The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, April, 22, 2026

PAGE 6

Arbor Day on AMI

road. in recognition of Arbor day. Celebrations also took place in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, including tree plantings and a tree giveaway. See more on page 7.

Holmes Beach dog park reopens

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Holmes Beach is throwing the dogs a bone — or at least some new grass.

Public works director Herb Raybourn told The Islander April 23 that a second stage of sod had been laid at the dog park on the north end of city field, between 62nd Street, Flotilla Drive and 59th Street.

It is the only dedicated dog park on Anna Maria Island and features separate spaces for large and small dogs, a wash off area, as well as multiple shade structures and benches.

However, the dog park has been in rough shape since the municipality used city field as a debris collection site following two 2024 hurricanes, which resulted in damages to the park’s irrigation system.

That led much of the park’s grass to die and, despite the installation of a new irrigation system, it never rebounded.

Several dog park-users attended public meetings in late 2025 to voice displeasure with the park’s condition and call for improvements.

The city has since been busy.

Work began in January, when public works staff added a bench, planted multiple shady lady and cabbage palm trees and laid the first stage of sod, covering the west side of the big dog park and the south side of

PlEASE, SEE Hb PARK, PAGE 3

BB weighs police department future amid union talks

BBy robert Anderson islander reporter

A unionization effort initiated by Bradenton Beach police officers will proceed while commissioners seek a proposal for citywide law enforcement from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

During a special meeting April 23, city commissioners agreed not to challenge a proposed bargaining unit for police officers and a sergeant filed with the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, the state agency overseeing public employee unionization. City clerk Terri Sanclemente said the first correspondence was received April 16 from the International Union of Police Associations.

A bargaining unit is the group of employees eligible to vote on union representation.

Special counsel Robert Eschenfelder of Trask Daigneault LLP said the issue before the commission that day was whether the proposed bargaining unit was appropriate, not whether a union had been formed. If the bargaining unit is approved by the state, eligible employees would vote by secret ballot on whether to form a union.

Commissioners then shifted to discussing the financial feasibility of contracting with the sheriff’s office for law enforcement services.

Eschenfelder said the MCSO had indicated it could provide service for about $1.5 million annually, based on eight deputies and one sergeant.

“So, when you look at your current budget of $2,128,000 for municipal policing, that’s savings to the city of $628,000 a year,” he said.

Commissioners and staff also discussed challenges with a city-run police department, including the retention of officers, as some have left for higher-paying positions in Holmes Beach and Longboat Key.

Turtle watch sets Suzi Fox Day

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will honor the late Suzi Fox with a celebration in her name Friday, May 1, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Suzi Fox Day, 3-6 p.m. at Coquina Beach Cafe, will feature sea turtle-themed games and activities, live music by Scott Blum and Bill Vinhage and free turtle-friendly PAR20 amber LED bulbs for beachfront property managers and homeowners.

Adult attendees who pick up outreach materials also will receive a complimentary beer from the cafe.

Read more in Nesting Notes on page 17. Fox

Anna Maria OKs negotiations for AMCP T-end lease

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A former tenant could return to the Anna Maria City Pier, but this time in a different space.

City commissioners unanimously voted April 23 to authorize Mayor Mark Short to negotiate with GSM Partners — the former operator of the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop — to lease the T-end’s larger building.

GSM Partners, owned by Brian Seymour, Benjamin Sato and Jason Sato, is the current leaseholder for the T-end’s smaller building on the west side. The commission voted in January to terminate

Mote Marine Laboratory’s lease of the larger space, which housed Mote’s Marine Science Education and Outreach Center before the pier closed following the 2024 storms.

Work rebuilding the walkway began last November and the pier is projected to reopen this fall.

In the meantime, city officials have been trying to determine what to do with the T-end buildings.

Seymour attended the April 23 commission meeting and spoke during general public comment on behalf of GSM.

“We’ve met with most of you, and the mayor, and

we would like to request that the commission considers enacting clause 1.13 of our lease and allow the mayor to negotiate with us for the primary building on the pier,” he said.

While Seymour’s comment was not immediately addressed, Commissioner Christopher Arendt revisited it during commissioner comments.

He said that time was of the essence for the pier and GSM was ready to move forward, so he moved to authorize Short to negotiate with the company for the lease of the primary building.

On the Belle: Ferry offers alternative to town-island traffic

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Ditch the drive, take the ferry.

The Manatee Belle pulled away from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier April 22, its engines building. The boat eased forward into the Manatee River and then picked up speed toward Anna Maria Island.

Passengers on the newest and largest Gulf Islands Ferry boat settled into shaded seats or leaned along railings, watching the downtown skyline give way to open water.

Within minutes, the boat was plowing wake across the river, leaving Bradenton behind.

The ferry ride, about 35 minutes from Bradenton’s downtown to the Bradenton Beach Historic Bridge Street Pier, offers a steady trip across the mouth of the Manatee River through the Intracoastal Waterway, with views of Palmetto, Bradenton, Snead Island, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Tampa far to the north and later the Cortez waterfront and Anna Maria Island.

The Manatee Belle’s been on the water since April 11, a long-awaited addition to the GIF fleet that Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said will improve reliability and reduce traffic between Bradenton and AMI.

The Belle was introduced in part to address weather-related disruptions that affected GIF’s smaller boats. The larger ferry is designed to operate in conditions that sometimes sidelined the smaller pontoon boats, allowing for more consistent service during peak travel periods.

“It’s what we need to take the water ferry operation to a new level,” Falcione said in an April 21 interview with The Islander.

On April 22, Manatee Belle riders ranged from families and tourists to organized groups, including a club of vintage car enthusiasts who rode the ferry to the island for lunch.

Members of the Sara-Mana Model A Ford Club rode the Manatee Belle to the Historic Bridge Street Pier for a lunch at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. For schedules, fares and other information, visit gulfislandsferry.com.

“We are coming out to the island to have our club lunch at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar,” Tom Gherna, a member of the Sara-Mana Model A Ford Club, said. He was traveling with nine others in the group that dates to 1962 and focuses on preserving and restoring the old Fords.

Sue Vurge of the United Kingdom and her husband, John, combined transit options, using the island trolley to go to the beach and then riding the Belle into Bradenton.

“We took the trolley to the beach this morning, but now we’re headed to downtown Bradenton to have lunch at Pier 22,” she said.

The couple took open-air seating at the back of the boat and chatted with others as they departed Bradenton Beach.

Their trip is an example of how the county’s multimodal transportation offerings can move people between the mainland and the island without putting cars on the road.

The ferry system includes:

• The Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, 30,000-pound pontoon catamarans that launched the service.

• The Manatee Belle, the new 60-foot boat weighing about 100,000 pounds, built by Breaux Brothers Enterprise of Loreauville, Louisiana, for $2.86 million.

Constructed of marine-grade aluminum and powered by twin Cummins X15 diesel engines, the Belle is significantly larger than the other boats, allowing it to better handle wind and rough water. It can accommodate about 91 passengers and features an enclosed area for climate-controlled seating.

Weather has been a limiting factor for the catamarans.

“We may have lost almost two dozen days in February and March,” Falcione said, referring to winds that prevented the smaller boats from operating. “You

can’t control the weather … but you want to be running almost every day during peak season.”

During favorable conditions, ridership has been strong, with 550-650 passengers per day during peak spring periods, according to Falcione, and more than 90% boarding in downtown Bradenton.

“When you’re moving 600-plus passengers, you’re taking roughly 280 cars a day off the road,” he said. County data shows more than 55,000 passengers used the ferry in 2025, eliminating an estimated 23,000 vehicle trips from Manatee and Cortez.

However, the service’s impact on traffic remains limited, as the boats are limited to two landings, the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Bridge Street Pier.

Falcione said he envisions adding more stops, including at the Anna Maria City Pier, Coquina Beach and potentially Cortez, with larger boats handling cross-bay routes and smaller boats moving passengers along the island.

For now, the appeal is simple: From downtown, board the ferry and step off at Bridge Street to walk to shops, restaurants and the beach or board the trolley. Restaurants and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature are the appeal for people taking the ferry from the island to downtown.

“It’s gone better than I would have ever imagined,” Falcione said of the ferry’s success.

For more

For schedules, fares and other information, visit gulfislandsferry.com.

WMFR commission approves 2025 annual report

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Another year is in the books.

And 2025 was a good one for the West Manatee Fire Rescue District.

WMFR commissioners unanimously voted April 21 to approve the fire district’s 2025 annual report for submission to Manatee County. The district covers Anna Maria Island, Perico Island and a swath of west Bradenton, including the village of Cortez.

Fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski summed up the 51-page report in a five-minute presentation to district commissioners.

He said the district ran 2,842 calls despite a 16% decrease in call volume from 2024 and averaged just over six minutes in response time, which he called “remarkable” given the number of visitors Anna Maria Island draws.

According to the report, the district had a 56%

Hb PARK COnTinUEd FrOM PAGE 1 the small dog park.

In March, city staff replaced the roofs of two former baseball dugouts used as shade structures at the park and painted both a color chosen by parkgoers.

While cold weather delayed the first stage of sod’s ability to take root, Raybourn said that by Easter weekend, it had fully taken and was looking wellestablished.

So on April 6, public works staff removed the temporary fencing and caution tape and opened the newly sodded areas to the dogs.

Staff also laid the second stage of sod, covering the north side of the small dog park and the northeast corner of the big dog park, as well as installed new signage to explain park rules.

Raybourn said he did not expect the newly laid sod to take as long to take root as the first stage, since it was laid during a warmer season. He projected it to take until June or July.

return of spontaneous circulation rate, which is the proportion of cardiac patients whose hearts start beating again following resuscitation. That is about 2.5 times better than the national average of 22%.

Kwiatkowski noted that the district saved the lives of seven people who were clinically deceased upon staff arrival but were resuscitated and eventually discharged from a hospital.

“That’s why we’re in the business,” he said. “Those are seven lives we saved.”

The district completed 574 plan reviews and permits and 198 permit-driven inspections, according to the report.

The report also details that the district completed 3,604 inspections and re-inspections, including 2,534 transient lodging inspections.

“We’re pretty confident this second phase is going to go faster,” he said. “Some rain would be nice, but it’s OK, we’ve got an irrigation system.”

After it takes, the small dog park will be fully resodded, and city staff will lay a third stage of sod to cover the last portion of the big dog park, on its southeast corner.

Only the very western edge of the big dog park will remain without sod by the end of the city’s slated improvements, since the municipality wanted to maintain a stretch of dirt for dogs to run and play in.

In the meantime, Raybourn said the city has been approached by community members about potential donations for added improvements, like agility-course equipment.

He said such improvements would be discussed during the city’s next parks and beautification committee meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Additionally, WMFR conducted 50 public education events across the district to promote community risk reduction and prevention.

Overall, the number of fire incidents in the district dropped by 31% from 2024, while the number of fire alarm responses decreased by 18%.

“We had a fantastic 2025,” Kwiatkowski said. “Some departments may rest on their laurels and be OK with that and ride it out for a couple years, but not at West Manatee. We’re going to continue improving our performance, looking for weak spots, ways to improve.”

Commissioner Billy Burke moved to approve the annual report.

Commissioner Derrick Warner seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

People interested in reading the report can find it on the district’s website, wmfr.org.

Market day at the beach

Jaime Marks, left, speaks April 24 with deb Fourre, owner of Tdog Chunky Hand Knits, at the gift market at South Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Fourre’s booth features knitted fabrics and crafts.

“We hire somebody on, we train them, and they go somewhere where their budget’s bigger,” said Police Chief John Cosby, who also serves as the city’s public works director and emergency management officer.

Officials said the disparity is tied in part to differences in revenues, with Bradenton Beach’s smaller property tax base limiting its ability to match other cities’ salaries.

Figures cited during the meeting showed Bradenton Beach’s taxable value at about $923 million, compared with $3.2 billion in Holmes Beach.

Commissioners said any proposal from the MCSO must provide a clear “apples to apples” comparison of services, noting the city’s police department’s responsibilities include derelict vessel enforcement, law enforcement in the community redevelopment agency district, disaster response and special event coverage.

Commissioner Ralph Cole said he values a cityrun police force.

“Policing is the most important thing, in my opinion. That makes this place so desirable to come to, and is part of the character of our island,” he said.

However, Cole also said the commission has a responsibility to taxpayers.

“I think we need to look at every avenue we can, especially nowadays, with what it costs in tax dollars, for taxpayers to have a good service,” he said.

The commission unanimously approved a motion directing staff to discuss the issue with the MCSO and request a formal proposal.

Following the meeting, Mayor John Chappie said the commission was focused on gathering information.

“The commission has made a decision to continue negotiations with the sheriff’s department to get actual

numbers so that we can compare apples with apples,” Chappie said. “We will have the information that we need for a well-informed decision.”

Unionizing campaign

Meanwhile, the unionizing effort proceeds amid a warning from the International Union of Police Associations.

In an April 21 letter, IUPA attorney Bradley P. Rothman demanded the city “cease and desist from any threats, coercion, intimidation, interference, discrimination, retaliation, or reprisals” related to union activity.

The letter said that if the city is “invoking the specter of outsourcing, dissolution, transfer of bargaining unit work, or elimination of the department in response to union activity” it could suggest a retaliatory motive.

The letter, provided to The Islander by IUPA representative William Bjork, cited alleged statements by Lt. Lenard Diaz during a March 12 police department meeting in which officers claimed he warned against unionization.

lance, owner of Beach Sand Babe Jewelry, assists customers at her market booth April 24. lance specializes in handmade jewelry featuring beachfound items. islander Photos: robert

Bradenton Beach commissioners listen April 23 as special counsel robert Eschenfelder, right, discusses unionization procedure for police officers. islander

According to the letter, Diaz said, “I dare you to pursue a union and you will feel our wrath.” Adding “the city won’t go for it.”

The union’s attorney argued Diaz’s remarks constitute a threat of retaliation. Public employees have a protected right to organize without interference.

Bjork did not comment during the meeting.

Following the meeting, he told The Islander the unionization effort is being driven by officers seeking workplace protections through a negotiated contract.

“They’re just trying to get themselves into position where they have a contract that provides them certain protections,” Bjork said. “We’re just their voice. We go in there and tell them what the officers want.”

He continued, “I know what it’s like to have a better relationship with my police department, because I know who the cops are. We would not want to see that disappear.”

Bjork encouraged the city to fully evaluate its options.

On AMI, Holmes Beach runs a municipal police department while the MCSO provides law enforcement for Anna Maria.

Strong tides factor in sailboat strike at Longboat Pass Bridge

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Strong tidal currents likely played a key role in a sailboat becoming pinned against the Longboat Pass Bridge earlier this month, an incident that left the vessel damaged but caused no injuries, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The April 17 crash involving the sailboat Hula Girl highlights the hazards of navigating narrow passes during spring tides, when currents can intensify around new moons.

Responders were unable to free the disabled vessel as conditions worsened and witnesses reported the boat’s mast breaking from the force against the bridge before a salvage crew removed it.

Petty Officer 1st Class Riley Perkowsky, a public affairs specialist with a U.S. Coast Guard Tampa Bay detachment, said April 24, “The Coast Guard received a allision report of a vessel striking the Longboat Pass Bridge and deployed a small boat from Station Cortez to assist.”

Perkowsky said Station Cortez “worked with a

local police marine unit to attempt to tow the vessel, which was stuck underneath the Longboat Pass Bridge, into open water,” but were unsuccessful.

The sailboat pushed farther under the bridge before breaking free, Perkowsky said.

A commercial salvage company later towed the boat to anchorage.

The vessel had two people aboard.

“The two individuals that were on the sailing vessel were safely removed from that vessel and brought safely ashore,” Perkowsky said. “Nobody was injured.”

According to Perkowsky, the vessel had initially passed beneath the bridge but later became disabled.

“It was thought to have lost power,” Perkowsky said. “Due to the currents in the area, they ended up getting pressed against the bridge.”

Capt. Katie Tupin, who operates Capt. Katie Scarlett Boat Tours, was heading out with sightseeing passengers April 17 and witnessed the incident. She remained in the area as responders worked to free the boat.

“I thought they (rescuers) would have waited until

Work continues at AMCP

A barge rests April 22 at the end of the Anna Maria City

ues setting the final third of the structure’s foundation after driving the

robert Anderson

AM T-EnD COnTinUEd FrOM PAGE 1

Commissioner Gary McMullen seconded the motion, which passed.

Short said it made sense to begin such discussions and clarified that it does not mean that a commitment has been made.

There was no additional public comment.

The city commission will meet next at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Plan now for season!

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the tide switched, but they tried to pull it at that time, and it did not work,” Tupin said.

Spring tides occur around the new moon, and during the morning of April 17, produced stronger, faster-moving currents in the narrow Longboat Pass.

Tupin said she watched the vessel take on damages while it stayed trapped.

“The mast broke, equipment fell off and then it got wedged underneath from that current,” she said.

She said the broken mast allowed the vessel to be forced farther beneath the bridge, where it became lodged between the pylons before it was freed and towed away.

According to Perkowsky, the vessel later was moved to a marina in St. Petersburg.

Election 2026

Election calendar

• State, county and special district candidate qualifying, June 8-June 12.

• Anna Maria qualifying, June 1-12.

• Bradenton Beach qualifying, June 8-12.

• Holmes Beach qualifying, June 8-12.

• Registration deadline for 2026 primaries, Monday, July 20.

• Primary election, Tuesday, Aug. 18.

• General election, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Contact the supervisor of elections

To contact the SEO’s office, go to votemanatee. gov or call 941-741-3823.

— lisa neff

Huge steps

No, we’re not talking Paul Bunyan here. Or Sasquatch. And there’s no Einstein at work here.

We’re talking about Bradenton Beach.

Since officials in the city are notorious for not talking to the press, we might not know why, but someone put their foot out and took a first step to eliminate the city police department in favor of contracting law enforcement services from the county sheriff’s office.

That someone may have compared the population to the cost of policing the city (and Coquina Beach) and maybe the math didn’t work out.

There’s now union involvement on behalf of the officers and sergeant, presumably to either improve their status and pay or to negotiate their payout and the elimination of their positions.

Last November, the number of registered voters last year in September was 479, a slim number compared to the police department’s roster of officers, payroll and pensions.

The chief’s salary alone, as of 2024, topped $231,500 according to reporting when John Cosby was authorized to integrate the public works department and code enforcement with the police department and emergency management. And, of course, the salary has risen since that time.

And there’s the CRA to consider. If the sheriff takes over law enforcement for the city, Cosby might want to manage the CRA to make up some of his loss from the chief’s job — and retain public works, code enforcement and emergency management under his wing.

If you’ve followed the years in Anna Maria of sheriff’s office contracts, you know it doesn’t come cheap. The deputies are paid based on their salary level, tenure and benefits — plus equipment. Things like radar guns are not included in the contract. They’re extra.

There’s a lot to consider for the voters in the smallest city on AMI.

And while the city leaders stare down the barrel in their deliberations, they must consider the unprecedented growth on Bridge Street, with crowds of people in the bars, restaurants, shops and on the streets at night.

Many years of hard work at attracting people to the commercial side of Bradenton Beach has paid off — and the city needs more than ever to keep a handle on the crowds and everything they bring.

It’s almost — emphasis on almost — as if dissolving the city and letting the county take over (HELLO, consolidating) could be an option they want to keep on the table.

Government in Bradenton Beach is starting to look expensive, especially for what is now 466 voters.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Your

Opinion

Seeking civility

I read the April 22 article, “Officials trade barbs over ferry landing,” and I was appalled at the behavior of two officials conducting a petty and juvenile email battle.

Ryan Paice’s article showed the level of discourse of island elected officeholders. Hopefully, these people who talk at each other via email instead of conducting civil, in-person discourse, will summon some adult sensibility when conducting government business in the future.

The Islander Poll

Ever seen a sea turtle on the beach?

A. Yes, nesting!

B. Yes, during a release or rescue.

C. No, but saw some tracks.

D. Never. To answer, go to islander.org.

What’s your trash to recycling ratio?

About 50% trash, 50% recycling. 30% About 25% trash,

APRIL 29, 2026 • Vol. 34, No. 27

▼ Publisher, editor

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▼ Editorial robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

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Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

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lisa neff, lisa@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

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The matter at hand is important and should be handled as such.

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I hope these disgraceful behaviors can be retired so the important issues facing the island can be addressed in an appropriate adult manner.

Thanks for your excellent reporting.

Ron Gibson, Bradenton

Good detective work

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank the Holmes Beach Police Department’s detective, Joshua Fleischer, for all the time, effort and dedication he put into my case.

His professionalism, patience and commitment to doing the right thing truly meant more to me than I can adequately express.

Being taken advantage of by a contractor was an incredibly stressful and discouraging experience. From the very beginning, Fleischer treated my situation seriously and with compassion. He took the time to listen, explain the process and guide me through each step, which gave me reassurance during a time when I felt overwhelmed and unsure.

His thoroughness and persistence made all the difference. Knowing that someone like him was willing to stand up for me and pursue justice restored my faith

Digital Islander

Skimming online

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in the system and brought me a great sense of relief. I am deeply grateful not only for the outcome, but for the respect and kindness he showed me throughout the process.

Thank you again, Detective Fleischer, for your hard work and for the important service you provide to our community.

It will never be forgotten.

Carol Conte, Holmes Beach Letters to the editor

Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org.

Decking out

Work continues to construct the Anna Maria island Bridge on Manatee Avenue in 1956. Here the main bridge span is completed and road decking is in place. Work on the bascule at the center remains to be done. islander

Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public library System

Looking back

10-20-30 years ago

From the April 25, 1996, issue

• The Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission held a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of a city manager-form of government. Some argued the city’s growing budget required management by a full-time professional.

• Holmes Beach Mayor Bob VanWagoner raised concerns about sluggish tourism on the island during a meeting of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board. Business owners pointed to red tide as an issue along with eroded beaches.

From

the April 26, 2006,

issue

OpinionYour

Rooted in paradise

By Shawn Mayers

Special to The islander

Arbor Day is celebrated nationwide by caring for and planting trees. On April 24, the Anna Maria Island Garden Club joined the island cities’ celebrations by donating native trees.

Here’s a look at some native beauties:

Gumbo limbo (bursera simaruba). Often called the “tourist tree” for its peeling red bark, the gumbo limbo is a native hardwood with a broad, irregular canopy. It’s highly tolerant of salt spray, sandy soils and hurricane-force winds — its flexible branches bend instead of breaking. Once established, it’s droughttolerant.

Silver buttonwood (conocarpus erectus var. sericeus). A coastal shrub with silvery-gray foliage, silver buttonwood thrives on barrier islands. It tolerates poor, sandy soils and salt spray, and its dense form works well as a windbreak, screen or ornamental. It is low-maintenance and well-suited to the Gulf coast.

Sabal palm (sabal palmetto). Florida’s state tree is among the most salt- and wind-tolerant palms in existence. Its deep root system anchors it in sandy soils and it handles flooding, drought and tropical storms with remarkable resilience.

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) . The palm thrives in full sun, sandy soil and high humidity. It has good salt tolerance and, once established, requires minimal care. Its graceful, arching form provides shade and a tropical aesthetic.

Seagrape (coccoloba uvifera). A coastal native, the seagrape has large leathery leaves built to withstand salt spray and wind. It grows along shorelines and dunes, where it helps stabilize sand and reduce erosion. It also produces grape-like fruit that attract birds and wildlife.

Together, these trees offer the traits AMI needs. Shawn Mayers is associated with the garden club and the Scenic WAVES committee.

Draw’s the draw

People catch the view on the longboat Pass Bridge between Anna Maria island and longboat Key in 1980. The Florida department of Transportation, currently studying options for the pass, favors a new high, fixed bridge.

• Anna Maria Elementary School and Anna Maria Island Historical Society representatives met to discuss plans to transform the campus caboose into an education museum.

• The owner of Longboat Key vacation rentals sued the Manatee County property appraiser, arguing against basing the assessment value on the “highest and best use” of a property.

From

the April 27, 2016,

issue

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection confirmed commercial activities at the day dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach were permissible.

• Bradenton Beach police handed out educational pamphlets on seagrass protection to boaters in the anchorage area south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier after complaints and concerns about impacts to the grasses.

— lisa neff

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

Anna Maria island Garden Club president renitia Bertoluzzi, left, Florida Forest Service forester Caroline ritchey and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth plant a silver buttonwood April 24 at Prince Park, 121 52nd St., to celebrate national Arbor day. The holiday recognizes the importance of trees and promotes planting and caring for them.

State forester richard larsen, left, and Anna Maria island Garden Club president reni Bertoluzzi plant a seagrape tree April 24 at Katie Pierola Sunset Park in Bradenton Beach, as Chris Burnett of new roots landscape, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Scott Bear and deborah Scaccianoce look on. More photos from the island cities Arbor day celebrations can be found at islander.org. islander Photos: robert Anderson

Meet the author

Compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Thursday, April 30

10 a.m. — “Baseball in Paradise” book-signing with Pat Carlucci, AMI Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0492.

Saturday, May 2

6-9 p.m. — Cajun Crawfish Boil, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908. ONGOING ON AMI

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

• Throughout April, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibit by Susanna Spann, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

OFF AMI

Friday, May 1

6-8 p.m. — Bradenton Music in the Park series, Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-3018445.

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 June 28,”Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues / En los barrios y las grandes ligas. “Pleibol!” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through June 28, 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

• 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. LEARNING & EDUCATION

ONGOING ON AMI

Mondays, 10 a.m., AMITW’s Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-301-8434. CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island

DEVINE DESIGN

The Anna Maria island Historical Society will host a book-signing with Pat Carlucci, author of “Baseball in Paradise,” at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at the historical museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call AMiHS at 941-778-0492.

islander Courtesy Photo

Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

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

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

• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-7300016.

SAVE THE DATES

• May 19, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Workday, Bradenton.

MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• 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 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.

SPORTS & FITNESS

OFF AMI

• Through Sept. 6, select dates, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941747-3031.

SAVE THE DATES

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

• May 9, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Fishing Tournament, Cortez.

OUTDOORS & NATURE ON AMI

Friday, May 1

3-6 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch’s Suzi Fox Day, Coquina Beach Cafe, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: 941301-8434.

Friday, May 1

5:30-7 p.m. — Nature Play Fest at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501.

Live! AMI! Music!

Who’s playing tonight?

Since Cinco De Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday this year. So May 5 might be a good day to sample a Florida favorite — the fish taco — while enjoying some live music.

Sales

Here are some live music performances scheduled April 29-May 6: 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, AM, 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. Paul Dudrich noon-3 p.m. and Cam Stockton 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Charles Parker noon-3 p.m. and Joe Wood 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Cody Moore noon-3 p.m. and GulfCoastinLife 5-8 p.m. Friday; Chad Tallman noon-3 p.m. and Zion 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Scotty Mac noon-3 p.m. and Paul Dudrich 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Rob Viola noon-3 p.m. and Miguel Lantigua 5-8 p.m. Monday; Noel Harris noon-3 p.m. and Justin Layman 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, HB, amibeachcafe.com. Scott Blum Jazz Quartet 5:15-8:15 p.m. Wednesday; Open Jam Band 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday; Mike Sales 5:308:30 p.m. Friday; Melanie Massell 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday; Harold Antoine 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday; Bill Vinhage and Scott Blum 5:158:15 p.m. Monday; The Stockton Brothers 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh Street N., Bradenton Beach, wickedcantina.com. Ross David 6-9 p.m. Wednesday; Daniel Kincaid 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 Matthew McCartney 6-9 p.m. Saturday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Chad Tallman 6-9 p.m. Sunday; Mike Sales 6-9 p.m. Monday; Ross David 2-5 p.m. and Cinco De Mayo Mariachi Band 6-9 p.m. Tuesday.

Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S., BB, islandtimebarandgrill.com. Str8 Edge Duo 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday; Eric Von 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Speak Easy 7-10 p.m. Friday; Weekend Agenda 7-10 p.m. Saturday; Zion Music 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday;

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

• May 1, May Day.

• May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

• May 10, Mother’s Day.

• May 15, Armed Forces Day.

• May 25, Memorial Day.

• June, Pride Month.

• June 14, Flag Day.

• June 21, Father’s Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Crawfish boil set for May 2

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a festive evening of crawfish, live music and Derby Day revelry to raise money.

The annual Cajun Crawfish Boil will be 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Presented by AMI Offshore Fishing LLC and AMI Dolphin Tours, the evening’s menu includes crawfish, gumbo, seafood jambalaya, red beans and rice and bourbon-bread pudding. Live music by Justin Layman will keep the atmosphere festive.

The event doubles as a Kentucky Derby watch party, with the storied race set to go off around 6:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress the part as a Derby Hat Contest adds a dash of Churchill Downs glamour to the evening.

Tickets, on sale at centerami.org/events, are $50 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

For more info, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Robinson hosts play fest

The Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a free Nature Play Fest at the NEST at Robinson Preserve Friday, May 1.

The hours will be 5:30-7 p.m.

The outdoor festival will feature hands-on activities, including fort building, geode smashing, mud painting, bubble blowing and scavenger hunts.

The NEST is at 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton.

For more information, call 941-748-4501.

LiSTinGS COnTinUEd FrOM PAGE 8

Rob Viola 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Charles Parker 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; Frankie Lombardi 5-8 p.m. Friday; Tim Chandler noon-4 p.m. and Terry Helm 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Tim Chandler noon-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Stockton Brothers 5-8 p.m. Monday; Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Porkbelly’s Eatery, 9516 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, porkbellyseatery.com. Mr. Jeff Music 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday; Open Mic with Steve Paradis 2:30-5:30 p.m. and Bill Vinhage 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday.

88 Live Piano Bar, 6640 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. 88livebradenton.com. Shakes Society 7-10 p.m. Wednesday; Phoenix Five 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Dueling Pianos 8-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; The Boomers Experience 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, TBA 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Say “hi” if you wind up where I’m playing.

Mike Sales is a singer-songwriter. His website is mikesalesmusic.com

Island happenings

The Island Players will bring Paul Slade Smith’s comedy “The Outsider” to the Anna Maria stage May 7-17.

The production follows Ned Newley, a reluctant political candidate with a crippling fear of public speaking and dismal poll numbers, who is unexpectedly groomed for office by a sharp campaign consultant.

James Thaggard is directing an ensemble cast through what the company describes as a fast-paced

Center registering for camp

The Center of Anna Maria Island is registering kids for Summer My Way, a nine-week summer camp program that lets campers choose weekly between sports, creative discovery and specialty programming.

The camp runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 1-July 31, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Weekly costs are $195 for members and $215 for nonmembers, with a sliding scale available for qualifying families.

Optional specialty camps are offered each week on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability.

Registration must be completed by the Thursday before each week of attendance. Space is limited.

For more information or to register, visit centerami.org/summer-my-way or email youthprograms@ centerami.org.

The center’s phone number is 941-778-1908.

— lisa neff

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.

island Players’ final production in its 77th season on Anna Maria island. islander Courtesy Photo

satire on confidence, perception and the absurdities of modern political life — themes that have lost none of their relevance.

Performances run Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for students and are available at theislandplayers.org, by calling 941920-1362 or at the box office 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaySaturday and an hour before showtime.

The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Out & About

Vacationing on, about AMI?

Visiting Anna Maria Island? We’d love to see the island through your eyes. The Islander invites vacationers to share vacation photos taken at local restaurants, shops, beaches and favorite hangouts across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Cortez. Send photos to news@islander.org with names of people pictured, location, date the photo was taken and a contact name.

Holmes Beach man set for July attempted murder trial

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A Holmes Beach man accused of trying to kill his wife during a fishing trip is scheduled to go to trial in July.

The trial on the charges against Douglas Naeher, 61, is set to begin July 13 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Naeher faces a first-degree felony count of attempted first-degree murder and a misdemeanor count of domestic battery, according to court records.

He was arrested July 21, 2025, a day after the incident, authorities said.

An arrest-warrant affidavit alleges Naeher struck his wife, Stephanie Naeher, multiple times and tried to drown her. The affidavit says he attempted to leave her in the water, but she managed to get back aboard the boat, where he continued to batter her. When the boat slowed as it approached a dock, she jumped off and ran to the Holmes Beach Police Department.

Douglas Naeher left Anna Maria Island but was arrested when he returned to the couple’s home the next day, the affidavit says.

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

No new reports.

Bradenton Beach

April 12, 2600 block of Gulf Drive South, disturbance. MCSO deputies responded to a disturbance at Coquina Beach in which a person in a vehicle attempted to strike another person and made verbal threats. Deputies arrived and separated the parties. No injuries were reported. There were no arrests.

April 12, 1900 block of Gulf Drive North, larceny. An MCSO deputy responded to a report that two personal watercraft were taken from a condominium complex. The PWCs were found adrift in the Gulf of Mexico by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Cortez

April 8, 4600 block of 124th Street West, threats. MCSO deputies responded to a report of a man making threats involving a rifl e. Deputies investigated. No injuries were reported.

April 12, 4200 block of 129th Street West, larceny. An MCSO deputy responded to a report of a stolen iPad. The complainant said an acquaintance entered a residence and removed the device.

Holmes Beach

April 19, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, marijuana/ paraphernalia. An HBPD officer conducting a traffic stop smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle. Neither the driver nor passenger had medical marijuana licenses. The passenger admitted to possessing marijuana and handed over packages containing 19 grams of marijuana. The officer issued a court summons to the passenger and placed the marijuana in storage.

TideWatch

Red tide offshore of Lee

Over the past week, the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed at background concentrations in one offshore Lee County sample.

He has remained at the Manatee County jail since, with bond set at $30,000.

Douglas Naeher pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial shortly after his arrest. The trial was originally set for May, but he filed a motion for continuance that was approved by Judge Frederick Mercurio of the 12th Circuit on April 17.

The state’s list of witnesses is headlined by 17 category A witnesses, including Stephanie Naeher, relative Lila Naeher, an expert witness from the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory, as well as 13 officers across the Holmes Beach Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

It also includes four category B witnesses, including relative Jody Naeher, and six category C witnesses, consisting of five police officers and one MCSO victim advocate.

If convicted, attempted first-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A first-degree misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, one year of probation and a $1,000 fine.

County OKs $35K settlement in bike crash

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Manatee County is taking the easy way out of one personal injury lawsuit.

County commissioners unanimously voted April 21 to approve a consent agenda that included a $35,000 settlement agreement with Sarasota County resident Thomas Eppich.

Eppich filed a lawsuit seeking damages against Manatee County and the city of Holmes Beach in April 2025. The lawsuit is based on a crash Eppich suffered Sept. 5, 2024, while riding his bike on Marina Drive.

The county had recently begun a project at the intersection of 72nd Street and Marina, where a section of roadway was removed for excavation and backfilled with crushed stone.

On the date of the crash, the county allegedly left the area unattended and unmarked by warning devices or signage.

Eppich’s suit said he rode over the backfilled area and fl ipped over his bike’s handlebars, crashing to the ground and fracturing his left elbow. He underwent surgery as a result of his injuries, resulting in $387,360.16 of claimed medical expenses.

Eppich’s lawsuit seeks damages from the defendants on counts of negligence for not maintaining the roadway in safe condition and not warning of a known danger.

He proposed a $104,000 settlement agreement with the county, but county commissioners rejected that settlement in January.

The city also is working on a settlement deal. According to court records, the city filed a notice that it had served a settlement proposal to Eppich on April 7, with a 30-day window to accept.

Attorney Erica Augello, who represents the city, did not respond to an April 22 call from The Islander.

If the case remains unresolved, a two-week trial period will begin Dec. 7 at the county judicial center in Bradenton.

The Islander archive dating to 1992 is at ufdc.ufl.edu.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: A water main project is underway along Manatee Avenue and on the bridge, requiring temporary lane closures. Info: amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660, info@amiprojects. io.

Gulf Drive/55th Street/56th Street : Holmes Beach’s Gulf Drive Sea Level Rise Mitigation Project continues, 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 east of the bridge on the south side of Cortez Road West. Pipe installation work is expected to continue into the summer. 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 across Manatee County show traffic conditions at smarttrafficinfo.org. — lisa neff

Clear water provides opportunities to target gator trout

By Capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

As we approach May, Anna Maria Island anglers are flocking to the shallow inshore waters to target spotted seatrout.

With the lack of rain, most waters remain clear, providing good visibility and enabling anglers to locate where good grass flats exist and set their sights on large trout.

Taking advantage of water clarity makes finding the fish attainable because the angler can move from one grass patch to the next until stumbling upon a school of trout.

Spotted seatrout are one of the most popular fish to target throughout our inshore waters as they are readily available. They also are fun to catch using a variety of techniques and provide good tablefare.

Although the name suggests trout, gators are actually in the drum family. This becomes apparent to the angler, because like all fish in the drum family, mature males make a drumming sound to attract females in the spawning season. Upon landing a male trout and while removing the hook before being released, the sound is audible to the angler.

Upon further inspection, trout have a bright yellow mouth accentuated by two prominent canine teeth reinforced by small, jagged teeth that line the jaws. Depending on location, trout have a green to bluish back and silver sides speckled with black spots resembling some freshwater species. Hence, they have the name of a trout.

Generally, trout take 1-2 years to grow to 12 inches and 2-3 years to reach 16 inches, with a lifespan of 4-5 years. They reproduce frequently throughout spring and summer, ensuring healthy populations — except for factors like red tides, freezes or pollution, which can reduce

their numbers or cause them to move elsewhere.

Trout are reliant on their camouflage as they are ambush predators. They blend in with eel grass and turtle grass that makes up their habitat.

Targeting spotted seatrout can be intriguing. They are frequently caught in the grass flats, but they will take residence in other terrain, such as sandy beaches, rock piles and wrecks, which means they can be found in depths as shallow as 2 feet or as deep as 20 feet.

Trout are susceptible to a variety of live baits and artificials, which can make them easy to catch, although their wants can change depending on the day, so it’s advantageous to be well versed on what to present.

Large baits such as shiners, pinfish, finger mullet and shrimp are worthy of targeting trout. Artificials also can trigger a response, with the most popular being soft plastics on a jighead. Suspending baits and topwater plugs are effective, especially for larger trout. The MirrOlure 84 MR top-water plug is definitely a part of many trout angler’s arsenal because they attract trophy-size fish.

When catching trout, remember they are delicate and must be released with care. When using live baits, it’s best to use circle hooks, which aid in lowering the frequency of “gut hooking.” A hook ripped out of the throat of a trout will result in a casualty. So if you experience a gut hook, it’s best to cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish with hopes the hook will rust away.

As far as tablefare is concerned, trout have a sweet white fillet that can be cooked in a variety of methods.

In larger examples of trout, a parasitic tapeworm, commonly called a spaghetti worm, can be present in the flesh. Although unsightly, these worms are harmless to humans and can be cut out of the meat.

What’s amazing about the worms is they exist in the intestines of sharks. The worms lay eggs in the intestines, which are expelled by a shark and, after hatching, use the trout as an intermediate host. The lifecycle is completed when the host trout is eaten by a shark. Lastly, let’s touch upon the topic of ethics. In our region, spotted sea trout must be 15-19 inches to be harvested, with a limit of three fish per person per day. In this bag limit, the angler is allowed one fish of the three to exceed 19 inches. When fishing from a boat, only one fish over 19 inches is allowed on the boat. Local guides believe any trout over 20 inches is a

isabel Stasny, 15, shows off a gator trout she caught and released April 19 while fishing Sarasota Bay with her dad, Capt. danny Stasny, of Just reel fishing charters and The islander’s outdoors writer. The gator measured 28 inches, which was isabel’s personal best. Welcome to the 28-inch club, izzy!

spawning fish. Therefore, we never keep the big ones. Harvest of the slot-sized fish ensures sustainability.

On my Just Reel charters, targeting spotted seatrout is paying off, resulting in plenty of action on the shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Freelined live shiners on a circle hook are leading to numerous hookups, with some instances providing multiple anglers with a fish.

Size ranges vary. On deeper flats in 6-10 feet of water, a variety of other species are mixed in. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, blue runners and jack crevalle are being caught, adding a nice variety to the bite.

Targeting snook is quite productive, especially during the higher stages of the tides. Mangrove edges and oyster bars are holding good numbers.

Fishing along Gulf beaches is producing some action for anglers who like to sight cast to snook. Lastly, blacktip sharks are infesting shallow grass flats of Anna Maria Sound, providing some drag-screaming action on medium spinning gear.

Capt. David White says he’s finding plenty of action while working his charters inshore. He says spotted seatrout are abundant with limits of fish attainable on most days. Snook and redfish also are cooperating for White, especially on high tides around spoil islands and mangrove shorelines.

Fishing over deep grass flats or structure is leading to some Spanish mackerel, jacks and ladyfish, according to White.

Moving into the Gulf is yielding action for White on kingfish, which are ranging 10-20 pounds and are taking live shiners or threadfins as bait.

Lastly, White is chasing tarpon, which has yielded several fish on recent outings. And that contest is just getting underway in Tampa Bay.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Visiting sister city for goodwill, banana splits dignitaries enjoying a visit to the Shake Pit in Bradenton April 23 are from Bradenton’s sister city, Barcarrota, Spain — Hernando de Soto’s hometown. Shake Pit owner debbie Crowe hosts Barcarrota mayoral representative laura Chinarro lindo; her brother, Alberto Chinarro lindo; Barcarrota Queen Marina Mulero Gonzalez and her mom, Maria José González Morales, and aunt, Milagros Mulero Pacífico; members of the queen’s court, Gema núñez lópez, Elena Azas Gómez, Pura Hernández durán, and isabel Manzano Guijarro. Crowe is at the table on the back left. The Shake Pit served burgers, fries, onion rings, sodas and banana splits to its guests. riGHT: Hernando de Soto Historical Society Amigos Committee members dawn Atkinson and Amigos chair laz Gomez, seated, lora Hubbard and diana Stewart, Conquistador Historical Foundation chair Todd Hubbard and committee member Bill Stewart. Shake Pit owner debbie Crowe said the group looks forward every year to the promise of the Shake Pit’s banana splits.

Obituaries

Richard ‘Boston’ J. Burnes Jr.

Richard “Boston” J. Burnes Jr., 66, of Anna Maria, died April 7.

He grew up in Massachusetts, where he attended Quincy High School and played football. Over the years, he remained active and competitive, participating in rugby and candlepin bowling. He found enjoyment in fishing, playing chess and supporting his sons as a youth soccer coach. He also was an enthusiastic reader, especially drawn to novels by Stephen King.

He dedicated much of his working life to the U.S. Postal Service in Quincy and Falmouth before relocating to Florida. In Anna Maria, he embraced a coastal lifestyle and formed many meaningful friendships.

While in Florida, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed cooking at the General Store, golf, bicycling, horse racing and time with his beloved dachshund, Camo, at the dog park.

He continued to follow his Boston teams and rarely missed a game. He also was known for never missing an episode of “The Price Is Right” TV game show.

Ricky had a deep love for dogs, especially his dachshunds Rocky, Apollo and Camo, who brought him much happiness.

His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. May his memory be a source of comfort, and may he rest in peace.

A celebration of life will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Anna Maria General Store on Pine Avenue, followed by a viewing in his honor at 4 p.m. of the Kentucky Derby at D.Coy Ducks Tavern in Holmes Beach.

Mr. Burnes is survived by Andrea; sons Jonathon, Richard III and Benjamin and his wife Melissa; grandchildren Theodore and Samuel; sister Jeanmarie; brothers Shawn and Michael and his wife Kathy; many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Albertine Veenstra

Albertine Veenstra of Bradenton and Holmes Beach and formerly of Acton, Massachusetts, died April 24, 2025.

Her obituary was delayed by miscommunications.

She was born and raised in Luxembourg and immigrated in 1961. She was the eldest of five sisters, Lucy, Veenstra

Gaby, Cecile and Anita in the Wilhelm family.

She was a seamstress, quilter, wife, mother, entrepreneur.

As an expert seamstress, having trained in Brussels, she sustained a sewing business throughout the years, including teaching classes. She also operated a consignment clothing store in her former hometown, Acton, Massachusetts.

Later in life, she devoted her skills to quilting, winning awards and museum placements.

For nearly two decades on Anna Maria Island, she headed up a Gloria Dei Lutheran Church quiltmakers group, resulting in hundreds of quilt donations worldwide through Lutheran Relief.

Mrs. Veenstra also was a lifelong blood donor to American Red Cross.

She loved living in Florida, and loved her friends, on or near Anna Maria Island.

Donations may be made to the New England Quilt Museum of Lowell at neqm.org.

Mrs. Veenstra is survived by her son, Norman A. of Washington, D.C., and stepchildren Pamela, Marion McEttrick and Lester.

Send obituaries to news@islander.org. There is no charge for AMI residents and families of residents, past and present.

Gathering

By lisa neff

Roser honors moms with special services, programs

Roser Memorial Community Church will celebrate Mother’s Day during worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, May 10.

The moms present — and daughters, too — will receive flowers during the services at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Also at Roser, the Mom’s Cafe meets select Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., with the next gatherings May 6 and May 20.

The drop-in program offers complimentary coffee and treats and is designed as a judgment-free space for mothers to connect and share.

Childcare will be provided.

For more information, call 941-778-0414 or visit roserchurch.com.

Longboat Chapel collects food

Longboat Island Chapel’s Clear the Cupboards food drive continues through the end of April, collecting nonperishable items for Stillpoint Mission.

Seasonal residents are encouraged to bring pantry staples to the chapel before leaving.

Also, the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will celebrate Mother’s Day with a special service at 10 a.m. A notice said, “We give thanks for the mothers and mother-figures who bless our lives with love, wisdom and care!”

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

CrossPointe plans VBS

CrossPointe Fellowship is accepting registrations for its vacation Bible school, themed “EPIC” and running 6-8:30 p.m. June 22-26.

The program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth-grade in the 2026–27 school year.

Older youth may volunteer as helpers.

CrossPointe is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, go to vbs.mycpf.org or call 941-778-0719.

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.

Orphaned opossums await care at Wildlife inc. in Bradenton Beach. For more information about the rehab, go to wildlifeinc.org or call 941778-6324.

An injured juvenile merlin is housed in a transport crate at Bradenton Beach’s Wildlife inc. Spring brings an influx of raptors and other wildlife requiring rehabilitation.

Spring surge pushes Wildlife Inc. rescues past 800

Bradenton Beach’s Wildlife Inc. has seen a spring surge in wildlife rescues.

The nonprofit, Manatee County’s primary wildlife rehabilitation center, was founded in 1987 by Ed and Gail Straight at their home, 2207 Avenue B, to rescue and rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned animals. Spring nesting season has brought a spike in intake.

“At this exact moment, we have taken in 803 animals this year, with about 130 currently in rehab — roughly 90 of them opossums,” Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said April 21.

The nonprofit typically sees its highest caseload in spring and early summer, when increased wildlife activity and human interaction lead to more injuries and separations. Opossums, songbirds and raptors are among the most commonly treated.

The influx is stretching staff and resources, increasing demand for food, medical care and space. Wildlife Inc. is asking the public for donations and volunteer help.

For more information, go to wildlifeinc.org or call 941-778-6324.

— robert Anderson

MET on AMI

Evening at the MET,” April 18 at the Center of Anna Maria island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. islander Photo: Courtesy Katie Fradley

Sports action on AMI: Golf, horseshoes,

By Kevin P. Cassidy islander reporter Key royale golf news

The Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach hosted a hearty “goodbye” April 17 for the part-time winterspring golfers with a Farewell Scramble.

The team of Charlie Porter, Chas Smith and Don Tilden combined on a 5-under-par 27 to grab clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Monica Lawson, Eric Lawson, Margrit Layh and Steve Vasbinder were right behind in second with a 4-under-par 28, while Chris Arendt, Brian Comer, Joe Coyne and Robert Kingan were alone in third at 2-under-par 30.

The men played their weekly modified-Stableford System match April 20, with Mike Pritchett earning bragging rights on a plus-5 and a skin on the No. 8. Buddy Foy was a point behind in second, while Larry Solberg was alone in third with a plus-3.

John Cassese, Eric Lawson and Larry Pippel each won a skin during the round.

Members played a nine-hole scramble April 23 with the team of Eric Lawson, Ken Kari, Warren Stevens and Nub Turner combining on a 5-under-par 27 to win the day’s proceedings. The team of Larry Brattain, Deb DuVernay, Jim Hichen and Gerry Martinek were a stroke back in second. The team of Bob Blaser, Tim Dunigan, AJ Ellis and Rob Ellis tied the team of Jack Lowry, Larry Pippel, Charlie Porter and Jana Samuels for third.

Horseshoes ring in Anna Maria

Horseshoe action April 22 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet. The team of Bob Lee and John Poccynek posted the only 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

The April 25 games saw four teams post 3-0 records, the winner was settled in a playoff. The first semifinal match saw Tom Farrington and Lee cruise to a 22-9 victory over Bob Rowley and Tim Sofran, while Dom Livedoti and Gersey Fernandes advanced

with a 24-13 victory over Billy Silver.

The championship match wasn’t even close as the team of Farrington-Lee cruised past Livedoti-Fernandes 22-6 to earn the day’s bragging rights.

Play gets under way at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the city hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

It’s free to play and all are welcome.

Skimboard competition on the horizon

The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting the One Love, AMI Skim Competition Saturday, June 6, at the Magnolia Avenue beach in Anna Maria.

The competition is set for several age brackets, including 7-and under, 8-12, 13-17 and 18 and over.

The event will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $45 per participant. The center said space is limited and encouraged people to register now.

To register, go to centerami.org/events or by calling 941-778-1908. The event also is looking for sponsors.

Adult soccer action on center pitch

The leaders are rising after four weeks of action in the adult soccer league at the center.

Sato Real Estate is on top of the standings with a 4-0 record, three points clear of second-place Pool America and Swordfish Grill, which are both 3-1. Pizza Social holds down fourth with a 2-1-1 record, just ahead of Duncan Real Estate at 2-2 and 2-1 Salty Printing. Bubble Binz holds down seventh place at 1-2-1, while Florida Impact Windows (0-1-2), Anna Maria Island Real Estate (0-2-1), Solid Rock Construction (0-3-1) and Ross Built (0-3) complete the standings.

Action kicked off April 23 with Sato edging Solid Rock 4-3 behind two goals from Daphne Ruiz and a goal each from Will Kretzman and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos. Tuna McCracken helped preserve the win with six saves in goal.

Daniel Hampton, Ted Hurst and Alex Landy scored for Solid Rock, which also received 10 saves from Ryan Moss in the loss.

The second match of the evening saw Pizza Social hold on for a 3-2 victory over Pool America. Gabriel Arendt, Jackson Pakbaz and Amanda Simonetti each scored a goal while Luke Naeher finished with nine saves in the victory.

Dean Hinterstoiser and Christopher Klotz led Pool America with a goal each in the loss.

Joey Hutchinson scored five goals to lead Duncan to an 8-6 victory over Florida Impact Windows in the third game of the night. Danny Free added two goals and Matthew Skaggs added a goal for Duncan.

Kali Richardson scored three goals for Florida Impact Windows, which also received two goals from Raul Loera and a goal from Keith Mahoney.

Swordfish cruised to an 8-1 victory over Bubble Binz behind three goals from Brandon Rolland and two goals from James Knowles. Lucas Wilson, Kevin Roman and Sarah Phillips added goals in the win.

Nate Welch scored the lone goal for Bubble Binz, which also received nine saves from goalie Caleb Arendt in the loss.

Sam Bowers scored a pair of goals and Chris Culhane added a goal to lead Salty Printing to a 3-0 victory over AMI Real Estate Corp. to close out the action for the night.

Julian Bejarano made four saves for AMI Real Estate in the loss.

Girl’s soccer action

After four weeks of action in the all-girls soccer league at the center, AMI Rental Cars is atop the standings with a 3-0-1 record, comfortably ahead of second place RAK’s Wings ‘N Things, which has a 1-1-2 record. Bubble Binz holds down third with a 1-2-1, while Beach Bums is in fourth place with an 0-2-2 record.

Action April 20 kicked off with Wings ‘N Things and Bubble Binz battling to a 1-1 tie. Reagan Kesten notched the lone goal for Wings ‘N Things, which also received five saves from Loretta Hopkins in the draw.

Willo Wolfe scored for Bubble Binz on an assist from Sonny Howell, while Bayla Lance came through with 11 saves in the tie.

By Lisa Neff

Conveying a message

Look up “ferry” in the dictionary.

As a verb, “ferry” means “ to convey from one place to another” and “to carry by boat over a body of water.”

Dictionary examples of “ferry” in a sentence include “cars were ferried across the river” and “they ferry supplies to the island.”

The Gulf Islands Ferry service moves people. It is transit.

Sure, the funding from tourist tax dollars shows the ferryboats appeal to visitors, but the Bradenton-Anna Maria Island service is not intended to be a low-budget alternative to chartered fishing excursions or captained sightseeing tours.

The Gulf Islands Ferry service is a transit operation intended to reduce vehicular traffic on area roads, especially the two main arteries leading to Anna Maria Island — Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road — and eventually the ferry service will provide workforce transportation.

Some seem to have lost sight of that purpose.

The same week that the county put its new, larger ferryboat into service, news broke that a ferry landing would not be established at a Waterline Villas & Marina boat slip in Holmes Beach, leaving three ferryboats to operate between two landings — the Riverwalk Pier in Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

The reasons cited include the service cutting into the profits of tour boat operators and the intrusion on residential neighborhoods leading to the marina.

Yet ferry passengers aren’t unruly. We have not seen any crime trends or code enforcement issues at the landings. In fact, I can’t recall one nuisance complaint or crime report related to the ferry service.

As for competing with island charter operations, that’s like arguing for discontinuing the island trolley because we have golf cart rentals.

The ferry service isn’t a novelty. We’ve seen significant investment in ferry operations in the United States, especially under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, because they reduce road congestion, revitalize communities, meet commuter demand and improve environmental sustainability.

The Miss Anna Maria, Downtown Duchess and Manatee Belle operate with low noise and ultra-low emissions ratings from the California Air Resources Board — and expanding the operation, especially with electric vessels, would push those gains even further.

The boats, like the island trolley, take vehicles off the roads. In 2025 alone, by carrying 55,000 passen-

Kayaking in the kitchen

gers, the ferry removed an estimated 23,000 vehicles from local roads — cutting congestion on choke points like Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road while reducing fuel use and tailpipe emissions. That’s not theoretical sustainability — it’s fewer idling cars and cleaner air along the corridors.

Imagine what could be accomplished with additional landings, not just one in Holmes Beach but at Coquina Bayside in Bradenton Beach, the City Pier in Anna Maria, plus docks on the riverfront in Palmetto, the bayfront in Cortez, maybe even Longboat Key and Sarasota.

I’m hoping for an expanded transit service, not a stunted two-stop service.

I’m also hoping for another ferry — ideally electric.

About the ferry service

The ferryboats operate Wednesday-Sunday between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Call or text 727-200-6487 or go to bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry/.

BAGELS & CATERING

Kayakers paddle into Sarasota Bay after navigating the canals of Cortez’s FiSH Preserve during a guided tour April 20. The preserve is one of several properties managed by the Florida institute for Saltwater Heritage, a volunteer nonprofit. islander Photos: Courtesy Cindy rodgers

Seasonal ritual: Lovebugs swarm Twice a year — April-May and again AugustSeptember — lovebugs are entering mating season across Florida. lovebugs are native to Central America and now common across the humid Southeast. They don’t bite or sting, but swarms can reduce visibility and splatter vehicle grilles and windshields. The crushed bodies can leave a sticky, acidic residue on vehicles that can damage paint if it isn’t washed off promptly. islander File Photo

Lox Bagel Platter garden-ripe tomatoes, capers, red onion and fresh lox with cream cheese, made to order on your choice of bagel! Yummmmm.

Nesting notes

Turtle watch sets Suzi

By Lisa Neff

Fox Day

There’s a lot you’ll want to know about mama turtles, Suzi Fox informed many people over the years she served as the executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

Fox, who died in 2022, would share sea turtle knowledge with anyone and everyone she encountered. She’d be on the beach at any time of day or night on behalf of sea turtles — nesters, eggs and hatchlings. She was their protector, monitor, advocate and record keeper. She was their mama.

She led seminars, talks and walks to inform people of all ages about sea turtles.

Mother’s Day seems an appropriate day to honor

About AMITW

AMiTW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. Nesting data is required by beach renourishment contracts and AMiTW is compensated by the county for its service.

Fox. But so too is May 1, the official start of sea turtle nesting season, and that’s what AMITW has planned.

The nonprofit, which has been monitoring local beaches since April 15 for signs of nesting activity, plans to mark Suzi Fox Day with the Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kickoff Party on Friday, May 1, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

The event, 3-6 p.m. at Coquina Beach Cafe, will feature sea turtle-themed games and activities, live music by Scott Blum and Bill Vinhage and free turtle-friendly PAR20 amber LED bulbs for beachfront property managers and homeowners.

Adult attendees who pick up outreach materials also will receive a free beer from the cafe.

For those looking to learn more throughout the

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season, AMITW’s Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts is a free weekly presentation at 10 a.m. Mondays, MayAugust, at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

For more information, visit islandturtlewatch.com or call 941-301-8434.

Did you know?

Sea turtles are protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and by state and local laws.

People who see a sea turtle in distress on Anna Maria Island can call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

For AMI beach concerns, call the island code enforcement offices: Anna Maria, 941-708-6130; Bradenton Beach, 941-778-1005; and Holmes Beach, 941-778-0331.

Island chamber lines up trio of networking events

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will keep members busy in May with a networking breakfast, luncheon and evening mixer.

The month kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 7, with a breakfast at AMI Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The menu features all-you-can-eat pancakes, a two-egg breakfast with toast and home fries or an egg, bacon and cheese muffin with home fries — coffee included.

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

RSVPs are due by Tuesday, May 5.

The chamber moves to the Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, for a luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Menu choices include an Anna Maria Salad, a blackened or fried grouper sandwich with coleslaw or a cheeseburger and fries.

Pricing is $22 for members and $30 for prospective members.

RSVPs are required by Tuesday, May 12. May closes with a business card exchange at Izzy’s Place Diner, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 28. The mixer features light bites, beverages and networking.

The cost is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

For more information and RSVPs email memberservices@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

— lisa Neff

Compiled by lisa Neff

SAVE THE DATES

• May 7, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, AMI Beach Cafe, Holmes Beach.

• May 8, AMI Chamber Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton.

• May 14, AMI Chamber luncheon, Gulf Drive Cafe and Kokonut Hut, Bradenton Beach.

• May 28, AMI Chamber mixer, Izzy’s Place, Cortez. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Business news Send business news, including announcements of operational changes, expansions, achievements to news@islander.org. Photos appreciated.

Save the date

Crust & Q celebrates groundbreaking Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, center, and city staff pose April 16 with the ownership of the incoming Crust & Q, 5910 Marina Drive, during a groundbreaking ceremony for construction at the property. The restaurant is expected to open this fall. People can learn more about the community and its offerings at the destinationholmes. com website. islander

Terri Kinder of the Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce attends a Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES meeting. The chamber is planning a party to mark Kinder’s retirement as president of the nonprofit. The party will be 5-7 p.m. June 5 at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez. Kinder became president in 2018. To rSVP, email amber@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541. islander File Photo

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce reports approximately 20K visitors for March.

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F

ITEMS FOR SALE

HAMMOCK fOR SALE: 6.5 by 3.75 feet. Hardware connections extends four feet. Hardwood spread bars. $50. bill, 724-986-0314.

bLACK ANd REd roll suitcases, $20 each, black handbag, carry on, $25, Tigerxbang oar/paddle for outdoors, $20. 941-920-2494.

fREE: dVd PLAyER and cabinet, many dVdS and VHS tapes. Just pick up. Call 941-4476740.

ANTIQUE PARTNER d ESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. fREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).

PLACE CLASSIfIEdS by 11 A M. MONdAy.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOOKING f OR f RANK from Island Print? He’s available by call or text 941-704-8108. Email frankhtc.fw@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION

GOLf CART RENTALS: fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com

BOATS & BOATING

HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 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.

PRIVATE ANNA MARIA Island dolphin tours, sunset cruises and sandbar adventures for up to 12 passengers with Manatee River boat Rentals and Water Sports. book your unforgettable Gulf Coast experience online today at dolphin tours, https://manateeriverwatersports.com/anna-mariadolphin-tours. Sunset Cruises, https://manateeriverwatersports.com/anna-maria-sunset-cruises Sandbar tours, https://manateeriverwatersports. com/sandbar-tours-bradenton

HELP WANTED

ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time Assistant facilities Administrator to cover friday to Sunday and special events. details at RoserChurch.com/ job-opportunity. To apply email info@roserchurch. com or call 941-778-0414.

THE ISLANd ER IS looking for a savvy, sharp, sales rep to manage client advertising and hit the road to connect with businesses looking to increase their bottom line by advertising in the newspaper. We’ve got 34 years of experience and results to share. Email news@islander.org.

REPORTER WANTEd: full- to part-time. Print media experience preferred. 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

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

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

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

bICyCLE REPAIRS: Just4fun at 5358 Gulf drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.

API’S dRyWALL REPAIR:

SERVICES

PC O r TECH 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: Call 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.

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

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

GOT D irTY W i NDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

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

ACHAUFFE r 4U FO r T r ANSPO rTAT i ON anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

HOME WATCHE r : WHEN you can’t be at home, i’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. i’m a state-certified residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

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.

SERVICES Continued

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

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

bUSINESS-TO-bUSINESS Jd’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

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 b ill Eller, 941720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. CAC184228.

CLEAN TECH MObILE detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

LAWN & GARDEN

COLLINS LANdSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@gmail.com

SHEll DEliVErED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

G ri FF i N’S HOME i MP r OVEMENTS i nc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. i nsured 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 941-705-5293.

l OOK i NG FO r ANY 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.

DONA l D PE r K i NS PA i NT i NG ll C. i nterior/exterior/pressure washing. i sland references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

GO rill A D rYWA ll r EPA ir ll C. 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 AM i and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John Teti, 302983-5774.

iS l ANDE r A r CH i VE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Continued

TRUE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.

SCrEEN rEPAir: WiNDOW screens, frame replacement, screen doors, patios, and lanais. Will pick up and deliver window frames. Call Kent, 941-577-2236. Manatee Home Screening.

CALL H yd RO CLEAN. f ull-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, 941-9622874.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULf beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.

AVAILAbLE NOW ANd season: 1bR/1bA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

PERICO ISLANd PATIO home: 3bR/2bA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423.

HO l MES BEACH DUP l EX r ental: semiannual term, second floor, 2Br/2BA, newly remodeled, beautifully furnished, one-car garage. $3,350/month plus security deposit. ralph, 847-530-8833.

ANNUAL RENTAL: RECENTLy renovated 2bR/1bA. One house to the beach! 107 29th St., Holmes beach. Mike Norman Realty, 941-7786696.

2 b R/1 b A ANNUAL RENTAL: Ground level, 72nd Street, Holmes beach. Unfurnished, backyard, washer and dryer hookup. No Pets, no smoking. no dishwasher. $2,400/month. 941-4479672, leave message.

ANNUAL RENTALS AVAILAbLE: Holmes beach. 4 b R/3 b A unfurnished canalfront, pool home. Completely updated. $7,000/month. Off Island, Hidden Lake, 3 b R/2 b A furnished lakefront condo. $3,000/month. Village Green, furnished 2 b R/2 b A, fenced yard, small pets welcome. $3,000/month. Long-term furnished rentals are available. All areas. Applications, first, last and security required for all annual and long-term rentals. Call Wagner Realty, 941-778-2246.

2 b R/1 b A ANNUAL RENTAL: Ground level, 72nd Street, Holmes beach. Unfurnished, backyard, washer and dryer hookup. No Pets, no smoking. no dishwasher. $2,400/month. 941-4479672, leave message.

HOlMES BEACH CONDO: 2Br/2BA second floor, 55-plus beachfront community. Two pools, includes all utilities, cable and covered parking. Annual $3,500/month or seasonal six or seven months beginning May 15 through Dec. 15th, $2,500/month. Application. First, last and security. Debra, 262 745-3569.

REAL ESTATE

W i NN i E MCHA l E, r EA lTO r , 941-5046146. Dalton Wade real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced r ealtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

REAL ESTATE Continued

BrADENTON WATErFrONT CONDO for sale: Newly updated, fully furnished, 2B r /2BA, 1,100 sf. Carport, patio and docking available. $249,000. Call 941-704-9432.

OPEN HOUSE: NOON - 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3. End unit, sixth floor ironwood condo! 2Br/2BA. Turnkey furnished. Great amenities. Bird’s eye view of the golf course. Kimberly Jatich, Quartz Coast realty inc, 941-504-3874. 3680 ironwood Circle, #601l. Bradenton.

MOdERN 3bR/2bA WITH three-car garage on lake with nice fire pit. Located in northern Manatee County with very easy access to I-275 and I-75 for commuters. $398,000 or best offer. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

CENTRAL bRAdENTON: MINUTES to beach. 2bR/2bA completely remodeled condo. Heated pool and spa, pickleball and tennis courts. Minutes to beach. Give-away price, $210,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.