The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Dec, 10, 2025

Looking back, way back

Rattlesnake Key changes hands in $18M deal

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

A long-running effort to protect one of Tampa Bay’s most ecologically sensitive island systems has reached a new turning point with the private sale of Rattlesnake Key.

The 724-acre tract of mangrove islands and submerged lands stands south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County.

According to Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court records, Cayo Cascabel LLC conveyed Rattlesnake Key and portions of the surrounding bay bottom to the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Co. LLC for $18 million in a special warranty deed recorded Oct. 30. The four-

page deed conveys the seller’s interest in the island and adjacent submerged lands and includes public-trust exceptions preserving access to navigable waters and maintaining state and federal authority over those waterways.

The property comprises most of Rattlesnake Key, an expanse of unplatted mangrove shoreline and tidal flats lying between Tampa Bay and Terra Ceia Bay, west of Terra Ceia Island and north of Snead Island.

Rattlesnake Key Preservation Co. spokesperson Sally Dee provided The Islander with a statement Dec. 3 that described the purchase as “intended to preserve the natural character of this special property for local residents, sports-

men, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for generations. As part of this effort, we plan to work closely with officials from Manatee County and the State of Florida, as well as regional environmental leaders, to determine the most effective strategy for future management and public use of Rattlesnake Key.”

Dee did not provide details about the company’s mission, operational plans or whether the property will remain unchanged.

Honey Rand, a spokesperson for the seller, Cayo Cascabel LLC, also confirmed the transaction Dec. 3 and said the company supports the new owner’s general conservation-oriented outlook.

Rand declined to comment on

how the property might be managed or used.

Efforts by Manatee County and the state to acquire Rattlesnake Key for a preserve or park collapsed in 2023. There was a wide gap between statecertified appraisals and the owner’s sale price. After the collapse, the owners listed the property in 2024 as part of a $75 million package sale.

The failed deal followed a 2022 legislative appropriation aimed at securing more than 1,000 acres for $23 million for a proposed county administered preserve.

Manatee County also had earmarked about $2 million as a partner in the

Municipal matters

Winding down in 2025

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth dropped a few lines to The Islander via email Dec. 5, noting that the city will be recognizing its citizen of the year, employee of the year and community partner of the year at the next commission meeting.

Holmes Beach also will recognize board members.

Additionally, Titsworth will deliver a state of the city address this month — “a tribute to how much we have grown throughout the 75 years while staying true to our vision for low density, height limitations and preserving quality of life.”

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short also weighed in with a Dec. 5 email, noting the city pier piling construction was back in motion after windy weather.

Tampa Bay Marine is “about halfway done” installing 130 pilings in the water. With favorable weather conditions, the pilings should be in by early January. Once in, they will be measured and cut to allow the next phase — installation of the cement bents and stringers.

Short also said in his Dec. 5 email that most of the city’s holiday lights were up and the city’s Christmas tree would soon be installed.

Also, Short said he’s looking forward to the Anna Maria Holiday Walk in the business district 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12.

“It should be a great event,” he said. Adding, “otherwise, business as usual.”

— Bonner Joy

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, right, recognizes Brian Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, as the city’s 2025 Person of the Year during the 75th anniversary party Dec. 5 at city field. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Christmas in Cortez!

December

HO! HO! HO! HB! for 75 years

Mr. and Mrs. claus greet Ava Holt, 3, of Bradenton during Holmes Beach’s 75th anniversary celebration Dec. 5 at city field. — with thanks to Dennis and Rhonda Hardy of Palm Tree Santas.

What’s your favorite AMI season?

A. High tourist season.

B. Nesting season.

C. Christmas season.

D. Spring training season.

E. Off-season.

To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.

HB multimodal project moving forward with changes

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some details have changed, but the city of Holmes Beach’s multimodal path project is moving forward.

Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Dec. 4 that a $395,011 funding request was set to go before Manatee County commissioners in January despite adjustments to the plan.

The main addition will be an 8-foot-wide multiuse path along Marina Drive, from 56th Street to 66th Street, to link with paths to the north and south, completing a chain of access points from Anna Maria to Holmes Beach’s city center.

The project also initially involved replacing a sidewalk to the beach on 65th Street.

The county tourist development council voted unanimously in October to recommend $395,011 in tourist tax funding for the project while the city would

fund $133,401.

That recommendation will go before the county commission at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, but the project won’t be the same as was first presented.

Titsworth said due to residential pushback, plans for the path on 65th Street were scrapped. “The neighbors were concerned,” she said. “If you buy into a neighborhood with a sidewalk, it’s an asset, but if you already live on a street without sidewalks, sometimes people look at those changes as threatening.”

Instead, the request will include improvement of paths along Gulf Drive and 45th Street.

On Gulf Drive, a stretch of sidewalk from 45th Street to 52nd Street will be replaced with a 6-footwide multiuse path.

On 45th Street, a sidewalk from Gulf Drive to Second Avenue will be extended to the beach access.

Titsworth said plans had changed, but the requested

Bradenton Beach seeking state funds to bury more utility lines

Bradenton Beach commissioners Dec. 4 renewed their push to secure state dollars to bury more utility lines, unanimously approving a legislative appropriations request.

City engineer Devyn Brown of Infrastructure Solutions Services LLC briefed commissioners on the funding application, which is being coordinated through RAMBA Consulting Group, a Tallahassee-

RATTLESNAKE

cONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

conservation effort and the Legislature in 2024 approved $8 million exclusively for Rattlesnake Key after the larger multiparcel proposal stalled.

County officials are expected to review any applications related to the property. As of Dec. 3, the county reported none on file.

Rattlesnake Key remains one of the most intact natural landscapes at the mouth of Tampa Bay, supporting expansive mangrove forests, fish nursery habitat, bird rookeries and shallow-water wetlands.

based lobbying fi rm. ISS prepares technical documents that RAMBA reviews and submits to the Legislature.

“This will be the second time we’re submitting,” Brown said. “Hopefully, we’ll get funding.”

Undergrounding utilities remains one of the city’s long-term goals to reduce storm-related outages and harden infrastructure. Some undergrounding already has taken place, including on Bridge Street.

The city also is pursuing state funding for stormwater and flood-resiliency work through RAMBA in a multi-year appropriations request.

Mayor John Chappie said receiving state funding “would be a good start” toward advancing the city’s undergrounding and stormwater goals.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to submit the appropriations request for undergrounding. The commission is operating with a vacancy, and Commissioner Ralph Cole was absent from the Dec. 4 meeting.

— Robert Anderson

dollar amount had not, so the request would not need to go back to the TDC.

Titsworth said she hoped to get work on the project going by next spring.

Anna Maria receives 1 bid for magistrate work

The city of Anna Maria might soon have a new special magistrate.

City staff Dec. 3 unveiled one bid received in response to a request for quotes for special magistrate services, which involve resolving disputes like code compliance cases.

The municipality’s current special magistrate is Gerald Buhr, a Lakewood Ranch attorney.

The singular bidder is Clearwater-based Trask Daigneault LLP, a law firm led by managing partner Thomas Trask. The firm also is well versed in island affairs, as one of its partners, Erica Augello, currently serves as city attorney in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

The bid will be discussed at a future Anna Maria City Commission meeting.

The next meeting will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

— Ryan Paice

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

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

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

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

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

Bradenton Beach OKs disputed accessory structure

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Compromise saved the day for one Bradenton Beach homeowner.

City commissioners Dec. 4 approved a revised agreement for use of an accessory structure at 106 23rd St. N.

The agreement provides a path forward for owner Neal Morse to finish his project.

A garage was demolished to make space for the larger, multistory accessory building that drew scrutiny at city hall. The redesign raised questions about habitable space and whether the project complied with city code, resulting in a city stop-work order that’s stalled the project since fall 2024.

At the Dec. 4 meeting, Commissioner Deborah

Pier rebuild continues in AM

An angler fishes Dec. 4 from the shore near the Anna Maria city Pier, where Tampa Bay Marine is driving piles into the seabed to support a new walkway. The contractor had driven more than 40 pilings for the walkway as of Dec.

5. Islander

Scaccianoce opposed any settlement characterizing the upper floors as bedrooms, emphasizing that the approved plans, issued by former building official Darin Cushing, described the space as a game room and bonus room.

Scaccianoce cited multiple permitting errors made by Cushing, who was dismissed by the city.

“A perfect example is the Drift-In,” she said, noting that the city required the bar to endure costly changes and legal expenses after discovering a project permitted by Cushing did not meet land-development code.

Scaccianoce added that homeowners also faced challenges after receiving permits to replace groundlevel air-conditioning units only to have to elevate them to comply with FEMA standards.

“We made other people jump through hoops that

got an approved permit and we found out later they weren’t built according to our land development code,” Scaccianoce said.

Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing Morse, said his client relied on the city’s direction throughout the process.

“Don’t you think people should be able to listen to what the building official tells them they can do,” he said, noting that Morse had also followed all the city’s permitting and inspection requirements.

“I think it shows that my client was working in good faith,” Rudacille said.

Following a recess, city attorney Erica Augello outlined revisions to the agreement, including the removal of references to bedrooms in the new structure. The agreement also prohibits the new structure from being rented separately from the primary residence and contains language tying the occupancy number to what is allowable under Florida building code and city transient-rental regulations.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the agreement. The board is operating with a vacancy in Ward 4, the seat formerly occupied by Jan Vosburgh, and Commissioner Ralph Cole was absent.

Bradenton Beach seeking applicants to fill Ward 4 commission vacancy

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners Dec. 4 began the formal process to solicit applicants for the Ward 4 commission seat, agreeing to advertise the opportunity and name a new commissioner in January.

The vacancy was created when no candidates ran for the seat in the November general election, including longtime incumbent Jan Vosburgh.

Under the city charter, such a vacancy is filled by appointment.

Applicants must be registered voters who have maintained a permanent residence in the city for at least the past 12 months. Applicants also must be pri-

marily domiciled within the ward they seek to represent. Ward 4, with 91 registered voters, is bounded by the bay, Gulf, Longboat Pass and a northern border just south of Bridge Street.

Mayor John Chappie said people also should be aware of required financial disclosure filings if appointed. “Some people balk at that,” he said.

If no eligible Ward 4 resident applies, the charter allows the commission to advertise a citywide search.

Chappie said one Ward 4 resident had contacted the city expressing interest.

The appointed commissioner will serve until the next election, which is in November 2026.

Bradenton Beach commissioners make an annual salary of $4,800.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to advertise the opportunity and schedule a formal selection in January.

The next commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 15, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

County board sets 2026 leadership, Siddique to chair

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Dec. 2 set its leadership for the coming year, electing District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique as the chair.

“It’s a tough job, but I’m up to the task,” said Siddique, who will take the gavel from Commissioner George Kruse Jan 1, 2026. “The job of the chair, to me, is about running an efficient meeting and representing the will of the board wherever we possibly can.”

Siddique, whose district includes west Bradenton, Cortez, north Longboat Key and Anna Maria

Island, was elected in November 2024. The Republican defeated Democrat Diana Shoemaker in the general election.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, R-District 2, will serve as first vice chair, as well as chair the tourist development council. Kruse, R-at-large, will serve as second vice chair, and Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, R-District 1, will serve as third vice chair.

Commissioner Mike Rahn, R-District 4, will again chair the port authority.

— Lisa Neff

Shhh! Don’t tell Santa

Work begins on AMI Bridge-Manatee Avenue water main replacement

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County has kicked off its next big utility project on Anna Maria Island: a new subaqueous water main.

Loxahatchee-based DBE Management began work the week beginning Dec. 1 on a new underwater pipeline beneath the Intracoastal Waterway at the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

Plans for the water main have been in the works since 2023, when the previous pipeline collapsed into Anna Maria Sound after hangers attaching it to the bridge failed.

A temporary water main was installed in its stead, restoring water access to the island, but its position along the west side of the bridge’s sidewalk has kept the walkway closed for more than two years.

The county voted in May to contract with DBE for $4,167,216.74 to replace the temporary pipeline with a permanent subaqueous water main that will run under the bay bottom along the north side of Manatee Avenue.

DBE began work the week of Dec. 1 by staging an area for drilling between the west end of the bridge and the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.

Plan now for season!

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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.

Jim Shuler, a senior project engineer with Manatee County Public Works, wrote in a Dec. 5 email to The Islander that the contractor will use a horizontal directional drill from the work zone to bore east under Anna Maria Sound.

The machine will clear a tunnel to the other side of the Sound and eventually “pull back the new pipeline through the drilled hole,” according to Shuler.

In the meantime, Shuler wrote that DBE was preparing equipment and materials and would begin drilling by January 2026.

Drilling operations will run 24/7 to prevent the hole from closing or becoming obstructed and will result in continuous noise impacts in the area.

However, he also wrote those operations are not expected to make much of an impact on traffi c on Manatee Avenue.

When the new water main is installed, tested, tied into the water line and functioning, the temporary pipeline will be removed — and that work will impact traffic.

“The removal work is currently scheduled for the summer of 2026 and should last a few weeks,” Shuler wrote.

Shuler added that the water main will be buried

outside of the Florida Department of Transportation’s planned footprint for a new, high-level fixed bridge that will be built just south of the current AMI Bridge.

For more information, visit amiproject.io, call 941-306-4660 or email info@amiprojects.io.

Loxahatchee-based DBe Management employees prepare an area in Holmes Beach Dec. 3 near the west end of the Anna Maria Island Bridge for drilling of a subaqueous water main to the island. Islander

NOW OFFERING PERMANENT JEWELRY !

Good news? Or bad?

In 34 years, I’ve seen some really interesting, tragic and shocking news come up in the weekly cycle of The Islander.

Who, what, when, where and why? We began to ask a week before the story of the sale of Rattlesnake Key published on page 1 in this issue.

We still don’t know much because the buyer is an LLC that originated in Delaware, where the owners are shielded.

We know it sold Oct. 28 for $18 million — an amount that was rejected two years ago by the current owner, another corporation that we know little about.

Why? I looked for answers from Capt. Scott Moore, a fishing guide of prominence in environmental and conservation circles. He was as puzzled as we were.

After a night’s sleep and plenty of pondering, I again called Moore and he jumped to share his conclusion — which was the same as mine. Mitigation.

A mitigation bank is protected land where resources like wetlands and habitats are preserved to compensate for other environmental impacts from development.

The bank’s sponsor sells “credits” to developers who need to meet requirements for their projects, where the result of their project is environmental destruction.

It makes sense — you do the math — but Moore and The Islander have no confirmation.

Just $25,000 per credit would cover the $18M price tag. At $100K per credit, the revenue soars to $72M.

But they also could set aside the uplands.

Somewhere along the path of discovery, someone said, it’s not all doom and gloom — likely because the buyer is Rattlesnake Key Conservation Co.

Moore says, “Hopefully it’s not doom and gloom on Rattlesnake Key. We’ll have to kinda wait and see, but it is disappointing.

“It’s a remarkable place, Rattlesnake Key. There’s a huge spawning ground for snook and, of course, all the habitat for a variety of marine species. It has hard bottom to the north northwest and beautiful grass edges and all the mangrove coverage.

“And all the birds and wildlife that are there.”

We believe the state should have worked harder to buy the key, especially considering the proximity to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Hopefully, whoever bought it will use it for mitigation. But it’s wait-and-see for now ... until they step up to announce their plan or put their plan into action. Meanwhile, wanna buy some swamp land? — Bonner Joy. news@islander.org.

Looking back

10-20-30 years ago

From the Dec. 7, 1995, issue

• The Florida Department of Transportation began hearings on a proposal to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge with a high, fixed-span bridge.

• Bradenton Beach voters elected Leroy Arnold to serve as mayor and also approved a nonbinding referendum opposing construction of a high, fixed-span bridge on Manatee Avenue.

DEC. 10, 2025 • Vol. 34, No. 7

▼ Publisher, editor

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Jacob Merrifield

capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Sean Murphy

▼ Advertising Sales

Stephanie Smith, stephanie@islander.org ads@islander.org

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

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

▼ Webmaster

Wayne Ansell

From the Dec. 7, 2005, issue

All others: info@islander.org

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2025 WeBSITe: islander.org Text or call: 941-778-7978. email news@islander.org

Postcard from paradise

A postcard from the 1960s shows the docks in the cortez fishing village. The back of the card reads, “One of the important commercial fishing centers on the West coast of Florida.” The village became known as cortez in 1888, when a post office was established and the name was changed from Hunter’s Point to avoid confusion with another Hunter’s Point in the state. Islander Photo: courtesy Manatee county Public Library System

You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc. ufl.edu.

Letters to the editor

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

• About 200 people gathered outdoors at Holmes Beach city field to watch a screening of “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Hot chocolate and cookies were served.

• Anna Maria officials sought to ease residents’ concerns about three-story structures going up on the north side of Pine Avenue. Site-plan review and flood-proof construction would be required to turn the structures — two residential stories over ground-level parking — into retail-office-residential properties.

• Property owners at Westbay Cove in Holmes Beach objected to Manatee County’s proposal to add more parking spaces to Kingfish Boat Ramp after the clearing of trees. Westbay owners said boat-ramp traffic was encroaching on their neighborhood.

From the Dec. 9, 2015, issue

• Unexpected underwater structure and efforts to protect the sand dunes were causing delays and an increase in costs for a groin replacement project at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners put up a road block on a proposed moratorium on the construction of new homes with five or more bedrooms and duplexes with three or more bedrooms on each side.

— Lisa Neff

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Wednesday, Dec. 10

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

6 p.m. — Blue Oyster Cult concert, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Throughout December, Island Gallery and Studios, handmade holiday gifts. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

• Most Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941708-6120, floridamaritimemuseum.org.

KIDS & FAMILY ON

AMI

Saturday, Dec. 13

10 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to City Pier Park in Anna Maria. Info: amiprivateers.com.

1 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers post-parade party with Santa, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiprivateers.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14

5:30 p.m. — Bethlehem Walk, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

10 a.m. — Family Storytime with the Island Library, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-7786341.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Beach location Dec. 16.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Noon-3 p.m. — Christmas in Cortez at the Florida Maritime

4-8 p.m. — A Night Before Christmas, G.T. Bray Park, 5502 23rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. Info: mymanatee.org/night.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491.

SAVE THE DATES

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

• Dec. 19, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Friday, Dec. 12

5-9 p.m. — City of Anna Maria Holiday Walk, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Info: 941-708-6130. Tuesday, Dec. 16

3 p.m. — Wildlife Inc. Re-Opening Open House with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 2207 Ave. B., Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-778-6324.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

• Dec. 20, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas at the Drift-In AMI, Bradenton Beach.

DEVINE DESIGN

MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet Thrift Store at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf

Holiday party, parade set for Dec. 13

Jacob Signor of Holmes Beach gives Santa claus two thumbs up during the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ 2023 post-parade party. This year’s christmas Parade and party will be Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade rolls from coquina Beach north on Gulf Drive to Holmes Beach and then onward on Gulf, east Bay, Marina and Palm drives through Holmes Beach and into Anna Maria. The Anna Maria route is Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. After the parade, there is the party with Santa and lunch for kids at Holmes Beach city field. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and the party at 1 p.m. Islander File Photo

Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638.

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SPORTS & FITNESS

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 14, 2026, Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Bradenton. OUTDOORS & NATURE

Friday, Dec. 12

6 p.m. — Game Night at the Nest, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• Dec. 22, Wonder Walk at Neal Preserve, Perico Island.

• Dec. 27, Starry Night Astronomy at Robinson Preserve, Bradenton.

• Dec. 29-31, Holiday Open House at Robinson Preserve NEST, Bradenton.

• Dec. 30, Perico Bayou Fishing Club, Perico Island.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

• Dec. 14, first night of Hanukkah.

• Dec. 25, Christmas.

• Dec. 26, Boxing Day

• Dec. 26, first day of Kwanzaa.

• Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

• Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is gathering most weeks at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. At the Dec. 13 meeting, the club will hear from Rachel Spivey of the Early Learning Coalition. For more info, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941730-0016.

Off Stage Ladies to lunch

The Off Stage Ladies will gather for a luncheon, holiday boutique and secret Santa gift exchange at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Scarpino’s Classic Italian, 6152 14th St. W., Bradenton.

The group, which supports the Island Players theater in Anna Maria, gathers on the second Wednesday of each month, October through May.

People interested in joining the Off Stage Ladies can contact Roe Duncan at 941 932-2798. Annual dues are $30.

Atlanta Rhythm Section to rock center in February

Hurry to get your tickets for a Southern rock show coming to Anna Maria Island.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section will bring its classic hits to the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, Saturday, Feb. 14.

Tickets can be purchased at available centerami. org/concerts/.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section has been a fixture in Southern rock for decades alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, known for chart-toppers and high-energy performances.

The group carved out its own distinctive sound within the genre.

Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, SoundWave Productions and the Center of AMI are presenting the concert.

For more information, visit centerami.org/concerts/ or call the center at 941-778-1908.

Wildlife Inc. sets open house

Wildlife Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center in partnership with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a “reopening open house” at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.16, marking a milestone in the organization’s recovery after hurricanes Helene and Milton severely impacted the at-home rescue facility last fall.

The event will be held at Wildlife Inc., 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, offering an opportunity to reconnect with the wildlife rehabilitation center and learn firsthand about its operations.

“We’re excited to welcome the community back and show them how we’ve rebuilt,” read a notice from the nonprofit.

Attendees can expect light refreshments and a tour of the facility.

For more, call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

Island happenings

compiled by Lisa Neff

Holiday traditions bring cheer on Anna Maria Island

The Anna Maria Island Privateers invite people to rock around the Christmas tree and parade from the beach to the bayside in two holiday traditions. Here’s a look at those events and others on and around AMI.

On AMI

• Anna Maria Holiday Walk, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. The community event features shopping, treats and visits with Santa at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 5-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12. For more info, go to cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130.

• Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, islandwide. The parade rolls from Coquina Beach north on Gulf Drive to Holmes Beach and onward to Anna Maria. It’s followed by a party with Santa and lunch for kids at Holmes Beach city field. 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more, go to amiprivateers. org.

• Roser Memorial Community Church Bethlehem Walk, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The island church celebrates the reason for the season with a holiday tradition. 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. For more information, call 941-778-0414 or go to roserchurch. com.

• Christmas at the Drift-In AMI, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift-In will celebrate the season with sales, raffles, music and a holiday buffet. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. For more, call 941-778-8565.

Off AMI

The event is a celebration of lights, music and community. 5-9 p.m., through Dec. 31. For more, go to longboatislandchapel.org.

• Christmas in Cortez, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. The Florida Maritime Museum event features entertainment, vendors, games and crafts. Noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more, go to floridamaritimemuseum.org.

• A Night Before Christmas, G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. The event includes photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, face-painting, letters to Santa and a petting zoo. A Shop Local vendor marketplace will operate in the parking lot alongside food and dessert trucks. 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information, go to mymanatee.org/night or call 941-7425923.

• A Christmas Carol, the Concert with the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota, Manatee High School Davis Performing Arts Center, 902 33rd Court W., Bradenton. The production features a 65-piece orchestra, full chorus, actors, vocalists and dancers performing the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation. Tickets start at $35. 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more info, go to thepopsorchestra.org.

The Perfect Blend of

• Christmas in the Garden , Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

• Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. The park transforms into a wonderland with acres of light displays, visits with Santa, music and a market. 6-9 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 18-21. For more info, call 941-761-2866 or go to palmasolabp.org.

• Holiday Open House, Robinson Preserve NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. The preserve hosts crafts and activities for all ages. 9 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 29-30. For more, call 941-748-4501.

The Perfect Blend of for Any Setting

SARASOTA GEM

By Lisa Neff

Chapel hosts celebration

The Longboat Island Chapel transformed its gardens into a festive holiday showcase for the month of December, offering free entertainment as part of its “Christmas in the Garden 2025: A Celebration of Lights and Music.”

The gardens at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive are open 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31, featuring holiday lighting, music and decorated trees.

For more, call the chapel at 941-383-6491.

Obituaries

Robert William Brown Jr.

Robert “Cork” William Brown, 77, died Nov. 19.

He was born May 8, 1948, in Manhattan on the site that would later become Rockefeller Center.

He was known as “Cork,” a nickname bestowed by his grandfather, who invented the cork pop gun, and the name stayed with him for life.

He spent his early years in New York before moving with his family to East Lansing, Michigan, while in the third-grade. He remained a New York Yankees fan, later adding the Michigan State Spartans to his devotions. He attended East Lansing High School, where he played football on a team that won a state championship. He is honored in the State of Michigan Hall of Fame.

He and wife Judy were members of the East Lansing High School class of 1966, where he forged friendships that lasted a lifetime.

A born enthusiast of engines and speed, he owned 32 cars during high school — fixing, racing and often winning races with his cars at Spartan Speedway. He also owned a slingshot dragster, foreshadowing a lifelong passion for racing.

He attended medical school briefly at Michigan State University before being drafted into the U.S. Army and deploying to Vietnam. During his service,

he earned six Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star — a highly decorated war hero.

Upon returning home, he started a family and was so very proud of his daughter Jennifer and son Ryan, and his four beautiful granddaughters.

He served the Lansing, Michigan, community as a firefighter and paramedic for 13 years. In recognition of his military service and honors, he will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery next spring. A memorial service will be held in East Lansing around that time.

Racing remained central to his life. From childhood go-karts to top-fuel dragsters and the Trans Am series, his love of motorsports never waned. After stepping away from racing competitively, he worked for NASCAR, securing sponsorships and collaborating with CEOs, celebrities and sports figures. He worked with Bobby Allison Motorsports before opening his own race-car marketing firm, representing major sponsors such as Pennzoil and Raybestos Brakes. He truly loved the racing world.

In retirement, Bob returned to another lifelong passion: art — a gift inherited from his father. He studied in Manhattan, San Francisco and at the Boca Raton School of Art for three years before opening his own gallery, Bob Brown Art, on Anna Maria Island.

He and Judy moved to Colorado after Florida, where he continued showing his art in Denver galleries.

His artwork drew some noted admirers, including

At your service

CELEBRATING THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 14 at 10:00 AM

Please join us to celebrate the Light and Life of Christmas with familiar melodies and lyrics and compelling original material. Our chancel choir and guest orchestra will present this holiday event during our regular Sunday Service. Visitors and Residents Welcome • Free Event

Obituaries are offered as a service to residents and families of residents past and present, as well as to people with ties to the island. Send to news@islander. org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be purchased through our advertising consultant by calling 941-778-7978.

Pine Avenue pageantry

The Rev. Dr. Dirk Rodgers, senior pastor of Roser Memorial community church in Anna Maria, announces the birth of Jesus during the 2023 Bethlehem Walk. This year’s walk will be at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the church at 941778-0414. Islander File

courtesy emily Glasscock

Neil Young, Fergie and Chris Evert. Actress Minnie Driver had commissioned a piece just as symptoms of his illness began to appear.

He was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, caused by Agent Orange exposure during his Vietnam service. His condition progressed into Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. For the last four years, he lived in a veterans’ long-term care facility.

He cherished his family and friends deeply and considered himself profoundly blessed by the people in his life.

After his marriage to Judy, he had a very deep, respectful, and loving relationship with the members of her daughter’s families, Karlie and Lindsay’s husbands and children.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors, where gifts will be matched 1:1.

Mr. Brown is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; brothers Hal and wife Olympia and Ed and wife Bernie; sister Chris McKearney; nephews and nieces Blake and wife Lindsay, Ben and wife Katherine, Brady, Abby and Travis McKearney and wife Darci; daughter Jennifer Pyle and husband Ron; grandchildren Ella, Tyler, Quinlan and Avery; son Ryan and wife Kristen; stepdaughters Karlie Kranz and husband Dave; grandchildren Logan, Lindsay Selig and husband Matt, Ari and Nolan.

James ‘Bryan’ Carlson

James “Bryan” Carlson died Nov. 15. He was born Jan. 4, 1959.

At the heart of everything he did was love, and nowhere was that more evident than in the home he shared with his husband, Mark Bouziane. They were legendary hosts, the kind who made you feel welcome the second you crossed the threshold. If friendship was an art, they were master craftsmen.

Music was woven into Bryan’s soul — his quick wit matched only by the quickness of his fingers on a keyboard. His musical talent blossomed into other artistic pursuits, and a newfound love of watercolor and depictions of nature brought him comfort. He also was a force of nature when it came to landscaping.

He loved travel, ice cream, cooking classes, bread and butter and “The Golden Girls.” He and Mark visited countries in Europe, Asia, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, embracing the diverse culcarlson

tures and savoring the varied cuisines.

One of his greatest gifts was as a great listener. He offered wise counsel with humor and kindness, never judgment.

He gave support to countless lucky souls.

His signature greeting, “Hello, sunshine,” held a remarkable warmth that touched everyone he met.

Donations may be made to Feed More, feedmore. org, or Belmont Pantry, bcrsrva.org. Please, consider meeting a friend for coffee, visiting an art museum, enjoying a fine wine and a gourmet dinner, going dancing and telling naughty jokes.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd., Richmond, Virginia.

The family asks that people wear their brightest colors to honor a man who was always positive and grateful for the wonderful life he led.

Mr. Carlson is survived by his husband, Mark, formerly of Anna Maria Island; brothers Bill and wife Dona and Steven and wife Mary; Mark’s brothers Dave and wife Lynn and Al and wife Caryl, Mark’s sisterin-law Signa; and nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.

Gloria Hall Cropper

Gloria Hall Cropper, 96, of Anna Maria, died Nov. 12.

She moved to San Diego two years ago to be near her son and granddaughters.

She was born Dec. 13, 1928, to Joseph and Frances Ross, and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where she attended the Hutchinson School. She attended Chevy Chase Junior College in Washington, D.C.

She married Jack Hall and the couple spent their first five years of marriage in Greece while he was on a Fulbright Scholarship. They eventually moved to Coconut Grove, where Gloria raised their two sons, John and Tim, and took classes at the University of Miami in weaving, which was the beginning of her long and distinguished artistic career.

She taught weaving privately and at Grove House in Coconut Grove. She had work consigned by and displayed in Arvida, Eastern Airlines headquarters, the University of Miami and the White House. Her work is included in the Florida Craftsman’s permanent collection.

She moved to Anna Maria in 1987 and found her true home. She loved the island, the beach and for many years was instrumental in protecting endangered loggerhead turtle on the shore.

She was a founding member of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and a member of Island Gallery West, Florida Craftsmen, Manasota Weavers Guild and the Art League.

For many years, she was active in Tri-Cities Team Tennis at Walton Racquet Center, where she met her second husband, Wallace Cropper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Art Center Sarasota.

Mrs. Cropper is survived by her son Tim and wife Ellen Hall of San Diego; granddaughters Alyssa and wife Nina Hall of Los Angeles and Brynna and husband Jordan Anderson-Hall of San Diego; and great grandchild August.

There’s Christmas fun on center field!

The crowd is beginning to arrive on the center of Anna Maria Island sports field around 11 a.m. Dec. 6 where a dozen or so bounce houses, slides and games await, as well as a pony ride, a corral of animals — goats, a pig, a bunny and chickens, and a stage with entertainment.Santa claus arrived later. The day was thanks to the generosity of Joey Lester, longtime donor with her late husband, chuck. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

After providing an escort for Santa, the Manatee High School Drum line performs for the crowd at the center of Anna Maria Island. RIGHT: In the center gym, kids decorate — and gobble up! — sugar cookies, as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and other treats that keep them wired for games and other activities.

Sue Ellen Hamilton

Sue Ellen Hamilton, 83, of Holmes Beach, died Oct. 2, just weeks shy of her 84th birthday.

She was born Oct. 28, 1941, in Piqua, Ohio, to Howard and Betty Sturgeon. She earned a registered nurse degree from Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

She was a vibrant presence in every community she touched. After settling in Holmes Beach, she became a volunteer at the Roser Memorial Community Church Thrift Shop and Food Pantry. She enjoyed playing mahjong with friends, a pastime that brought her joy and camaraderie.

Stephen J. Pere, DMD

She was known for her creativity and warmth. Her cooking and crafts were cherished by those who knew her, and she had a passion for collecting glass — a hobby so central to her identity that it was even mentioned on her answering machine. Her wit and humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her presence will be deeply missed by family, friends and neighbors alike.

Mrs. Hamilton is survived by daughters Robin and Amanda; sister Sara and her husband Howard Donald; nephews Matthew Donald and Brian Donald; and cousins Jim Richeson and Greg Lee.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project takes place this month, with 24/7 drilling operations for an underwater pipe in the Intracoastal Waterway that requires temporary lane closures. Info: amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660, info@amiprojects.io.

Gulf Drive/State Road 789: Overnight, the Florida Department of Transportation will be milling and resurfacing about 5 miles of Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1, 2026. Motorists can expect single-lane closures. Info: swflroads. com/project/451021-1.

Cortez Bridge: The utility relocation project is continuing in preparation for the construction of a new bridge. Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge, with sidewalk closures. Info: 941-306-4660, info@ amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io.

— Lisa Neff

Judge withholds adjudication against Bradenton man

Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte ruled Nov. 19 to withhold adjudication for a third-degree felony charge for petit theft against Lawrence Beach, 63, of Bradenton, who pleaded no contest.

The case stems from a Sept. 2 incident in which Beach was arrested for shoplifting $77.94 worth of items from Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, and tracked by a manager.

Holmes Beach police confirmed Beach’s alleged involvement via security camera footage from the store and arrested the man for petit theft with two or more prior theft convictions, a third-degree felony.

Beach remained in the Manatee County jail under $2,500 bond until the Nov. 19 ruling.

Third-degree felony charges carry up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000. However, Whyte credited Beach for his time served and ruled no additional jail time.

The ruling also requires Beach not to return to the Publix and to submit a biological specimen for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s DNA databank.

— Ryan Paice

West Manatee crew rescues stroke patient from ship

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A West Manatee Fire Rescue marine rescue crew evacuated a person suffering a stroke Nov. 18 from Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander cruise ship in Tampa Bay.

Capt. Jimmy Leigh told The Islander Dec. 3 that WMFR received word that there was a possible medical emergency on the ship and deployed its marine rescue vessel before the crew learned that the U.S. Coast Guard and first responders in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties were unable to assist with the rescue.

Leigh said they found the ship about 8 miles west of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and pulled alongside it so the patient and a family member could be transferred to the rescue vessel.

Following the transfer, the rescue crew confirmed the patient was experiencing a stroke and transported him to the Holmes Beach Boat Ramp on Marina Way, near WMFR’s Station 3.

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services was at the boat ramp and took custody of the patient, who was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

Leigh said the rescue was unique for the district but handled well.

“That is definitely something outside of our normal

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

Bradenton Beach

Nov. 14, 2000 block Avenue B, larceny. The Bradenton Beach Police Department Officer took a report of an alleged theft of a mattress, tools and other items from an apartment.

Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

Nov. 24, 4300 block of Gulf Drive, criminal mischief. A man reported to the Holmes Beach Police Department that a person in a sedan threw a water balloon from their window and damaged an LSV’s plastic windshield. An officer provided a case number.

Nov. 26, 6200 block of Marina Way, potential

operations,” he said. “For something we don’t do — obviously we’ve practiced docking and practiced night runs, but to actually put it all together and perform really without a hitch … it went so smooth for something that was never done by us before other than in practice.”

fraud. A woman told HBPD that she received a call from someone claiming to be a bank employee. She provided bank information. However, she said she later went to the bank and learned they had not called her. Dec. 1, Sunbow Bay condos, 3805 E. Bay Drive, larceny. An officer responded to reports of a kayak missing from the parking garage. The complainant said a wire rope securing two kayaks was cut. The officer photographed the scene and searched the area for cameras to no avail.

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

Island watch call 911 in an emergency. Otherwise, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-7786311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Early December presents excellent inshore, nearshore fishing

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Winter is coming in like a lamb.

With mild temperatures and calm waters, Anna Maria Island anglers are taking advantage of early December’s excellent weather to get out on the water and do some fishing.

Inshore fi shing around Anna Maria Island will remain good as long as mild weather holds and no severe cold fronts close in on us.

Live bait fishing with shiners is producing excellent action for redfish, trout and catch-and-release snook as water temps remain in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Stasny

Migratory species — bluefish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle — are responding positively with the water temps, which gives the inshore angular options when choosing what to go after.

Carrying live shrimp for bait is advantageous while fishing inshore because we’re starting to see sheepshead and black drum along the beaches and around rocks and docks.

Also, rumors of pompano are floating around. So having a few shrimp handy could open the door for a nice addition to the fish box.

The nearshore bite is following suit, especially around wrecks and reefs. Spanish mackerel are dominating the bite in many areas so flat-lining live shiners can lead to hookups on every cast if you’re on the right chunk of rock.

Don’t hesitate to do some bottom fishing in these areas, too, because mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and sheepshead are milling around. Of course, live shrimp is key, especially for the sheepies.

And finally, moving out past the artificial reefs to areas of hard bottom is producing plenty of action when using live shrimp is bait. Hogfish are the highlight, with a mixture of mangrove and lane snapper,

Key West grunts, porgies and plenty of juvenile grouper to round out the bite.

Having a few pinfish or live shiners in the baitwell is smart, as there could be an occasional keeper-size red grouper in these areas. Plus, you want to be prepared because you never know what you’ll encounter out there, do you?

On my Just Reel charters, I’m fishing many locations depending on weather and water temps.

On calm days, I’m venturing in the Gulf to depths of 40-50 feet, which is producing plenty of ingredients suited for a fish fry. Hogfish, mangrove snapper and lane snapper are the sought-after species at these depths, backed up by plenty of Key West grunts and porgies. In many instances, the baits are being eaten as soon as they reach the bottom.

On breezier days, I’m staying inshore, which is more sport-fi shing than meat-fi shing, although I’m managing to put limits of trout in the box and usually a redfish or two to add to the collection.

Catch-and-release fishing for snook is filling the gaps, as well as targeting migratory fish — mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish and jack crevalle.

Finally, I’m starting to see a few sheepshead and black drum along the beaches while working the docks.

Capt. David White says he’s finding good action

Veronica Johansen of Greenville, Michigan, shows off a 24-inch spotted seatrout she caught and released Dec. 4 while fishing in Tampa Bay with capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing charters.

on spotted seatrout while working deep grass in Tampa Bay. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle are mixed in to add variety on medium-spinning gear.

As water temps warm throughout the day, White is moving to the shallows, where redfish and catch-andrelease snook lurk. Both species are frequently taking the hook, especially on the warmest days between the cold fronts.

Finally, sheepshead and black drum are being caught while fishing rocks and docks and along the beaches.

Capt. Johnny Mattay says he’s seeing plenty of red grouper being reeled up while offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Live pinfish or frozen sardines are luring the large bottom dwellers to have a bite.

Switching to live shrimp as bait is leading to respectable numbers of hogfish from hard bottom areas and ledges.

Moving inshore, Mattay is putting clients on a steady bite of catch-and-release snook while casting live shiners along mangrove shorelines during higher stages of the tide.

Fishing deeper flats with live shiners is producing limits of spotted seatrout, as well as a mix of mackerel, jacks and ladyfish.

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

Rattlesnake Key, a premium fishing spot in Tampa Bay, shown highlighted in blue, was sold Oct. 30 in a private $18M transaction. As of Dec. 3, the county reported no applications for development. Story, page 1. Islander Image: courtesy Manatee county Tax collector

Soccer champs crowned, basketball finals approach, more

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter

The adult fall soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close Dec. 4 with semifinal and championship game matches.

There were plenty of thrills for AMI soccer fans in the matches.

But it was all Bubble Binz at the end.

The team survived two penaltykick shootouts, first against Pool America in the semifinals and then again in the championship match against Language Services Associates.

In the Binz semifinal match against Pool America, the game ended in a 3-3 tie as Chris Klotz, Christos Loizou and Julius Petereit scored for Pool America, which also received six saves from Osvaldo Cabello.

Bubble Binz received goals from Jake Czajkowski, Alvaro Figuerola and Helio Gomez, while Mark Long made eight saves.

Bubble Binz then prevailed 5-4 in the shootout, sending them to the championship match.

The other semifinal match saw Language Services Associates hold on for a 6-5 victory over Florida Impact Windows behind five goals from Kevin Roman. Tim Holly added a goal and Max Gazzo finished with six saves and an assist in the victory.

Raul Loera scored two goals for Florida Impact Windows, which also received single goals from Leo Gonzalez, Keith Mahoney and Chase Richardson in the loss.

The championship match saw Bubble Binz and Language Services battle to a 3-3 tie in regulation, sending the game to penalties.

Alvaro Figuerola, Flavio Olvera and Eduardo Schlueter scored in regulation for Bubble Binz, and goalie Mark Long notched 10 saves.

Kevin Roman had two goals and an assist for Language Services Associates, which also received a goal from Zach Long and five saves from Max Gazzo.

Bubble Binz received successful penalty kicks from Jake Czajkowski, Alvaro Figuerola, Helio Gomez, James Knowles and Nate Welch in the victory.

Language Services received successful penalty kicks from Tim Holly, Zach Long, Max Gazzo and Kevin Roman in the loss.

Adult 3-v-3 basketball playoffs underway

The regular season of the center’s adult 3-v-3 basketball league is over and first-round playoffs began Dec. 4. No. 1 seed Bradenton Home Inspections and No. 2 Island Lumber received first-round byes and play the winner of No. 3 Slim’s Place vs. No. 6 Salty Printing and No. 4 Solid Rock Construction vs. No. 5 Mi-Box.

In the first playoff series, Slim’s cruised to a 21-9, 20-14, 21-19 victory over Salty behind 20 points from Corey Jaques and 16 points from Ajani Poole over three games.

Bubble Binz, 2025 champs

Alvaro Figuerola, left, Helio Gomez, Jake czajkowski, Eduardo Schlueter, James Knowles, Flavio Olvera, Nate Welch, Mark Long and Erica Nielsen. Islander Photo: courtesy cofAMI

Logan Heath scored 13 points, while Danny Heath and Dionte Baberry each finished with 12 points in the losses.

Solid Rock held on for a 16-13, 15-21, 22-6 victory over Mi-Box in the second playoff series. Connor Morse paced Solid Rock with 18 points over the three games, while Ray Gardner finished with 14 points.

Kiatrell Zachary led Mi-Box with 18 points, while Jacob Ferda added 12 points in the loss.

Playoff action resumes Dec. 11 when Bradenton Home Inspections takes on Solid Rock Construction at 6 p.m., followed by Island Lumber taking on Slim’s Place.

The championship series follows at 7:30 p.m.

Key Royale news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach opened the holiday month with a modifiedStableford system match along with a skin’s game.

There was a five-way tie for first place with Nelson Eagle, Jim Hitchen, Greg Shorten, Ron Vandeman and our golf correspondent, Tom Nelson, with matching scores of plus-3.

The skin’s game saw Jim Goff, John Cassese, Rob Perkins and Terry Tarras each win a skin.

The women played a nine-hole individual low-net match in two flights Dec. 2.

Rene Chapman rode a birdie on the ninth hole to a 1-under-par 31 to take first place in Flight A. Ceal Barry, Margrit Layh and Brenda Solleveld finished in a tie for second place at 3-over-par 35.

Roxanne Koche, Jana Samuels and Terry Westby finished in a three-way tie for first place in Flight B

with matching even-par 32s. Helen Pollock was alone in second place with a 1-over-par 33.

Westby’s round included a chip-in on the second hole, while Leigh Brittain birdied the third hole.

Members closed out the week of organized golf outings Dec. 4 with a scramble/ramble playing to a par of 64.

The team of Roger Rottschaefer, Greg Shorten and Tom Solosky combined on a 3-over-par 67 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Bob Baker, Jim Hill, Tom Nelson and Quentin Talbert matched the 4-over-par 68 carded by Jim Bailey, Mike Gillie, Rich Salzberg and Warren Stevens to tie for second place.

Horseshoe action

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits on Dec. 3 was short and sweet. Gersey Fernandes and Bob Hawks forged the lone 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

Two teams advanced from pool play during the Dec. 6 games and settled things in a playoff.

Dom Livedoti and Tim Sofran came up fast and never looked back as they cruised to a 23-6 victory over Bob Rowley.

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

There is no charge to play and all are welcome.

The AMI Pitchers team of Gersey Fernandes, left, and Bob Hawks earned the lone 3-0 record in pool play Dec. 5 at the Anna Maria city Hall horseshoe pits. Islander Photo: courtesy of AMI Pitchers

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. It’s all maintained on the library site, since our first edition in 1992, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

By Lisa Neff

About Program Area B

Among other policies and programs, Project 2025, the governing blueprint from the conservative Heritage Foundation, pushes a “drill, baby, drill” approach to energy policy and explicitly calls for expanding oil and gas drilling.

So now let’s explore how Program Area B fits Project 2025’s “drill, baby, drill” approach.

Program Area B is the newly proposed region in the Gulf for oil exploration and drilling.

The 19.88 million-acre area is about 100 miles from our coastline. Hurricanes that have disrupted AMI lives in the past have passed farther away in the Gulf than Program Area B.

On Nov. 20, the U.S. Department of Interior announced an order, “Unleashing American Offshore Energy,” directing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to terminate a Biden administration oil- and gas-leasing program protecting that area of the Gulf and create a new program expanding offshore lease sales covering 1.27 billion acres, including 21 areas

off the coast of Alaska, six off the Pacific coast and seven off the Gulf coast.

The proposal includes Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s decision “to create a new administrative planning area, the South-Central Gulf of America.”

Four days after the Interior Department announcement, the proposal was published in the Federal Register and a 60-day comment period opened.

A proposed lease sale schedule in the Federal Register shows the sale years for Program Area A in the northern Gulf in 2027, 2028 and 2029, 2030 and 2031 and the sale years for Program Area B in the “SouthCentral Gulf” in 2029 and 2030.

ManaSota-88, one of our regional environmental organizations, issued a statement Dec. 1 encouraging people to respond to the administration’s proposal and providing its reasons why drilling should not be expanded in the Gulf:

• The United States consumes 25% of the world’s produced oil and holds just 3% of the world’s proven oil reserves. “As a matter of national policy, it seems strategically reckless to continue to deplete our nation’s very limited oil and gas resources,” ManaSota-88 stated.

• 22 million acres of federal lands are currently leased to oil companies but more than 9.7 million acres that are under lease have not yet been drilled. “The glut of oil leases being offered will provide the oil industry an opportunity to lease large blocks of submerged lands at bargain basement prices,” according to ManaSota-88.

Sunrise setup

Holmes Beach public works crew members Joe Gore, left, and Bruce Ziolkowski assemble a 30-foot christmas tree early Dec. 1 outside Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, where the morning sun briefly crowned a star on the tree’s frame. Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

A map shows Program Area A and Program Area B for possible oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico. As of early December. nearly 1,000 comments were posted in response to the Federal Register publication of an oil and gas proposal. Islander courtesy Image

• Florida’s economy is based on clean beaches and a healthy environment, not oil refineries, storage tanks, oil platforms and pipelines. ManaSota-88 stated, “Whatever oil revenues are realized are small when compared to the cost in damage one oil spill will have on Florida’s economy, environment and job employment.”

• Increasing access to the Pacific, Atlantic and eastern Gulf regions will not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices.

• There is no question that the record of the offshore oil industry with respect to oil spills is unreliable. A significant environmental impact from even a minor oil spill of 100 barrels can cause catastrophic environmental damage.

• Florida ranks first in hurricane occurrences and hurricanes can cause oil spills. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged or destroyed 113 oil platforms, 457 oil pipelines and caused 124 offshore oil spills in the Gulf.

• It is in the best interests of the United States to develop renewable energy resources and to focus on energy conservation and increased energy efficiency.

Take action

To read the proposal and submit a comment, go online to federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/24/202520760/notice-of-availability-of-the-11th-nationalouter-continental-shelf-oil-and-gas-leasing-draft.

The deadline to comment is Jan. 23, 2026.

As of early December, nearly 1,000 comments were posted.

For more information about commenting, call 703342-8867.

NAACP honors Hornes

John and Amanda Horne of Oysters Rock Hospitality received the 2025 Community Service Award from the Manatee chapter of the NAACP during the organization’s annual Freedom Fund & Awards Banquet.

The event was Nov. 8 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.

The Hornes were honored for their work on the Dive Into Reading program, which promotes literacy and mentorship.

Oysters Rock Hospitality operates the Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar restaurants, including the one on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

For more information about Oysters Rock, go to oystersrock.net.

— Lisa Neff

Solo’s says so long

Solo’s Pizza has permanently closed its doors.

Owner Shawn Waters announced the closure in a farewell letter posted at the restaurant, 3244 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, bringing an end to a run that began in 2003.

“I had a dream a long time ago of owning a little sports pub on an island, and that dream came true,” Waters wrote. “Sometimes it amazes me how it came to be and lasted 23 years, but there were prayers involved.”

Waters expressed gratitude to the community that supported his vision, thanking customers, friends and employees.

The closure comes as Waters enters what he described as the fourth quarter of his life — a time for “enjoying and appreciating life a little more while I still can.” “I think it’s time for a new chapter to begin,” he wrote.

The owner concluded his message by acknowledging the lasting impact of the restaurant: “There sure are a lot of good memories I will carry with me forever. I will truly miss Solo’s Pizza.”

— Lisa Neff

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

October’s tourist tax dollars — the first collections reported for the 2025-26 fiscal year — registered a 23.31% increase compared with the prior year.

The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office on Dec. 1 released October collection numbers for the county tourist tax — the 6% tax collected on accommodation rentals of six months or less.

The first month of the 2025-26 fiscal year showed $1,663,373 collected. In 2024-25, the same month’s collections totaled $1,348,980. The collection in October 2024 was on a 5% tax.

Looking at the October numbers, Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Island, generating $371,628, about 22.34% of the total.

Anna Maria accounted for 13.97% of collections, bringing in $232,321, and Bradenton Beach heads in

MarketWatch

Anna Maria

Median listing home price: $3 million, trending up 9.9% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $1.7 million.

Listings: 73 properties.

Bradenton Beach

Median listing home price: $987,000, trending down 22.1% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $652,500.

Listings: 80 properties.

Holmes Beach

Median listing home price: $1.4 million, down 14.7% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $1.5 million

Listings: 165 properties.

Source: Realtor.com

PostThanksgiving tradition

There’s all sizes of plants for all sizes of shoppers at the Poinsettia Open House, held Nov. 29, at Orban’s Nursery, 9601 Ninth Ave. NW, in northwest Bradenton. The nursery kicked off the holiday season with its annual poinsettia sale and celebration. For more info, call 941-792-8717 or go to orbans.com. Islander

Photo: Lisa Neff

beds generated $80,566 or 4.84%.

Some other numbers for October:

• Unincorporated Manatee County generated $683,711 or 41.10%.

• Bradenton generated $147,926 or 8.89%.

• Longboat Key generated $110,758 or 6.66%.

• Palmetto generated $36,683 or 2.21%.

The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, so the net collection in October was $1,613,472. By Florida law, the resort tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism.

In Manatee, the funding goes to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Bradenton Area Convention Center, tourism-related entities such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, and tourism projects, including beach renourishment.

The advisory tourist development council recommends how to spend the money to the county commission.

November resort tax data will be released in early January.

Dec. 11

11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting, Tasted Mango Cafe, 3240 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, amichamber.org. Friday, Dec. 12

5-9 p.m. — City of Anna Maria Holiday Walk, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Info: 941-708-6130. Send listings to calendar@islander.org. — Lisa Neff

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

FOR SALE: DREAM Weaver Triumph luxury vinyl flooring. 78 sf (4 unopened cartons), 10 pieces/box 6-inches wide x 8-feet long, $200. 614-209-5399.

LODGE CAST IRON skillet: vintage $20, Ritz cookie container, circa 1986 $10. Bill 724-9860314.

ICE CREAM MAKER, Cuisinart, $50, grill, nonstick tabletop, $90, Tigerxbang oar/paddle, $45. All like-new. 941-920-2494.

LUGGAGE: SAMSONITE GARMENT bag on wheels, red or black, $40, Carry-on bags, $15. 941-920-2494.

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIDGE GAME AT The Community Center on Fridays starting Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

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

WE WOULD LIKE to formally apologize to Bob for filling out the wrong form in the football pool. We were slightly drunk and meant no disrespect. — Jake and Chris.

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.

3.5HP 4-STROKE Mercury outboard compression 120 psi. 2,000 hours at most. Good shape, water pump impeller changed three months ago only used 10 hours since. Lightly used all these years. Regular-length shaft, 15 inches. $600. 941-565-5531.

HELP WANTED

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: c all or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

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

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

SERVICES Continued

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

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

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

AIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUALITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.

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

A c HAUFFER4U FOR TRANSPORTATION 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 WAT c 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.

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

RIDES 4 YOU: Airports, shopping, short trips, events 24/7. Call or text, 941-398-8404, Don. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

SERVICES

Continued

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

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

LAWN & GARDEN

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

LARRY’S BAcK! Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-7957775, 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 IMPROVEMENTS 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 PAINTING 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. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. call John Teti, 302983-5774.

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

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.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike’s cell: 1-616-2048822.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

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

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.

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

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

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

PERICO BAY CLUB: 3BR/2BA, 1,800 sf unfurnished condo for rent for six or twelve months, $2,700 a month beginning in December 2025. Call Bill at 412-925-0908.

2BR/1BA ANNUAL 50 yards from beach. Newly renovated. New appliances, pool. first and deposit. 941-726-6597.

3BR/2BA c ANALFRONT HOME on the north end of Anna Maria. $6,200 per month, discount for three or more months. 2BR/1BA duplex apartment, steps to the beach in Anna Maria, $3,600 per month. All prices plus tax and cleaning. Green Real Estate, 941-778-0455. ken@greenreal.com

ANNUAL RENTAL AVAILABLE now! Beautiful 2BR/2BA villa in Pinebrook-Ironwood complex, boasts soaring ceilings updated kitchen and bathrooms and magnificent view of the 8th hole at Pinebrook Golf c ourse. This unit comes with covered parking, pool and lots of amenities. Five miles from Anna Maria Island. $2,000/month. Annual lease. Unfurnished. Non-smoking, no pets. A must see! call 317-703-0449.

WINTER WEEKS AVAILABLE: 6505 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Call Lisa, 267-566-8577. www. gulfbeachbungalows.com

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

FURNISHED PALMA SOLA Trace second-floor condo. 2BR/2BA, garage. Six or 12 months. 828551-5092.

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

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE M c HALE, REALTOR, 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.

FURNISHED, UPGRADED 2BR/2BA condo, $249,000. Pool, spa, pickle ball. West Bradenton single-family home, no flood zone and no HOA fees. Very private pool, boat/RV parking, $439,000. Northwest Bradenton custom home. 2BR/2BA, two-car garage. Community pool, spa, boat slips on Tampa Bay. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

WONDERFUL ISLAND DEAL! 1BR/1BA trailer. Takeover remodel. Sandpiper Resort. $78,999. Retirement, annual, seasonal income. 831-2122606.