#amitogether
VOLUME 28, NO. 42
The Best news on Anna Maria Island since 1992
astheworldterns in sync on masks. 6 AM changes up pier vendor. 2 AM commissioner resigns. 3
A tiki hut was thrown by a tornado across the concession area Aug. 9 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Manatee County information outreach manager nicholas Azzara said the damage from the evening storm’s has yet to be determined.
no one was injured when a late afternoon storm Aug. 9 brought a waterspout ashore and toppled one of the Coquina Beach lifeguard towers.
Meetings. 4 CRA discusses Bridge street landscaping. 4
The roof of a demolished changing room at Coquina Beach lies awash Aug. 9 after a waterspout on the gulf of Mexico came ashore and the tornado-strength winds tossed buildings and tree branches into the parking area. Waves also washed over the dunes into the parking lot. Islander Courtesy Photos
AM mayor explains veto on breast exposure. 5 state closes Bridge street bar. 5
Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO
looking back. 7
AM discusses taxes. 8
Happenings 10 Tourism revenue drops. 11 Census ticks up. 11
AmE NEWS
Back-to-school prep continues. 12-13
Streetlife. 14 Wildlife Inc. welcomes summer residents. 15
Bradenton Beach stands by county mask policy By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Face masks are mandated in Bradenton Beach businesses. City commissioners voted 2-2 Aug. 6 on a motion to approve an emergency ordinance to replace a July 27 Manatee County resolution mandating people wear masks within business establishments with an ordinance similar to the city of Bradenton. Bradenton’s ordinance leaves it to a business to post signage that would either mandate or recommend patrons and employ-
Gathering. 16 Roser pastor to retire.
Obituaries.
islander.org
Tornado tears path through Coquina Beach
Vote Notes. 4
County reports slowdown in COVId-19. 8
AUG. 12, 2020 Free
16
NESTING NOTES. 20 deputies on patrol.
Jelly or jam? 21 2020 hurricane season sets record. 21 sporting news. 22 Timing is everything when targeting fish. 23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24
Skimming AMI. 26
NYT puzzle.
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ees wear masks. The tie vote in Bradenton Beach meant the motion failed and the county mask mandate prevails. Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Marilyn Maro supported the motion. Commissioners Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh opposed it. Commissioner Ralph Cole, who had voiced opposition to the county mandate, was absent with excuse. The proposed ordinance would have required businesses to post signage at points of entry advising patrons that face coverings
are required inside or that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people wear masks in public when they can’t achieve social distance. The measure also would have exempted people with “a religious, physical or mental limitation preventing them from wearing a face covering� from mask requirements. “It’s a bit of a friendlier approach to the mask policy,� said city attorney Ricinda Perry. Commissioners directed Perry to draft the ordinance Aug. 4 due to concerns with PleAse, see mask, PAge 2
Top Notch Week 5: Dance of the cranes Holly Avedisian of Bradenton wins week 5 with this image, captured in february at Myakka River state Park. she wins an Islander “More-than-a-mullet wrapper� T-shirt and entry into the contest finals, which offers a grand prize of $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertisers, including slim’s Place, Island Coffee Haus, Restless natives, Mr. Bones BBQ, Cremesh european Restaurant, Cupcake delights, The feast and Minnie’s Beach Cafe. for entry details, see page 10 or go to islander.org.
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Anna Maria presses restart on pier operations By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter
Anna Maria has changed its tack from restaurant to grill for the city pier. The city is again advertising for proposals after halting negotiations with Holmes Beach’s Ugly Grouper restaurant, one of two bidders for the restaurant and bait shop at the new city pier, 101 Bay Blvd. The revised RFP is for the bait shop and a small “grill,” a food operation offering takeout food and beverages from building that houses the bait shop on the north side of the T-end. The larger space on the south side of the T-end — previously operated as a restaurant and labeled as the “primary building” on the new RFP — will remain
unoccupied until the city determines how to proceed. “We are in a hurry to fill the pier,” Mayor Dan Murphy said Aug. 7 during an emergency commission meeting. He said the time between issuing the RFP and selecting a bidder is tight, but people want bait, food and beverages on the pier. The city advertised the RFP Aug. 7 on demandstar. com following commission discussion and consensus on the terms. The commission will hold a pre-bid meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, and the deadline for written questions from potential bidders is noon Monday, Aug. 17. The deadline for bids and the opening of bids is 1
p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. The mayor will take several days to review the submissions before calling for an emergency meeting to present the bids to commissioners. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: • Annual rent; • Estimated cost of tenant’s buildout and equipment; • Limited food and beverage menu and prices, as well as bait items; • Restaurant experience; • References, financial ability. The grill/bait shop space is about 300 square feet in an area abutting the restrooms on the north side of please, see pier, page 2
Last Lap’s last gasp A 35-foot vessel, the Last Lap, sinks Aug. 9 about two miles off Anna Maria’s Bean Point. U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez dispatched a 45-foot response boat and crew to work with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office marine unit at the scene. The first responders transferred two boaters as their boat took on water. The boaters had notified Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg that the Last Lap was going down. The boaters were transported to the station in Cortez, where family awaited and a salvage team was to remove the boat from the water. Islander Photo: Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard
People take in the view Aug. 7 at the new Anna Maria City Pier while the city solicits bids to open a grillroom. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen
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mask continued from page 1
enforcing the county policy and how it may hold up to a legal challenge. Perry said a less-restrictive ordinance might not face a legal challenge. The county resolution, however, was modeled after a Leon County mandate that withstood a lawsuit. Vosburgh and Spooner wanted to stick with the county resolution if the Bradenton Beach Police Department had no issues enforcing the county policy, which was the case. “I don’t want our businesses to have to get into confrontations with people over masks,” Spooner said. “Right now it’s easy for businesses to just say, ‘It’s the law.’” None of the three commissioners on the dais moved to approve or deny Perry’s draft ordinance, so Chappie passed the gavel to Spooner and moved to approve the ordinance. Maro seconded the motion, which failed 2-2. After the motion failed, Chappie moved to place the draft ordinance on the agenda for the commission’s Aug. 11 meeting. Maro seconded the motion. That motion also failed 2-2, along the same lines. There was no public comment. Pier continued from page 2
the breezeway. There also is room for a small “alternative space” within the primary building for cold storage. Parking is not a concern as the grill and bait shop lack designated seating with only outdoor benches and picnic tables. The city ordinance on restaurant parking is based on the number of seats. The Ugly Grouper proposal included 126 seats in addition to outdoor seating. The mayor said the grill and bait shop should be a “family-friendly operation,” with reasonable prices and a menu of about five items, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I think the city needs to have some say about what is on the menu and how much it will cost,” he said. The city expects the pier to be open 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Anna Maria commissioner resigns The Anna Maria City Commission will be short one member at the end of August. Commissioner Amy Tripp has announced she will resign at the end of the month. She informed Mayor Dan Murphy Aug. 4 by email. “I am resigning from my seat as a city commissioner in Anna Maria at the end of August,” Tripp wrote. “Alan and I will be moving to Black Tripp Mountain, North Carolina, at the beginning of September.” She continued, “It has been my pleasure and honor to serve on this commission under your mayorship. I know I leave the city in good hands under your leader-
ship and my colleagues.” Tripp was appointed to the commission in 2018 to complete the remainder of Nancy Yetter’s term. She was automatically reelected for a full term, having been unopposed on the Nov. 3 ballot. She did not answer an Aug. 10 call from The Islander. “I know we will all miss Amy’s high energy level, her creativity, her candor and most of all her contributions to our city,” Murphy wrote in an Aug. 4 email to the commission. “Amy will always be welcome back to Anna Maria!” There was no indication from the city as to how Tripp’s seat would be filled. — Ryan Paice
Ugly Grouper shares goodwill, disappointment You win some, you lose some. Anna Maria had selected the Ugly Grouper restaurant of Holmes Beach as a tenant for the restaurant at the new city pier, but in late July canceled negotiations with owner Mike Ross, saying the Ugly Grouper did not meet commission expectations. In a statement to The Islander, Ross said he would have liked negotiations to continue, but hopes for the best. “We appreciated the opportunity to work with and the restaurant will open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. “This is not an all-night pier,” Murphy said. “Previously, we had cases of vandalism. This is a brand-new $7 million investment and needs to be attended.” The commission reached a consensus that beer and wine would be the only alcohol served at the grill. The RFP also states the city must approve types and hours of entertainment. The lease is for a 5-year term, with a 5-year extension, at the tenant’s option, and states the city will provide drywall, flooring, a 4-foot hood, grease trap, fire suppression and electrical and plumbing rough-in,
the commission and Mayor Murphy for the project to reopen the AMCP bait shop and restaurant,” Ross wrote. He continued, “We are disappointed we were unable to extend negotiations another week to clear up some miscommunications to try and reach an agreeable deal and open this fall. We are excited to see the historic city pier reopen and will support whoever the new tenant be.” — ChrisAnn Allen
excluding fixtures. The tenant must provide the equipment required to run the grill and bait shop and complete the buildout. Once a contract is signed, the tenant will have 45 days to complete the buildout and open for business. The original Anna Maria City Pier had been in operation since 1911 but was closed after damages from Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The city demolished the pier and construction on a new pier began in 2018. The new pier opened June 19 with limited hours for sightseers and anglers.
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Vote
2020
Early primary voting begins
People walk Aug. 6 along Bridge street in Bradenton Beach, where utility poles and solar-powered streetlights, both set for removal, remain in the rights of way. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
Bridge Street’s defunct utility pole removal on horizon By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The buried utilities project on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is near completion. City attorney Ricinda Perry, who has coordinated the project at the direction of the city community redevelopment agency, told members Aug. 5 that Florida Power & Light was set to remove the roadway’s utility poles earlier that week, but had to delay the work due to inclement weather. The project involved burying and activating underground utility lines, then switching Bridge Street properties from pole utilities to the new system. Wilco Electrical, the contractor the CRA hired to complete the work, began tunneling the underground system in January and switched Bridge Street to the new system in early July. Removing the defunct utility poles is the last step, requiring the closure of Bridge Street for half a day. Perry said FPL would do the work soon, but utility poles and lines remained as of Aug. 6. Alongside the utility project, the CRA hired Superior Asphalt to resurface Bridge Street, and Classic Brick to place pervious pavers to improve drainage and mark crosswalks and parking spaces. While the asphalt has dried and the pavers were laid, city engineer Lynn Burnett said minor repairs are needed as some pavers had settled and were unlevel. She said the repairs could take up to three weeks.
Perry said she would create a punch list for contractors before they finish. The CRA also aims to remove the existing Bridge Street solar-powered streetlights and CRA members voted 6-0 to issue a request for proposals to replace the streetlights. CRA member Jan Vosburgh, a city commissioner, was absent with excuse. To improve nighttime visibility, the CRA plans to procure hard-wired LED streetlights that will connect to the underground utilities. Wilco has installed conduits and access holes where the new streetlights will be located. The RFP is online at cityofbradentonbeach.com.
About the CRA
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency funds capital improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism for the district, which is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico. The CRA funds the projects with incremental tax revenue collected by Manatee County since 1992, when the area was declared blighted. The agency includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members, restaurateur Ed Chiles and resident David Bell.
CRA discusses landscaping plans for Bridge Street By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency wants to make Bridge Street greener when the defunct utility poles are removed. CRA members reached consensus Aug. 5 to approve the purchase of landscaping materials and authorized city attorney Ricinda Perry to create a request for proposals for a contractor to provide and install the materials. The landscaping materials recommended by Emily Anne Smith, who is under contract to provide a vision for Bridge Street, include pitch apple and Indian hawthorn shrubs, foxtail and sabal palm trees, shady lady olive and crepe myrtle trees, seagrapes, purple Mexican petunias and Hawaiian ti plants. Perry shared images of the proposed landscaping superimposed on photos of Bridge Street. “All I did was take her materials and drop them in so visually you can see if this is the direction you all want to go,” Perry said. The plants would take the place of the utility poles marked for removal, as well as dress up other areas, including the post office and the roundabout at the intersection of Bridge Street and Bay Drive South. “I can hardly wait to get rid of those poles so we can finally do some planting in there,” Chappie said. “I can see it now.” “I think all that stuff is amazing and will make a huge difference on our street,” said Angela Rodocker, owner of BridgeWalk Resort, during comments. The CRA appointed Perry to finish the project. “I think Perry has marched it all the way down the
field,” CRA member David Bell said, referring to the attorney’s work on Bridge Street. “It would be a shame not to let her take it over the goal line.” The CRA authorized Perry to create an RFP for the project for consideration at the next meeting. Perry said she hoped the CRA could complete the landscaping before decorating Bridge Street for the winter holidays. She said she will review the CRA budget to determine how much can be spent, as well as provide an estimate on her cost. The CRA will next meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Directions to attend will be posted on the city’s website, www.cityofbradentonbeach.com.
CRA allocates $15K to holiday decorations
It’s not too early to plan for the holidays. Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members voted 6-0 Aug. 5 to spend up to $15,000 for installation and removal of holiday decorations on Bridge Street, as well as the purchase of additional ornaments. CRA member Jan Vosburgh, a city commissioner, was absent with excuse. The CRA allocated $17,300 last year for holiday decorations on Bridge Street. Commissioner and CRA member Jake Spooner made the motion, which was seconded by Mayor John Chappie.
Primary elections will be Tuesday, Aug. 18, including votes in nonpartisan judicial and school board races in Manatee County. The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections hosts early voting 8 a.m.-6 p.m. through Aug. 15. The nearest polling to the island is the Manatee County Utilities Administration Office, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton. As of Aug. 4, the county had 263,276 active registered voters, including 113,360 Republicans and 81,316 Democrats. For more information, go online to votemanatee. com or call the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office at 941-741-3823.
Sierra Club to meet on conservation, candidates
The Manatee-Sarasota Group of the Sierra Club will hold a general meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, to discuss a conservation campaign in Manatee County. Voters in the Nov. 3 general election will decide whether to create a property tax and authorize the issuance of bonds to purchase land for environmental preservation. More than 25 Florida counties collect a tax for the acquisition of conservation or park land. The club also will host a panel discussion with candidates for county commission, including Matt Bower, who is running in District 3 for the seat held by Steve Jonsson. Bower is running as an independent in November against Republican Kevin Van Ostenbridge and write-in candidate Nathan Meyer. For more information about the meeting, go online to www.sierraclub.org/florida/ manatee-sarasota/activism. Please, send notices and listings for Vote Notes to news@islander.org.
Meetings
Anna Maria City
Aug. 13, 2 p.m., city commission. Aug. 17, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. Aug. 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach
Aug. 18, 9:15 a.m., commission. Aug. 20, noon, city commission. Aug. 25, 9:15 a.m., city commission. Aug. 26, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach
Aug. 18, 6 p.m., city commission. Aug. 19, 10 a.m., code compliance. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West Manatee fire Rescue
Aug. 25, 6 p.m., commission (budget). WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County
Aug. 20, 9 a.m., commission (land). Aug. 25, 9 a.m., commission. Aug. 31, 9 a.m., commission (budget). Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Of interest
Aug. 17, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Holmes Beach City Hall. Aug. 18, Florida’s primary elections. Sept. 7 is Labor Day, most government operations are closed. Nov. 3, general election.
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Anna Maria mayor explains veto on breast exposure ordinance By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy rarely has used his veto power. But he did so Aug. 3, quashing an ordinance that would have required men to cover their breasts — essentially requiring shirts for all patrons — at establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. The city commission voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance July 30 that removed “female” from the city code that restricted women from exposing their breasts in establishments with alcohol service. The change was recommended by the city’s planning and zoning board to make the code gender-neutral. Commissioner Jonathan Crane voted “no,” voicing concerns with fining or arresting men for showing their breasts in a beach community where they can walk shirtless. The city’s current ordinance, which remains following Murphy’s veto, prohibits the exposure of female breasts within establishments selling alcohol and makes it unlawful for people operating such businesses to allow a woman’s exposure. City code also prohibits the exposure of any person’s genitals or pubic area, buttocks or anal cleft. City attorney Becky Vose previously said the ordinance was implemented to block topless bars. The amended ordinance would have required any person to cover their breast in businesses selling alcohol for on-premises consumption, including outdoor dining areas that overlook the beach. It did not establish an age-related exemption to the requirement. Murphy explained his veto in an Aug. 3 email: • “The ordinance has far-reaching effects on the
On the outdoor deck at the sandbar Restaurant on the gulffront in Anna Maria Aug. 7, guests include people in swimwear. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
restaurant business.” Murphy said more input should be sought before a re-write of the ordinance. • “In that we live in a beach community, the social expectations and requirements for attire in all public places tends to be less stringent than in a more formal environment.” • Enforcement would be difficult, he said, and “could lead to charges of selective enforcement or ‘targeting.’” Murphy asked the commissioners to “reconsider and modify this ordinance in the very near future.” The commission could override Murphy’s veto
State closes Bridge Street bar — again By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
One Bradenton Beach bar has closed for the third time since the coronavirus began spreading in the United States. Joe Cuervo, operator of the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., and a second location in Bradenton, said officials from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation forced his bars to close Aug. 4. Cuervo told The Islander Aug. 7 he was told someone filed a complaint, but the agency did not disclose who complained. Cuervo also did not disclose the state’s reason for closing his bars. The state also closed Cuervo’s Drift In on Cortez Road in Bradenton, as well as the Lost Kangaroo Pub in downtown Bradenton. The DBPR’s alcoholic beverages and tobacco department did not respond Aug. 7 to an email and a phone call from The Islander. The Bradenton Beach bar first closed in March, when Gov. Ron DeSantis closed all bars in the state as the coronavirus began to spread. In phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, the bar reopened June 26 with
#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether
with a super majority — at least four votes. The next opportunity to discuss the ordinance will be at the commission meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive N. Crane, who opposed the ordinance, said Aug. 3 that the policy change was “problematic,” but could be revisited. Commissioner Carol Carter declined to comment Aug. 7 and Commissioner Amy Tripp did not respond to an Aug. 7 phone call from The Islander. Commissioners Mark Short and Joe Muscatello did not respond to Aug. 7 emails from The Islander. Chris Smargisso, owner of Slim’s Place, 9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, said he’d prefer commissioners leave regulation of such matters to private businesses — it’s a store owner’s right. “Where we live is a very casual place,” Smargisso said. “To ask them to put a shirt on just to get a beer or a sandwich is kind of crazy.” “I don’t think it’s necessary to go that far,” he said. “I didn’t know we had a problem in the first place.” Smargisso agreed, sometimes people walk to and from the beach and stop by establishments in beach attire and they often bring kids, too. However, Smargisso said he’d welcome the ordinance change if it applied to indoor spaces, adding that he personally would prefer to dine in a restaurant without shirtless people. Planning and zoning board member Barbara Zdravecky, who proposed the changes to make city code more gender-neutral, said Aug. 8 the ordinance could be amended to establish an age-related exemption and specify that the breast-covering requirement only applies indoors.
takeout service after the DBPR issued an emergency order prohibiting bars from selling alcohol at the bar without a license to sell food. The Drift In resumed selling alcoholic beverages July 20 by offering packaged food under a provision of its 4COP license. The state distinguishes bars from restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages based on the establishment’s license. Bars sell more than 50% alcohol, while restaurants must sell more than 50% food. The Drift In and several other island bars adjusted, trying to comply by selling packaged food under their 4COP licenses. Cuervo said the state required him to apply for a restaurant/hotel license to sell fresh food, which he said was an inexpensive but tedious process. Still, Cuervo said he hoped to acquire the license and reopen by Aug. 14. “I don’t think it’s fair,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. Hopefully, this should take care of everything.” “We’re still fighting to get our business back up The drift In, 120 Bridge st., Bradenton Beach, sits and running,” said Angela Cuervo, Joe’s wife and co- empty Aug. 7. The state closed the bar — again — Aug. 4. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice owner of the Bradenton/Bradenton Beach Drift Ins.
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Opinion
Our
In sync or alternate universe?
Well, finally, you might be thinking of the mask mandates for all three island cities and the county. Finally, we’re all on the same page. Visitors won’t have to wander aimlessly with — or without — a mask. Everyone must wear a mask on the trolley and at Publix. At city hall in all three cities. At an ice cream shop or a bait store. Masks are required to enter all businesses. Yes, you must wear the mask. But it is not by luck or state order that we found harmony. It’s only by county order and a vote in Bradenton Beach that failed to dismiss the order in favor of allowing each business to decide its mask policy. Bradenton Beach was out of sync. Being in sync implies simultaneous, coexistent, coincidental, parallel, synchronized. Remember “Bizarro Jerry” from 1996 on the sitcom “Seinfeld?” Wikipedia says, “the title and plot extensively reference the Bizarro Jerry — the polar opposite of Superman.” It relies on concepts that originated in various comic books. It’s also the episode famous for introducing “man-hands.” At the closing, Jerry, Kramer and George encounter Elaine on a dark street. They call to Elaine, who realizes her three new friends — all similar in appearance to Seinfeld and his cronies — are arriving from the opposite direction. Elaine leaves arm-in-arm with her “alternate” friends, Kevin, Gene and Feldman, as George steps up to ask if he can join them. “No,” Elaine says. “We’ve already got a George.” And off she goes, into a Seinfeld alternate universe. So my point is ... I liken the three island cities to parallel universes with distinctions. I can’t imagine why Bradenton Beach would consider breaking off and ignoring the mask mandate that scientists say could help us end the spread of the deadly coronavirus — if we all adhere to wearing masks in public and socially distance from other people. Yes, it’s harder to breathe through a mask, but it’s for a short time and, as so many people like to argue, as an alternative to a ventilator, it’s much preferred. And the kids who attend local schools won’t have a choice. They will learn to comply and masks will become customary. If we can coexist wearing masks, soon, maybe we 50 years in the future go back to normal, whatever that is. It is time for Anna Maria Island residents to take So what makes Bradenton Beach contrary? Is there a deep breath and think about the current state of our an alternate universe at the south end of AMI? wonderful island. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org We have become consumed with stagnant, petty, unresolved issues that haunt us on a daily basis. I envision a different island in 50 years, with many of the same unresolved issues. I can see traffic backed up to downtown Bradenton despite a four-lane highway that replaced Manatee AUG. 12, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 42 Avenue years ago. ▼ Publisher and Editor The newer bascule bridge will be 280 feet tall and Bonner Joy, news@islander.org will open every 10 minutes for cruise ships. ▼ Editorial lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org From the bridge, traffic onto the island will be ChrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org channeled into a single lane and then to the largest Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist roundabout south of Atlanta. Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Michael dunn, michael@islander.org Cars will be in line with golf carts, each carrying Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com eight people and never exceeding 12-13 mph, as well Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org as electric bikes, scoupes and Island Monkey buses. Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors After a two-hour ride and travel through a sucJesse Brisson cession of roundabouts you’ll reach the pier in Anna leslie lake, leslie@islander.org Maria, where you will then be redirected to Coquina Karen Riley-love Beach for the nearest available parking spaces and told Capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director to take a trolley back for dinner at the pier. Toni lyon, toni@islander.org The pier restaurant will serve 600 people in cat▼ Office Staff egories, including men without tops, women without lisa Williams, office manager info@, accounting@, classifieds@, tops, men wearing black socks with shorts and people subscriptions@islander.org favoring fanny packs. ▼ Distribution You’ll be enjoying a wonderful view of the Sunurbane Bouchet Judy loden Wasco shine Skyway Bridge and the bay waters when you Ross Roberts realize the restaurant is a replica of the unpermitted (All others: news@islander.org) treehouse still standing in Holmes Beach. It’s all like some kind of weird dream that keeps single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. haunting me. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach fl 34217 Welcome to my Groundhog Day. WeBsITe: www.islander.org Len Tabicman, Holmes Beach PHOne 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821
Opinion
Your
Going underground
Wow! Hooray for Bradenton Beach. How 21st century — burying the utility lines brings so much to the table. It is the difference between Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and East Los Angeles. A before/after photo from same spot would be interesting. David Reid, Hollywood, California
Have your say
The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment online. Also, The Islander has an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.
Connections to city hall
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; 941778-1005; 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach FL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org; mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth; 941-7085800; 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org; hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.
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From the archives
Bow and fiddle on Bridge Street A musician entertains patrons at the Beach lounge on Bridge street in July 1979. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public library system
Islander archive 24/7
Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers covering from the first edition in 1992 to the digital era of 2005, as well as the digital editions. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the University of Florida digital library site, all searchable by key word, name or date. Look online for Islander in at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection. It’s simple, easy and available 24/7. There’s 27 years, 52 weeks a year, the complete collection of The Islander, online at ufdc.ufl.edu. find The Islander dating to november 1992 online at the uoff digital newspaper Collection at ufdc. ufl.edu.
… Past playtime A display at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, in february 1976 celebrates the American Bicentennial.
10&20 years ago
From the Aug. 9, 2000, issue
• Venice city manager George Hunt said the owner of a gaming boat was considering Holmes Beach as its home port. Holmes Beach building official Bill Saunders said there would not be enough parking at the marina in the city to accommodate passengers on such a boat. • Holmes Beach city officials asked the Florida Communities Trust to extend a $840,000 grant to buy 37 acres of Grassy Point wetlands while it negotiated a lower price on a 22-acre parcel. City treasurer Rick Ashley said the purpose of the acquisition was to create a nature park and preservation area. • Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch director Suzi Fox said someone found a turtle nest on the south end of Coquina Beach and either destroyed about 100 hatchlings or helped move them to the water. The nest had been marked by volunteers, who had counted the number of eggs in the nest when it was first discovered.
From the Aug. 11, 2010, issue
• Bradenton Beach commissioners shaved $3,000 from a $26,444 building permit for Manatee County’s marine rescue headquarters, which was to be built on county-owned property at Coquina Bayside. • The federal government estimated that a majority of oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico either evaporated or had been removed. • Anna Maria commissioners were divided at a work session on how to proceed with a parking plan for Pine Avenue. Some commissioners said the city had not defined the problem so they couldn’t proceed with a solution. — lisa neff
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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Manatee County sees slowdown in COVID-19 cases By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter
The daily rate of COVID-19 cases appeared to be dropping in Manatee County. “This is accurate that we are seeing a slight slowing of positive cases daily,” Jake Saur, Manatee County public safety director, wrote The Islander Aug. 6. “This is backed up by our percent positive of cases going down as well.” While the overall percentage rate of positive cases of the novel coronavirus of those tested in the county — starting March 1 — increased to 10.9% as of Aug. 6, the percent positive for new cases in the past 14 days was 7.3% and had dropped to 7% in the past week, according to DOH-Manatee. The county positivity rate reached 17% in April, when fewer tests were available. As of Aug. 6, 9,050 people in the county had tested positive for COVID-19 of 77,998 people tested, according to the Florida Department of Health. That’s an increase of 713 positive cases when compared with July 30, when 8,337 of 73,970 local people tested positive. However, state testing sites, including those in Bradenton and Palmetto, were closed July 31-Aug.
4 in anticipation of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias, which may have affected data. Cases are based on individuals tested since March 1, not the number of tests or current positives. On Anna Maria Island, 22 people saur in Bradenton Beach, 13 in Holmes Beach and three in Anna Maria had tested positive. Additionally, 94 nonresidents visiting the county tested positive as of Aug. 6, compared with 19 nonresidents July 1. Nonresidents are people who test positive in Florida but are residents of another state. As of July 27, 5,743 people in the county were considered recovered from the virus, according to DOH-Manatee. A total of 589 people had been hospitalized and 189 people had died due to the virus in the county. As of Aug. 6, 92 COVID-19 patients were in county hospitals, with 15 patients in intensive care units. A week prior, 140 people sick with the virus were in local hospitals, of which 32 were in the ICU, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration.
“We are moving in the right direction,” Saur wrote. “We can attribute the decrease in positive cases to better awareness from the public on how to limit the spread of COVID-19.” He attributed the downward trend to businesses that now require face coverings, enacted by some cities, including Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, and mandated by the county July 27. Previously, Saur also said contract tracing was helping to slow the spread. Contact tracers work with patients to reach out to people who may have been in close contact with an infected person to warn them about their possible exposure and suggest precautions, such as testing and self-isolation. As of July 27, DOH-Manatee had a team of seven epidemiologists, up from two, and 16 contact tracers. Saur said precautions are essential. “Social distancing, avoiding large crowds and wearing face coverings when out in public is the way to stop community spread and get our positive cases down,” he wrote. “These measures will have to continue until we have a safe vaccine available to stamp out COVID-19.”
Millage is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value, so the owner of a $500,000 property would pay $1,025 in ad valorem tax at the proposed 2.0500 millage rate. The proposed rate would earn the city $2,607,740 in revenue At the rollback rate, 1.9599 mills, the owner of a property valued at $500,000 would pay $979.95. The rollback rate — the rate needed to produce the same revenue as the current year would produce $2,573,394 for the city — $34,346 less than the proposed rate. Under the maximum 2.2253 mills, the owner of a property valued at $500,000 property would pay $1,112.65 in ad valorem tax. The maximum rate would net the city $222,994 more than the proposed rate. Commissioner Amy Tripp moved to approve the proposed 2.0500 tentative millage rate. Commissioner Joe Muscatello seconded the motion. Murphy also highlighted projected revenues for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, including ad valorem revenue of $6,841,459.75. The number would mark a $1 million-plus drop from the 2019-20 revenue of $7,859,405. Ad valorem taxes provide the largest chunk of the city’s revenue for the upcoming year, but stormwater revenues aren’t far behind at $1,280,847. Murphy said the city is expecting a surplus of stormwater revenues for 2020-21 because of carryover and a $750,000 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for drainage improvements. License and permit fees are projected as the next largest revenue source at $1,182,500. Murphy said the city also projected an increase in intergovernmental revenue from $564,140.46 in 201920 to $651,239.80 in 2020-21. However, he said, “Our confidence in those num-
bers isn’t so strong.” Commissioners will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, to discuss projected expenses for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioners will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at city hall to hold a first reading and public hearing for the revenue and spending plans. The final reading and public hearing for the budget will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at city hall.
AM commissioners discuss tax increase, uncertain revenues By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Anna Maria’s 2020-21 budget is taking shape. City commissioners voted 5-0 July 30 to approve a proposed tentative millage of 2.0500 mills, the same rate the city has adopted for the past six years. Mayor Dan Murphy said the city has had the lowest ad valorem tax rate on the island for several years and he wanted to keep it that way. He recommended the commission move forward tentatively with 2.0500 mills with the maximum rate of 2.2253 mills, which can be lowered. “I have enough confidence in the team that we’ve got to know we can handle anything,” Murphy said. “We can make it.” The recurring rate is a tax increase for property owners, although the city’s taxable property increased in value from $1,200,147,787 in 2019 to $1,272,068,427 in 2020.
Anna Maria by the numbers Projected 2020-21 revenues: $6,841,459.75. 2019-20 adopted revenue: $7,859,405. 2019-20 actual revenue to date: $6,369,965.42. Maximum 2020-21 millage rate: 2.2253 mills. Proposed 2020-21 millage rate: 2.0500 mills. Rollback rate: 1.9599 mills. 2019-20 millage rate: 2.0500 mills. Total 2019 assessed property value: $1,200,147,787. Total 2020 assessed property value: $1,272,068,427. first public hearing for the budget: 2 p.m. Thursday, sept. 10. final public hearing for the budget: 6 p.m. Thursday, sept. 24.
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Anna Maria City pier revenue, spending: Out of balance City pier expenditures: • Permitting, engineering, architect: $771,338.37; • Demolition: $732,000; • Platform construction: $3,969,714.33; • Building construction: $999,671.25; • Miscellaneous: $328,615.86; Total: $6,801,339.81. City pier funding sources: • Manatee County Tourist Development Council: $1,935,000; • Federal Emergency Management Agency, federal portion: $809,927.25; • Federal Emergency Management Agency, state portion: $134,987.88; • GoFundMe.com: $10,400; • State appropriations: $1,035,000; • Manatee County surplus concession fund: $333,000; Total: $4,258,315.13. The city did not respond to a request for more details about the revenue shortfall by The Islander’s press time.
Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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Island happenings
Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Artists’ Guild accepts grant
Privateers ready to sail into 50
The Anna Maria Island Privateers are embarking on a 50th year celebration with a new board of directors. They ushered in the 2020-21 fiscal year at the One Night in Tortuga party at the Seafood Shack in Cortez in late July. The new board — with some familiar names — includes president Kim “Syren” Boyd, vice president Travis “Sidekick” Sparkman, secretary Melissa “Dona Bella” Gunther, treasurer Mary “Xena” Lehrman, Capt. Jamie “1-Eye” Van Deusen, past president Mary Ann “maz” Zyla and liaison officer Tim “Hammer” Thompson. For more information about the nonprofit, go online to amiprivateers.memberlodge.org or check out their Facebook page.
Coop gallery accepting member applications
Island Gallery West is accepting applications for new members in its coop space at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Member requirements, as well as applications, are on the IGW website at islandgallerywest.com. The gallery closed in March to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus and then opened June 3 with limited hours — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. For more information about the gallery or membership for artists, call IGW at 941-778-6648.
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• The Roser Food Bank offers food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • CrossPointe Fellowship offers help dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, including deliveries and grocery shopping. Information: 941-7780719. • All Island Denominations offers financial help. Information: 941-725-2433. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank needs donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.
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Through Aug. 31, “Out of the Blue” gallery-wide exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6648.
The Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island anticipates LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI a grant from the Manatee County Community Health and Wellbeing CARES program. Oct. 16-17, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, The nonprofit did not announce the amount of the Anna Maria. grant, which will be sued to purchase equipment to KIDS & offer online art classes. FAMILY In a notice to members and friends, AGAMI said offering online courses has been a goal but the capabilLOOKING AHEAD ON AMI ity to do so seems vital in the midst of the coronavirus Oct. 30, Trail of Treats, islandwide. pandemic. Dec. 4, holiday walk and tree-lighting, Holmes Beach. “Many of us are staying close to home and feeling Dec. 11, holiday walk, Anna Maria. a little isolated,” AGAMI member Sharon Tarras wrote Dec. 12, Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Aug. 6. “It seems to be the right time to try offering classes online.” CLUBS & AGAMI, in addition to art classes, boosts art COMMUNITY appreciation in schools and operates a gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI The gallery, after closing in the spring due to the Aug. 23, Suncoast Blood Centers Blood Donors for Charity coronavirus, reopened to June 9 with limited hours, 11 drive, Holmes Beach. Information: suncoastblood.org. a.m.-to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778SPORTS & 6694. OUTDOORS
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LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Oct. 23, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.
BUSINESS & NETWORKING OFF AMI Wednesday, Aug. 12 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon, Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar, 4528 119th St. W., Cortez. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.
GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Monday, Sept. 7, Labor Day. Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 1, daylight saving time ends.
Top Notch Weekly photo contest deadline
The Islander’s Top Notch contest is underway. The contest celebrates what is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the switch from film to digital technology. Look to Aug. 14 for the next weekly deadline. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt. One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. A pet photo winner will be announced in the final week. More rules are online at www.islander.org.
Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Manatee County’s June tourist tax revenues below 2019, trending up By lisa neff Islander editor
Tourist tax revenues in Manatee County began an ascent in June, as “safer at home” restrictions eased and summer travels began. Tourist tax revenue for the month — collected by the government in July and reported Aug. 1 — totaled $1,443,501. In June 2019, the tax revenue was $1,653,009, resulting in a drop of 12.69% for the month. However, the June revenue showed improvement from the spring, when short-term vacation rental restrictions were in effect in Manatee County. Restrictions began March 27 and eased May 21. Tourist tax revenue for May totaled $558,014, down from $1,093,869 in May 2019. In April, overnight stays generated $449,904 in bed taxes, down 69.81% from April 2019.
In March, overnight stays grossed about $1.78 million in bed taxes, down 34.59% from March 2019. The tax money comes from the 5% tax on collected on rentals of six months or less and began plummeting in March, when the novel coronavirus was first reported in the United States. About 29.4% of the June tax collected, $424,306, was generated in Holmes Beach, according to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s report. The tax collected from Anna Maria accommodations was $$246,291, about 17% of the total. Bradenton Beach produced about 7.4% of the tax collected — $106,742. Some more numbers for June: • Unincorporated Manatee County, $437,401, 30%; • Bradenton, $78,998, 5%; • Longboat Key, $146,643, 10%;
Visiting pipeline The pipeline carrying sand for the beach renourishment project and a fence define where beachgoers can access the shoreline July 29 near 77th street in Holmes Beach. An HBPd officer assisted with safety for the operation. By Aug. 7, the operation had moved south toward Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen
Census response rate ticks up on Anna Maria Island The U.S. Census Bureau’s early tally of 2020 questionnaires shows r e s p o n ses ticking upward on Anna Maria Island. The self-response rate — the percentage of people in a community who completed a census questionnaire on their own — is 33.3% in Holmes Beach, up from 32% in early June. In Anna Maria, the rate is 25.6%, up from 7.2% in early June. And, in Bradenton Beach, the rate is 23.2%, up from 22.1% in early June. Statewide, the self-response rate is 59.9% and
nationwide the rate is 62.9%. In the 2020 census, the bureau seeks to count every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories — and where every individual was living April 1. Ahead of Census Day, the federal bureau sent invites to complete the census online, over the phone or by mail. The self-response rate is based on the percentage of responses to the invites and paper questionnaires sent in April. This summer, the bureau is dispatching field workers to go door to door. In December, the bureau will deliver apportionment counts to Congress and the president.
AMI TOURISM: Endless Season Tourist tax collections
June 2014: $930,123 June 2015: $1,091,234 June 2016: $1,103,017 June 2017: $1,254,778 June 2018: $1,527,875 June 2019: $1,653,009 June 2020: $1,443,501 source: Manatee County Tax Collector
• Palmetto, $3,117, 0.22%. The state collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, so the net collection for the Manatee County Tourist Development Council in June was $1,400,197. The numbers showed $11,164,255 collected between the beginning of the fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2019, and June 30. The tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism, including funding for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related entities, such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as supporting projects, such as island beach renourishment and construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier. The TDC recommends a budget, which is decided by the county commission. The July numbers will be released in early September. The tax income is expected to be addressed at the next meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, which is tentatively set for 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS
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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org
second-grade teacher Pamela Buff works in her classroom Aug. 6, preparing for the first day of school at AMe, 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMe
AME staff preps for back-to-school 2020-21
Don’t forget the pencils, pens, paper and face masks. It’s back to school we go. Anna Maria Elementary principal Jackie Featherston unveiled a heavily revised back-to-school plan to “reduce the impact of COVID-19 conditions upon returning to the district.” Back-to-school night for 2020-21 will be a virtual event Thursday, Aug. 13, for 195 kindergarten through fifth-grade AME students, a number slightly lower than the 2019-20 enrollment. The evening will include a video tour of AME, a message from Featherston, as well as teachers showing their classrooms and sharing information with parents and students. For the new school year, the district offered three options for AME students: on-site learning, distance learning and a hybrid of the two. Enrollment figures show 46 AME students as fulltime e-learners and 149 students attending in-person classes. What will school be like for AME students who return to their classrooms Monday, Aug. 17? The front doors will open to students — who must wear face masks — at 7:55 a.m. The school will maintain social distancing on the outdoor benches and at breakfast in the cafeteria until 8:10 a.m. There will be a “quiet zone” outside classrooms, where students can read while maintaining social distancing on one side of the hallway. The school will issue students and staff two washable masks that meet U.S. Centers for Disease Con-
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desks at AMe are equipped with plastic shields to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. AMe purchased 200 desk shields to provide protection and enhance social distancing. Islander Photo: Courtesy sheila Zinks
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• Aug. 17, first day of school. • Monday, Sept. 7, Labor Day, no school. • Monday, Oct. 12, record day, no school. • Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. • Nov. 23-27, Thanksgiving break. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL COnTInued fROM PAge 8
kindergarten parents,” Plummer wrote Aug. 5 in an email to The Islander. The school purchased plastic desk shields to help against the spread of the coronavirus. The guards can be moved within a classroom and the lunchroom, if necessary. Hand-washing or sanitizing exercises will be scheduled for each classroom hourly, between subjects and when materials change. Additionally, staff will sanitize art and STEM classrooms between student rotations and students will bring their supplies to the art room. P.E. will involve activities and games that allow 6 feet of separation between kids and staff. “We will not be able to have any of our traditional festival or group events until all restrictions are lifted,” Featherston said. Therefore, the school will not stage grade-level performances in the auditorium or PTO-sponsored dinners in the cafeteria. Public health experts agree that one measure to keep coronavirus out of schools is limiting the number of visitors. So AME will not allow visitation or volunteers on campus until authorized by the school district. The school advisory council and PTO are planning to conduct virtual meetings and events, and visitors to the office must schedule appointments, as well as wear a mask. Parents cannot bring food to AME or host classroom parties or birthday celebrations. Parent and staff communication will be by phone, student planner, virtual meeting or the Remind app. The school Facebook page and website, www.manateeschools.net/annamaria, will be routinely updated with new procedures and changes to the guidelines. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-5525.
PTO adjusts for new normal
AMe fourth-grader lily Plummer and her brother, luke, a kindergartner, shop for school supplies Aug. 5 at Target in Bradenton. “luke is so happy to be attending big kid school with his sister lily and both students want to be back in the classroom learning with friends,” said mom nicole Plummer, an AMe PTO officer. Islander Courtesy Photo
Anna Maria Elementary parents will receive “welcome” flyers the first day of school, offering an opportunity to join the Parent-Teacher Organization. The new academic year will begin Monday, Aug. 17, and the AME PTO is making plans, though due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has not set a 2020-21 calendar. The PTO plans to adhere to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the pandemic and make use of digital tools. Parents can pay membership donations on the web at www.amepto.org, where they also can sign up for email bulletins and vote in the organization’s 2020-21 elections. The current board will remain until elections, which are projected to occur in early September and will be directed by vice president Janae Rudacille. “All AME-PTO meetings will be off-campus or virtual because of the new policies at AME for visitors, and we ask parents to please consider joining this great organization which helps strengthen the connection between students, educators and the community in which we live,” PTO co-secretary Nicole Plummer wrote to The Islander Aug. 5. “Our funds provide AME students endless opportunities to have the highest advantages in physical, mental and emotional education,” she continued. For the 2019-20 year, the PTO did not hold its largest fundraiser, the Spring Gala, because of the pandemic. And, if there is no Fall Festival in October, the organization may be looking for new ways to raise funds.
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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BB CRA calls for police boat lift proposals, dock repairs on tap By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Bradenton Beach Police Department officers soon may have an easier time deploying for emergency calls on the water and for patrols in city waters. The city’s community redevelopment agency members voted 6-0 Aug. 5 to issue a request for proposals for the design and installation of a police boat lift at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. CRA member Jan Vosburgh, a city commissioner, was absent with excuse. City attorney Ricinda Perry said they were waiting for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to approve an application for a submerged land lease to add the lift at the west end of the floating dock at the pier. “Knowing that we’re basically almost across the finish line of acquiring that lease, the next step is to make sure that we don’t lose the funding coming from West Coast Inland Navigation District,” Perry said. WCIND awarded the CRA $50,000 for the lift, which will allow law enforcement to launch its marine patrol more quickly.
Streetlife
staff reports
Island police reports
Anna Maria July 31, 200 block of Willow Avenue, found child. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a 5-year-old girl went to a home to say she was lost. A deputy reported that the child likes to play hideand-seek and went missing while the family prepared to go out for dinner. She was returned to her parents. Aug. 2, 200 block of Gladiolus Street, burglary. The MCSO investigated a report of a burglary to an unoccupied dwelling. The complainant found the window on a back door “smashed in,” possibly with a rock. Someone had rummaged through possessions at the rental property. Aug. 3, 200 block of Chilson Avenue, disturbance. The MCSO received a complaint that neighbors were cutting mangroves at her property. The MCSO referred the complaint to city hall. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Aug. 1, Bradenton Beach dinghy dock, 200 Bridge St., trespass warning. A Bradenton Beach police officer
Lawnmower driver faces new charge after DUI arrest
A Holmes Beach man, Jack Scott Pritchard, 75, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol for a fourth or subsequent violation. Pritchard was arrested July 3 for driving a lawnmower under the influence of alcohol in Holmes Beach. Upon reviewing an HBPD report, the prosecuting attorney updated the charges, resulting in a warrant and Pritchard was again arrested Aug. 1 at his residence by Holmes Beach police officers. He was transported to the Manatee County jail and released the next day on $1,500 bond. Pritchard’s arraignment had been set for Aug. 4, but was postponed due to the updated charge. A new date had not been released by press time for The Islander.
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— ChrisAnn Allen
But there’s a hitch. Perry said Aug. 7 they wouldn’t be able to meet the funding deadline — Sept. 30 — because of a waiting period for the DEP submerged land lease. She said they were planning to ask WCIND for an extension through the final quarter. WCIND is a multi-county special taxing district that assists in the planning and implementation of waterway projects that promote safe navigation and the enjoyment of water-based activities. There was no public comment on the boat lift. CRA members also voted 6-0 to direct Perry and CRA Chair Ralph Cole, a city commissioner, to coordinate with Foster Engineering and Hecker Construction to finalize repairs for the floating dock. Repairs include shifting the dock several feet to the east, resetting three pilings and replacing rollers. Cole said he wanted to speak with Joe Foster of Foster Engineering to ensure adequately engineered repairs. CRA member David Bell asked for CRA staff to create a list of repairs the dock needs before the city begins funding the work.
saw a man maintaining a dinghy on the dock. The man had been warned not to use the dock for repairs. So the officer issued a trespass warning. Aug. 3, 100 block of Bridge Street, domestic disturbance. A BBPD officer, responding to reports of a disturbance, found a woman with blood on her face and arms. She said her husband punched her vehicle’s passenger-side mirror, cut his hand, smeared his blood on her and left. She declined to sign paperwork. Aug. 3, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., trespass warning. A BBPD officer observed three people spearfishing from the seawall near Longboat Pass. Code enforcement officers and marine rescue members on scene asked the trio to put the spears in their vehicles. One person continued to spear a fish. Trespass warnings were issued to all three. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach July 30, 3800 block of Gulf Drive, vehicle theft, missing person. An officer received a license plate reader hit on a vehicle for a stolen car. He stopped the motorist, who was a juvenile reported missing. The owner of the car retrieved it and the juvenile’s parents were contacted. The juvenile was taken to the Manatee County juvenile assessment center. July 31, 5100 block of Gulf Drive, traffic. An officer checked a vehicle plate and found no record of a driver’s license or ID number assigned to the registered owner. Upon stopping the motorist, the officer determined he did not have a license. The driver was issued a notice to appear. July 31, 4500 block of Gulf Drive, traffic, marijuana. An officer was alerted by the LPR system to a vehicle with expired registration and stopped the motorist. The officer smelled marijuana on approaching the vehicle. The driver handed the officer a marijuana cigar and a bag containing marijuana. The driver was issued citations for expired registration and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. July 31, 100 block of 51st Street, noise, delin-
Boats rock in the water Aug. 6 off the floating dock at the Historic Bridge street Pier in Bradenton Beach. The city’s community redevelopment agency plans to repair the dock, as well as add a boat lift for use by its police department’s marine patrol boat. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
quency. While on patrol, two officers were sent to a rental property on a noise complaint. Officers reported observing juveniles running with cases of alcohol and a decibel reading confirmed excessive noise. The officers called for backup units, canvassed the area and found some of the juveniles. Parents were contacted. The renter was issued a notice to appear for an open house party and cited for noise. Aug. 1, 4100 block of Gulf Drive, traffic. An officer received an LPR notification on a vehicle and stopped the motorist. The officer determined the driver’s license was suspended and registration expired. The driver was issued citations and the vehicle was towed. Aug. 1, Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave. W., petit theft. A person reported a lost or stolen cellphone and was provided with a case number. Aug. 1, 100 block of 52nd Street, alcohol. While conducting beach patrol, an officer observed three juveniles drinking alcoholic beverages. Their parents were contacted and the juveniles were issued citations. Aug. 4, 600 block of Key Royale Drive, fraud. A woman reported that an unknown person wrote a fake check on her account. A report was filed. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
RoadWatch
Eyes on the road
The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices: • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Drivers can expect lane closures on Cortez Road in the area 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Pedestrians can expect sidewalk closures. • Multiple locations in Bradenton Beach: A county pipeline replacement project continues. Impacted areas include Gulf Drive, Bay Drive South, Church Avenue and Cortez Road. Expect construction in rights of way and increased truck traffic. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — lisa neff
Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Wildlife Inc. seeks blood donations to aid in wildlife care By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Wildlife Inc. has a lot of mouths to feed. Who will help fund the grub? The 33-year-old nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation service, led by president Ed Straight and his wife, Gail, operates out of the their Bradenton Beach home at 2207 Ave. B, where they take in hundreds of animals. The summer’s newcomers have included nine fawns rescued after they were separated from parents or lost them to fatal car crashes. The young deer — each around 3 months old — were to call Wildlife Inc. home until weaned from goat’s milk. Then they were to be transported to private land near Lakeland to assimilate back into the wild. Straight, a former Bradenton Beach commissioner and Manatee County sheriff’s deputy, said he has been happy to care for the fawns. “It’s really enjoyable,� he said as fawns nibbled at the ends of his shirt. “When they get a little bigger, they get more pesky, but generally speaking, (caring for fawns) is one of the more enjoyable things we get to do here.� Six fawns had been released in Lakeland as of Aug. 5. The other three will remain at the rescue until they are weaned off goat milk. While there, they’ll continue to feed on cracked corn. The nonprofit’s summer rescues also included parrots, bearded dragons, a Savannah monitor lizard, raccoons, a great horned owl and Louie, a half-blind white pelican that was recently rescued. Straight said Louie eats small fish, such as Spanish sardines, every day. He added that the pelican enjoys human pets and scratches, socializes with the deer and plays in the water in a kiddie pool. Straight said pelicans can go blind early in life because their eyes are overexposed to saltwater when they dip their heads to hunt. Louie will not return to the wild. “He’ll be a great educational bird for somebody,� Straight said. Athena, a great horned owl, is one of Wildlife Inc.’s permanent residents. Athena, who lost sight in one eye after eating a poisoned rat, has resided at the nonprofit for 12 years and could live to be 30-35 years old. The owl goes to presentations with other animals where Straight and volunteers educate people about wildlife. Straight said the owl, which flew up to a perch inside its enclosure and hooted as he walked by, eats
Athena, a great horned owl that lost sight in one eye after suffering a brain hemorrhage due to eating a poisoned rat, prepares to hoot July 14 from her enclosure at Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc.
Rescued juvenile deer mingle July 14 in a pen at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. in Bradenton Beach.
A Savannah monitor lizard rests July 14 in its cage at Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc.
two rats a day. People can support the rescue service by donating directly or by participating in the Suncoast Blood Centers’ “Blood Donors for Charity� event Aug. 22-23. Blood donors can select one of three charities — Wildlife Inc., Manatee Children’s Services or Dream Oaks Camp — to receive a $100 donation in their name. Donors also will receive a free COVID-19 antibody test, a T-shirt and a chance to win a weekend stay at the Waterline Marina Resort, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Straight said the blood drive will be an excellent opportunity for people to support Wildlife Inc., while also getting tested to learn if they have coronavirus antibodies. The donation drive will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Lakewood Ranch Donor Center, 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton. The drive will operate the same hours Sunday, Aug. 23, aboard a bus at the Waterline Marina Resort.
Permanent residents Morgan and Julio, a pair of parrots, glance at the reporter outside their cage July 14 at Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc.
Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., reaches out July 14 to pet Louie, a half-blind pelican residing at the facility. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice
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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Gathering
Roser pastor to retire
Roser Memorial Community Church will say farewell to its pastor, the Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef, with a celebratory parade set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. The minister and his wife, Phyllis, an experienced church musician, will sit under the church portico, 512 Pine Ave., as people motor past to wave and toot their horns in tribute. The O’Keefs came to Roser from North Carolina in 2014 and the minister began his work at the church with a sermon Aug. 24, 2014. O’Keef received his master’s of divinity from Duke University Divinity School and his doctorate of ministry from Drew University Theological School. During his years as a pastor he served in churches large and small, urban and rural. “Their ministry has extended beyond the walls of Roser Church to across Anna Maria Island and
lefT: The Rev. dr. Bob O’Keef preaches at Roser Memorial Community Church. ABOVe: O’Keef and wife Phyllis. Islander Courtesy Photos
beyond,” a news release said of the couple. Parade participants are asked to remain in their vehicles and attendees should follow social distancing guidelines. The church plans a more formal farewell to the O’Keefs later this year and the Roser Women’s Guild is creating a scrapbook of “pictures, well wishes and memories” for the couple.
Contributions can be mailed to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The Rev. Neil Crowell, who has served as the church’s associate pastor, will be the interim pastor. The O’Keefs plan soon to return to North Carolina to be closer to their grandchildren. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.
Tidings
Saturday 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. REGULAR WORSHIP Sunday Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church.
Obituary
Daniel J. Breton
Daniel J. Breton of Bradenton died July 26. He was born Jan. 3, 1952, in Jackson, Michigan, to Aloysius and Jeanette Breton. He raised his children in Michigan before moving to Anna Maria Island. He always said he married very well and despite divorce, credited Dawn Breton
(Korten) for being the best mom for their kids. He was gifted with a natural ability to tear things apart and make them work again or to rebuild them altogether. His career was devoted to underground construction and his kids spent countless Sunday drives looking at jobs to bid. He was known for his booming voice, quick wit and gift of gab.
GOOD NEWS W� invit� yo� t� w�shi� wit� u�
in the sanctuary! www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP to �eview th� �ocia� distancin� guideline� an� �eserv� you� �ea�. I� yo� prefe� t� �ta� hom�, please WATCH LIVE and join the chat on YouTube
Sunday� at 8:30 & 10:00 AM After the service WATCH LATER! Cal� th� offic� i� yo� nee� assistanc�. Cal� th� churc� � tex� ROSER t� 22828 t� �eceiv� th� weekl� eBulleti�. FACEBOOK> follow> �e� first, joi� � grou�. Nee� hel�? Cal� th� offic�! Th� FOOD PANTRY i� ope� t� assis� islan� �esident�/w�ker� i� nee�. Th� CHAPEL i� ope� durin� offic� hour� f� praye� & meditatio�. Sen� PRAYER REQUESTS t� inf�@��erchurc�.co� � cal� th� offic�.
At your service
Obituaries are offered as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Islander obituaries, including photo, are free. Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-7787978.
10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship. ONLINE WORSHIP CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook. Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com.
He loved the Florida waters and liked fishing, as well as canoeing, sand volleyball and dirt bike racing. Sunday church was found on the back patio and always with NASCAR. After years of requests, he got his biggest family wish when along came a granddaughter, Josephine Elle. His love for toys, Christmas, playing in the dirt, pool day and milk and cookies made him the perfect grandpa. None of the island time would have happened without Loretta Sabin. He moved to Anna Maria after a vacation with her and they spent 20 years together until her death in 2017. He was welcomed into her family. For the past two years, he spent his time riding a new motorcycle, Latin Swing dancing and traveling with his Miss Leslie. He started checking off his bucket list the day he was born. A celebration of life will be held in Jackson and Bradenton at a later date.
WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper Growing in Jesus’ Name The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard
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Cal� th� churc� offic� i� yo� woul� lik� t� tal� t� � PASTOR.
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•
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www.christchurchlbk.org
Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Island activities advance positive mental health in pandemic By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter
Everyone is feeling it. The effects vary, but coping with the “new normal” created by the spread of the novel coronavirus can be challenging. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, “Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety.” The CDC encourages people to seek help when needed, stay connected to friends and family, take breaks and engage in activities usually enjoyed, especially those that include the outdoors. Anna Maria Island provides a variety of options to recharge people. “I was having a rough time. I just felt so scattered,” Kathy Doddridge of Bradenton, an avid birdwatcher, said Aug. 5. “But going birding by myself has been my therapy.” She ventured to some of her favorite locations, including Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach, the island beaches, county preserves and the backroads of eastern Manatee County, to view and photograph wildlife. Doddridge participated in the Audubon Florida June Challenge, a competition to identify as many bird species as possible within a county June 1-30. She won
A red-shouldered hawk is tallied June 4 in east Manatee County by birder Kathy doddridge, as part of the Audubon florida June Challenge, a competition to identify as many bird species as possible. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy doddridge
Charles Burke McCampbell-Hill of Bradenton, a college student, said he’s been learning to skateboard at the Holmes Beach skate park. “I’m doing classes online right now, so this has been a great way to get outside with a friend and unwind,” he said. “Also, I feel like I’m safe here. People keep their distance and wear masks, which is important.” McCampbell-Hill’s friend, Cody Tsai, also of Bradenton, agreed. “I grew up skating and it has been great to get back into it,” Tsai said. “This is probably the best thing I can do during quarantine because I get some fresh air and let out that pent-up energy.” Minellie Martinez of Bradenton said nothing beats time spent with her family at the beach. She said she takes her two sons, ages 9 and 6, to the beach every chance she gets. “Being able to come out here with my husband and kids has been so important,” Martinez said Aug. 1, while on the beach in Anna Maria. “We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful place to exercise, play and just relax and breathe during this crazy time.”
first place in the county and fourth in the state after spotting 130 species of birds. “This challenge was exactly what I needed to get out of my funk during this crazy time,” she said. “And look at what I accomplished.”
Cody Tsai of Bradenton soars above the skate bowl Aug. 5 at the Holmes Beach skate park. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen
Minellie and lionel Martinez pause Aug. 1 while on the beach in Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo
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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Beach renourishment makes headway Two bulldozers level sand pumped from a barge offshore to the beach at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. The project paused Aug. 7 for 7-10 days while contractors relocate pipes to the beach near 34th street in Holmes Beach, where a second dredge will be added as a booster, as the equipment and the pumping approaches Bradenton Beach. The beach construction is part of a $17.3 million renourishment project, restoring sand on the shoreline lost to storms and high tides. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen s "RADENTON S "EST ,OCAL %ATS FROM BY 4RIPADVISOR s 6OTED "EST 'ERMAN 2ESTAURANT IN "RADENTON s 3TARS OF ON &ACEBOOK
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Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Anna Maria Realty
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Minnie’s Beach Cafe
West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating
941.778.2259 www.annamariareal.com
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School starts Aug. 17. Please, watch out for island kids! As you hurry to and from work and appointments, kids will likely be scurrying to and from school. Please, keep an eye out for youngsters waiting for buses, walking to and from school and riding the trolley. Remember to observe school-zone speed limits. And, please, thank our sponsors for this reminder…
Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Nesting notes By ChrisAnn Allen
Mutilated sea turtle washes ashore in Anna Maria
When Anna Maria resident Joey Kyd saw a dead, mutilated loggerhead washed up on the shoreline Aug. 3, he became concerned. “As a diver, I’ve seen them in the wild all over the world,� said Kyd, who discovered the dead turtle on the beach near his house on South Bay Boulevard. “The thought that this could have been the result of unnatuAllen ral causes is very upsetting to me.� Kyd contacted Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director,
the carcass. Fox’s analysis included measurements of the carapace, checking whether the turtle was tagged and, if so, tag information, measurements of injuries, if any exist, and a weight estimate. She said the loggerhead likely had been sick and appeared to have been dead for some time, owing to the number of barnacles on its shell. Lacerations might have resulted from other wildlife in Tampa Bay scavenging on the sea turtle’s remains or it may have been hit by a boat after it died. “I don’t see a lot of trauma to the carapace,� she said. “It could be that old age and the rest of the bay just took its toll.� But, she added, “Who knows? Everyone wants to say what happened and there is no way you can truly A dead sea turtle lays on the shore Aug. 3 on south tell.� Kyd was relieved that the turtle’s death was likely Bay Boulevard near the Anna Maria City Pier. The of natural causes. turtle likely died of natural causes. Islander Photo: “I guess this experience is just witnessing another Courtesy Joey Kyd part of their circle of life,� he said. who said she would investigate and, as is protocol, Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles report the turtle’s death to the Florida Fish and Wildlife or birds to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888Conservation Commission. 404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text tip@ The city of Anna Maria was contacted to remove myfwc.com.
Sheriff’s deputies help with sea turtle safety on patrol in Anna Maria tion. “Tonight, when we arrived, there were people Some Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies experi- here waiting to see a hatch,â€? Sellitto said. “They got to ence sea turtle activity that most others never see. witness this amazing miracle. But we warn people not As officers on the night shift, Deputies Paul Boos to use flashlights and also to keep their distance.â€? and Todd Sellitto patrol the beach in Anna Maria by Boos and Sellitto said most reactions from people ATV making sure people have filled in holes and removed gear, including canopies, tents, beach chairs and rafts, at the end of the day. The items can become impediments to nesting or hatchling sea turtles during season, which runs May-October. Sellitto said he has been watching turtles nest and hatch during his shifts for several years. “It’s so gratifying to see the nests being laid, then two months later, watching the hatchlings make it to the water,â€? he said. Usually, nests are scattered along the beach. This season, due to a beach renourishment project south of Anna Maria, most nests were relocated to holes dug in a “nurseryâ€? area in southern Anna Maria by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers. The human-made nests match the shape of an egg cavity dug by a sea turtle and are covered with sand. As of Aug. 6, the relocation area contained 344 nests, marked with stakes and tape for protection and data collection by AMITW. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies Todd sellitto, left “The stakes and bright tape are intriguing to and Paul Boos, pose Aug. 3 during their nighttime people, so we let them know what it means and ask beach patrol in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Chrithem to be respectful,â€? Sellitto said. sAnn Allen Now that hatchlings have started emerging from the nursery by the hundreds, MCSO deputies also are For more ‌ patrolling the relocation area, educating nighttime For more information about turtle watch, beachgoers who witness a hatch and cautioning people people can visit the AMITW website at islandagainst the use of flashlights. turtlewatch.com, or contact Suzi Fox at 941-778Artificial light can disorient sea turtles away from 5638 or suzilfox@gmail.com. the water, leading to their exhaustion, as well as predaBy ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter
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witnessing a hatch are positive. “Once people see these baby turtles heading to the water, it’s impossible for them not to want to learn more,� Sellitto said. “I think people are blown away when they actually see nature taking it’s course.�
About a dozen hatchlings emerge Aug. 2 from a nest in Anna Maria. The photo was captured with natural light under a full moon. Islander Photo: Courtesy Minellie Martinez
As of Aug. 9, 348 nests and 448 false crawls in the renourishment area; 107 hatched nests.
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Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
By Lisa Neff
Turning to jelly
The new normal in COVID-19 times is an odd blend of simplicity and technology — old-timey but new school. I’m walking, walking, walking and tracking steps with my iPhone. I’m reading, reading, reading and connecting with people in book clubs via Zoom. I’m birding more often and identifying species with the Merlin Bird ID app. I’m also cooking more frequently, finding inspiration in old cookbooks, but also asking Alexa for recipes and watching how-to shows on streaming apps and YouTube channels. The last time I ate in a restaurant neff was March 16 — biscuits-and-gravy at a diner in St. Pete. So “The Pioneer Woman” seems more relevant today than “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” which is how I came to watch an old episode of Food Network star Ree Drummond making strawberry jam. I wondered as I watched: Where can I find a patch of strawberries in Florida in July? Later, while on an evening walk through Neal Preserve, I noticed the seagrape trees heavy with their wild edible fruit. Maybe I don’t need strawberries. When my wife and I lived across the street from the beach in Anna Maria, we could walk under a canopy of hardy seagrapes to the sand and then the Gulf of Mexico. In the summer, as bees pollinated the blooms on the female seagrape trees, they would bear fruit and then ripen through late summer and fall. Connie often reached up to pick and eat one of the ripened, purplish grapes.
SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984
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seagrapes bear fruit at neal Preserve on Perico Island. Islander Photo: lisa neff
“But it isn’t washed,” I would say, because that was some years before I watched “The Pioneer Woman” and considered taking up pioneer ways. Connie then would mention the prospect of making seagrape jelly or jam, a summer tradition for Floridians. “We can buy jelly at the store,” I’d reply, because back then store-bought food seemed cleaner, safer, better. Now the idea of growing and making food seems more appealing than going into a grocery store, which I have not done since March 27, when I experienced
Unfinished 2020 hurricane season sets record Turbulent 2020 continues. The Atlantic hurricane season already set a record, with nine named storms formed by July 30. The number was the highest recorded since the satellite era began in 1966, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, which adjusted its seasonal forecast Aug. 6. On average, only two named storms form by early August and the ninth named storm typically does not form until Oct. 4. In its revised forecast, NOAA called for an “extremely active” season, with 19-25 named storms, including 7-11 hurricanes. In May, NOAA predicted an “above-normal” hurricane season, with 13-19 named storms, including 6-10 hurricanes. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. The first named storm — tropical storm Arthur — formed May 16 off Florida’s east coast. “This is one of the most active seasonal forecasts
Tropical storm Isaias approaches florida. The storm grazed florida’s east coast, then strengthened to a hurricane before making landfall Aug. 3 in north Carolina. Islander Courtesy Image
that NOAA has produced in its 22-year history of hurricane outlooks,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said in a news release. “We encourage all Americans to do their part by getting prepared, remaining vigilant and being ready to take action when necessary.” Hurricane season ends Nov. 30.
½-Ê t — lisa neff
Little Italy in the ❤ of Anna Maria Island.
www.tylersicecream.com Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333
a frenzied scene at a Publix. So I went looking for a seagrape jam or jelly recipe and found one shared by friend and Islander reporter Sandy Ambrogi. Sandy died July 22 and she is very much on my mind these days. Sandy had a sweet tooth and her ingredient list for “Easy Seagrape Jam” isn’t surprising — three cups of ripe seagrapes, 1 1/2 cups of water and one cup of sugar. Her recipe says: Bring the seagrapes and water to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes while smashing the grapes with the back of a spoon. The seeds will separate, but simmering is key. Place a mesh strainer over a bowl to strain the juice, using a spoon to press some of the pulp into the bowl. Combine a cup of the juice and a cup of sugar in a pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes. Transfer the jam to a jar and allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. I don’t know how often Sandy made seagrape jam, if ever, but she wrote about seagrapes a couple of years ago for The Islander. “The grapes have a sweet tartness that won’t please all palates,” she wrote. Sweet and tart, seems like a taste for the summer of 2020.
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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Center adult soccer continues, youth soccer rises on horizon
Josh Landers and post the lone 3-0 record in pool play earning the day’s outright championship. Sofran teamed up with Bob Heiger to forge the only 3-0 record during Aug. 8 action to again earn a trip to the winner’s circle. This is getting to be habit forming for Sofran, who has finished in the winner’s circle four times in succession. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warm ups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
After four weeks of action in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Sato Real Estate is on top of the standings with a 4-1 record, just ahead of Solid Rock Construction, which is at 3-1 with one less game played. Vintage Beach holds third place at 2-1-2, with Blalock Walters right behind at 2-1-1. Cassidy Beach Bums and Ross Built follow with 2-2 records, while Moss Builders fell to 2-3 and sixth place in the table. Signature Granite at 1-3 and Gulfview Windows and Doors at 0-4-1 complete the standings, with three weeks left to play in the regular season. Action Aug. 5 kicked off with Vintage Beach cruising past Moss Builders by a 5-2 score behind three goals and an assist from Joey Hutchinson and a goal from Clancy Vaughn. An own goal completed the Vintage Beach scoring, while Sean Flynn, Dave Greene and Ben Sato combined for 11 saves in the victory. Daniel Anderson led Moss Builders in the loss with a goal and an assist and Aaron Parkin added a goal. Ryan Moss and Zach Long combined on 12 saves for Moss Builders. The second game of the night was tightly contested, with Beach Bums coming out on top 3-2. With the score tied at 2-2 and time winding down, Beach Bums brought goalie Neil Fellowes — who had made six saves — onto the field to spark the offense. Fellowes notched the game winner with 30 seconds left to play. Son Robbie Fellowes scored a goal and had an assist and Kevin Roman added a goal for Beach Bums, which also received four saves from Andrew Sullivan in the victory. The third match saw Solid Rock Construction crush Signature Granite 8-4 behind four goals from Chris Scott and three goals from Gerardo Urbiola. Chris Culhane added a goal and an assist, while Mark Long notched nine saves in the victory. Zach Lieb had a goal and an assist in the loss and Damir Glavan notched a goal to lead Signature Granite, which also received eight saves from Scott Bear. The last game of the night was a blowout as Ross Built destroyed Gulfview Windows and Doors 10-5 behind five goals from Garrett Furman and two goals from Greg Ross. Jake Ross and Andrew Ross both chipped in goals and Chris Circharo made 11 saves to help preserve the victory. Daniel Adan notched four goals for Gulfview, which also received a goal and an assist from Raul Loera and Keith Mahoney in the loss. The action continued Aug. 6 with another four matches starting with Solid Rock Construction cruising to a 10-5 victory over Beach Bums behind five goals and two assists from Scott and four goals from James Lynch. Culhane added a goal and Long came through with 10 saves. Amy Ivin’s two goals and two assists paced Beach Bums, which also received single goals from Neil Fellowes, Robbie Fellowes and Roman in the loss. The second match of the evening saw Blalock Walters outscore Signature Granite by a 7-3 score. Ryan Hogan and Jessica Williams scored two goals each, while Matthew Staggs, Matthew Plummer and Derek Crooks each scored in the victory. Damir Glavan, Zack Lieb and Chris Yavalar scored goals for Signature Granite, which also received eight saves from Scott Bear in the loss.
Always fishin’ for news.
Vintage Beach forward Joey Hutchinson dribbles upfield as Sato Real Estate defender Josh Sato gives chase July 27 during adult soccer action at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photos: Kevin P. Cassidy
Sato edged Moss Builders 3-2 in the third match of the night behind two goals from Hakan Toka and a goal from Nate Welch. Steve Oelfke made nine saves to close out the victory. Brent Moss scored two goals to lead Moss Builders, which received 12 saves from Ryan Moss in the loss. The final match of the evening saw Vintage Beach and Gulfview Windows and Doors battle to a 5-5 tie. Hutchinson scored four goals to lead Vintage Beach, which also received a goal from Nick Bouchard and 17 combined saves from Ben Sato and David Greene in the tie. Daniel Adan had three goals and an assist to lead Gulfview, which also received a goal from Keith Mahoney and an own goal to get the tie.
Youth soccer kicks off The Center of Anna Maria Island is accepting player registrations for its fall soccer league for ages 4-17. The cost for the league is $10 for members and $126 for nonmembers and the last day to register is Aug. 25. Player evaluations will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 for 8-10 year old players, followed by the 11-13 and 14-17 divisions at 7:30 p.m. There are no evaluations for the 3-5 or 6-7 age divisions. The center will host free clinics 6-7 p.m. WednesHorseshoe news day, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19. There was no need for playoffs during horseshoe To volunteer as a coach or for more information, games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. contact Connor Haughey at the center, 941-778-1908, The Aug. 5 games saw Tim Sofran team up with ext. 209, or connor@centerami.org. Moss Builders goalie Ryan Moss makes a save on Josh Furman’s shot during July 27 adult soccer action on the center pitch in Anna Maria.
Anna Maria Island Tides
Date
www.islander.org
Club news Hot, dry weather brought out the golfers at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting Aug. 3 with the men playing a nine-hole modified Stablefordsystem golf match. Bill Demena, Jon Holcomb and Fred Miller all carded plus-1s to finish in a three-way tie for first place. Not sure who was on the hook for the drinks in the clubhouse following play. The women took to the course Aug. 4 for a ninehole individual-low-net match in two flights. Helen Pollock rode a chipin on the eighth hole and a low 14 putts to card 2-under-par 30, earning a three-stroke victory in Flight A. Pam Alvord and Sue Wheeler were locked in a tie for second at 1-over-par 33. Terry Westby’s even-par 32 was good for first place in Flight B. Marilyn Manzer was alone in second with a 5-over-par 37. The men were back Aug. 6 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Brett Lance, Fred Miller, Chuck Patrick and Quentin Talbert combined on a 4-under-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Mike Clements, Sam Major, Jerry Martinek and Jana Samuels were one stroke back in second place.
Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 15 Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19
AM
6:13a 6:53a 7:51a 8:51a 12:58a 1:19a 1:37a 1:53a
HIGH
1.9 2.4 2.5 2.6 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7
PM
5:59p — — — 9:49a 10:43a 11:35a 12:26p
HIGH
AM
1.7 12:13p — 3:11p — 4:12p — 5:03p 2.7 3:03a 2.8 4:04a 2.9 4:59a 2.9 5:50a
LOW
PM
1.0 0.4 0.2 0.1 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.3
— — — — 5:47p 6:28p 7:06p 7:43p
LOW
Moon
— 3rd — — — 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 NEW
AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later
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Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Timing is everything when targeting fish By Capt. danny stasny Islander Reporter
With air temps in the 90s and water temps to match, fishing remains consistently “hot” around Anna Maria Island. You just need to time your trip on the water. Try to find good flowing tides around sunrise to maximize your chances of having a successful fishing trip. With water temps and air temps slightly cooler in the early morning hours, you may find the fish more stasny active at sunrise than at 3 p.m. under the hot sun. This is especially imperative if you’re planning to fish the flats. If you can’t make it out early, then you’ll want to fish deeper water. In the depths, the water remains consistently cooler, which, in theory, means the inhabitants should be active throughout the day. If you’re inshore, try fishing the reefs and wrecks in Tampa Bay for snapper. If you’re traveling offshore, your opportunities are endless. Although, bear in mind that during the summer months, you may encounter large predators — sharks and barracuda — offshore. These ambush-predators are well-versed in devouring the fish at the end of your lure. Why should they pass up an easy meal, right? It’s good to prepare your gear for the inevitable. If you’re inshore on the flats in the early morning hours, you can expect to encounter the top trio of catch-and-release species — snook, redfish and trout. There also are plenty of mangrove snapper inhabiting the inshore waters right now — they’re everywhere. Whether it be around structure or on the flats, you’re likely to hook a few. In deeper areas of the inshore waters, you can expect to see some jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. Moving offshore, yellowtail snapper seem to be the main attraction for those wanting to catch dinner. Mangrove snapper are available there, too, as well as red grouper, blackfin tuna and amberjack. On my Southernaire charters, I’m seeing limits of mangrove snapper. Most catches are occurring while targeting catch-and-release snook. The snapper are running 10-14 inches — with most right in the middle. As for the snook hookups, the early mornings are yielding good numbers, but as the day wears on and the heat intensifies, the snook become lazy and less apt to bite. When this occurs, I’m moving to deeper flats to target catch-and-release spotted seatrout, which are cooperating. In between trout bites, ladyfish, mackerel and jack crevalle are taking the bait. Capt. Warren Girle is finding good results from fishing in Sarasota Bay. Working around rocks and docks is yielding limits of mangrove snapper with small live shiners for bait is attracting snappers up to
Fishing Charters
next stop? The cleaning table and a fish fry. Chris dorado, left, danny soto, Cristie garcia and fernando sanbartolme, of Miami, fish Aug. 6 on the west coast. each caught numerous inshore mangrove snapper using shiners on a charter trip with Capt. Warren girle.
12 inches. Moving to the grass flats, Girle is targeting catchand-release spotted seatrout in depths of 5-7 feet. While targeting the trout, anglers are enjoying a bite from a variety of other species — macks, bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevalle and mangrove snapper. Moving to the shallower grass flats in 2-3 feet of water, Girle is putting his sport fishing clients on catchand-release snook. Capt. Aaron Lowman is spending mornings targeting catch-and-release snook in Tampa Bay for his clients. Most catches are 20-30 inches, although a few larger fish are mixed in. Casting live shiners along mangrove shorelines is resulting in the hookups. Catch-and-release redfish are coming to the hook for Lowman’s anglers around residential docks and oyster bars. Lowman noted that targeting catch-andrelease spotted seatrout remains steady for yet another week over deep grass flats with good tidal flow. Moving out deeper to wrecks and reefs in Tampa Bay and in the Gulf is producing action, too. Mangrove snapper, permit, cobia and bonita are present in these areas. Capt. Jason Stock is running some good trips offshore. With the American red snapper season ended, he’s put his sights on other snappers. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are being caught regularly, although getting them to the boat without them being eaten by a barracuda, shark or goliath grouper is challenging. With amberjack back in season, Stock is in pursuit. Live baits fished near the surface and surface poppers are working well. Also present offshore are blackfin Southernaire Fishing Charters
Capt. Warren Girle
tuna, which Stock finds equally fun to catch and a heck of a lot better to eat. Capt. David White also is having good luck offshore, leading his clients to numerous snappers. Mangrove and yellowtail are fiercely taking the bait from White’s anglers and red grouper are eating well, quickly taking bait as they approach it on the Gulf floor. Fishing baits on the surface works well for blackfin tuna, with most catches 15-20 pounds, although fish up to 30 pounds are being caught. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says catchand-release snook fishing is on the rise. Pier fishers using either live shrimp or shiners are hooking plenty of catch-and-release snook during the morning and evening hours at the pier. Mangrove snapper are readily taking baits — especially shrimp. These tasty little fish are measuring 10-12 inches and limits are easily attainable. Other species being caught include catchand-release redfish, flounder, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
Fishing tip! If you hook a bird: Reel, remove and release!
CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED
INSHORE RE Redfish Snook
O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper
941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com
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
DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK
Licensed
Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
BOATS & BOATING
LEATHER COUCH: OFF-white, $99. Perfect condition. 941-778-5542 or 941-778-3920.
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 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)
BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.
CAR ROOF RACK: Fits Hyundai Tucson, $100, oil paintings, $25, like new, 941-920-2494. SHIP’S WHEEL TABLE: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. Also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.
WANTED: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
ANTIQUE OFFICE chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.
AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.
lOOKIng fOR An eARlY BIRd? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at www.islander.org. And it’s fRee!
Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983
PETS
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HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.
LICENSED & INSURED
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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows
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AdoptA-Pet Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com. sPOnsORed BY
ANSWERS TO AUG. 12 PUZZLE
A C Q U I L E E S A C E
S O U R N O T E S
A L E C B A L D P A W I V I C A N S C A R A B
MORe BAng fOR YOuR BuCK? It’s an old saying, but so true when it comes to The Islander. look for more at islander.org.
PropertyWatch By Jesse Brisson
References available • 941-720-7519
L I S P
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.
A R C A D E
S M N A A R E G E S I D D I D S D I A U A D S B E T S A W R E D E B I M A O W M M I T A T N S I
A L C H E M I S T A G E C H A R A D E
N E H I
I R I S H
C O N S O E L R G E M I S A Z M E R O U A B J O I B E S A I M A C A R I M L S O I O R A S Y
L E A E D S T O O S I N N I N G
E T U D E
I M H I O N I L O V E
E A F T N A S T I O N I N T P I E A N D D S W A A X T H E B O O P N W A E N S S T I O N E R C E A A L L S S E
E H S
B A S E T W O
O I L E D
A B B R C I S B U S E M U A C T C H A O W S A K R E N D E I P X S
V O L C A N I C A S H
T I M P A N I S T
A L T A E Y
R E S A L E I N D O N E S I A
K E T T L E
G S T E T S Y
623 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,870 sfla / 2,720 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car bayfront home built in 1966 on a 16,878 sq ft lot was sold 07/01/20, DHJLR 623 Properties LLC to Porter Investment Holdings LLC for $1,625,000. 524 Loquat Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,722 sfla 3bed/3bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1984 on a 8,625 sq ft lot was sold 07/15/20, 524 Loquat LLC to Thrush for $1,410,000; list $1,525,000. 513 77th St., Holmes Beach, a 3,544 sfla / 8,836 sfur 4bed/2½bath/4car canalfront home built in 1993 on a 13,770 sq ft lot was sold 07/15/20, Troxler to CKH Investments LLC for $1,239,000; list $1,249,000. 316 Bay Drive S., Unit 6, Old Bridge Village, Bradenton Beach, a 2,072 sfla / 2,630 sfur 3bed/2½bath/2car condo built in 2004 was sold 07/15/20, Clarke to Taake for $875,000; list $899,500. 117 Hammock Road, Anna Maria, a 1,910 sfla 3bed/2bath/1car home built in 1982 on a 8,242 sq ft lot was sold 06/30/20, Kubik to Mobley Properties LLC for $742,500; list $750,000. 423 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, a vacant 7,540 sq ft lot was sold 06/30/20, Rysal Enterprises LLC to 423 Pine Avenue LLC for $735,000. 421 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, a 903 sfla / 1,218 sfur 2bed/1bath home built in 1902 on a 7,540 sq ft lot was sold 06/30/20, Rysal Enterprises LLC to 421 Pine Avenue LLC for $710,000. 513 75th St., Holmes Beach, a vacant canalfront 10,803 sq ft lot was sold 07/01/20, CGS Realty III LLC to Robbins for $657,000. 1910 Bay Drive N., Bradenton Beach, a 896 sfla / 1,136 sfur 2bed/1bath/1car canalfront home built in 1955 on a 5,184 sq ft lot was sold 07/02/20, Ubanaek to Vicari for $606,250; list $649,000. 2312 Gulf Drive N., Unit 202, Sunset Terrace, Bradenton Beach, a 1,180 sfla / 1,340 sfur 2bed/2bath Gulffront condo built in 1982 was sold 07/13/20, Jackson Florida Properties LLC to Sierra Vacation Rentals LLC for $595,000; list $595,000. 205 71st St., Unit A, Beach Dog, Holmes Beach, a 1,112 sfla 2bed/2bath half-duplex built in 1972 was sold 07/14/20, Ladd to Auger for $450,000; list $450,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Keller Williams on the Water, can be reached at 941-713-4755.
LOOKING TO PURCHASE a boat dock, 25 to 36 feet in Anna Maria. Please call or text with any opportunities. 267-664-4544. 2004 PROLINE 22-foot walk-around Cuddy. 2009 Suzuki 250-hp. 813-240-2697.
FISHING lOCAl fIsHIng guIde for hire. Wanna catch more fish, have better bait, learn the local waters? Your boat, my knowledge. Call nelly, 40 years local fishing experience. 941896-2915. HELP WANTED WANTED: GENERAL MANAGER. Will train. Inquire in person at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. WANTED ON ANNA Maria Island: Experienced vacation rental office manager for growing international real estate company to manage the vacation rental business. Required: All-arounder, experience in the vacation rental industry and related tasks like handling the reservation system, keep track of funds and handle basic bookkeeping, good phone etiquette, customer serviceoriented, team player, supervising housekeeping and maintenance management coordination. Language skills a plus. Experience required. Send your resume to MS, 3340 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
THe CITY Of Holmes Beach has an immediate opening for a full-time experienced Permit Technician. Prior experience in construction or permitting is required. go to holmesbeachfl.org for full details and apply. REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.
KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. THe IslAndeR OffeRs the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, www.islander.org. for Monday holidays, the deadline is friday.
Place classified ads online at www.islander.org p ro fe s s i o n a l
PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO Advertising Real Estate Resorts Restaurants Web/Social Media
941-778-2711
Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES
SERVICES Continued
HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued
U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-7957411. CAC184228.
PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.
I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message.
LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-7200770.
BAYSHORE HOME WATCH (accredited service): Providing certified professional weekly home checks. Peace of mind while you’re away. 941-920-5597. Bonded/insured.
CORNERSTONE OUTDOORS: LANDSCAPE, installs, tree trimming, full-service lawn maintenance, cleanups, pressure washing. 941-2841568.
KLEAN MOVES: BEST movers in AMI. Small moves, long distance and local deliveries. No job too big or too small. Senior discounts. 941-877-6580. Ask for Reggie. KleanMoves. com.
SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. Office, 941-518-6326. Cell, 720-299-1661.
PRIVATE CHEF NOW servicing Anna Maria Island. Let Chef Mark create an enticing dinner experience for you and your guests in the comfort of your own home. 219-313-9938. privatechefmm. com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
PREMIUM CLEANING SERVICES for premium clientele. 941-216-8238. A clean space is a healthy space!
TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.
PIANO LESSONS AT your home, mine, or online. Music will flourish! Scholarships available. Call/ text: 941-518-9973.
$YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG
.org r e d n a l
is
____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
ww. w t a e lin
on
____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40. BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")
The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper. _________
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT on AMI? The Islander classifieds help you rent and sell fast!
CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING Family Owned and Operated since 1975
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Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured
HURRICANE
Windows & Doors Bed: A bargain!
CLASSIFIED AD ORDER
Run issue date(s) _________
FIRST FLOOR, SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA. Classy, 2020 total renovation. Beautiful, quiet Westbay Point & Moorings. Monthly, FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also, #1106, 2BR/2BA, gorgeous bay views. Monthly. Kayaks and bikes included. Call Sue, 207-944-6097.
WEATHERSIDE LLC
ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www. jackelka.com. 941-778-2711.
Place
RENTALS
941-730-5045
RESIDENTIAL-BUSINESS CLEANING. 10-plus years experience. Top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. References from long-term clients. I work alone so no “crew” in your home. I have bimonthly openings. Text or leave a message for Jessie, 941-526-9900.
ds a d e fi i class
HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-2041162.
#CFC1426596
LAWN & GARDEN
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.
LIC#CBC1253145
CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. We service VRBO and Airbnb. Licensed and insured. 941744-7983.
BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.
_________
King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net
AMI TAXI
professional, metered, on-call, gps, cards accepted www.amitaxi.com • amitaxi4u@gmail.com holmes beach, bradenton beach, anna maria
941-447-8372 airports • shops • dining
IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL! Horticultural Design Services | Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance | Irrigation Installation & Repair Brick & Stone Pavers | Walls, Gates, Fences | Tree Trimming Low Volt Outdoor Lighting Repair & Installation
_________ or TFN start date: ______________
Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.� _________ Cash � _______ By _________
d � u No.
_____________________________________________________
Name shown on card: ____________________________________________card exp. date ______ / ______ House no. or P.O. box no. on cc bill ________________________Billing address zip code ________________ Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ____________________________________________________________
Web site: www.islander.org 3218 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217
E-mail: classifieds@islander.org Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Phone: 941-778-7978
FOR MORE INFO 941.704.9025 ShadyLadyFL.com OUR BEST PRACTICES PROMISE IS APPLIED TO RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE.
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Credit card payment: �
Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Skimming
AMI
Bonner Joy
What’s up on AMI?
Maybe you’ve been wondering what’s going on at Waterline Marina Resort, where the restaurant and bar — Eliza Ann’s — remains closed. The hotel at 5325 Marina Drive in “downtown” Holmes Beach has evolved into Waterline Villas & Marina with an announcement Aug. 6 that villa sales started Aug. 8. Waterline notched its belt with a few Anna Maria Island “firsts” when it opened in 2017. In the news release, Waterline touts itself as the only full-service resort on AMI. Minus the restaurant and bar, for the time being, the resort has plenty of amenities, including a marina, a swimming pool and lounging deck, meeting/party space and great views of Anna Maria Sound and the canal leading into the boat basin. And, as a member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, it’s the first chain hotel on AMI anyone can recall. Owner/developer Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development, worked and negotiated long and hard to get Waterline off the ground and open in the little cranny behind Wells Fargo that formerly housed Pete Reynard’s Yacht Club Restaurant. The resort opened with 37 two-bedroom hotel suites, including gourmet kitchens and waterfront balcony views. What turned out to be high-end overnight rentals will become a “condo/hotel model,” according to Collier in the Aug. 6 release. “Since opening, we’ve had growing interest from people wanting to invest in a villa at Waterline,” Collier stated. He said Mainsail has observed “all applicable ordinances and municipal rules” and the conversion takes in “full consideration of the island surroundings we all love.” Collier announced that beginning at 10:08 a.m. Aug. 8, the units were going on the market in collaboration with Georgia Salaverri of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. Andrew Houghton, managing partner with Mainsail, told The Islander Aug. 6 that the hotel is looking for a partner for the food and beverage operation to complete the resort experience and they are working on concepts, including outdoor dining on the terrace,
Mike Norman Realty INC
The Waterline has transformed from a hotel to villas for sale and rent. Islander file Photo: lisa neff
as well as meeting the city’s expectations for the F&B operation. Houghton also said their pace at the hotel is ahead of this time last year, thanks to the “hotel” model, which remained open during the governor’s shut down of vacation rental homes March 27-May 21 and a successful promotion in conjunction with Marriott. So the resort will operate hotel rentals as it always did, but with condo ownership. Houghton said owners can use units up to 120 days, but they expect them to join the rental pool for most of the year or the remainder of their choice of days in their unit. He directed potential buyers to call 727-379-4656, email waterline@cbrealty.com, go to waterlinevillas. com or visit Waterline’s sales office at the hotel. And what about those hotel, home rentals? Larry Chatt, broker-owner of Island Real Estate in 2501 Gulf Drive, Ste 102, Bradenton Beach
DREAM CONDO Everything is new in this direct Gulffront dream condo! Sweeping views all the way to Bean Point! Huge swiming pool on the Gulf, covered parking, storage, elevator and much more. Well maintained complex. Come see all that Anna Maria Island Club has to offer. $769,000.
OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696
Holmes Beach told The Islander in an Aug. 6 email that “COVID has created more of a last-minute reservation schedule than anything I have seen in the past 15 years of managing vacation rentals.” He said there’s “pent-up demand” for getaways. However, people are waiting until the last possible moment to make travel decisions. “What used to be a 45-day lead time on reservations is more like 5-7 days,” Chatt said. He also noted that in the fall, German visitors and vacation rental owners are typical guests, but he’s expecting a “significant impact” due to the pandemic. “We hear many owners are using a similar wait-andsee approach” as they push off what would have been a visit to their island vacation home every few months. “Anna Maria Island seems to have done well through the summer months as compared to other tourist destinations,” Chatt said. Chatt, who manages about 50 rentals, added his appreciation for the measured approach by local government to minimize risk. “Without their support, none of our summer business would have been possible,” he said. Katy Demick of Anna Maria Island Resorts in Bradenton Beach added to Chatt’s assertion about last-minute travel. “With the way the last few months have gone, I would say yes to the prospects for a good late-summer/fall season.” However, due to the lastminute nature of reservations at the moment, Demick said, “It’s really hard to predict.” Asked about the prospects for September-OctoberNovember, she said, “We are down about 8% from last year on future bookings,” but the resorts she manages are still taking reservations. She noted the ban on Europeans entering the United States is having an impact: “We are down about 5% year to date.” Joe Varner, principal of Anna Maria Vacations and Anna Maria Beach Resort, said nightly rentals at the resort are “very strong.” He said his August and September numbers are tracking above the expected occupancy for the 31-room Gulffront motel. Anna Maria Vacations, which manages 250 vacation homes, is up for August over last year and, Varner said, the fall occupancy is stable, if not up slightly. He noted the fall bookings are likely the result of reservations from April, May and June that pushed into fall and early winter. “International bookings are nonexistent,” he said. Varner said his companies allowed foreign travelers to move their bookings to next year since there are “lots of issues getting into the country.” Lastly, Varner said June and July occupancy were at or above last year for both entities — the hotel and rental homes. “Once the government got out of the way, all went back to being good,” he said.
SURF SIDE New 4bed/4.5 bath/2car pool home with partial Gulf views, rooftop sundeck, incredible pool and spa area. This amazing home was built with the details in mind, and the rental potential is through the roof. Call today. 941.713.4755
Jesse Brisson, Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755, jbrisson@kw.com
$YDLODEOH $We
You can read it all online at www.islander.org
AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG
Chantelle Lewin
Broker Associate Licensed since 1983
941.713.1449 MIRABELLA VILLA 2BR/2BA plus den, private, gated community. MLS4465412 $368,800.
WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM
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RELEASE DATE: 8/9/2020
New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword
Aug. 12, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 No. 0802 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
MADE TO ORDER
1
BY TRENTON CHARLSON / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Trenton Charlson, 24, is a crossword constructor and Scrabble aficionado from Columbus, Ohio. The North American Scrabble Players Association currently ranks him No. 213 among all players and No. 5 in his state. Trenton’s Twitter page declares that he’s the founder of Z.J.X.Q. — Americans Against Accurate Acronyms. This is his 23rd puzzle for The Times. — W.S.
AC RO SS
1 Miss 5 More than excited 10 Grub for a grub 14 Elliptical 18 Where a phone might be tapped 19 Last Oldsmobile model 20 Site of the Bocca Nuova crater 21 Regional flora and fauna 22 Facial feature of a Lego man? 24 Sparkling Italian wine 25 With 81-Across, flashy basketball play 26 Completely remove 27 Blew off steam? 29 ‘‘Hold your horses’’ 31 Word before job or joke 33 M.C. during a power outage? 37 Regulus is its brightest star 38 Small change? 40 Most eccentric 41 Formerly 42 What means most in the end? 43 Some somber music 45 ‘‘So what?’’ 46 Tailor’s measurement 48 ‘‘The elite fighter pilots may skip the rest of the lecture’’? 53 New Cub Scout Online subscriptions: Today’s
puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 24 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).
54 Hairy hunter of Genesis 55 Looney Tunes devil, for short 56 Hostile declaration 59 Decision 60 Expense for a political campaign 62 List of available courses 64 What the abscissa and ordinate are measured from 66 Take in 67 Drive a getaway car through Australia’s outback? 72 Cousin ____ (‘‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’’ regular) 74 Major account 75 Nickname of a 2010s pop idol, with ‘‘the’’ 76 Bird in Liberty Mutual commercials 77 Work mates 79 Answer 81 See 25-Across 84 When Caesar is told to ‘‘Beware the ides of March’’ 87 Give in 89 What you might do after the movie previews are finally over? 93 Yeshiva instructor 94 Civil War side: Abbr. 96 Group who ought to know better? 97 Rx prescribers 98 Pioneering programmer Lovelace 99 Fish whose name means ‘‘very strong’’ in Hawaiian
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103 Put away 105 ‘‘The devil’s lettuce’’ 106 Where spaghetti and orzo rank in terms of their suitability for making necklaces? 109 Resident of Japan’s ‘‘second city’’ 111 ____ Mendeleev, creator of the periodic table 112 Martin ____, star of 1960s TV’s ‘‘Route 66’’ 114 Opera singer Fleming 116 Play with, as a toy mouse 118 To boot 120 One who believes exclusively in a sea god? 122 Political columnist Molly 123 Noted Christian 124 Role in the 2005 hit musical ‘‘Jersey Boys’’ 125 Electric-flux symbols 126 ‘‘Pretty please?’’ 127 Like child’s play 128 County on the Thames 129 Legal postponement
8 Source of the word ‘‘galore’’ 9 Xbox and GameCube 10 Cause 11 Long-distance travelers, informally 12 Composer Dvorak 13 Passed out 14 De-squeaked 15 Thick cloud above a peak 16 Took in 17 ____ of the land 21 System used in computer code 23 Frist’s successor as Senate majority leader 28 That, in Spanish 30 Quizzical utterances 32 Actress Conn of ‘‘Grease’’ 34 Popular tablets 35 Antique-shop deal 36 Stovetop item 37 Where a herd might be heard 39 Aretha Franklin’s Grammy-nominated sister 44 Thingamajig 47 Kind of order for the circled letters in this puzzle 49 Swedish Air Force DOWN supplier 1 What Winthrop speaks 50 Guys with in ‘‘The Music 51 Making a clerical Man’’ error? 2 Give in 52 Exercise in dexterity 3 Musicians’ slip-ups 53 Grease 4 Hang-ups 57 Cry from a nursery 5 Fannie ____ 58 The king of diamonds carries one 6 Isaac Newton, by hobby 61 It might be glassy or icy 7 Classic soda brand
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73 Business whose patrons are often fighting 78 Entanglement 80 No. 44 82 Completely embarrasses, slangily 83 Piece of music that evokes the countryside 85 Certain percussion player 86 Home of the Komodo dragon
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108 Ancient empire builders 110 Something to play for 113 Some are shockers 115 Online handicrafts marketplace 116 Part of many a postcard, briefly 117 Gardner of old Hollywood 119 Nine-symbol message 121 Word often spoken in pig Latin
Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island. the Team Duncan Difference! Local-Area Expertise Outstanding Customer Service Experienced Professionals Proven Performance
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Home & Condominium Sales Investment Properties Vacation Rentals Full Service Property Management
Just Listed! Waterfront 2BD/2BA home on north end of Anna Maria! Elevator, 2-car garage, observation deck, open living area and zoned for weekly rentals! $1,295,000
Just Listed! Open the double leaded-glass door to this 2BD/2BA turnkey split ranch with beautiful lake views! Updates include windows, roof, kitchen, landscaping. $309,900
Just Listed! Gulffront 2BD/2BA condo. Turnkey furnished. Heated pool, elevator, garage, storage. Great rental, upcoming rentals in place! Endless sunsets. $625,000
Just Listed! Shows like a model! 3BD/2BA home in gated Copperstone community. Open floor plan/split bedrooms, 2-car garage, screened-in lanai, large yard. $249,000
Build Your Dream Home! Buildable lot west of Gulf Drive in the 100 block of Anna Maria. Just steps to the beach! $799,000
No Detail Overlooked! Step into this income-producing 4BD/5.5BA home in the heart of AMI. Walk to beach, shops. Spend all day by the pool in the backyard oasis! $1,750,000
Just Listed! Charming waterfront 3BD/3BA home with pool, new landscaping and travertine, dock with boat lift, plenty of parking and weekly rentals allowed! $1,495,000
Short-Term Rental Potential! Great rental potential, duplex close to beach! 2BD/1BA, updated kitchen side B, and side A is an efficiency. New roof and lots of potential! $549,000
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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 12, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................