Issuu

#AMitogether

VOLUME 28, NO. 46

the Best News on anna maria island Since 1992

Barbara riskay, anna maria island turtle Watch volunteer, counts remains aug. 29 from a hatched sea turtle nest in the nursery near Peppertree lane in anna maria, where hatching occurs daily. Volunteers wait 72 hours after a hatch and dig into the nest to determine how many eggs hatched, didn’t hatch or if dead or live hatchlings remain. the live hatchlings are released to the gulf of mexico and the data is shared with the state and manatee county. for more, see pages 20, 22. islander Photo: courtesy amitW

landscape politics ahead. 4

Vote 2020. 4 Meetings. 4 mask orders meet some resistance. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

Bradenton Beach tax hike advances. 8

Happenings announcements. 10

AmE NEWS

Pandemic won’t stop Peace day. 11

Cops & Court. 12 Streetlife. 12 Skimming AMI 14 coVid-19 curve continues dive. 14

it’s game time. 15 July tourist tax collection tops prior years. 16 Beach renourishment moves south. 16

Gathering.

islander.org

Excavating

Astheworldterns await the pier restaurant. 6

Bradenton Beach oKs tram-shuttle contract. 8

SEPT. 9, 2020 Free

Mahi wowie capt. david White, right, and angler Spencer dienes, a radiologist in miami, show off what White termed “a respectable little mahi-mahi” caught Sept. 2 on a live shiner in about 120 feet of water off anna maria island. dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus, also known as mahimahi or dorado, can run up to 63 inches and 88 pounds, but it’s common to find fish of 30 pounds. the fish is capable of ﬂashing purple, chartreuse and a wide range of other colors. for the full fishing report, go to page 23.

Pine Avenue triad selected for new Anna Maria pier ops By chrisann allen islander reporter

The city got a bite on the bait. All that remains is to reel in the lease. Obituaries. 18 A coalition of three Pine Avenue busiHB makes progress. 19 nesses Sept. 4 won approval from four Anna Maria commissioners to negotiate a lease to clean on, crusaders. 21 operate a grill and bait shop on the new city final 4 at center field. 22 pier, 101 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Commissioners unanimously voted to thunderstorms ﬂush fish accept a joint bid from former Commisfrom river. 23 sioner Brian Seymour, owner of the Pine Avenue General Store, Victor Mattay, owner CLASSIFIEDS. 24 of Dips Ice Cream and Nicholas Graham of Avenue Bait and Tackle, all located in PropertyWatch. 24 Pine the Historic Green Village on Pine Avenue. “We are very excited,” Seymour told puzzle. The Islander Sept. 4, following his group’s

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bid approval. “I think we were the obvious choice when you compare our two proposals side by side. We stand behind our proposal and we look forward to partnering with the city to get this pier back to the No. 1 tourist destination in Manatee County.” The runners-up, Micheal, Patrick and Casey Coleman of FP Growth Partners of Anna Maria, could be called on if the city’s negotiations fall through with the Green Village group. Mayor Dan Murphy evaluated four bids Aug. 21. Other bidders were Tevatan LLC, with Sarah Baldwin, daughter of Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours in Bradenton Beach, listed as manager, and Harry’s Continental Kitchens of Longboat Key.

The city’s criteria for proposals included: • Proposed annual rent; • Estimated cost of build-out and equipment; • Food and beverage menu with prices, as well as bait items; • Experience; • Time frame to become operational; • References, financials. The RFP also stipulated that the city would provide drywall, flooring, a 4-foot hood, grease trap, fire suppression and electrical and plumbing rough-ins. The tenant is responsible for fixtures, equipment, painting and finish work, as well as design, construction and layout of PleaSe, See Pier, Page 2

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

lease with a 5-year renewal option and estimated the build-out at about $41,350. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and “sweet treats.” The proposed list of bait and tackle was extensive, including live bait. Proposed hours of operation are 7 a.m.-10 p.m., 365 days a year — the same as the pier hours once a tenant is in place. The mayor has said the pier would not open overnight for fishers. During the Sept. 4 presentation, Seymour said that since the three businesses have brick-and-mortar locations near the pier, storage should not be an issue. “Keeping dry goods, freezer goods within a block of the pier, ensures we are not going to run out of product,” he said. Seymour also said the group developed the menu Seymour-Mattay-Graham bid to include offerings from other local businesses and The winning proposal included $72,000 annual incorporated the commission’s desires for “familyrent for the first year, with a 2.5% increase each sub- friendly” fare. sequent year. “We promise to be good stewards of the pier and The group agreed to the city’s proposed 5-year will work tirelessly with the city for anything they Pier continued from page 1

the food service areas and is expected to have 45 days from approval of negotiations to open for business. At a Sept. 1 meeting, Murphy said Tevatan and Harry’s presented percentage-based rent instead of a flat rate, which was specified in the RFP, so they should not be considered. Commissioners agreed and unanimously approved a motion to move forward with FP Growth and Green Village group presentations Sept. 4. After the Sept. 4 decision, Micheal Coleman said, “We congratulate Brian and his team on their excellent presentation. While we sincerely believe we offered the best short- and long-term proposal for the city and it’s taxpayers, the commissioners, in their prerogative, selected Brian and his group, whom we respect and have supported for years. We wish them the best.”

The new Anna Maria City Pier hosts guests at the June 19 opening after being closed since September 2017. The pier is open for visitors and fishing 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. The new lease for a bait shop and grill is for the building on the north side of the pier. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

would like to do,” he said.

FP Growth Partners bid FP Growth Partners’ bid included $66,000 annual rent or 6% of sales, whichever is greater. The proposal stated the plans and restaurant equipment, including a walk-in cooler, were estimated at $47,500 plus about $20,000 to finish the build-out. An alternative proposal in the bid stated FP Growth Partners was “prepared to take the building as-is, including the grease trap,” which could save the city $35,000-$50,000 in costs for a hood, fire suppression system, flooring, sheetrock, electrical and plumbing. Proposed hours of operation were 8 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week based on a 5-year lease with possible 5-year extension. please, see Pier, Next Page

What’s on the menu at the new city pier?

It’s time for some pier food. According to the proposal from a trio of Pine Avenue business owners, the menu will include: • Breakfast, 7-11 a.m., breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, oatmeal, hash brown patties and muffins. • Lunch and beyond, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs — including vegetarian options — fish, wings, chicken tenders, clam strips, fried shrimp, soups and salads. • Desserts, soft serve and regular ice cream, gelato, shakes, floats, key lime pie, cookies and brownies. • Beverages, including roasted coffee, juice, iced tea, soda, beer and wine. The new pier venture is expected to open in November. — ChrisAnn Allen

Experienced Staff. Commercial/Residential s WWW.MillerElectricFl.com Licensed & Insured, FL State Lic# EC13003233, EC13007205

Sept. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Pier continued from page 2

Anna Maria Commissioner Mark Short bumps fists Sept. 4, congratulating former Commissioner Brian Seymour, owner of the Pine Avenue General Store, following a meeting at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Seymour, along with Dips Ice Cream owner Victor Mattay and Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle owner Nick Graham, won approval for the grill and bait shop on the pier. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

The menu, with breakfast, lunch and dinner items, included antibiotic/hormone-free meats, fresh produce, high-fructose corn syrup-free beverages and environmentally friendly utensils and packaging. “What we want to do is a few things really right,” Micheal Coleman said of the menu. He also said FP Growth Partners’ restaurant, Poppo’s Taqueria, which opened on Pine Avenue in 2013 and has expanded to eight locations, has been testing an app for easy ordering. Coleman mentioned his involvement in several projects in the city, including the Pine Avenue Restoration project, the retail, residential and office development that started in 2007 that “fit with the existing scale and culture” of the district. “Going back to Pine Avenue, the idea was not to build something for the tourists, the idea was to build something for us,” he said. “The tourists tend to like what we like. It’s the same thing out there at the pier.” Commission discussion The commission agreed both bidders are experienced in food service and offered similar benefits to the city. Commissioner Jonathan Crane, liaison for the pier tenant, said, since both offered similar revenue for the city, he was leaning toward FP Growth Partners due to the quality of their food. “Everyone I have talked to about Poppo’s in particular think it’s excellent,” he said. Commissioner Joe Muscatello said he was torn. “We have a tough situation, but we have a great situation,” he said. “We can’t lose with either one right now.” Commission Chair Carol Carter agreed, but said she appreciates the Green Village group’s plans for partnership with other local businesses. Commissioner Mark Short said that due to experience, hours of operation and menu items, he also preferred the bid from the Green Village.

Former Commissioner Brian Seymour, left, of the Pine Avenue General Store, Victor Mattay of Dips Ice Cream owner, and Nick Graham of Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle won approval to negotiate a pier lease.

Short motioned for the city to accept the ShermanMattay-Graham bid. Carter seconded. The commission unanimously approved the motion and the mayor said he would begin negotiations to ink the deal. Murphy said FP Growth Partners would maintain a fallback position.

He said Crane would help with contract negotiations and the contract could be presented at the commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at city hall, unless an emergency meeting is called on the matter prior to that date. The pier is open for visitors and fishing 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

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Electioneering intensiﬁes ahead of vote By ryan Paice and chrisann allen islander reporter

The grass and shell yards on Anna Maria Island soon may be adorned with Nov. 3 election signage. People in Holmes Beach can post signs supporting political candidates and causes beginning Sept. 19, as the city allows signs 45 days before an election. The general election is Nov. 3 and includes federal, state and local races. If political signs are placed before the 45-day point, Holmes Beach code compliance notifies the property owner and requests removal of the sign. If a noncompliant sign remains, code removes and stores it, and allows retrieval at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Political flags are not considered signs in any of the island cities. Neither are vehicle decals and decorations, according to city officials. Holmes Beach Commission candidate Jayne Christenson decorated her golf cart, bike and car with campaign signs. And the signage is permitted by every city on the island. “There isn’t anything in the code stipulating she can’t have it on her vehicle,” Police Chief Bill Tokajer said Sept. 2. General election signs, some new and others leftover from the August primary, were under review by Holmes Beach code compliance Sept. 2. The week beginning Aug. 31, eight campaign signs for Donald Trump were posted at the southeast corner of East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue and remained at the location for at least five days. “We are looking at all the signs to make sure they are compliant,” Tokajer said. “We’ll be doing a sweep of signs as soon as we make sure we are on the right track.” Residents and businesses do not need a permit for election signage. However, signs in Holmes Beach can be no more than 5 square feet in residential districts or 16 square feet at commercial locations. Election signage in the city must be removed within 48 hours after the election.

window, which would open Oct. 4. Signs placed on residential properties in Anna Maria cannot exceed 4 square feet, cannot be double-sided, must be placed parallel to the roadway and located “no closer” than 10 feet from the intersection of the private property line and right of way. The signage cannot stand more than 3 feet tall, unless attached to a building façade. Most election signs in Anna Maria must be removed within two days after the election. However, property owners are permitted to keep one 2-square-foot sign posted at any time, including political signage. “Election sign violations have not been a large problem for the city in the past and on average we’ve handled one or two a year, at most,” code enforcement manager Debbie Haynes wrote in a Sept. 2 email to The Islander. “None to my knowledge have resulted in a citation as compliance is generally achieved through removal of the sign.” Bradenton Beach rules In Bradenton Beach, political signs can be erected Oct. 4, according to city code. A property can hold one ground-based political sign at each road frontage. The signs can stand up to 10 feet tall but cannot exceed 6 square feet in residential districts or 32 square feet in other districts. Political signs on residential properties must be set back at least 12 feet from the front lot line and 10 feet from the side and rear lot lines. Political signage in Bradenton Beach’s nonresidential districts must adhere to 5-foot setbacks from property lines or a 25-foot setback from an abutting residential district. Signage posted before the 30-day window opens on an election may be removed by code enforcement officers. People can retrieve confiscated signage from city hall for a $35 fee. The city’s land development code requires property owners to remove political signs within 7 days after the election.

Vote

2020

Voter registration open

Voter registration for the general election continues until Oct. 5. Registration requirements include citizenship in the United States and Florida residency. Voters must be 18 on the date of the election to cast a ballot. The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office also is taking requests to vote by mail in the Nov. 3 election. Mail-in ballots for the election will go out later this month and early voting will begin Oct. 19. For more information, go online to votemanatee. com or call the elections office at 941-741-3823. Democratic candidate for state rep seeks callers The campaign for Democratic state rep candidate Andy Mele is seeking island volunteers to make calls and send texts. Mele is running in District 71 against incumbent Republican Will Robinson in the general election, which is Nov. 3. Mele’s campaign is focused on the environment. For more information, contact campaign manager Megan Martin at 408-348-0232. Commission candidate offers online intro Holmes Beach commission candidate Jayne Christenson has launched a campaign site and created a Facebook page to reach voters. Her digital presentation is at www.jayne4holmesbeach.com and on Facebook at JayneC4HBCommission. Christenson, former Commissioner Rick Hurst and incumbents Pat Morton and Kim Rash are competing for two two-year terms. The two top vote-getters will take seats on the commission. Please, send election notes to news@islander.org and calendar@islander.org. — lisa Neff

Meetings

AMI and beyond Anna Maria regs Additionally, state law prohibits the placement anna maria city In Anna Maria, property owners can post at least of political signs on rights of way along state roads, Sept. 10, 6 p.m., city commission (budget). one 2-square-foot sign per property at any time and including Gulf Drive/State Road 789, Manatee Avenue/ Sept. 21, 2 p.m., planning and zoning. that sign can be election-related, regardless of proxim- State Road 64 and Cortez Road/State Road 684. Sept. 24, 6 p.m., city commission (budget). ity to an election date, according to city regulations. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708However, residents can post an “unlimited” Did you know? 6130, cityofannamaria.com. number of “temporary signs for predictable events,” Removing a campaign sign from private property such as an election, without a permit during a 30-day constitutes a theft in all three island cities. Bradenton Beach Sept. 10, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget). a campaign sign for Sept. 10, 5:35 p.m., commission (budget). the trump-Pence camSept. 15, 9:15 a.m., commission. paign is posted Sept. Sept. 16, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. 2 near the intersecSept. 17, noon, city commission. tion of east Bay drive Sept. 22, 9:15 a.m., city commission. and manatee avenue Sept. 29, 9:15 a.m., city commission. in Holmes Beach. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., least six trump-Pence 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. signs were at the commercial location that morning, 18 days before such signs are allowed in Holmes Beach. islander Photo: lisa Neff

Holmes Beach

Sept. 10, 6 p.m., city commission (budget). Sept. 22, 6 p.m., city commission (budget). Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. manatee county

Holmes Beach commission candidate Jayne christenson stands next to her vehicle and a magnetic sign for her campaign. the sign and her campaign t-shirt are exceptions, according to Holmes Beach election and sign regulations, in advance of a city sign ordinance that limits posting campaign signage to 45 days before the election. islander courtesy Photo

Sept. 14, 6 p.m., commission (budget). Sept. 15, 9 a.m., commission. Sept. 21, 6 p.m., commission (budget). Sept. 29, 9 a.m., commission. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. of interest

Sept. 14, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall. Sept. 21, Manatee Sarasota Metropolitan Planning Organization Board, 9:30 a.m., MPO office, 8100 15th St. E., Sarasota. Sept. 23, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall. Nov. 3, general election. — lisa Neff

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Mask orders meet some resistance, bad attitudes to blame By ryan Paice islander reporter

Face mask mandates to slow the spread of Covid19 may remain on Anna Maria Island for a while longer. But how well are people following the mandates intended to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus? So far, one case of noncompliance requiring police intervention has occurred in each of the three island cities. A Bradenton Beach police officer trespassed a man Aug. 29 from the Daiquiri Deck, 107 Bridge St., for refusing to wear a face mask despite the Manatee County mandate, according to a Bradenton Beach Police Department report. The county mandate requires people to wear face masks inside business establishments unless they are exempted or can socially distance. The mandate also requires restaurant customers to wear face coverings from the entrance to their table, as well as when moving within the establishment. The mandate remained in effect as of Sept. 7. Holmes Beach and Anna Maria enacted mask orders prior to the county action. Bradenton Beach did not, but commissioners agreed to come under the county’s coverage. The BBPD report states a man swore and displayed “a very nasty attitude” toward restaurant staff who had asked him to don a face covering. Shaun Gileno, a manager at the restaurant, told The Islander Sept. 4 the incident was not isolated. “It has been repeated,” he said. “A lot of people are coming in and they’re actually being a little rude about it.” Gileno estimated one in five restaurant guests enter without face masks but said most comply after employees approach to offer a face covering or advise them that they must wear their own to comply with the county mandate.

“We try to be very reasonable with everybody,” Gileno said. “But a lot of people aren’t reasonable with us, and that’s what hurts.” Lt. John Cosby said Sept. 4 businesses in the city have reported numerous cases of individuals that enter an establishment without a mask but most comply on being approached by staff. However, he said the call to the Daiquiri Deck was the first time a police officer got involved due to the refusal to comply with the mask mandate. “We haven’t really had any problems at all. That was our first,” Cosby said. “Everybody seems to be complying. I haven’t heard any other complaints from business owners in the city.” “As life starts to return a little bit more to normal, I think people are honestly just forgetting,” he said. Under the county mask mandate, only individuals who refuse to wear masks are penalized. Businesses are not responsible for gaining compliance from customers under the county rules. Violators cited for a first offense receive written warnings. A violator would be fined $50 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense and $250 for subsequent offenses. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said HBPD recently trespassed someone for refusing to wear a mask in a Holmes Beach convenience store. “He was asked to leave, and he did,” he said. “That was the only call we’ve received.” Tokajer said the mandate enacted in late June puts the onus for enforcing its requirements on business owners. Businesses that fail to enforce the city mandate would receive a verbal warning for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and $500 fines for any subsequent offenses. “Instead of us having to worry about 10,000 people a day, we have to monitor 50-60 businesses that are handling their own establishments,” he said. “It’s working fine.”

Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor JT Thomas said Sept. 4 that he had received numerous anonymous complaints about noncompliance with the city mandate, with many coming from customers at Publix, 3900 E. Bay Drive. He said that, in an effort to increase compliance, code enforcement officers visited the store to educate staff about the mandate. “Everybody goes there, so it could just be a population thing,” Thomas said. “But we gave them our ordinance. So it’s their responsibility to engage people about wearing masks… .I hope they’re good partners, like all of the others.” Thomas said several businesses were slow to comply with the city mandate when it was issued. However, he said businesses have since come around. “In the very beginning, it was kind of hard trying to get everyone to understand that they need to wear masks,” Thomas said. “I can honestly say that all of our businesses are on board with protecting their customers. I haven’t had one business tell me it’s a problem.” No fines had been issued for violating the mask mandate in Holmes Beach as of Sept. 4. In Anna Maria, a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to Two Scoops, 101 N. Bay Blvd., in late July in response to calls regarding a customer who refused to comply with the city mandate. The city regulation makes individuals — not businesses — responsible for wearing face coverings in any indoor locations other than within a residence. The mandate includes a $50 fine for violating the policy. The order went into effect June 27 and has been renewed each week since by Mayor Dan Murphy. Murphy wrote in a Sept. 4 email to The Islander that the city has had “no issues” with enforcing compliance with the mandate. He added that the city hasn’t issued any fines for violations of the policy.

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Moving on?

The city of Anna Maria is moving forward at the new Anna Maria City Pier. It’s been too long a wait for the people who love visiting the pier. Too long since they fished the waters of Tampa Bay, too long since they enjoyed dinner in the dining room on the T-end and too long without “normal” in their lives due to the pandemic. The city is moving forward — albeit in a different direction than many of us might prefer — to fill the space that formerly housed the bait shop and outdoor beverage service — beer and wine — from a window looking out toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It’s a great opportunity to build a new business on the pier’s T-end deck where plenty of folks routinely gathered for adult beverages in the afternoons as the sun began to go low in the west. But what comes of the larger space, the area where so many people enjoyed restaurant service? It may appear to you — as it does to me — that the city commission dropped the restaurant concept without a satisfactory explanation. They abruptly halted talks and declined negotiations with the only bidder. Apparently, there will be no restaurant. Why has the process gone rogue, behind closed doors with little to no explanation? Why wasn’t the vendor, restaurant operator, bait shop lease debated and signed a year ago? There seems little to no excuse for the tail-dragging and lost time. The only answer we’ve heard to questions in conversations is, “It’s Anna Maria.” Meanwhile, the city narrowed its selection for the takeout operation to two good proposals and we’re pleased to see people we know and trust heading it up. We wish them luck with an ambitious menu for such small space and, all of it prepared for takeout. It’s perfect for the pandemic world we now live in. We’re also certain — based on similar government partnerships, a base rent and a percentage of sales is crucial to the pier’s success — with funding dedicated to future improvements. We believe the question of what or how to fill the space on the pier should have been put before the people who have the most at stake in attracting visitors to Anna Maria — business owners. Meanwhile, the city should put all the cards on the table for everyone to see, hear, peruse, talk over. We long for a pier citizen/business committee. And, please, open it 24/7 for fishing — now. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

SEPT. 9, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 46 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org michael dunn, michael@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com amy V.t. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Jesse Brisson leslie lake, leslie@islander.org Karen riley-love capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff lisa Williams, office manager info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy loden Wasco ross roberts (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach fl 34217 WeBSite: www.islander.org PHoNe 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

3 Sarasota Bay dolphins killed Skimming online … We were blindsided in August with the deaths of three resident dolphins — two adults in their prime reproductive years and the first documented calf of the 2020 season — within just two weeks. These deaths were caused by human activities and could have been prevented. The carcasses of each were recovered by Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program and necropsies identified the probable causes of death. Two likely died from hook-and-line fishing gear and the third was killed by a boat strike. In the 50 years we’ve been studying the 170-member dolphin community in Sarasota Bay, we have never before documented three resident dolphins dying from human activities within a two-week period. This situation is particularly striking in light of what is being reported from many places around the world, where the pandemic seems to be easing human pressure on wildlife populations. In contrast, human activities in Sarasota Bay have increased with the pandemic. In combination with increased mortalities from non-human-related causes, this rate of additional loss is unsustainable for our local dolphin community. The local dolphin community will feel the loss of these dolphins for decades to come. From a biological standpoint, the deaths of these dolphins result in a great deal of lost reproductive potential — the adult male and female and new calf can no longer produce offspring that would have helped to sustain and grow this community of dolphins. I share this news with you so that you can join us in working to prevent more dolphin deaths from human activities just by following a few simple guidelines that we’ve helped to develop based on the knowledge we’ve gained during our studies — of watching both the dolphins of Sarasota Bay as well as the humans who use it.

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All three of these dolphins had their lives cut short by human activities. None of them were given the opportunity to reach their full potential, living long, productive lives in our shared coastal waters. Please, watch out for dolphins in your path, especially in shallow waters where they cannot dive beneath your boat. If dolphins appear while you are fishing, reel in your lines until they leave, or move to another site. If you’re boating in Sarasota or Manatee counties and see an injured or dead dolphin, please, report it immediately to Mote’s SIP at 941-988-0212 to give trained responders the best chance of rescuing or recovering the animal. Here’s wishing you fair winds and dolphin-safe fishing and boating. Dr. Randy Wells, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number. Email: news@islander.org.

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From the archives

Signaling ‘downtown’ Signs and a traffic signal mark the junction of gulf and marina drives near two banks, a corner gas station, the island Shopping center and S&S Plaza in November 1982. islander Photos: manatee county Public library System

… Banned on Beer Can

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look online for Islander in at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

a sign lists the “do not” rules in august 1980 on Beer can island off longboat Key. No pets, fires, obscene language, changing clothing or bedding down.

10&20 years ago

From the Sept. 6, 2000, issue

• The Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Board tabled discussion of a violation against a resident in the 2300 block of Avenue C for harboring pigeons on her property after learning the woman had stopped feeding the birds and most of the birds had found new lodgings. The board received a complaint from neighbors that daily feedings prompted pigeons to remain in nearby trees and atop houses. The pigeons made messes of several rooftops and were a health hazard, the neighbors said in their complaint. • Manatee County commissioners signed an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers for a 2001 beach renourishment project that gave the county control over the design and renourishment of a 4.7-mile section of beach in exchange for a $10 million advance payment to the federal government. The county was to be reimbursed at the end of the project.

From the Sept. 8, 2010, issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to settle a long-standing legal dispute with a development company in a proposed agreement that involved the purchase of beachfront property in the 1400 block of Gulf Drive North. • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission terminated a $165,000 grant to Bradenton Beach for a mooring field south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier after city commissioners voted to rescind the project. • Bradenton Beach commissioners established new parking restrictions for Bridge Street, setting a daytime limit of three hours on public spaces 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • Local authorities alleged that a Bradenton Beach man accused in a series of porn offenses attempted to bribe a witness — his ex-girlfriend. — lisa Neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2 Bradenton Beach budgets, tax increase pass 1st readings By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach and its community redevelopment agency are a step away from finalizing budgets for next year. And a tax increase is in the plans. City commissioners voted 4-0 Sept. 2 to approve the first reading of an ordinance establishing the city’s 2.3329 millage rate and the $8,251,358 budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh was absent with excuse. The spending plan exceeds the current year’s budget by $2,736,097 — inflated by about $4.69 million in state-funded improvement projects, including $2 million to bury utilities along Gulf Drive and $2.69 million for stormwater improvements. Proposed library expenses for next year are $45,241, a $190 increase over this year’s spending. City treasurer Shayne Thompson did not respond to a Sept. 4 email from The Islander asking how much money remains in the library bequeath fund. Despite losing a projected $200,000 in revenues from gas and sales tax due to the coronavirus pandemic, the city expects to collect $8,407,974 in revenues next year and net $156,616 for its reserves. The city’s largest source of revenue — besides state funding for capital improvement projects — is

Bradenton Beach’s 2020-21 budget by the numbers 2020-21 budget Current budget: $8,251,358. $5,515,261. 2020-21 millage: Rollback rate: 2.3329 mills. 2.2112 mills. 2020-21 CRA budget Current CRA budget $2,535,197. $2,666,019.

Final public hearing for the budget: 5:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at city hall. $1,612,813 from ad valorem taxes. The proposed 2.3329 millage rate is a tax increase for property owners, with the city’s taxable property value rising from $650,221,930 in 2019 to $691,333,870 in 2020. Millage is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value, so the owner of a $500,000 property would pay $1,166.45 in ad valorem tax at 2.3329 mills. The proposed rate would earn the city $1,612,812.78. At the rollback rate, 2.2112 mills, the amount needed to produce the same revenue as last year, a $500,000 property would pay $1,105.60 in ad valorem tax. The rollback rate would earn the city $1,528,677.45. There was no public comment.

The CRA board unanimously voted Sept. 2 to approve a joint resolution with the city allowing either entity to award staff with bonuses. City commissioners and CRA members previously discussed giving bonuses to Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby and public works director Tom Woodard for tackling additional responsibilities brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. However, state law prohibits employers from paying bonuses for services an employee has already performed and was compensated for without criteria for a lump-sum bonus program. The resolution allows the CRA to grant bonuses to “outstanding” employees whose work exceeded the standards of their job. There was no public comment.

BB CRA approves Bridge Street-Coquina tram contract Bradenton Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency is moving full steam ahead with plans for a public shuttle between Coquina Beach and Bridge Street CRA members voted 6-0 Sept. 2 to pay $113,150 to Sarasota-based Easy Parking Group to supply and operate a pilot transport program. CRA member Jan Vosburgh, a city commissioner, was absent without excuse. The pilot program will employ two low-speed vehicles, including one that complies with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act standards, to operate 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. The trams will provide 10 p.m.-11 p.m. daily service for employees. The contract, which the CRA could terminate at

About the CRA

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency promotes restoration, growth and tourism for the district — bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico — by funding capital improvement projects with incremental tax revenue collected by Manatee County since 1992, when the area was declared blighted. The agency includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members, restaurateur Ed Chiles and full-time resident David Bell.

CRA budget set for final vote CRA members voted unanimously Sept. 4 to approve the first reading for a fiscal 2020-21 budget. The agency budgeted $2,535,197 in spending, a $130,822 drop from the current year. Capital projects make up the bulk of the budget at $2,223,500. Next year’s slate of projects includes $675,000 for seagrass mitigation and dredging in Sarasota Bay, $400,000 to bury utilities along district roadways and $300,000 for finger docks to expand the Historic Bridge Street Pier’s floating dock. The spending plan, in addition to general expenses and law enforcement, also includes $205,000 for new Bridge Street streetlights and $100,000 to landscape the strip. With $1,255,959 in projected revenue and $1,400,000 set to carry over from this year, the CRA projects to add $120,762 to its coffers in 2020-21. There was no public comment. The final reading and public hearing for the CRA budget will be at 5:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at city hall.

… and city-CRA adopt resolution for staff bonuses

A shuttle awaits passengers outside the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Bradenton Beach city pier. The city’s community redevelopment agency agreed Sept. 2 to a contract with Easy Parking Group to operate a pair of similar trams between Coquina Beach and Bridge Street. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The final reading and public hearing for the budget will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive S.

any time, begins Nov. 1 and expires in a year. The CRA can extend the deal for up to five years. The agreement allows the contractor to sell ad space to subsidize costs of the service and possibly generate income. The contractor could raise ad revenue that would reduce its billings to the city and, if ad revenue exceeds monthly service costs, the contractor can keep the money. The contract establishes a $10-$45 daily rate for ad space, depending on size. A tram can hold up to 14 ads. The contract did not specify a route for the tram, instead referring to “a loop that connects Coquina to Bridge Street and other nearby locations.” Manatee County Area Transit already operates a fare-free trolley on Anna Maria Island that includes daily service along Gulf Drive, with a main station at Coquina Beach. Previously proposed routes for the tram included Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach to Fifth Street South, Bay Drive to Bridge Street, then to the Bradenton Beach Marina and a return. Fifth Street South resident Terry Gebhardt spoke in opposition to the tram during public comment, saying the service would damage the neighborhood. “I feel like this is a steam-rolled done deal and I’m disappointed,” Gebhardt said. “You’re asking people to drive the length of the city. So, you’re still going to have traffic.” CRA members did not respond. City attorney Ricinda Perry said the tram operator

must attend CRA meetings to provide monthly updates, including tracking data. She suggested the CRA appoint a contract administrator to oversee the project. CRA member Ed Chiles, a restaurateur, moved to appoint CRA member/Commissioner Jake Spooner and Perry as administrators. CRA member/Mayor John Chappie, seconded the motion. The CRA voted unanimously to approve the appointments. The CRA also directed Perry to research charging stations for the electric tram, as well as work with public works director Tom Woodard to identify a Bridge Street location for a station. Bridge Street lighting The CRA aims to brighten Bridge Street after recently removing Florida Power & Light’s utility poles and streetlights. But new streetlights ordered by the CRA may be months away. The CRA issued a request for proposals to install new LED-powered streetlights along the strip to replace existing solar-powered lights but received no bids. So, board members voted unanimously to extend the RFP for two weeks. Also, manufacturing is backlogged by 6-8 months due to the coronavirus, so the CRA might have to wait for any new fixtures. In the meantime, CRA members voted unanimously to pay Care Electric no more than $3,825 to remove up to five solar-powered streetlights from First Street North and relocate them to Bridge Street until the new streetlights are installed. There was no public comment.

Sept. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community Cal ARTS

ONGOING ON AMI Through Sept. 30, Jane Keeling’s “Peaceful Places” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

FAMILY AHEAD ON AMI Oct. 30, Trail of Treats, islandwide. the Bishop museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton will celebrate mars with inperson and online programming in September and october. islander courtesy Photo

COMMUNITY ON AMI Saturday, Sept. 12 7:30 a.m. — International Coastal Cleanup with Keep Manatee Beautiful and Anna Maria Island Privateers, 5800 block of Marina Drive at the pirate ship. Information: 941-705-0199.

Bishop powers up for Mars

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is offering Mars-centric programming online and inperson in September and October. “Mars has fascinated backyard astronomers, scientists, and people around the world for thousands of years,” Howard Hochhalter, manager of the planetarium at The Bishop, said in a news release. “Mars Month” programs explore rocketing to Mars, as well as myths about the red planet. The Bishop is at 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. There is a fee for admission but during the pandemic, some discounts or passes are available to some. For more information about programs, go online to bishopscience.org or call 941-746-4131.

AHEAD ON AMI Sept. 19, Coquina Beach International Coastal Cleanup, Bradenton Beach. Oct. 10, Manatee Public Beach International Coastal Cleanup, Holmes Beach.

Favoring Floridians

AHEAD OFF AMI looking to save some shells this month? mote marine aquarium offers half off admission on Sept. 17, Adopt-A-Spot International Coastal Cleanup, areaweekends throughout September. tickets must be wide. reserved online at mote.org/visit. ticketholders must Sept. 19, Pace Center for Girls Lucky Ducky Race, virtual. present a florida id at the aquarium and also wear NETWORKING masks. the aquarium is at 1600 Ken thompson Parkway in city island in Sarasota. for more inforON AMI mation, call mote at 941-388-4441. islander Photo: Thursday, Sept. 10 courtesy mote marine 8:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce member The Palma Sola Botanical Park plans to hold its breakfast, Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee Fall Plants & More Sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. applies. Registration required. Information: 941-778-1541. 3.

Palma Sola plant sale planned

The event typically features vendors selling native and exotic plants, woodcrafts, pottery, textiles and jewelry art, as well as sales of lunch items and treats. A notice said “social distancing and face masks are encouraged.” The park is at 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. For more information, call the park at 941-7612866.

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Maritime museum exhibits ‘Caught in the Storm’

The Florida Maritime Museum offers an outdoor and online exhibit: “Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes.” The timeline exhibit walks visitors through the 1919-2019 hurricanes that made direct contact with Florida land. Visitors to the museum grounds will find a display of exhibit panels outside the 1912 schoolhouse. People should maintain social distancing at the site, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Online at www.floridamaritimemuseum.org, the museum offers a virtual tour led by “Pip the Pelican.” For more information, call the museum at 941708-6121.

RECREATION OFF AMI Saturday, Sept. 12 9 a.m. — Saturday mornings at the NEST children’s activities, Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: ecoevents@mymanatee.org. VIRTUAL Friday, Sept. 11 6 p.m. — Natural Resources Career Night with the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department. Information: 941-7425923, ext. 6036. ONGOING VIRTUAL Through Sept. 30, Manatee County Parks and Recreation Preserve Photo Scavenger Hunt. Information: coral.bass@mymanatee. org. AHEAD OFF AMI Sept. 24, Nature Night kayaking for National Estuaries Week, Bradenton.

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SePt. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

New to AMI, new reporter tackles community, school By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Greetings and salutations. My name is Amy Moriarty and for me, working for a newspaper seems predestined. As a 9-year-old growing up in Connecticut, my first job was as a newspaper carrier. I gave up my paper route as a senior in high school and went on to other things, to include working and volunteering in the moriarty emergency services field. But nine years later, I again was in the employ of a newspaper, working as a beat reporter for a daily, covering police, fire, courts and homeland security. Eventually, I began writing a column for an affiliated weekly publication. When I met my husband, who was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and moved to Massachusetts, I continued working in media as a freelancer for a local newspaper and expanded to radio and television. Between my husbandâ€™s deployment and the needs of my stepson, who suffered a brain injury, I had to walk away from journalism. The time I spent with my stepson taught me a lot about patience and to not take for granted that which seems simple and I have no regrets for the decision to step back. I soon returned to work, but scheduling needs drew me to a job as a pastry chef and teacher. My husband and I next moved from Massachusetts to western Washington state, where I continued my culinary career in Seattle. Now our son is grown and our nest is empty. It has been for about five years. While on vacation on the island in January, my husband said, â€œWe should move here.â€? My family had owned on the north end of the island for many years, and I visited multiple times each year for more than a decade. I jumped at the chance to live in paradise, and we settled in as residents in late June. I also am thrilled to return to journalism as a member of The Islander staff. I look forward to getting to know the island I have loved for many years and the community members who make the island special. You can reach me at amym@islander.org or at the office, 941-778-7978.

Pandemic wonâ€™t stop AME Peace Day The show must go on. Technology and a resilient spirit among students and staff at Anna Maria Elementary School means Peace Day will be celebrated this year. Virtually. AME guidance counselor Susan Tabicman said beginning Sept. 9 components of Peace Day will be recorded and then spliced to create a video. The video will be shown Sept. 21 in classrooms at the Holmes Beach school. â€œItâ€™s different, but the whole year is different,â€? said Tabicman. â€œTheyâ€™re adapting. Our kids are really pretty resilient.â€? Peace Day will open with fifth-grade students performing a socially distanced flag ceremony. Also, Anna Maria Island Rotary Club representative Judy Rup will give a keynote address. As they do every year, students will create art projects and write essays and poems in line with the event theme, which for 2020 is â€œShaping Peace Together: Celebrate the Day by Spreading Compassion, Kindness, and Hope in the Face of the Pandemic.â€? Additionally, students in kindergarten, first- and fifth-grade will sing a song and third-grade students will carry an Olympic flag â€” â€œsocially distanced, of course,â€? Tabicman said. The Manatee High School drumline has performed at past Peace Days, but due to pandemic guidelines will not participate this year. Instead, Tabicman said, the drumlineâ€™s performance from 2019 â€œwill be spliced into the video.â€? Peace Day at Anna Maria Elementary began in 2002 as a pen-pal program between students at AME and students in a New York City as a way to honor a pair of new classmates who had moved to the island from Manhattan following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Rup said the island Rotary Club sponsored a Peace Pole and, as the celebration grew over the years, a peace garden was planted. â€œItâ€™s really been a sweet event for the past 18

AmE NEWS

2020-21 school calendar

â€˘ Monday, Oct. 12, record day, no school. â€˘ Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. â€˘ Nov. 23-27, Thanksgiving break. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

years,â€? she said, â€œIâ€™m so glad the school agreed to keep the event active this year.â€? Tabicman said changes to this yearâ€™s program began to be made in the spring. Typically, students work on the designs for the next yearâ€™s Peace Day T-shirts in April and May, so a committee of school staff can select four designs to be printed. However, students did not design 2020 shirts last spring, when the pandemic hit. Students who have them can wear last yearâ€™s tees, Tabicman said, adding that the school still has 2019 shirts for sale. Otherwise, Tabicman suggested, students can wear tie-dyed or other peace-themed clothing. Rup said that despite the different look to this yearâ€™s program, the â€œkids will still be engaged and learning about the idea of peace and how to bring about peace themselves.â€? Inspiring the younger generation to celebrate peace, she said, is the point of the event. Tabicman said the video will be uploaded to the schoolâ€™s website at www.manateeschools.net/annamaria and available for public view after the classroom broadcasts. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cops & Courts

Staff reports

New Jersey man arrested for attempted sexual battery Ajit Ketkar, 48, of New Jersey, was arrested Sept. 1 by Holmes Beach police for attempted sexual battery, a first-degree felony, and attempting, soliciting or conspiring to commit a crime, a second-degree felony. HBPD Sgt. Tom Walker and officer Alex Hurt were dispatched to a 911 call at 2:18 p.m. from a vacation rental home in the 6300 block of Gulf Drive. The dispatcher told police no one spoke to him on the call, but arguing was heard in the background. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a woman who said Ketkar tried to force her to have sexual intercourse after she denied consent. Her dress was ripped and she appeared upset, according to the police report. She said the man got angry, pinned her down and exposed himself to her. Another person broke up the fight, but Ketkar would not let the victim leave the room. Ketkar told officers he never touched the victim and did not expose himself, but admitted he was upset by the woman’s refusal. Because there were two children in the residence at the time of the incident, the abuse hotline was called and a report was made.

BBPD arrests woman for vehicle theft

A Bradenton Beach police officer arrested St. Petersburg resident Teri Cooper Aug. 29 on a charge of vehicle theft. The BBPD received notice from the Holmes Beach Police Department, based on alert from the city’s license plate reader, that a vehicle identified as stolen was crossing into Bradenton Beach. A BBPD officer found a vehicle matching HBPD’s description at Coquina Beach, but couldn’t immediately view the license plate. He did, however, observe two people sitting nearby with a dog and let them know that pets are not allowed on the beaches on Anna Maria Island. The officer asked them to leave. When they complied and pulled away in the vehicle, the officer ran the license plate and confirmed it was the stolen vehicle. The officer conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Cooper, 31, said she didn’t know the vehicle was stolen and that a friend allowed her to borrow the red Hyundai Elantra. BBPD arrested Cooper for felony motor vehicle theft and a misdemeanor, driving with a suspended license. She was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she remained in custody with a $1,620 bail as of Sept. 4. The passenger was released at the scene and the vehicle was towed. — ryan Paice

Ketkar was arrested and taken to the Manatee County jail, where he posted $15,000 bail Sept. 2. He was allowed to return to New Jersey, with an order stipulating “no nonconsensual contact with the victim.” His attorneys filed not guilty pleas for both charges Sept. 2. Ketkar’s arraignment was set for Sept. 25. — chrisann allen

BB man arrested for assault with deadly weapon

Bradenton Beach police officers arrested resident Zachary Winton Aug. 31 on four felony charges: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, battery, false imprisonment and witness tampering. The Bradenton Beach Police Department was dispatched to a call about an unstable man with a knife held to a woman’s throat. When BBPD officers arrived, Winton, 34, was screaming at a woman, according to the police report. The officers drew their tasers and issued verbal commands to Winton to stand down. He complied, was detained and a search found him in possession of two knives. The woman said she tried to leave as they began fighting, but was prevented by Winton, who threatened her, putting a knife to her throat. Winton denied the allegations. He was brought to the BBPD for processing, where he allegedly made several threatening statements about what he would do to the woman upon his release. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy transported Winton to the Manatee County jail Aug. 29. Winton was released Sept. 1 after posting a $16,000 bail. A court date has yet to be set. — ryan Paice

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Aug. 28, 800 block of North Shore Drive, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a noise complaint at 12:30 a.m. The deputy issued an ordinance violation for noise. Aug. 28, 200 block of South Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO received a complaint about loud music at about 11:50 a.m. A deputy responded and informed the occupants of a home about the city’s noise ordinance. They had thought their music was allowed until 10 p.m. Aug. 29, 100 block of Palmetto Avenue, trespass. The MCSO received a complaint about a man staying on the porch of a property listed for sale. A deputy checked the area. Aug. 29, 400 block of Spring Avenue, near drowning. The MCSO received an emergency call about a child who fell in a residential swimming pool. The child was alert and breathing. Aug. 30, 200 block of South Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO received a complaint about loud noise from a party at 10 p.m. No other information was available. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Aug. 29, Daiquiri Deck, 107 Bridge St., trespass. A Bradenton Beach police officer was dispatched to the bar, where a man reportedly refused to wear a face mask. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a manager, who asked for the customer’s removal. The officer issued the man a trespass warning and waited for him to leave. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez Aug. 29, Pig Out Cortez BBQ, 12012 Cortez Road W., trespass. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call from the restaurant manager stating an employee was behaving erratically. Upon arrival, the deputy found a man screaming at other employPleaSe, See STreeTLiFe, Next Page

Cortez man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach A Cortez man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach police arrested George Sherow, 35, at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30 in the 2800 block of Gulf Drive. According to the police report, a patrol officer stopped Sherow upon being alerted by the license plate reader system to the vehicle he was driving with expired registration. Another officer also arrived to the traffic stop. The police report stated the vehicle smelled of alcohol and Shedrow had bloodshot eyes and an open container, as well as about 20 empty alcohol containers

in his vehicle. Sherow could not produce a driver’s license or insurance and failed a field sobriety test. Upon searching the vehicle before towing, officers also found a bag with 0.6 grams of marijuana. Sherow was cited for not wearing a seat belt, expired registration, no proof of insurance or driver’s license and open alcohol in a vehicle and was arrested for DUI with a blood-alcohol content over 0.15. He was transported to the Manatee County jail and released that day on a $120 bond. His arraignment was set for Oct. 1. — chrisann allen

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You can read it all online at www.islander.org

SePt. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB CRA races clock for funding pier police boat lift, additions By ryan Paice islander reporter

It’s a matter of use it or lose it for the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. The agency needs to install a boat lift at the Historic Bridge Street Pier before October or lose $50,000. But the lift can’t be installed until the pier’s floating dock is shifted to the east. CRA members voted unanimously Sept. 2 on motions to pay Hecker Construction $11,600 to shift the dock east and Duncan Seawall up to $46,500 to supply and install a 10,000-pound boat lift. CRA member Jan Vosburgh, a city commissioner, was absent without excuse. Florida’s West Coast Inland Navigation District granted the city $50,000 to install the lift on the north side of the pier for police patrols on the water, including the adjacent anchorage area. The agency must spend the money in the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. However, the project has been stuck in the Florida STREETLIFE coNtiNued from Page 12

ees. The deputy trespassed the man at the manager’s request. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Aug. 27, 6500 block of Flotilla Drive, theft. A bicycle was reported stolen from a carport. Aug. 29, 100 block of 52nd Street, alcohol. A Holmes Beach Police officer observed people near a parked vehicle drinking alcoholic beverages. Police cited the vehicle owner for possession of an alcoholic beverage near a public road. Aug. 29, 100 block of 51st Street, assist. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office contacted HBPD about a missing juvenile tracked to Holmes Beach via social media. HBPD located the juvenile, whose parents were contacted and took custody at the police department at city hall. Aug. 29, 200 block of 68th Street, found property. An officer responded to a report of a gun left at a rental property. The gun was cleared and police contacted the owner. HBPD held the weapon for retrieval by the owner. Aug. 29, 100 block of 47th Street, recovered stolen vehicle. A resident received a notice from a towing company about the recovery of his stolen Jet Ski. However, the man did not know the watercraft was missing, as he had been out of state. He contacted the HBPD to file a report. Aug. 30, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, camping. A worker at the public beach alerted an officer to a person sleeping in a changing station. The officer woke the person and issued a notice to appear for camping. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

Department of Environmental Protections’ permitting process for most of the year. The CRA decided to relocate the lift after failing to reach an agreement with Jackson Partnership, the owner of the neighboring Pines Trailer Park, for the right to encroach on the trailer park. City attorney Ricinda Perry, who has coordinated the projects with CRA Chair Ralph Cole, a city commissioner, asked the CRA to move forward with motions for the dock and the boat lift. CRA members approved $11,600 for Hecker to remove dock sections, remove and relocate composite pilings 8 feet east of their current positions, then reinstall floating sections and new rollers. Hecker also will remove the older wooden pilings on the north side of the dock. The CRA issued a request for proposals to install the lift, but the only bid came from Duncan for installation of a 16,000-pound lift at $41,279. However, it also contained the option to drop the lift size to 14,000 pounds and save $2,150. Perry said the cost of the lift would continue to fall as the size decreased. She said Joe Foster of Foster Engineering suggested a 10,000-pound lift to accommodate the BBPD’s 3,000-pound patrol boat. The CRA voted unanimously to pay Duncan up to $46,500 to supply and install a 10,000-pound dock if it could be done by Sept. 30.

a vessel launches Sept. 2 from the ﬂoating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. the city’s cra plans to shift the dock to the east, as well as install a lift to serve a marine patrol boat on the west end. islander Photo: ryan Paice

CRA members also voted unanimously to hire Foster Engineering to engineer the lift for $3,500. However, they also voted to cancel the transaction if the lift can’t be installed in the current fiscal year.

Did the moose wriggle out of termite tent? the anna maria island moose lodge, 110 gulf drive S., Bradenton Beach, was tented Sept. 3 as the lodge was fumigated for termites. the lodge reopened Sept. 5. the iconic symbol of the lodge was left poking its head through the top of the tent until the tent was removed. the lodge reopened to members and spouses with cdc guidelines for masks and social distancing. islander courtesy Photo

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Skimming

AMI

By Bonner Joy

Inc.; and Susie Garcia of TidyMD Cleaning of Bradenton. Welcome all to the island business community.

Welcome

Welcome 2 Michael Saunders & Company announced Johann The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce added new members over the summer, including Bertram has joined its Anna Maria Island real estate Rebecca St Jean of Friends of Manatee County Animal office. An announcement from the company said, “Born Services; Tom McFarland and Amy Tobin of Sea Life and raised on Anna Maria Island, Kayak; Anne Casanova of Andrick & Associates of there’s very little you could tell BerSarasota; Leah Chavie of Leah Chavie Skincare Boutram about the island and its surroundtique, Bradenton Beach; Carl Ginsberg, new owner ing neighborhoods that he doesn’t of the Beach Shop, Cortez; and Georgia Griffith of already know.” Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware, Bradenton. He is a former competitive runner Also new to the chamber, Erin Dolan of Florida and sets high goals and paves his path Fishing Fleet in Cortez; Jacob Ramer of Inspectors Bertram to attain them. Bertram can be reached at 941-779-3856 or at the office, 6000 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Multiple locations in Bradenton Beach: A county pipeline replacement project continues. Impacted areas include Gulf Drive, Bay Drive South, Church Avenue and Cortez Road. Expect construction in rights of way and increased truck traffic. • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Starting as early as Sept. 14, phase 2 of the project will begin, creating a new traffic pattern and shifting construction to the north side of Cortez Road. Thru traffic will then use the south side of Cortez Road. Also, the outbound lanes of Harbor Landing Drive will be closed and traffic there will be detoured to 127th Street West. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — lisa Neff

And a third welcome The Compass Hotel by Margaritaville at Anna Maria Sound — the newest area hotel and the first hotel to open on Perico Island — will welcome 50 guests Sept. 24 to a business mixer. Reservations for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event are a must for limited social distancing, although the hotel lobby and the adjoining Compass Bar and Chill are large enough to accommodate a bigger crowd. And by the way, general manager France Langan was boasting Sept. 4 that the hotel was fully booked over Labor Day weekend — and most weekends since opening in July. He also noted the restaurant, Floridays, has seen busy weekend traffic, too. So hopefully, we will see you there. You can get a taste of Compass and meet our new reporter, Amy Moriarty, who will do her best to fill in where Sandy Ambrogi left off before her passing in August. Moriarty has big shoes to fill, but we’re betting on her experience and enthusiasm to win friends and provide top notch coverage for her beat. See you there!

BEN AND KAREN COOPER

County’s COVID-19 curve continues dive By chrisann allen islander reporter

There are positive signs that the pandemic is waning in Manatee County. Positive cases locally are declining. The total percentage, 10.8% as of Sept. 3, is determined by totaling all positive cases since the pandemic reached the county in March. A significant reduction in daily positive cases has dropped below 11% for the first time since July. The daily rate of positive cases was 2.5% Sept. 2, when 26 people of 1,031 tested positive. Seven new cases were reported Aug. 30, the lowest daily number since the pandemic reached the county. Cases are based on individuals tested since March 1, not the number of tests or current positives. “We have seen a continued downward trend of positive cases for over a month now in our daily percent positive test results,” Jake Saur, public safety director for the county, wrote The Islander Sept. 3. “We can attribute this to a better awareness of the general public in the effectiveness of face coverings, social distancing and proper hand hygiene.” A total of 265 people had died and 748 people had been hospitalized due to the virus in the county, with 17 deaths since Aug. 20. On Anna Maria Island, 27 people in Bradenton Beach, 21 people in Holmes Beach and four people in Anna Maria had tested positive. There were four new cases on the island since Aug. 20. Additionally, 109 nonresidents visiting the county tested positive as of Sept. 3, up one since Aug. 20. The number of positive nonresidents increased by nearly 100 cases in July, but the rate slowed in late August. “I am unsure if the positivity rate for nonresidents that is dwindling is because of the lack of visitors. I do know there has been a decrease in tourism as summer winds down and school starts,” Saur wrote. “As we move forward, it’s important we keep an eye on our positivity trend. More schools are starting up throughout Florida, as well as the start of flu season.”

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

July tourist tax collection tops prior years By lisa Neff islander editor

The tourist tax revenue shot up like a bottle rocket in July. Tourist tax revenue for July — collected by the government in August and reported Sept. 1 — totaled $1,620,700. In July 2019, the tax revenue was $1,398,555, resulting in an increase of 15.88% from July 2019 to July 2020. And, despite the coronavirus pandemic, tax revenues for July 2020 were the highest for the month in at least the past seven years. The tax is the 5% collected on rentals of six months or less. The revenues began to rise in June after four months of decline when the state eased “safer at home” restrictions and lifted the ban on short-term vacation rentals. Consider where the tax revenue was for the spring and early summer: • Tourist tax revenue in June was $1,443,183, down 12.69 from June 2019. • In May, the revenue totaled $558,014, down from $1,093,869 in May 2019. • In April, overnight stays generated $449,904 in bed taxes, down 69.81% from April 2019.

• In March, overnight stays grossed about $1.78 million in bed taxes, down 34.59% from March 2019. About 29.18% of the July tax collected, $472,979, was generated in Holmes Beach, according to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s report. The tax collected from Anna Maria accommodations was $291,178, about 17.97% of the total. Bradenton Beach produced about 6.16% of the tax collected — $99,810. Some more numbers for July: • Unincorporated Manatee County, $480,459, 29.64%; • Bradenton, $99,206, 6.12%; • Longboat Key, $172,640, 10.65%; • Palmetto, $4,453, 0.27%. The state collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, so the net collection for the Manatee County Tourist Development Council in July was $1,572,108. The numbers showed $12,784,955 collected between the beginning of the fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2019, and July 31. The tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism, including funding for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season Tourist tax collections

July 2014: $864,182 July 2015: $969,117 July 2016: $1,176,695 July 2017: $1,245,448 July 2018: $1,308,903 July 2019: $1,398,555 July 2020: $1,620,700 Source: manatee county tax collector

entities, such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as supporting projects, such as island beach renourishment and some funding for construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier. The TDC recommends a budget, which is decided by the county commission. The August numbers will be released in early October, ahead of the next meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. The TDC tentatively is set to meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. The location was not decided.

a second “booster” barge lights the horizon Sept. 3 while pumping a sandy slurry to the separator on shore in the 2300 block of gulf drive.

Renourishment moves south through Bradenton Beach

two workers pound stakes for a temporary barrier aug. 27 between the renourishment project and a pedestrian area. the project took a hiatus during Hurricane laura’s passage through the gulf of mexico aug. 25-26.

the view north near 23rd Street in Bradenton Beach Sept. 3 shows sand pouring in a waterfall from a rock-and-shell separator. the new sand is smoothed and leveled by two bulldozers to create 250 feet of beach. the $17 million beach renourishment project is planned to run through october with culmination at longboat Pass. the equipment is expected to be replenishing sand in the 1300 block of gulf drive by Sept. 17. the renourishment project started July 8 near 77th Street in Holmes Beach and continues south. islander Photos: chrisann allen

i.wed

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Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

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SePt. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Navigation channel dredge planned in Bradenton Beach Bradenton Beach’s CRA is pursuing a couple of projects in the waters of Sarasota Bay. CRA members voted 6-0 Sept. 2 to request a $300,000 grant from the Florida West Coast Inland Navigation District to fund additional costs to dredge the navigation channel and mitigate seagrasses between the Historic Bridge Street Pier and the North Coquina Boat Ramp. “The mitigation will allow for the successful reestablishment of a navigable channel,” the CRA grant application states. “This channel will connect a missing and crucial piece of the waterway and will allow for water taxis and ferries to provide alternative modes

of transportation.” The CRA received $500,000 in state appropriations to complete the work, but city attorney Ricinda Perry has said that may not be sufficient for the work that is planned. CRA members also voted to retain Coastal Engineering for $17,890 to survey potential seagrass mitigation sites so planning could move forward. City engineer Lynn Burnett said mitigation work could begin next spring and the dredge would occur later in 2021. There was no public comment. — ryan Paice

Labor Day excursion Josh Self of Bradenton and megan della costa of Palmetto prepare Sept. 4 for an early labor day excursion on the water, departing from the newly reopened Palma Sola Boat ramp. manatee county closed the ramp on the Palma Sola causeway/State road 64 in January 2019 after assuming responsibility for the amenity from the city of Bradenton. the county deemed the ramp unsafe and announced repairs would cost about $56,338. improvements included removing 185 cubic yards of sand and silt near the ramp, as well as replacing and lowering the adjacent docks. islander Photo: lisa Neff

Prized winnings Katy roadman of Holmes Beach, winner of the islander’s 2020 top Notch photo contest, collects her prize package at the newspaper office. roadman one a “more-than-a-mullet wrapper” t-shirt as a finalist and then the grand prize, which included $100 from the islander and gift certificates from contest sponsors, including Slim’s Place, island coffee Haus, restless Natives, mr. Bones BBQ and cremesh european restaurant. roadman won with a nighttime photo of her children playing on the beach. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty are psyched about end-of-summer shopping — hoping everyone stays safe and well (WEAR A MASK, keep your distance in the shops, please). The Cat’s Meow, Manatee County’s newest marketplace, showcases 25-plus full-time vendors. This 7,700-square-foot venue is full of vintage, unique and repurposed items. Plus, there’s a man cave and a clothing boutique offering something for every taste and style. Look for notices on Facebook for twicemonthly outdoor tent events. Be sure to stop by the vibrant market, say “Hey” and peruse the amazing assortment of fun and funky finds. Blue Flamingo eagerly awaits you to peruse their upcycled and repurposed goods, renewed furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, as well as fresh candles and yummy scents, jewelry, trinkets and an eclectic array of work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists

Your place for fun, funky Great work from Local Artisans Upcycled, Repurposed, Vintage Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! theblueflamingo.biz

quirky!

at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed. You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back. You never know what you will find. Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you to shop at the store in the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Check out the island

digs. They also carry a line of Fusion Paints. Purchases at the store benefit Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our most favorite pet rescue group, which is based at The Islander. Founder Lisa Williams is office manager, and board member sales rep Toni Lyon calls the shots. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Roser to host blood drive

Roser Church will host a blood drive 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. OneBlood will park its Big Red Bus across from the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, and is offering appointments online at oneblooddonor.org. People can use the sponsor code #37502 or Roser Memorial Community Church. Donors will receive a wellness checkup, COVID-19 antibody test and two pairs of socks. Face masks are required. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414 or go online to oneblood.org.

Gloria Dei group exploring ‘The Universal Christ’

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has organized a new Zoom-based book group which meets Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. on the tele-conference platform. The group is reading and discussing “The Universal Christ” by Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest recognized widely in the religious rohr community as an ecumenical teacher on Christian mysticism. For more information about the book group, email Gloria De at gdlami18@gmail.com.

Patricia M. Glass

Jim Kissick III

Jim Kissick III died Aug. 28. He was born Oct. 11, 1954, to Jim and Bette Kissick of Bradenton Beach. He was born in Pensacola, but Bradenton Beach long ago stole his heart. Along with fishing, Florida plant life, singing karaoke and playing his Kissick iii harmonica, he loved sharing stories with loved ones of his adventures. The service will be private. Mr. Kissick is survived by a “slew of family,”

EVENTS

Sunday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., blood drive, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941778-0414. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Gloria Dei Zoom Book Group discussion, virtual. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com. REGULAR WORSHIP Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturday 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sunday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship.

Obituaries

Patricia M. Glass, who was elected Manatee County’s first female member of the board of county commissioner in 1978, died Sept. 1. She was 93. She was elected to the board of commissioners in 1978, became the board chair in 1980 and served as chair seven times during her tenure on the board. She also served as the chair of the tourist development council five times. A gerontologist by trade, Mrs. Glass was an advocate for the elderly throughout her career. She led efforts to improve local health care, affordable housing, environmental protection and drinking water resources for county residents. She also was instrumental in the authorization and funding of a number of public assets, such as the Manatee County Administrative Center, the Manatee County Public Safety Center, the Manatee County Jail and Port Manatee. Mrs. Glass retired from public service in 2006. “Pat was a mentor, a friend and an unbelievable leader that so many of us looked to for advice and guidance over the years,” County Commissioner Carol Whitmore of Holmes Beach said. Mrs. Glass is survived by four children and four grandchildren. Her husband Henry died in 2010. “We appreciate the outpouring of prayers and kind words that have already come in over the past few hours. We will announce arrangements when they are made,” daughter Mary Glass said in a news release from Manatee County.

Tidings

ONLINE WORSHIP Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook. Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

a blood donor participates in a drive at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. the Big red Bus will arrive to the church Sunday, Sept. 13, for another drive. islander courtesy Photo

including his daughter, Greta; grandchildren Elyse and Xander; sisters Peggy and husband Jerry, Ginger and Mary Kay.

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Ann O’Brien

Ann O’Brien of Bradenton died Sept. 1. She was born May 13, 1929, in Dublin, Ireland, to Mabel (Cobb) and William Roberts. Her children said she could wield a wooden spoon like a dragon lady — up on her toes in the kitchen doorway with smells of some exotic French cuisine wafting through the humid St. Joe thick summer swelter. Dinner was at 6 p.m. and the kids o’Brien knew to be there or fear her wooden spoon — an empty threat that somehow sent shockwaves through the household. She married Liam in Dublin May 12, 1955, and globe-trotted to the U.S. Midwest the following year. The family matriarch had a mischievous smile and a rebellious twitch. At 91, she could dance the tango, take long walks on the beach and loved her garden and her best friend Lilly, the hugging cat. She liked to talk to the cat, and told people the cat could say her name, “Annnnn.” She loved reading and poetry and talking about flowers and, if she liked you, you knew it. In 1980, she received an associate’s degree in science with honors. During her career as a mental health case manager, she helped the downtrodden and changed people’s lives, including while operating her own caretaking

business. But she enormously enjoyed retirement, walking on the beaches of Cape Cod and dancing on the white sands of Anna Maria Island, often with her partner, Bill Henn. Visitation will be at 2 p.m. and a service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W. Bradenton. The service will be streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brownandsonsfuneral. Condolences may be made online at brownandsonsfuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Human Society or Special Olympics. Mrs. O’Brien is survived by her siblings, Alton and wife Mary Roberts, and Patsy Lundberg; sons Liam Denis and wife Kathleen and Conor and wife June; daughters Deirdre, Eileen and husband John Pitts and Maureen and husband Tom Parker; grandchildren Liam Casey and wife Julia, Meghan Glines-O’Brien and husband Steve, Sean and wife Leanne, Michael Shaponick and fiance Katie Williamson, Jesse and wife Lori Pitts, James and wife Holly Pitts and Sara Stankatis and fiance Kyle Tacy; great-grandchildren Rowan and Callaen, Bronson and Emerson Glines, Isabelle and Brayden, Reese, Olivia, Aubrie, Harper, Poppy, Hadley, Mackie Pitts and Kaylin Stankatis.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin. The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation.

941-778-0414 • info@RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch

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SePt. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Laundry list of projects make progress in Holmes Beach

concrete pads poured aug. 26 form the foundation for pickleball courts in Holmes Beach along marina drive.

Pilings are replaced as part of dock restoration at the 63rd Street Boat ramp in Holmes Beach. the ramp is closed through Sept. 14 while the surrounding waterway is dredged. islander courtesy Photo: cofHB By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter

Holmes Beach is completing a laundry list of city projects. The city’s development services director, Eran Wasserman, Aug. 18 shared a report on city projects during a teleconferenced commission meeting. Wasserman gave updates to dredging, seawall, stormwater and park projects. Wasserman said dredging began Aug. 10 in the canal end near the 6400 block of Marina Drive and the contractor expected to move Aug. 24 to the waterway near the 63rd Street Boat Ramp. A city Facebook post announced the boat ramp would be closed through Sept. 14. Two locations for staging and storing sediment from the dredging project include the 63rd Street Boat Ramp parking lot and a vacant lot in the 500 block of 65th Street. The dredge will remove sediment from about 800 linear feet of residential canal and 100 linear feet of navigational channel. Seawall Construction on a damaged seawall running along the boat basin on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach from Gulf Drive to 56th Street was complete as of Aug. 12. Work started in April. Wasserman said the city was waiting on a notice to proceed from the Federal Emergency Management Agency before installing stormwater improvements. FEMA was waiting on an environmental report from the state before issuing the notice. Stormwater Construction of stormwater “Phase D,” which includes drainage between Marina and Palm drives from 80th to 82nd streets, had commenced with work on 80th and 81st streets started as of Aug. 18. Soil was placed on top of infiltration trenches to prepare for sod in some areas, with driveways and landscaped areas left undisturbed unless necessary for drainage. Commission Chair Jim Kihm noted that the city

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previously used stone to cover the trenches and asked why sod was installed in some areas. Mayor Judy Titsworth said the commission discussed replacing grassy swales with sod in Geogrid, a stabilizing material, while continuing to replace stone in areas where it existed prior to this project. “We wanted see if it worked in Bradenton Beach, because they did it there,” she said. “It’s been there over a year and the grass is beautiful.” Recreational complex Wasserman said a pavilion from the former small dog park was relocated to the new, large dog park. He also said new bocce courts were being installed on the south edge of the city field, in the 5800 block of Marina Drive and new pickleball courts would be poured, once the commission agreed to the location. Wasserman suggested installing the courts north of the new playground, near parking, and the commission unanimously approved a motion for the installation at the location. Wasserman said the bocce and pickleball courts should be complete by the end of the month.

tom Parks of Bradenton pushes son cairo, 3, left, and daughter Sedalia, 1, aug. 27, on swings at the Holmes Beach field. islander Photos: chrisann allen

an overview of the Holmes Beach field. islander Photo: Jack elka

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

representatives of mote marine laboratory hitch a ride Sept. 1 on a manatee county code enforcement atV to rescue a stranded sea turtle on the beach near 54th Street in Holmes Beach. islander Photo: courtesy amitW

Nesting notes By ChrisAnn Allen

3 sea turtles stranded on Anna Maria Island

Three stranded adult sea turtles washed ashore on Anna Maria Island in one weekâ€™s time. The first two strandings were found dead in the last week of August. However, the third stranded turtle was spotted alive in the Gulf of Mexico near 45th Street in Holmes Beach. The Florida Fish and Wildallen life Conservation Commission Sept. 1 called out representatives of Mote Marine Laboratoryâ€™s stranding investigation program to rescue the adult loggerhead, which was reported as lethargic and bobbing in the surf. The mature female loggerhead was missing itâ€™s front left flipper and had damage to its right front flipper. A beachgoer spotted the turtle, could tell it was in distress and swam out to help push it to shore near 54th Street, according to Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, who was on the beach during the rescue. â€œShe wanted to go back out to sea and just couldnâ€™t do it,â€? Fox said, adding the flipper damage might have been caused by a shark bite. Fox said a Manatee County code enforcement officer was patrolling the beach by ATV and helped transport the 221-pound turtle to Moteâ€™s vehicle, where it was taken to Moteâ€™s rehab hospital on City Island in Sarasota. â€œShe was very alert, but had a lot of barnacles on her back,â€? Fox said. â€œThatâ€™s a sure sign something was off, because normally turtles dive under rocks to scratch them off.â€? The turtle was nicknamed Violet, after Sherlock Holmesâ€™ mother, since it was found on Holmes Beach, according to Stephannie Kettle, Moteâ€™s public relations manager. â€œWhile she has eaten some, we are always very guarded when it comes to every new case,â€? Kettle said.

a loggerhead sea turtle found stranded Sept. 1 in Holmes Beach is undergoing rehabilitation at mote. islander Photo: courtesy mote marine laboratory

a dead loggerhead sea turtle lays on the shore aug. 31 near Bean Point in anna maria. islander Photo: courtesy Kyle Hagen

â€œOur end goal is always recovery and eventual release, but at this early stage, it is very hard to predict what will happen.â€? People can check Violetâ€™s progress at http://mote. org/hospital, as the organization posts updates about its rehab patients. One of the dead turtles was found on the beach near Bean Point in Anna Maria and the other was floating in Sarasota Bay behind the county marine rescue facility in Bradenton Beach. Fox said both turtles appeared to have been dead

for some time. She also said none of the strandings appeared related to the beach renourishment project underway since July 8. The work involves piping sand from offshore onto the beach and is ongoing. The dredge work began near 78th Street North in Holmes Beach and is working south to about Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach. â€œThere doesnâ€™t seem to be a commonality between PleaSe, See STrANDiNGS, Next Page

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Privateers call out volunteers for coastal cleanup anna maria island Privateers will participate in the international coastal cleanup with an antilitter campaign Saturday, Sept. 12. Volunteers can meet at 7:30 a.m. for work assignments at the pirate ship in the 5800 block of marina drive in Holmes Beach. islander courtesy Photo

By Lisa Neff

Clean on, crusaders

Masked crusaders, look to the shore. The time has arrived for the International Coastal Cleanup, organized locally by Keep Manatee Beautiful. KMB planned the cleanup differently this year, extending the campaign from a couple of days to a month to avoid crowds and allow social distancing. The first round of volunteers were Neff set to clear litter from the Gulf shore in Holmes Beach Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day. Additional dates include: • 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Anna Maria Island Privateers meet in the 5800 block of Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, near the pirate ship, to go out for a cleanup in the area. • 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, when adopt-a-spot groups hit the highways, roadsides and shorelines. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, when volunteers collect litter at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, when volunteers collect litter at Palmetto Riverside Park near the Green Bridge STRANDINGS coNtiNued from Page 20

the three strandings,” she said. “Each one is different.” Fox said guidelines from FWC stipulate she must investigate strandings to determine if the project was a factor. FWC has noted the three strandings and is investigating a potential cause, including speaking with turtle watch organizations in the surrounding area to see if they have encountered a similar trend, she said. “Three dead in a week’s stretch is significant,” Fox said. “What it means, I do not know.” To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles or shorebirds contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. For more information about AMITW, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

in Palmetto. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, when volunteers clean up Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Our local cleanups are part of a global effort that involves about a million volunteers in more than 120 countries, removing about 24 million pounds of trash. Many organizations participate, including KMB’s parent group Keep America Beautiful, and the Ocean Conservancy, which is the main driver of the campaign that began in 1986 on a beach in Texas. This year, due to the pandemic, cleanup coordinators encourage volunteers to turn out to clean up but avoid crowds. The Ocean Conservancy, for example, provided the following steps to safely conduct a solo or small cleanup: • Pick a location: Identify a safe location to clean where social distancing is easily achievable. • Gather materials: Gather masks and gloves, hand sanitizer, grabbers, trash bags, close-toed shoes and a reusable water bottle. • Download Clean Swell: To collect data about the types and amount of trash removed, use the Clean Swell smartphone application. And be sure to “allow” location services while using the app. • Take photos: Take photos to document efforts. • Properly dispose of waste: Properly dispose of items collected. Do not place trash bags in overflowing bins. This may cause items to fly away or disperse and end up back in the water. • Carefully remove gloves: After collecting trash, carefully remove gloves and wash hands and arms with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Sanitize: Immediately and thoroughly sanitize any gear used during the cleanup, including grabbers, gloves and buckets. Ready to put a mask on to clean on? How to connect with KMB To volunteer for Keep Manatee Beautiful events, call the office at 941-795-8272, go online to manateebeautiful.com or email executive director Jennifer Hoffman at keep@manateebeautiful.com.

Did you know? Every year, people pollute the oceans with millions of tons of trash, including 8 million metric tons of plastic waste that never fully biodegrades but rather breaks up into microplastics. Scientists predict that in less than five years there could be one ton of plastic for every three tons of fin fish in the ocean.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Final 4 set for adult soccer playoffs, KRC golfers beat out rain

Key Royale golf news The summer weather pattern brought on some rainy mornings, resulting in cancellation of the ladies’ match Sept. 1, but players managed to get in two other rounds of golf. The men closed out August with their regular modified-Stableford match Aug. 31. Quentin Talbert and Jon Holcomb tied for first place after both finished at plus-3, three points above their average. Not sure who had to buy the drinks after the round. The women and men got together Sept. 2 for a mixed shamble over nine holes. The team of Mike Clement, Ken Nagengast and Mike Pritchett combined on a 4-under-par 28 to grab clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Diane Miller, Tom Nelson, Quentin Talbert and Ron Vandeman came in second at even-par 32.

Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Adult soccer is in the final stretch. Playoff action Sept. 3 in the summer adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island whittled the contenders to the final four, though they probably aren’t the four teams people had penciled in on their brackets. The evening kicked off with a minor upset as No. 5 Vintage Beach Cassidy cruised to a 6-2 victory over fourthseed Solid Rock Construction. Former South Carolina Gamecock player Joey Hutchinson led the way with a hat trick and an assist. Nick Bouchard, Clancy Vaughan and Sean Flynn each scored goals in the victory, with Flynn chipping in nine saves. Solid Rock was led by Chris Scott and Josh Furman, who both finished with a goal and an assist in the loss. The second match of the night produced another upset, with No. 6 Moss Builders demolishing Ross Built 5-1 behind four goals from Daniel Anderson and a goal from Aaron Parkin. Zack Long helped preserve the victory with six saves. Jake Ross scored the lone goal for Ross Built in the loss, along with eight saves from Chris Circharo. The third match of the evening saw No. 1 Beach Bums hold serve with a workman-like 5-1 victory over No. 8 Blalock Walters. Kevin Roman paced the victors with two goals, while Robert Fellowes, Amy Ivin and Andrew Sullivan each notched goals. Jason Sato helped preserve the victory in goal with five saves. Matthew Staggs scored the lone goal for Blalock Walters, which also received 10 saves from Trey Horne in the loss. The final match of the night saw No. 2 Sato Real Estate and seventh-seed Signature Granite battle to a 2-2 tie in regulation. Sato prevailed in the shootout 5-4 to stay alive in the playoffs. Josh Sato and Hakan Toka scored for Sato, while Katie Christianson scored

Horseshoe news There was an outright champion during Sept. 2 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Norm Good and Neil Hennessey posted the lone 3-0 record during pool play to earn the day’s championship. Three teams managed 2-1 records during Sept. 5 action, resulting in a playoff. Hennessey drew the bye into the finals and watched as Jerry Disbrow and Bob Vintage Beach player Joey Hutchinson leaves Solid Heiger cruised to a 21-10 victory over Gary Howcroft. Rock Construction’s Chris Scott hanging during But Disbrow and Heiger stayed hot, rolling to a 23-10 quarterfinal action in the adult soccer league playvictory over Hennessey to claim the day. offs at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and SatPhoto: Kevin P. Cassidy urdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warm ups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. for Signature Granite. There is no charge to play and everyone is welPlayoff action continues at the center, 407 Mag- come. nolia Ave., Anna Maria, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, with Moss Builders taking on Sato Real Estate, followed by a Vintage Beach matchup against Beach Bums. The winners will turn around and face of in the championship match at 9 p.m. And youth soccer is just getting underway.

Tiny hatchlings make tracks in Anna Maria sands

Solid Rock Construction player Josh Furman megs Vintage Beach’s Winston Romberger in an adult Tiny tracks in the sand Aug. 29 indicate a sea turtle nest hatched the night before. As of Sept. 2, Anna Maria league soccer quarterfinal match at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy Island Turtle Watch had reported 349 hatched nests, with about 15,179 hatchlings had made their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Nesting season runs May-October. A depression in the sand Aug. 29 over a sea turtle nest marked by a red flag indicates a recent hatch. Nests often contain about 100 hatchlings, which emerge in unison and scamper across the sand to the Gulf of Mexico, usually at night. Females return to the beach to nest upon reaching maturity in about 35 years. Males do not venture from the water.

AMITW volunteers Linda Oneal, left, Barbara Riskay and Oneal’s sister, Carla Boehme, take a break Aug. 29 from their work with the sea turtle nests in the nursery near Peppertree Lane in Anna Maria. The team is collecting data and tabulating hatch rates from the nests as they perform excavations. Islander Photos: Courtesy AMITW

SePt. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Thunderstorms flush catch-and-release trio from river to hook By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

Fishing around Anna Maria Island remained consistent despite the fresh water draining from the Manatee River to the bays. The fresh water is pushing catchand-release species —trout, redfish and snook — into Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Sound. Patrolling these areas around the mouth of the river is advantageous in September, when we Stasny experience a lot of rainfall, because its possible to find good concentrations of fish. Schooling redfish are being found in this manner, as are large schools of snook. The reds are on the feed, but for the snook you may have to experiment. Some groups of fish I’ve located won’t eat, while others are more than happy to take a bait. When you run across the stubborn ones, you’ll know it. Give them a few casts and if they don’t take a shiner with a hook in it, move on. Spotted seatrout are being found throughout Anna Maria Sound, especially over deep grass flats. Rallies of 20-30 trout are attainable without even pulling the anchor. Moving offshore, amberjack are being caught in good numbers, which suits anglers who want to go head-to-head with strong fighting fish. For the dinner table, there are plenty of yellowtail and mangrove snapper. On my Southernaire charters, the inshore action in the deep grass areas is good. Ladyfish, jack crevalle and bluefish are filling the gaps between the bites from catch-and-release spotted seatrout. This results in practically every cast yielding a fish. The catch-and-release snook action can be consistent, depending on what schools of snook you’re

deep grass areas of Sarasota Bay by anchoring and chumming. Fishing over deep grass flats in 6-8 feet of water yields a variety of species, including mangrove snapper, bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevalle and catchand-release spotted seatrout. All of the species are being caught using live shiners as bait. In shallow areas of the bay, where oyster bars and mangroves are present, Girle is finding catchand-release snook and redfish — both are taking live shiners as bait. Capt. Jason Stock is taking advantage of the light winds and calm seas to venture offshore. While offshore, he is putting anglers on numerous amberjack. Also, clients are hooking yellowtail and mangrove snapper, as well as a rainbow runners. On windier days, Stock is remaining in Tampa Bay, where he’s finding action for clients on flounder, mangrove snapper and some juvenile tarpon. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing catch-and-release snook caught with frequency — but not as often as the mangrove snapper. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are putting limits of snapper in their coolers on good days. Other catches include catch-and-release redfish, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Casting silver spoons or jigs from the pier is yielding some action for the pier anglers on Spanish mackerel. Capt. David White is seeing a migration of cobia darryl dewort of odessa shows off one of several on his days offshore. He believes it’s a little early, but redfish he caught aug. 22 while fishing inshore in he’s beginning to see them and manage a hookup or Sarasota Bay using shiners as bait. all fish were few in our local waters. released. dewort was guided on the fishing trip by White also is hooking into offshore is mahi. capt. Warren girle. Although not a consistent bite, it’s always rewarding to come across these fish in our waters. Other offshore fishing. Some are cooperative, others are stubborn. catches include red grouper and an assortment of snapAlso, I’m still seeing plenty of mangrove snapper per, including mangrove, yellowtail and vermilion. around structure in Tampa Bay. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports Capt. Warren Girle is finding good action on the to ﬁsh@islander.org. capt. david White of anna maria charters helps Jess Sturtevant of Bradenton Sept. 2 to hoist his catch, a cobia in the 60-pound range, for a trophy photo. “this animal popped up right behind the boat in 160 feet of water and ate a live pinfish,” White said.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

HIGH

Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 16

4:00a 4:48a 5:50a 7:09a 8:31a 9:42a 12:12a 12:28a

2.4 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.7 1.9 1.9

7:08p — — 11:41p 11:56p — 10:43a 11:38a

1.6 — — 1.8 1.9 — 2.8 2.8

11:49a 1:12p 2:30p 3:35p 2:06a 3:23a 4:19a 5:09a

LOW

0.6 0.6 0.4 0.3 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.2

LOW

9:56p 1.5 — — — — — — 4:28p 0.2 5:13p 0.1 5:54p 0.2 6:31p 0.3

Moon

3rd

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

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

ANSWERS TO SEPT. 9 PUZZLE S C A M P

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

L E N T O

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K A A N Z I N O T E O T Y E M N A N D T E S I G C A R T O K E Y I D A C S O R E A O R S S E T I N E E A R

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

Garage Sales MOVING SALE 10-3 Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13. 223 84th St., Holmes Beach. Holiday decorations, artwork, furniture, flat-screen televisions, office supplies and much more.

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

tHe iSlaNder offerS the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon monday on the website, www.islander. org.

PropertyWatch By Jesse Brisson

Island real estate transactions