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VOLUME 34, NO. 10

Wishing you a very happy 2026!

DEC. 31, 2025 FREE

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Flashback: 2025 in review Part 2, July-December Compiled by Lisa Neff Islander Editor

From city hall shakeups to environmental milestones and hurricane recovery, the second half of 2025 reshaped life on Anna Maria Island. July through December brought recovery and transformation to the island communities, marked by storm John Cadmus, left, stands with son Jet, daughter Zada, front, and wife Lacey outside Cortez Watersports at the foot of rebuilding, shifting leadership, environthe Cortez Bridge on 127th Street West in Cortez. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson mental records, legal battles and major investments — all underscoring the ongoing balance between growth, safety county-owned land to the north and a hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, and preservation. By Robert Anderson Florida Department of Transportation- which destroyed neighboring waterfront Islander Reporter July As Manatee County weighs the led replacement of the Cortez Bridge to businesses. Man hospitalized after lightning And just after the storms, the county future of storm-damaged waterfront the south. John Cadmus, in a Dec. 24 interview purchased the parcels that housed strikes beach cabana: When thunder property at the foot of the Cortez Bridge, John and Lacey Cadmus say their third- with The Islander, said the issue is not Annie’s Bait and Tackle and the Seafood roars, go indoors. That’s the message generation business is facing pressure whether the projects should move for- Shack restaurant and marina complex. West Manatee Fire Rescue wanted ward, but whether overlapping timelines The structures were demolished in the people to hear following a lightning from multiple projects. The pressure on their operation, and early development decisions could spring and, today, the Cadmus’ opera- strike in Holmes Beach that sent a man tion is the last remaining business on to the hospital. Cortez Watersports on 127th Street destabilize waterfront businesses. Holmes Beach denies lien reducThe challenges come as Cortez the north side of the bridge. West in Cortez, includes planning for TURN TO BRIDGE, PAGE 2 tion for treehouse owners: Holmes a proposed Cortez Marina on adjacent Watersports continues to recover from Beach commissioners voted to reject a request from Richard and Lynn Tran Hazen, owners of the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E., to reduce an By Ryan Paice Holmes Beach owners elevate storm-damaged home $188,621.40 city lien against their propIslander Reporter erty, where a beachfront treehouse once Hurricanes Helene and Milton stood. inspired the owners of a Holmes Beach Church owner rejects Holmes residence to put 15 feet between their Beach’s purchase proposal: Acquisihome and the ground. tion of the closed Gloria Dei Lutheran Cindy and Eric Newman, owners of Church was off the table for the city of 218 S. Harbor Drive, told The Islander Holmes Beach. Real estate agent Taylor Dec. 18 about the experience of elevatRahdert notified the municipality that ing their previously ground-level home the property owner, the Florida-Bahato protect it from future storm damage. mas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran The decision was not an easy — or Church of America, rejected a $3 milcheap — one to make, but the 2024 hurlion purchase proposal. ricane season was enough to convince State delivers $1.25M for Anna them. Maria pier: The first dollars dedicated The Newmans had entered the 2024 to rebuilding the Anna Maria City Pier season without flood insurance coverwalkway were locked in. The city’s age, but changed their tune after their $1.25 million appropriation request to garage took in water during an unnamed fund the walkway rebuild was included storm in June. in the state’s new $117.4 billion budget “Some little voice inside of me said, that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed. ‘You know, maybe we need to start The home at 218 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, sits 15 feet above ground Bradenton Beach launches emerthinking about flood insurance again,’” level on temporary support structures while St. Petersburg-based JAS Builders works to make the elevation permanent. Islander Courtesy Photo gency alert system: Bradenton Beach Cindy Newman said. was launching an emergency notificaAbout a month after their securing insurance, Helene brought a storm surge level homes. ing and installing water barriers. Those tion system to better inform the public. that covered much of the island in 3-4 That included the Newmans’ home, ended up floating into a nearby canal The city implemented TextMyGov, a feet of water and flooded many ground- which they tried to protect by purchasTURN TO ELEVATED, PAGE 15 TURN TO FLASHBACK, PAGE 7

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CORTEZ cONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

A proposed Cortez Marina project centers on the county-owned waterfront property. Officials have said the site could be redeveloped for marine-related uses, including boat access, a marina and waterfront amenities. Meanwhile, the DOT is moving forward with plans to replace the Cortez Bridge connecting Cortez to Anna Maria Island with a high, fixed-span structure. Preliminary utility work has begun, with full construction expected to begin in summer 2026. Officials have said the project is expected to last three years and will involve construction staging and traffic shifts near the bridge. While supportive of replacing the drawbridge, Cadmus said preliminary sitework has disrupted access to his business. He cited the closure of 127th Street West, the last roadway before driving west on the bridge and the main thoroughfare in front of his shop. “They had it shut down for nine months. It was only supposed to be 45 days,” he said. Cadmus said his family has operated at the site since the early 1950s and that his grandparents owned and ran the business when the current bascule drawbridge was built in 1956 and opened in 1957. “My family’s been here since ’53,” he said, recalling how his grandparents attended earlier bridge meetings and how his family feared coming changes. “My grandmother would cry on the way home from those bridge meetings,” Cadmus said. “I find myself fighting the same fight.” He said he has followed meetings related to the bridge and the marina projects and he’s encouraged officials to delay permanent development on the Seafood Shack property, recommending maintaining the site as green space in the near term with safe fishing access, non-motorized launches and observation areas until after major bridge construction begins. Cadmus, whose business caters to eco-tourism, has said that the county, by clearing the docks and stormdamaged structures, inadvertently restored a natural

An aerial view shows cortez Watersports owner John cadmus’ parcel in orange, between countyowned waterfront property planned for a marina in red and Florida Department of Transportation rightof-way in blue near the foot of the cortez Bridge. Islander Image: courtesy Manatee county Property Appraiser

had with FDOT, I think the ultimate business impact will be minimal,” said Siddique, who will chair the commission beginning Jan. 1. Siddique said concept plans for the marina site are expected in February. “We’ll hear some concept plans and see what happens from there,” he said. Cadmus said he is not opposed to the county or DOT projects but he wants to dialogue as plans move estuary, with manatees and dolphins returning to the forward. waterfront footprint of the former Seafood Shack. “I want to work with the county, not against them,” “This is probably one of those times that it’s better Cadmus said, surveying the former Seafood Shack to do nothing and just let this place become a green property from his docks. “This place could be somespace for the public,” he said. thing for everybody.” County Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, in a Dec. 19 interview with The Islander, said he is sympathetic to concerns raised by Cortez businesses but he also said disruption is unavoidable during major Anna Maria plans infrastructure projects. “There’s always an impact with any construction block party in the park project, that’s reality, but based on conversations I’ve The city of Anna Maria is inviting residents

Save the date

Q&A The Islander Poll

How many airline flights do you expect to take in 2026? A. Too many to count. B. 10 more. c. 5-9. D. 1-4. e. None. To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.

to kick off the new year with a community block party at City Pier Park Friday, Jan. 9, at 5 p.m. The free event promises an evening of oldfashioned community fun by the bay, featuring music from Al Fuller’s Moonlight Movers. Also, city commissioners will be on hand grilling food for attendees. Residents are encouraged to bring a dish to share and invite friends and family to celebrate the community together. For more information, call the city at 941-7086130.

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Bradenton Beach CRA to hire consultant By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted Dec. 18 to hire a consultant to help review its redevelopment plan after city attorney Erica Augello outlined statutory changes from 2019. Augello reviewed a memo detailing changes in state law and what CRAs must document in records and on websites. One of the most significant issues, Augello said, involves the CRA’s sunset date. The agency’s most recent redevelopment plan, adopted in 2017, indicates the CRA would sunset in 2047. But under a 2019 statute, the CRA could terminate Sept. 29, 2039, unless the city formally states its intent to extend the district. Augello recommended the city adopt a resolution affirming its intent and notify Manatee County, which serves as the CRA’s taxing authority. Board members — the CRA consists of the mayor and commissioners — also discussed documentation related to the CRA’s boundaries. Augello said the agency’s website, cityofbradentonbeach.com, should show current boundaries, total acreage and a legal description. As adopted in a 2017 plan, the district extends southward from just north of the Cortez Bridge, bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east, with the southern boundary running through a residential area between Fifth and Sixth streets South. The 2017 plan also expanded the jurisdiction for policing purposes to include waters of Bradenton Beach Harbor in Sarasota Bay from the Cortez Bridge south to roughly Eighth Street South, between the Intracoastal Waterway and the bayside shoreline. Members said the boundaries were updated in records around 2017, but a legal description might exist only in older files or prior plan documents. Augello also reviewed spending requirements, emphasizing that CRA money must be spent con-

sistently with the redevelopment plan and annual budget. Funds should not remain unallocated, though budgets may be amended when projects are delayed or priorities shift due to emergencies, such as hurricanes. Board members said an experienced CRA consultant could help identify gaps in the plan, recommend updates and conduct a workshop. Members also said they need guidance on defining CRA-eligible projects, potential grant-style programs and coordination with the county. Mayor John Chappie motioned to direct Augello to draft a request for proposals for consultant services, along with a separate motion authorizing her to work with staff on compliance matters. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ralph Cole and carried unanimously 4-0. The next CRA meeting will be at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Holiday closings

New Year’s brings closings

New Year’s Day arrives Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Government offices will be closed that day and some will close early on New Year’s Eve, which is Wednesday, Dec. 31. Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city halls will be closed Jan. 1, as will Manatee County government offices. There will be no Manatee County Area Transit fixed-route or Handy Bus service on New Year’s Day. Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open, but the public libraries will be closed on New Year’s Day. Students in the School District of Manatee County began a winter break Monday, Dec. 22, and return to class Tuesday, Jan. 6. — Lisa Neff

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Anna Maria officials hope 2026 brings finale to pier restoration By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The spotlight on the Anna Maria City Pier rebuild project is only growing brighter as the calendar turns to 2026. Several Anna Maria officials reflected with The Islander over the week of Dec. 22 on 2025 and their resolutions for 2026, many of which centered around work on the pier walkway, which was destroyed in 2024 by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The city demolished the remainder of the walkway and hired Tampa Bay Marine to rebuild the structure with superior materials. Commissioner Charlie Salem told The Islander Dec. 23 that the pier is the most visible reminder of the 2024 Short storms, so he would love to get it back up and running. “This whole island’s going to rejoice when that gets back up and running again,” Commissioner Christopher Arendt told The Islander Dec. 23. Arendt Reflecting on the past year, commissioners credited Mayor Mark Short and staff for their work restoring the city following the storms and taking on the pier rebuild. “Mark’s done a great job,” Commissioner Gary McMullen told The McMullen Islander Dec. 22. Arendt said Short and staff deserved the “lion’s share” of credit for their work to get the city back to normal. Short told The Islander Dec. 23 that he learned a lot over the year, his Salem first as mayor, and he was happy with the city’s accomplishments. Looking forward to 2026, Short said he had two

Favorite for 2025 Islander of the Year? Email a name

With the new year arriving, The Islander soon will announce its 2025 Islander of the Year. Which individual or organization would you recommend for the honor? Suggest a nominee and include why with The Islander by emailing news@islander.org. Please, email news@islander.org by noon, Thursday, Jan. 1. And please, include a contact name and phone number.

Onlookers gather at the gateway to the Anna Maria City Pier Dec. 23 as Tampa Bay Marine continues replacing the demolished pier walkway that eventually will carry foot traffic to the T-end in Tampa Bay. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

main focuses, with the first being to reopen the pier by late fall. Short’s second focus will be on continued improvements to the stormwater infrastructure. The city increased its stormwater utility fee from $2 to $4 per 100 square feet of property for fiscal 2025-26, which began Oct. 1, 2025, and will end Sept. 30, 2026. Short said it was up to the city to put those funds to good use and address flooding concerns. “We’re not going to fix it all in the next year, but we’re making progress,” he said. One stormwater project in progress is restoring five stretches of swales throughout the north end of the city. McMullen said he hopes completion of the swale project will relieve some of the issues with standing water on the north end, which he called a “lake.” City officials also shared some of their biggest concerns heading into 2026. Arendt and McMullen said they were concerned about tenants for the T-end buildings when the pier reopens. Brian Seymour, co-owner of the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop, has called for changes to the pier and his lease for the T-end space. Meanwhile, Mote Marine

Laboratory, which operated a Marine Science Education and Outreach Center on the T-end, has yet to signal to the city whether it will return to its space when the pier reopens. McMullen said he hopes Mote does not return to the pier. “I’m not a fan of Mote Marine there,” he said. “The exhibit sucked.” McMullen also expressed concern about Manatee County’s pursuit of an islandwide multimodal path from Longboat Pass to Bean Point. He said he was in favor of the path, but worried that it would spark a “big fight” with property owners on Gulf Drive, since construction of the path would necessitate the elimination of some parking along the roadway. Salem said he has concerns about potential state legislation that would eliminate local government’s ability to levy property taxes. He said he wants the city to be prepared to “weather that kind of storm” if the legislation becomes law. Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson did not respond to calls from The Islander on Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26. Commissioner John Lynch did not respond to emails from The Islander on Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26.

Veterans Donald Vaillancourt, who served in the U.S. Navy, John Harder and Ken Hauck, who both served in the Army, stand Nov. 11 while attending Anna Maria’s annual Old Soldiers and Sailors Parade. Islander File Photo: Robert Anderson

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Bradenton Beach officials outline priorities heading into 2026 By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

As they turn the page to 2026, Bradenton Beach officials say the year ahead will be shaped by recovering from 2024 hurricanes, rebuilding depleted reserves and navigating long-term questions about growth, affordability and the city’s identity as a small barrierisland community. Mayor John Chappie, in a Dec. 23 interview with The Islander, said much of the city’s focus remains rooted in lessons learned from the 2024 storm season, which included two major hurricanes. chappie “Recovery and mitigation have really driven everything,” Chappie said. “The storms put our health, safety and welfare to the test, and preparation remains one of the most important responsibilities we have.” A top priority entering 2026 is rebuilding the city’s financial cosby reserves, which were significantly reduced during emergency response and recovery efforts following the storms. “Two Category 3 storms in such a short time definitely took us way Scaccianoce down from where we like to be. Budget-wise, that’s the big thing,” police Chief John Cosby, who serves as public works director and emergency operations manager, said Dec. 24. Beyond finances, officials say infrastructure improvements remain long-term priorities. Bear Chappie said he’s hopeful that state and federal appropriations will advance major projects, including stormwater improvements and utility undergrounding. He also pointed to beach renourishment, currently expected to begin in late 2026, as a critical resilience measure. “It’s not just about rebuilding beaches,” Chappie said. “It’s about protecting our upland areas.” Commissioner Scott Bear, an engineer by trade, said Dec. 23 that infrastructure and drainage improvements will dominate much of the city’s agenda in the new year, particularly as the city works through redevelopment proposals. “We have to be careful,” Bear said. “Redevelopment brings tax base, but it can also dilute what people value, the small-town feel and permanent residents.” Bear also cited uncertainty surrounding proposed property tax changes and state legislation, that limits a local government’s ability to impose more restrictive post-disaster regulations. Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce, speaking to The Islander Dec. 23, said the storms also exposed

vulnerabilities for longtime residents, especially generational homeowners struggling with insurance costs, rebuilding expenses and taxes. “People are losing homes they’ve lived in for 50 or 60 years because it’s no longer affordable,” Scaccianoce said. “That’s how you turn into a giant vacation-rental community.” Scaccianoce said preserving Bradenton Beach’s sense of community will be a key personal focus in 2026. She pointed to investments in public spaces, such as the city’s library, as examples of rebuilding

social connections alongside physical infrastructure. “We need to bring people back into community spaces,” she said. “If you build it, they will come.” Despite challenges, officials expressed optimism for the year ahead, citing improved internal operations, strengthened emergency preparedness and renewed attention to long-term planning. “It’s a transition period,” Chappie said. “But if we listen, prepare and engage the community, we can move forward in a way that keeps Bradenton Beach strong.”

For the record: AMI resolutions a decade ago When The Islander surveyed elected officials on Anna Maria Island 10 years ago about their wishes and resolutions for 2016, a focus was on preserving the island’s residential character, dealing with congestion, promoting walkability and governmental officials getting along. Nancy Yetter, an Anna Maria commissioner, said then that she wanted the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to halt island promotions for a year. “It’s not going to happen, but the relief it would create with traffic would be nice,” she said. The late Bill Shearon, then Bradenton Beach’s

mayor, wished for “a more walkable, bicycle-friendly island community.” “If you’re in a hurry, you are on the wrong island,” he added. Holmes Beach’s commissioners and Mayor Bob Johnson all wished for peace and good health. Judy Titsworth, then the commission chair and now mayor, said of 2016: “I hope this year will mark the end of the frustrations of many of our residents and that they will once again find peace within our city and enjoy sharing it with family, the community and our tourists,” — Lisa Neff

Bradenton resident Marie Masferrer, who has launched a Democratic campaign for the 71st District Florida House seat in 2026, welcomes people to a gathering at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach in September. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Flashback 2025 Bradenton Beach CRA moves to post performance report The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency recently tackled some cleanup work. CRA members took steps Dec. 18 to authorize the drafting of a state-required “performance measures and standards” report that attorney Erica Augello said was due on the agency’s website Dec. 1. State law mandates the report to provide a highlevel overview of the CRA’s goals for the year — what

was accomplished and what was not, along with brief explanations. The CRA, which consists of the mayor and commissioners, voted 4-0, to direct Augello to work with city staff to draft the report and return with it at the agency’s next meeting, which will be at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Robert Anderson

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Opinion

Our

Back to the future on AMI time

It’s a lightning bolt of history for us this week in The Islander. We’re wrapping up a look back at 2025 — a long year of recovery — and noting that storm recovery is not one and done. Since the devastation from 2024’s fall hurricanes, we’re still putting pieces back together, looking for tourism to improve and looking for the Anna Maria City Pier — a new bellwether — to reopen. Doc Brown and Marty McFly are celebrating the milestone 40th anniversary of the release of “Back to the Future” — the movie — sticking a landing in theaters in 1985. Meanwhile, I’ll soon be celebrating 51 years of (mostly) island living since I arrived in January 1975 to Anna Maria Island with a friend from Illinois (hey, D’arcy) and a U-haul truck of home furnishings. I drove here from Illinois in a 1974 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe, looking for a new future — and hoping to put the prairie behind me. Check that off. It took almost 20 years, but the newspaper has been good to me. Looking back over a year of news, I’m reminded of how hard it’s been to reach a point of recovery. Lots of folks spread out from their island homes — literally under water at the peak of Helene — to NW Bradenton rentals. Slowly, they return. Some gave up on restoration and sold their island home, choosing to stay nearby or far off. We’ve seen businesses come and go, too. While the push after the storms was to clean up and get open and operational, the customers didn’t come. They still have not come back to the pre-storm levels we anticipated. Business has been slow to recover and even slower to reestabilsh the gusto we enjoyed as we embraced pre-storm island living. Our community is bruised and limping back — but back to what? We saw this sort of slow recovery from the 2008 recession, when people were afraid to spend. We saw it again during the pandemic. And now, we’re tapping toes and waiting for another shoe to drop, saying goodbyes, hoping things settle down and the community gets back to normal. NORMAL? What’s that? We’re still revolving around the sun, frantically racing to the future and logging time, while urgently holding our breath until we feel normal. We’re going to need to settle on a new normal, because, as Doc said, “Your future is whatever you make it.” Great Scott. He must be right. Happy new year! — Bonner Joy

DEC. 31, 2025 Vol. 34, No. 10

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Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka jackelka000@gmail.com Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Contributors Jacob Merrifield capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Sean Murphy Advertising Sales ads@islander.org Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco Webmaster Wayne Ansell All others: info@islander.org

YourOpinion Making things better

The letter from former Island Hardware owner Tony Caminite, published in The Islander last month, stirred a memory from the summer of 1971 — one of those small but shining moments of community kindness that stay with you for a lifetime. That year, the incoming senior class at Manatee High School decided we wanted to begin our final year by giving something back. We took on the task of repainting the press box — inside and out — along with a long stretch of white-walled areas surrounding Hawkins Stadium. It was an ambitious project for a group of teenagers armed mostly with enthusiasm. Our search for supplies led us to the Pittsburgh Paint store in downtown Bradenton, where we met Tony Caminite. We explained our plan and asked whether he could offer us a wholesale price. Instead, he did something far better. Moved by our determination, he donated the paint — nearly 40 gallons — as well as all the rollers and brushes. That generosity stayed with us. And Tony got a small measure of payback at homecoming that year, when we painted both end zones in bold red, white and blue, with the MHS logo at midfield. The special grass paint we used for that? Tony let us have it at cost. Since I was off to college and a career in Hollywood, I didn’t know he had made his way to the island until I read his farewell letter. Somehow it didn’t surprise me. The island has always been shaped by good people — quiet helpers who make things better without fanfare. Tony Caminite was one of them. The island was fortunate to have him in its story, just as we were fortunate, all those years ago, to cross his path. David Reid, Hollywood, California

Letters Email with name, address and phone number to news@islander.org.

10-20-30 years ago

From the Dec. 28, 1995, issue

• Bradenton Beach Mayor Leroy Arnold announced his goal for 1996: “I hope 1996 is the most outstanding year in the city’s history. … We have to work together as a team. … We have to have loyalty to our taxpayers.”

From the Dec. 28, 2005, issue

• Island accommodations owners and hoteliers reported a slow start to the holiday tourism season. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president speculated that vacationers were waiting until after Christmas, which fell on a Sunday, to start their holiday. • Only five of the 20 units offered at pre-construction prices were still available at the proposed 40-unit Tidemark hotel and condominium development in Holmes Beach. The developer, Nick Easterling, said he was fast-tracking the project after delays over permitting and financing. • The Islander detailed a few resolutions for elected officials to consider in 2006: Completion of comprehensive plan updates in each city. A solution to parking problems in Anna Maria. Finding a long-term concessionaire for the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The reconstruction of the Key Royale Bridge. Advancing the creation of a water taxi service. From the Dec. 30, 2015, issue • The city of Anna Maria was making city planner Alan Garrett a full-time member of its building department, which meant he would leave Bradenton Beach. • Manatee County Area Transit was moving forward with plans to add at least 10 trolley shelters on Anna Maria Island. — Lisa Neff

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

Dec. 31, 2025 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB officials share 2025 reflections, resolutions for 2026 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A historically challenging year for the city of Holmes Beach has come to an end. But 2026 has a whole new slate of challenges. Four city officials — Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioners Carol Whitmore, Dan Diggins and Terry Schaefer — shared their reflections on the past year and their resolutions for 2026 the week of Dec. 22. Titsworth While the city was saddled in 2025 with the tall task of recovering from the 2024 storms, officials expressed satisfaction with how the municipality handled the task. Diggins said Dec. 23 that the city did a “fabulous job” in leading recovery efforts following the storms. Diggins “If you drive around the city right now, it looks like nothing happened a year ago,” he said. “It’s pretty amazing.” Schaefer agreed during a Dec. 23 interview: “The city, from a standpoint of beautification and cleanliSchaefer ness, is really back. The scars we see are so few now.” Titsworth also expressed pride in the city’s recovery efforts. She wrote in a Dec. 23 email that the city administered more than 2,000 building permits and was still able to improve its Whitmore standing in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, which

credits communities that implement flood-related activities beyond minimum NFIP standards with discounts on insurance premiums within their jurisdictions. The city announced in August that its CRS rating had risen from Class 6 to Class 5, securing a 25% discount on flood insurance for property owners — a 5% increase. Whitmore said Dec. 22 that she’s proudest of the commission’s votes not to raise its millage rate or stormwater fees during the 2025-26 budgeting process. The city maintained its 1.99 millage rate for fiscal 2025-26, but will collect $592,500 less in ad valorem revenue than it did the year before due to a 8.15% decrease in total taxable property value. “I don’t think we can handle a big jump and increase in our taxes,” Whitmore said. “It’s going to take us a few years to get through this disaster.” Looking to 2026, city officials shared their own hopes and concerns. Diggins said he had two goals for the city. The first is the improvement of the dog park at the north end of city field. The dog park has been the subject of public comment at recent city meetings, with parkgoers expressing dissatisfaction with how the space has been maintained by the city. Diggins said he also hopes to change the city’s charter to allow the option of hiring a city manager. He said Titsworth has “done a great job” and he does not want to replace her. Nevertheless, he said it’s important for the municipality to have the option. As for concerns, Diggins said he’s worried about the proliferation of electric bicycles and scooters. “That really concerns me because I think we’re going to have a serious injury sometime soon,” Dig-

Onlookers gather in October outside Island Grub Restaurant as a 1920 cottage that had been at 106 Willow Ave. rolls along Pine Avenue in Anna Maria to its new site behind Sato Real estate and Vacation Rentals, 519 Pine Ave. Islander File Photo: Robert Anderson

Flashback 2025 FLASHBACK cONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

one-way text alert system for real-time public notifications. Man serving murder sentence charged in 2017 LBK killings: A man already serving a 10-year sentence for a North Miami Beach murder was arrested in connection with the 2017 killing of two people at the Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key. Holmes Beach man arrested for attempted murder: Holmes Beach police and Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested a resident for allegedly attempting the premeditated first-degree murder of his wife, a first-degree felony. He also faced a charge of domestic battery. And that’s a green record: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring staked a new sea turtle nest and notched a record. AMITW documented the 13th green turtle nest of the 2025 season. That broke the record set in 2023. August Palma Sola Causeway grievances aired: Residents near the Palma Sola Causeway were asking the Bradenton Council for action to address nuisances on the stretch of beach on Manatee Avenue between the mainland and the islands. 2 drownings in a day in Anna Maria waters: Two water-related emergencies in one day in Anna Maria left two men dead, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and West Manatee Fire Rescue District spokespersons. Downtown Gulf Islands Ferry dock gets name:

Bradenton christened its riverfront dock the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier. The Bradenton City Council approved the name in July, acting on a request from the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Complaint alleges Bradenton Beach fraud, graft: Bradenton Beach officials were put on notice of a potential $100 million class action lawsuit alleging political corruption, graft and fraud in the city’s posthurricane property damage assessments and treatment of small businesses. Businessman Bob Bolus notified the city of his intent to sue in federal court. West Manatee Fire Rescue explores property purchase: The West Manatee Fire Rescue District Commission approved a motion to direct staff to prepare a potential $1 million contract for the purchase of property in the city. School zone cameras detect 70+ speeders in first week: Cameras at the Anna Maria Elementary School speed zone triggered 77 warnings for speeding violations over the first week of the new school year. Bradenton Beach defends city attorney’s bill, storm response: Commissioners unanimously approved a consent agenda item authorizing $91,050 in payments to city attorney Ricinda Perry for stormrelated services rendered in November and December 2024 following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Community center finishes fiscal year $79K in the black: The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fiscal year 2024-25 was a rollercoaster of a year. Fortunately for the nonprofit, that coaster had enough high points to land it in the black by the end of the July-June year.

gins said. Schaefer said his biggest concern is countering legislative efforts to suppress municipal home rule, such as House Joint Resolution 201, which would eliminate non-school homestead property taxes. Schaefer said the revenue is essential for the city, but, as the bill progresses, it remains unclear what can be done to offset such a cut. In the meantime, he said it’s up to the city and other local governments across the state to oppose the legislation with facts and messaging. “It’s a difficult challenge to explain to the public that nobody gets anything for nothing,” Schaefer said. “It’s one of the biggest challenges I think we have before us legislatively this year.” Commissioner Jessica Patel did not respond to calls from The Islander on Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26. Commissioner Steve Oelfke did not respond to Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 calls from The Islander before the press deadline.

Dogs take a run on opening day, Jan. 25, 2020, at the Holmes Beach dog park. Islander File Photo Robin Glover of Red Bay, Alabama, displays an oversized check for $6.25 million in October, after winning the Florida Lotto on a ticket purchased at the Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: courtesy Florida Lottery

September Pines Trailer Park lawsuit settled: A lawsuit challenging the closure of one of Bradenton Beach’s oldest neighborhoods was settled and Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Circuit Court dismissed the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association’s lawsuit against Pines Park Investors LLC. Cortez Marina neighbors push back on public boat ramp plan: Residents near the former Seafood Shack site in Cortez said they wanted Manatee County to scrap plans for a public boat ramp and instead restore a commercial marina, restaurant and retail businesses. Holmes Beach, county officials discuss paid beach parking: Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins resurrected a paid-beach parking concept during a meeting with city and county commissioners. “It’s time we ought to pursue the discussion,” he said. Body of missing Bean Point swimmer recovered: The body of a 20-year-old man who disappeared while swimming off Bean Point was recovered. Bradenton Beach CRA to ﬁnish undergrounding utilities: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted to move forward with undergrounding a final section of utilities in the historic district, a project estimated to cost about $1.3 million. Mayor vetoes Anna Maria’s no-swim ordinance: Posted signs prohibit swimming at Bean Point in Anna Maria. However, an ordinance to legalize the prohibition was sunk by the mayor’s veto.

PLeASe, See FLASHBACK, PAGe 11

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 31, 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI • Most third Mondays, 1 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org. • Throughout January, Artists Guild Gallery exhibit by featured artist, Wendell Graham, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694. ONGOING OFF AMI • First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com. • Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120, ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org. • Throughout January, Island Gallery and Studios exhibit, “Animal Friends” by Janet Flickinger. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com. • Through Jan. 11, 2026,“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, “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org. SAVE THE DATES • Jan. 2-5, Cirque Italia, Palmetto. • Jan. 8, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Jan. 8-25, 2026, Island Players’ “Murder by Misadventure,” Anna Maria. • Jan. 8-25, Manatee Players’ “Terms of Endearment,” Bradenton. • Jan. 11-12, Sundays at Neel/All You Need is Love Beatles Tribute, Bradenton. • Jan. 15, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Jan. 17-18, Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show, Holmes Beach. • Jan. 18, Island Players “The Second Time Around” auditions, Anna Maria. • Jan. 22, Tingley Memorial Library Florida Author Book Club, Bradenton Beach. • Jan. 22, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Jan. 22-Feb. 1, Manatee Players’ “Once Upon a Mattress,” Bradenton. • Jan. 24, Center of Anna Maria Island presents the Wailers, Anna Maria. • Feb. 5, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Feb. 12, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Feb. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island Atlanta Rhythm Section concert, Anna Maria. • Feb. 14-16, Sundays at Nee/Jersey Boys Tribute, Bradenton. • Feb. 15-16, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. • Feb. 19, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Feb. 19-March 1, Manatee Players’ “The Cemetery Club,”

Bradenton. • Feb. 26, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Feb. 29-March 1, Invitational at Holmes Beach: Art and Fine Craft Show, Holmes Beach. • March 1, Center of Anna Maria Island John Oates and The Good Road Band concert, Anna Maria. • March 1, Taste of the Island, Holmes Beach. • March 1, Springfest, Holmes Beach. • March 5-15, Manatee Players’ “Bright Star,” Bradenton. • March 6-7, Center’s Murder Mystery Dinner, Anna Maria. • March 12-29, Island Players’ “The Second Time Around,” Anna Maria. • March 15, Island Players’ “The Outsider” auditions, Anna Maria. • March 21-23, Sundays at Neel/Elton John Tribute, Bradenton. • March 28, Realize Bradenton’s BAM!Fest, Bradenton. • March 29, Sundays at Neel/John Denver Tribute, Bradenton. • April 9-19, Manatee Players’ “And Then There Were None,” Bradenton. • April 23, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park series, Bradenton.

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

OFF AMI

SAVE THE DATES

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31 8 p.m.-midnight — Bradenton Alive New Year’s Eve celebration and ﬁreworks, Rossi Park, 444 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: bradenton-alive.com.

• Jan. 9, 2026, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. • Jan. 9, City Block Party, Anna Maria. • Feb. 13, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. • March 13, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. • April 10, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach.

ONGOING OFF AMI

SPORTS & FITNESS

• 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

SAVE THE DATES • Jan. 15 through March, Annie Silver Community Center bingo, Bradenton Beach. • Jan. 20, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Workday, Bradenton. • Jan. 17, Palmetto Youth Center Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Palmetto. • March 14, Paws in Motion Walk-a-thon, Bradenton. • April 11, 2026, Pace Center for Girls Lucky Ducky Race for Pace, Bradenton. 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. KIDS & FAMILY • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet Thrift Store at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf ON AMI Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638. Thursday, Jan. 1 • Most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, 9 Noon — Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver, Coquina Beach, Bradenton a.m.-noon, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: Beach. Info: 941-794-2489. 941-778-0414. • Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., ONGOING ON AMI Coquina Beach Market, south Coquina, Bradenton Beach. Info: • Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 coquinabeachmarket.org. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. ONGOING OFF AMI org. • Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, • Saturdays, through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-301-8445.

SAVE THE DATES • Jan. 16, 2026, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria. • Feb. 20, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria. • March 15, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, AMI. • March 20, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria. • April 24, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria. • May 2, Center Crawﬁsh Boil, Anna Maria. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ONGOING ON AMI

• Feb. 14, 2026, Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Bradenton. • Feb. 21, Pirates spring training begins. • April 2, Bradenton Marauders season begins. OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI Friday, Jan. 2 6 p.m. — Game Night at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Tuesday, Jan. 6 5:30 p.m. — Sunset Shutter Stroll, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501.

• Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island ONGOING OFF AMI Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, • Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources mymanatee.org. Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, • Most Fridays, 1 p.m., bridge, Center of Anna Maria Island, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-3390. CALENDAR NOTES • First and third Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island luncheons, the Beach House patio, 200 Gulf Drive N., BraKEEP THE DATES denton Beach. Fee applies. Info: amirotary.org. • Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. • Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Graham featured artist at AGAMI Gallery

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island selected award-winning mixed-media artist Wendell Graham as its January featured artist, showcasing her vibrant, unconventional work at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach. Graham’s art spans coastal scenes, Western themes, wildlife, marine life, landscapes and abstracts, created with oil, acrylic and watercolor on a variety of surfaces. Her work will be displayed in the gallery window at 5414 Marina Drive throughout the month. The public can see Graham’s work during AGAMI’s Night Market 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9. The event will feature artwork by multiple guild members, light refreshments and a popular “Paint Around,” in which artists collaboratively add to a single painting that will be raffled off to one attendee. For more info, call 941-778-6694.

Wendell Graham is the featured artist in January at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach. The public can meet Graham during AGAMI’s Night Market 5-7:30 p.m. Jan. 9. The event will feature artwork by multiple guild members, light refreshments and a popular “Paint Around,” in which artists collaboratively add to a single painting that will be rafﬂed off to one attendee. Islander courtesy Photo

Gallery celebrates new year

Art enthusiasts can ring in the new year with a monthlong exhibition, hands-on workshops and free community events at Island Gallery and Studios. The gallery, formerly based in Holmes Beach, kicks off 2026 with “Animal Friends,” a featured exhibition showcasing the work of Janet Flickinger. Also, IGS will host a First Friday Artist Reception 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, with refreshments, small bites, live music and the opportunity to meet gallery artists. Additionally, IGS will host Dawn Gerardot leading “Paint with a Pro!” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and artist Jean Cipriano teaching “Paint Your Favorite Fabric!” at 10 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 9-10. The gallery also offers art demos every second Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Critique Corner every last Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The gallery is at 456 12th St. W., Bradenton. For more information, call 941-778-6648.

Next Island Players production in rehearsals The Island Players next show, “Murder by Misadventure,” is in rehearsals at the Anna Maria playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive. The play, “Murder by Misadventure,” will run Jan. 8-25. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Edward Taylor wrote the thriller, which is being

directed by Heiko Knipfelberg and produced by Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store in Anna Maria. Tickets, priced at $28, can be purchased at theislandplayers.org, as well as by phone at 941-778-5755 and at the box office, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday, beginning Jan. 2, and an hour before showtime.

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Gathering

By Lisa Neff

Roser open for prayer nights

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will hold open prayer nights in its chapel at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, including Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11 and Feb. 18. The chapel is historic, dating back a century. John Roser, father of Charles Roser, one of Anna Maria Island’s early land development partners, wanted a chapel open to all people of Anna Maria Island, residents and visitors alike. For more information, go to roserchurch.com. The church phone number is 941-778-0414.

Roser Church welcomes new music director Roser Memorial Community Church has welcomed a new director of music ministry: Edita Urbon, whose first Sunday directing at the Anna Maria church was Dec. 21. The church, 512 Pine Ave., will host a meet-andgreet with Urbon after the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Jan. 11. Also, the church is inviting people to join the chancel choir, which will begin rehearsals at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. In a message shared by Roser, Urbon wrote, “I am honored to join Roser Church as your new Director of Music Ministry. I grew up in Soviet-occupied Lithuania, a time and place where religion was forbidden, churches were monitored and people who sought God were often punished or silenced.

“Because of this, faith was something we carried quietly, secretly and very deeply in our hearts.” She also wrote, “As I begin my work at Roser, I look forward to enriching our worship with joyful and prayerful music; supporting and growing the choir; welcoming new voices and new ideas; serving this community with gratitude, dedication and love.” Roser director of music ministry edita Urbon. Islander courtesy Photo

GoodDeeds

Hundreds to take New Year’s plunge in Shamrock Shiver

Ring in 2026 by taking the plunge — literally. Clancy’s Irish Pub is hosting its 18th annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island, inviting people to jump into the new year with a cool dip in the Gulf of Mexico. The beloved New Year’s Day tradition will return Thursday, Jan. 1, at noon, bringing together the community for a refreshing start to 2026 while supporting local charities. Participants are encouraged to don their most creative costumes to race into the waves. There is no cost to participate but donations will benefit Healthy Teens Inc., Blessing Bags Project and Hungers End. A celebratory party follows at Clancy’s on Cortez Road, with prizes and contests. For more information, call Clancy’s at 941-7942489.

Flashback 2025

Judy Rup, left, and cindy Thompson with the AMI Rotarians lead a summer swim lesson at the Bradenton YMcA. Islander File Photo

for its spring jewelry sale to benefit the library. Info: 941-778-4255. • Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362. • Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Assistance sought on AMI Bradenton Beach, seeks volunteers to lend books and • All Island Denominations accepts financial dona- chat with patrons. Info: 941-779-1208. tions at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: • Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in 941-778-0414. Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: • Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine 941-778-6324. Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers. Info: 608-4440084. • Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered Assistance offered on AMI building and/or land for storage. Info: amiprivateers. • Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food org. assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. • Cortez Village Historical Society seeks volun- Info: 941-778-0414. teers to catalogue materials, serve as docents and edit • All Island Denominations offers financial help. a new edition of the “Cooking in Cortez” cookbook. Info: 941-778-4769. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com. — Lisa Neff • Friends of the Island Library is collecting jewelry Email listings to lisa@islander.org.

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Ringing in the season Darrel Shinn of the Kiwanis club of Anna Maria Island rings the bell for the Salvation Army earlier in December at the Publix Super Market, 3900 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. The 2025 season marked the 36th year of bellringing for Shinn. Islander courtesy Photo

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Dec. 31, 2025 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Quality Marine construction employees operate an excavator from a barge in October to remove items from the Anna Maria city Pier’s T-end. Islander File Photo: courtesy Anna Maria

In July, employees from Sarasota-based KADD Demolition use excavators to demolish and remove the Anna Maria Motel and Resort Apartments in Anna Maria. The motel was built in 1949 by carlos and Irene Wells. The property, owned by Illinois residents Daniel and christine Horvat, sustained damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy First-grade teacher Bridget Querrard welcomes her class to the first day of the 2025-26 school year at Anna Maria elementary. AMe had 197 enrolled for the first day, which was Aug. 11. Islander File Photo: Robert Anderson

First responders work under the Longboat Pass Bridge in July to secure a safety line to a piling during a training exercise led by Team Blacksheep TRT. Islander File Photo: Jacob Merrifield

Flashback 2025

FLASHBACK cONTINUeD FROM PAGe 7

Uproar over Anna Maria building official calmed: Responding to complaints from local builders, Mayor Mark Short announced that David Gilson, who previously served as building official beginning in 2020, replaced contractual building official, Craig Greene. Bradenton Beach city attorney resigns: In Bradenton Beach, Perry city attorney Ricinda Perry abruptly resigned, closing out more than two decades of work for the city. October Bradenton Beach hires 6-month interim city attorney: Bradenton Beach commissioners voted in favor of Mayor John Chappie’s recommendation to hire Erica Augello and the firm of Trask Daigneault LLP as the city’s interim legal counsel for six months. Anna Maria nails down contractor for pier rebuild: The Anna Maria City Pier’s rebuilder was chosen. City commissioners selected Gibsonton-based Tampa Bay Marine Inc.’s $4,641,239 bid to rebuild the pier’s walkway, which was destroyed last year by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Jordyn Autry, 8, runs up a warped wall, an American Ninja Warrior obstacle, during a July visit to Jungle Gym in Pinellas Park, part of the center of Anna Maria Island’s summer camp.

Anna Maria Post Ofﬁce staff ‘happy’ to reopen: The Anna Maria Post Office was back in action. The location was one of many U.S. Postal Service facilities that sustained damages from Helene and Milton. Cortez shooting case ends on stand-your-ground ruling: A Cortez man was cleared of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a judge ruled that he acted in lawful self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. The case stemmed from a 2024 shooting in the Sunny Shores community of Cortez. Turtle season ends: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch ended its season with an exclamation point, announcing, “Major accomplishments!” “This year has been an excellent year for green turtle nests — with a record 16 green turtle nests documented, the previous record was 12 nests,” said AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella. “It has also been the second-highest year for loggerhead nests — second only to 2024, which had 685 loggerhead nests.”

November Soustek out as HB city commissioner: Commissioner Carol Soustek received the least votes of four candidates who ran in the Nov. 4 election for three available commission seats. The three winning candidates were newcomer Jessica Patel and incumbents Steven Soustek Oelfke and Terry Schaefer. Anna Maria incumbents automatically returned to dais: Anna Maria residents did not head to the polling place for a municipal election. Commissioners John Lynch, Kathleen Morgan and Charlie Salem qualified to run for reelection without opposition. 3 Bradenton Beach incumbents reelected: Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Debbie Scaccianoce retained their seats after qualifying for reelection without competition.

PLeASe, See FLASHBACK, PAGe 15

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crew members from U.S. coast Guard Station cortez pump water from a small boat 35 miles offshore after a malfunctioning bait well began ﬂooding the vessel, leaving three people stranded. Islander File Photo: courtesy UScGStation cortez

Palmetto man sentenced for ﬂeeing police

Flashback 2025

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Streetlife

Island police reports

Flashback 2025 Holmes Beach Police chief Bill Tokajer shakes hands with Tyler Lancaster of Holmes Beach, who won a $2,700 bid for a ride-along with the chief at an October benefit for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Anna Maria No new reports. Bradenton Beach No new reports. Cortez No new reports. Holmes Beach Dec. 17, Publix, 3900 E. Bay Drive, arrest warrant. The Holmes Beach Police Department was contacted around 11:35 a.m. by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office about a motorist driving into the city who had an active out-of-county arrest warrant for trafficking narcotics. HBPD officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. They confirmed the identity of the driver and the warrant for her arrest, then arrested her and transported her to the Manatee County jail. Dec. 18, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, marijuana. An officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorist for a code violation. The officer smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle and, during a search, found a bag containing about 14 grams of marijuana. The officer confiscated the marijuana and issued citations. Dec. 20, 2500 block of Gulf Drive, possession/use of drug equipment. An officer was approached around 12:20 a.m. by a woman who asked for help locating a property she had rented in the past. The officer found the woman suspicious, so he ran the license plate of the vehicle she got into and found its registered owner, the

Tiki & Kitty’s Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to shopping These are our favorites for mid-century modern in the new year at their favorite shops and boutiques. decor, antiques, vintage treasures and gifts. It’s beginning to look like new decor for 2026! Check out Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace where vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage vinyl records. You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. Next to Cat’s Meow, there’s Blue Flamingo, 4HUR 3AT 0RIVATE SHOPPING BY APPT another “must stop.” They are always festive but now TH 3T % \ "RADENTON the collection includes the Gathering Place and the .7 CORNER TH -ANATEE !VE Sea Hagg, formerly in Cortez. They have three large buildings filled with assorted quirky, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures and nauticals, hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor,

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Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI! Stop by at our other locations:

Judge Frederick Mercurio of the 12th Circuit Court Dec. 15 found Matthew McClanahan, 20, of Palmetto, guilty of a handful of criminal charges, including two third-degree felonies for fleeing to elude law enforcement officers and possessing a vehicle with altered vehicle identification numbers. McClanahan was arrested Sept. 23 in Holmes Beach, where he was found driving a motorcycle without a license plate. When an officer attempted to stop McClanahan, he began to flee, but eventually complied to orders to pull over. The officer found that the motorcycle’s VINs had been tampered with and McClanahan — who was on probation at the time — did not have a driver’s license or motorcycle endorsement. McClanahan was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under a $5,450 bond until his sentencing. In addition to the two felonies, McClanahan was also charged with three second-degree misdemeanors for: • Driving with a canceled, revoked or suspended license; • Lacking a motorcycle endorsement; • Lacking a valid registration. At the Dec. 15 court hearing, McClanahan pled guilty to the charges. Mercurio credited McClanahan’s time served in county jail and sentenced him to 24 months of probation and to enter an authorized Phoenix House program, complete substance abuse treatment and submit a biological specimen for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He will be on probation until December 2027. driver, had an expired license. The officer spoke to the driver, who could not provide proof of insurance. So the officer issued citations and had the vehicle towed. Two officers searched the vehicle and found a case that contained a burnt metal bowl with white residue inside, among other items. The residue field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The officers arrested the woman and transported her to the Manatee County jail. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO. — Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques! garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans, as well as Dixie Belle paints. Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections. FYI: Scavengers carries Fusion Paints. The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

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Dec. 31, 2025 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FISH board members and volunteers work in August on a bridge project in the FISH Preserve in cortez. Islander File Photo

Flashback 2025

FAR RIGHT: In October, Paul Paradis, owner of 1203 Gulf Drive S., watches as a demolition team tears down his neighbor chris Miller’s home at 1201 Gulf Drive S. in Bradenton Beach. Both buildings sustained heavy damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Islander File Photo: Robert Anderson

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

FLASHBACK FROM PAGe 11

WMFR marshal named Florida Fire Marshal of the Year: WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski was named the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association’s 2025 Florida Fire Marshal of the Year. County tourist tax revenues top $32 million in 2024-25: The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office reported collecting $32,180,502 in tourist development taxes in 2024-25 compared with $30,540,104 in 2023-24 and $30.8 million in 2022-23. Island Publix sells $6.25M Lotto ticket: Robin Glover of Red Bay, Alabama, purchased a $6.25 million winning Florida Lotto ticket from the Publix Super Market at 3900 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

employment without cause, The Islander reported on a history of complaints filed against Addy by her former coworkers might provide some insight into the decision. City designates ferry dock space at Bridge St. pier: Two of the Historic Bridge Street Pier’s floating dock slips were reserved for Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service. Rattlesnake Key sells for $18M: A long-running effort to protect one of Tampa Bay’s most ecologically sensitive islands reached a turning point with the sale of Rattlesnake Key. The 724-acre tract of mangrove islands and submerged lands in Tampa Bay is south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County. RatDecember tlesnake Key Preservation Co., the new owner, said the Former Anna Maria city treasurer’s final purchase would help “preserve the natural character of months marked by complaints: After the city of this special property for local residents, sportsmen, and Anna Maria terminated city treasurer LeAnne Addy’s outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for generations.”

ELEVATED cONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

and leaving the residence vulnerable. The property took on more water during Milton and, after the storms passed, was left with extensive damages. Cindy Newman said the restoration process was “exasperating” and convinced them to lift the house and avoid similar problems in the future. They decided to raise it to the maximum possible height, 15 feet above ground level, to best protect the home from flooding. “You hear stories further north of us during Helene, where they were flooding 10, 12, 15 feet. Why do 8 feet when I can do 15?” Eric Newman said. The Newmans made the decision to lift the home elevation in November 2024 and, as of Dec. 18, the project remained incomplete. “It’s been a long process,” Cindy Newman said. “And we still have a long process to go.” That process has involved the contractor, St. Petersburg-based JAS Builders, excavating underneath the home, creating a foundation of steel I-beams and excavation begins below property at 218 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, so the building can be elevated. Islander Photo: courtesy cindy Newman

lifting the home 14 inches at a time using 27 hydraulic jacks, then resting the home on cribbing — Jenga-like stacked wooden blocks. By now, the home is at its maximum height of about 16 feet above ground level, higher than its finishing point so work can be completed underneath. That uncompleted work is the creation of a new foundation, which will involve driving helical pilings and building 18-inch columns around them. The house will then be lowered to rest on the columns. In the meantime, the Newmans are staying in a rented home in Key Royale. Cindy Newman said the journey has been littered with complications and additional charges. Eric Newman said they have probably paid around a third to half the price of building a new home, but that is also due to custom modifications. Those modifications include the enclosure of a garage, which will become a bedroom, and the addition of an elevator in place of an existing bedroom. The Newmans both laughed when asked when

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project is underway with plans for drilling operations for a submerged pipe in the Intracoastal Waterway. Info: amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660. Gulf Drive/State Road 789: The Florida Department of Transportation is milling and resurfacing Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1, 2026. Motorists can expect single-lane closures overnight. Info: swflroads.com/project/451021-1. Cortez Bridge: The utility relocation project is continuing. Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge, with sidewalk closures. Pipe installation is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-306-4660, info@ amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io. 75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West: Manatee County is working on its 75th Street West Improvements Project from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.

work on their home will be completed. “Do you know a good fortune teller?” Eric Newman asked. Nevertheless, they said they hope to move back into the home in April 2026, after their rental ends, and they remain excited about the finished product. “My husband says he’s dying to get into the house and see our view,” Cindy Newman said. “For a while, we were able to have peak views of Tampa Bay and the Skyway, and now I think we’re actually going to have really nice views of it.” They are also outdoor people and excited to use the area beneath the home as patio space. “That area before was all house. Now it’s beautiful patio space,” Cindy Newman said. “We’re doubling our living area, almost.”

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gift@ the HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Ask about our personal and pet portraits. emersonshumor.com

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 31, 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Golf, horseshoes play through winter holidays By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

With Christmas on the horizon, it was a short week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. The men played their weekly modified-Stableford system match Dec. 22. Quentin Talbert and Steve Vasbinder shared first on matching plus-4s. Brian Comer was the winner of the skins game with 2. The women played their usual nine-hole individual-low-net match Dec. 23. Susan VanOrsdel grabbed Cassidy clubhouse bragging rights with a 2-under-par 30 to edge second-place finisher Jana Samuels by one stroke. Margrit Layh was alone in third-place with a 1-over-par 33. To top off his month, Bill MacMillan hit his second career hole-in-one Dec. 19 at the KRC course. MacMillan aced the 132-yard third hole with his 5-wood. Following the round, MacMillan treated members to the traditional beverage at the clubhouse. Horseshoe action Dec. 24 at the Anna Maria City

Bob Mason, left, and Adin Shank show off the horseshoe trophy after winning the Dec. 27 games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers

Hall pits saw Tim Sofran and Bob Lee post the lone 3-0 record to be Christmas Eve’s undisputed champs. Action Dec. 27 saw two teams advance to a playoff. The team of Bob Mason and Adin Shank defeated Sofran and Lee 22-11 to earn bragging rights. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. It’s free to play and everyone is welcome.

A long way to Tipperary — by kayak Dressed in Santa hats and holiday spirit, Fran Denny, left, poses with family members Jennifer, Diedre and Emily Denny on Dec. 24 at the Capt. Scott Moore Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach. Visiting from Tipperary, Ireland, the family spent part of their Christmas holiday on a guided kayak tour with Florida Blue Adventures of Bradenton. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Bill MacMillan shows off the ball he hit Dec. 19 for a hole-in-one at the 132-yard third hole at the Key Royale Club. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

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Holmes Beach commissioner Jessica Patel poses with a young opossum during the celebration for Wildlife Inc.’s reopening.

To the rescue …

Friends of the Island Library sets 2026 lecture series

The Friends of the Island Library will present eight Thursday afternoon programs featuring diverse topics ranging from retirement planning to artificial intelligence, Florida wildlife and local history. The 2026 Lecture and Travel Series will begin Jan. 8 and runs for eight consecutive Thursday afternoons through Feb 26. Programs start at 2 p.m. in the community room at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and seating is limited. The series will kick off with Reese Vita discussing retirement planning strategies. On Jan. 15, authors Peggy Donoho and Ron Prouty will present their book, “The Pioneer Tale of Miguel and Frederica Guerrero.” Jeanette Edwards will explore Florida’s pelican population on Jan. 22, followed by Carol Ann Felts’ program on Florida Crackers on Jan. 29. February’s lineup includes Ryan Nunez demystifying artificial intelligence and its practical applications on Feb. 5. Robert Gaglio will take attendees on a journey through “The Other Italy” Feb. 12, while fishing guide Scott Moore will share five decades of experience on Anna Maria Island on Feb. 19. The series will conclude Feb. 26 with Nate Jacobs, founder of the West Coast Black Theater Troupe. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341. — Lisa Neff

Karen LaPense, left, Krista carpenter, wearing a Santa hat, Darcie Anderson, Linda Hamilton and Katy Demick take part in a Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 16 to mark the reopening of Wildlife Inc., a nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center at 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach. The event celebrated the center’s return to full operations and its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife. Islander Photo: courtesy AMIcofc

Members of the Rotary club of Anna Maria Island pose during the celebration at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach. Islander courtesy Photo You can explore The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Share your news, sports, fishing, achievements, kudos, fun, milestones, births, weddings, graduations, travel photos with us at news@islander.org.

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Changes in ﬁshing tactics, water temps ring in the new year

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

As the new year arrives, Anna Maria Island anglers brace for cooler temperatures and prepare to change fishing techniques. The use of live shrimp as bait is more apparent because live shiners are harder to locate, plus many inshore species may prefer a shrimp over a shiner as less energy is required when chasing the slower shrimp. Species like sheepshead, pompano, Stasny black drum and redfish will be primary targets as water temps drop, which is a welcome development for many anglers as it’s nice to switch fishing techniques and target different species. This also gives some species — such as snook, which prefer warmer waters and are not as active during the cooler months — a break. Fishing along the Gulf beaches with small jigs tipped with fresh-cut shrimp is a technique that works well in wintertime. Pompano are susceptible to this method, as well as black drum and sheepshead. Other species, like ladyfish, jack crevalle, blue runners and an occasional ﬂounder, can be in the mix, which makes for a nice variety. Fishing deeper waters around structure should turn on for sheepshead as they begin to forage heavily in preparation for their spawn in late February or early March. Finally, nearshore fishing around structure for species like hogfish, Key West grunts and snappers should

Kevin evans of Orlando shows off a nice 32-inch snook he hooked and released Dec. 27 in Palma Sola Bay — only his second snook and his biggest — while on a guided trip with capt. Kasey Nelson of Anna Maria charters.

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remain steady as the cooler water temps settle in. Just wait for the calm, cool winter mornings to venture out to depths of 40-60 feet to get in on the bite. On my Just Reel charters, I’m fishing a variety of areas, ranging from the shallow flats of Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and the artificial reefs. On the flats, spotted seatrout and redfish are responding to offerings of live shrimp combined with small jigs. Casting and jigging through shallow sandy potholes during low tides can yield catches of both species. Targeting redfish and sheepshead is good when fishing around docks and canals. Casting shrimp on a weighted rig can lead to quite a few hookups. On the deeper flats of Tampa Bay, Spanish mackerel and spotted seatrout are present and they’re being caught on live shiners. This bite can be consistent during morning outgoing tides, resulting in numerous catches of both species. Fishing structure in the Gulf is yielding sheepshead, mangrove snapper, flounder and some Key West grunts. Capt. Johnny Mattay is working charters offshore to start the new year. American red snapper are aggressively taking baits in depths of 120 feet as they compete with red grouper to get a meal. Offshore wrecks and hard-bottom areas are holding plenty of king mackerel, which are being caught by free-lining live shiners behind the boat. In slightly shallower depths of 45-65 feet, Mattay is finding plenty of action for his clients on mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and hogfish. The other usual suspects — grunts and porgies — are in the mix. Moving in inshore, Mattay is finding some catchand-release action on snook with live shiners as bait. Spotted seatrout and redfish also are available while working the inshore waters. Mattay says Spanish mackerel are abundant on the deeper grass flats. Capt. David White is finding action for his anglers by working the flats of Tampa Bay off Anna Maria Island south to Sarasota Bay. Drifting and jigging over flats in depths of 4-6 feet is leading to a variety of species for the cooler, including pompano, ladyfish, jack crevalle and spotted seatrout. On deeper flats, using shiners as bait, macks, spotted seatrout and bluefish are the norm. Moving to the shallow flats adjacent to mangrove shorelines, White is producing action on some catchand-release snook with a few redfish in the mix. Target-

ing redfish around rocks and docks is producing good action and casting live shrimp along the Gulf beaches is yielding black drum and a few sheepshead. White produced a nice haul of hogfish for his clients, too. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org.

TideWatch

Red tide detected offshore

For the week ending Dec. 28, the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed in 29 samples from Florida’s Gulf Coast. K. brevis was observed at background concentrations offshore of Hillsborough County, very low concentrations offshore of Manatee County and background concentrations offshore of Monroe County. In Northwest Florida, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in Bay County, very low to low concentrations in Gulf County and background to very low concentrations in Franklin In August, a hatchling sea turtle makes its way to the Gulf at sunrise. Islander File Photo: courtesy County.

Flashback 2025

— Lisa Neff

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Jason McNiel of Nolensville, Tennessee, left, and capt. Johnny Mattay show off a 15-pound American red snapper McNiel caught Dec. 26 some 40 miles out in the Gulf with a sardine for bait on a guided fishing trip with Mattay of Anna Maria charters. Mattay said the American red snapper is “in season” for charters and they kept the fish.

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Dec. 31, 2025 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Resolutions now and then

RELEASE DATE: 12/28/2025

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

This time of year, with the presents opened and nothing but crumbs remaining in the Christmas cookie tin, we look ahead — to the next holiday, to the new year. A decade ago, with the approaching new year, I wrote about envirolutions for 2016 for myself and hopes for Anna Maria Island, where I lived in a duplex apartment close enough to the Gulf beach that I could count the steps. Neff My life and AMI have seen significant changes in a decade, but what about those resolutions and hopes? Looking back, I pledged to walk and bike more and drive less to reduce my carbon footprint and do my part to fight congestion. I’m there on the walking but not the biking, which is a very different experience here than in locations where I lived up north. I moved to the area from Chicago, which has a network of more than 448 miles of designated lanes, bikeways and neighborhood greenways. But it seems impossible to ride anywhere around here without a bike lane disappearing or encountering a gap in a trail. So a resolution for 2026 is to pedal more, and a hope is that the local leadership gets it together to create complete, safe travel lanes for bicyclists and then police them to keep out cars and golf carts. A decade ago, I resolved “to get to know every plank in the boardwalks at Leffis Key and every species in the trees in the little treasure on the south end. Um. I didn’t accomplish this goal. Now it’s likely that some planks in Leffis were replaced following hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the county preserve remains restricted due to the impact of those storms. However, I did get to know well the trails in Perico and Neal preserves on Perico Island, and I’m getting there on the tree IDs.

Lefﬁs Key remains restricted due to storm impacts A boat can be seen Dec. 5 at Leffis Key, situated in south Bradenton Beach across from coquina Beach. The Manatee county preserve remains “closed until further notice” due to damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024, according to mymanatee.org. Leffis is the county’s only preserve on AMI but Holmes Beach maintains Grassy Pointe Preserve and there are three county preserves that can be accessed from Manatee Avenue just east of AMI — Neal, Perico and Robinson. Islander Photo: Jack elka

Ten years ago, I also resolved to join my neighbors at sunset because appreciating our outdoors is key to treasuring our environment. I wrote then about getting together “to delicately dance around touchy subjects — from megalomaniacs campaigning for president to code enforcement at city hall — and anxiously await that elusive green ﬂash.” I don’t get to sunset often enough. The green ﬂash remains elusive. And the megalomaniac is president but still campaigning. So what’s the resolution for 2026? To keep the TV off until after sunset and help educate voters ahead of the midterms. Other resolutions from 2016 are now habits and practices — I am a greener consumer. I do grow my own herbs. I did shave time off my showers. I wasn’t all me, me, me in the column a decade ago. I also wrote about us. How I felt then is how I feel now: We ought to resolve to love Florida — our undeveloped land,

shared shoreline, native ﬂora and fauna and abundant waters. So I don’t want to write any more headlines for stories about people running over turtle nests, killing birds, ripping out mangroves, plowing under wetlands, cutting back protected sea grapes and polluting waterways. We need to resolve to encourage builders and designers to consider the impact of the wind they block or the sunlight they steal with the bigger and blockier homes going up from the island’s end to end. And we ought to change the landscape of the island and think more about creating native habitat and what it offers native species when we must trade out old trees for new ones. I can’t be the only one to notice the dramatic decline in songbirds that can’t find seed and woodpeckers that have less mature wood to peck. In this new year, let’s all resolve to protect what keeps us here. Happy new year! No. 1221

CHANGE LOCATIONS BY ZACHARY EDWARD-BROWN AND JOHN KUGELMAN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Zachary Edward-Brown is a 16-year-old high school junior in Highland Park, Ill. John Kugelman, of Gainesville, Va., is a software engineer and veteran crossword maker. Zachary reached out to John for help in developing this puzzle’s theme. They did everything jointly — brainstorming examples, constructing the grid and writing clues. ‘‘Zachary is a natural-born constructor,’’ John says. ‘‘I didn’t find out he’s a teenager until we were done.’’ — W.S.

AC R O S S 47 Remodel and resell some real estate 1 Marvel superhero who can manipulate 49 Marching band weather patterns tempo setters 6 Something fun to take 54 Who said ‘‘It’s hard to out for a spin be humble when you’re 9 Shaquille O’Neal’s as great as I am’’ alma mater, for short 55 Season to enjoy une 12 Parts of a hand glace 17 Irritate 56 Ruler before 1917 18 Recaps 58 ‘‘Black-ish’’ airer 20 Paul whose house is one of the 16 historic 59 It’s a numbers game 60 Clothing for SWAT sites of Boston’s teams Freedom Trail 62 ‘‘The Simpsons’’ 21 False alarm character who announcement? becomes obsessed 23 Jedi in training with crossword 24 Sensible puzzles 25 TV host Brzezinski 64 Puff piece? 26 No. 1 choice, in slang 66 Like the number of 27 ‘‘No ____, ands or Oscars vis-à-vis the buts!’’ number of Emmys 28 Pollution-fighting org. 67 Plant watcher, for short 29 ‘‘Game of Thrones’’ 68 Camera type, in brief actor Gillen 69 Site of some Santa 31 River that borders sightings the Black Forest 33 ‘‘Render ____ Caesar 71 Longtime record label of Elvis Presley …’’ 34 Major coin producer 73 911 responder 74 ‘‘Hilarious!’’ 37 Viking I or II 77 ‘‘I mean, kind of ...’’ 39 Astronaut Ochoa, the first Hispanic 80 ‘‘Don’t give up!’’ woman in space 81 ¬ or ~, in logic 40 Nickname for Mark’s 83 Beat poet ____ unsevered best Cassady friend in 84 Like some milk, ‘‘Severance’’ idiomatically 41 They turn red litmus 87 ____ on the past paper blue 88 Indication of bad 42 First chimpanzee to service orbit Earth 90 ‘‘Much obliged’’ 43 Football blocker? 92 Crossed the 46 Hair-raising stuff International Date Line from east to west, or west to Online subscriptions: Today’s east (depending on puzzle and more Answers: how than 4,000 past puzzles, you look at it) nytimes.com/crosswords page 22 ($39.95 a year). 97 Bundled up

98 Articles are written in this 99 Brand name for naproxen 100 ____ Miss 101 Doll that comes in multiple body types, skin tones, eye colors and hair colors 102 Drink known also as ‘‘honey wine’’ 103 Frosty 105 Subject of Newton’s first law 108 Enjoying a soak 110 1980 horror film starring William Hurt ... or what the shaded squares contain? 112 Fundamental rules of math 113 Loopy writing 114 Star pitcher? 115 ‘‘Fiddler on the Roof’’ matchmaker 116 Letters for an unscheduled event 117 Prefix with natal 118 Like a bubble bath DOWN

1 Surveyed, with ‘‘out’’ 2 Early track star Jim 3 Resident of Honolulu, e.g. 4 Touchless payment tech 5 Internet ____ 6 Cheat on, in a way 7 Surgery sites, in brief 8 Video game character with an endless appetite 9 Be in a chat room but not chat 10 Soldiers with long arms 11 Alternative to the euro, in brief

12 Relinquish 13 Director DuVernay 14 Turns back the clock, maybe? 15 Opposite of volunteer 16 Parts of many robots in robot-sumo 19 Area inside the free-throw line, in basketball slang 20 ‘‘Gaspard de la Nuit’’ composer 22 Addresses angrily 23 Variety of violet 26 Urban safety hazard 30 Australia’s largest carnivorous mammal 32 Word used 10 times in Roger Ebert’s review of ‘‘North’’ (1994) 33 Dissimilar 35 Part of a legendary boast 36 Skips all the ceremony? 38 The brother in ‘‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’’ 40 What might be made while clasping one’s hands 42 Engineer Gray who, arguably, invented the telephone — and battled Alexander Graham Bell over it in court for years 44 Ballpark figure 45 Kind of tea 46 Sierra automaker 47 Shylock’s security 48 Adele song with the lyric ‘‘I must have called a thousand times’’ 50 Nonpremium option in a rideshare app 51 Gaming mogul Gabe 52 Ernst Stavro Blofeld, to James Bond

53 Put into piles, perhaps 72 Cafeterias 54 Swear 75 Like many indie films 57 Parking space for an 76 Many characters in Airstream, say, in the 2007 comedy brief ‘‘Superbad’’ 61 Did some school 78 He had a Billboard reporting? Hot 100 hit with ‘‘Rubber Duckie’’ 63 Exceptionally hard timber 79 Tortilla de patatas, por ejemplo 65 Amy Winehouse, e.g. 82 Where high schoolers 66 Thumbprint alternative work on their on iPhones numbers? 68 Reluctant to ask out 84 Starship’s medical one’s crush, maybe facility 70 Particularly 85 Ren faire prop akin to particular a halberd

86 ‘‘Sign me up!’’ 87 Hair-care item associated with Black culture 89 Like YouTube offerings 91 Commences 92 Rough drafts? 93 Interview guest whom Ali G calls ‘‘my man Buzz Lightyear here’’ 94 Like lowercase i’s and j’s

95 Sci-fi sequel of 1986 96 Like soft rolls 102 Wordless entertainment 104 Other, to Octavio 106 Brief announcements from a pilot 107 ____ alla bolognese (slow-cooked sauce) 109 Like hell! 110 Play a part, or part of a play 111 Part of N.Y.E.

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 31, 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

Manatee chamber to host local mayors at luncheon

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Headliners luncheon will be Wednesday, Jan. 14. The chamber invited six mayors — Gene Brown of Bradenton, John Chappie of Bradenton Beach, Judy Titsworth of Holmes Beach, Ken Schneier of Longboat Key, Mark Short of Anna Maria and Dan West of Palmetto — to the State of the Cities event. The leaders are expected to discuss opportunities and challenges facing their communities and the region’s business climate. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Individual seats and half or full tables are available. To register, visit the Manatee Chamber website at manateechamber.com. For more about the chamber, call 941-748-4842.

Flashback 2025 celebrants at an August ribbon-cutting for the reopening of the Tortuga Inn in Bradenton Beach include general manager Katy Demick, center left, unit owner Marlene Masson and staff Dorothy Winkler, from left, ethan Winkler, Mike Wood, Shayna Barr, edgar Montes, Susan Raulerson, Demick, Masson, Stephanie Watts, Bryon Morgan eva Zavala-Valencis and Melissa Glowacki. Islander File Photo

— Lisa Neff

IslBiz calendar

SAVE THE DATES

Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m., Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Headliners Luncheon: State of the Cities, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton. Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce lunch, Slicker’s Eatery, Cortez. Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m., Manatee Chamber’s awards dinner, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto. Send listings to calendar@islander.org — Lisa Neff

DEVINE DESIGN LANDSCAPE & LAWN MAINTENANCE INC.

Flashback 2025

Anita Thornton, left, Heaven Garcia, Tiffany Miles, Larry chatt, Jodi Nichols, Wayne Gunter, Frank Feliciano, Robert McGraw, Jennifer McGraw and Henry McGraw celebrate the opening of Sip and Shop, 419 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Islander File Photo: courtesy Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce

,ANDSCAPE $ESIGN )NSTALLATION 'ROUNDS -AINTENANCE 3OD s 4REE 4RIM 2EMOVAL )RRIGATION s ,ANDSCAPE ,IGHTING &ENCE )NSTALLATION 2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL ,ICENSED )NSURED

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ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!

#ALL $AVID $ANIELS OWNER DEVINEDESIGNLLC COM DEVINEDESIGN YAHOO COM

We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI. Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily. (OTELS s 2ESTAURANTS s /FlCE s -ANAGEMENT #O S #ALL 6ERUSHKA x www.allin1home.com -ANATEE !VE 7 "RADENTON &L

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Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

Dec. 31, 2025 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Pool/Spa Renovation Equipment Repairs ! , % % - % +) # ( & Installation &( . () - # &$ &+( #&% *"$ Ravens v Steelers www.tomsangerpools.com (" % ) % % &+( % - ' *(&%) (&$

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Saints v Falcons

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Panthers v Buccaneers

Seahawks v 49ers

Commanders v Eagles

Salty Beaches Boutique

Browns v Bengals

Dolphins v Jets

Titans v Jaguars

$" $" ( "# ( )&* / ( )&* "*)+ ")!" () &$

Clothing Jewelry Wine

Specializing in custom homes in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

Contact Ryan Moss, Ryan@Mosscustombuilding.com, 941.780.4097

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Fully Licensed & Insured General Contractors.

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Jets v Bills

Lions v Bears

* ®/ ®7 s 4HE )SLANDER PAYS TO THE PERSON WITH THE MOST CORRECT GAME WINNING PREDICTIONS .%7 ,/#!4)/. 0ARADISE "AGELS % "AY $RIVE BETWEEN $OLLAR 4REE 7ALGREENS (OLMES "EACH OR BY MAIL TO 4HE )SLANDER Spoonbill Road W., Bradenton, FL 34209. s %NTRIES MUST BE HAND DELIVERED TO THE BAGEL CAFE BY NOON Saturday every week or with Saturday mail delivery. s ! WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM TYING ENTRIES 4HE DECISION OF 4HE )SLANDER FOOTBALL JUDGE IS lNAL s !LL ENTRIES MUST INCLUDE ALL GAMES -UST BE SUBMITTED on the published form. Entries must be hand-written original. -UST INCLUDE NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER

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s !LL ADVERTISERS MUST BE LISTED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN Winner s ONLY /.% %.429 PER PERSON, PER WEEK. 8________________ Winner ________________ 2________________ 3________________ 4________________ 5________________ 6________________ 7________________

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$5O BUCS CONTEST

9________________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

Advertiser ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

Your correct score prediction for this week’s Buccaneer game could win you $50. Drawing in the event of a tie. (No game/no prize.) BUCS _________vs __________.

Your name ___________________________________ Address/City _____________________________________________ Phone _________________________ (AND DELIVER BY NOON 3ATURDAY TO 0ARADISE "AGEL #AFE HOURS AM PM %AST "AY $RIVE (OLMES "EACH s ).&/

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 31, 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

BOATS & BOATING

SERVICES Continued

STIHL BG 55 gas blower, $50. 618-2467699.

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.

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

LANAI OUTSIDE HEATER, $75, outside table set with four chairs, $65, 10-speed bike, $50. 941356-1456. 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 12:30 p.m. 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. LOOKING FOR FRANK from Island P r i n t ? H e ’s a v a i l a b l e b y c a l l o r t e x t 941-704-8108. Email frankhtc.fw@gmail.com. TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com .

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

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

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. 772486-8085.

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. GHEENOE: FIVE-IN-one, 15-foot multi-boat. Canoe, motor, sailboat, fishing and rowboat. Aqua with white interior. $850 obo. 814-5743768.

3.5 HP MERCURY OUTBOARD: 15-inch (short) shaft compression, 120 psi, starts first pull, runs great. New impeller, coil, carb, gas tank. Asking $400. Jack, 941-565-5531. HELP WANTED REPORTER WANTED: Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

CBC 1253471

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

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

References available • 941-720-7519

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.

HEALTH CARE RETIRED SEASONAL RN with over 20 years’ experience. Can help with your family members or your skilled needs. Please contact me for further inquiries, 973-819-2824.

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.

,IVERY )NSURED s !IRPORT 0ERMITTED

ANSWERS TO Dec. 31 PUZZLE

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

PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes. SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience. RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com. We are available 24/7.

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: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234. ACHAUFFER4U 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 WATCHER: 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. MORE ADS = more readers in The Islander.

Dec. 31, 2025 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

REAL ESTATE Continued

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

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike’s cell: 1-616204-8822.

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, 941-720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-5242248. CAC184228.

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

2BR/2BA CONDO 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. Call Sharon, 941-730-5645.

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

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

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

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

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096. GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. 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. 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.

RETIRED LIFETIME PAINTER: Works alone. $27/ hour. 502-817-6786.

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

SNOWBIRD SPECIAL: NICELY furnished 2BR/2BA condo. Community heated pool and spa. Minutes to beach. $249,000. Call agent direct, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. NORTHWEST BRADENTON: SINGLE-family custom home. 2BR/2BA, two-car garage. Community pool, spa, clubhouse and boat docks. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

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, 859-771-6423.

100 Pine Ave. beach access… 8:30 a.m. Sat. & Sun. $15 Pre-Registration ThriveYogaFit.com | 646-791-4301

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, 312-835-2323 for more information/ photos. 2BR/1BA ANNUAL 50 yards from beach. Newly renovated. New appliances, pool. first and deposit. 941-726-6597.

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 Course. 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. FEBRUARY-APRIL CONDO rental near AMI beaches. Delightful 3BR/2BA condo, photos available. Close to pool, hot tub, tennis/pickleball, shopping and restaurants. Walk to beach with Palma Sola views. Covered carport, guest parking. One small dog under 30 lbs. considered. $3,300/month, utilities included, three-month minimum. 617-8034659. zoe.perrywood@gmail.com. MADBEACH SEASONAL: Fully-furnished, secondfloor, 2BR/2BA condo in Madeira Beach for rent 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 MCHALE, 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.”

Place classified ads online by 11 a.m. Monday at islander.org

Rick Turner

Personal Driver 941.504.2894

Custom Coatings Commercial & Residential Painting PAINT 9EARS %XPERIENCE s !NNA -ARIA )SLANDER SINCE Contact Steve Herranz, owner, for a FREE quote! #ALL OR EMAIL SHERRANZ AOL COM

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 31, 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� th St S � � BD �/� BA �� SF �� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� N Shore Dr � � BD �/� BA �� SF �� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� Alamanda Rd � � BD �/� BA �� SF �� Kathy Harman �� ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� th St � BD � BA �� SF �� Kathy Harman ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� Gulf Dr � BD �� SF �� Brooke Doucett & Andrew Doucett ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� st St � BD � BA �� SF �� Dee Munn & Scott Toland ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� nd St #B � BD � BA �� SF �� Dee Munn & Scott Toland ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� Gulf Dr N #� � � BD � BA �� SF �� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� Gulf Dr N #�� BD �/� BA �� SF �� Kathy Harman ��

BRADENTON WEST �� Edgewater Cir #�� BD � BA �� SF �� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ��

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� th Ave #� � BD � BA �� SF �� Dee Munn & Scott Toland ��

Scan to explore all Anna Maria Island listings!

Amy Ward

Andrew & Brooke Doucett

Betsy Hagan

Chelsea Oelker

Dee Munn

George Myers

Hannah Hillyard

Jeff & Jennifer Jordan

Joe McCall

Kathy Harman

Scott Toland

Suzy Korinek

Nowhere but here. Connect with a local. ��.8�6.��8� �� Marina Drive �� Holmes Beach� FL �� michaelsaunders�com