fishing basket 95 Apt anagram of MY CAR
98 See 76-Across 10 0Native speakers of Chiwere 10 1Declined 103 Sips
104 To anyone who wasn’t addressed above: ‘‘You’re …’’ 107 Vegan latte option 111 Kings and queens, maybe 112 Large chunk of one’s final grade, often 113 Aspen or Alta 114 It’s against the rule 115 Move like a peacock 116 Big name in nonprofit journalism
2
3
4
5
6
19
20 Physician who co-founded A.A., familiarly 25 Traipse (about) 27 How some like their café 30 Creatures that can have asymmetrical ears, which aid in hunting 31 ‘‘Nah’’ 32 Author Janowitz of literature’s ‘‘brat pack’’ 33 Pinot ____ 34 Cutesy sound DOWN accompanying a 1 Adele’s ‘‘Million Years poke ____’’ 37 Greeting when 2 Medic running into 3 Spring hrs. in Colorado someone Springs unexpectedly 4 Organism that 38 Book before Amos structurally 41 Texas county on the resembles another Mexican border organism 42 Italian painter known 5 Brush off for his frescoes 6 ‘‘Never interrupt your 43 Pain-relief brand ____ when he’s 44 How some like their making a mistake’’ coffee (old aphorism) 46 Floor 7 Four-star figures 47 One of two on the 8 Valerie Plame’s org. in Titanic 2003’s Plame affair 48 ‘‘Who wants this?’’ response 9 Go up against 49 Makeover result, 10 Sui generis maybe 11 Destitution 50 Word stylized with 12 Code edited by a extra R’s on some webmaster cereal boxes 13 Many end in ‘‘-ite’’ 51 Some froyo bar 14 Ice cream purchase toppings 15 ‘‘Expect ____’’ (road 53 ____ polloi sign) 56 Circus venue 16 Warranting an ‘‘X,’’ 57 A ball and a strike, in say a baseball count 17 Something to do with 58 Useful your buds? 59 Toy rocker, in tot18 Social climate speak
7 20
23
31
10
46 52 58
47
48
64
68
69
72
73
49
50
65
66
70
44
82
83
84
108
109
110
67
71 75
77
78
86
87
89
90
91
79
80
81 88
92
93
98
94 99
102
103
105
106
111
112
114
115
60 Give up 61 What might be ‘‘love’’ or ‘‘lesbian’’ in a TV show title 62 Lead-in to potty 64 El ____ (weather phenomena) 66 It’s not a lot to jot 67 Third of seven columns: Abbr. 70 ____ hair 73 Earliest-known Chinese dynasty (dating back to 2000 B.C.) 74 Eagerly excited
43
62
85
101
42 51
61
76
100
18
55
74
97
17
38
54 60
16
29
41
53
59
15
34 37
63
96
14
28
40
57
13
25
36
45
104
12
33
39
95
11
22
27
32
35
56
9
24 26
30
8
21
107 113 116
75 Villain in 1998’s ‘‘Mulan’’ 77 With adroitness 78 División de la casa 79 Like 0.5-millimeter lead, among popular mechanical pencil options 81 Good-looking guy? 82 Cold treat 83 Diagram of relationships 84 App with a Reservations feature 89 Newspaper articles and mentions on social media, in brief
90 Ducks 91 ‘‘My turn’’ 92 Electrically balanced, in chemistry 93 Sandwiches on pita bread 94 Pool-chalk target 95 ____ Brava, Spain 96 Georgia’s capital, informally 97 Jason who played Khal Drogo on ‘‘Game of Thrones’’
98 The Reds, on scoreboards 99 2020 U.S. Open tennis champ Naomi 101 ____ Tzu (dog breed) 102 Like sponge cakes 105 Middle of a certain three-in-a-row 106 Lone Star State sch. 108 Wrath 109 Man’s nickname that omits the ‘‘is’’ at the end 110 ____ in kangaroo
Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island.
Just Listed! Adorable duplex a block from the beach! East side 2BD/2BA, west side 2BD/1BA, attached garage. Updated baths, kitchen, furnishings and landscape! $849,900
No Detail Overlooked! Step into this income-producing 4BD/5.5BA home in the heart of AMI. Walk to beach, shops. Spend all day by the pool in the backyard oasis! $1,750,000
Waterfront Home! Charming waterfront 3BD/3BA home with pool, new landscaping and travertine, dock with boat lift, plenty of parking and weekly rentals allowed! $1,475,000
Short-Term Rental Potential! Great rental potential, duplex close to beach! 2BD/1BA, updated kitchen side B, and side A is an efficiency. New roof and lots of potential! $505,000
Maintenance-Free Island Living! 2BD/2BA turnkey-furnished condo! Enjoy maintenance free living with steps to the beach. Heated pool and private garage parking! $365,000
Steps to the Beach Spacious 1BD/1BA first-floor, end-unit condo just steps to the beach! 55+, turnkey, covered carport and 2 pools in the heart of Holmes Beach. $305,000
North of Pine Avenue! Waterfront 2BD/2BA home on north end of Anna Maria! Elevator, 2-car garage, observation deck, open living area and zoned for weekly rentals! $1,245,000
Just Listed! Adorable 2BD/2BA patio home on Perico Island! Open floor plan, high ceilings, screened lanai, private garden and awesome community amenities. $339,000
Page 32 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 21, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................