The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Oct, 29, 2025

AM City Pier T-end buildings cleared

RIGHT: Bradenton-based Quality Marine Construction employees operate an excavator from a barge Oct. 21, removing items from the Anna Maria City Pier’s T-end buildings, which have been closed since hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed the pier’s walkway last fall. Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short said Oct. 23 the city can now determine how to remediate the spaces. BELOW: The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop sits empty but muddied Oct. 21 after equipment and fixtures were removed by Quality Marine. Islander

New Rod & Reel landside preps for opening

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

There are some hurdles the Rod & Reel Pier will need to clear before it can open its new landside restaurant in Holmes Beach.

According to documents requested by The Islander, there was still a bevy of inspections that required completion as of Oct. 22 in order to open the R&R’s restaurant in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza at 3246 E. Bay Drive, the former home of the Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus.

The restaurant’s original location was the old Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, which was built in 1947 and destroyed in 2024 by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

German brewer and restaurateur

Haunted Anna Maria Island: Ghost stories from the Gulf coast

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

In October, as the salt air begins to gather an evening chill and jack-o’lanterns flicker, paranormal investigator Liz Reed listens for a certain kind of visitor.

Reed and husband, Ron, are founders of the Paranormal Society of Bradenton and they have spent years searching for what lingers after dark on and Anna Maria Island. She and her small team of investigators document unexplained voices, apparitions, mysterious lights and stories that refuse to rest.

Reed chronicled some early experiences and local investigations in “Haunted Manatee County,” which is available on Amazon.

She spoke to The Islander Oct. 22 about investigating the paranormal on AMI.

The Mermaid’s Cat

One of Reed’s most curious island investigations took place inside an old Anna Maria home that at the time housed the Sign of the Mermaid and now houses

Kids bring the fun and Halloween spirit

The Porch. Sign of the Mermaid patrons had reported the sensation of something brushing against them while dining.

During a late-night session in 2016, Reed and her team reported strange readings and thermal images that seemed to reveal the outline of a ghostly cat pacing the floor.

“We kept seeing this red shape appear on the thermal camera, right where one of our investigators was pretending to pet a cat,” Reed said. “You could actually see her hand moving over it.”

Moments later, the group saw the apparition of a woman gliding past them in dim light — visible to the naked eye, not just their equipment. When they asked questions, faint responses flickered through the recorders and EMF meters, as if the presence wanted only to be acknowledged.

Reed believes the ghostly woman and her spectral cat still linger inside the historic cottage-turned-restaurant, their quiet company remaining through TURN TO HAUNTED AMI, PAGE 12

HB voters to decide city future Nov. 4

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach voters soon will choose between four candidates to fill three city commission seats.

Voters will cast ballots in-person 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, which serves as the polling place for Manatee County Precinct 305. The election is a faceoff between one newcomer and three incumbents, including:

• Steve Oelfke, a former planning commissioner who was appointed to the city commission in February and is running for his first full two-year term on the board;

• Jessica Patel, vice president of the Anna Maria Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, who is making her first foray into municipal government;

• Terry Schaefer, a retired bank executive who has served on the city commission since he was first elected in 2019 and is now running for his fourth

Municipal matters

Moving forward

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander Oct. 24, reporting that the city had a barge docked at the T-end of the City Pier Oct. 21 to clear out the damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

The contents of the buildings leased to GSM Partner’s City Pier Grill & Bait Shop and Mote Marine Laboratory’s Marine Science Education and Outreach Center were removed and taken to the mainland.

The mayor said the city needed to get everything out of those buildings in order to initiate the repair and remediation process.

Short also reported that a repair project was in progress involving the five largest swales in the city. Swales are integral to the stormdrain system.

“Retrenching is being done and new filtration cloth and stone will be added to help get our damaged swales back into working condition,” Short said.

Finally, Short was looking forward to the city’s first block party of the fall-winter season at City Pier Park. The event was held Oct. 24.

He wrote, “The Stockton Brothers will be performing and the city will be grilling hot dogs. This will be a monthly event through April, except for December due to the holidays.”

— Bonner

Joy

Q&A The Islander poll

Daylight saving time ends Nov. 2. Should we…

A. Switch to permanent standard time with earlier sunrises.

B. Switch to permanent daylight saving time with later sunsets.

C. Keep twice-a-year clock changes. Go to islander.org to answer the poll.

Time to party!

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short welcomes attendees Oct. 24 to the 2025-26 season’s first city-sponsored Block Party at the city Pier Park, while the Stockton Bros. prepare to entertain. city commissioners staffed a grill and guests brought potluck dishes for an old-fashioned hometown celebration.

Islander Photos: courtesy Anna Maria

A crowd gathers under the shade sails at Anna Maria city Pier Park Oct. 24 to enjoy the music of the Stockton Bros. and the fall weather. the city commissioners helped grill hot dogs and people brought their own beverages, chairs and a potluck dish to share.

Fall back: Time change ahead

Got the time?

Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, with most of the country dialing back an hour.

Most states observe daylight saving time, and

about 70 countries also observe a time change. Public safety officials say the biannual time change provides a reminder to replace batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

— Lisa Neff

106-room Bridge Street Resort project remains idle

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Nearly two years after Bradenton Beach commissioners approved the Bridge Street Resort, a 106-room mixed-use development to anchor the commercial district, the project remains at a standstill.

During an Oct. 23 city meeting update about construction projects in the city, Police Chief John Cosby said the project appeared “dead in the water.”

On Oct, 24, Cosby told The Islander that based on third-party information the resort project had stalled: “It’s our understanding from third-party individuals that the hotel is on the back burner and one of the major investors has pulled out. So, what that in turn does is the PUD then collapses … and that will return to the original ownership.”

The city in December 2023 approved planned urban development spanning a southwest block of Bridge Street.

Early designs showed a 206,987-square-foot complex with three floors of hotel rooms, retail, a lobby and lounge, offices and a coffee bar.

The project area encompasses multiple parcels, including 101 Bridge St., 106 Third St. S., 105 Bridge St. and 219 Gulf Drive S. Property records show those parcels are owned by 205 Sycamore LLC, Tampa Bayshore Trust LLC and Bridge Street Resort LLC — all list developer Shawn Kaleta as the registered agent.

Another parcel, 201 Gulf Drive S. the former site of Joe’s Eats and Sweets, is owned by AMI Plaza LLC, which lists William Saba as the registered agent.

The remaining parcels within the proposed resort footprint — 108 Third St. S., 110 Third St. S., 112

Correction

Due to an editing error, The Islander incorrectly reported in the Oct. 22 issue that a 10-foot-wide alley vacated by the city of Holmes Beach at 2902 Ave. E was a public beach access. The alley is not a beach access path.

Demolition work in 2023 clears property to make way for the Bridge Street Resort. Islander File Photo

Third St. S. and 117 Bridge St. are owned by Bridge Street Bazaar Inc., which lists former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner as the registered agent.

None of Spooner’s properties have been demolished and the businesses continue to operate.

On Oct. 27, Spooner responded to The Islander that he has not withdrawn from the project.

A paid parking lot opened in January 2024 in place of the demolished buildings.

The city authorized a temporary 32-space lot under the site’s planned-development designation for the resort, with the understanding the lot would be temporary while planning for the hotel was underway.

In May, the development Beach to Bay, which manages the parking lot, asked the city for relief from construction timelines due to delays and financial impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

On Sept. 19, the city extended the temporary use permit for paid parking through Sept. 19, 2026.

As of Oct. 23, city officials reported no building activity or permit applications, leaving the high-profile redevelopment sitting in park.

Sam Negrin of Pines Park Investors declined to comment.

Extended stay at the Pines

An entrance to the Pines trailer Park, 103 church Ave., Bradenton Beach. During an Oct. 23 commission meeting, Police chief John cosby said the mobile home park likely would remain unchanged through 2025-26, based on information from Pines Park Investors LLc representative Sam Negrin. the park has been largely quiet since a lawsuit over its closure was settled in August through a confidential agreement between the ownership group and the homeowners association. Under the settlement, some residents were allowed to remain for an unspecified time. However, many of the 86 homes are vacant due to earlier evictions and hurricane damages. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Bradenton Beach seeks successor for longtime commissioner

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

With Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh’s term ending and no candidates for her Ward 4 post in the Nov. 4 election, offi cials, based on the city charter, will fill the seat by appointment.

Meanwhile, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Debbie Scaccianoce will retain their seats after qualifying for reelection without competition.

The lack of a contest means Bradenton Beach voters will not head to the polls on Election Day.

Vosburgh, who has lived in Bradenton Beach since 2003 and has served on the commission for 11 years, will serve until a replacement is chosen, according to temporary city attorney Robert Lincoln.

“My understanding of the law is that she will remain in the seat until you go through the process of appointing a replacement,” Lincoln told commissioners Oct. 23. “Normally, under Florida law, you don’t leave offi ce until somebody replaces you.”

However, Lincoln recommended the matter be

Election 2025

“It’s something that Ms. Augello and her firm may have more direct experience with,” he said.

Under the city charter, vacancies on the dais are filled by appointment rather than by special election. So the city will seek applicants from Ward 4 and then vote for a successor, who would serve until the next regularly scheduled election.

If no one from Ward 4 — which is the south end of the city to just south of Bridge Street — steps forward, the commission will make an at-large appointment.

City Clerk Terri Sanclemente said she planned to contact Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington about procedure.

The approaching vacancy comes amid a shrinking electorate, with the city’s registered voters dropping from 596 in May 2024 to 483 in October, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.

Anna Maria incumbents automatically returned to dais

Anna Maria residents will not be heading to the polling place for a municipal election this year. Instead, they will retain their five-member commission.

Commissioners John Lynch, Kathleen Morgan and Charlie Salem qualified earlier this year to run for reelection without opposition Nov. 4.

They will automatically retain their seats when their current terms expire this fall.

Lynch was appointed in January to serve the remainder of Jon Crane’s term. So he will serve his first full two-year term on the commission.

Morgan was appointed to the commission in January 2024 and will serve her first full two-year term on the board.

I’m

board and reelected without opposition in 2023, will serve a second full term.

Anna Maria commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.

— Ryan Paice

Crash with injuries in HB

full term;

• Carol Soustek, the longest tenured city commissioner, who has served on the board since 2014 and is seeking her sixth full term on the dais.

The three candidates who receive the most votes will be seated.

There were 2,207 total voters in Holmes Beach as of Oct. 21, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

In-person voters must bring current and valid photo and signature identification, such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport, in order to vote.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be submitted to the SEO by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

A low-speed vehicle sits damaged in the roadway Oct. 24 near the intersection of 52nd Street and gulf Drive in Holmes Beach after colliding with a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. Holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer said the LSV driver, a resident of South Harbor Drive, apparently lost control of the steering. He was ejected in the crash and sustained serious injuries. the truck had minor damage, and its driver was not hurt. there were no charges in the crash. the LSV driver was transported to HcA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Bradenton Beach hires interim city attorney for 6 months

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 4-0 Oct. 23 in favor of Mayor John Chappie’s recommendation to hire Erica Augello and the firm of Trask Daigneault LLP as the city’s interim legal counsel for the next six months.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh was absent with excuse.

The move follows the Sept. 18 resignation of city attorney Ricinda Perry, who represented Bradenton Beach for more than two decades.

Perry’s dual role as legal counsel and project manager had drawn concern from commissioners, who, following her resignation, said they wanted a separation between legal and management duties going forward.

Even with Perry’s departure, the city continues to feel the weight of her invoices as it transitions to a firm-based legal model. As of Oct. 24, city treasurer Shayne Thompson said Perry had invoiced the city for $177,410 for January-September.

Thompson said the city was reviewing Perry’s

& ReeL cONtINUeD FROM PAge 1

Oliver “Oli” Lemke, who purchased the pier in November 2023, has said the pier will be rebuilt.

However, it is unclear what progress has been made on that front.

Lemke wrote in an Oct. 25 email to The Islander that the permitting process for rebuilding the pier “should” be completed within the next six months.

The city of Anna Maria did not fulfill an Oct. 17 records request from The Islander for permit information as of Oct. 26.

In the meantime, the R&R is working to open a new restaurant in Holmes Beach.

The pier’s Facebook page has posted multiple updates on the restaurant’s progress, including posts showing contractors and staff painting the interior, installing new grills, fans, trim and more.

The restaurant, as of Oct. 22, had three open city uilding permits at the new location, including:

the old Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria remains in ruins Oct. 21 after a wipe-out by hurricanes Helene and Milton last year.

invoices.

Under the interim agreement, Augello will serve as lead city attorney for six months to evaluate whether the firm is a good fit.

Augello also is the city attorney for the city of Holmes Beach.

Commissioners voiced support for the hire while noting some concerns.

“I still am not entirely comfortable with Erica because of her role in Holmes Beach,” Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce said during the meeting. “But we do have six months to work through this and make sure everything goes smoothly. So I’m definitely open-minded. I know Trask is an outstanding law firm.”

Chappie said, “I’m not overly concerned, but there could be some issues at times. The nice thing about it is we’re very familiar with Rob Eshenfelder, and he’s a great guy — very smart, scary smart. And he has a good track record.”

Augello, a Florida Bar board-certified specialist in city, county and local government law and a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator and the firm offers

• A permit to demolish an acoustical ceiling and brick panel;

• A permit to expand the existing gas utility for two water heaters, fryers and a range;

• A permit to paint, build a new bar, install kitchen equipment, new insulation and ceiling tiles.

An inspection is required to close the demo permit, plus three inspections to close the utility permit and 13 inspections to close the third permit.

Additionally, Holmes Beach will not issue the restaurant a business tax receipt until its Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation seating and beverage licenses are updated for the location.

On the web

People can learn more about the R&R and keep an eye out for an opening day announcement on its website, rodreelpier.lemke.berlin.

access to a full team of attorneys with expertise in FEMA compliance, building codes and legislative tracking.

According to the firm’s proposal, Augello will bill the city $285 per hour for legal services.

Tues-

The best ‘game’ in town

I’m pretty sure another anniversary would be less celebratory for The Islander if we hadn’t just struggled to survive the year that followed two major storms and the economic woes that resulted.

For a time, with no utilities and the possibility the press in Fort Myers was also down, there seemed a chance The Islander might miss publishing a week, but we pulled it together and did our best to keep you informed of conditions after the storm on AMI and in our surrounding area.

And we did it by pulling resources from all directions. We did it with the help of our community.

Many kind people sent photos, reported on conditions and kept us aware and alert of any hazards or urgent needs among our three cities and our community of government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, schools, housing resources, road conditions, mail delivery, bridge closures, food and water resources, much-needed assistance, and, of course, the conditions for our houses of worship.

We have experienced 33 great years of community reporting and one year, plus a few weeks, of extraordinary circumstances that set us about striving every day to reach that place that we call normal again.

I read something a while back that struck me as an ideal explanation for what we do, and I saved it, hoping at some point to share it with you.

“For a hundred years now, the Sarasota HeraldTribune has been more than just a source of news; it’s been a cornerstone of our community, reflecting our triumphs, exposing our challenges, and fostering essential conversations.” — Mark J. Rochester, executive editor.

I’d like to think The Islander measured up to these ideals in some measure for you, our readers.

It was 34 years ago when my first issue of The Islander — originally titled The Islander Bystander — rolled off the press and was delivered to you.

It was my dream to give islanders the sort of newspaper they deserved and to fulfill the needs of the community, whether reporting soccer scores from the community center, events on AMI or actions at the three city halls. We strive to be the news of record.

Looking back, there came a moment when I realized that I had long admired baseball players for their ability to play a game and earn a living doing what they love and, with this newspaper, I came to realize that I found my game.

I hope you enjoy reading The Islander for many more years.

— Bonner Joy

Your opinion

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes opinion letters. Please, submit letters with name, address and phone number to news@islander.org. Only the name and city are published.

Letters are edited for space to no more than 250 words.

Anonymous letters are not published.

Looking back

10-20-30 years ago

From the Oct. 26, 1995, issue

• Holmes Beach officials announced the city would hold new hearings for the 1995-96 budget because of an error in calculating ad valorem proceeds and the millage rate didn’t appear on the budget summary.

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce was contacting state officials with concerns about delays in repairs to the Cortez Bridge.

▼ Publisher, editor

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Jacob Merrifield

capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Sean Murphy

▼ Advertising Sales

Ingrid Mcclellan, ingrid.theislander@gmail.com ads@islander.org

▼ Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

All others: info@islander.org

Engineering the skyway

A team with Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Hall and MacDonald engineers poses in the early 1950s. the firm worked on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge across tampa Bay, as well as the Sunshine State Parkway between Fort Pierce and Hollywood and the John e. Matthews Bridge in Jacksonville. A.W “Bud” Brown, seated by a post and wearing a plaid shirt, served as foreperson and lived on Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Manatee county Public Library System

Explore the archives

Look for the Islander in the digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu

From the Oct. 26, 2005, issue

• The headline on the front page: “Whew! Wilma island washout.” Hurricane Wilma pounded large portions of Southwest Florida near Naples as a Category 3 storm but was merely an inconvenience to those on Anna Maria Island.

• The Florida Department of Transportation informed Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore that the price of a new Key Royale Bridge had risen from $2.7 million to $3.9 million because of a spike in fuel and material costs.

• Voters on AMI declined about 12.3%, from 2000 to 2005 while the percentage of homestead exemptions went up 7.3% during the same period.

From the Oct. 28, 2015,

issue

William J. Cumber was sentenced to 20 years in state prison by 12th Circuit Court Judge Diana Moreland under the terms of a cooperative agreement negotiated before he pleaded guilty to murdering Sabine Musil-Bueheler.

• The dog park in Holmes Beach reopened after being closed for five days due to reports of pets suffering from giardia, a contagious disease that results from ingesting bacteria, sometimes from standing water or puddles.

— Lisa Neff

Going, going gone

A demolition crew from OneFix construction of tampa Oct. 24 begins tearing down a storm-damaged home at 1201 gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. the property, owned by chris Miller, collapsed during Hurricane Milton after sustaining damage from Hurricane Helene. Islander

Photos: Robert Anderson

MPO board OKs transportation blueprint to 2050

By Lisa Neff Islander editor

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board voted Oct. 20 to adopt a 2050 long-range transportation plan that was 18 months in the making.

Writing the plan — an exercise conducted every fi ve years as required by federal code — involved analysis, research, surveys and workshops.

The final draft looks to the future for a full complement of transportation modes.

MPO deputy director Ryan Brown said a goal was to emphasize multimodal planning and improving alternatives to cars on roads.

The plan also had to address growth, especially the development taking place east of Interstate 75.

Project priorities listed in the plan that have at least some funding include the replacement of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64 between Perico and Anna Maria islands; the replacement of the Cortez Bridge on State Road 789/Gulf Drive link-

ing Cortez and Bradenton Beach, the replacement of the Longboat Pass Bridge on SR 789 between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key, as well as the replacement of the DeSoto Bridge between Bradenton and Palmetto.

The plan also includes the Barrier Island Complete Streets project in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, as well as building a roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street on Longboat Key.

Additionally, the plan identifies proposed improvements to address “the most congested roadways during the winter tourist season and the most important evacuation routes during the summer hurricane season,” including roundabouts at Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue, East Bay Drive and Gulf Drive and East Bay Drive and Manatee in Holmes Beach.

Creating a right-turn lane on Marina Drive at Key Royale Drive in Holmes Beach also is in the plan.

On the web

To read the plan, go to mympo.org/2050-lrtp.

County votes against increasing parking fines

Manatee County commissioners Oct. 21 voted to deny a proposed ordinance raising the fine for illegal “noncriminal” parking from $25 to $150.

The vote for the motion to deny was 5-1, with Commission Chair George Kruse, R-At Large District, voting against the motion and Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, absent.

The increased fine would have applied to tickets issued for illegal parking on unincorporated county roads and also at county amenities, including countyoperated boat ramps and county-maintained beaches on Anna Maria Island.

The county public safety department requested the increased fine, in line with fines in the region, saying $25 was not a deterrent for people parking illegally.

However, opposing commissioners said the hike was too steep.

“It’s ludicrous,” said Commissioner Bob McCann, R-District 5.

— Lisa Neff

Beyond the classroom participants Bianca estiu, 8, and Kennedy gazzo, 7, show off their castle Oct. 17 at the center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more about the program, go to centerami.org. Islander Photos: courtesy cofAMI/via Facebook

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, Oct. 29

7:30 p.m. — Island Players’ “A Haunting Night” ghost story performances, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: theislandplayers.org.

Monday, Nov. 3

6 p.m. — Art House Cinema, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

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.

OFF AMI

Saturday, Nov. 1

6 p.m. — A Celestial Affair: The Bash at the Bishop, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

6:30 p.m. — Bishop After Hours: lice in Wonderland, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through November, Island Gallery and Studios “Feather and Fin/Camera and Clay,” featuring work by Kathy Storm and Susan Swanson. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.

• Through Jan. 11, “Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

• Through April 12, 2026, “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

• 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.

SAVE THE DATES

• Nov. 6, Tingley Memorial Library’s Florida Author Book Club meeting, Bradenton Beach.

• Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota

Time for the Trail of Treats

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and island businesses continue a Halloween tradition with the Trail of Treats and costume contest.

The celebrating begins at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, with the check-in for the costume contest at the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Judging in four age groups will be at 4:30 p.m. for children up to age 11.

Then kids will go trick-or-treating at island businesses.

A list of participating businesses will be provided at the chamber office.

For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

The Island Players also will present a Halloweenrelated event: “Transfixing Tellings” featuring “The Room in the Tower” performed by Heiko Knipfelberg and “The Confessions of Charles Linkworth” performed by Mark Shoemaker.

The theater group invited people to “step into the shadows for an intimate evening of Victorian ghost stories” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Audience members are encouraged to attend the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, in costume.

Tickets are $15.

For more information, visit theislandplayers.org.

• Nov. 16, Island Players’ “Murder by Misadventure”

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Friday, Oct. 31

4-6:30 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s costume contest and Trail of Treats, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and participating island businesses. Info: 941-778-1541.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. LOCATION NOTE: Storytime will be at Coquina Beach on Nov. 4.

Friday, Oct. 31

7-11 p.m. — Bradenton Alive Halloween Block Party, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Info: bradenton-alive.com.

SAVE THE DATES

• Nov. 21, Family Night at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria.

• Nov. 22, Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

DEVINE DESIGN

• Nov. 28, Tree Lighting, Palmetto.

• Nov. 30-Dec. 31, Longboat Island Chapel Christmas in the

costumed kids gather for the Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce’s trail of treats in 2017. this Halloween’s event will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the chamber office, 5313 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo

Several off-island Halloween events also are on the calendar, including the Bradenton Alive Halloween Block Party 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, on Old Main Street.

The event will feature musical performances, food and beverage vendors and festive fun.

For more information, go to bradenton-alive. com.

Thursday, Oct. 30

10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org

ONGOING ON AMI

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

• 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: www.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.

AMI

Saturday, Nov. 1

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — League of Women Voters of Manatee County’s Unite and rise for Democracy Rally, Riverwalk Pavilion, Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: lwvmanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• Nov. 9, Center of Anna Maria Island Community Wellness Day, Anna Maria.

• Nov. 11, Old Soldiers and Sailors Parade and Veterans Day observance, Anna Maria.

• Nov. 14, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, Anna Maria.

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

PUBLIC MARKETS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,

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

• Nov. 14, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach.

• Nov. 29-30, Mistletoe Market, Holmes Beach.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, Oct. 29

11 a.m. — Making Sense of Medicare, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Nov. 1

10 a.m. — Be an Author, Write a Comic Book, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

10 a.m. — Ask a Master Gardener, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

10 a.m. — Intro to Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Monday, Nov. 3

2 p.m. — Tai Chi, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341

SAVE THE DATES

• April 2, 2026, Bradenton Marauders season begins. OUTDOORS & NATURE ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

• Nov. 7, Mixon in Bloom, Bradenton.

• Nov. 8, Kringles & Kayaks benefit, Bradenton. CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

• Oct. 31, Halloween.

• Nov. 2, daylight saving time ends.

• Nov. 11, Veterans Day,

Island happenings

‘Feather and Fin/Camera and Clay’ at IGS

Artwork by Island gallery and Studios’ Kathy Storm, far left, will be featured at the Bradenton gallery throughout November, along with work by IgS artist Susan Swanson, left. the exhibit is “Feather and Fin/camera and clay” and a reception with the artists will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the gallery, 456 Old Main St. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6648. Islander courtesy Photos

Blue Öyster Cult to play AMI stage in December

Rock pioneers Blue Öyster Cult will bring five decades of hits to the Center of Anna Maria Island on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for an outdoor concert.

The evening will kick off at 7 p.m. with the BB Steal 80s Live! tribute band. Blue Öyster Cult will follow at 8 p.m.

Blue Öyster Cult’s catalog includes rock staples — “Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You.”

The current lineup features original members Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom, joined by Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda and Jules Radino.

Tickets start at $75, with VIP options available that include prime seating and access to a private bar.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.centerami.org/concerts.

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

Tingley Memorial Library’s Florida book club to meet

Tingley Memorial Library’s Florida Author Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6.

The club will discuss “The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida and Felony” by Annabelle Tometich. One of the Washington Post’s Best Books of 2024, “The Mango Tree” is described as a “deceptively entertaining memoir of growing up as a mixed-race Filipina ‘nobody’ in suburban Florida.”

Participation is free for library members. Membership costs $10.

To register, email bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail. com.

Tingley is at 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach.

For more information, call the library at 941-7791208.

for HOLMES BEACH COMMISSION

Holmes Beach is a wonderfuI place to live and I am committed to it’s betterment. I welcome your comments year-round and would appreciate your support in this election. You can reach me at 618791-2518. Please, vote for me Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Island Library. — Terry Schaefer

Paid for and approved by Terry Schaefer for Holmes Beach Commission

★ Continue to pressure Tallahassee so the island gets its fair share of tourist tax.

★ To fight for the protection of the island mangroves, grasses and shoreline habitat.

★ Protect our wetlands.

★ Work to see that real solutions are applied to the problems of noise, parking, traffic and flood.

★ Work to obtain green space and to become a fossil-fuel free city.

★ Continue to take care of my community — residents, businesses and visitors.

I ask for your vote Nov. 4.

Gathering

By Lisa Neff

Roser Food Pantry lists needed donation items

The volunteers with Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria have issued a request to boost the pantry’s supplies.

The list includes toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, travel toiletries, canned peas, canned carrots, canned black beans, canned kidney beans and canned fruit.

Donations can be dropped off at the Roser Memorial Community Church office, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Financial donations can be mailed to Roser Church, PO Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or sent online at www.roserchurch.com/give.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.

• Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.

• Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.

• Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.

• Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, which is

LBK chapel organizing Christmas in the Garden

The Longboat Island Chapel is registering volunteers to present its annual Christmas in the Garden series.

More than 50 volunteers are needed to help with the event, which runs Nov. 30-Dec. 31 at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, For more information, email Lesley Rife at lesleyrife@att.net.

The chapel phone number is 941-383-6491. Send religion news to lisa@islander.org.

closed for renovations and repairs, seeks a temporary space — a pop-up space — for public exhibits. Info: 941-708-6120.

• Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.

• Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.

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

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

Indoor work, outdoor worship Work continues in Roser Memorial community church’s sanctuary to build a performance platform. Meanwhile, the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, plans to hold an outdoor worship at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. churchgoers are invited to bring chairs for the service, which will include a dedication of quilts made by the church’s women’s guild migrant sewing group. the quilts will be presented to migrant students at a church Women United tea in early November. Islander Photo: courtesy Dick gilmore

Gerald “Jerry” J. Micho

Gerald “Jerry” J. Micho, 86, of Ludington, Michigan, and Anna Maria Island, died Oct. 18.

The past 38 years were spent growing his business with son Mark, GM Wood Products, in Newaygo, Michigan.

Despite his many responsibilities, his family was his No. 1 passion. He was a man of integrity, kindness and generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

He enjoyed boating, fishing and sporting events. He was a two-time state wrestling champion at Bay City Handy High School. His love for woodworking was something he shared with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving behind beautiful keepsakes.

He and wife Eileen recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Visitation and a funeral were at the Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope College, Business & Economics, PO Box 9000, Holland, MI 49422-9000 and the Grand Rapids Oral Deaf PTO, 4300 Costa Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

Namaste

Anna Maria elementary students stretch toward the sunrise during the first meeting of the new Sunrise Yoga enrichment club Oct. 29 on the bayfront teaching and learning deck at the Holmes Beach campus.

Islander Photo: courtesy AMe/Facebook

Mr. Micho is survived by his wife Eileen; grandchildren Joel Bera, Luke and wife Kendall Bera, Brian Bera, MacKenzie and husband Matt Rose, Brenden and Madison and husband Drew Dow; great-grandchildren Shepherd Rose and Daxton Dow, and another boy due in February. Also surviving is brother Kirby; sister Janice Nielson, sisters-in-law Judy and Rachael, and many nieces and nephews.

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. Paid obituaries can be discussed with our advertising consultant at 941-778-7978.

Nov. 4, at the Island Library. — Terry Schaefer

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

Cortez No new reports.

Holmes Beach

Oct. 15, 500 block of Key Royale Drive, theft. A Holmes Beach Police Department officer responded to reports of missing political signs and spoke with the complainant, who said a sign supporting Jessica Patel was taken from her lawn. She said her neighbor’s sign and other Patel signs on Key Royale Drive also were removed. The neighbor told police that multiple Patel signs were taken from his property line.

Oct. 16, 6900 block of Palm Drive, leaving scene of hit-and-run. An officer responded to reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash that resulted in minor injuries. Police arrived to find the victim, who said she was struck by a motorist while she was using a crosswalk. She said the man driving the vehicle stopped and screamed at her before leaving.

Oct. 16, Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, fraud. A bank employee reported that a customer deposited a false check from the U.S. Treasury for $5,053. The check passed a verification process and the funds were deposited into an account. However, the customer quickly attempted to withdraw the funds and a second withdrawal attempt was denied. The check was reinspected and found it had not been issued to the depositor. The bank contacted the U.S. Treasury, which canceled the check and returned the funds.

Oct. 17, Publix Liquor and Pharmacy, 505 Manatee Ave., theft/trespass after warning. An officer responded to the store in reference to a woman returning to the property after being warned for trespassing earlier that day. A manager provided footage of the woman reentering the store and taking a bottle of alcohol and leaving without paying for it. The officer located the woman at a nearby bus stop, reiterated the trespass warning and filed a capias request to the state attorney for potential charges.

Streetlife is based on reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Beach Police Department and Holmes Beach Police Department. — Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Educational dispatch children crowd a West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter Oct. 17 during WMFR’s visit to toad Hall children’s center in Bradenton. Islander

Bradenton woman arrested by HBPD, accused of fleeing police

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Shannon Heeter, 28, of Bradenton, Oct. 17 on four criminal charges, including a second-degree felony for allegedly fleeing at high speed to elude law enforcement officers.

The other charges are two first-degree misdemeanors for allegedly possessing drug equipment and less than 20 grams of marijuana, as well as a second-degree misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license.

An officer was notified by the city’s license plate recognition system of a vehicle within city limits that was registered to Heeter, whose driver’s license had been suspended in August.

The officer located Heever around 7:30 p.m. on Manatee Avenue and initiated a traffic stop in the 12000 block of Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.

However, the motorist accelerated away, driving at a high speed into the opposite lane of travel while other traffic was present, according to a police report.

The officer discontinued his pursuit but, canvassing the area, saw the motorist pull into a condominium complex in the 9900 block of Manatee Avenue West.

The officer pulled in behind to conduct a felony arrest, drawing his firearm and giving verbal commands for Heeter to exit the vehicle.

She complied and was arrested.

During a search, police reported finding a glass pipe with marijuana residue and a bag containing 4.4 grams of marijuana in her vehicle. Heeter did not have a medical marijuana license.

An officer transported her to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Oct. 18 after posting $3,650 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree felony charge includes up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a fine of up to $10,000.

Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Dec. 4 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

My wife and I, along with our eldest son, moved to Holmes Beach in 2011. Our second son was born here. Raising them on the island has given us a better understanding of, and connection to our community. With a strong background in finance committees and managing skilled nursing facilities, I bring extensive experience in budgeting, expense control, and problem-solving. The healthcare industry, being highly regulated, has honed my ability to anticipate and address systemic issues proactively. I am adept at analyzing problems from multiple perspectives to identify root causes and develop effective solutions. My work on the Holmes Beach Planning Commission has given me a strong understanding of the Holmes Beach Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code, and the process of collaborating with fellow commissioners to implement necessary ordinance changes.

Cortez Bridge: The utility relocation project is continuing in preparation for the construction of the new bridge. People can expect the presence of work crews through next spring, as well as intermittent flagging and bike lane and sidewalk closures. Info: 941306-4660, 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, including at the Manatee Avenue intersection. Motorists can expect delays. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.

The greatest challenge facing our community is preserving the charming, quaint, and residential feel of our island amidst increasing visitor numbers. Protecting our paradise is crucial, and maintaining current rental restrictions while finding ways to alleviate traffic congestion is essential. The proposed parking garage at Manatee Public Beach threatens to disrupt the island’s character and exacerbate traffic issues. We need innovative solutions to facilitate visitor access to the beach without compromising our community’s essence.

You can expect me to be open and willing to hear your concerns and to work in a positive and professional manner with my fellow commissioners to preserve our paradise.

— Lisa Neff

I

on the island has given us a better understanding of, and connection to our community. With a strong background in finance committees and managing skilled nursing facilities, I bring extensive experience in budgeting, expense control, and problem-solving. The healthcare industry, being highly regulated, has honed my ability to anticipate and address systemic issues proactively. I am adept at analyzing problems from multiple perspectives to identify root causes and develop effective solutions. My work on the Holmes Beach Planning Commission has given me a strong understanding of the Holmes Beach Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code, and the process of collaborating with fellow commissioners to implement necessary ordinance changes.

My wife and I, along with our eldest son, moved to Holmes Beach in 2011. Our second son was born here. Raising them on the island has given us a better understanding of, and connection to our community. With a strong background in finance committees and managing skilled nursing facilities, I bring extensive experience in budgeting, expense control, and problem-solving. The healthcare industry, being highly regulated, has honed my ability to anticipate and address systemic issues proactively. I am adept at analyzing problems from multiple perspectives to identify root causes and develop effective solutions. My work on the Holmes Beach Planning Commission has given me a strong understanding of the Holmes Beach Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code, and the process of collaborating with fellow commissioners to implement necessary ordinance changes.

The greatest challenge facing our community is preserving the charming, quaint, and residential feel of our island amidst increasing visitor numbers. Protecting our paradise is crucial, and maintaining current rental restrictions while finding ways to alleviate traffic congestion is essential. The proposed parking garage at Manatee Public Beach threatens to disrupt the island’s character and exacerbate traffic issues. We need innovative solutions to facilitate visitor access to the beach without compromising our community’s essence.

the beach without compromising our community’s essence.

You can expect me to be open and willing to hear your concerns and to work in a positive and professional manner with my fellow commissioners to preserve our paradise.

You can expect me to be open and willing to hear your concerns and to work in a positive and professional manner with my fellow commissioners to preserve our paradise.

The greatest challenge facing our community is preserving the charming, quaint, and residential feel of our island amidst increasing visitor numbers. Protecting our paradise is crucial, and maintaining current rental restrictions while finding ways to alleviate traffic congestion is essential. We need innovative solutions to facilitate visitor access to the island and the beach without compromising our community’s essence. You can expect me to be open and willing to hear your concerns and to work in a positive and professional manner with my fellow commissioners to preserve our paradise.

EXPERIENCED, WILLING & PREPARED TO SERVE

Big spenders, turtle lovers

Anna Maria Island turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring supporters check out the silent auction offerings — more than 150 donated goods and services

— at the sixth annual Suzi Fox turtle Watch Wednesday benefit, held Oct. 22 in the parking lot of the S&S Plaza and hosted by Hurricane Hanks, 5346 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. AMItW’s goal is to purchase two UtVs, as well as fund educational outreach programs. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

Bob Slicker of Slicker’s eatery in cortez leads the benefit’s live auction. “Make sure you’re bidding,” he said. “You don’t want to go home a loser.”

Holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer shakes hands with tyler Lancaster of Holmes Beach, who won a $2,700 bid for a ride-along with the chief at the Oct. 22 benefit at Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach. two ride-alongs with the chief were auctioned, with the other bringing in $2,725. the event raised more than $30,000 for AMItW.

decades of island change.

Echoes in the water

Reed believes the Gulf acts as a conductor for restless spirit energy. On calm nights, she said, her equipment lights up with steady pulses near the surf line.

She recounted the old story of a groom who never made it to his wedding at the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach.

“There was a groom that got killed in a car wreck that was meeting his bride at the Beach House,” she said. “He was on his way and got killed in a car accident before they got married.”

She said her team had encountered the spirit of a man during nighttime investigations on the beach — a presence she believes still lingers, trying to reach his bride.

Sometimes, along another section of the beach,

Reed said, there are voices that she believes belong to those claimed by the Gulf — among them a boy who rescued his sister from drowning and then vanished beneath the waves. Reed said she and her team communicated with the boy’s spirit using digital recorders and voice-box technology during nighttime sessions on the beach.

A ghost-hunting voice box is a device, typically a radio, that quickly sweeps through AM and FM frequencies, which investigators believe spirits can manipulate to communicate, projecting voices through the white noise.

Cortez at midnight

Across the Cortez Bridge from AMI, in the fishing village of Cortez, Reed recalled playful presences “dinging” a sensor inside the old schoolhouse that now houses the Florida Maritime Museum, followed by a darker encounter in another nearby building, where a

shadow figure loomed, frightening workers from the site.

“If you’re walking the streets late at night, you may see shadows,” she said, referring to the fishing village as “active.”

Reed wondered if those shadows belong to lost fishers who returned home.

Aside from her investigations, Reed once led ghost tours in downtown Bradenton and also along Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, where people followed her lantern light through the night, stopping where the unseen and the island’s history still brush against the present.

She said she is working to reestablish the tours, which were paused following hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“There’s still plenty of ghosts left out there to talk to,” Reed said. “The island never really sleeps. It just waits for the right night to wake.”

Cooler weather brings high fish activity, ‘hot bite’ to local water

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Early morning action in the Gulf of Mexico along the beaches remains a hot bite for another week around Anna Maria Island.

If you’re into hooking high-speed fish that fight to the end, these species are right up your fishing alley: Spanish mackerel, bonita, kingfish and jack crevalle. All are infesting the waters within a mile of shore, which can create a frenzy of action when bait schools enter the scene.

Stasny

Blue runners and ladyfish are in the mix and can be found in the surf, creating opportunities for surf casters and those in smaller boats.

Sharks of several varieties also are in on this action, which means you’ll want to bring your heavy gear if you plan to test your strength. Most sharks are blacktips and spinners, although sandbar, lemon and hammerheads are known to drop in.

Fishing structure like reefs and wrecks yields cobia, which are always worthy adversaries of medium-heavy spinning gear. Don’t forget: the new minimum size for cobia is 36 inches to the fork.

Moving inshore, snook are lingering on the flats to feed as they sense cooler weather coming. Packing on an extra layer of fat is on their agenda. So they should bite ferociously during the ideal stages of the tide.

Spotted seatrout have become slightly more elusive, although deeper grass flats are producing a decent bite. You might find many trout hookups are just under the 15-inch minimum-size limit. So determination is key if

Still cruising Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key commissioners Oct. 20 voted 7-0 to keep the name of gulf of Mexico Drive for State Road 789, rejecting a proposal to rename the key’s main roadway gulf of America Drive. the vote followed a couple of months of uncertainty after state transportation officials removed gulf of Mexico Drive signs in August to comply with new state and federal naming requirements. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

you desire a limit of trout to take home for dinner.

Redfish are lurking on the flats. However, some of the recent schools seem to be disbursing out over vast areas, making them more challenging to target.

On my own Just Reel charters, I’m starting most mornings along the Gulf beaches.

Fishing structure is yielding a variety of species, including Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish, blue runners and bonito. All are famous for high-speed action on medium-spinning gear. With fierce strikes and drag-screaming runs, these fish are crowd-pleasers for those who want action.

Cobia are on the prowl around these areas and are being hooked on larger baits, such as pinfish or large shiners.

Blacktip sharks are another species I’m frequently seeing. Most catches are 4-6 feet.

Moving inshore, snook fishing remains consistent during the higher tides. Spotted seatrout are following suit and are biting best during the last half of the incoming tide. As for redfish, those catches are occurring while targeting snook along the mangrove shorelines.

Capt. David White also is spending his mornings fishing along the Gulf beaches in depths of 20-40 feet.

Joe Yohe of Bradenton shows off a nice example of a cobia he caught and released Oct. 23 while on a charter fishing trip with capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing.

Targeting areas where structure such as reefs, wrecks or hard bottom is resulting in migratory species like kingfish, mackerel and bonito for White’s anglers. All three are being attracted by live shiners combined with a long shank hook free-lined behind the boat. As an added surprise, anglers are hooking into an occasional tarpon or shark.

Moving inshore, White’s charters are looking for snook and redfish during high tides around mangroves and oyster bars, as well as in the passes. Some large black drum are in the mix, too.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is putting clients on migratory fish while working within a few miles of shore in the Gulf of Mexico, where macks and kingfish are taking their bait, as well as the usual suspects — jack crevalle, bonito and blue runners.

While working structure like reefs and wrecks, Mattay is also is finding some keeper-size cobia for his charter clients.

Moving in on the flats, Mattay is finding plenty of snook and trout to keep his clients busy. Higher stages of the tide are producing the best action.

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

Winnie, Anna Maria Island’s entry in the 2025 tour de turtles presented by the Sea turtle conservancy, has traveled about 261 miles in the science-focused migration marathon. the loggerhead, swimming in 10th place out of 12 sea turtles, was tagged with a satellite tracker in June at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. the sea turtle is sponsored in the race by Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach. the tour de turtles officially began Aug. 1 and was to continue through Oct. 31. For more, go to tourdeturtles. org. Islander Screenshot

Adults, kids midway in soccer season; horseshoe, golf winners

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter

Just past the midway point in the adult soccer league season at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Pool America is comfortably on top of the standings with a 5-0 record, giving them a two-game lead over secondplace Sato Real Estate, standing at 3-2.

A trio of teams are tied for third place: 2-1-1 Moss Builders and 2-2-1 Florida Impact Windows and Ross Built. Bubble Binz and Language Services Associates follow with 2-2 records, just ahead of eighth place Duncan Real Estate at 2-3. West Coast Marine is in ninth place at 1-2-1, ahead of Slim’s Place at 1-3 and Solid Rock Construction, which completes the standings at 1-4.

Action on the center pitch Oct. 23 kicked off with Moss Builders and Ross Built battling to a 2-2 tie. Ethan Hampton paced Moss with two goals, while Daniel Hampton finished with one assist. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas finished with two saves in the draw.

Alex Villanueva and Chaz Heller scored for Ross Built, which also received an assist from Mack Heitchue and six saves from Steve Oelfke.

The second match of the evening saw Language Services Associates cruise past Florida Impact Windows by a 6-2 score behind three goals from Kevin Roman and two goals and an assist from Ian Godfrey. Zach Long chipped in a goal, Tim Holly had a pair of assists and Max Gazzo finished with five saves in the victory.

Keith Mahoney and Raul Loera scored goals for Florida Impact Windows, which also received an assist from Leo Gonzalez and six saves from Julian Bejarano in the loss.

Bubble Binz edged Duncan Real Estate 4-3 in the third match of the night behind four goals from Alvaro Figuerola. Jake Czajkowski and Nate Welch had assists and Welch contributed three saves in the victory.

Joey Hutchinson paced Duncan Real Estate with two goals and Niko Zamora added a goal. Michael Robel finished with five saves in the loss.

Julius Petereit scored two goals and Donte Filletti added a goal to lead Pool America to a 3-2 victory over Sato. Hugo Gallegos had an assist and Chris Klotz helped preserve the victory with four saves.

Sato received a goal each from Cameron Burke and Dean Hinterstoisser to lead the offense, while Robb Marshall finished with six saves in the loss.

Slim’s Place defeated Solid Rock Construction 3-2 behind three goals from Erica Nielson and seven saves from Cruz Rodriguez in the last match of the night.

Axel Delarosa and Yuri Periera each scored a goal to lead Solid Rock, which also received four saves from Caleb Arendt in the loss.

Youth soccer heads to 5th week

Youth soccer action at the center saw the fourth week of games Oct. 21. Adrian Griffin Interiors holds the top spot in the standings with a 4-0 record, just ahead of second-place Moss Builders at 3-1. Vida Sports Ministry holds down third place at 2-1-1, while Solid Rock Construction is alone in fourth place with a 1-2-1 record. AMI Outfitters at 1-3 and 0-4 Beach Bums complete the standings.

The action got started with Adrian Griffin Interiors cruising to a 6-1 victory over Beach Bums behind four goals from Jackson Griffin and a goal and two assists from Ruthie Ball. Cooper Patel chipped in with a goal, while Houston Winn made six saves for the win.

Louis Bacon notched the lone goal for Beach Bums, which also received seven saves from Juliette Sato in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Vida Sports Ministry ease past AMI Outfitters by a 4-2 score. JJ Smith led Vida Sports with three goals, while Judah Long had a goal, an assist and seven saves. Savannah Hanson added five saves in the victory.

Phoenix Harwood scored two goals for AMI Outfitters, which also received six saves from Graeme Bekkerus in the loss.

The 11-13 division looks to be a two-horse race for the title. Print Wizards is on top with a 4-0 record, comfortably ahead of second-place La Creperie. AM I Coconuts and Solid Rock Construction complete the standings, both at 1-3.

Action Oct. 21 saw Print Wizards hold on for a 4-3 victory over Solid Rock behind three goals from Luca Viehman and a goal and two assists from Parker Svoboda. Kellen Reed and Joseph Caballero combined to make six saves to help preserve the victory.

Callin Westfall scored all three goals for Solid Rock, two of them on assists from Maggie Niedzwick and Isaac Roadman. Elijah Roadman made four saves for Solid Rock in the loss.

La Creperie skunked AM I Coconuts 7-0 to close out 11-13 division action for the week. Tristan Hagey led the way with three goals and an assist, while teammate Louis Bacon added two goals and an assist. Goalie Jordan Tobey finished with two goals scored and four saves in the victory.

Coconuts goalie Andre Harwood managed four saves.

KRC golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach kicked off Oct. 20 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match.

Larry Pippel carded a plus-4 to earn a 3-point victory over the trio of Herb Clauhs, Marty Hicks and Jim Hill, all tied for second place.

The club women took over the links for a ninehole individual-low-net match Oct. 21. Rene Chapman rode a birdie on hole No. 2 and a chipin on No. 3 to a 3-under-par 29 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Brenda Solleveld and Mary Wilkie tied for second place at even-par 32.

Marty Clark had a chipin on No. 1, while Terry Westby had chipins on holes No. 1 and No. 3.

Members closed the week of organized golf at KRC Oct. 23 with a combination scramble/shamble to a modified course playing to a par of 43.

The team of Bob Baker, Leo Burke, Jackie Gorski and Warren Stevens combined on a 4-under-par 39 to win the day’s proceedings. Ken Kari, Steve Martin, Ken Nagengast and Larry Solberg matched the 1-under-par 42 carded by Rod Hammonds, Marty Hicks, Bill MacMillan and Dale Miller to tie for second.

Horseshoe action

Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a playoff during Oct. 22 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

The team of Bob Hawks and Steve Kriebel cruised to a 22-10 victory over Gary Howcroft and Tom Farrington to win the day’s bragging rights.

Action Oct. 25 saw Farrington and partner Neil Hennessey win the day’s competition with a 23-10 victory over Gersey Fernandes and Kriebel in the final.

The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play, everyone is welcome.

By Lisa Neff

’Tis the seasons

I wouldn’t blame anyone for being confused about what season we’re living through.

It’s the tail end of turtle nesting season, the final weeks of hurricane season, supposedly the slow season for tourism, as well as the fall season, the Halloween season and the prelude to Christmas season.

At retail stores, I’m seeing Halloween candy, pumpkins and witchy decor stocking the shelves on one side of an aisle and Christmas cards, Santa decor and stocking stuffers on the shelves on the other side.

I guess the leap to the winter holidays isn’t so huge. As I write on Oct. 24, it’s 35 days until the official start of the holiday shopping season.

So, I’m contemplating getaways.

My wife and I traditionally take a weekend in early December for a Florida Christmas getaway, road-tripping for a couple of hotel nights, some fine dining, a birding adventure and holiday shopping.

And, having missed a vacation in 2025 like so many others set back by Helene and Milton, I’m also contemplating a winter holiday. While Northerners

Nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

So long, season

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch has ended its weekly reporting with an exclamation point announcing “major accomplishments!”

“This year has been an excellent year for green turtle nests — with a record 16 green turtle nests documented, the previous record was 12 nests,” said AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella. “It has also been the second highest year for loggerhead nests — second only to 2024, which had 685 loggerhead nests.”

The 2025 season also yielded the third-highest

In 2025: 544 nests, 827 false crawls, 30,899 hatchlings, 181 disorientations.

will be flocking to Florida, this former Chicagoan will be vacationing back north.

Where to go? Maybe to the frosty Midwest or possibly to icy New England. A lot depends on the winter outlook and forecasts because a few days on ski slopes would be ideal, but I don’t ever again want to experience a snowmageddon.

I know some people who look to the Old Farmer’s Almanac for their seasonal forecasts and I know others who look to the outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Both NOAA and Farmer’s have released their forecasts for the 2025-26 winter season.

NOAA’s outlook for December through February says the season will be defined by an active La Nina climate pattern that likely will bring cooler and wetter conditions to the northern United States and milder, drier conditions to the southern half of the country.

Below-average temperatures are slightly favored

A map shows the thanksgiving weather forecast from the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Islander Image: courtesy almanac.com/ thanksgivingforecast

from the Pacific Northwest eastward across the northern Plains and into the western Great Lakes region while above-average temperatures are most likely across the southern half of the United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast.

Wetter-than-average conditions are expected for the Pacific Northwest, the northern Plains and the Great Lakes states, which could translate to aboveaverage snowfall.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the Southeast, including Florida, could expect a colder-than-normal winter with above-average precipitation.

The Midwest is expected to see milder temps and less overall snowfall.

For New England, the almanac says expect most snowfall around the holidays and in late winter while the coldest periods are forecast in January.

For now, late February on the slopes in Stowe, Vermont, sounds dreamy.

AMITW found 400 distracted live hatchlings in swimming pools and storm drains.

“Much of these disorientations can be attributed to the lack of dunes and vegetation — destroyed by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 — allowing lights which had been shielded by these dunes and vegetation to reach the beach,” Mazzarella said.

year for hatchlings on AMI, in part due to the lack of major storms, according to Mazzarella.

However, the 2025 season produced another record — the most sea turtle disorientations.

“We had a total of 181 disorientations documented in 2025, including 30 adults and 151 hatching nests,” Mazzarella said. “Of these disorientations, a minimum of 3,951 — and a maximum of over 9,000 — hatchlings disoriented, including 217 that were found dead.”

AMITW is working with AMI cities, as well as the state, to address lighting issues before the 2026 nesting season, which will officially begin May 1.

Also in the off-season, AMITW will staff a booth at the Anna Maria Community Farmers Market on Tuesdays outside Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

And they’re already making plans for a 2026 celebration. Save the date, May 1, for Suzi Fox Day.

Breakfast at Victoria’s AMI confirms restaurant closure

The long-shuttered Breakfast at Victoria’s AMI restaurant confirmed its permanent closure in a “Hello Everyone” statement on Facebook earlier in October.

“After a long year of silence (legal protection) we are able to say that unfortunately we won’t be reopening as unfortunately the damages we received from Helene and Milton were just too much of a loss for us.”

The restaurant operated at 5315 Gulf Drive.

The statement also expressed thanks to restaurant supporters “in the good times and at the probably worst time of our lives.”

Catering and food-truck services will continue.

— Lisa Neff

Island Mail and Print closing at month’s end

Island Mail and Print is closing at the end of October, owner Ivan Barnsley wrote in an Oct. 14 email to The Islander.

The store in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach has offered packing, shipping and other postal services. It was originally opened by the late Holmes Beach Planning Commissioner Sue Normand and purchased by Barnsley in 2019.

The store expanded services to include a fine art print service with the talents of Frank Williams in 2019. Williams and his late wife Melissa previously operated SteamDesigns in Holmes Beach.

Williams said his operation will continue, with a location to be announced.

Barnsley owed the closure to a rent increase and difficulty finding staff. He will continue to operate a mail business in Venice.

Barnsley thanked customers for supporting the island store.

— Bonner Joy

Business news Send business news — operational changes, expansions, achievements, closures, staff changes. Email news@islander.org. Include a contact name and phone number.

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

True value of 49 years in business on Anna Maria Island

By tony caminite

Special to the Islander

On Oct. 1, 1975, I became the new owner of Home Hardware on beautiful Anna Marina Island.

The 49 years that followed were among my greatest joys in my life.

My objective for the store, 5324 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, was to expand our inventory, focusing on the needs of island residents and tourists.

The store was small in square footage, but we expanded by taking the space next to us. With this expansion, we greatly increased product lines in our various departments.

Our success hinged on the island residents, contractors, property management companies, government agencies and maintenance personnel.

My staff and I focused on obtaining special items that they needed, offering volume pricing and quick availability.

Being on a barrier island, we had opportunities to get to know our customers. I made friendships with many of them, played golf with some of them, discussed island news and shared lively stories and jokes.

For 25 years, my sister, Joan Brown, managed the business. She was skilled at building customer relationships and was dedicated to growing our inventory. When she died in 2003, our hearts were broken and island residents lost a dear friend.

Anna Maria Island has changed greatly in 50 years. Back in 1975, there were roughly 2,800 residences on the island. Today, the island is populated with more than 10,000 homes, new businesses, condominium rentals, an elementary school, a new fire department and expanded police departments.

Despite the growth, the island still maintains its tranquil, casual ambiance and warm, friendly residents.

My intention was to maintain ownership for 50 years, but Mother Nature had a different plan for me.

Hurricane Helene changed my life and those of everyone on the island.

To summarize my years as owner of Home True

Starbucks to open at 75th and Manatee in November

Work continues at the southeastern corner of Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West in Bradenton for a new Starbucks at the site of a former Sun Trust bank.

Work crews at the site recently said the Starbucks was expected to open in mid-November.

The city of Bradenton issued a special-use permit for the business in 2023, approving a plan for a 2,500square-foot restaurant with 18 indoor seats and 18 outdoor seats.

—

Lisa Neff

Value Hardware, I experienced the pleasure of your friendship, your loyalty to my business and the knowledge that you passed on to me.

At 93, I treasure the time I spent on Anna Maria Island.

Thank you for 49 memorable years.

May God bless you all.

ITEMS FOR SALE

MARAUDER CAP, NEW. $15, women’s Wilson leather jacket, XL, $50, black loveseat cover, inpackage. $35. 509-599-4965.

CRAFTSMAN GARAGE DOOR opener, never used. 1/2hp, chain drive. Model53930, ac motor. Everything included for installation. $60. Bill, 724986-0314.

ICE CREAM MAKER: Cuisinart, like new, $50, grill, non-stick tabletop, green pan, like new, $90. 941-920-2494.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: 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).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS name registration: Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, David E. Gibson, located at 8432 25th St E, Parrish FL 34219, intends to register the fictitious name Oodh! Stained Glass Designs with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Manatee County, Florida.

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.

More ads = more readers in the Islander.

BOATS & BOATING Continued

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.

I HAVE A dock with motorized lift for up to 20-foot motorboat for rent in coral Shores, with access to the Intracoastal and the Gulf. Fee negotiable. Please, call Jack, 941-5655531.

HELP WANTED

NEW BEACH SHOP HIRING: Looking for people with retail experience. Call 941-209-0497.

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND family leader, part-time. Roser Church. Create and lead programming for our growing congregation. Email family@roserchurch.com for more information.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org

KIDS FOR HIRE

TECH HELP, TUTORING, custom projects: Tutoring (K-6) starts at $12/hour. Tech and projects vary by complexity. Serving Anna Maria Island. dominic.cusimano@gmail.com.

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: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.

P c OR t E c H issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes

SARASOtA PAINtING: INtERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: c all or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

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

LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.

SERVICES Continued

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

GO t DIRt Y WINDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window cleaning, 207-852-6163.

AIRPORt SHUttLE: QUALItY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.

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

A c HAUFFER4U FOR t RANSPORtAt ION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

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

HOME WAtc HER: 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.

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

VACATION RENTAL management for your investment home(s) on AMI. From website startups to end cleaning, we market and maintain guest relations for your property. We optimize results at discounted rates. Contact Coastal Vibes at 281608-4229 or cbuckner124@gmail.com

NEED HELP MAKING your home, rental property or retail shop beautiful? 15-plus years of experience in residential and retail design. Free consultations. Call 330-806-5919.

SERVICES Continued

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 Bill 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

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

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

LARRY’S BA c K WORKING Nov. 3! 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.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMEN t S Inc.

Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKING FOR 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.

DONALD PERKINS PAIN t ING LL c . Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LL c . Let’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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

tEtI tILE: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. t ile, marble, murals. Free estimates. call John teti, 302983-5774.

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

CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

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.

CENTRAL HOLMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. Annual, $2,595/month. 941-713-6743.

ANNUAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Off Island: Perico Isle, 3BR/2BA unfurnished pool home, two-car garage, $3,100/month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished condo, $3,100/month. All require application, first, last and security. Wagner Realty, 941778-2246.

SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: Discount for multiple months. 2BR/2BA, second floor condo in Holmes Beach. Pool, tennis/pickleball, in-unit laundry, WiFi, screened lanai, covered parking. Available 2025/26 season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/ beach toys, bikes included. Call Jack, 312-8352323 for more information/photos.

AVAILABLE NOW: QUIEt beautiful, bright, sunny condo. 2BR/2BA, nicely furnished, second floor, washer/dryer, screened in lanai overlooking pond, carport, tennis, pools, hot tub, gym, very safe, security gate. Minutes from AMI beaches. $2,300/month, annual, $3,900/month, seasonal. c all 952-8184685.

HOLMES BEA c H WES t BAY c ove condo. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai with bay view and one block to Gulf beach. Pools, tennis, pickleball. December and January, $4,000/month, March, $4,200. 941778-8456. terryaposporos@gmail.com

ANNUAL RENtAL AVAILABLE now! Beautiful 2BR/2BA villa in Pinebrook-Ironwood complex, boasts soaring ceilings updated kitchen and bathrooms and magnificent view of the eighth hole at Pinebrook Golf course. this unit comes with covered parking, pool and lots of amenities. Five miles from Anna Maria Island. $2,300/month. A must see! call 317-703-0449.

CONDOS FOR LEASE/sale: Downtown Bradenton, west end of the Manatee Riverwalk. Walka-bout community, library, museum, Pier 22, O’Bricks, Village of the Arts and more. 941-7254374, Geri Kenyon, Keyes Company.

LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!

RENTALS Continued

WAtERFRONt 2BR/2BA FIRSt-floor condo on AMI available December, and/or January, February, March. Discount for more than one month. Pools, tennis, walk to shop and to beach. call Kathy, 973-219-0335.

MADBEACH SEASONAL: Fully-furnished, second-floor, 2BR/2BA condo in Madeira Beach for rent Nov., Dec., Jan. April, May. Screened lanai, two pools, park amenities (pickleball included), view of the Intracoastal and short walk to Gulf beaches, restaurants, retail. No smoking. Email connieandlisa@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE M c HALE, REALt OR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams come true.”

2BR/2BA c ONDO IN Mt. Vernon for sale. Fully furnished, on lake with view of Sarasota Bay. clubhouse, pool, workout room, and hot tub. Minutes to beaches and shopping. Asking $370,000. c all Sharon, 941-7305645.

NEW PRICE DROP! 1BR/1BA trailer: Partially remodeled Bradenton Beach. $89,900. Oneminute walk to beach/bay. 831-212-2606.