The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, March, 25, 2026

Sweet springtime celebration

renee goodheart, Barbra Murphy and Karen Z. gardner serve strawberry shortcake March 18 at the anna Maria island historical Society’s annual heritage day, held at the museum and in the museum park, 402 Pine ave., anna Maria. islander Photos: Lisa neff

Mila Werner, 2, of grand rapids, Michigan, takes a bite of pepperoni pizza from anna Maria’s Pizza Social at the annual heritage day celebration presented by the anna Maria island historical Society. far right: Local musician trevor Bystrom performs at heritage day.

WMFR approves therapy dog

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District may have its own furry friend in the near future.

WMFR commissioners unanimously voted March 17 to approve Battalion Chief Chad Brunner’s request to become the handler of the district’s first therapy dog.

The district covers Anna Maria Island and west Manatee, including the village of Cortez.

Brunner said he is passionate about mental health and noted that firefighters and first responders often struggle with it due to their jobs, which exposes them to trauma and traumatic events.

As a result, firefighters and first responders have higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder than the general population.

Brunner said that, due to that fact, fire departments are exploring wellness tools to complement mental health care, including therapy dogs. He said therapy dogs are trained to safely interact

with groups of people and provide emotional comfort, which helps some people decompress and talk during therapy.

Brunner proposed getting a therapy dog through Palmetto-based Dogs Inc. at an annual cost of about $4,000.

He said he would be the dog’s handler, so he would be in charge of taking care of the animal and would need to go through Dog Inc.’s process for approval.

Brunner added that he and Deputy Chief Jay Johnson are developing a therapy dog program for the district that will include interaction with employees, as well as public events and education.

Commissioners Billy Burke and Dana Tindall voiced support for moving forward with getting a therapy dog.

“I think it’s a wonderful program,” Tindall said. “I’ve been involved in that before and, in my opinion, there are no downsides.”

Burke moved to approve the request. Tindall seconded the motion, which passed.

Parishioner ousted at Mass

By Bonner Joy and robert anderson the islander

“I’m banished.”

John Di Masi of Holmes Beach was seated in the next to last row at St. Bernard Catholic Church March 14 as he had been most Saturdays since November, flanked by friends, awaiting the 4 p.m. Mass.

Di Masi said he looked over to see the church accountant, Robert Gase, in the aisle, who signaled that a police officer wanted to see him.

Di Masi said he went outside with the officer and received a trespass warning.

The HBPD report states Di Masi was told to leave the church property at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, and not return for one year.

The March 14 warning listed Gase as the complainant.

The police report states that church staff told HBPD officers that Di Masi had been “causing problems with staff at the church.”

The report also states that the church advised HBPD that Di Masi had been “very aggressive and has demonstrated verbal threats, aggressive gestures, admitted stalking, intense anger and obsession with harassing communication.”

Under Florida law, private property owners and their authorized representatives may issue trespass warnings barring individuals from entering or remaining on the premises.

Di Masi, in a March 18 interview with The Islander,

AMI spring break goes ‘smoothly’

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Spring break crowds are back on Anna Maria Island, but they’ve brought little trouble this year.

Local authorities told The Islander over the week of March 16 that spring break was going smoothly despite a surge of beachgoers and other visitors.

Schools throughout the country take their spring break in March and April and, for Manatee County, the public schools celebrated March 16-20.

While the island is not a national spring break destination like Miami, Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach, it can get busy — and a little problematic — when many students converge on the beach.

Luckily for local law enforcement officers and lifeguards, this year’s spring break went without a hitch heading into the weekend of March 21-22.

“From everything I can tell so far, it’s been a good spring break,” Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Randy Warren told The Islander March 20.

The MCSO polices the city of Anna Maria, which Warren said is often the quietest island municipality over spring break since the county’s public beaches are located to the south.

He said the city’s beaches had seen an increase in visitors over spring break, but the MCSO-Anna Maria Substation saw no need to increase staffing or add patrols.

Warren gave some credit to inclement weather and cold water early in the week for limiting the spring

b mass continued froM Page 1 said Gase pointed him out to the officer shortly before Mass began and that he was escorted from the church without incident.

Di Masi denied the allegations in the police report and said the trespass warning was issued as a result of questions he raised about the church’s finances.

He also said his removal from the Mass wasn’t unexpected.

He was aware that the pastor at St. Bernard, the Rev. Phillip Schweda, had circulated a Sarasota Herald-Tribune report from June 16, 2014, regarding an incident that resulted in him shooting a man.

The Tribune account appeared to have been downloaded Nov. 14, 2025, based on the print-out, and preceded a Nov. 25, 2025, letter from Schweda to Di Masi limiting his presence at the church to the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass.

The Nov. 25 letter stated, in part, “I reluctantly write this letter to inform you that I welcome you to attend the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday … and to promptly leave the campus.… If you fail to adhere … the parish will have no alternative but to contact law enforcement.”

Di Masi told The Islander March 18 that he complied with Schweda’s terms in the letter without incident.

He also told The Islander that the article about the shooting was not the entire story.

Di Masi said he was defending a man who was known to him from Sacred Heart Church in Bradenton while at a convenience store on U.S. 41 near the airport. The man was being attacked by a group of four-five men, who also came after him with a baseball bat and a sickle, and he shot in self-defense.

Di Masi said he called out for someone to call 911 and, after law enforcement arrived, he was neither arrested nor charged with a crime.

He said that he and the man he defended were unharmed.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, asked by The Islander to verify the shooting incident, told the newspaper March 20 that the “HBPD found nothing in the criminal database to indicate Di Masi was arrested.” He added, the only record is the Tribune article.

The attack on Di Masi in 2014 came at a time when he said he was working through some personal struggles.

He moved to Holmes Beach in 2020, found St. Bernard Catholic Church and set about “seeking forgiveness.”

He became an active member after the COVID-19 pandemic and became president of the St. Bernard Holy Name Society, a men’s group. He helped out where he could, including serving Mass, and was trusted with keys to the church.

Di Masi said he helped secure the church in advance of the 2024 hurricanes and helped relocate valuables after the storms.

He said a new accountant, Gase, arrived early in 2025 and often called him to his office, where he shared an array of church files on a computer — spreadsheets, invoices, receipts and checks — demonstrating what Di Masi described as Gase’s claims of exorbitant costs and misuse of funds.

According to Di Masi, Gase told him in November and again in January that he had two sets of books for St. Bernard.

Di Masi told The Islander that he took his concerns to select members of the parish financial committee. He said they told him later that they had verified his claims and they resigned from the board.

Soon after, Feb. 13, Di Masi was ousted from a financial meeting by the chancellor of the diocese, the Rev. Volodymyr Smeryk, although Di Masi said he asked in advance and received permission to attend.

Di Masi said he also sent complaints alleging abuse of funds to Smeryk and they went unanswered.

Di Masi said that since January, some people employed by the church were fired, including a maintenance person and an office secretary. The accountant, he said, declined to acknowledge his calls and messages after March 6.

In questioning the church funds, Di Masi said the sanctuary has been without air conditioning for several months. The Islander verified March 21 the sanctuary was being cooled by portable AC units.

Di Masi said the church should be able to afford to replace the AC system.

He points to a collection from Dec. 20 to Jan. 10, according to the church bulletin, that totaled $67,000, plus there was a gift to the parish of $100,000 from a trust, according to Di Masi.

Since Jan. 10, no collections have been listed in the bulletins.

The Islander contacted the church office and the Diocese of Venice office, which oversees the parish, for their comments by email March 18.

The Islander reached Gase March 20 by phone and he declined to comment. He referred inquiries to the diocese.

The newspaper also received no response from Smeryk as of March 20.

However, Karen Barry Schwarz, director of communications for the diocese, responded March 20 with a statement:

“St. Bernard Parish, like every parish in the Diocese of Venice, is open to all. However, it is the responsibility of the parish, and the diocese, to foster a community of peace and safety. As such, disruptive, aggressive or threatening behavior cannot be tolerated at Mass, events, meetings or elsewhere on Parish property, and the proper protocol will be followed. When individuals have expressed fear, we must act. The sanctity of the church, the sacred nature of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and the safety of our parishioners is of utmost concern. All people have a right to worship in peace.”

On March 21, an e-mail blast from the church announced that Schweda would retire, effective March 24, and a priest from within the diocese had been appointed to serve St. Bernard beginning March 24.

Schweda’s retirement also was announced in a March 21 diocese bulletin.

On March 22, Schweda made an appeal during Mass for some 700 worshippers at St. Bernard for a collection to pay for his “moving expenses.”

Di Masi said March 22 he attended Mass in Bradenton and told The Islander he still plans to get to the bottom of his claims about misuse of funds at St. Bernard.

Bishop announces change at St. Bernard church

A communication notice from St. Bernard Catholic Church announced a leadership change at the Holmes Beach parish. The change in administration at St. Bernard also was distributed through the Mustard Seed, an internal communication for parish bulletins. The Rev. Frank J. Dewane, bishop of the Venice Diocese, wrote that the Rev. Phillip Schweda would retire and be relieved of his duties as administrator of the parish effective March 24.

The announcement also stated that the Rev. Gerard Critch would become pastor of St. Bernard, effective the same date.

— robert anderson

DeSantis signs Terra Ceia protection bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 19 signed two pieces of legislation that his office said would protect coasts and strengthen resilience and restoration efforts.

The governor, visiting Bradenton, also announced plans to reopen Sunshine Skyway fishing piers following reconstruction and rehabilitation projects.

“Today, I signed legislation to preserve the Terra Ceia Bay and to build on our work to promote coastal resiliency and water quality statewide,” DeSantis said in a press statement.

DeSantis signed House Bill 1417, intended to streamline environmental rulemaking by repealing the Environmental Regulation Commission, and Senate Bill 302, which contains an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said to protect the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve by prohibiting the dredging or filling of submerged lands.

Boyd offered the amendment following news of a proposal to develop property adjacent to the preserve for a cruise ship terminal.

Boyd, on March 19, said, “My amendment is a small part of this broader bill to strengthen coastal resiliency, but it will have a big impact on this region for decades to come. When a recent proposal threatened the future of the islands and coastlines that border the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, I made a commitment to stop it. With this bill now signed into law, this region, the precious coastlines, pristine waters and wildlife habitats are effectively protected from massive transformations that would have destroyed them.”

The senator said he’d been exploring the area since he was a teen.

“Now future generations will have the opportunity to see, enjoy and love the Terra Ceia we know today,” Boyd said.

— Lisa neff

A jawsome week at AME Kindergartners Jack Stasurak, right, and sister indy show off their oceanthemed outfits March 12 during Shark Week at anna Maria elementary. islander Photos: courtesy aMe fifth-grader Savanna Scardina smiles in a jellyfishinspired costume March 12 during Shark Week festivities at anna Maria elementary School.

with firstgrader Jack Warbington in a SpongeBob SquarePants headpiece.

Modern Chop Happy Hour 4-6 Daily, Half OFF Well Drinks, $1 OFF Beers, $2 OFF Wines by the Glass.

Martini Monday: Signature Martinis $7 Bar Bites $2 OFF

Tuesday: $4 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.

Wednesday: Dining Special, “Prime Roast Strip Loin” 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

Thursday: Bar Special, $3.50 Domestic Beers, $4 Sliders ~ Happy Hour All Night!

Tingley Memorial Library maintenance, future discussed

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach officials are weighing how to address maintenance issues at the Tingley Memorial Library as repair costs outpace available funding.

During a March 18 community redevelopment agency workshop, officials described deteriorating rear stairs that serve as an emergency exit and an air-conditioning system that may fail as early as this summer.

Built in 1994 using funds from a bequest by Beulah Rebecca Hooks Hannah Tingley, the library is operated by a nonprofit board and funded through what remains of Tingley’s bequeath, donations and memberships.

The city owns the property at 111 Second St. N. Police Chief John Cosby, who serves as city public works director, said the air-conditioning system uses a type of refrigerant that is being phased out, limiting the city’s ability to repair or recharge the unit.

Repairs are estimated at $230,000-$250,000, but only $130,000 remains from the library’s original $600,000 bequest.

“We cannot continue the way we are,” Cosby said.

expanding its role as a community space.

With the city lacking funds to cover the full cost, officials discussed options.

Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce suggested partnering with Manatee County to help fund repairs and potentially incorporate the site into the county library system, while city clerk Terri Sanclemente said it might be possible to transfer ownership of the building to the CRA, which could allow redevelopment funds to be used for improvements.

The CRA is a dependent special district focused on eliminating blight, improving infrastructure and encouraging revitalization in the historic downtown area. It is governed by a board that consists of city commissioners and the mayor.

Any CRA involvement in Tingley would require legal review, public input and inclusion in the agency’s budget and redevelopment plan.

The discussion also raised broader questions about the property’s future use, including the possibility of

Anna Maria pier walkway inches closer to completion

aBoVe: the city pier remains closed March 19 as tampa Bay Marine continues work rebuilding the walkway that was destroyed by the 2024 storms. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Left: tampa Bay Marine works March 19 at the anna Maria city Pier. Mayor Mark Short wrote in a March 18 email to the islander that the contractor had a few pilings left to cut to size and had built about half of the bents connecting each pair of piles. islander Photo: robert anderson

Board members expressed a desire to preserve the library, pointing to improvements under the new librarian, Stephanie Katz.

“I would really hate to just let it expire and tear it down,” Scaccianoce said. “We’ve come so far in the last year… it’s just incredible.”

Board members agreed to discuss the matter with the county, seek legal guidance on CRA involvement and revisit the issue ahead of budgeting.

Bradenton Beach turns down Pines Park lot-split

By robert anderson islander reporter

Pines Trailer Park property owners submitted a lot-split application but the city of Bradenton Beach rejected the request.

Bradenton Beach interim building official Robert Perry addressed the development during a March 19 city commission.

He said the rejection was because the proposal for the park, 103 Church Ave., did not align with the site’s layout.

The park is based on an older plat with multiple mobile homes historically placed on individual lots.

“They submitted a lot-split application, but that was improper,” Perry later told The Islander. “With the way that plat is set up, that’s not the correct first step.”

Instead, Perry said, any redevelopment would require a replat and a major development application, such as a planned residential or unit development, along with a zoning change and public review process.

Perry also said city-owned streets run through the property, meaning redevelopment would require coordination with the city and approval to change or vacate rights-of-way.

Infrastructure constraints, including drainage and flooding concerns, also could factor into plans.

The park was purchased in 2024 by Pines Park Investors LLC. Following the purchase and impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton, many residents left or were evicted.

So many units are vacant. Perry estimated no more than 10 residences are occupied.

The Islander reached out to Pines Park Investors LLC representative Sam Negrin by phone and text March 19 but, as of press time March 23, there was no response.

Perry emphasized he was not making a recommendation and said decisions about future land use rest solely with the commission.

Think ‘water safety’

West Manatee fire rescue inspector nick riffe and his son, Bradley, hold signs March 14 along Manatee avenue to raise awareness about drowning prevention and water safety for the district’s Wave for Water Safety event — part of WMfr’s annual effort to raise awareness ahead of spring break. islander Photos: courtesy WMfr

Marshall the firedog, from “PaW Patrol,” participates March 14 in WMfr’s Wave for Water Safety.

Is your business ready to make the most of every day?

Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking souvenirs and memories, indoor and outdoor fun, and even a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.

Anna Maria magistrate dismisses grand tree removal case

By ryan Paice islander reporter

No proof, no fines.

Anna Maria special magistrate Gerald Buhr, an attorney out of Lakewood Ranch, ruled March 17 to drop a case involving the alleged removal of six grand trees at 610 N. Bay Blvd.

City code defines grand trees as those with 8-inch diameters at 4.5 feet above ground level, excluding ficus and Australian pine trees.

The municipality prohibits the removal of grand trees without city commission approval.

However, that did not stop six grand trees — including a sea hibiscus tree, a gumbo limbo tree, a Hong Kong orchid tree, a mahoe tree and two plumeria trees — from being removed at 610 N. Bay Blvd.

In response, the city claimed that property owner 610 N Bay LLC and a pair of contractors, Palmettobased G&S Construction Services and Bradentonbased West Coast Resources, had violated municipal code.

When the city first presented the case to Buhr in January, it sought $5,000 for each of the six removed trees and a $100 administrative fee from each violator.

That’s $30,100 per each of three violators and $90,300 overall.

The case was continued but by the time it was revisited in February, the city admitted it did not have evidence to show that any of the alleged violators

removed the grand trees.

Nevertheless, West Coast Resources owner Diego Rivas admitted to removing a tree near the end of that hearing, so the case was continued once more.

At the March 17 hearing, code manager Tom Collins said the city still lacked “direct evidence” that the property owner was involved in or even ordered the removal of the trees.

So, Collins requested Buhr dismiss the case against 610 N Bay. The magistrate granted that request.

Collins also said the city lacked direct evidence that Rivas and West Coast Resources were involved in removing the trees, but still sought fines against the company due to Rivas’ previous admission.

Rivas attended the hearing and said he had admitted to removing smaller trees and bushes, but no grand trees.

He provided text messages showing that the trees remained standing after the date when West Coast Resources stopped working on the property because of past-due payment issues.

“Since he didn’t pay me for the previous work, I did not touch those trees,” Rivas said.

Without evidence from the city to show that West Coast Resources removed any grand trees, Buhr ruled to dismiss the case against the contractor.

“I really don’t see any reason to waste any more time on this,” Buhr said.

The next magistrate hearing will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Historic Bridge Street Pier repairs to come

aBoVe: People gather beneath a pavilion on the historic Bridge Street Pier March 19 in Bradenton Beach. city commissioners unanimously approved a $98,061 project to reroof pergola shelters and the pavilion, as well as some work on the clock tower, pictured left. islander Photos: robert andersons

OpinionOur

Spring break has sprung

Some folks say that tourist season has finally returned to Anna Maria Island to make vacation-rental owners, restaurateurs and boutique owners happy. I say, “Whoa.”

It doesn’t feel like the same sort of super-busy, jammed up, long lines for nearly everything kind of season to me.

We used to see people with four grocery carts, slam full, shopping at Publix before dropping everything and everyone in their group at the mega-bedroom vacation rental.

There used to be so many people on the Anna Maria City Pier back in the day when the pier had a “real” restaurant that the people waiting on the deck for a table or take-out were crowding the people who were trying to cast their lines.

There were days when the west-bound line from town to get to the island on Manatee Avenue stretched beyond the landmark Shake Pit and carloads of people drove around and around to find a parking space once they got here.

And the line of cabanas on the shoreline stretched as far as the eyes could see.

Sunsets at the beach were crowded.

But not so much this year. Not yet.

But we’re not done yet. Easter arrives April 5 to bring the crescendo of tourist season.

And although April promises to be busy, with lots of vacation bookings across the island, I have doubts it will be the same as the past, when many more residents lived on AMI, and their extended families filled their homes and spent their free time visiting mom-and-pop shops and restaurants.

Those visitors were here to spend time with our friends and neighbors. All were welcome. And all became friends — and many swore to move here.

Somehow, it’s not the same. Along with vacation homes and management agencies striving to achieve maximum occupancy, we have fewer residents.

We have fewer voters, too, which may be the reason WMFR failed to pass the tax they put on the March 10 ballot to raise income and spending.

But here’s a tip for WMFR, if and when they try again. Tell us why you need the money. Demonstrate your specific needs and benefits to the taxpayers.

And for John Di Masi, who, along with other parishioners at St. Bernard, is seeking fairness, honesty and transparency from their church, we say good luck and God bless.

They deserve our respect and support.

— Bonner Joy

OpinionYour

Remembering the jams

I’m writing to let you know how much I enjoyed your editorial on the music scene on the island back in the Seventies. I lived next to the Oar House in a place owned by Capt. Art Bull and spent time there. That was when the post office was across the street and Salt was a German restaurant.

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Q&A The Islander poll

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MARCH 25, 2026 Vol. 34, No. 22

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During the mid-70s, there was also a huge pasture along the Manatee River that was owned by a county commissioner and his son opened it up to music jams every weekend. We went there regularly. Dickie Betts and Tommy Ducette were there sometimes.

Thank you again for that glimpse back in time.

I consider myself a futurist mostly but I really did enjoy that look back. I haven’t heard the Oar House mentioned in years.

All others: info@islander.org

I love the Islander. Please, keep doing what you’re doing.

Peace.

Don Mossman, Holmes Beach

Speeding at the village

We have been visiting Cortez village for more than 10 years. We are proud to own property and support Cortez and fundraisers to keep it the sweet fishing village it is.

There are times vehicles speed well above the limit on Cortez Road at the village right past the 35-mph speed limit sign at 119th Street West.

There is no enforcement of that speed limit. It’s as though there is no speed limit through the village approaching the bridge. There are two RV resorts and neighborhoods on the north side, where pedestrians try to cross Cortez Road with no crosswalk beyond 119th. Obviously, it was for safety concerns the sign was put up.

With the upcoming construction for the bridge, it’s even more critical that traffic slows down in Cortez.

do you usually fool anyone on april 1?

A. Always.

B. I make an effort.

C. No, but I get fooled. To answer the poll, go to islander.org.

Last week’s poll

Should anna Maria create more outdoor seating on the city Pier by opening the enclosed building on the t-end?

• No, keep the building. 44%

• Yes. 42%

• Maybe. 15%

Would occasional enforcement deter speeders? Would traffic cameras checking speed be an incentive to slow down?

Traffic-calming road strips?

Not sure what is the answer for making it safer for pedestrians in Cortez but it should be addressed. Terry and Kathy Baker, Cortez

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Letters should be no more than 250 words and include a name, address and contact phone number. Email to news@islander.org.

Looking back

Building on East Bay … construction takes place in december 1998 for the new island grocery store — a Publix super market — on east Bay drive in holmes Beach.

… and rebuilding on Bridge Street Sorry to say, there was no “Bridge Street Pie cafe.” a construction poster covers the sign for the Bradenton Beach city Pier and cafe in July 1995.

sPRING bREaK continued froM Page 1

break crowd but acknowledged that the MCSO and other local authorities were expecting bigger crowds over the weekend.

In the meantime, he said there have been few issues and zero drownings, including off of Bean Point, where multiple drownings occurred in 2025.

While the MCSO does not station an officer to oversee Bean Point, Warren said that signs have been posted by the city to inform people about the dangers of swimming in the area.

In Holmes Beach, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said March 19 that the week had been moderately busy following a busy March 14-15 weekend.

He said chilly, windy weather the beginning of the week drove away a local crowd, but the weather had no impact on out-of -state visitors, so the beaches remained busy.

Tokajer said his department had additional staffing to cover the week and patrol the beaches to ensure people adhere to the regulations prohibiting alcohol, grills and pets on the beach.

He said HBPD had issued multiple citations for alcohol consumption and arrested a 19-year-old male for underage drinking and providing false identification.

Nevertheless, Tokajer said there had been little trouble otherwise.

“No real issues. Just monitoring, keeping check, making sure everybody remembers that they are vacationing in a residential neighborhood,” he said.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said March 19 that spring break for the city had also been busy but easygoing.

He said the municipality’s shores — especially Coquina Beach — were as crowded for spring break as they were before hurricanes Helene and Milton in fall 2024.

“It’s good for the businesses on the island that the numbers are up because the hurricane took a huge toll on everybody, and I think we’re officially out of that,” Cosby said.

Despite the crowds, Cosby said the BBPD had not had any “real issues” and did not increase staffing or

10-20-30 years ago

From the March 21, 1996, issue

The Manatee County Public Safety Department revealed a “peak demand” plan changing how ambulances would be assigned countywide and likely leading to a reduction in staffing on the island.

• The U.S. Postal Service announced the addition of “Holmes Beach” to home delivery addresses for the 34217 ZIP code. Previously, the official mailing address for home delivery in Holmes Beach was Bradenton Beach.

• Authorities were investigating an oil spill in the waters around Cortez, allegedly caused by drilling for soil samples at a mobile home park.

From the March 22, 2006, issue

• West Manatee Fire Rescue District commissioners announced the planned purchase of a 100-foot ladder truck for the station house in Holmes Beach. The truck was expected to cost about $870,000.

• The state ordered Holmes Beach to clean up contamination at the Tidemark Boat Basin on Marina Drive. Years earlier, fuel from tanks at a nearby service station seeped into the drainage system, which discharged into the basin.

From the March 23, 2016, issue

• Florida Department of Transportation officials announced that a planned barrier island traffic study could be delayed for five years.

• Comedian Chelsea Handler interviewed Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon for an episode of her Netfl ix series, discussing his tie-breaking card draw that won the 2015 election.

— Lisa neff

The Islander is archived at www.ufdc.ufl.edu.

Beachgoers crowd the shoreline March 18 at Manatee Public Beach over spring break.

adjust patrols.

Manatee county Beach Patrol lifeguards Josh Mccarthy, front, and Mike Patterson, rear, look over the shoreline March 18 from the watchtower at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 gulf drive, holmes Beach. islander Photos: Bonner Joy

He said there would be additional staffing to cover the weekend, which was expected to be warmer and busier.

Chet Brown, division chief for Manatee County Beach Patrol and Aquatic Safety, said March 20 that spring break was going swimmingly.

The MCBP provides lifeguard services at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

“Things are going really well,” he said. “For the most part, everyone has understood what the rules of the park and the beach are, so we haven’t had a lot of issues with some of the typical spring break issues that we’re kind of used to.”

Brown credited some of that success to the MCBP’s efforts to educate the public on safety issues and beach rules.

He added that the MCBP increases staff to tighten up lifeguard coverage over break.

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Thursday, March 26

10:30 a.m. — Tingley Memorial Library Florida Author Book Club, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-779-1208.

Saturday, March 28

2 p.m. — Suncoast Blues Concert, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Sunday, March 29

7:30 p.m. — Songwriters in the Round, Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: https://mikesales. ticketspice.com/island-players-songwriter-series.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Through March 29, Island Players present “Second Time Around,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: www. theislandplayers.org, 941-778-5755.

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

• Throughout March, Artists Guild Gallery exhibit by Candace Bennington, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

OFF AMI

Saturday, March 28

11 a.m.-7 p.m. — BAM!Fest, RiverWalk, Bradenton. Info: realizebradenton.com.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.

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

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

• Through April 19, Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., “Living History,” De Soto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. 941-792-0458.

• Through June, Florida Maritime Museum “Vacationing in Cortez” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through Aug. 23, “In the Flesh: The Nude in Modern Japan,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• April 3-4, Anna Maria Island Art League Young At Art Festival, Anna Maria.

• April 9-19, Manatee Players’ “And Then There Were None,” Bradenton.

Ringling opens new Japanese exhibit the John and Mable ringling Museum of art in Sarasota is pulling back the curtain with its latest exhibition, “in the flesh: the nude in Modern Japan,” on view through aug. 23 in the charles and robyn citrin gallery. the show traces how Japanese artists reimagined the nude across the 20th century, the ringling is at 5401 Bay Shore road. for more, call 941-3595700 or go to ringling.org. islander courtesy Photo

• April 18, De Soto National Memorial’s Food Truck Saturdays, Bradenton.

• April 23, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park series, Bradenton.

• April 23-May 3, Manatee Players’ “Big Fish,” Bradenton.

• May 7-17, Island Players “The Outsider,” Anna Maria. KIDS & FAMILY

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

• April 4, Center Easter Egg Hunt, Anna Maria.

• April 24, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria.

• April 25, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

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

Wednesday, March 25

5 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center Community Dinner/ Fish Fry, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: 513368-6454.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Thursdays through March, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 513368-6454‬.

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

• Most Fridays, 1 p.m., bridge, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-3390.

• First and third Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island luncheons, the Beach House patio, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: amirotary.org.

• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-730-

SAVE THE DATES

• April 11, Pace Center Lucky Ducky Race, Bradenton.

• April 11, Center Beach Cleanup, Anna Maria.

• April 18, AME Gala, Anna Maria.

MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Tuesdays, through April, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941- 778-1908.

• Tuesdays, through season, 10 a.m. until sellout, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Settler’s Bread sales, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: amihs.org, 941-778-0492.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet Thrift Store at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638.

• Most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

• Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Longboat Island Chapel’s Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-4738.

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

• April 10, Night Market in City Center, Holmes Beach.

• April 18, Herrig Center Snatch It Up, Bradenton. SPORTS & FITNESS

SAVE THE DATES

• April 2, Bradenton Marauders season begins.

• May 8, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

• May 9, Rotary Fishing Tournament, Cortez. OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• June 26-28, Full Send Fishing Tournament, Anna Maria. CALENDAR NOTES

MARK THE DATES

• April 1, April Fool’s Day.

• April 3, Good Friday.

• April 5, Easter.

• April 22, Earth Day.

• May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

• May 10, Mother’s Day.

• May 15, Armed Forces Day.

• May 25, Memorial Day.

Tingley book club to discuss Florida classic

Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach will host a Florida Author Book Club discussion of Patrick D. Smith’s “A Land Remembered” at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26.

The novel follows the fictional MacIvey family across three generations, from 1858 to 1968, tracing their journey from struggling pioneers to wealthy landowners amid the Florida wilderness.

To register, call 941-779-1208 or email bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

Tingley is at 111 Second St. N.

Art League brings kids’ creativity to

AMI businesses

Young artists from across Manatee County are getting their moment in the spotlight.

As part of the Anna Maria Island Art League’s Young at Art festival, student artwork is on display at select AMI businesses, including:

• Anna Maria: AMI Outfitters, Beach Bums and Olive Oil Outpost;

• Bradenton Beach: Bridge Walk Resort, Tortuga Inn;

• Holmes Beach: City hall, AMI Beach Dog & Supply, Domino’s Pizza, Island Fresh, Island Therapeutics, Kiwi Fish and Chips, LaPensee Plumbing, Paradise Cafe, Pizzano’s Pizza, Salon Salon, Salty Beaches, Scott’s Deli, Sun ‘N’ Surf, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen and Vintage Beach.

The festival celebrates student creativity from schools countywide, with the main event running April 3-4 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Awards will be presented at noon Saturday, April 4, at the center.

AMIAL also will present a greeting card class for kids at the center Saturday, March 28, and a Wabi Sabi art class Thursday, April 9, for adults.

For more information, visit islandartleague.org or contact Katy Demick at 941-524-5769.

Celebrating mud, mangroves and science at Robinson

Young naturalists are invited to trade their textbooks for mud gear as Robinson Preserve hosts “Mucking Around in the Mangroves” at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 31.

The homeschool program in Robinson Preserve takes participants on a mile hike through Perico Bayou, where they’ll search for coastal wildlife tucked into the muck and conduct field experiments testing soil and water quality — no lab coat required, but a change of clothes might be wise.

The hands-on adventure is part of a growing effort to connect local kids with the coastal ecosystems in their backyard. Suitable for ages 10 and up, the program gives young explorers direct, muddy contact with the kind of science that can’t be replicated in a classroom.

Mud-friendly clothing and closed-toed shoes or boots are required. Space is limited and reservations are required.

For more information, contact Cierra Nelson at cierra.nelson@mymanatee.org or register at events. humanitix.com/mucking-around-the-mangroves.

Island happenings

Songwriters to take Players stage the island Players theater is staging a Songwriters in the round performance Sunday, March 29. the show begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. the event will feature music performed by singer-songwriters dean Johanesen, emily roff and Mike Sales, an islander contributor. tickets are $12 general admission, $16 preferred seating and $20 premium seating. the theater is at 10009 gulf drive, anna Maria. for tickets or information, go to mikesales.ticketspice.com/island-players-songwriterseries. islander courtesy Photo

Pillsbury Mound tour set

A sand mound that has stood since 400 A.D. doesn’t get nearly enough attention — and Manatee County is looking to change that.

In honor of Manatee Heritage Month, Robinson Preserve is offering a guided walking tour of the Pillsbury Mound at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 28.

The little-known site served as a temple and burial ground for the indigenous people of the region and remains one of the area’s most quietly significant historical landmarks.

The tour is a chance for people to step off the beach and onto ground that tells a story of an older life on local shores — one that predates the earliest European contact by more than a millennium.

The group will meet at Robinson Preserve’s North Parking Lot, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, before traveling together to the historic site. Spaces are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.

For more information, contact Aedan Stockdale at aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or register at events. humanitix.com/sneak-peek-tour-pillsbury-mound.

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Annie Silver serving supper

Members of the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, are preparing a Wednesday night feast.

The center volunteers will host a community supper at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, serving a fish fry, with sides and desserts.

For more information, call 513-368-6454.

Blues society at Island Library

The Island Library is trading hushed tones for guitar riffs Saturday, March 28, when the Suncoast Blues Society presents a free afternoon concert at 2 p.m.

The Tampa Bay-based society has made it its mission to keep the blues alive — preserving the genre’s history and traditions, championing local musicians and passing the music down to the next generation of fans.

The Friends of the Library is sponsoring the show.

The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more info, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is gathering most weeks at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The club will hear from a representative from Manatee Children’s Services March 28, as well as prepare for the annual sunrise service on Easter Sunday.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-730-0016.

BAM!Fest returns to Riverwalk

Realize Bradenton is bringing its Bradenton Art & Music Festival back to the downtown Riverwalk 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, March 28 — and admission is free.

Now in its second year, BAM!Fest packs the Riverwalk with live music across multiple stages, largescale art created on the spot, chalk art demonstrations, a spring pop-up market and family-friendly mayhem — stilt walkers and jugglers.

The Riverwalk is along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton and the arts district.

More at realizebradenton.com or 941-301-8445.

Gathering By Lisa Neff

Kiwanis readies 61st annual Easter Sunrise Service

When the first light of Easter morning illuminates the white sands at the Manatee County Public Beach, worshippers will be gathered there for the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s 61st annual Easter Sunrise Service.

The service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 5, at the beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Between 1,200 and 2,000 attendees are expected on the sand for the interdenominational service — one of AMI’s longest-running communal traditions.

This year’s program features a sermon by the Rev. Lee Miller of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Scripture readings by a representative from St. Bernard Catholic Church, an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Dr. Dirk Rodgers of Roser Memorial Community Church and an offertory by the Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church. Morgan Bryant will provide musical accompaniment. New this year: a bagpiper will close the service.

Offerings will be divided among island churches, the Kiwanis Club’s SCF Key Club Scholarship program and other community initiatives.

Trolley service begins at 6 a.m. and the Anna Maria Beach Cafe will open at 6:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.

Online donations and the service program are at kiwanisami.com.

For more, contact club secretary Sandy HaasMartens at 941-778-1383.

Church postpones crafts show

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation has canceled the art show and sale planned for Saturday, April 11.

The event at the church, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, was postponed indefinitely on March 16. For information, contact show coordinator Judy Barnes at 517-648-8885.

edita urbon, roser church’s director of music ministry. roser, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria, will present its Palm Sunday cantata at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. March 29, featuring a choir and chamber quartet directed by urbon. islander courtesy Photo

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

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

• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-0414.

• Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers. Info: 608-4440084.

• AMI Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for storage. Info: amiprivateers.org.

• Cortez Village Historical Society seeks volunteers. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.

• Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, seeks volunteers to lend books. Info: 941-779-1208.

• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

— Lisa neff

With Us at Our Church Sunday Ser vice 10 : 00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor Visitors & Residents Welcome

“YOU ARE THE C HRIST ”

Churches observe Holy Week

The Christian Holy Week begins March 29. Several local churches have announced their observances, as well as for Easter Sunday.

In Anna Maria, Roser Memorial Community Church will observe Palm Sunday, March 29, with services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as hold services at 7 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, April 2, and noon on Good Friday, April 3.

Roser’s services on Easter, April 5, will be held in the sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. and at the outdoor stage at 10 a.m.

The church is at 512 Pine Ave.

For more information, call 941-778-0414.

In Bradenton Beach, Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, will hold an Easter Sunday service at 9:15 a.m.

For more, call 941-779-1912.

In Holmes Beach, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe the Feast of the Annunciation with Communion, followed by a soup supper, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.

Palm Sunday worship will be at 9:15 a.m.

The Maundy Thursday observance will be at 5 p.m.

Good Friday’s observance includes Stations of the Cross at 5 p.m.

Easter Sunday includes worship at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., with both followed by coffee hour.

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Good Friday at 7 p.m. and celebrate on Easter with a service at 9 a.m. For more, call 941-778-0719.

On Longboat Key, Christ Church of Longboat Key will observe Palm Sunday at 10 a.m. with a Palm Sunday Cantata, Maundy Thursday with a supper and worship at 6 p.m., Good Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Easter Sunday at 10 a.m.

The church is at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. For more information, call 941-383-8833.

The Longboat Island Chapel will observe Palm Sunday with a service at 10 a.m., Good Friday at 6 p.m. and there will be two Easter Sunday services — one at 7 a.m. in the garden and one at 10 a.m. with an orchestra in the sanctuary.

The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. For more information, call 941-383-6491.

At your service

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

Composed by Lloyd Larson, this is a moving and personal Cantata of Peter’s re ections on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Our Chancel Choir and guest orchestra will present this magni cent musical work during our regular Sunday Service. Visitors and Residents Welcome

Community center halves peak deficit for fiscal 2025-26

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island is halfway out of the financial hole it dug for itself.

The community center was $156,485.82 in the red through January following consecutive negative months to start fiscal 2025-26, according to a report.

The fiscal year began July 1, 2025, and started off with three consecutive negative months. By the end of the first quarter, the nonprofit was $322,351.98 in the red.

October 2025 was the center’s first positive month, netting the nonprofit $34,407.15, but was followed by a $62,910 loss in November 2025, bringing the deficit to a peak of $350,854.83.

December 2025 began to right the ship with $132,210.66 in net income due to an explosion of fundraising revenue on the back of a loaded event schedule.

In January, fundraising efforts once again led to a boon.

The center finished the month with $62,158.35 in net income — the second-best mark of the year — almost entirely due to fundraising.

While $76,817.43 in program income was balanced out by $77,764.69 in general and administrative costs — a $947.26 loss from operations — the $187,646.30 of fundraising revenue nearly doubled the $96,032.39 in fundraising costs.

The resulting $91,613.91 in fundraising revenue was more than enough to make up for the loss from operations and $28,508.30 in capital expenses for the month.

Nevertheless, fundraising has been weaker than expected so far this year.

The nonprofit has collected $776,261 in fundraising revenue over the first seven months of fiscal 2025-26.

That number is $297,585 short of the $1,073,846 the center collected in fundraising revenue over the

same period in fiscal 2024-25, and $273,309 less than the nonprofit budgeted.

Meanwhile, the center’s $389,218 in fundraising expenses through January are $190,255 less than it budgeted to spend, which has helped even the playing field.

Executive director Christopher Culhane wrote in a March 6 email to The Islander that the center’s Murder Mystery theater would “dramatically boost fundraising revenue” since both the March 6 and March 7 shows sold out.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit’s programming numbers have held strong throughout the year.

Overall, the center has recorded $595,551 in program revenue, 8.7% more than budgeted, and spent $9,812, or 2.8%, less on program costs than budgeted.

That results in $259,013 in program income through January, a 28.5% increase over the budget.

Moving forward, the nonprofit has a slate of events ahead that may help it further reduce the deficit.

The center will host bingo nights 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 20, and Friday, April 24, a wine tasting at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and the Full-Send Fishing Tournament memorializing the late Capt. Jason Stock June 26-28.

the cast of the center of anna Maria island’s 2026 Murder Mystery theater pose during the March 6 presentation of “the final Vow.” islander Photos: courtesy cofaMi

BeLoW: Some audience members dressed in wedding attire for the community center’s Murder Mystery production of “the final Vow.”

Krista carpenter and Madeline Bayard of Bradenton Beachbased Wildlife inc. discuss with festivalgoers the rescue and rehab of a kestrel, a tortoise and a turtle.

HBPD arrests Bradenton man for possessing cocaine

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Nicholas Smith, 38, March 16 on a third-degree felony for alleged cocaine possession, a first-degree misdemeanor for possession of drug equipment and a second-degree misdemeanor for attaching an unassigned license plate to his vehicle.

An HBPD officer observed a traffic violation in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue, ran the vehicle’s plate and found it was unassigned, prompting a traffic stop.

Smith told the officer he received the tag from a friend due to title issues.

During a search, police found two plastic bags containing a white substance that field-tested positive for cocaine and also an unprescribed generic Adderall pill.

Smith claimed the pill belonged to a friend.

Smith was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for medical clearance before being taken to Manatee County jail, where he remained under a $3,150 bond as of March 18.

His arraignment is scheduled for May 1 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

Port Charlotte man arrested for DUI on an e-bike

Holmes Beach police arrested Port Charlotte resident Christian Cornell, 45, March 11 on a seconddegree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer saw Cornell riding an electronic bicycle at about 20 mph in the 3000 block of Gulf Drive around 3 a.m. The officer observed Cornell cross into an opposing travel lane and nearly lose balance while swerving side to side.

During a traffi c stop, the offi cer noted Cornell displayed signs of impairment. Cornell refused field

sobriety exercises and also refused to provide breath samples after his arrest.

He was transported to HCA Florida North River Ranch Emergency Room for medical clearance, then to the Manatee County jail. He was released the same day after posting $750 bond.

If convicted, punishment includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fi ne of up to $500.

A court appearance is set for April 16.

— ryan Paice

Felony charges dropped against Bradenton man

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A pair of third-degree felony charges didn’t stick in the case against William Boswink, 44, of Bradenton, who was arrested in front of his son last November in Holmes Beach.

Boswink was pulled over by a Holmes Beach police officer on Nov. 4, 2025, for driving with a suspended license. It was Boswink’s second offense for the same violation, so the officer arrested him.

During the traffi c stop, Boswink became “agitated,” according to a police report. An officer grabbed him and tried to pull him from the vehicle, at which point the man allegedly tried to swat and push the officer away.

An officer drew his Taser and ordered Boswink to get on the ground. He complied and, when backup arrived, he was arrested.

Boswink was originally charged with two thirddegree felony charges for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.

He also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for a second offense of driving with a sus-

pended license.

However, the state attorney’s office issued a notice March 2 that it was dropping the felony charge for battery on an LEO and reducing the other felony charge to a first-degree misdemeanor for resisting an officer without violence.

The misdemeanor charge for driving with a suspended license remains.

Traffic stop leads to DUI arrest

The Bradenton Beach Police Department arrested Brett Andrew Williams, 59, of Sarasota, March 8 on suspicion of driving under the influence.

While patrolling at 3:21 a.m. in the 100 block of Gulf Drive North, an officer saw a vehicle make a wide turn and cross the center line multiple times.

The BBPD conducted a traffic stop, and found the driver, Williams, smelled strongly of alcohol and had watery, bloodshot eyes.

He refused sobriety exercises and was arrested. He was booked into the Manatee County jail and released later that day on a $1,000 bond.

— robert anderson

Streetlife

Island police reports

By robert anderson and ryan Paice

Streetlife is based on incident reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments.

Anna Maria

March 6, 300 block of North Shore Drive, fraud. The MCSO responded to a report of fraud from a complainant who said payee information on a mailed check was altered before being cashed.

Bradenton Beach

March 12, 200 block of First Street North, found property. Cleaning staff in a rental unit found plastic bags containing suspected heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia. The BBPD collected the items for destruction.

Cortez

March 4, 4300 block of 123rd Street West, assault. The MCSO received a report in which a woman stated she was struck by her roommate the previous day. No contact was made with the alleged attacker at the time of the report.

Holmes Beach

March 10, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, underage alcohol/fake ID. HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer was patrolling the beach and found a group, including minors, with alcohol. An HBPD officer arrested one 19-year-old for a fake ID and underage drinking. He was transported to the Manatee County jail.

March 16, Island Shopping Center, 5400 Marina Drive, trespassing. An officer found a man sleeping around 4:03 a.m. on the backside of the plaza, despite being recently trespassed from the same property. The officer issued a court summons.

March 16, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, camping. An officer found a man sleeping near the beach cafe around 4:47 a.m., while the park was closed and the gates were locked. The officer recognized the man from a previous encounter, woke him and informed him he could not camp within city limits. The officer offered the man a ride to a homeless shelter, but he refused. The officer issued a court summons to the man, who left the area without issue.

Call 911 in an emergency.

Kitty

and vintage markets!

Tiki & Kitty’s

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

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

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

In the coming week, Blue Flamingo will have

Vintage Furniture, Decor, Artwork

Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! Featuring “The Sea Hagg” collection. theblueflamingo.biz

clearance tables throughout the store, including a $1 table and, on April 12, the outdoor Vintage Flea Market, formerly of Anna Maria, returns to Blue Flamingo.

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

FYI: Scavengers carries Fusion Paints.

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

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

Bradenton man arrested on drug charges

A Bradenton man was arrested March 19 after a traffic stop in Bradenton Beach led to the alleged discovery of marijuana, cocaine and more than $4,000 in cash, according to police and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office records.

Abed Joan Lopez-Reyes, 32, faces felony charges of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of cocaine.

The traffic stop for window tint occurred in the 1800 block of Gulf Drive North.

Police searched the vehicle and reported finding 653 grams of marijuana in a backpack in the rear passenger area, grams of cocaine near the center console and $4,052 in cash in the vehicle and on LopezReyes.

Lopez-Reyes was arrested and taken to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto. He was released March 20 on $7,500 bond.

As of March 20, no arraignment or trial date had been scheduled.

— robert anderson

Lawsuit prompts BB subpoena

Bradenton Beach responded to a subpoena in a suit involving former building official Darin Cushing.

City clerk Terri Sanclemente said during a March 19 city meeting that Cushing sued his former employer, SAFEbuilt, which provides contracted services to municipalities. Cushing was suspended by the city in 2025 and later terminated by SAFEbuilt/M.T. Causley, which had provided building services to the city.

Sanclemente provided records to city attorney Erica Augello for review, including recordings and other city documents.

— robert anderson

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project is underway at the bridge, requiring temporary lane closures. Info: www.amiprojects.io, 941-3064660, info@amiprojects.io.

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

Gulf Drive/State Road 789: The Florida Department of Transportation is milling and resurfacing Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1. Motorists can expect single-lane closures overnight. Info: swflroads.com/project/451021-1.

Cortez Bridge: Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge. Pipe installation work is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-306-4660, info@amiprojects. io, amiprojects.io.

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

Did you know? Cameras, including across Manatee County, show traffic conditions at www.smarttrafficinfo.org.

— Lisa neff

Fuel spike squeezes Cortez fishers, nudges seafood prices higher

By robert anderson islander reporter

A sharp rise in fuel prices is cutting into Cortez fishers’ earnings and is beginning to ripple through seafood markets and restaurant menus.

Fuel prices have risen with the United States war against Iran. Fears of supply disruptions have pushed crude oil prices higher, affecting diesel for fi shing fleets and also gasoline, air travel, shipping costs and everyday consumer goods.

Karen Bell, who operates AP Bell Fish Co., a Cortez-based wholesale seafood business, as well as the Star Fish Co. and Tide Tables restaurants, said diesel prices for her fleet surged in recent weeks, increasing by more than $1 per gallon between deliveries.

“We were paying around $3.25, $3.29,” Bell said. “Now it’s up around $4.75. That’s a huge jump in a very short amount of time.”

Fuel is one of the largest expenses for offshore fishing vessels, many of which burn hundreds or even thousands of gallons per trip. Bell said her operation purchases 7,000-7,500 gallons of diesel to supply its fleet every 10-14 days.

For some boats, especially those targeting distant species like swordfish, the cost is even steeper.

“He needs 3,000 gallons,” Bell said of one captain preparing for a trip. “That’s a lot more at nearly $5 than it was just weeks ago.”

The cost increases are hitting captains and crews directly. Under the common-share system used in commercial fi shing, crews receive a percentage of the catch’s value after expenses, including fuel, are deducted. As fuel costs rise, take-home pay shrinks.

“When they come back, those expenses are deducted from their share,” Bell said. “So higher fuel costs mean less money in their pockets.”

Bell said her business covers part of the fuel costs for its fleet, but the burden still falls heavily on crews.

Bell said rising costs are starting to move through the supply chain, with wholesale buyers and restaurants likely to see increases first, followed by retail customers.

“If I move the price up a quarter per pound at the dock, that can turn into about 50 cents a pound by the time it’s filleted and sold,” she said.

Restaurants may delay price changes due to menu printing costs and existing margins, but Bell said

Trolley around AMI

Manatee County Area Transit’s island trolley operates most days 6 a.m.-10:45 p.m. between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. Riders will find buses to the mainland at the Coquina and Manatee Public beach hubs.

There is no fare on the trolley or the mainland routes. For more, go to mymanatee.org/mcat.

increases are likely if fuel costs remain high.

“At some point, menus will be updated,” she said. “Labor’s already higher than it’s ever been, and now fuel’s going up too.”

For consumers, the impact may initially appear modest, measured in cents per pound, but Bell warned that continued increases could compound.

Compounding the issue is a limited supply of certain fish, particularly grouper, one of the region’s most sought-after species.

“I don’t have enough grouper,” Bell said. “They’re just not biting like they normally do.”

She said fishermen are also dealing with predation, where sharks and dolphins steal fish from lines, further reducing catch totals.

Rising fuel costs and thinner catches of high-demand species like grouper are tightening pressure on both ends of the industry.

“It’s high season and demand is strong,” Bell said. “But supply is tight, and expenses are up.”

Bell said the fuel spike is part of a larger trend affecting businesses and households alike.

“I’m sure the public’s starting to feel it, from gasoline to groceries,” she said. “It just tightens everything up.”

“This eventually hits everybody,” Bell said.

Back to School? Time for a checkup! KidS

Center football heads to playoffs, KRC hosts club tournaments

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander reporter

The regular season of the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island concluded and playoffs are underway.

cassidy

Four teams were matched up March 19 for a chance to make it into the final eight. No. 8 Sandbar Restaurant defeated No. 9 seed Beach House Real Estate 33-32 to advance to a quarterfinal matchup with No. 1 seed, The Fish Guy Aquarium Services, while No. 7 Solid Rock Construction advanced to face No. 2 Reel Coastal Properties after a 27-21 victory over No. 10 Slim’s Place.

Quarterfinal action kicked off March 20 with No. 6 Edible Cookie Dough Cafe earning a 42-33 upset victory over No. 3 Coaster Continent behind five touchdown passes from Dallas Buchholtz, including a pair to Steven Pavina. Roman Shirley, Carter Sibley and Kiatrell Zachery added touchdowns for Edible Cookie Dough Cafe.

Matt Manger threw four touchdown passes and ran for another to lead Coaster Continent, which also received two touchdowns each from Timothy Holly and Anthony Mannino in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Reel Coastal Properties outscore Solid Rock Construction 48-40 thanks to six touchdown passes from quarterback Chase Richardson. Zack Stube added a touchdown pass to go along with three TD grabs and five extrapoint catches. Connor Ludwig finished with three TD catches and Evelyn Long added one in the victory.

Ryan Moss threw four TD passes and ran for another for Moss Builders, which also received two TD catches from James Roadman and single TDs from Audrey Guess, Logan Heath and Caleb Arendt in the loss.

The Fish Guy cruised to a 28-6 victory over Sandbar in the third game of the night. Cruz Rodriguez threw three touchdown passes and added a pair of

Indoor soccer action

With one week remaining in the adult indoor soccer league at the center, Pool America, with a 5-2 record, has a slight lead on second-place Sato Real Estate at 4-2-2. Slim’s Place holds down third with a 3-3-1 record, while Solid Rock Construction at 2-4-1 and Salty Printing at 1-4-2 complete the standings.

Action kicked off March 19 with Pool America solidifying a hold on first place with a 16-8 victory over Sato behind seven goals from Daniel Hampton and five goals from Christopher Klotz. Gerardo Urbiola and Ethan Hampton each added two goals, while Keith Mahoney helped preserve the victory with 12 saves.

Josh Sato had a busy day for Sato Real Estate, scoring a team-high four goals, while also notching 12 saves in goal. Chaz Heller and Marcelo Rubio each scored to complete the scoring in the loss.

The second game of the evening was a shootout as Slim’s Place held on for a 17-16 victory over Salty Printing. Kali Richards scored six goals and Ted Hurst added five goals to lead Slim’s, which also received four goals from Joseph Ciasullo and two goals from Edwin Pichardo in the victory.

interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown. Rodriguez threw two touchdown passes to Chris Johnson, while Jacci Allen added a TD and an extra point in the victory.

Dominick Otteni threw a touchdown pass to David Lopez for Sandbar in the loss.

No. 4 Salty Printing defeated No. 5 Moss Air 20-7 behind three TD passes from Miguel Rodriguez. Connor Morse had a pair of touchdown catches and Jairis Gomez added a TD and an extra point in the victory.

Jonathan Moss threw a touchdown pass to Bobby Anderson and an extra point to Greg Moss for Moss AC in the loss.

Semifinal action kicks off March 26 with The Fish Guy squaring off against Salty Printing at 7 p.m., followed by Edible Cafe taking on Reel Coastal Properties at 8 p.m.

Joey Hutchinson scored a game-high eight goals and Tyler Brewer added four goals for Salty, which also received two goals from Kevin Roman and a goal and 13 saves from goalie Steve Oelfke in the loss.

Regular season action concludes March 26 with the playoffs on the calendar starting April 2.

Key Royale golf news

It’s tournament season at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach with the men’s 2026 handicap matchplay tournament and the member-member, better ball tournament completed this past week.

Forty-four Key Royale Club golfers began the annual men’s handicap match-play tournament in February. Following six rounds of match-play golf, the championship came down March 14 to Bruce Chris-

Shore-based shark fishing has limits in Florida

People planning to fish from shore for sharks should know there are rules.

People must pass an online educational course available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, myfwc.com/sharkcourse

The next step, according to the FWC, is to get a free shore-based shark-fishing permit, which must be renewed annually.

The permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers 16 and older.

The permit also is required to fish from shore for any species of fish and you plan to:

• Fish with a metal leader more than 4 feet long,

• Use a fighting belt/harness, or

• Deploy bait by any means other than casting while using a hook that is 1 1/2 inches or larger at the widest inside distance.

Shark anglers younger than 16 are not required to obtain the permit but are required to take the online course unless fishing with someone who holds a shorebased shark fishing permit.

Sharks with no minimum size limit include the Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, blacktip, bonnethead, finetooth, smooth dogfish, Florida smoothhound and Gulf smoothhound.

Sharks with a minimum 54-inch fork length can be targeted, including bull, nurse, spinner, blue, porbeagle and common thresher.

sports FroM Page 16

tenson versus Tom Solosky.

Solosky prevailed on a 3-and-2 score, up three holes with two holes to play to become the KRC 2026 men’s handicap match-play champion.

On March 18, 68 golfers played in the annual member-member, two-man handicap better-ball tournament over 18 holes.

In a two-hole playoff, the team of Tim Friesen and Solosky edged Bob Blaser and Tony Donnelly to become the 2026 Key Royale Club champions.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet with two outright winners.

The March 18 games saw Bob Lee and Tom Farrington post the lone 3-0 record in pool play, while the March 21 games saw Tim Sofran and Dom Livedoti do the same.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at Anna Maria City Hall. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and all are welcome. Share sports news at news@islander.org

All other sharks are prohibited, per the FWC.

Gear Requirements

Hook and line only. Harvest is prohibited by or with the use of a treble hook or any other multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait.

Non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required when targeting or harvesting sharks when using live or dead natural bait and when fishing from shore and from a vessel.

The possession/use of a device capable of cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks is required from shore or a vessel.

Landing requirements

All sharks retained must remain in whole condition with heads, tails and fins attached. Gilling and evisceration at a fishing location is allowed. Chumming is prohibited or any species from the beach.

Prohibited species

Many species of sharks are prohibited from harvest, possession or landing.

Prohibited shark species must remain in the water with the gills submerged when fishing from shore or from a vessel. Prohibited sharks must be released without delay.

Anglers may not bring prohibited sharks onto a

Still going strong at 96

Tennis is called “the sport of a lifetime” and Al Cirulli is living proof that it is. The 96-year-old plays tennis regularly at the Holmes Beach public tennis courts at 6200 Flotilla Drive and he’s still refining his game.

Cirulli was practicing his serves, forehands and backhands March 12, two courts down from me. I was playing with friend Dave Wischerath, who walked over to retrieve a shanked shot and a few seconds of small talk revealed Cirulli’s age. He’d started playing at 8-9:30 a.m. on the courts with friends and then stayed for another hour with his ball basket, working on perfecting his shots.

He plays “almost every morning” at the courts with friends “who let me play with them.”

Later a conversation with the Yonkers, New York, snowbird revealed he started playing tennis in his 40s — without coaching or lessons — and he is still going strong 50 years later.

“I like the activity of hitting balls and moving around the court,” said Cirulli. Still trying to get better, he started tinkering with a different racket. He prefers the lighter feel of a Head Tsi6 than his Wilson Sledgehammer 2.8.

Does Cirulli have a favorite player? “Roger Federer. He can do everything, attack, volley, play

a spinner shark, estimated at about 3 feet in length and prohibited from harvest, was left dead March 10 on the beach near 27th street North in holmes Beach by an unknown angler who apparently was fishing illegally. Islander Photo: courtesy Vic caserta

Shark survival: Why it’s important sharks are apex predators that play an important role in marine ecosystems. releasing sharks in a way that increases their chance of survival is an important step toward achieving and maintaining healthy, sustainable shark populations.

boat, pier or bridge or onto dry land beyond the surf. Also, if hook removal will delay release, cut the hook or leader as close to the hook as possible. Always treat unknown catches as a prohibited species and release them.

offense, defense. He was my idol.”

After nearly three hours on the court, the lefthander stayed to hit some balls with Wischerath and me. He also invited us to hit again another morning.

“I’m here almost every morning,” he said before departing.

Head to the courts and check out the moves of this 96-year-old tennis player. It’s just one of the awesome sights you can see in our island paradise.

— Mark scoop Malinowski

Springtime fishing heats up nicely after ‘last’ cold front

By capt. Danny stasny Islander reporter

The last cold front of the season should be in the rearview mirror.

The recent cold front did all but shut down the bite for most anglers due to a drastic drop in water temperatures and strong northeast winds causing rough conditions. But now that it has passed, it’s time to get out on the flats and get to work — or play.

Snook are staging on the flats as they await bait schools so they can pack on the pounds lost over the winter.

Spotted seatrout are following suit as they are being found on the deeper grass flats near the passes and in Sarasota Bay.

Larger trout are being found in shallow areas where they compete with snook and redfish for a meal. Casting live shiners as bait works well to target these species although using soft plastics over the deeper flats is proving effective for targeting trout. Redfish are being caught frequently and casting shiners or shrimp around deep-water docks is attracting fish of all sizes.

Fishing mangrove shorelines, especially where

chase stevens, a junior at Babson college in Wellesley, Massachusetts, spent spring break on aMI and caught his first-ever snook on a fly rod March 12 on the flats at the south end of aMI. stevens was using a white bait fish-fly pattern on an 8-weight fly rod. he was guided by his grandfather, Dick stevens, a longtime resident and fly fisherman of holmes Beach. The fish was released.

oyster bars exist, also works to find the reds.

Along the beaches and in Tampa Bay, schools of Spanish mackerel are popping up. Look for the bait schools and you’ll find the macks.

Fishing around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge fishing piers is a good bet as bait schools are thick there.

While fishing structure in the Gulf for mackerel, don’t forget to have a heavy rod ready for cobia, which will be frequenting the nearshore reefs and wrecks.

You may want to bring some live shrimp, too, because there are still a few sheepshead to be had around the reefs. Mangrove snapper and Key West grunts also can be found in these areas.

On my Just Reel charters, I’ve got to admit that fishing during the last cold front was a reality check. Although with rising temperatures and less wind, springtime fishing is back on the upward swing.

Flats fishing for snook is going well along mangrove shorelines from southern Tampa Bay through Sarasota Bay. I’m also seeing quite a few redfish in the mix, especially where oyster bars exist.

Targeting spotted seatrout in Sarasota Bay is proving to be good when waters are clear and calm. Larger

Brian house, vacationing with family on anna Maria Island for more than 20 years from hilliard, ohio, shows off the 34-inch snook he caught using an 8-inch live whiting for bait March 15 off the 56th street beach in holmes Beach. house said, “This is by far his biggest snook ever.” The over-slot snook was released.

fish are being caught in the shallow flats, while smaller trout are in good numbers over the deep flats. I’m also seeing ladyfish mixed in over the deep flats.

On the beaches and in the passes, casting shrimptipped jigs is yielding a few pompano, although I am not yet seeing any rallies.

Capt. David White says thanks to the recent cold front, he’s still catching a fair amount of sheepshead while using shrimp as bait. Casting around structure, such as docks, rock piles and oyster bars is leading to numerous sheepies as they finish their spawning season.

Moving to the flats, White is casting live shiners as bait, which works well on snook and redfish. Both species are responding to free-lined baits when cast along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars.

Spotted seatrout are being caught on the live shiners. White says drifting over deep grass flats or in deep-water canals, is yielding keeper-size trout, as well as some fish exceeding the maximum limit of 19 inches.

Send photos and fishing reports to fish@islander. org.

aBoVe: The Tompkins family shows off a snook March 18 with capt. Kasey Nelson of anna Maria charters. “Props to Kasey,” said aMI charters owner laura King for being able to get bait. leFT: Timothy snyder of raleigh, North carolina, shows off a snook he caught and released March 18. he was guided by capt. Brady Nelson — Kasey’s dad — also of anna Maria charters.

By Lisa Neff

Fish farm back before EPA

A federal environmental appeals board has handed a partial victory to wildlife advocates challenging a proposed fish farm offshore of Sarasota, ordering regulators to take a harder look at whether the facility would release harmful microplastics and pathogens into Gulf waters.

The Environmental Appeals Board ruled in February that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency failed to adequately analyze those two specific risks before approving a modified operating permit for Ocean Era’s Velella Epsilon project, a pilot-scale aquaculture facility proposed for federal waters roughly 45 miles southwest of Sarasota.

The board remanded the permitting decision back to EPA Region 4 for further review.

The ruling does not kill the project, but it does require the agency to either better justify its earlier conclusions or revise them — a process that opponents of the project say may ultimately expose deeper flaws in the permit.

“This is terrific news in our fight against destructive offshore aquaculture,” said Jennifer Best, wildlife law program director for Friends of Animals, which challenged the permit. “If the EPA merely approves the permit again without addressing the flaws in its decision, then we plan to continue our fight against this proposed facility in the Court of Appeals.”

Ocean Era has been pursuing federal authorization since 2019 for what would be the first open-ocean aquaculture facility of its kind in federal waters of the Gulf. The company’s most recent modifi ed permit, issued in May 2025, proposed switching the farmed species from almaco jack to red drum and replacing copper mesh caging with plastic monofilament netting — changes that opponents argued introduced new environmental risks rather than mitigating old ones.

On microplastics, the appeals board found the

EPA’s reasoning unconvincing on multiple counts.

The agency had argued that the short duration of fish production, routine inspection and replacement of netting and dilution in the Gulf would adequately address any risk from plastic particles shed by the new cage material.

The board rejected each rationale.

The modified permit sets no limit on how long the cage may remain in the water, the board noted, and the agency failed to explain how replacing a degraded cage addresses microplastics already released. The original environmental analysis didn’t even address microplastics, the board said, so the EPA couldn’t simply lean on it now.

On pathogens, the board found that the EPA dismissed comments citing scientific studies on red drum disease susceptibility without actually engaging with them. The agency claimed the two fish species were vulnerable to many of the same pathogens, but the study it cited to support that claim didn’t back it up for most of the specific diseases raised by commenters.

The appeals board denied review on several other grounds, including arguments related to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the potential for escaped fish or harmful algal bloom contributions. The agency’s endangered species consultations were also found adequate.

For FOA, the ruling is a foothold. The group has a separate case in the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Monitoring the beaches, sharing the shore least terns mate on the beach during a past nesting season. anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and shorebird Monitoring announced March 19 that it is conducting beach nesting bird surveys to locate, monitor and protect imperiled shorebirds. Nesting shorebirds prefer open sandy areas, gravel or shell bars with sparse vegetation on sandy beaches, coastal islands and gravel-tar rooftops. Their nests, called scrapes, are shallow saucer-shaped depressions dug on the surface of the sand. During nesting season, which continues into september, birds are very susceptible to disturbance. If flushed while establishing a nest site, they may move to a less suitable location. In 2024, a colony of least terns nested successfully on aMI. The last time black skimmers nested on the island was 2017. For more information, go to islandturtlewatch.com. Islander

Photo: courtesy Kathy Doddridge/aMITW

Milestone

Celebrating 105

grace Wadford, a resident of holmes Beach for more than 27 years, celebrates her 105th birthday March 21. Wadford returned home a few days before the milestone after leaving in fall 2024. hurricanes helene and Milton damaged Wadford’s home and she was living in oviedo until repairs were completed. It was her wish to return home before her 105th birthday because she loves the island. Family, neighbors and contractor Ja Builds helped make the wish come true. Islander courtesy Photo

AMI chamber breakfast set

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host its next member breakfast 8-9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

The restaurant will offer three menu options: a Parisian sandwich of butter, ham and Swiss cheese on a baguette or croissant; a French Nutella crepe with whipped cream; or a classic two-egg breakfast.

All meals come with a choice of side and beverages.

The cost is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members.

RSVPs are due by Tuesday, March 31, and must include a menu selection.

Reservations can be made by email to amber@ amichamber.org or by calling 941-778-1541.

— lisa Neff

Welcome to the chamber

The Islander newspaper and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce welcome new members that joined the chamber roster Feb. 15-March 15:

• Bradenton YMCA of Southwest Florida, 3805 59th St. W., Bradenton. 941-798-9622, ymcaswfl. org

• Rocco’s Italian Kitchen, 3561 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton. 941-201-4449, roccositaliankitchenfl.com

— Bonner Joy

Out & about

email news@islander.org

Vacationing on, about AMI?

Visiting Anna Maria Island? We’d love to see the island through your eyes.

The Islander invites vacationers to share photos taken at local restaurants, shops, beaches and favorite hangouts across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Cortez.

Your snapshots help capture the energy of our community and support the small businesses that make the island special.

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

Whether it’s a sunset dinner, an ice cream cone, a beach stroll or a fun time shopping at a souvenir stop, share your memories and be part of the island story.

          

Beach Bistro awaiting storm recovery, remodel

and

March 15 at the

e. Bay

vacationer from london, shared the photo, as well as noted visits to Bean Point and ginny’s and Jane e’s cafe and coastal store, both in anna Maria. Islander courtesy Photo

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

There are signs of progress March 18 at the Beach Bistro, 6600 gulf Drive, holmes Beach. louis Najmy, a Bradenton attorney and partner with shawn Kaleta in the restaurant, said in December that their target date to reopen was March 28. Najmy said in a recent text to The Islander: “In our best efforts to make (the bistro) just right, a little more time is needed. We expect by May we will be complete and Beach Bistro will once again be available to the community.”

Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

On exhibit

Dennis carlson of Bettendorf, Iowa, reads about anna Maria Island’s baseball history at the anna Maria Island historical society Museum, 402 Pine ave., anna Maria. an exhibit celebrates spring training and the Major league Baseball players who lived, visited and boosted anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: lisa Neff

The Island Experts Since 1972

Who’s playing tonight

Many musicians who play the island venues, also write songs.

One of my favorite requests from patrons at my gigs is, “Can you play an original?”

If you’re enjoying the sound of a particular artist/ band and headed up to the tip jar anyway, go ahead and ask if they have any originals to play.

Who knows, you may discover your next favorite song!

And please, come out to a special event at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, for Songwriters in the Round, a concert featuring Emily Roff, Dean Johanesen and myself. For tickets, visit mikesalesmusic.com.

Now, the listings:

Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, mademoiselleparis.com, Chuck Davis, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday- Saturday.

Harry’s Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, harrysgrillami.com. Pamela K. Ward 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Skip Eaton 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday; Steve Arvey & Deacon Gibson, 6-8:30 p.m. Monday; Scotty Yates 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, uglygrouper.com, Noel Harris noon-3 p.m. and Chuck Caudell 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Charles Parker noon-3 p.m. and Rob Viola 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Joe Wood noon-3 p.m. and Kaleb Woods 5-8 p.m. Friday; Paul Dudrich noon-3 p.m. and Zion 5-8 p.m. Saturday;

Scotty Mac noon-3 p.m. and Raquel Santana 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Chuck Caudill noon-3 p.m. and Miguel Lantigua 5-8 p.m. Monday; Nathan Allen noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, amibeachcafe.com. Scott Blum Jazz Quartet 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Open Jam Band 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Mike Sales 5-8 p.m. Friday; Tim McCaig 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Harold Antoine 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Bobby Stillwell 5-8 p.m. Monday; Tim McCaig 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, wickedcantina.com, Ross David 6-9 p.m. Wednesday; Jason Hedges 6-9 p.m. Thursday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Ross David 6-9 p.m. Friday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Chad Tallman 6-9 p.m. Saturday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Chris Warner 6-9 p.m. Sunday; Drew Navy 6-9 p.m. Monday; Ken Macy 6-9 p.m. Tuesday.

Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, islandtimebarandgrill.com Gary Alexander 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday; Eric Von 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Rye Road 7-10 p.m. Friday; Mojo Filter 7-10 p.m. Saturday; Josh Quinn 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday; Frank Dancey 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday; Brian Spainhower 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Coquina Beach Market, 1800 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, coquinabeachmarket.org, Mike

Sales 10-2 p.m. Wednesday; Chuck Davis 10-2 p.m. Friday. Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez, swordfishgrillcortez.com, Tim Chandler 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Justin Layman 5-8 p.m. Friday; Stockton Brothers noon-4 p.m. and Zack Pomerleau 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Tim Chandler noon-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Steel Vibes 5-8 p.m. Monday; Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. Porkbelly’s Eatery, 9516 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, porkbellyseatery.com. Open mic 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday.

88 Live Piano Bar, 6640 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. 88livebradenton.com. The Fulcos 7-10 p.m. Wednesday; Billy Rice Band 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Dueling Pianos featuring Todd & Amy 8-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 22N 6-9 p.m. Sunday; 88 Live Jam Band 7-10 p.m. Tuesday.

Clancy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. clancysirishsportspub.com. Rye Road 6-10 p.m. Thursday; Jezabelle 6-10 p.m. Friday; Rum Jumbles 5-9 p.m. Saturday; Dr. Dave Band 3-7 p.m. Sunday; Dos Gringos Tuesday.

You also can pop in to BridgeTender Inn, Drift In and Blue Marlin on Bridge Street to catch music but it’s not listed on their websites.

And, if you wind up where I’m playing, be sure to say, “Hi.”

ITEMS FOR SALE

KeF sPeaKers, lIKe new. Q100 pair, $75, Q300 pair, $95, also Q600c, Q400b, $95. 403862-3447.

MaNY DVDs aND Vhs tapes, free. Just pick up. call 941-447-6740.

r oll s UIT cases $40 each, carry-on suitcases, $15 each, Tigerxbang oar/paddle, $45. 941-920-2494.

aNTIQUe ParTNer DesK: all wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. Free classifieds@islander.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BrIDge gaMes aT roser church on Fridays at noon until the end of March, 2026.

loo KIN g F or F ra NK from Island Print? h e’s available by call or text 941-704-8108. e mail frankhtc.fw@gmail. com

PrIVaTe aNNa MarIa Island Dolphin Tours, s unset c ruises and sandbar tours for up to twelve passengers with Manatee r iver Boat r entals and Water s ports. Visit us online: Dolphin Tours https://manateeriverwatersports.com/dolphin-tours-bradenton s unset cruises, https://manateeriverwatersports.com/sunset-cruises-bradento n sandbar tours, https://manateeriverwatersports.com/sandbar-tours-bradenton

TRANSPORTATION

golF carT reNTals: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com

BOATS & BOATING

haVe a BoaT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. captain chris, 941-896-2915.

sUNcoasT BoTToM PaINTINg: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. call 941-704-9382.

caPTaIN For hIre and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call captain Dan. Uscg, retired. 772-486-8085.

WelcoMe aBoarD JoYFIsh charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. call to reserve, 941840-3181.

For sale: 2021 road King Model rKal 19 boat trailer. $2,500. 919-830-5139.

sUNseT crUIses, egMoNT Key, bachelorette party boats and dolphin tours on a nna Maria Island with Manatee river boat rentals and water sports! Book unforgettable private charters with local Uscg licensed captains. explore aMI waters in comfort. reserve now: https://manateeriverwatersports.com/amiboat-rentals

HELP WANTED

NoW hIrINg: The White egret and The egret’s Nest. We are seeking creative individuals to fill both part-time and full-time positions at our boutiques! Flexible days but, some weekend availability required. Please inquire in person, drop off a resume or call 941-778-3782 for an interview appointment.

re P or T er W a NT e D: 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 by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.

SERVICES

I s Y o U r ho M e or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! l ocal, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

clea NIN g : VacaTI o N, co N s T r U c TI o N, residential, commercial and windows. licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PressUre WashINg, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

BI c Y cle re Pa I rs : Just4Fun at 5358 g ulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

a PI’ s D rYWall re Pa I r : I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

P c or T ech issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. contact gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes

sarasoTa PaINTINg: INTerIor/exterior/ cabinets: c all or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

rIDeeasY 247 YoUr professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

looK No More! residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941250-8548.

o U r serVI ces : clea NIN g , home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. h urricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! call 941-404-9163.

Is YoUr Pool deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! s ervices offered: Pool deck resurfacing, slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. call U Plus Me llc at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com

go T DI rTY WIND o W s ? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window cleaning, 207-852-6163.

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

SERVICES Continued

acha UFF er 4U F or T ra N s P orTaTI o N anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

o N ecall clea NUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. call, 941-544-1260.

ho M e WaT cher : W he N you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a state certified residential a ppraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

aMI aIrPorT shUTTle guy: We pick up from Tampa, st. Petersburg and sarasota airports. Up to seven passengers with luggage reliable, licensed and friendly transportation to and from anna Maria Island. aMIshuttle. com. 941-500-3388.

cleaNINg serVIces: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. contact Jessica, 941-900-8051.

BU s IN ess -T o -BU s IN ess JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

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 e ller, 941-720-7411. r esidential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. cac184228.

cleaN Tech MoBIle Detailing. at your location. cars, boats, rVs. call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

LAWN & GARDEN

coll IN s la ND sca P e l I gh TIN g : o utdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJ c 24373@ gmail.com

shell DelIVereD aND spread. hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Va N- go Pa INTIN g residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.

gr IFFIN’ s ho M e IMP ro V e M e NT s Inc. h andyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

laNe’s screeNINg serVIces: replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-7055293.

loo KIN g F or a NY home improvement? Jrcc home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TIle-TIle-TIle: all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. call ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

SERVICES Continued

D o N al D P er KIN s Pa INTIN g llc . Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

gor I lla D rYWall re Pa I r llc l et’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.

QUeeN Bee PaINTINg: “We Do It royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. sheryl, 864-884-3380.

TeTI TIle: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on a MI and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. call John Teti, 302983-5774.

TrUe ToNe PaINTINg: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.

soUThWesT hoMe IMProVeMeNT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. c all Mike’s cell, 1-616-204-8822.

call hYDro cleaN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

IslaND haNDYMaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874.

RENTALS

aNNa MarIa gUlF beachfront vacation rentals. o ne- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143.

aVa I la B le N o W a ND season: 1B r /1B a , seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. co m s pecial rates are available. 941-8071405.

PerIco IslaND PaTIo home: 3Br/2Ba, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. call or text alison, 859-771-6423.

a NNU al re NT als a V a I la B le : o ff Island: Perico Isle, 3Br/2Ba unfurnished pool home, two-car garage, $3,100/month. hidden l ake, 3B r /2B a furnished condo, $3,100/ month. all require application, first, last and security. Wagner realty, 941-778-2246.

ceNTral holMes Beach, 3Br/2Ba completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. annual, reduced from $2,595 to $2,395/month. 941-713-6743.

aNNUal reNTal: holMes Beach. one block from beach. Duplex unit B. 2B r /1B a completely renovated. No smoking/no pets. Water/ trash included in rent. $2,500/month. call or text Joshua at connect Management group llc, 941-545-0808 or email connectmgllc@ gmail.com

coZY 2Br/1Ba aNNUal rental: Unfurnished north h olmes Beach, ground-level, backyard, five-minute walk to beach, washer/dryer hookup, no dishwasher, no smoking/no pets. $2,600/month plus utilities. 941-447-9672.

a NNU al re NTal : B ra D e NT o

and experienced r ealtor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and Bradenton

“ s elling h omes - Making

come

B ra D e NT o N co ND o F or sale: Newly updated, fully furnished, 2B r /2B a , 1,100 sf. c arport, patio and docking available. $219,000. call 941-704-9432. a 1 re M o D el : F loor -to-ceiling, everything new. open kitchen, solid counter tops, 2Br/2Ba. Windowed lanai, garden view. community heated pool and spa. Pickle ball and tennis. $227,000. real estate Mart, 941-3561456.