The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Oct, 15, 2025

Rockin’ resiliency on Bridge Street

A crowd fills Bridge Street in front of the Drift-In AMI during the Sundown Get Down “Rock the Block” festival Oct. 11 in Bradenton Beach. The Bridge Street Merchants Association event featured live music, vendors, family-friendly activities and ceremonies, as well as coincided with an anniversary party at the Drift-In. A commemorative plaque from the city of Bradenton Beach and the Bridge Street Merchants Association recognized the Drift-In’s 100-year anniversary. More coverage, page 2. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

HB IDs 30-plus unlivable storm-damaged homes

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Amid all the construction and repair work resulting from last year’s storms, some damaged properties remain all but untouched.

Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander Oct. 10 that a recent assessment of properties throughout the municipality had turned up 30-50 storm-damaged homes that appear to have been closed up following the hurricanes and have yet to be addressed.

Following the brutal one-two punch of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Thomas estimated about 70% of the city’s properties were unlivable due to storm damages, including almost all ground-level single-story buildings.

It has been a challenge for some owners to rebuild and repair.

Preservation push on Pine

According to information requested by The Islander, in the year since Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9, 2024, the city issued 1,518 stormrelated building permits — all with $0 fees to encourage residents and property owners to remediate their damaged homes and businesses.

While plenty of work has been completed, some continues to this day.

As of Oct. 10, there were 72 stormrelated demolition permits — also with $0 fees — active throughout the city.

On the other hand, there are dozens of damaged properties where work has yet to begin even a full year after Milton.

Thomas said code compliance staff is monitoring 30-50 derelict properties and has contacted owners to ensure a minimum standard of care is main-

TURN TO STORM LOSS, PAGE 4

Anna Maria officials discuss ferry landing plan for city pier

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A future water ferry landing in Anna Maria may be coming into focus.

Mayor Mark Short reported his recent conversations with Manatee County officials about plans for a landing during an Oct. 9 city commission meeting.

The Anna Maria City Pier was a stop for the county’s Gulf Islands Ferry Service until Hurricane Milton destroyed the walkway last October. The pier is not expected to reopen until next fall.

In the meantime, the county is developing plans for a new ferry landing to accommodate a larger third vessel and also two pontoon boats now in service.

The county’s latest plan showed a three-part dock

stretching 350 feet alongside a rebuilt walkway, from the T-end down. The structure would include a dock, a landing area and a gangway for passenger queuing. The plan also includes a wave attenuator to make docking easier.

City officials have expressed concern about a structure encumbering the pier.

Short said he had relayed concerns during two phone discussions with county staff earlier this month and, in response, the county agreed to scrap the extended gangway, cutting down the length of the proposed dock structure by more than half.

Short said the county also would work with the city on other aspects of the landing, such as how it attaches to the pier walkway and the type of wave

Moose mania

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby helps hand out tickets Oct. 8 at the moose Lodge of anna maria island’s Queen of Hearts game. The raffle is available to lodge members and works by selling tickets for a chance to uncover the queen among 54 sealed envelopes. during the drawing, the queen was discovered in envelope #48, crowning a new winner, who was not present. The jackpot was $273,000 — minus taxes. Ten other participants took home $1,000 prizes. islander Photo: robert anderson

attenuator to be used.

The pier walkway must be rebuilt with the same footprint as before, so the landing must be a separate structure that can be attached to the pier.

Short said the proposed structure could be positioned away from the walkway to allow space between instead of having the two structures side-by-side.

He added that the city could also “play around” with different builds for a wave attenuator, which can be floating or fixed, and comprise different materials.

“They are going to work with us on a lot of this,” Short said. “They know that at the end of the day, you all are going to be the ones that approve anything going out there.”

Commissioner Charlie Salem said he hoped the dock would be open to the public so it would not sit dormant and unused between landings.

Salem also said any fi xed structure should use similar materials to the rebuilt walkway, which will use solid concrete pilings, to reduce the likelihood of it breaking off and damaging the pier.

Commissioner Gary McMullen expressed concern with a floating dock structure. He pointed to the floating dock on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach that has sustained storm damage multiple times since it opened in 2019,

“It’d be destroyed,” McMullen said.

There’s about 70 shopping days until Christmas. How are you doing on your gift list?

A. All done shopping.

B. Thought about getting a few gifts.

C. Haven’t even considered shopping.

E. Have a list of what I want. Want to see? Go to islander.org to answer the poll.

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▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.

▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.

▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour in the lounge all nite.

Anna Maria Post Office staff ‘happy’ to reopen

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Anna Maria Post Office is back in action.

Interim postmaster Kristen Gray told The Islander Oct. 7 that the office’s 101B S. Bay Blvd. location reopened the day before and had been filled with happy staff and customers alike.

The location was one of many U.S. Postal Service facilities that sustained damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, including the Bradenton Beach Post Office at 116 Bridge St. that might not reopen.

In the weeks after the Anna Maria Post Office was closed for repairs, a temporary post office was set up at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., where staff initially worked out of mail trucks. That operation was moved into an air-conditioned office trailer at the park last November and ran until Oct. 4, when the temporary office closed.

The post office reopened the doors of its permanent location Oct. 6.

Gray said the building had been gutted, so she and the rest of staff were “basically building an office from the ground up,” including reoutfitting it with new equipment.

She said that while some organizational work needs to be done, the post office was “fully functional” again and staff was glad to be there.

“We are happy to be back in our office so we can provide a little bit of normalcy for our Anna Maria residents,” Gray said.

She said returning customers were also very happy to see the office get back in action.

Gray acknowledged that working out of the office trailer had been “challenging,” but said staff did not let those challenges impact the operation.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

Cortez Bridge: The utility relocation project is continuing in preparation for the construction of the new bridge. People can expect the presence of work crews through next spring, as well as intermittent flagging and bike lane and sidewalk closures. Info: 941306-4660, info@amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io.

Bradenton Beach street, beach access repairs: Through Oct. 31, Bradenton Beach is making hurricane-related improvements and repairs. Info: BBPD’s Facebook page.

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

— Lisa neff

“You can’t be affected by that, so you just do what you gotta do,” she said. “We just get it done no matter what location we’re in.”

The post office’s lobby is open 24/7. Its service desk is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

P.O. box keys issued before last year’s storms will still work, but those issued for the temporary location should be returned to the service desk.

Gray told The Islander Oct. 9 that she did not yet

have a date scheduled for the temporary post office trailer’s removal.

However, Mayor Mark Short said at a city commission meeting the same day that, if its removal took too long, he would contact U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, to help expedite the process.

Short said he hopes to have the trailer removed ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 11, so City Pier Park can be used to host the city’s annual Veterans Day observance.

Anna Maria selects resiliency study contractor

The head of a study that could determine future improvements in Anna Maria has been chosen.

City commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 9 to authorize Mayor Mark Short to execute a $335,000 contract with Texas-based Halff Associates Inc. to complete a citywide vulnerability stormwater assessment. Commissioner John Lynch was absent with excuse.

The project will involve the development of a vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan to address current and future flooding, stormwater challenges and sea level rise.

Short said the in-depth study would take about a year to complete and require public outreach meetings to solicit input from the community.

He said that the assessment would open doors

tained. That includes keeping pools secured, doors and windows closed and locked, yards clean and cut, as well as posting no trespassing signs in hopes of preventing people from entering the damaged and potentially unsafe properties.

Thomas said that if those bases were covered, such properties would not constitute a hazard or city code violation.

He said staff also has asked each property owner to provide potential plans and timelines for remediating their damaged homes and, so far, they have cooperated.

“It’s been working,” Thomas said. “We haven’t had one person tell us to pound sand.”

He acknowledged that some of those plans may be far out. He said some owners live elsewhere and have yet to make it back to the island. Some people are still wrestling with insurance providers to help cover repairs.

Nevertheless, Thomas said city staff is taking an empathetic approach and aims to get every property

for potential grant funding for future improvements, as well as qualify the city for an additional 5% flood insurance premium discount for residents and property owners through the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.

The study will be funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Program.

Halff submitted one of eight proposals and made the city’s shortlist of three contractors — Coral Gables-based Cummins Cederberg and Canadabased Stantec — with the best scores.

Following interviews with those contractors, a review committee recommended the city contract Halff for the job.

— ryan Paice

owner back in their homes.

“Everybody’s story is different,” he said. “We’re into giving everybody an opportunity to get their lives back together. … We just want to get our houses 100% back on track.”

Thomas added that he believes remediated or redeveloped properties will be better off moving forward, since many owners have learned from the storms and built back or redeveloped their homes to be better and safer than before.

He said the city has advocated in the past for hurricane-minded improvements, such as raising air conditioning units off ground level to prevent water damage from flooding, but many property owners were not convinced until Helene and Milton displayed the impact of major storms on the island.

“This ain’t fiction, this is real deal stuff,” Thomas said. “We got to build it better.”

Bradenton Beach moves to hire interim city attorney

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach is courting new legal counsel.

City commissioners on Oct. 7 interviewed attorneys Erica Augello and Robert Eschenfelder of Trask Daigneault LLP for the city’s interim attorney position, seeking continuity in legal services while the city prepares a request for proposals for a permanent hire.

The search for new legal counsel follows the Sept. 18 resignation of Ricinda Perry, who had served as the city attorney for more than two decades.

Perry had long represented the city while also performing administrative duties that blurred the line between legal and managerial roles — a dual arrangement that commissioners have said they want to avoid going forward.

Augello, who serves as city attorney in Holmes Beach, told commissioners she is familiar with coastal city coordination and worked with Perry and others on post-hurricane recovery and interlocal agreements. She said the firm’s size would give Bradenton Beach access to specialists in FEMA compliance, building codes and legislative tracking.

A Florida Bar board-certifi ed specialist in city, county and local government law and a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, Augello’s focus is on municipal representation and litigation, including land-use, employment and civil-rights defense, and code-enforcement appeals.

Bradenton Beach shifts

code enforcement to BBPD

Code enforcement duties are returning to the Bradenton Beach Police Department at least through the end of the year.

Police Chief John Cosby told commissioners Oct. 2 that he agreed to reassume oversight of code enforcement after the city’s building official, Bill Palmer, became overextended with additional inspections in Holmes Beach.

One of the first tasks, Cosby noted, will be to issue delinquency notices for unpaid business tax receipts. Due to the impacts of the 2024 storm season, about 30-35 businesses are behind on payments, leaving $18,000 to $20,000 in uncollected revenue.

The business tax is an annual license required for anyone operating a business in Bradenton Beach, including vacation rentals and service providers. It is separate from county tourist taxes and state licenses.

“In this day and age, $20,000 is a lot of money,” Cosby said.

He added the push is meant to ensure fairness. “It goes against the people that have paid. You know, that’s the biggest thing.”

— robert anderson

Plan now for season!

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

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

Eschenfelder has served as assistant city attorney for St. Petersburg; assistant, deputy and chief assistant county attorney for Manatee County; special magistrate for Bradenton Beach and associate general counsel for Florida Gulf Coast University.

Eschenfelder drew a clear boundary between legal and managerial duties.

“As I understand it, your city attorney became the city manager in many ways and billed you attorney time for that,” Eschenfelder said. “We are not going to be your city manager… .It’s a dangerous role for your lawyer to be so involved in running things, because if a lawsuit happens, that lawyer is going to be potentially named as a defendant … and therefore can’t represent you.”

Mayor John Chappie framed the city’s needs around coastal realities and immediate projects.

He pointed to a utility undergrounding project, a pending water and sewer agreement with the county and a state submerged-lands lease as top legal priorities.

Under the city charter, the mayor nominates and the commission approves charter positions. Chappie on Oct. 7 said he will nominate Trask Daigneault LLP, with Augello as primary counsel, for consideration at the commission’s next meeting.

The commission’s next meeting will be at noon, Thursday, Oct. 16, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive S.

Tuesday is market day in Anna Maria

islander Photos: robert anderson

Of markets and street parties

Did you hear that?

Music. Laughter. Applause.

The Bridge Street Merchants Association in partnership with the city of Bradenton Beach brought people to the historic corridor Oct. 11 for Sundown Get Down, a Bridge Street festival unlike any other in the island’s history as people commemorated their recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

If you’ve been perusing The Islander this past month, you’ve read reporters Ryan Paice’s and Robert Anderson’s coverage of the first anniversary of those storms — looking back, looking at now and looking ahead.

We wanted a theme of optimism in this issue and found inspiration at the Bridge Street bash. The storms canceled last fall’s Sundown Get Down, but the Oct. 11 event, with its music, ceremony, libations and shop open houses brought buoyancy to Bridge Street.

During the same week we also saw some of AMI’s more popular events launch for the season, including the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s monthly Night Market in the Holmes Beach city center and the Center of Anna Maria Island/Roser Memorial Community Church Tuesday farmers market in Anna Maria.

Also, the Coquina Beach Market launched its 2025-26 season near Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach earlier in the month.

And now we look to this week and the return of the island’s largest and longest-running festival, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, which will be 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.

Last year’s Bayfest was set for Oct. 19 but the chamber canceled the event shortly after Hurricane Helene due to flooding at vendor shops, piles of storm debris on Pine Avenue and the ongoing cleanup.

This year, the chamber will bring back the food vendors, retailers, nonprofits, kids’ activities and live music as people rejoice.

The billed attractions draw the crowds. We all have our tastes and favorite offerings: A VW microbus in the car show. A corndog dipped in mustard. A Baja hoodie. A petition to sign. A wheel to spin for a prize. A classic rock setlist.

But Bayfest is about more than the entertainers and vendors. It’s an opportunity for people to reconnect and revitalize for the season ahead, where people connect with old neighbors, share a smidgen of gossip and carry on until the sun goes down — or after. Get down.

— Lisa neff

Your opinion

Reelect Schaefer

I write to express appreciation for Terry Schaefer’s exceptional service as a commissioner the past six years and to urge us all to reelect him. An intelligent and experienced leader, Schaefer has also exhibited the dedication, integrity and professionalism we seek in our representatives.

10-20-30 years ago

From the Oct. 12, 1995, issue

• Tropical Storm Opal strengthened overnight into a hurricane with winds up to 150 mph and, passing in the Gulf hundreds of miles to the west, sent 2-3 feet of storm surge across Anna Maria.

▼ Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

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I have known him throughout my family’s 25 years in Holmes Beach. While loyal to their Missouri roots, he and wife Vicky have long since made their home here on the island. And the commissioner has invested himself in protecting and enhancing our community’s quality of life.

I can testify personally that he was directly and consistently involved in our unprecedented storm recovery efforts, working closely with staff and volunteers. His business acumen has been key to ensuring the financial stability of Holmes Beach.

But most valuably, he has been a passionate advocate for home rule at a time when misguided elected “mainland” officials threatened our way of life. And rather than taking the low road in opposing deceitful, bullying tactics, he was as always the consummate gentleman and high-minded public servant. He worked seamlessly with fellow community leaders, often patiently behind the scenes. We need his continued vigilance.

As back in 2019, when he first was elected, Schaefer continues to be “Ready, Willing, and Able.” And yet, fortunately for all in Holmes Beach, he is now a proven, accomplished leader.

Tom Flynn, Holmes Beach

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes opinion letters, however, political letters will not be published in the two weeks prior to the Nov. 4 election.

Please, submit letters with name, address and phone number to news@islander.org. Only the name and city are published. Letters are edited for space to no more than 250-words and anonymous letters are not published.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners approved a nonbinding ballot measure asking voters in November their opinion of a high fixed-bridge to replace the drawbridge on Cortez Road.

From the Oct. 12, 2005, issue

• Anna Maria Elementary School officials announced plans to remove a ficus tree on the campus outside the school auditorium to make way for a parking lot and vehicle loop.

• Business interests protested an Anna Maria planning and zoning board proposal to restrict to 27 feet the height of new buildings on 5,000-square-foot nonconforming lots. Business property owners said the restriction would harm development of retail-officeresidential properties on Pine Avenue.

From the Oct. 14, 2015, issue

• Pat Neal broke ground on a four-home development on Perico Island despite the objections of environmentalists challenging the project, including a state wetlands permit.

• Mainsail Lodging and Development’s Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club began construction of its $30 million project in the Holmes Beach city center.

• Bradenton Beach deputy city clerk Emily Long abruptly resigned after being disciplined during a week that included four canceled meetings.

— Lisa neff

You can peruse 33+ years of The Islander in the archives at www.ufdc.ufl.edu.

Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Monday, Oct. 20

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through October, Island Gallery and Studios “Reimagine and Imagination: Photography and Paper Mache” exhibit by Joe Dombroski and Tom Goldman, 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 23-Nov. 1, Manatee Players’ “Hello Dolly,” Bradenton.

• Oct. 30, Hocus Pocus Pops, Bradenton.

• Nov. 1, The Bash at the Bishop, Bradenton.

• Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota Rhinestone Cowboys and National Heroes concert, Bradenton.

• Nov. 13-23, Island Players’ “Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.

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

• Dec. 7, Bay Chorale’s The Voices of Christmas concert, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Saturday, Oct. 18

10 a.m.-9 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest street fair, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Info: 941778-1541.

4-8 p.m. — AME PTO Fall Festival, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-708-5525.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701

Reading ‘The River is Waiting’ The Center of anna maria island’s book club will meet at 1 p.m. monday, Oct. 20, to discuss wally Lamb’s “The river is waiting,” a novel about a father’s search for hope, redemption and forgiveness. The center is at 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. for more info, email jillian@centerami. org or call the center at 941-778-1908. islander Courtesy Photo

Center announces John Oates concert in March 2026

The Center of Anna Maria Island will present John Oates and the Good Road Band in concert next March.

The concert at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Tickets are $65 and on sale at centerami.org/concerts.

Sponsors include Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands, Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages and the Sandbar Restaurant.

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

PUBLIC MARKETS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Friday, Oct. 17

4-8 p.m. — Goblin Gathering Halloween celebration, G.T. Bray Park, 2910 51st St. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-742-5923.

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 24, Center Family Night, Anna Maria.

• Oct. 25, Halloween Fall Festival, Palmetto.

• Oct. 31, AMI Chamber Trail of Treats, AMI business districts.

• Oct. 31, Halloween Celebration, Bradenton.

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

• Nov. 28, Tree Lighting, Palmetto.

• Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland, Bradenton.

• Dec. 6, Center Lester Family Fun Day, Anna Maria.

• Dec. 13, Christmas in Cortez, Cortez.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, Oct. 16

10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Oct. 22

4-6 p.m. — Sixth Annual Suzi Fox Day benefiting Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-301 8434.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

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

DEVINE DESIGN

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

SAVE THE DATES

• Nov. 1, League of Women Voters of Manatee County Unite and Rise for Democracy, Bradenton.

• Nov. 1, the Bishop Museum’s A Celestial Affair gala, Bradenton.

• Nov. 8, Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving, Palmetto.

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

• Nov. 11, Veterans Day observance, Anna Maria.

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

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

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

• Dec. 5, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Friday, Oct. 17

10 a.m. — Saving Your Belongings: Through Fire and Water Disasters, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 24, FMM Folk School mosaic class, Cortez.

• Oct. 30, FMM Folk School bonsai class, Cortez. SPORTS & FITNESS

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 25, Center Youth Athlete Combine, Anna Maria. OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI

Saturday, Oct. 18

10:30 a.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Fishing Club, Perico Bayou Kayak Launch, Robinson Preserve. Info: 941748-4501.

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

SAVE THE DATES

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

• Dec. 18-21, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, Bradenton.

KEEP THE DATES

• Through Oct. 31, Sea turtle nesting season continues. •Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season continues.

• Oct. 31, Halloween.

• Nov. 2, daylight savings time ends.

• Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

• Nov. 27, Thanksgiving.

Bayfest set for Oct. 18

A big block party returns to Pine Avenue Oct. 18.

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest — “the island’s largest and longest-running festival” — will fill Pine Avenue Saturday.

The 24th annual celebration of community, music, food and fun will begin at 10 a.m. and close about 9 p.m.

The chamber, announcing the free-admission event, stated, “We’re thrilled to be back after the challenges from last year’s storms and we can’t wait to celebrate with our incredible community.”

Bayfest offerings will include a car show 10 a.m.-3 p.m., arts and crafts vendors, a food court and entertainment.

Singer-songwriter Mike Sales will emcee on the music stage, as well as perform.

Other musical performances include:

• The Tropicats, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.;

• Memphis Rub, 2-4 p.m.;

• Jack’d Up, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

• Dr. Dave Band, 7-9 p.m.

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

AME, PTO prep for fall festival

Anna Maria Elementary’s Fall Festival is back — bringing students, families and island neighbors together for an afternoon of costumes, games and autumn excitement.

The celebration will be 3:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The festivities will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a costume parade from the center on Magnolia Avenue to Crescent Drive and Spring Avenue, then east on Tarpon Street before returning to the center along Magnolia. A costume contest will take place during the parade, with winners announced at 6 p.m.

The festival gates will open at 4 p.m. to offer games, inflatables, a pumpkin patch and classroom booths hosted by students and teachers.

AME-PTO festival chair Morgan Blackburn said new attractions this year will include a rock-climbing wall and the Holmes Beach Police Department serving up “all-American hamburgers and hot dogs.”

The festival marks a return to normalcy. The 2024 festival did not take place in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

AME principal Katie Fradley, who began her tenure with the school in 2024, said she’s eager to experience the event firsthand.

“It’s an Anna Maria tradition… .We didn’t get to do it last year because of the hurricanes,” Fradley said. “It’s actually the first one I’ve ever been to!”

A $20 “Boo Band” will provide access to bounce houses, the pumpkin patch, crafting stations and class booths and a $10 Laser Tag Band will provide unlimited play.

Festival passes are available online through Oct. 15 at www.amepto.org.

— robert anderson

Island happenings

Compiled by Lisa neff

Measuring up

anna maria elementary fourth-graders on Oct. 6 head outdoors to the bayside learning deck with STem teacher Pidge Barreda for a lesson on how the trajectory of straw rockets affects the distance they travel. islander Photos: Courtesy ame/ Via facebook

School achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of school achievements, honors, awards at all levels. Please, share the news with the local newspaper by emailing news@islander.org. Include a name and contact number for questions.

Gathering

By Lisa Neff

Medical equipment housed in Longboat chapel

The Longboat Island Chapel houses a “medical gifting closet” to store equipment that can be loaned to people in need.

“Wheelchairs, rollators, transporters, shower chairs, bedside commodes and canes are always in high demand. We also have crutches, knee scooters, walkers, bed rails and other miscellaneous items that are donated,” according to a church notice.

The number to call to ask about equipment or make donations is 941-383-6491.

The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Gathering

Gathering is the religion section of The Islander.

Please, submit announcements and photos to news@islander.org.

Obituary

Dale A. Woodland

Dale Atkinson Woodland, 76, of Anna Maria, died June 28.

He was born Oct. 8, 1948, in New Brunswick, Canada, to Maxwell L. and Marguerite Woodland. He told family members that becoming a U.S. citizen was one of the greatest moments of his life.

His family immigrated to Anna Maria when Dale was a child.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

His father, Maxwell, served Anna Maria as mayor 1959-62 and Dale followed his example, serving the city as commissioner for eight consecutive terms, from 2004 to 2020.

He also was owner of Woodland Quality Pools.

He attended Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria.

He loved God, his family, America, Anna Maria and life in general. Some of his favorite hangout spots were the Rod & Reel Pier, Bean Point, the Anna Maria City Pier, Bortell’s Lounge, Slim’s Place and the General Store, all in Anna Maria.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Anna Maria Bayfront Park, 351 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The family requests an RSVP to Meghan Woodland at 941-782-7900 or their page on Facebook.

Mr. Woodland is survived by a son, daughter-inlaw and many grandchildren.

Rotary Club of Anna Maria presents Pints for Polio

The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island seeks sponsors for the Pints for Polio fundraiser set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Slickers Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

Sponsors will receive a commemorative pint glass for their support of Rotary’s 40-year campaign to eradicate polio.

Work day at Palma Sola park

The Palma Sola Botanical Park will hold a series of garden workdays in the 2025-26 season, beginning with Oct. 21.

Other dates at the park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton, include Nov. 19 and, in 2026, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, April 22 and May 19.

Volunteers will work 9 a.m.-noon.

A notice on social media said people of all ability levels are welcome, “we’ll supply the tools, water, snacks and fresh air.”

For more information, call the park at 941-7612866.

MCSO honors

manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brett getman, who heads the anna maria mCSO substation, was recognized as deputy of the month for September and received the agency’s Lifesaving award after risking his life to rescue two swimmers caught in a strong current off anna maria island on aug. 9.

islander Photo: Courtesy

There are three sponsor levels: $100, $350 and $500.

For more information, contact Rotary’s Jim McDaniel at 413-210-6921 or jim.mcdaniel2012@ gmail.com.

Wildlife Inc. needs volunteers for critter care

Wildlife Inc. is seeking volunteers to help care for rescued animals at the Bradenton Beach-based rehab center, which also is the home of founders Ed and Gail Straight.

Volunteers work four hours a week, generally a morning shift that begins at 7:30 a.m. or an afternoon shift that begins at 2:30 p.m.

Applications are online at wildlifeinc.org. To contact Wildlife Inc, call 941-778-6324,

At your service

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

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

GoodDeeds

Assistance offered on AMI

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

• All Island Denominations offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769.

Assistance sought on AMI

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

• Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers. Info: 941-778-4255.

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

MCSO arrests 2 for Anna Maria grand theft

Two men were arrested Oct. 10 after allegedly stealing scrap metal and copper from a construction site in Anna Maria, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Nate Boggs was on patrol when he was flagged down by a foreman in the 800 block of North Shore Drive who saw two men loading materials into a Ford Escape. Boggs later saw the vehicle on North Bay Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop.

The foreman identified the men — Antonio Castillo Castillo, 23, and Heber L. Guiterrez, 21 — as the individuals he saw removing items from the site.

Both were arrested on felony theft charges and taken to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.

First court dates were not posted as of Islander press time.

— robert anderson

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

Cortez

Oct 7, 12507 Cortez Road W., theft. A complainant reported to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office the theft of a vehicle. They said a gas-powered scooter was parked and, on their return, it was gone. An incident report was filed.

Holmes Beach

Sept. 30, 7000 block of Gulf Drive, burglary. A complainant told the Holmes Beach Police Department that a golf bag containing about $4,600 in equipment was taken from a rental vehicle. An officer found and photographed a shoeprint.

Oct. 2, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, warrant. A motorist was pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system and located by two officers in a beach parking lot. The female driver had an out-ofcounty warrant out for her arrest. She was transported to the Manatee County jail.

Oct. 2, 200 block of 36th Street, fugitive from justice. An officer saw a man known from prior interactions who was a wanted fugitive. He had an active warrant for violating probation and a protection order out of Delaware County, Ohio. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the jail.

Oct. 3, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive E., shoplifting. A bartender told HBPD she saw 5-7 women leave in a black SUV without paying for a pack of alcoholic beverages. The bartender provided two receipts of purchases made by women in the group. Using information from the receipts, an officer identified two women and attempted to contact them. The bartender said security footage of the incident would be provided to police when it was available.

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

— robert anderson and ryan Paice

Goshen woman arrested for DUI, refusing tests

A deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dawn Santoro, 62, of Goshen Oct. 4 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and a first-degree misdemeanor for refusal to submit to DUI testing.

Santoro was driving east in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue around 8:30 p.m. with no head lights in the rain, resulting in a traffic stop on the east side of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, according to a Holmes Beach police report.

Santoro, who displayed signs of impairment, failed field sobriety exercises and declined to provide breath samples.

She was arrested and transported her to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Oct. 5 after posting $1,000 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to a year in jail, a year of probation and a $1,000 fine. Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be Nov. 13 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

Anna Maria sparks litigation over canal ownership

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The ownership of the Luana Isles canals and yacht basin in Anna Maria will be determined in court.

City attorney Becky Vose filed a lawsuit Oct. 2 in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court on behalf of the municipality against Noslens Inc. and its controlling officer Steven Nelson over ownership.

The Luana Isles canals and yacht basin is the city’s northernmost canal system and makes up almost 11 acres of residential waterways. It runs between and abuts property along five cul-de-sacs on Iris Street, Gulf Drive, Hammock Road, Pelican Drive and Tern Drive. It is otherwise contained between Gladiolus Street, Poinsettia Road, Holly Road and Jacaranda Road.

According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the canals are owned by Noslens Inc., a Florida corporation located at 305 Spring Ave.

However, Vose’s lawsuit alleges that the company fraudulently claimed ownership of the city-owned canals and yacht basin. According to her filing, the canals were dedicated for permanent public use in 1962 by West Coast Properties of Clearwater Inc., which dissolved in 1969.

Nevertheless, Nelson created a new corporation with the same name in December 2021 and, in January 2022, the new corporation purported to convey the Luana Isles canals to Noslens Inc. via a quitclaim deed.

Vose’s lawsuit alleges that Nelson “thereafter engaged in a scheme to sell interests in the fraudulently titled waterways to nearby property owners, falsely demanding such property owners pay for a quitclaim deed to such interest as necessary to protect their own property’s title and creating a burden upon property

Anna Maria honors retiring sergeant manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. russell Schnering, a former marine and the supervisor of mCSO’s marine unit, steers a boat Oct. 9 into the water from the Coquina Beach South Boat ramp. Schnering joined the mCSO in 2009 and is set to retire this month, at which point he plans to spend more time as a captain for Bradenton fishing Charters, which he runs with his son, Capt. Jon Schnering. anna maria mayor mark Short unveiled a proclamation Oct. 9 recognizing the sergeant, who served in the city 2016-18. islander Photo: robert anderson

sales and closings.”

“Defendants filed or caused the filing of the false instrument with the intent to defraud and harass the city of Anna Maria and its residents, to cloud title to public property, and to extort money from affected waterfront property owners,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit asks the court to:

• Declare the 2022 quitclaim deed “fraudulent, null and void”;

• Require the defendants provide a full accounting for money received in connection with their fraudulent claims and disgorge all such funds “to reimburse affected property owners for their losses and expenses”;

• Enjoin the defendants from attempting further fraud;

• Declare the defendants’ conduct a public nuisance;

• Grant a declaratory judgment establishing the city’s exclusive rights over the canals;

• Grant a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from claiming ownership of them.

The filing also asks the court to award the city for actual and reputational damages, “punitive damages sufficient to punish defendants and deter similar conduct,” as well as attorney’s fees and court costs.

Vose declined to comment on the case in an Oct. 9 phone call with The Islander.

Cortez’s FISH hustles to wrap up preserve work

By robert anderson islander reporter

With the calendar creeping toward mid-October, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage was hurrying to put the finishing touches on grant-funded improvement projects and trail markers within the nonprofit’s 95-acre preserve before a key grant report comes due.

FISH member Allen Garner, during an Oct. 6 board meeting, said a few volunteer workdays stood between the organization and the completion of its latest round of improvements at the preserve, a buffer on the east side of the fishing village.

The final tasks include installing three large “You Are Here” signs with maps, trail routes and QR codes that link visitors to online educational information.

In 2024, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation of Sarasota awarded FISH a $165,000 grant to enhance public access.

FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann urged Garner to complete the remaining preserve work by mid-October so she could meet the grant’s reporting deadline of Oct. 16.

The grant agreement requires interim and final reports to document how funds are used, project progress and compliance with grant terms.

County launches chatbot

Meet Cortez, Manatee County’s new digital assistant nicknamed for the historic fishing village.

People using the chatbot at mymanatee.org can find answers to questions 24/7 and engage in conversations about services, including property tax and utility payments; park, library and recreational activities, county meetings and road closures.

Cortez also can provide links to resources.

— Lisa neff

manatee County’s new chatbot: Cortez. islander Screenshot

fiSH’s allen garner pauses Oct. 6 on a new footbridge at the fiSH Preserve. garner is leading improvements in the park. islander Photo: robert anderson

The board also discussed exotic tree species management in the preserve. Representatives from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program had suggested creating a maintenance plan at a $5,000-$15,000 cost, but board members opted instead to direct funds toward fieldwork.

“We know what needs to be done — you take out the bad stuff,” Garner said, referring to the removal

of small areas of Brazilian pepper and other invasives near the preserve’s north boundary.

In other business, board members heard a presentation from Megan Ehlers of Sarasota High School about the possible donation of its 41-foot wooden “floating classroom” vessel, Carefree Learner, built by students in 1978 and used for decades for marinescience instruction.

The boat, which carries up to 25 passengers, is being retired as the school prepares to receive a new vessel.

The FISH board expressed interest but needed to evaluate mooring options, bridge clearances and maintenance costs.

About FISH

FISH, a nonprofit run by a 12-member board of directors, manages several properties in Cortez, including the 95-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old Cortez fire station.

The nonprofit, formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and its commercial fishing culture.

The group also oversees the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrating the village’s fishing heritage.

Autumn fishing heats as air/water temperatures cool down

By Capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

Fall fishing is firing off around Anna Maria Island as anglers make it a priority to get out on the water and enjoy cooler temperatures and red-hot fishing.

In the nearshore waters just west of Anna Maria Island, migratory species are feeding heavily, gorging on the mass quantities of bait fish that are schooling along the beaches.

Spanish mackerel, blue runners, ladyfish and jack crevalle can be found feeding around large schools of bait, making them targetable.

And, with all the commotion, sharks are lurking in the shadows, waiting for an injured fi sh to swim by, presenting an easy meal. Blacktips, spinner, sandbar and hammerhead sharks are frequently found this time of year. So, plan accordingly when targeting them, because some, like hammerheads, can be large.

Moving to the backcountry, snook are increasing in numbers on the flats as they migrate from the Gulf beaches after their spawn. Mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and inlets are host to impressive numbers of snook as we near the cooler temperatures of fall.

Night fishing around the passes and at docks where green underwater lights exist is a good bet for fishing right now.

Redfish are making a good showing on the flats. Higher stages of the tide, combined with the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars, yields the best results.

On the lower tides, try working around docks and piers, where deeper water exists.

As for spotted seatrout, deep grass flats are where it’s at, although, as the water temps cool down, don’t forget to search for “gator” trout on shallower flats adjacent to channels.

Also, for those who enjoy fishing the surf along the beaches, make sure to carry live shrimp for bait as black drum, jack crevalle and an occasional pompano are turning up in the mix.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying the “beach bite,” which consists of Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and sharks. Most shark bites are from blacktips or sandbar sharks measuring 4-6 feet. As for the macks, fish 18-22 inches are the norm, with some jumbos mixed in for lucky anglers.

Moving to the flats, redfish are being found around mangrove shorelines during swift incoming tides, with the bite increasing as the tide gets higher. Snook are being caught in similar fashion in the same areas as the reds.

Spotted seatrout are being found along grass areas adjacent to channels and in the passes. Live, free-lined shiners will work best to attract the trout.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is working inshore this week, targeting redfish. Fishing varying spots, depending on time and wind, is resulting

in some great catches of redfish for Mattay’s clients. During higher stages of the tide, he’s putting clients on reds around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. By casting live shiners in these areas, they’re seeing some good hookups.

On the lower tides, fishing rocks and docks around a few select areas of the Gulf beaches is providing a bite. Again, live shiners as bait works, although the use of cut-bait is an option.

Snook fishing also is going well on Mattay’s charter fi shing trips. Shallow grass fl ats with incoming tides can yield plenty of action, with some slot fish 28-33 inches being caught between the smaller ones.

Lastly, fishing deep grass flats for spotted seatrout is going strong, with plenty of fish 15-20 inches. Macks and jack crevalle are present in these areas and are filling the gaps between trout bites.

Capt. David White is working charters along the Gulf beaches, targeting migratory fish — namely macks. Casting live shiners on a long shank hook is

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission the week ending Oct. 12 reported the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, at background concentrations in Manatee County.

For more information, go to myfwc.com.

geno “mean gene” Lynn of Bradenton shows off a 30-inch snook he caught Oct. 8 with Capt. danny Stasny of Just reel fishing Charters.

resulting in macks up to 24 inches, while mixed in are jack crevalle, blue runners and ladyfish. Sharks are feeding on the mackerel and a recent catch-and-release of a 10-foot greater hammerhead shark was a highlight of White’s week.

Moving to the backcountry, White is starting to target snook in the higher stages of the tide. Casting live shiners along mangrove shorelines works best. His clients are catching redfish in the same areas as the snook and the reds are averaging 18-24 inches, with larger examples mixed in.

Send fish tales and photos to fish@islander.org.

Florida’s stone crab season opens Oct. 15

The recreational and commercial stone crab harvest season starts Oct. 15 and will remain open through May 1, closing May 2.

The minimum claw size limit is 2 7/8 inches.

Recreational harvesters 16 and older must complete an online registration each year at gooutdoorsflorida.com.

Other tips and regulations:

• Care should be taken when removing the claws so as not to permanently injure the crab.

• Claws may not be taken from egg-bearing stone crabs.

• Stone crabs may not be harvested with any device that can puncture, crush or injure a crab’s body.

• Recreational harvesters may take a daily bag limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less, and may use up to five stone crab traps per person.

Traps that are not being fished should be removed from the water to avoid ghost fishing.

a diagram from the fwC shows where to measure claws. Stone crab regulations are the same in state and federal waters.

For more information go to myfwc.com/marine.

— Lisa neff

Soccer takes center pitch, golfers celebrate Oktoberfest

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter

After two weeks of action in the 8-10 division of the youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Adrian Griffin Interiors is on top of the standings with a 2-0 record, just ahead of Solid Rock Construction, which holds down second place at 1-0-1. AMI Outfitters and Moss Builders follow with matching 1-1 records, while Vida Sports Ministry is 0-1-1 and Beach Bums is 0-2 in the standings.

Action Oct. 7 kicked off with AMI Outfitters early in the game.

Louis Bacon got a few good shots off, but goalie Judah Treworgy was up to the task. A breakaway goal by Deacon Bekkerus gave AMI Outfitters an early lead that they never relinquished on the way to a 5-1 victory.

Phoenix Harwood paced AMI Outfitters with three goals and an assist, while Treworgy finished with one goal, two assists and three saves in goal. Bekkerus finished with a goal and seven saves, while Mila Bennett added one assist in the victory.

Juliette Sato notched the lone goal for Beach Bums on an assist from Mason Stein, while Gia Ciasullo made six saves in the loss.

The second 8-10 division game saw Adrian Griffin Interiors edge Moss Builders 1-0 behind a Jackson Griffin goal on an assist from Ruthie Ball. Houston Winn made six saves to help preserve the victory.

Titus Moss kept Moss Builders in the game, finishing with 15 saves in the loss.

The last 8-10 division game of the night saw Solid Rock Construction and Vida Sports Ministry battle to a 1-1 tie. Kierstyn Darak scored for Solid Rock Construction, which also received a combined 12 saves from Elijah Roadman and Samuel Raulerson.

Everett Hood scored the lone goal for Vida Sports Ministry and also came through with seven saves. Savannah Hanson added five saves in the tie.

The 11-13 division also completed its second week with Print Wizards on top of the standings at 2-0 and La Creperie and AMI Coconuts at 1-1. Solid Rock Construction completes the standings at 0-2.

The action kicked off Oct. 7 with AMI Coconuts cruising to a 3-0 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind two goals and an assist from Leo Tyler. Aiden

Outfitters goalie

Judah treworgy denies a scoring attempt by Beach Bums forward Louis Bacon as teammates Graham Bekkerus, Viviana Harwood, Mila Bennett, Deacon Bekkerus and connor Whaley

Guess added a goal and Andre Harwood came through with nine saves in the victory.

Isaac Roadman and Elijah Roadman each made four saves for Solid Rock Construction in the loss.

Print Wizards rolled to a 6-1 victory over La Creperie thanks to five goals from Luca Viehman and a goal and three assists from Parker Svoboda. Kellen Reed finished with three saves in the victory.

Tristan Hagey scored the lone goal for La Creperie, which also received six saves from Jordan Tobey in the loss.

Key Royale news

The Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach held its annual Oktoberfest Scramble Oct. 3.

It turned out to be a competitive tournament, thanks to the team of Rene Chapman, Tom Constantini, Earl Ritchie and Don Tilden, who combined on a

1-under-par 31 to take first place. Six teams finished in a tie for second with even-par 32s, resulting in a scorecard playoff for second place, which went to Richard Brown, Joe Coyne and A.J. and Rob Ellis.

Rene Chapman won the long drive for the women, while Jim Bailey won the men’s contest. Warren Stevens took home the senior long-drive prize, and Skip Holtz won the men’s closest-to-the-pin contest on No. 3, stroking it 15 feet 3 inches from the pin.

Anna Maria Lazsio won the women’s closest-tothe-pin contest. Rene Chapman and Christ Holtz tied for first place in the putting contest. And Linda Dorsey took the win for the woman’s straightest drive and Ken Nagengast won for the men.

Following the tourney, members enjoyed an Oktoberfest-themed lunch on the patio at the clubhouse.

The men played their weekly modified-Stableford system match Oct. 6. Doug Dorsey fired a plus-6 to take first place by one point over second-place finisher Nelson Eagle. Ed Harrell took third place at plus-3.

Members played a combination scramble/rambler to a par 64 Oct. 9 to close out organized golf outings for the week. The team of Herb Clauhs, Rob Lauber, Larry Pippel and Bill Shuman combined on a 1-underpar 63 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

Horseshoe action

Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a playoff during Oct. 8 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

Tom Farrington and Tim Sofran cruised to a 23-10 victory over Tom Skoloda and Bob Hawks.

Action Oct. 11 saw Gersey Fernandes and Gary Jackson forge the lone 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s champs.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

By Lisa Neff

Migration merriment

Get out.

Look up.

A migration is underway.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is forecasting birding bonanzas as its maps of migrating birds show nighttime movement across the United States.

Cornell provides several useful migration tools for birdwatchers, including a three-night forecast of migration and a migration dashboard that shows recent activity.

BirdCast — at birdcast.info — predicted 413 million birds in flight in the United States Oct. 8 and 313

❑ Common loon

❑ Pied-billed grebe

❑ Sooty shearwater

❑ Brown booby

❑ Northern gannet

❑ White pelican

❑ Brown pelican

❑ Double-breasted cormorant

❑ Anhinga

❑ Magnificent frigatebird

❑ American bittern

❑ Least bittern

❑ Great blue heron

❑ Great egret

❑ Snowy egret

❑ Little blue heron

❑ Tricolored heron

❑ Reddish egret

❑ Cattle egret

❑ Green heron

❑ White ibis

❑ Glossy ibis

❑ Roseate spoonbill

❑ Wood stork

❑ Black vulture

❑ Turkey vulture

❑ Greater scaup

❑ Lesser scaup

❑ Osprey

❑ Bald eagle

❑ Northern harrier

❑ Cooper’s hawk

❑ Red-shouldered hawk

❑ Short-tailed hawk

❑ Swainson’s hawk

❑ Red-tailed hawk

❑ Limpkin

❑ Black-bellied plover

❑ Snowy plover

❑ Wilson’s plover

million Oct. 9.

Meanwhile, the BirdCast dashboard estimated medium to high migration activity in Manatee County Oct. 8-10, with about 17,000 birds in flight Oct. 8 and higher intensities of migrations the next two nights. And we have many, many more birds to come. With the fall migration on, Cornell and the Audu-

❑ Piping plover

❑ Oystercatcher

❑ Black-necked stilt

❑ American avocet

❑ Greater yellowlegs

❑ Lesser yellowlegs

❑ Willet

❑ Spotted sandpiper

❑ Marbled godwit

❑ Ruddy turnstone

❑ Red knot

❑ Sanderling

❑ Western sandpiper

❑ Least sandpiper

❑ Wilson’s snipe

❑ Laughing gull

❑ Franklin’s gull

❑ Little gull

❑ Bonaparte’s gull

❑ Ring-billed gull

❑ Herring gull

❑ Gull-billed tern

❑ Caspian tern

❑ Royal tern

❑ Sandwich tern

❑ Common tern

❑ Forster’s tern

❑ Least tern

❑ Black tern

❑ Black skimmer

❑ Rock dove

❑ Eurasian collared dove

❑ Mourning dove

❑ Ground dove

❑ Monk parakeet

❑ Black-hooded parakeet

❑ Mangrove cuckoo

❑ Smooth-billed ani

❑ Groove-billed ani

❑ Eastern screech owl

❑ Great horned owl

❑ Barred owl

❑ Common nighthawk

❑ Belted kingfisher

❑ Red-bellied woodpecker

❑ Downy woodpecker

❑ Northern flicker

❑ Pileated woodpecker

❑ Acadian flycatcher

❑ Eastern phoebe

❑ Eastern kingbird

❑ Gray kingbird

❑ Loggerhead shrike

❑ Blue jay

❑ American crow

❑ Fish crow

❑ Tree swallow

❑ Carolina chickadee

❑ Tufted titmouse

❑ Nuthatch

❑ Carolina wren

❑ House wren

❑ Sedge wren

❑ Kinglet

chris Seman of Bradenton caught sight of two American white pelicans on the water near a dock on Key Royale in Holmes Beach in march 2024. the “snowbird” species is a common sight around Anna Maria Island during the “snowbird” months. Islander File Photo

bon Society sent dispatches earlier this month to members, reminding them to remind their neighbors to turn out their lights for the next two months.

Two-thirds of songbirds migrate at night and light pollution can cause confusion and casualties.

What might local birders see this fall?

Here’s a checklist for the season.

❑ Gnatcatcher

❑ Eastern bluebird

❑ Veery

❑ Swainson’s thrush

❑ Hermit thrush

❑ American robin

❑ Gray catbird

❑ Northern mockingbird

❑ European starling

❑ American pipit

❑ Cedar waxwing

❑ Tennessee warbler

❑ Nashville warbler

❑ Yellow warbler

❑ Magnolia warbler

❑ Cape May warbler

❑ Pine warbler

❑ Prairie warbler

❑ Palm warbler

❑ Blackpoll warbler

❑ Cerulean warbler

❑ Black-and-White warbler

❑ American redstart

❑ Swainson’s warbler

❑ Ovenbird

❑ Waterthrush

❑ Kentucky warbler

❑ Yellowthroat

❑ Hooded warbler

❑ Canada warbler

❑ Wilson’s warbler

❑ Summer tanager

❑ Scarlet tanager

❑ Western tanager

❑ Eastern towhee

❑ Northern cardinal

❑ Grosbeak

❑ Indigo bunting

❑ Painted bunting

❑ Common grackle

❑ Boat-tailed grackle

❑ Bronzed cowbird

❑ Orchard oriole

❑ Baltimore oriole

❑ House finch

❑ Pine siskin

❑ American goldfinch

❑ House sparrow

Other sightings:

SeaFlower to host grand opening party

SeaFlower Bloom by the Bay Oct. 25-26 will hold a home tour and grand opening celebration.

The development has been taking shape for more than a year at the corner of 75th Street and Cortez Road and is finally ready for tours and a welcoming party.

A notice on social media invited people to experience “the beauty of this coastal village … with stunning showcase homes, fl ower-fi lled fun, refreshing treats and hands-on art and prizes.

The development is west of 75th Street West and south of Cortez Road in Bradenton, with an address of 4505 Flower Fields Trail.

For more information or to RSVP, go to at seaflower.pulse.ly/9grh0q1dyt.

For other information, go to seaflower.com or call 941-212-0801.

— Lisa Neff

IslBizCal

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach.

• Oct. 25-26, SeaFlower Bloom by the Bay grand opening and tour, Bradenton.

• Oct. 31, 4 p.m., AMI Chamber Trail of Treats, AMI business districts.

• Nov. 13, 4-7 p.m., Manatee Chamber Fall Expo at LECOM Park, Bradenton.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

100s drift in to Drift-In to celebrate 100 years

RIGHt: Sherman Baldwin, left, Helena Williams and Derek Williams stand with a commemorative plaque from the city of Bradenton Beach and the Bridge Street Merchants Association that recognizes the Drift-In AMI’s 100-year anniversary. Baldwin spoke about the bar’s history at the presentation.

Nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Benefiting turtle watch

The sixth annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday will bring people together for an evening of conservation awareness and community celebration.

The free event, scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes

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

As of Oct. 10, AMItW reported 528 nests, 797 false crawls, 409 hatched nests, 29,674 hatchlings produced and six nests remaining.

Patrons pack the outdoor tiki bar Oct. 11 at the Drift-In AMI 100-year celebration of the bar on Bridge Street. the anniversary coincided with Sundown Get Down. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Beach, promises music by Mike Sales and auctions. The first 50 guests will receive a free beer or wine ticket, courtesy of A Paradise Realty.

Named in honor of island sea turtle advocate, the late Suzi Fox, the gathering supports Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, which patrols island beaches during nesting season and educates the public throughout the year.

“This event brings our community together to celebrate our commitment to protecting these magnificent creatures,” AMITW said in its post promoting the event.

Attendees can participate in silent and live auctions featuring donated items and experiences.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, a VIP package is available for $80 per person, including reserved air-conditioned seating, a swag bag filled with goodies and an event T-shirt.

Reservations can be made by calling 404-2759422, though availability is limited.

The event is supported by A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, CabanUp, Hurricane Hanks, Mike Sales, Slicker’s Eatery and others.

Proceeds will help AMITW purchase two UTVs. For more, contact AMITW at 941- 301-8434.

Save the date

Want to connect with local birders? The Manatee County Audubon Society will hold a guided birdwalk at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.

Additional chapter events can be found on the group’s website at manateeaudubon.org.

The Island Experts Since 1972

Schedule a Private Appointment | inquiry@pendryresidencestampa.com | 813-592-6658

Construction Underway | Waterfront Residences from $1.7 Million PendryResidencesTampa.com | 100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33602

ITEMS FOR SALE

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

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

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

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

~ Tree Trimming.

&

HELP WANTED

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

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.

SERVICES

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

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

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

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I SLANDER AR c HIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

SERVICES Continued

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

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

IN-HOME SUPPORT: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.

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

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

HOME WAtc HER: WHEN you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a State certified Residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

AMI AIRPORt SHUttLE Guy: We pick up from tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota airports. Up to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, Licensed and friendly transportation to and from Anna Maria Island. AMIShuttle. com. 941-500-3388.

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

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

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. CAC184228.

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

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

LAWN & GARDEN

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

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

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMEN t S Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

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

LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?

JRcc Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.

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

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LL c . Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

QUEEN BEE PAINtING: “We Do It Royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. Sheryl, 864-884-3380.

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

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

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

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

RENTALS

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

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

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

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

ANNUAL REN tALS AVAILABLE: Bradenton Beach, 2BR/1BA furnished cottage, $1,800/month, 2BR/2BA furnished home, $2,400/month. Off Island: Perico Isle, 3BR/2BA unfurnished pool home, $3,500/ month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished condo, $3,100/month. All require application, first, last and security. Wagner Realty, 941-778-2246.

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

2BR/1BA ANNUAL: 50 yards from beach. Newly renovated, new appliances. Pool. First, last, deposit. 941-726-6597.

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

HOLMES BEA c H WES t BAY c ove condo. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai with bay view and one block to Gulf beach. Pools, tennis, pickleball. December and January, $4,000/month. 941-778-8456. terryaposporos@gmail.com

2BR/2BA WEST BRADENTON. Available December, January, February, March. Inclusive, $3,000 or $2,750. Text 941-962-0971. Suzanne Wilson PA.

2BR/2BA IN HOLMES Beach. Available October, November, April. Monthly, $3,400 plus tax and cleaning fee. 1-403512-2350.

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

BEAUtIFUL AND cONVENIENt 2BR/2/BA condo (handicap accessible, with elevator access) for rent or sale in Fourth Bayshore Gardens, Bradenton, Florida. Pool, shuffleboard, barbecue and clubhouse for use. Available immediately. Interested, call 401261-8847 or email marshall.patricia@gmail. com.

RENTALS Continued

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

HUGE PRICE DROP! 1BR/1BA trailer, partially remodeled. Bradenton Beach. $98,500. One-minute walk to beach/bay. 831-212-2606.

NORTH END LONGBOAT Key: Lot and old cottage. Handyman special. 3BR/2BA, one-car garage. $800,000. Or build to suit, new house. Call for pricing. Northwest Bradenton custom-built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage, community pool, spa and boat slips. No-flood zone. $796,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.