Issuu

Top Notch deadline Thursday. 13 Astheworldterns take out the trash. 6

Tracking turtles. 22

AMITW June 16 report: 228 nests and 310 false crawls.

Apollo’s anniversary. 23 JUNE 19, 2019 FREE

VOLUME 27, NO. 34

HB considers charter amendment ordinance. 4

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org A shot-for-TV strongman contest June 16 takes up the north end of the Manatee Public Beach, with spectators clamoring for a glimpse of “Mountain,” one of 25 contestants. For more, see page 15. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Holmes Beach considers rental tax exemption. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YeArS Ago

From the archives. 7

Four more deposed in BB Sunshine suit. 8 Save a date. 10

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 11 Cultural Connections names new leaders. 12 Local kayaker catches photographer’s eye. 13

Streetlife. 14

County recommends budget increase for public safety. 17

Gathering. 18 New LBK restaurant to open in July. 20

Anna Maria City Pier work continues, rain or shine Workers prepare to place concrete decking June 12 at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier. Islander Photo: Cory Cole

HB considers moratorium extensions. 21 Happy summer solstice. 23 Rain delays soccer, pitching shoes. 24 Inshore fishing stays hot. 25

ISl bIZ

Cha-cha-changes in business. 26

PropertyWatch. 28 CLASSIFIEDS. 28 NYT crossword. 31

By cory cole islander reporter neither rain nor wind kept i+iconSoutHeaSt from its construction work the week of June 10 at the anna maria city pier. anna maria mayor dan murphy said June 13 that consecutive days of rain did not impede i+iconSoutHeaSt from set-

ting the concrete decking at the t-end of the pier after placing the concrete and the electrical system, i+icon will begin work on the wood deck to top the t-end and the walkway. murphy said the new pier’s lighting will be in compliance with today’s sea turtle pLeaSe See pier, page 3

county estimates island valuation at almost $4b

By ryan paice islander reporter property values are more of a budget tool than a measuring stick. growth in property values has slowed in two of the three cities on anna maria island. in accordance with florida law, the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office provided taxing authorities June 1 with its estimates for changes in market valuations for taxable properties. the mcpao shows the June 1 estimated values of properties countywide to be $38,565,319,644, or $38.57 billion. The final taxable value in 2018 for county properties was $36,030,205,085. The property appraiser’s office estimated a $2,535,114,559 increase in value for taxable property countywide, with almost $1 billion of the increase the result of newly taxable construction. the mcpao shows the June 1 estimated values of properties on anna maria island to be $3,946,646,225, or $3.95 billion. pLeaSe See VALUAtiONS, page 2

2 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

VALUAtiONS continued from page 1 the value of taxable property in anna maria was estimated to increase 9.52%, from $1,094,519,801 in 2018 to $1,198,742,477 in 2019. of the $104,222,676 increase in property value, $23,039,833 was attributed to newly taxable construction — a 21.21% increase over the value of newly taxable construction in 2018. the estimate of the value of taxable property in Bradenton Beach showed an increase from $618,638,836 in 2018 to $649,071,568 in 2019, or 4.92%. new construction in the city is estimated to decrease by 35.2%, from $5,859,793 in 2018 to $3,797,388 in 2019. mcpao also estimated the value of new construction in Holmes Beach decreased by 34.72%, from $19,495,532 in 2018 to $12,727,118 in 2019. taxable property values in the city were estimated to increase by $127,979,378, or 6.49%, despite the drop in new construction. mcpao chief deputy mark Johns said in a June 13 interview with the islander that property values in the county have steadily increased since 2010. “it looks like, in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, that the growth in values has slowed a little bit this year and a little bit last year, but it’s just been steady growth on the island,” Johns said. “We’re still

Kids go galactic at Island Library

Children watch comedy magician James Chartier June 13 during “Showtime for Kids: The Great Space Adventure” at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The reading theme for kids is Universe of Stories, held at 10 a.m. Thursdays through July 25. Mad Science is next on deck. Islander Photo: Courtesy Maggie Payne

Tourist tax collections climb for April

the manatee county tax collector’s office reports tourist tax collections netted $1,445,740.17 in april, up from the $1,226,861.50 collected for april 2018. that’s an increase of 17.84%. Holmes Beach led the way in island city collections, bringing in $321,678.39 or 22.25% of the tourist tax dollars in manatee county. numbers were released by the tax collector June 1. anna maria was second at 16.37% of county tourist taxes, with collections of $236,719.64. Bradenton Beach collected $108,530.01, accounting for 7.51% of the county tax. cathy pizzo, vice president of the anna maria seeing a lot of properties being renovated or getting torn down and rebuilt on anna maria island.” Johns said island cities had outpaced the rest of the county in property value over recent years, but this year Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach came more into line with the county’s growth. meanwhile, taxable property in anna maria continued to surge in value. He added that growth in the three cities remains healthy. Holmes Beach mayor Judy titsworth wrote in a

island chamber of commerce, said activities at local accommodations have been hopping and the summer tourism season looks promising. tourist tax dollar collections are reported in arrears and may numbers will be released July 1. the local tourist tax dollar rate is 5%. the tax, also known as the bed tax or resort tax, is collected on overnight rentals of less than six months. in may 2018, tourist tax collections netted $917,836.85. June 2018 and July 2018 reached the million-dollar marks, with collections of $1,481,899.76 for June and $1,269,553.52 in July. — Sandy Ambrogi June 13 email to the islander that the city’s slowdown in growth in property value from 2018 to 2019 could be attributed to the Waterline marina resort & Beach club construction project last year. “It fluctuated up and then down again,” Titsworth wrote. “We are still experiencing a lot of new construction, as the industry is continuing to be strong. “i don’t really have an opinion on (if the estimated valuation is) good or bad, as being in the industry myself. the market continues to show a high demand in rebuilds and remodeling, and i do not expect much fluctuation in the coming years,” she continued. Bradenton Beach mayor John chappie did not respond to three calls June 11-13, an email June 11 and a text message June 12. “administration’s role is solely to use the provided information (to) help in the budget process,” Bradenton Beach treasurer Shayne thompson wrote in a June 13 email to the islander. “it would not be appropriate to speculate on the cause of any changes.” anna maria mayor dan murphy did not respond to four calls June 12-13 and an email June 12. the mcpao will release its preliminary tax roll July 1, which taxing authorities will rely on to establish their budgets for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

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Bradenton Beach set to launch new website By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter The city of Bradenton Beachâ€™s website was set to debut after nine months offline. CivicPlus, the service provider the city hired to design and host a new website, was to launch the site June 17 after six months of development. The launch was to be as The Islander went to press. City clerk Terri Sanclemente wrote in a June 12 email to The Islander that the contractorâ€™s involvement in the website would end upon its launch, but city staff would â€œconstantly be working on it.â€? Sanclemente said the new website would not be pier continued from page 1

lighting regulations. â€œIt is going to have turtle-friendly lighting,â€? Murphy said. He said the electrical work is the only open issue before i+icon can start installing the Ipe decking. The electrical just needs to be in place before the decking goes down, he said. Murphy said i+icon would start installing the decking by July 15. As for the restaurant and bait shop, Murphy said he hopes to see the contractor begin work as soon as possible. He said Frank Agnelli, of Mason Martin, the contractor chosen to build out the amenities on the T-end, has been taking part in pier meetings and helping plan how his materials will be transported to the pier. The decking, along with the shell of the restaurant and bait shop, will be completed by the end of the year, when the tenant will take over the responsibility for outfitting the restaurant and the bait shop, Murphy said. Murphy said he has been in contact with Mario Schoenfelder, the current leaseholder for the restaurant, and is negotiating an offer for Schoenfelder to continue operating at the pier.

complete upon its launch, but did not elaborate. The city took the site offline in October 2018 because the site didnâ€™t comply with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Public websites, to be ADA compliant, must limit visuals to those that do not cause seizures for viewers. Sites also must provide audio assistance for people with visual disabilities. When city officials learned a disclaimer would not insulate the city from a lawsuit, they suspended the website. CivicPlus designed the new website to be ADA Murphy also said the plan to build a fence with the engraved planks from the old pier is still on this yearâ€™s books. He told commissioners at their June 13 meeting, construction of a prototype of the fence would get underway within the next four to five weeks at City Pier Park. The new pier, is replacing the old wooden pier destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The new pier is expected to cost $5.5 million, including demolition and construction expenses. The original pier was built in 1911 and supported tourism â€” steamships and ferries arriving from Tampa with day visitors.

Pier funding To date, for funding, the city has received $750,000 in state historical grants. Also, FEMA paid approximately $1.08 million for hurricane damages. The Manatee County Tourist Development Council budgeted $1.5 million for construction. Another $333,000 was committed by Manatee County, and $10,000 was raised through private GoFundMe donations for the pier. The city also sought $285,000 in The aqua waters surrounding the new Anna Maria the 2019-20 state budget, which has yet to be signed City Pier stretch across Tampa Bay, dwarfing the construction work. Islander Photo: Jack Elka by the governor.

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compliant and trained city staff to keep the site compliant during a March 20 webinar. Commissioner Randy White said in a June 12 interview with The Islander he considers the website important because â€œcitizens need easy access to what they are entitled to.â€? White said he hadnâ€™t previewed the website but hoped it would provide access to government documents, such as the city charter. Mayor John Chappie did not respond to three phone calls from The Islander June 11-13, an email June 11 and a text message June 12.

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Holmes Beach considers charter amendment ordinance By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Holmes Beach is moving forward with the required ordinance to place charter amendments on the November municipal ballot. City commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance June 11 for seven amendments to the charter, approved by the charter review commission and prepared for the ballot by city attorney Patricia Petruff. The amendments would be placed before the electorate Nov. 5. They include: • Revision of the legal description of the city to include annexations; • Procedures for conveyance or leasing of city land; • Budget amendments through resolution; • Concurrence of the commission for removal of department heads; • Elimination of the requirement that the city trea-

surer prepare the annual audit; • Deletion of the building and public works departments as charter departments; • Removal of human resources as a charter position; • Transference of candidate filings for elections from the city clerk to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. At the meeting, Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested the city host a town meeting to educate voters on the proposed amendments. Commissioner Rick Hurst agreed, and said the city also should consider a mailing explaining the amendments for people who might vote by mail. Petruff said the proposed amendments and explanations also could be placed on a new city website, which is planned to debut by the end of June. No changes can be made to the ordinance at a final reading and public hearing, which will be at the next city commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission Chair Ed Upshaw listens June 11 to discussion on the dais about the proposed amendments to the city charter. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

HB mayor authorizes agreements with county

Christopher Culhane, the executive director of the center, lifts Dylan Sato, 7, to the microphone. Dylan said he has been attending activities at the center since he was born. Islander Photo: Cory Cole

Center asks for $28K, Anna Maria approves $21K

By Cory Cole Islander Reporter Representatives from the Center of Anna Maria Island asked Anna Maria commissioners to spend $28,000 on youth programs and left the June 13 meeting with a commitment for $21,000. The commission voted 5-0 for the payment to the center from its fiscal 2018-19 budget. Before the vote, Chris Culhane, executive director of the center, reviewed the nonprofit’s financial situation and commissioners and Mayor Dan Murphy discussed the municipal budget. Culhane also brought a young speaker to the microphone to help convince commissioners of the benefits of the center. “I have been going to the center ever since I was born,” 7-year-old Dylan Sato said. Dylan said he plays soccer and T-ball at the center, along with watching his dad, Jason Sato, play sports. Culhane said he wanted to show commissioners how important the center is to families and to emphasize how important Anna Maria’s funding is to the center and its youth programs. Murphy said the city changed a budget classification from charitable funding to recreational funding, which is where the city draws money for events, including the Memorial Day observance and the upcoming July 4 celebration in City Pier Park. The city set the recreational fund allocation at $31,000 for fiscal 2018-19, which ends Sept. 30. After the July 4 celebration, the fund will have $21,000, which the mayor said could go to the center, and commissioners agreed. The center operates on a July 1-June 30 fiscal year. No request was made for city funding for the center’s 2019-20 fiscal year.

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach mayor and commissioners had several administrative items to consider at their most recent meeting. Commissioners unanimously voted June 11 to authorize the mayor to sign three interlocal agreements with Manatee County. They authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with the other cities and the county to terminate an interlocal agreement known as “the accord.” A document provided by the county stated that the accord, formed in 2002 to address concerns about growth and development, “has been the subject of repeated controversy,” and “many of the aspirational goals of the accord have been completed.” So the county asked the cities to dissolve the accord through the interlocal agreement. The document also provided the resolution to end the accord and stated that the county would file an agreement with the state after the cities sign off. Commissioners also unanimously authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement between the county and Holmes Beach in support of the community development block grant program. Geri Lopez, the director of redevelopment and economic opportunity for Manatee County, said June 11 that the program receives funding through a partnership with cities in the county. She said the county counts the population of each city to maximize federal funding for the program, which helps with affordable housing and services for low- and moderate-income county residents. The agreement between the county and Holmes

Meetings

Beach will stand through 2022. In their final order of business June 11, commissioners unanimously authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with the county for traffic signal maintenance and cost. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer — traffic engineer for the city — said the county previously had an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation that allowed funding to the city, which then was paid to the county to maintain signals. He said signing the agreement would remove the city from the process, allowing the DOT to compensate the county. “We’re taking a step out of the process and making it a little cleaner,” Tokajer said. The next city commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, with a work session to follow.

HB changes election process

The Holmes Beach city commission adopted an ordinance amendment June 11, authorizing the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office to administer municipal elections. The amendment removes the city clerk from the administration of municipal elections and authorizes the SOE to assume more responsibility for the election process, including canvassing and qualifying of candidates. The next municipal election will be Nov. 5, with qualifying the week of Aug. 26. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

July 8, 9 a.m., commission (budget). July 9, 9 a.m., commission (budget). Anna Maria City July 9, 6 p.m., commission. June 19, 5:30 p.m., special magistrate. July 10, 6 p.m., planning commission. June 27, 6 p.m., city commission. July 23, 6 p.m., commission. Aug. 19-30, candidate qualifying. July 25, 11:30 a.m., police retirement. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Aug. 26-30, candidate qualifying. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Bradenton Beach June 19, 1 p.m., commission (budget). Manatee County June 19, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CANJune 19, 1:30 p.m., commission (budget). CELED June 19, 6 p.m., commission (budget hearing). June 20, 11 a.m., pier team. June 20, 9 a.m., commission (land use). June 20, noon, commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., June 25, 10 a.m., commission. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Aug. 26-30, candidate qualifying. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. July 4, Independence Day, most government offices will close. The Islander office also will Holmes Beach close. June 27, 5 p.m., commission (shade). Nov. 5, general election. June 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and July 2, 10 a.m., bid opening (comp plan). news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 5

Holmes Beach considers rental tax exemption

By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter Holmes Beach is considering a business tax exemption for owners of residential rental properties. at a June 11 meeting, city commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the first reading of an ordinance exempting residential unit-owners from paying the business tax. commissioner rick Hurst voted “nay.” commission chair Jim Kihm asked what kind of residential units will be included if the ordinance is adopted. “no residential units are going to have to pay a business tax receipt,” city attorney patricia petruff said of the ordinance. at a may work session, petruff said mayor Judy titsworth asked her to draft the ordinance to exempt vacation rental properties since the applications cost more to process than the city recoups through the Petruff tax. according to city clerk Stacey Johnston, it costs $41.45 per unit in staff time to complete a five-step process for business tax receipt applications for 506 monthly and annual rental units in the city. the applicant pays $31.90, which results in a loss Titsworth of $9.55 per Btr and $4,833.90 annually. “We’re losing money, and it’s taking so much staff time that could be used for other things,” titsworth said. petruff said the city’s rental tracking software will ensure that when an owner changes the status of a rental from longer-term to weekly, staff will be alerted and a vacation rental certificate will be required. titsworth said the city will increase the Vrc fee for weekly rentals to make up the difference in lost

income from changing the Btr policy. Hurst said the process for Btrs seems over-complicated. “i would just simplify the process,” he suggested, adding certain code enforcement requirements could be removed from the Btr process since the city has a Vrc program. titsworth agreed with Hurst and said maybe the

city could narrow down the Btr process for monthly and annual rentals to the minimum required by state statute and still collect the tax. the mayor said she would provide a staff report before the ordinance has a final reading and public hearing at the next city commission meeting at 6 p.m. thursday, June 27, at city hall, 5801 marina drive.

Six trees removed from Coquina Beach

Workers from Terry’s Tree Service remove six Australian pine trees June 11 from the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot to make way for Manatee County’s stormwater drainage improvement project. County commissioners approved the tree removal to keep moving on the project. County administrator Cheri Coryea was scheduled to present a report on the removal of Australian pine trees at Coquina Beach Tuesday, June 18, at the county administrative center in Bradenton. The meeting was after press time for The Islander. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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6 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Sharks win

Sharks win, at least for numbers of views on social media. We’re just about a month from discovery tV’s Shark Week, starting July 28, and i’m “just sayin,” a shark video — two blacktips running the shoreline in skinny water — posted last august on facebook, sure had a lot of views. the video, shot by Holmes Beach Police Officer Tom Fraser while patrolling on an atV near the calm waters of the gulf of mexico, was viewed more than 100,000 times on our fB page. another shark photo, reposted June 12 of a hammerhead, got more than 12K views in just four days. it’s easy to see what “clicks” with our readers. Meanwhile, tourism officials planned a barrage of people on the beach for the strongman competition — brought to manatee county with about $70,000 in sponsor money from the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau — your tourist tax dollars “at work.” But what works to bring people to the beach, may not be the ami “beach people’s” glass of iced tea. the event clashed with father’s day weekend. and it seemed the real draw was the contestant known for his role in “game of thrones” — the brawny actor who portrayed “mountain.” people clamored for a glimpse and a photo of him. But for island residents, who learn that holidays are more a time to hunker down and give up the amenities to visitors, it’s just another assault on an otherwise quiet lifestyle. Traffic gridlock. No parking. A rowdy crowd. And limited access to the public beach. for this event on the beach, all gave way to hunks and hulks. it cost us tax dollars — again — in another of a string of sponsorship events by the BacVB. no doubt it promotes tourism, although i’m pretty certain there isn’t a restaurant on the island that could keep the buffet line filled with food for the 25 contestants. LoL. and it raises the question: does the BacVB know what sort of tourism is good for anna maria island? Jane Seymour didn’t draw a crowd. the older Strongly disapprove Southern rock bands did, but did those “visitors” Who was in charge of closing our public beach spend money on accommodations or six-packs? dining over father’s day weekend? out? Souvenirs? fishing charters? The traffic was horrific, with parents walking with imHo, ami wants family tourism and highsmall children along manatee avenue from the beach spenders and no muscleman can lift that weight. entrance to the anna maria island bridge. the carnivals cheapen paradise. there were many locations near the island to have — Bonner Joy the strongman competition. if the organizers thought this event would bring prestige, they may want to guess again. the language i heard from people just trying to JUNE 19, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 34 get on and off the island was something else. ▼ Publisher and Editor can we get someone with common sense to make Bonner Joy, news@islander.org some common-sense decisions? ▼ Editorial Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Judy McClarren, Holmes Beach

Opinion

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Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Cory Cole, cory@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Vicki McIntyre, office assistant, reader advocate info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

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Ready to tour

i’m back from our last rehearsal in orlando before our concert tour to Europe to find husband Markus sent me the islander and the story about my music origins and my new adventures, touring and performing. i want to thank you very much for the great article by reporter Sandy ambrogi (the islander, June 12). i love everything. Marianne Siegler-Cathomen, Holmes Beach

Submit your community news to news@islander.org.

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County’s Coquina debacle

manatee county again has been caught red-handed and, with no regard for or advance consultation with island residents and officials, planned the destruction of our tree canopy at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. not unlike the destruction of an active osprey nest at the Holmes Beach tennis courts last year, the county cites “expert opinions” when confronted with the error of its ways. that nest, by the way, was replaced by a manmade platform with twigs added that has never housed the rousted or any other osprey since that time. So much for the bogus mitigation theory often used by developers and approved by the county. are we ever going to have county commissioners who walk the walk by standing up for island residents and alerting us in advance to assaults on our environment? Can we replace current elected officials with proactive, informed and effective representatives in touch with us and our real desires? We don’t need more talking — we need responsible and responsive listeners representing us. i would never vote for anyone currently occupying a place on the manatee county commission and neither should you. Janet Aubry, Holmes Beach

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 on online at islander. org and join the conversations on facebook.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 7

Connections & contacts From city halls to capitols

Anna Maria: mayor dan murphy; 941-708-6130; 10005 gulf drive, anna maria fL 34216; cityofannamaria.com; ammayor@cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: mayor John chappie; 941-7781005; 107 gulf drive n., Bradenton Beach fL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org (offline); mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: mayor Judy titsworth; 941-7085800; 5801 marina drive, Holmes Beach fL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org (offline); hbmayor@holmesbeachfl. org. Manatee County: county commissioner Stephen r. Jonsson, district 3; steve.jonsson@mymanatee.org; 941-748-4501; 1112 manatee ave. W., Bradenton fL 34205; mymanatee.org. governor: gov. ron deSantis, 850-717-9337; 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee FL 32399-0001; flgov. com. Florida Senate: Sen. Bill galvano; 941-741-3401; Suite 201, 1023 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; flsenate. gov. Florida House: State rep. William cloud “Will” robinson, district 71; 941-708-4968; Suite 100, 717 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; myfloridahouse.gov. U.S. Senate: u.S. Sen. marco rubio, 202-2243041; 284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, dc 20510; rubio.senate.gov. u.S. Sen. rick Scott: 813- 225-7040; Suite 421, 801 n. florida ave., tampa; rickscott.senate.gov. U.S. House: u.S. rep. Vern Buchanan, district 16; 941-747-9081; Suite 305, 1051 manatee ave. W., Bradenton fL 34205; buchanan.house.gov. president: president donald trump, 202-4561111; 1600 pennsylvania ave. nW, Washington dc 20500; whitehouse.gov.

10&20 years ago In the headlines: June 16, 1999

eric geraldson, of geraldson’s vegetable stand on the palma Sola causeway, said property owner Whiting preston, of manatee fruit co., delivered an eviction order after the farm was incorporated into Bradenton. Holmes Beach city commissioners accepted a $10,000 settlement offer from the contractor that mismatched the metal panels on the new city hall roof. the demolition of the old Holmes Beach city Hall was set to begin June 21 after efforts to allow the anna maria island community center — now the center of anna maria island — to use the property and buildings failed.

In the headlines: June 17, 2009

B1, calling B1

Bingo is the name of the game at the Anna Maria Island Community Center in September 1980. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

Write! the islander welcomes your opinion letters. Submit your opinion along with name, address and a contact phone number to news@islander.org.

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We mail the islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. it’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on anna maria island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on anna maria island.” if you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

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

the florida department of transportation removed a number of elements in a federally funded gulf drive project in order to eliminate potential delays to the transportation enhancements in Bradenton Beach. the Southwest florida Water management district proposed about $295,400 in funding for five Bradenton Beach stormwater projects. the florida Blood Services team rolled up to St. Bernard catholic church in Holmes Beach for the annual island Blood drive, which raised more than $22,000 for five nonprofit groups on Anna maria island. Holmes Beach police were called to the 300 block of 61st Street after receiving a report from a homeowner who found photographs of Sabine musil-Buehler in trash placed at the curb. musilBuehler had disappeared in november 2008 and was presumed dead.

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8 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Four more deposed in Bradenton Beach Sunshine suit

By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter to some people, it’s political warfare. others say it’s about complying with florida’s government-in-the-Sunshine Law. four depositions were conducted June 12 and June 13 in a lawsuit filed in August 2017 alleging violations of the Sunshine Law by ex-mayor Jack clarke and joined by the city of Bradenton Beach against six former city board members. tom Shults, attorney for defendant John metz, deposed city planner alan garrett and city attorney Ricinda Perry June 12 and building official Steve Gilbert and city commissioner Jake Spooner June 13. Perry was first deposed March 20, but the defense filed a motion and received three more hours of deposition. the lawsuit alleges violations of state statutes governing open meetings and public records laws by former planning and zoning board members metz, reed mapes, patty Shay and Bill Vincent, and former Scenic Waves partnership committee members tjet martin and rose Vincent, who all were also members of the now-defunct grass-roots group concerned neighbors of Bradenton Beach. When the lawsuit was initiated, perry claimed recordings of cnoBB meetings indicated the defendants discussed matters that could come before them as board members, including prohibition of a parking garage in the city. even though the board members resigned after the suit began, perry said it was a case of “sue or be sued” by outside interests aware of the alleged violations by the board members. Since then, the lawsuit has cost taxpayers more than $200,000, and the defendants claim their spending is about the same amount. in his may 30, 2018, deposition, mapes stated, “at no time was a specific parking garage brought before the p&Z board,” and that he “had no idea if or when it would come before the p&Z board.” robert Watrous, attorney for clarke and the city

Tom Shults, attorney for defendant John Metz in the Bradenton Beach Sunshine lawsuit, speaks June 12 while city attorney Ricinda Perry awaits her deposition at Vincent M. Lucentes & Associates Court Reporters in Bradenton.

John Metz, left, defendant in the Bradenton Beach Sunshine lawsuit, his attorney Tom Shults, city land planner Alan Garrett and paralegal Michael Barfield, prepare for Garrett’s June 12 deposition at Vincent M. Lucentes & Associates Court Reporters, in Bradenton. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

in the lawsuit, asked mapes, “as an educated businessman, how do you interpret the term ‘reasonably foreseeable?,’” to which mapes responded, “i can’t define that.” at the June 12 and June 13 depositions, Shults investigated the concept of “reasonable foreseeability” in relation to a parking garage in the city while questioning garrett, perry, gilbert and Spooner. during garrett’s testimony, Shults established that before amending the land development code and comprehensive plan in 2018, parking garages were permitted in two areas of Bradenton Beach. following the 2018 amendment, multilevel parking structures were prohibited. Shults asked garrett if anyone had applied for a permit to build a parking garage in the city during his tenure, prior to or after the amendment, to which garrett replied, “no.” exhibits attached to garrett’s deposition showed that a possible parking facility on Highland avenue was brought up during a 2017 commission meeting by then-mayor Bill Shearon. additionally, Spooner proposed a parking facility at the location currently occupied by Joe’s eats and Sweets within the community redevelopment district on gulf drive. no plans were drawn or submitted before the city passed its prohibition of multilevel parking facilities, although both were included in a spreadsheet as possible projects for the cra or the city. during perry’s deposition, Shults asked if inclusion in a spreadsheet of cra and city projects guaranteed the projects would be prioritized and accomplished. perry said projects on the list were “ideas” that would still require the city or the cra to “pull the trigger.” When asked by Shults if someone could apply to build a parking garage, perry said, “the comprehensive plan is a living and breathing document. if an individual came forward with the appropriate amendments to the plan, the p&Z board and land planning agency would have to consider it.” However, in his June 13 deposition, gilbert testi-

At the pass

Lanes are narrower on the Longboat Pass Bridge, where the Florida Department of Transportation is overseeing major repairs expected to add 10-15 years to the use of the structure. Overnight work began June 10 and continues through the summer. DOT officials said repairs should not delay daytime traffic on State Road 789/ Gulf Drive. For more about the Longboat Pass Bridge project, go online to swflroads.com. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

fied that, to his knowledge, no one has ever applied for a permit to build a parking garage in the city. Shults asked gilbert if he was aware of any efforts to build a parking garage in the city, to which gilbert responded, “the cra board did have discussions in 2016, i think, but it never went anywhere.” following gilbert’s deposition, Shults asked Spooner if he pursued his proposal for a parking facility on gulf drive. Spooner said he was authorized by the cra to research the project. He owns two businesses and vacant land on Bridge Street near the proposed parking garage, so he checked with the state attorney’s office to ensure he would not be violating statutes by looking into the matter. according to Spooner’s testimony, he researched the project, but it died due to lack of interest by the cra board. metz, the only defendant still retaining an attorney, said June 11 that the lawsuit is a “sad comment about the management and leadership of the city.” “nothing happened that was injurious,” metz said. “this has been established. the supposed ‘threat’ to the city was unreasonable and this is purely a politically driven suit, meant to take down six retirees who only wanted to support the city.” a pretrial hearing for the suit is scheduled for June 20. discovery will continue through early July, with a trial planned for the week of July 15.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

the florida department of transportation and manatee county posted the following notices for the week of June 17: Longboat pass Bridge: major repairs on the Longboat pass Bridge on gulf drive between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key take place through the summer. overnight work will require decreasing lane sizes, flagging operations and occasional lane closures. gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: as part of final restoration activities for the Anna Maria island pipe replacement project, parking lots at the imperial House and Bayview terrace condominiums in Bradenton Beach are being sealed. The work may impact traffic on Gulf Drive. gulf Drive and Cortez road in Bradenton Beach: manatee county is sodding and improving a sidewalk in the northeastern right of way at the intersection. 2300 block of Avenue C in Bradenton Beach: manatee county is overseeing pavement work. 28th Street North from Avenue e to gulf Drive in Holmes Beach: manatee county is replacing a sidewalk along the north side of the street. for the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI Throughout June, “Bring Dad Home a Sunset” display, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. Throughout June, Larry Felder exhibits “Realism in Oils,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786648. Second Fridays, downtown Holmes Beach art walk, various venues. Information: 941-778-6694, 941-778-6648. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

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July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, islandwide. July 4, the Sandbar Restaurant’s Fourth of July Fireworks, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Through Aug. 3, “Summer Circus Spectacular” show, Historic Asolo Theater, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-351-9010. Through Sept. 30, “Hippos: A Truly Big Show” poster exhibit, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941- 359-5700. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

July 3, Bradenton Marauders game and ﬁreworks display, BraOct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, denton. Anna Maria. July 4, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s Freedom Fest OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND and parade, Longboat Key.

GAMES, SPORTS & Thursday, June 20 5 p.m. — The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art marks OUTDOORS World Refugee Day with a showing of an Ai Weiwei ﬁlm, “Human ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Flow,” in the Chao lecture hall of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Thursday, June 20 Reservations recommended. Information: 941-359-5700. 5:30 p.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Coquina Coastal Cleanup, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-742-5923. Second and fourth Thursdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Sunday, June 23 Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 9 a.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ Pad941-708-6120. dling Anna Maria to Passage Key, Bayfront Park, Anna Maria. ResFirst Fridays, 6-9 p.m., ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around ervations required. Information: 941-742-5923. 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ﬁrst ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@ gmail.com. Through July 31, youth indoor soccer, Center of Anna Maria Second and fourth Saturdays, 1-4 Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida MariMaria. Fee applies. Information: time Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. 941-778-1908. Information: 941-708-6120. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 Through Sept. 8, “Interpolations: Artwork from the Ringling and a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Monda Collections,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941- 359Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. pickleball, 5700. Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee Through Sept. 29, “Natasha Mazurka: Order Systems,” John applies. Information: 941-778-1908. and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, SaraThursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., sota. Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Through Dec. 31, “Always Ready” U.S. Coast Guard exhibit, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong 941-708-6120. games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. InformaLOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

tion: 941-778-6341. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria July 13, Katt Hefner “Sophisticated Lady: The Songbook of Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: Natalie Cole” concert, Bradenton. 941-778-1908. July 13-Aug. 25, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens glass show, Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, Sarasota. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time KIDS & FAMILY depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 462-2626. Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Wednesday, June 19 6:30 p.m. — Skateboard professional talk, Island Library, 5701 Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction Thursday, June 20 for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. 10 a.m. — Youth program, “Mad Information: 941-778-6341. Science: Super Space Show,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, June 21 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, June 22 1 p.m. — Island family crafts, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, June 25 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI June 27, Island Library presents a puppeteer, Holmes Beach.

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LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

June 27, 9 a.m., Coquina Beach Mollusks Monthly conversation, Bradenton Beach. ONGOING OFF AMI Various dates and times through Aug. 29, Bradenton Marauders baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI June 29, Movie Night at the Robinson Preserve NEST, Bradenton July 12-14, Mote Marine Sarasota Lionﬁsh Derby, Sarasota.

Send announcements for the islander calendar to calendar@islander.org. the deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date.

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 11

5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach

Mote Marine celebrates birth of ray pup in touch tank

A cownose ray pup swims at Mote Marine Laboratory. The ray was born June 12 at the Sarasota aquarium. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mote Marine Laboratory

mote marine aquarium staffers say they were touched by the development â€” the birth of a cownose ray pup in the touch pool at the Sarasota attraction. the ray tray touch pool contains an atlantic stingray, a yellow stingray and cownose rays, according to a news release. mote stated the ray pup was born June 12 in the pool but would be moved to a behind-the-scenes area to be monitored by aquarium staff and to grow. open water cownose rays, unlike bottom-dwelling rays such as the southern stingray, can be found along the east coast of the united States, throughout the gulf of mexico and other areas of the atlantic ocean. cownose rays give birth to live young, usually one pup at a time. as soon as pups are born, they are able to swim and feed on their own, according to mote. the aquarium is at 1600 Ken thompson parkway, Sarasota. for more information, call mote at 941-3884441.

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Kiwanis to hear about reading program

the Kiwanis club of anna maria island will meet Saturday, June 22, for breakfast and then to hear from pierrette Kelly, a consultant with the patterson foundationâ€™s Suncoast campaign for gradeLevel reading. Kelly also was the longtime executive director of the anna maria island community center, now called the center of anna maria island.

the club meets at 8:30 a.m. most Saturdays at the anna maria island Beach cafe at the manatee public Beach, 4000 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. However, the club is on an abbreviated summer schedule and not meeting every Saturday through Labor day. for more information, call Sandy Haas-martens at 941-778-1383.

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CLUBS & COMMUNITY

tions, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941718-0291. Wednesday, June 19 Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Noon-3 p.m. â€” U.S. Census Bureau hiring, Island Library, 5701 Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD Thursday, June 20 2 p.m. â€”Knit and crochet club, Island Library, 5701 Marina June 29, Island Library presents CPR training, Holmes Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Beach. Saturday, June 22 GOOD TO KNOW 8:30 a.m. â€” Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island hosts Pierrette Kelly, consultant for the Suncoast CamSAVE THE DATES paign for Grade-Level Reading at the Patterson Foundation, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the June 21, ďŹ rst day of summer. Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes July 4, Independence Day. Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Sept. 2, Labor Day. Wednesday, June 26 Sept. 8, Grandparents Day. Noon â€” Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Sept. 11, Patriot Day. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Sept. 23, ďŹ rst day of autumn. Sept. 29, Rosh Hashana. ONGOING ON AMI Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connec-

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GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. Calendar keepers: Do you have schedule changes in the offseason? Please email calendar@islander.org.

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State to rebid work at Cortez’s FISH preserve By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Ecological restoration work on the FISH Preserve in Cortez is going back for another round of bids. That’s the latest from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on a $100,000 project planned for the property lying between Sarasota Bay and Cortez Road West on the north side of the fishing village. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a nonprofit with a mission to protect commercial fishing and the environment it depends upon, purchased most of the 100-acre preserve in 2000 as a buffer from development. According to FWC restoration project manager Corey Anderson, the state put “the untouched east side” work out for bid in March but “ran into a challenge” because the bids exceeded the $100,000 budget. “The lowest bid was one-and-a-half times more than budget,” he said. In mid-April, Anderson told The Islander he’d expected contractors to begin work — including the removal of invasive Australian pines and Brazilian pepper trees — to leave a grassy understory among mangroves, live oaks and other native coastal vegetation — by the end of April. Anderson said June 11 he would rewrite the specifications, scale back the work and rebid the project. FISH vice president Jane von Hahmann reported to the board June 3 about the FWC’s work, now to stretch into the 2019-20 budget cycle. She said she encouraged Anderson to rebid despite his concern about local sentiment favoring the retention of Australian pine trees. Relaying her conversation with Anderson to the board, she said FISH favored keeping some trees near Cortez Road on the east side of the preserve to shade a picnic area as long as their retention does not interfere with commitments in FWC projects.

The FWC selected the FISH property as its top project for the 2018-19 Division of Habitat and Species Conservation budget, impressed with a restoration plan outlined for FISH by Scheda Ecological Associates of Sarasota. In addition to the eastside project, a $12,000 FWC project that began in November 2018 on the west side of the preserve included the removal in April of 50 Australian pine trees after killing 70, which FWC initially left for nesting birds. Von Hahmann had a different tree count. She said FWC girdled 97 Australian pines and after the agency’s contractor took out 50 trees, 47 trees remain. The remaining dead Australian pine trees may become a part of another project. In addition, the FWC removed a large amount of

brush on the west side of the preserve. “That was pepper (trees) and stuff and they killed it with whatever herbicide they used. And it just died there,” von Hahmann said after the meeting. “It looks like this big bramble and it goes on for hundreds of feet. We decided that it needs to come out.” For that job, the FISH board unanimously approved an $800 contract with Island Tree Service of Sarasota, selecting among three bidders. Von Hahmann said the tree service would bring a machine, “be in and out in three hours” and leave the processed brush to decompose on site. Over the years, FISH has partnered with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and other state and federal agencies to accomplish the Scheda restoration plan, which is about half-complete. Jane von Hahmann, vice president of FISH, points to habitat restoration in the central portion of the 100acre FISH Preserve in November 2018. Islander File Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Local arts group gets new leadership, board members

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The gathering was about promoting the arts on the island. More than two dozen people attended a soiree June 11 at the Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Ave., Holmes Beach, to learn about Cultural Connections. Over libations and light bites, Casey Hoffman introduced herself as the new president and board members Deb Wing and Marilyn Margold. She also discussed the organization’s background before turning the floor over to past president Joan Voyles. Voyles discussed the origins of Cultural Connections and its accomplishments. She said it is time for the “young blood” to bring new awareness to the arts on Anna Maria Island. What began as a collective of people and arts

groups to promote the arts and galleries on Anna Maria Island, was headed by Voyles, but there originally were no officers, membership or a corporate entity. “We started Cultural Connections in 2008 because over and over we heard the same thing from those involved in island arts: ‘We feel invisible,’” she said. Voyles and Jeannie Pickwick took a calendar and began signing up interested participants to showcase their galleries. Soon gallery walks were taking place. They organized ArtsHOP, an islandwide three-day series of events celebrating arts, culture and heritage. “We included a tattoo parlor that used to be here in Holmes Beach in an ArtsHOP,” Voyles said. “They were artists, too, just not your traditional ones. We wanted to be inclusive.” Hoffman, Wing and Margold discussed events Cultural Connections assists with, such as Symphony

on the Sand. The trio urged attendees to get involved by volunteering their time and talent. Hoffman also put out a call for two volunteers for the board of directors — a secretary and a treasurer. And she encouraged people to sign up for committees as planning is underway for the ArtsHOP in November — the group has not set the actual dates. While some attendees came from off-island, they shared a common interest. Hoffman said she welcomed anyone interested in promoting art — regardless of where they reside. Cultural Connections operates in partnership with other island organizations, including the Island Players, the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. For more information, call Hoffman at 941-5388484 or email casey@annamariaislandradio.com. Casey Hoffman, left, president of Cultural Connections, talks with artist Corey Wright, right, as Lydia Gracing, of Bradenton, gathers refreshments. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Joan Voyles, left, founding member and past president of Cultural Connections, talks June 11 with Joanne Wilhem at the Doctor’s Office gathering for the nonprofit.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 13

Local kayaker catches professional photographer’s eye By Sandy ambrogi islander reporter character lives in the lines of his face. a local kayak guide had no idea he had caught the eye of a minnesota photographer as he guided a family on a tour through waterways and mangroves. rick Lewis spent 38 years in what he calls “a pretty stressful” career. He was a respiratory therapist at several local hospitals, winding up with seven years at Bayfront medical center in St. petersburg before he retired. “i saw a lot of bad stuff during those years,” Lewis said. So after taking it easy for a while and running a bicycle repair business, Lewis went to work with friends Ben and Susan Webb, leading nature tours for their company, ami paddleboard adventures. the company offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, sales, lessons and guided tours from the West coast Surf Shop, 3902 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. on a may 22 outing, Lewis took Shawn nielsen and his family kayaking through some mangrove tunnels on the east side of the intracoastal Waterway. Lewis said he chatted with nielsen and took photos

sometimes but, as the tour ended, nielsen asked if could take some professional shots of Lewis for an online project, “american faces.” nielson has traveled and taken photographs of americans across the country, posting them on the web along with biographies of the subjects. nielsen thought Lewis was a perfect addition to the collection found at nielsen-studios.com and took a photo of the islander against a backdrop of mangroves — just where he prefers to be these days. “i was pretty surprised when he asked if he could use my picture. It was just a fluke thing, I think. But there i am! i’m no. 27 on the list of ‘american faces’ now. and the write-up was very kind,” Lewis said. “men like rick are gems,” nielsen wrote in the Rick Lewis poses for a photograph taken by Minbio. “Slowing down and taking time to paddle gave my nesota photographer Shawn Nielsen for Nielsen’s family and me time to experience the mangroves and online storybook. Islander Courtesy Photo the serenity they have to offer. it also gave us time to meet rick, a man who shared a bit of his life with us on a sunny day in anna maria, florida.” for the group as they paddled. Lewis said he is happy to share the island, and “He was my customer. i talked to him like i talk to all my customers. eventually, we got around to what he does up to three tours a day. after all the years of hospital work, paddling through the mangroves is not he did for a living,” Lewis said. Lewis said he was a little embarrassed when like work, he said. nielsen said he’s a professional photographer. On the web “Here i am taking shots with a cellphone and he’s a professional. i said to him, ‘You should have told to see richard Lewis’ portrait and read the me,’’’ Lewis said with a laugh. bio, go online to nielsen-studios.com. nielsen said he too used his cellphone for photos

2019 Top Notch photo competition launches June 26 the islander’s top notch contest begins anew. the contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite the widespread switch from film to digital technology. the contest includes six weekly front-page winners. each will claim an islander “more than a mullet wrapper” t-shirt or coffee mug. one weekly shot will take the top prize in the top notch contest, earning the photographer a $100 cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. a pet photo winner is announced in the final week. please, note, each original Jpg must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer; date the photo was taken; location and description, names of recognizable people; and address and phone number for the photographer. More rules and deadlines — the first week’s deadline for submissions is midnight thursdy, June 20 — A past winner of The Islander’s Top Notch photography contest. can be found online at www.islander.org.

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Kathy and Vic Caserta of Bradenton Beach go north to Alaska, where they visited Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America at 20,310 feet. Denali, in the Athabaskan language, means “great one, the high one.” Islander Courtesy Photo

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14 n June 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

State drops DUI charge against concert promoter

Officials urge disaster planning at Lunch & Learn

The producer for the Marshall Tucker Band concert at the Center of Anna Maria Island will not be prosecuted for driving impaired. Assistant State Attorney Lindsey Brigham filed the notice June 11 declining the charge. Richard A. Engler, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, was arrested April 1 near Palm and Gulf drives after the concert for driving under the influence. He was arrested by a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsored the concert and others at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., and contracted Engler to schedule entertainment for the events. The deputy’s probable cause affidavit states Engler drove his SUV across the center line and the fog line twice, once within a few feet of the sidewalk where pedestrians were present. According to the state’s decline memo, Brigham reviewed a video of the roadside field-sobriety test and reported Engler did not appear impaired. Engler provided breath samples “well below the legal limit,” and was unable to provide a urine sample due to his medical issues, the memo continued. “As the defendant complied with all the requests of the investigating officer, the state would not be able to argue that the defendant refused.” Brigham concluded the state had insufficient evidence to prove the DUI charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Bruno Kapacinskas, business resource manager for Manatee County Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity, discusses a point June 13 about businesses having a disaster plan. Kapacinskas spoke at the kickoff Lunch and Learn sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and held at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi Bruno Kapacinskas, left, and Steve Litschauer, chief of Manatee County Emergency Management, dine June13 before speaking on storm readiness at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police reports

Anna Maria June 7, 300 block of Magnolia Avenue, grand theft over $100,000. A woman reported the theft of gold coins valued at more than $100,000 from her residence. She said she noticed the coins missing April 22, but was gathering documents before filing a report. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach June 7, 600 block of Gulf Drive North, property damage. A man reported a passenger window in his vehicle broken. Nothing was reported missing. June 7, 1700 Gulf Drive S., Coquina Beach, Baker Act. A man overdosed at the park and told law enforcement he wanted to harm himself. He was taken for treatment under the Baker Act. June 8, 121 Bridge St., Blue Marlin, domestic battery. A woman said she was listening to music with friends when her ex-husband approached, grabbed her wrist and whispered expletives. She said her wrist hurt for 30 minutes after she was grabbed. She was issued a domestic violence packet. June 9, 100 block of Ninth Street North, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. A man threatened a bus driver who refused him service. The man ran

MCSO arrests Lakeland man for DUI

A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy arrested a Lakeland man for violating traffic and probation laws after he sped through Bradenton Beach in a Ford pickup truck, placing pedestrians at risk. Richard Shane Burnett, 50, was arrested at 1:09 a.m. May 27 in the 300 block of Gulf Drive North for driving under the influence, reckless driving, refusing to submit to a DUI test and violating a driver’s license curfew. Bradenton Beach Police Officer Burnett Steve Masi observed Burnett as he drove his truck recklessly around a vehicle, through pedestrian crossings and the roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive, according to the police report. Masi estimated the vehicle was traveling 70 mph on Bridge Street.

Burnett drove onto the roundabout median, lost control and skidded into an opposing lane, the report stated. Masi called MCSO for assistance and Deputy Brandon Rowe arrested Burnett. Burnett refused to take field sobriety tests or provide breath samples for law enforcement. Rowe reported Burnett swore at him and told the deputy he had connections with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office while he was in his patrol vehicle for transport. He slammed his head and body against the squad, saying he thought the officer was taking him out to kill him. Burnett was released on a pretrial services agreement and a $14,000 bond. Burnett’s next court date is at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, for arraignment at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

away from the scene but was later found yelling outside a bar, where he exposed his buttocks to patrons. He failed to follow directions from officers and had to be restrained. He was transported to Manatee County jail. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez No reports.

Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach June 6, 100 block of 42nd Street, larceny. A man reported two rented beach bikes disappeared from outside of a rental residence. June 7, 500 block of 69th Street, larceny. A man reported his handyman took two checks from his checkbook and cashed them for $225 and $206.27. The victim closed the account. June 11, 4000 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, petit theft. An employee reported a man had stole money from a counter-top tip jar the previous day and had returned to the cafe. Surveillance video showed a suspect taking $20 in tip money. He was located at the public beach and arrested for camping and petit theft. June 11, 5346 Gulf Drive, Hurricane Hanks restaurant, trespass. The manager requested a man be trespassed after he became belligerent with staff and patrons and refused to leave. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 15

Worlds strongest man contest swells on AMI beaches

By Kevin p. cassidy islander reporter muscles, beach crowds, tV cameras. What a competition! the tachi palace World’s Strongest man contest descended upon Bradenton and anna maria island June 13-16. the event started in downtown Bradenton with 25 competitors in five groups. They participated in five events over three days, including semifinals at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the finals — for 10 competitors — at manatee public Beach in Holmes Beach. the athletes competed in a monster truck pull, giant’s medley, super yoke and farmers walk, deadlift reps, overhead press reps and last-man standing over the first three days of the event. they battled it out for the title of world’s strongest man in five events, including the loading race, where competitors carried a 250-pound keg, a 275-pound anvil and two 300-pound sandbags, racing a distance of 12 meters to place the objects on a 42-inch-high table. the second event saw two athletes go head-tohead, picking up four weights in succession in a timed race. they started with two 130-pound dumbbells, a 220-pound weight that they had to hold up with one arm, a 350-pound circus barbell and, finally, a 375pound log. the third event was the overhead press medley followed by the squat lift, where competitors tried to get the most reps. finally, the signature event of the World’s Strongest man, the atlas stones. In this event, competitors lift and put five stones on a table faster than their opponents. the stones start at 260 pounds and get heavier, culminating with a stone that weighs 440 pounds. the competition brought about1,000 enthusiastic and curious people to each venue, though getting a good look at the action was difficult. Some folks adapted and found ways to get a view, including a few people who brought stepladders to peer over the crowd. The finals at the beach concluded with an awards

The cameras go up June 16 for Hafthor Julius Bjornsson of Iceland — “Mountain” in the Game of Thrones — as he lifts a 375pound log in the of the Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man at Manatee Public Beach. More photos, page 24. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

ceremony celebrating the champion — the World’s Strongest man — martins Licis of the united States.

The World’s Strongest Man TV contest at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach crowded into the area north of the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Adam Bishop of England carries a 275-pound anvil during heat No. 1 at the World’s Strongest Man finals June 16 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Adam Bishop of England carries a 275-pound anvil during heat No. 1 of the loading race at the Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man finals June 16 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Iceland’s Hafthór Júlíus Björnsson, overhead presses a 345-pound circus barbell June 16 during the finals of the 2019 Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man competition at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Great Britain’s Luke Stoltman and Trey Mitchell of the United States race to the finish line with 250-pound kegs during the Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man finals June 16 at Manatee Public Beach. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy YOUR COMPLETE CASUAL FURNITURE STORE

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Ready, alert, what it takes to be a beach lifeguard

Manatee County Beach Patrol lifeguards enter the water June 6 for their required daily training. Islander Photo: Cory Cole patrol for four years, providing an added level of service on the island, said Westerman. the paramedic lifeguards respond to any medical emergency, even in residential areas. according to Westerman, the paramedics help the beach patrol provide advanced life support, something he said is not commonly found on florida’s west coast beaches. “our job is one of prevention and reaction,” Westerman said. each lifeguard is responsible for about 75 to 80 yards on either side of a tower, looking for any possible dangers. from the large towers, guards can scan

Every lifeguard must train on the job, an hour every day, to maintain the ability to perform duties. an entire beach. according to Westerman, as of June 5, there were 19 rip current rescues, 20 other water-related rescues, 72 medical calls and 9,226 preventions reported by his team in 2019. “our goal is that you leave with the same people you came with,” he said.

Caution swimmers: Be aware of the rip

·S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

as the summer swimming season begins on the Gulf of Mexico beaches, public safety officials are reminding people of the dangers of rip currents, the powerful currents of water moving away from shore. at county beaches and outside the West manatee fire rescue Station on marina drive in Holmes Beach, check the flags to find out the status of beach conditions: • Red is indicative of high hazard conditions. • Yellow means medium hazards are present. • Green indicates low hazard conditions. • Purple warn of the presence of dangerous marine life. rip currents are an example of one type of hazard red flags may signal.

Signs of a rip current include: • A channel of churning, choppy water. • An area having a notable difference in water color. • A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward. • A break in the incoming wave pattern. remember, if you are caught in a rip current: • Stay calm. • Do not swim against the current. • Stay afloat. Swim along the shore until you feel the current relax. • When free of the current, swim at an angle away from it toward the beach. • Call or wave for help.

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By cory cole islander reporter Lifeguards must be ready and alert 365 days a year. Joe Westerman, chief of the manatee county Beach patrol, said June 5 that prevention is his department’s top goal. the patrol protects the manatee county coastline, responding to water emergencies as far south as the Sarasota county line, as far north as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and as far west as 4 miles offshore in the gulf of mexico. Lifeguards are stationed at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and manatee public Beach in Holmes Beach, but they respond to emergencies all along the shore. What does it take to become a manatee county lifeguard? Westerman said an applicant must pass a test requiring he or she swim 500 meters in open water in under 10 minutes, run a half mile under 3 minutes 30 seconds, and perform a victim-rescue scenario about 100-yards offshore without equipment. if the applicant passes the skills test, an interview follows. “from there the training never stops,” Westerman said. new lifeguards complete 48 hours of training the first week. the introduction to the job and anna maria island’s coastline is just the start, according to Westerman. every lifeguard must train on the job, an hour every day, to maintain the ability to perform duties. “all of our training is done on the beach,” Westerman said. Lifeguards are at the beaches 9 a.m.-7 p.m. memorial day through Labor day and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. the remainder of the year. according to Westerman, daily training is 9:1510:15 a.m., except weekends and holidays, the busiest times of the year for the beaches. Westerman employs 18 lifeguards. the team consists of four emergency medical responders, 14 emergency medical technicians and two paramedics. the paramedic lifeguard unit has been part of the

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THE ISLANDER n June 19, 2019 n 17

County recommends public safety increase for fiscal 2019-20

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Manatee County is proposing a $1.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2019-20 with increased expenditures for law enforcement and public safety. Administrator Cheri Coryea presented the budget to county commissioners May 28 for the fiscal year that runs Oct. 1-Sept. 30, 2020. The budget recommendations are $100 million more than last year’s $1.4 billion budget. According to budget summaries, $197,556,892 in public safety expenditures are requested, up from $175,871,509 in 2018-19. Addressing public safety needs, budget recommendations include 20 new sheriff employees, six paramedics, a $6.5 million disaster recovery reserve to help rebuild the county after an emergency and a 311-call center for public requests.

from his $119,356,587 budget this year. Anna Maria contracts annually with the county for nine deputies who police the city, including Sgt. Mike Jones, who heads the substation. Mayor Dan Murphy said June 7 that MCSO is looking for a $100,000 increase in its contract for the next fiscal year. The city currently pays about $900,000 for the deputies’ services, he added. The mayor said the city is “fact finding” with county officials to determine why the contract cost is up 11 percent and hopes to nail down the cost this summer.

Public safety Other county department heads, including public safety interim director Jake Sauer, submitted their budgets June 4. Sauer requested $33,253,655, including $23,840,206 for personnel and $9,146,603 for operating expenses. Sheriff’s budget Sauer’s department includes marine rescue serAt a June 5 meeting with commissioners, Manatee vices and the beach patrol, which protects 3 million County Sheriff Rick Wells requested $126,055,27, up people annually on the shoreline, including Manatee

Marshall Greene, left, a lieutenant with Manatee County Beach Patrol’s lifeguard division, and Steve Cherello, a beach patrol paramedic, head toward the water for a swim, part of their daily hour of training. Islander Photo: Cory Cole

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Budgeting considerations In a May 28 news release Coryea said, “If recent U.S. Census estimates are accurate and the area is growing at a pace between 8,000-10,000 people a year, Manatee County’s population has likely surpassed 400,000 this year. “We are one of the 100 fastest growing counties in the United States … but we have not done enough to address the workload that results from 90,000 people here since 2006.” Information outreach manager Nicholas Azzara said in a June 7 email the recommended budget is based on 6.5 percent revenue growth. “Of course, the final decision belongs to the county commission and (it’s) entitled to consider the rollback rate before adopting a final budget.” The current millage rate is 6.4326, the same rate approved in 2017. To calculate taxes, the millage rate is multiplied by the value of taxable property. A millage rate does not need to increase to produce a tax increase. If the county doesn’t adopt the rollback rate, which is needed to produce the same revenue as the current budget, a tax increase occurs. The public may comment at budget hearings set for 6 p.m. June 19, Sept. 10 and Sept. 17. More information on the proposed budget is available at www.mymanatee.org/budget.

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Public Beach in Holmes Beach, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Sauer said June 7 there’s nothing new for Anna Maria Island in the 2019-20 budget. However, he added, the county is still working off a 2018-19 capital improvement budget to bring 11 new lifeguard towers to Bradenton Beach and Manatee Public Beach. Sauer said he expects them to be up and running by May 2020. Eight towers will be replaced and three new towers are expected at the groins between Coquina and Cortez Beach. Cortez Beach currently has no tower. “We’re excited to be adding lifeguards and the towers to expand coverage for the beaches out there,” Sauer said. Also under the public safety department are emergency communications — the 911 dispatch for Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and 11 fire agencies, and law enforcement on Anna Maria Island — EMS, a paramedicine program and emergency management.

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18 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

AID at Annunciation

The Rev. Neil Crowell, of Roser Memorial Community Church, along with the Rev. Matthew Grunfeld and deacon Kathy Gilpin, both of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, celebrate the Pentecost with the Rt. Rev. Michael Garrison, assisting bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. All Island Denominations held a worship service June 9 at Annunciation in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy Peggy Nash

CrossPointe registering kids for Bible school

crosspointe fellowship is registering children for its vacation Bible school, a-maze-ing grace. Students will find on opening day a maze of cardboard boxes leading them through the sanctuary. classes will be 9 a.m.-noon monday-friday, June 24-28, at the church, 8605 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. registration is for children from age 4 through the fifth-grade. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0719.

Gathering plans

SPECIAL EVENTS Monday-Friday, June 24-28 9 a.m. — Vacation Bible school, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. ONGOING EVENTS Wednesday 7 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 8 a.m. — Men’s breakfast, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833. 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833. 11:30 a.m. — Prayer partners, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 7 p.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Information: 941-216-6286. Thursday 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. Saturday 3 p.m. — Confession, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Sunday 8:45 a.m. — Adult Sunday school, Roser Memorial Community

Mary Lou Dubiel, Joan Oster and Regina Percy, all members of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach celebrate the Day of the Pentecost. Worship was June 9 at the church, followed by an ice cream social sponsored by Holy Cow Ice Cream and Other Cool Stuff of Holmes Beach.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Garrison of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida shares a moment June 9 with Cornelia Zanetti, president of AID.

Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — Adult book study, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 10:15 a.m. — Fellowship, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 10 a.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Information: 941-216-6286. 10:30 a.m. — Life group, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s prayer, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. WORSHIP SERVICES Wednesday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive,

Chet and Sandy Zarzycki of Holy Cow Ice Cream and Other Cool Stuff in Holmes Beach serve ice cream June 9 at the social that followed the Pentecostal worship service at the Episcopal Church of pLeaSe See gAtHeriNg, next page the Annunciation.

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8:45 AM Adult Sunday School

A NONDENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper. She came to AMI in 1975 and launched the newspaper in 1992.

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

Growing in Jesus’ Name Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Adult Sunday School Follows Service

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON: Joseph 2 Character

Men’s Bible Study - Mondays: 9:00 AM Women’s Bible Study - Wednesdays: 10:00 AM

Visitors & Residents Welcome • Childcare Available Watch our 10:00 AM service live. Log onto our website & follow the YouTube link.

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

THE ISLANDER n June 19, 2019 n 19

Gathering 4 Bible school...

Vacation Bible school student Gavin Kramer shows satisfaction with his craft at Roser Memorial Community Church.

Summer ‘school’

Students at Roser Memorial Community Church’s Vacation Bible School play a splash game outdoors at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The activities — taking place June 3-7 — involved children in songs, games, crafts and storytelling. Islander Photos: Courtesy Peggy Nash Jared Elbert serves salad to Lucy and Reagan Walter during a vacation Bible school dinner at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Mark Morris of Anna Maria portrays “Jungle Larry” in a performance of “Roar! Life is Wild, God is Good” in the chapel at Roser Memorial Community Church, part of the weeklong vacation Bible school activities at the Pine Avenue church. gathering continued from page 18

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Saturday 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 5 p.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833. 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7791912. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 11 a.m. — Worship, Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Information: 941-216-6286. Monday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, Holmes Beach. Tuesday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

Road-tripping in the Holy Land

Dave Stotts, the host and editor of the “Drive Thru History — The Holy Land” video series, will address the Just Older Youth group at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The installment of the brown-bag lunch series will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, in the fellowship hall. Attendees should bring their lunch. Roser will provide dessert and beverages. For more information, call the church at 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

Director’s take

Carolyne Norwood, seated, one of the founders of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, visits June 11 with board member Barbara Murphy at the nonprofit’s museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Norwood, an AMIHS director emeritus according amihs.org, wrote an island history sold at the museum and her visit was the first since a renovation. For more information about AMIHS and the museum, call 941-778-0492. Islander Courtesy Photo

20 n June 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

At long last, the Shore is on the edge of opening By Sandy Ambrogi Partner John Islander Reporter Mays, left, genThe Shore first rose from the rubble, then from the eral manager ashes. Dan Goltz and Four years after the purchase of Mooreâ€™s Stone partner Tom Crab Restaurant on the north end of Longboat Key in Leonard stand July 2015, Tom Leonard and his partner John Mays are at the entrance putting the finishing touches on an eatery that Leonard to the new Shore predicts will become â€œa flagship restaurant property in Restaurant, 800 Southwest Florida.â€? Broadway St., â€œThere is nothing else like it on this coast,â€? LeonLongboat Key. A ard says June 6, during a walk-thru of the Shore, 800 grand opening is Broadway St., Longboat Key. planned for July, The sleek white concrete and steel structure seems after years of fits to float on the water. The space feels like a Frank Lloyd and starts at the Wright building, with simple square lines. site, which was A step in reveals multiple levels. home to Mooreâ€™s Inside the main entrance, a double-sided bar Stone Crab wrapped with imported Bali teak dominates the space. Restaurant for 47 Behind, a wall of windows open horizontally to catch years. Islander the sea breeze. Photos: Sandy Seating stretches away on outdoor terraces. A Ambrogi retractable cover fights off the midday sun, but can be removed for cooler hours. On the west end, patrons will find a retail space ing installation. Booths and tables cozy up near an open kitchen He points to the planks. adjacent to the main dining room, so patrons can watch familiar to patrons of the flagship Shore on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. â€œWeâ€™re not sure, of course, but we suspect a $2 chefs in motion. The restaurant seats 185. â€œPeople love our retail,â€? Leonard says, stepping discarded linseed oil rag may have spontaneously comOn the east end of the building, another indoor bar Please see SHORE, Next page around a stack of cypress planks, newly oiled for ceiladjoins a patio.

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THE ISLANDER n June 19, 2019 n 21

Holmes Beach considers moratorium extensions

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Holmes Beach is taking a little more time to discuss mobility and land-use matters before creating ordinances. Commissioners unanimously voted June 11 to extend a moratorium on bike and scooter rentals and a moratorium on consecutive building permits.

cles are made available for shared use to individuals on a short-term basis. Bike-shares allow people to borrow a bike from point “A” and return it at point “B.” “Dockless” vehicles include bikes and scooters, which are picked up or dropped off at a property without a fixed parking station or operator. The moratorium does not apply to businesses currently renting dockless vehicles or bike-share programs, but prohibits expansion of the services. Bike-, scooter-shares moratorium extended The city is reviewing information on the matter The city commission unanimously approved the before drafting an ordinance regulating bike- and first reading of an ordinance extending a moratorium scooter-sharing systems. on the rental of dockless bikes and scooters, as well as docked bike-shares, in the public rights of way or Permit moratorium on structures extended other public properties through Sept. 30. The commission also unanimously approved the There was no discussion June 11. first reading of an ordinance extending a five-month A bike-sharing system is a service in which bicy- moratorium on consecutive permits seeking to improve The Shore’s long, main bar overlooks Sarasota Bay and is wrapped in teak imported from Bali. Other finishes include oiled cypressplank ceilings and walls of windows that open horizontally, allowing the sea breeze through. SHORE continued from page 20 busted and caused the fire,” he says. The fire, only one setback Leonard says he was just beginning to see the end of construction when his phone rang a little after 10:30 p.m. Oct. 24, 2018. A neighbor told him his building was on fire. “I’m thinking, this is a joke. The building is concrete. It can’t burn,” Leonard recalls “I knew it was going to be all in the finishes,” he adds. Windows were blown out. Wood interior finishes were ruined. Damage was more than $1 million but, after a short delay dealing with insurance, construction resumed. It was the last setback in a line of fits and starts for the Shore since Leonard purchased the property from the Moore family in July 2015. His partner then was Mark Caragiulo, an Owen’s Fish Camp and Caragiulo’s Italian Restaurant partner with his brothers, both in Sarasota. Ten months passed after the Moore’s purchase before bulldozers leveled the seafood house in 2016. Construction began, but things moved slowly. “We never really got out of the ground,” Leonard says. “By January 2017, I knew there was a problem.” Leonard says subcontractors complained of not being paid by the contractor for the build. At that point, Leonard says, work stopped.

That issue was settled in a May ruling by the 12th Circuit Court in Manatee County. After three days of testimony, Judge Edward Nicholas ruled Leonard only owed KS Restoration — the original contractor on the build — $2,216.30. The judge offset the balance of the claim, filed May 3, 2017, for $106,844.80 by KS Restoration against Leonard, citing severe credibility issues with the plaintiff’s testimony. Meanwhile, Caragiulo and Leonard were parting ways. “I don’t think he had the vision to see it through,” Leonard says of his first partner. “He had other things of his own interest — different visions. By March 2017, Leonard had bought out Caragiulo in both the St. Armands and Longboat Key Shore restaurants. When Leonard was ready to begin again in mid2017 with new partner John Mays, they had to reapply for permits. Mays shared Leonard’s passion for the project and has been an operating force at the St. Armands Shore when he arrived on Longboat Key. More time elapsed. The original October 2017 opening date came and went. In 2018, a new contractor was hired and work progressed. Then, just weeks before the Shore would be ready to open, the fire crushed their plans.

Federal Emergency Management Agency-rated preFIRM homes through Sept. 11 if approved at final reading. FEMA established standards for home elevations in 1975 known as FIRM — the Flood Insurance Rate Map. FEMA restricts remodeling to 50 percent of a pre-FIRM structure’s assessed value. If the remodel exceeds 50 percent, FEMA requires the structure to be elevated or otherwise brought into compliance. The moratorium provides a pause while the commission creates an ordinance for a one-year “cumulative substantial improvement period” for each building permit. The next city commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, with a work session to follow.

Tom Leonard points to the wall tiles at the Shore restaurant — damaged in the October 2018 fire. He said he chose to keep the tiles, saying he liked how the fire altered the original look. Worth the wait Leonard and Mays are reveling in the Shore’s near completion. Dan Goltz, who has served as general manager at the St. Armands Shore, will head the Longboat Key property when it opens — as soon as July. Interviews are underway for staff. Leonard says the Shore is adding 60-80 jobs to the local economy. “We are excited to be on this end of the island. We have the Intracoastal less than a 1,000 feet from our docks. We have 25 boat slips. We are just over the bridge from Anna Maria Island and Bradenton,” Leonard says. “It’s been over 50 years since a flagship waterfront property like this was built here. I talk to people who still remember going to Moore’s as a child to see Jackie the dolphin and have dinner. Hopefully, we will do as Moore’s did, and become a destination. There are few places like this.”

Seafood

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22 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Nesting news

by chrisAnn Silver esformes

Fran Kramer, AMITW section coordinator, instructs June 5, while Sam and Shirley Hardee stake off a loggerhead nest on the beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo: AMITW

Turtle nesting numbers rise

as the weather gets warmer, sea turtle nesting season is heating up on anna maria island. “it’s looking like we could have another recordbreaking season,” Suzi fox, anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring executive director, said June 11. as of June 16, there were 228 sea turtle nests on the island, compared with 223 on the same day in 2018. However, fox said she is concerned that people are following nesting sea turtles at night with their cellphones to capture video. Esformes She said tracks show some sea turtles are crawling north or south down the beach after nesting. in some cases, the tracks indicate the turtle crawled a long distance then returned to the water without nesting — considered to be a “false crawl.” “i’ve never seen it like this,” fox said. “there’s just too many long crawls north and south, looping around. i think people on the beach are following them with cameras.” She said light from phones is a problem because it can be seen by the turtles, which follow the light of the moon and the stars reflecting on the surface of the gulf of mexico to return to the water after nesting. unnatural light sources on the beach can disorient turtles — which only come ashore to nest — away

Turtle to be tagged, tracked

tag! the race is on! anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring is again partnering with the Sea turtle conservancy for the 12th annual tour de turtles. to participate, amitW will add a satellite tag to a nesting loggerhead just after sunrise friday, June 21, at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, and everyone is invited to watch from the beach. the tagged turtle, which will be named Bortie 2 by sponsor Bortell’s Lounge of anna maria, will be a participant. as part of the tour, sea turtles are tagged on beaches in costa rica, cuba and florida. the turtles then compete for most miles traveled — officially starting in August. for more information about the island’s contestant in the tour de turtles, visit amitW’s facebook page. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

from the gulf. in other instances, turtle watch has documented “failed nesting attempts,” wherein a mature female crawled ashore, attempted to nest by digging a cavity in the sand, then returned to the water without laying its eggs — usually about 100 in each clutch. amitW volunteer denise gardner, one of about 80 volunteers who walk the beach just after sunrise each morning staking off nests for protection and data collection, said she documented two incidents where sea turtles dug pits to hold eggs, but did not nest. “the turtles are confusing us a little bit,” she said. “We’re really not sure what’s going on with them. So that’s why we’re concerned there’s maybe a lot of traffic on the beach at night.” fox said the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission has been alerted to the “unusually long crawls” and also is concerned with the unusual behavior. So, fWc provided amitW with an app to

collect information on the disorientations. additionally, she said if people see a sea turtle on the beach, they do not need to call turtle watch, they should just keep back 50-100 feet to observe its behavior. fox said “education is key” to a successful nesting season, which runs may through october on the island. “people just need to understand how to interact with wildlife,” fox said. “i don’t think anyone is doing it with ill-intentions. everyone is just excited to see our sea turtles. So we need to teach them to look with their eyes, not their phones.”

TURTLE WATCH AMITW SPECIAL EVENTS Friday, June 21 7:30 a.m. — Tour de Turtles loggerhead sea turtle tag and release, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Public welcome. Information: 941-778-5638. Tuesday, June 25 10 a.m. — Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-5638. AMITW ONGOING

As of June 16, AMITW had identified 228 nests and 310 false crawls on the island.

Tuesdays in July, 10 a.m., informational Turtle Talk, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-5638.

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Signature ISLAND gifts! NEW! Navy mugs,

$10 each. New all-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. White and tie-dye “More-Than-aMullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, sandwiched between Walgreens and the bagel cafe!

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 23

Solar power

NASA’s EUNIS sounding rocket examined light from the sun in the area shown by the white line and then separated the light into wavelengths to identify the temperature of material observed on the sun. The spectra provided evidence to explain why the sun’s atmosphere is so much hotter than its surface. Islander Photo: Courtesy NASA/EUNIS

By Lisa Neff

Happy summer solstice

my littlest brother caused a commotion June 21, 1973, that disrupted after-dark games of kick-the-can in the neighborhood. my brother was born that date, the day of the June solstice, the longest day of the year, astronomically the first day of summer. my parents could have named my brother ra, for the egyptian sun god — considering some of the Sixties’ magic lingered even into 1973. instead, they christened him david douglas neff, thinking he might Neff become the family’s contribution to the u.S. Senate. i don’t remember seeing baby david at the hospital, but i recall my mom tossing a sack of laundry from a hospital window to my dad, standing with three kids on the grass three or four stories below. Honestly, the laundry was probably waiting for my mom when she arrived home. We marked my brother’s birthdays in big ways because we were celebrating him and that first joyful day of summer, ushering in a three-month vacation filled with sunny days lasting well past 8 p.m. We celebrated with trips to the beach, amusement parks, baseball stadiums and drive-in movie theaters. We stayed up late and, even better, stayed outside late, as the solstice brings the longest day of the year. We talked about and planned for all the good times we’d have before the next time we’d hear the ring of a school bell. the summer solstice does not always fall on david’s birthday, the date varies between June 20, June 21 and June 22, depending on the year and time zone. the national Weather Service provides this explanation on weather.gov: the summer solstice occurs at the moment the earth’s tilt toward from the sun is at a maximum, when the sun is directly over the tropic of cancer, which is located at 23.5° latitude north and runs through mexico, the Bahamas, egypt, Saudi arabia, india and southern china. for every place north of the tropic of cancer — including those of us on anna maria island and brother dave up in Wisconsin — the sun is at its highest point in the sky for the June solstice.

this year, the solstice occurs at 11:54 a.m. friday, June 21, and we can expect sunrise at 6:36 a.m. and sunset at 8:29 p.m. many people associate their start of summer with memorial day weekend, but i don’t and never did. Summer, for me, begins on dave’s birthday, an occasion so dear that, even in adulthood, i like to celebrate

with a slice of cake and an adventure. anyone ever played kick-the-can on the beach?

“Liftoff! We have a liftoff! thirty-two minutes past the hour. Liftoff on apollo 11!” Jack King, naSa’s public information chief, said the words July 16, 1969, when the apollo 11 mission launched for its journey to the moon from Lc-39 at Kennedy Space center on merritt island. the islander newspaper is collecting remembrances and recollections from those who followed apollo 11 from launch to landing to splashdown as the nation prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of one giant leap. meanwhile, some of the largest celebrations will be at the space center at cape canaveral.

On July 16 at 9:32 a.m., a “flashback” event will go through the launch sequence in real time and feature commentary, astronaut interviews and more. during a “moon Landing” event July 20, the space center will celebrate the moment neil armstrong took his first steps on the moon. and, July 24, the center will host a “Splashdown” party in the rocket garden to commemorate astronauts armstrong, Buzz aldrin and michael collins safely splashing into the Pacific Ocean July 24, 1969. for more information, go online to kennedyspacecenter.com. and, to share remembrances of apollo 11, email news@islander.org.

Did you know? “Solstice” is from the Latin word “solstitium” — from “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium,” meaning standing.

Florida prepares for Apollo 11 anniversary

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Apollo Lunar Module pilot on the Apollo 11 mission, salutes the U.S. flag. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that landed the first two people on the moon. Commander Neil Armstrong and Aldrin landed the module July 20, 1969. Six hours later, on June 21, Armstrong became the first person to step onto the lunar surface, followed by Aldrin. Islander Photo: Courtesy NASA History Office/NASA JSC Media Services Center

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24 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Adult soccer, golf see rain delays, horseshoes play on

the last night of the regular season for the adult soccer league at the center of anna maria island was rained out, forcing the rescheduling of games to Wednesday, June 19. Solid rock construction will take on Beach House real estate at 6 p.m., followed by Jiffy Lube taking on gulfview Windows and doors at 7, concluding the regular season matches. Wildcard action follows with the Cassidy seventh seed taking on the no. 10 at 8 p.m., and No. 8 taking on No. 9 at 9 p.m. Quarterfinal action is set for thursday, June 20, when the top seed takes on the winner of the 6 p.m. wildcard match, and the second seed takes on the winner of the 7 p.m. wildcard game. the third seed battles the sixth seed at 8 p.m. followed by the fourth seed taking on the fifth seed at 9 p.m. championship thursday is June 27, with the semi final games scheduled for 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., prior to the final at 8:30 p.m. there were two regular season games completed before the rain arrived at the center. Blalock Walters rolled to a 4-1 victory over duncan real estate to creep closer to the third seed to open the action June 12. greg demeuse and matt plummer led the way with

a goal and an assist each, while Stephen perry and dan Van etten each notched a goal. Scott rudacille helped to preserve the victory with nine saves in goal. Joey Hutchinson scored the lone goal for duncan, which also received 12 saves from trey Horne in the loss. the second saw ross Built edge flynn Law to pull to a tie for first place with Gulfview Windows and doors, though ross has one more game played. connor Bystrom, Vince circharo and Jessica Williams each scored a goal for ross, which also received eight saves from goalie John Hagerty in the victory. chris culhane and tyler robinson each scored a goal and mark rudacille made eight saves to lead flynn in the loss. Key royale news golf at the Key royale club got off to a wet start with monday’s action rained out. the women got out on the course June 11 with a nine-hole individual-lownet match in two flights. Sharon Tarras fired a 4-under-par 28 to cruise to first place in Flight A by four strokes over second-place finisher Debi Wohlers. flight B saw Laurie Hicks and Sue Wheeler, who had a chipin on the fourth hole, finish tied for first with matching 32s. Jana Samuels and ellen Boin shared

second place with matching 1-over-par 33s. The men finally got on the course June 13 for a nine-hole scramble. the team of Herb clauhs, Hoyt miller, Ken nagengast and dave richardson combine on a 6-under-par 26 to lap the field and take the clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Horseshoe news three teams emerged from pool play and battled for the day’s supremacy during June 12 horseshoe action at the anna maria city hall horseshoe pits. the team of Hank Huyghe and norm good drew the bye into the finals and watched as Bob Heiger and dom Livedoti stayed alive with a 22-20 victory over Steve doyle and Sam Samuels. Heiger and Livedoti kept their feet on the gas and raced to a 21-14 victory to earn the day’s bragging rights. Two teams met in the finals during the June 15 games. Livedoti, this time partnered with Josh Landers, won a second championship on the week, defeating the team of Huyghe and mason King 21-20. play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the anna maria city Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. there is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

World’s Strongest Man competition covers the beach

A crowd showed up for the Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man finals June 16 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Palma Sola boat ramp closure continues

Island residents Olive Palmer-Boyes, Stephen Boyes, Dan Kerwin and Pearce Hogan brought the right gear to manage the sight lines above the crowd at the World’s Strongest Man finals June 16 in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy Southernaire Fishing Charters

the boat ramp on the palma Sola causeway/ State road 64 remains closed. the ramp was closed Jan. 1 due to unsafe conditions and the need for repairs and upgrades, including lowering docks, grading the parking lot, landscaping and cleaning the grounds. the ramp had been maintained by the city of Bradenton until January, when the county assumed its responsibility and the parks and natural resources department “made the prompt recommendation to close the boat ramp pending safety and operational upgrades,” county spokesman nick azzara said in a statement June 14. Since January, the county department has been working to obtain permits and complete the design for improvements. also, manatee county commissioner carol Whitmore said after assuming responsibility for the boat ramp, county officials learned that Bradenton lacked an agreement with the florida department of

transportation, required since access to the ramp is from a state road. “We had to get a signed agreement with fdot,” Whitmore said. next up, “parks will take a budget amendment to the county commission in July to request funding for the repairs,” said azzara. if the commission approves the amendment, work can commence shortly thereafter, according to azzara. “i don’t have a good estimate on how long the project will last before the boat ramp is reopened,” he added. public boat ramps on the island include the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach and two ramps at coquina Beach Bayside in Bradenton Beach. off the island, the nearest county boat ramp is at 5868 riverview Blvd., Bradenton. for more information, go online to mymanatee. org. — Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

June 19 June20 June21 June22 June23 June24 June25 June26

HIGH

3:57a 4:33a 5:04a 5:35a 6:07a 6:39a 7:13a 7:46a

1.4 12:47p 1.4 1:26p 1.5 2:09p 1.5 2:59p 1.6 3:57p 1.7 5:08p 1.8 6:32p 1.9 8:05p

2.7 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.5

5:50a 6:35a 7:34a 8:45a 10:07a 11:36a 12:13a 12:56a

LOW

1.3 8:49p -0.3 1.3 9:27p -0.2 1.4 10:06p -0.1 1.4 10:47p 0.1 1.3 11:30p 0.2 1.2 — — 0.4 1:01p 1.1 0.6 2:16p 0.8

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

Moon

$YDLODEOH $We 3rd AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 19, 2019 n 25

Winds slow Gulf adventures, but inshore fishing remains hot

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter With water temperatures in the mid- to upper-80s, the summertime bite is settling in nicely around anna maria island. early morning catch-and-release snook fishing is worthwhile, as many schooley-size males are on the flats, feeding before they migrate toward the beaches and passes to spawn. catch-and-release spotted seatrout Stasny action is maintaining good levels as the water temps rise. Fishing deeper grass flats in 6-10 feet of water is producing decent action on fish 12-18 inches. Larger trout — exceeding 20 inches — are found on the shallower flats. A lot of times they can be found mixed in with the snook bite. As for the redfish — also on the catch-and-release list from the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission — i’m not seeing many on the hook. and i’m also not hearing about many catches. i am picking up an occasional red while snook fishing, although specifically targeting reds is proving unsuccessful — at least by the standards of what we normally see in our waters. moving out to the beaches, tarpon are being caught when the winds are light. calms seas are imperative when fishing the beach. When the conditions are good, tarpon fishing can be the finest found on the coast. Live crabs and threadfin herring are producing this bite. moving offshore, recreational anglers are heading out deep to target american red snapper. american reds opened June 11 for recreational harvest. the season will close July 12, so hope for good weather. So far, fish are being reported in abundance. In fact, when the snapper bite is on, folks can’t catch anything else. moving away from the snapper-infested offshore areas is yielding mangrove and yellowtail snapper, as well as gag and red grouper. on my Southernaire charters, i’m spending time with my sport fishers on catch-and-release snook and trout. Both are being caught in good numbers while fishing the vast expanse of grass flats that exist in tampa Bay and the surrounding waters. most snook catches are 20-30 inches with a few larger fish in the mix. As for trout, I’m seeing plenty in the 16- to 22-inch range. fishing structure in tampa Bay is oK for Spanish mackerel. Some days the fish are in abundance, while other days the bite is sporadic. meanwhile, structure fishing is yielding mangrove snapper. These tasty fish are ranging 10-20 inches, with most 12-14 inches. Lastly, targeting gag grouper on shallow-water structure is resulting in some keeper-size fish, as well

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Zachary Schwing, of Honolulu, Hawaii, visiting his father, Hans Schwing, of Coral Shores Bradenton, shows off a nice red grouper caught May 30 about 40 miles southwest of Anna Maria Island aboard Harry Kamberis' boat out of Homes Beach. as numerous juveniles. capt. aaron Lowman is managing to put clients on a respectable amount of gag grouper while fishing structure in tampa Bay. Both live bait presentations and trolling with lipped plugs are yielding results for Lowman’s anglers. fishing structure in tampa Bay for snapper and mackerel also is producing action. For these fish, live free-lined or fresh-cut shiners are working well. When the snapper are less active, Lowman is using a knocker rig to get the bait down to the fish. Moving to the grass flats is another option for Lowman’s charters, where they can reel up numerous catch-and-release snook and spotted seatrout. and then there’s tarpon. on the calmer, less windy days, Lowman is in pursuit of the silver king — cruising the beaches and passes for the much sought-after hookup and trophy photo. capt. Warren girle also is fishing tarpon, although, due to strong southwest breezes, he says most action for him is occurring inside tampa Bay rather than along the shoreline. these “bay” tarpon are still apt to eat a bait, although at times they can be a little harder to locate. that being said, girle is putting his clients on fish. While hunting tarpon, girle also is working the flats for catch-and-release species — snook and trout. Both are being caught in good numbers. there are

even a few reds mixed in, too. While waiting on good weather to venture offshore, capt. david White of anna maria charters is putting clients on numerous american red snapper and red grouper. For bait, dead sardines and threadfin herring are resulting in some great action. mixed in are a variety of fish, including mangrove and yellowtail snapper, as well as some large african pompano. moving inshore, tarpon fishing is still going strong for White. on the less windy days, when seas are calm, he’s producing a bite by casting live crabs to schooling fish. Occasionally, he’s hooking up on a fly. capt. Jason Stock is taking a break for a couple of days from tarpon fishing due to strong winds, rough seas and fast-moving thunderheads. that being said, he now has time to concentrate his efforts on shallowwater gag grouper. fishing structure in tampa Bay is producing some keeper-sized gags, as well as some juveniles for Stock’s clients. for bait, Stock is using live baits — pinfish, shiners and grunts. Shark fishing in Tampa Bay is another pastime Stock enjoys. Blacktips and spinner sharks are being accommodating, along with some bulls and hammerheads. Jim malfese at the rod & reel pier says catchand-release snook are keeping the pier fishers busy. Beefed-up tackle with heavy braided line and strong leaders are needed to wrestle these 36-inch plus fish out from under the pier deck. combine this setup with a large, live pinfish or a tasty little ladyfish and hang on tight. these big snook don’t play around. Those pier fishers lacking snook gear are catching a variety of smaller, more manageable fish — mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, flounder and sheepshead. random schools of jack crevalle are notorious for frequenting the pier. These are a great action fish due to their superior strength — especially on light tackle. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: reel, remove and release! CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

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

941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

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26 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

bY SAndY AMbrogI

Cha-cha-changes continue

Boat club gets sold sign Southern marinas announced may 31 its purchase of the Bradenton Boat club, 12160 cortez road W., cortez, according to boatingindustry.com. the marina includes 345 slips with valet boat service, fuel, a service department and brokerage services. also, the facility has deep-water access to the gulf of mexico. Built in 2008, the marina was upgraded in 2018 and listed for sale last november. Scott’s Deli now in Coffee Haus space the move is over, and sandwich making has begun at island coffee Haus, which is sharing its space with Scott’s deli. Scott’s moved from across the street to 5350 gulf drive, where the two businesses will share hours and counterspace. meantime, Scott’s food truck motored June 12 to motorworks Brewing in Bradenton, where mtV’s “Siesta Key” crew was shooting scenes. You’ll find the deli folks and the baristas in-house 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Anna Maria preschool morphs into cafe two buildings have been sitting empty since the School for constructive play vacated them last September. the buildings, at 302 pine ave., sold in June 2018 to colleen and Scott geller. now work has begun to transform the buildings into a cafe and a residential area where the gellers plan to live.

Chambers gather for barbecue

Members and guests of the Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key chambers of commerce enjoy barbecue June 6 at the Fifth Annual Tri-Chamber Business and BBQ on the Bay. The event at the Resort at Longboat Key Club Bayside on Longboat Key featured a buffet, libations and live music. Islander Photos: Courtesy AMICofC/Lisa Hlywa plans call for a counter-service cafe with sit-down dining space and takeout service. The separate back building will become office space. Mar Vista names new general manager She worked her way up the ladder to the top. chelsea matelau was named general manager at the mar Vista dockside restaurant, 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key. matelau took over on completion of a some bar and dining room upgrades at the eatery “it’s gone way beyond what we expected,” matelau told The Islander of customer traffic to the newly remodeled restaurant. matelau has worked at the waterside restaurant for

Dick Gross, of Boyd Insurance Services, and wife Jane, attend the annual Tri-Chamber Business and BBQ on the Bay.

10 years, having started as a hostess and server. Later she trained as a bartender, then a key employee. She served as the assistant general manager before taking the reins in mid-april. matelau said she hopes to increase event bookings at mar Vista now that space is available, and is working on improving dockside provisions. congratulations! Stay busy, islanders!

BizCal

THE ISLANDER n June 19, 2019 n 27 compiled bY Sandy Ambrogi

Pier 22 hosts chamber lunch

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Friday, June 21 5 p.m. â€” Ribbon-cutting, Salty Mermaid Real Estate, Suite 700, 5306 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. Wednesday, June 26 5 p.m. â€” Business mixer, Acqua Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, 5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. RSVP. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org.

Members and guests at the June 5 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce lunch listen to announcements. The group gathered at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander

LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Thursday, June 20 11:30 a.m. â€”Networking@Noon, Bijou Cafe, 1287 First St., Sarasota. Members $25, chamber walk-ins $30, guests $35. Information: 941-383-2466, info@lbkchamber.com.

Business news

Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe youâ€™re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander. org.

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

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28 n JuNE 19, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

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

COUPON: SAVE $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. Use AMI5@sandlessblanket.com or purchase at the Beach Hut across from Ginny’s and Jane E’s OLD IGA on Gulf Drive, Anna Maria or call 855686-sand.

FOUR ANTIQUE OFFICE chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set, conference table. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

MICROWAVE: INSTALLABLE, 1,000 watts, $100, king-size bed, frame and bedding, $100, Tiffany chandelier, $100. 941-7787003.

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)

2008 TOYOTA PRIUS, lower miles, 137,000 miles. Light green, some scrapes, small dent, AC leaks, $3,375 or best offer. 2005 Toyota Scion XB, white, 194,000 miles, some body scrapes, tiny dent, cold AC, compressor makes noise. $2,475 or best offer. Island resident. 717-999-1011.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

26-INCH SCHWINN Meridian tricycle (cobalt blue). Large basket on back and front basket. Used three times. Bought new one year ago. Pristine condition. Asking $150 (firm). Please, e-mail franknkellster@yahoo.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ADULT DANCE CLASSES: Tap, jazz, hula. Several days and levels available. 8-week session, June 24-Aug.19. That’s Dancing! Studio at Bella Danza: 5702 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. www.BonnieGray.com. 727709-0199.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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

References available • 941-720-7519

ANSWERS TO JUNE 19 PUZZLE

H E E L C L A R A

A L L O T

B A M A

A V O N

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F T A I A T F P I E E L A E L M R D E H D R A O Y G S L A S E I J O I N A B A M A K A K E L I N G D I S L I S T E D H A A N N D O D S T S

T A C T

T R E E G U M A E R N D S T R E A N I N N I N S

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.

PETS HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, have fun! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

PropertyWatch

N T V P G W O H E R O E S A X E D B R O N P O T S A W K F R I T E S A L I T S M O K E M I H A V E O M A T E S D U P L E S C E S O L U T I O S E S R U N T T E M I T S Y D O S E G T H E A I A F R O F L P E A R O L D M C H I C A N A O A H D I R E C T O P E E T T A N T E M D Y E D T

A L O H A

B E T O N R U S E C H I A

By Jesse Brisson

Island real estate sales