The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, feb, 11, 2026

Local Catch: Seafood celebration returns to Cortez

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Organizers of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival say this year’s event will place increased emphasis on serving domestic and locally harvested seafood.

The effort is aimed at spotlighting the working waterfront and commercial fishing fleet that have sustained the Cortez community for generations.

Now in its 44th year, the festival will return Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 14-15, along Sarasota Bay in the historic fishing village. The event will run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days at Star Fish and A.P. Bell Fish companies, between 123rd and 124th streets west.

Admission is $5, with children 12

and younger admitted free.

Organized by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, the festival celebrates Cortez’s roots, dating to the late

TURN TO CORTEZ FEST, PAGE 11

Lance

shows off a “100% Domestic Seafood Vendor” sign during a Feb. 4 meeting at the Cortez Village Historical Society. Islander Courtesy Photo

Vacation rental companies launch suits against 35 defendants

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

One business deal gone wrong has resulted in two lawsuits.

Sarasota-based attorney Christopher Michael Nigro filed a pair of lawsuits Dec. 19, 2025, against two separate groups of defendants on behalf of LLC plaintiffs StayTerra Vacations, Prime Vacations and GSP Prime Holdings.

While separate, both lawsuits relate to Garnett Stations Partners’ $105 million purchase in September 2024 of a majority stake in a vacation rental man-

Rally set

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

agement business referred to as Prime Business.

Prime Business comprises six brands: AMI Locals, Anna Maria Island Accommodations, Anna Maria Vacations, Siesta Key Luxury Property Rentals, Lido Key Vacations and Tropical Sands Vacations.

According to lawsuit documents, Prime Business managed about 1,110 vacation rental properties, about 130 of which were indirectly owned or controlled by Prime Business’ founders and owners — local developer Shawn

to oppose cruise port

Opponents of a proposed cruise ship terminal south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge plan a rally Feb. 14 in Terra Ceia as public scrutiny intensifies and Manatee County officials emphasize that the project remains in an early stage of review.

The Save the Bay rally will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Seabreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop, Terra Ceia.

Organizers described the event as an informational and organizing gathering.

A promotional poster for the event advertised a “Rally to Stop the Cruise Port Development.”

Geoff Click, a Terra Ceia resident and administrator of the People Protecting Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve page on Facebook, said in a Feb. 5 interview that the gathering is intended to connect residents with environmental, legal and planning expertise and help them under-

A sign opposing a proposed cruise ship terminal is posted in Terra Ceia Bay near Paradise Island. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Bob Bustle

stand how to participate in the public process.

Click said the goal is to bring together people with shared concerns

Kaleta and real estate investor Roman Eckert.

GSP is a New York-based principal investment firm with more than $3.5 billion of assets founded in 2013 by managing partners Matt Perelman and Alex Sloane.

The firm’s purchase of Prime Business was done through StayTerra Vacations LLC and GSP Prime Holdings LLC, which is why they are listed as plaintiffs instead of GSP.

Part of the deal was that Prime Business’ original founders/owners

would not compete with, recruit or hire employees and service providers away from, as well as contract with any suppliers of Prime Business for five years. The deal also granted the business the exclusive right to collect management fees for its collection of properties for at least seven years.

However, both of StayTerra’s lawsuits allege a “deliberate, bad faith scheme to eviscerate the benefit of the bargain,” by a pair of ownership groups involved with the properties.

TO LAWSUIT, PAGE 2

Ultimate weigh-in

UFC’s Dominick Reyes drops in at the community center.

TURN TO PORT, PAGE 4

Mixed-martial artist Dominick Reyes stops by the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, Feb. 4 to step on the facility’s InBody Body Composition Analyzer. Reyes is ranked No. 10 in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. The center, via social media, asked: “Want the same in-depth body composition analysis used by the pros?” To learn more about the center’s fitness offerings, go to centerami.org. Islander Photo: Courtesy/Via Facebook

the

made a rapid interior attack, getting water on the fire within about 45 seconds, and firefighters searched adjacent units to ensure the blaze did not spread. The cause of the fire remained under investigation at press time for The Islander. Islander Photo: Courtesy Karen Nash

We’ve got a winner!

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The winner of the Super Bowl 60 “guessthe-score” contest from the Feb. 4 issue of The Islander is Chuck Russell of Holmes Beach. Chuck came closest with Seahawks 30, Patriots 17. The score was 29-13.

Manatee Fire Rescue crews stage near the corner of 35th Street and Gulf Drive in Holmes beach Feb. 6 while responding to a fire

Place, 201

St., Holmes

WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said firefighters were dispatched about 1:25 p.m. and brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported, but all six units were closed following the fire. Five had been occupied. The cause and estimated damage was not known.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The city of Holmes Beach has been informed about property owner Jake Spooner’s plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at 5325 and 5327 Gulf Drive.

Spooner

But, according to development services director Chad Minor, nothing is set in stone.

Minor wrote in a Feb. 4 email to The Islander that the city had yet to receive an application for a permit to demolish the structure.

Spooner’s original plan for the property, which he purchased in 2023 for $4,750,000, was to redevelop the bank using parts of the old structure.

On the ground level, the development will feature an arcade, outdoor miniature golf course, Island Bazaar retail store and a candy and ice cream shop. The upstairs will be a restaurant.

A site plan for the project was approved by city commissioners in December 2024.

Minor wrote that a building permit application had yet to be submitted as of Feb. 4.

Now, Spooner, a former Bradenton Beach commissioner, plans to demolish the remainder of the structure and replace it with new development.

A demolition permit will go through an administrative review process and does not need city commission approval. Minor wrote that additional approval from the city commission will only be required if changes are made that are not consistent with the approved site plan.

Spooner did not respond to a Feb. 5 call from The Islander.

LAWSUIT CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

One lawsuit names 12 defendants:

• Bradenton resident Kiri Stewart and six LLCs she manages, including Magnolia Cottages, 224 Chilson Ave., 128 Fillmore, 9801 Gulf Dr., 243 South Harbor Dr. and 48 Street;

• Five LLCs managed by Kaleta, including 2210 Avenue A, 2403 Avenue C., 103 Park Ave. AMI, 6548 Sabal Dr. and 518 Spring.

The Bradenton-based Najmy Thompson law firm is listed as the registered agent for all 10 property-specific LLCs, according to the Florida Division of Corporations.

The Stewart lawsuit will be overseen by Judge Charles Sniffen of the 12th Circuit Court.

The second lawsuit names 23 defendants:

• Anna Maria resident Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, Shawn Kaleta’s ex-wife;

• AMI Premier Properties Inc., for which Warren-Kaleta is the listed man-

Prime Vacations, headquartered at 303 Ninth St. W., bradenton, is one of three defendants, alongside StayTerra Vacations and GSP Prime Holdings, in a pair of lawsuits related to a $105 million purchase of local vacation rental management companies.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

ager and registered agent;

• 18 property-specific LLCs managed by Warren-Kaleta, including 91 Avenida Veneccia, Palmetto Panama, RE 106 9th, 107 Maple Ave, 117 Palm Ave, 3605 Gulf Dr, 107 Palm Ave, 112 Palm Ave, 3602 6th, Island Savvy Ventures, 209 65th, 100 73rd, 216 Palmetto Ave, 305 Magnolia, 9405 Gulf Drive, 303 Pine, Gulf View Beach House and 307 Magnolia;

• Three property-specific LLCs managed by Kaleta, including 104 9th St. SK, 301 22nd and 741 Jacaranda.

The Warren-Kaleta case was assigned to Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte of the 12th Circuit Court.

In both cases, StayTerra alleged that the ownership groups completed transfer agreements in a “shadow listing” scheme to collect rental management fees for the properties despite the purchase agreement giving StayTerra exclusive rights to collect management fees.

StayTerra’s lawsuit argues that the ownership groups’ actions deprive the company of its “bargained-for rights” stipulated in the purchase of Prime Business.

StayTerra is seeking $5 million in damages from the defendants in the Stewart lawsuit and $9 million in damages from the defendants in the Warren-Kaleta case, in addition to attorneys’ fees.

It also asked the court to grant temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions “prohibiting defendants from continuing to engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices” moving forward.

No hearing dates for either case had been scheduled as of Feb. 7, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court.

Gulffront hurricane-impacted resort gets city OK to rebuild

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Bradenton Beach City Commission Feb. 5 unanimously approved plans to rebuild Beach Bungalow Resort, clearing the way for construction of a 15-room hotel to replace the ground-level bungalows destroyed by hurricanes in 2024.

Commissioners also unanimously granted a letter of no objection tied to coastal permitting, completing the city approvals needed for the redevelopment to move forward.

City planner Luis Serna said the project qualifies for post-disaster rebuilding provisions allowing lawful nonconforming structures destroyed by natural events to be rebuilt to their previous density and building volume — provided they meet current flood-protection and safety standards.

The resort owned by Gayle Luper at 2000 Gulf Drive North and 2104 Gulf Drive North had consisted of single-story bungalows totaling 15 bedrooms. Under the approved plan, the property will be redeveloped as one structure two stories above parking and elevated to the minimum flood protection elevation required by the Florida Building Code.

The previous resort exceeded the city’s maximum hotel density of 18 units per acre, operating at 26.8 units per acre. The redevelopment is permitted to match that density under the city’s post-disaster rebuilding standards.

The planning and zoning board recommended approval Jan. 7 with the condition that a restriction to limit parking to guest use only.

During a Feb. 5 hearing, Luper described the rebuild process as unusually prolonged. The proposed rebuild has been under review for more than a year, with delays becoming a point of contention between the owner and the city.

“For the last year and a half since the hurricanes, my rebuild has been blocked, delayed and slow-walked at almost every stage,” she said.

Luper said the extended review carried financial consequences, resulting in losses exceeding $5 million, including lost income, interest payments, taxes, insurance, professional and legal fees and rising construction costs. She said the estimate did not account for the personal toll or potential future losses tied to uncertainty over reopening.

business owner Gayle Luper reads a statement during a Feb. 5 city commission meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., bradenton beach.

Project architect John Garra of Square One Architecture raised concerns about the recommended parking restriction, saying it went beyond zoning standards and could prevent contractors, inspectors or vendors from parking on-site.

City staff said the restriction was intended to prevent the property from being used for public beach parking or paid “resort pass” access

However, Luper said she did not intend to sell resort passes or use on-site parking for paid beach access.

“All I want to do is get back to running my resort with my family, and we just want to use it in a normal course of operations,” she said.

With that testimony on the record, Commissioner Ralph Cole moved to approve the major development, removing the P&Z’s parking condition. The motion, seconded by Commissioner Scott Bear, passed unanimously.

The approval was subject to conditions, including recording a unity of title, final driveway approval by the Florida Department of Transportation and minor revisions related to signage, landscaping buffers, loading placement and impervious-surface calculations.

HB building ordinances pass through planning commission

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A pair of ordinances revising Holmes Beach building codes are almost in the books.

Planning commissioners voted Feb. 4 on motions finding two ordinances consistent with the city’s com-

and Judy

of New Jersey endure temperatures in the 50s and northwest winds gusting 25-35 mph. “We wanted to get warm,” Sciorra joked as they took in the scenic view of Sarasota bay at the pier. Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

and coordinate the next steps in opposition to the proposed terminal, including outreach to elected officials and preparation for public hearings.

The cruise terminal proposal is centered on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract near Terra Ceia and Rattlesnake Key. Developers submitted to Manatee County a pre-application request, which allows county staff to provide preliminary feedback but does not authorize construction.

Public debate

Concerns about the tone of public discourse over the port project were raised during public comment at a Feb. 5 county planning commission

prehensive plan. Chair Gale Tedhams was absent with excuse.

The planning commission is an advisory board to the city commission that reviews proposed ordinances and land development regulations.

The proposed ordinances would amend building code provisions on substantial damage and the repair of nonconforming structures.

When it comes to substantial damage, Ordinance 26-01 would amend municipal code to remove language requiring the accumulation of improvement and repair costs over time in accordance with state law.

Planning commissioner Lisa Pierce said the ordinance was “overly broad” and expressed concern with developers taking advantage of the lack of a lookback period for assessing substantial damage.

Development services coordinator Kim Charron said the broad language was due to state law. “We have to do this. We don’t really have a choice, unfortunately,” development services director Chad Minor added.

Planning commissioner James Harrison moved to find the proposed code consistent with the comp plan. Planning commissioner Richard Brown seconded the motion, which passed with a 4-1 vote of approval as Pierce voted “no.”

When it comes to nonconforming structures, Ordinance 26-02 would extend the municipality’s 365-day timeline to rebuild them by another 180 days.

Nonconforming structures were built under former

meeting, where people urged the board to uphold land-use protections while rejecting harassment or intimidation.

The harassment issue surfaced after county administrator Charlie Bishop issued a letter Feb. 4 condemning threats directed at county employees and their families.

“We certainly hope that nobody would ever threaten any kind of harassment or violence against anybody that’s a county employee, an elected official, or certainly a family member,” Click said. “That’s not something that we condone.”

Speaking to the planning commission, Click said reports of threats “are not condoned or supported” and do not reflect the Terra Ceia community.

“What does represent this community is lawful, persistent participation and a reasonable expectation that adopted plans and protections will be respected and upheld,” he said.

Others at the meeting focused on environmental

zoning laws and do not conform with current municipal code.

The city already extended its original 180-day timeline to rebuild nonconforming structures following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

However, city staff found many property owners were still working to restore their properties by the end of the new 365-day timeline last October, so they proposed another half-year extension to provide more time.

The new timeline would extend into April.

“As we all know, time flies and we’ve got situations where people are just still dealing with insurance. They’re dealing with contractors. They’re dealing with everyday life things and are not able to meet the year deadline for reconstruction,” Minor said.

Pierce said she believed the proposed change was fair.

Planning commission vice chair Jim McIntire, who led the meeting in Tedhams’ absence, moved to find the proposed ordinance consistent with the comp plan. Pierce seconded the motion, which passed on a 4-1 vote of approval as McIntire voted “no.”

There was no public comment on either item.

The ordinances passed their first city commission readings in January and will now go before city commissioners during second and potentially final readings.

The city commission was set to meet Feb. 10, after The Islander’s press deadline.

and planning matters.

George Smith, who lives in nearby Palmetto Point, said dredging and ship traffi c could worsen water quality vulnerable to nutrient pollution.

“The prop wash from ships and the dredging will stir up phosphorus in the soil,” Smith said. “When nitrogen and phosphorus are combined, it creates algae growth.”

Elaine Johnson, a Palmetto resident, said a cruise terminal should not be treated as a routine zoning matter. “A cruise port is a high-impact, industrial use,” she said. “It would fundamentally alter the character and livability of the entire community.”

Following public comment, Matt Bower, the commission’s third vice chair, urged people to remain engaged and civil.

“Staff has a job. Whether they like it or not, they must proceed in accordance with their job rules, ordinances, state laws,” Bower said.

“This planning commission and your board of county commissioners cannot state for or against a scenario,” he added, warning that “any evidence of bias gives an applicant a basis for potentially overturning decisions.”

Read a timeline and more about the issue at islander.org.

Mail ballots go out for fire district property tax referendum

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Voters in the West Manatee Fire Rescue District soon will face a decision at the ballot box.

But for those voting by mail, that question is already arriving.

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office began sending out mail ballots Jan. 30 posing a question that would authorize WMFR to levy annual ad valorem taxes not to exceed 1 mill beginning in WMFR’s fiscal 2026-27.

The WMFR district covers Anna Maria Island and west Bradenton, including the village of Cortez.

The district currently levies non-ad valorem fire assessment fees that consist of a residential or commercial base rate plus additional charges for square footage.

However, it has also pushed on occasion over

decades to gain the authority to levy ad valorem taxes in an effort to increase revenues, but all previous attempts have failed.

Of Manatee County’s eight fire districts, WMFR and the Parrish Fire District are the only

ones not to levy ad valorem taxes.

The referendum is the district’s latest attempt and will require a simply majority vote to pass when the polls open for a special election on March 10.

If it is approved, WMFR will be able to levy up to 1 mill in ad valorem taxes for each property in the district.

The district did not provide a revenue estimate from the proposed tax in the first year.

The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of prop-

Bradenton Beach Ward 4 commission vacancy filled

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously voted Feb. 5 to appoint resident Robert Talham to the Ward 4 seat.

There were no candidates in the November election for the seat formerly held by Jan Vosburgh.

Talham, the only formal applicant, addressed the commission before the vote. “I think I can be of help,” he said. “I’ve been a contractor for 50 years, and I live here in Bradenton Beach … I’m not going to sit around anymore.”

Commissioners focused much of their discussion on Talham’s availability because he noted in his application, he might spend up to three months at a time out of state.

Commissioner Scott Bear said remote participation is allowed, but certain circumstances might require a physical presence.

Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce also raised

Election 2026

Voter registration open

concerns and asked whether Talham could return if a physical quorum were required.

Talham said he would be available by remote participation but could return in person if circumstances required.

Commissioners emphasized the responsibilities and time commitment associated with the role.

“You sure you want to do this?” Mayor John Chappie joked. “One last chance to run?”

“No, I won’t run,” Talham said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to approve Talham’s application and, with a second by Bear, the yes vote was unanimous.

Talham, who must complete training for ethics and compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law, will be sworn in at a later date.

Talham, originally from upstate New York, has lived in Bradenton Beach for more than 20 years and works as a building contractor.

erty value used to calculate property taxes and would be determined by a later vote by the WMFR district commissioners.

At the 1 mill maximum rate, the owner of a property with the assessed value of $500,000 would pay $500 in ad valorem taxes to the district every year.

WMFR has an online calculator that shows what the potential tax payments would be for any address within the district at two rates, 0.5 and 1 mills.

The calculator can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org/ad-valorem-calculator.

Vote-by-mail ballots can be requested through the SEO’s website, votemanatee.gov.

Those ballots must be submitted no later than 7 p.m. on election day.

If the referendum passes, the tax will go into effect Thursday, Oct. 1, when the district’s next fiscal year begins.

Voter registration is open for the 2026 election cycle, which includes contests at the local, state and federal levels.

People seeking to register can use an online application at a Florida Department of State’s website, registertovoteflorida.gov.

Details on registration also can be found at the Manatee County Supervisor of Election’s website, votemanatee.gov, which has a refreshed look since the November 2025 elections.

The 2026 primary election will be Tuesday, Aug. 18, and the deadline to register ahead of the voting will be Monday, July 20.

The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 3. — Lisa Neff

for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.

Commissioners receive $4,800 a year. His term will expire later this year.

Wishing you a sweet day

I’ve said it before, but Valentine’s Day became special in my household as a child after my mother and step-father were wed on that day.

A faux-gold broach — a gift to mom one year back in the 1960s, sits in my jewelry box to this day.

I’m happy to say that I now have a sweetheart to celebrate on Valentine’s Day.

My great-great granddaughter is now 3 and she’s full of love. She says “I love you,” so many times a day, I can’t keep count.

The sweetest thing about her is when she takes your cheeks in her little hands and pulls you close for a kiss.

I guarantee — it melts your heart like a Godiva chocolate in your hand.

Of course, I had two young kids of my own back in the 1960s for my sweethearts.

And then came two adorable granddaughters.

And I’m sorry to say to all of them, this is different.

June brought happiness in abundance and filled my heart with joy after from the loss of my son.

And now his granddaughter is growing up before my eyes. She sparkles wherever she goes.

I hope you have just a little slice of happiness like Junie brings to her mom and myself in your life.

For now, please, enjoy the day and try to make someone —even a stranger — happy.

There’s plenty of events and fun things to do coming up on The Islander calendar.

The commercial fishing festival is at the top of the list. It’s coming up fast on Feb. 14-15 in the village of Cortez where it began 44 years ago.

There’s plenty to see and learn about the fishing way of life at the festival, especially how our local seafood goes from the fishers’ hands to your table.

And there’s plenty of delicious seafood to eat.

The entertainment and crafts are terrific.

And it all takes place in the village, wrapped around the working waterfront.

I’m hoping to make it there with June to visit the touch tank, where she can see and feel some of what we see in the local waters — if we really look.

It’s the sort of event that you want to share with younger generations so they develop an appreciation for the hard work involved in putting crabs, fish, shrimp and oysters on the table.

You know that saying, adapted just a bit here: If you give a youngun a fish, he can feed his family for a day; but teach him to fish like a Cortezian, and he can feed the world.”

— bonner Joy

OpinionYour

Growth management matters

As the city of Holmes Beach celebrates 75 years of pride and progress, it is a moment not only to reflect on our past, but to consider where we want to be five, 10, or even 75 years from now.

Connections

Skimming online

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▼ Publisher, editor

▼ Editorial

FEB. 11, 2026 Vol. 34, No. 16

bonner Joy, news@islander.org

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

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Lisa e Hlywa, lisae@islander.org ads@islander.org

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Urbane bouchet

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▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

Holmes Beach has always been more than a destination. It is a community built on thoughtful planning, stewardship and respect for the natural environment that sustains us. Maintaining quality of life in a coastal city with a strong tourism economy is not easy — but it is essential.

What sets Holmes Beach apart is balance.

All others: info@islander.org

For decades, we have worked to balance residents and visitors, economic vitality and environmental protection, growth and capacity. That balance has served us well. Today, taxable property value exceeds $3.2 billion, reflecting smart decisions, community pride and restraint.

But coastal cities face increasing pressure from growth, tourism and limited local authority. Growth will continue — but capacity is not unlimited. When roads, bridges, beaches and estuaries are pushed beyond their limits, leadership requires responsibility.

On a typical day, Holmes Beach supports nearly 15,000 people, including residents, visitors and beachgoers. At the same time, the city contributes approximately 25% in revenue to Manatee County’s Tourist Development Tax, while operating at the upper limits of what this barrier island can safely sustain.

Across Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, the warning signs are clear. When water quality declines or beaches become overcrowded, the economic and quality-oflife impacts are immediate. Our coastal ecosystems — beaches, wetlands, seagrass and oyster reefs — are not amenities; they are infrastructure, and they are ecoTURN TO OPINIONS, PAGe 7

Q&A

The Islander poll

Ever seen a rocket or shuttle launch?

A. Yes, from the Space Coast.

B. Yes, from the Gulf Coast.

C. Only on a screen.

D. No.

To answer the poll, go to islander.org.

Last week’s question

Where’s the best spot for a ferry landing in Holmes Beach?

Near the Waterline Marina near the city center. 35%

No place works. 29%

Obviously, the Kingfish Boat Ramp. 18%

Why not the Gulfside at Manatee Public Beach? 6%

The Holmes Beach Boat Ramp on Marina Way. 6%

Other location. 6%

Ask a question

Got a question to recommend for The Islander’s weekly poll at islander.org? The Islander welcomes your ideas. Email lisa@islander.org with your question.

Election eve forum

Voters attend a forum in bradenton beach on the eve of a 1977 election to hear from mayoral candidates Dick Connick and David Reid.

Looking back

nomically indispensable.

Proposals such as expanding ferry services or cruise-related activities must be evaluated carefully. Decisions of this scale cannot ignore carrying capacity or long-term environmental impact. The Gulf Islands Ferry anticipated 50,000 passengers in its first year, even before expansion to a larger fleet.

Responsible growth does not mean no growth. It means smart growth — recognizing limits, respecting science and understanding that once ecosystems are compromised, recovery is costly and uncertain.

Holmes Beach has always led by example. When we plan thoughtfully and act with courage, we protect not only our economy, but the soul of our community.

Seventy-five years ago, this city was founded with intention. Let us honor that legacy by ensuring Holmes Beach remains resilient, vibrant and unmistakably itself for generations to come.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth Party on

I’d like to express my appreciation to Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and the members of the Anna Maria City Commission for the monthly block parties.

This event, with free hot dogs, water and music, has been an excellent addition to our community.

I’ve been able to see friends, reconnect with people and meet my neighbors.

I’ve also had a lot of fun!

A big thanks to our mayor and commissioners!

Wendy Blumenthal, Anna Maria

Editor’s note: When’s the next block party? Check The Islander’s calendar on page 8 and Island Happenings announcements on page 9.

At the polling place Chuck Shumard, candidate for Anna Maria mayor, waves from the doorway of the city polling place at city hall in the February 1996 election. Shumard served as mayor of Anna Maria from 1996 to 2000.

Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

Contacts, from city hall to Washington, D.C.

Anna Maria: Mayor Mark Short; 941-708-6130; 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216; cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie; 941-778-1005; 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach FL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth; 941708-5800; 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County : Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, tal@mymanatee.org, 941-3984729.

Governor: Gov. Ron DeSantis, 850-7179337; 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee FL 323990001; flgov.com.

Florida Senate: Sen. Jim Boyd; 941-7426445; boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Florida House: Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., District 71; 941-708-4968; will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

U.S. House: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, District 16; 941-747-9081; buchanan.house.gov.

U.S. Senate: Ashley Moody, 202-224-3041; moody.senate.gov; and Sen. Rick Scott, 813- 2257040; rickscott.senate.gov.

President: President Donald J. Trump, 202456-1414; whitehouse.gov.

10-20-30 years ago

From the Feb. 8, 1996, issue

• A Page 1 story about the scourge of red tide opened with a biblical quote about Moses turning the Nile to blood. The report also announced a “comprehensive program to combat” the natural occurring phenomenon.

• John Fernandez, Holmes Beach building official and public works supervisor, resigned.

• A four-week delay in a state hearing officer’s decision on proposing a fixed-span bridge on Manatee Avenue was due to a state error in providing hearing transcripts.

• During a forum at Anna Maria City Hall, renourishment proponents encouraged voters to back a beachprotection referendum on a February 1996 ballot.

From the Feb. 8, 2006, issue

• Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore announced she would not run for reelection and Holmes Beach Commissioner Rich Bohnenberger announced a mayoral bid.

• The Union of Concerned Scientists released a report showing half of Anna Maria Island covered by the Gulf of Mexico by the end of the century due to sea level rise.

• A Manatee County advisory warned beachgoers of “increased risk of infectious disease” due to high levels of bacteria in Palma Sola Bay near the causeway.

From the Feb.

10, 2016, issue

• A survey found the cost to overhaul the Anna Maria City Pier would be about $2.8 million and determined a collapse was inevitable without improvements.

Bradenton Beach Marina owners Allan and Michael Bazzy sent a letter to Mayor Bill Shearon and commissioners claiming the city was out of compliance with its sovereign submerged land lease with the state of Florida in regards to commercial operations on the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

— Lisa Neff

The Islander is archived online by the University of Florida library at www.ufdc.ufl.edu.

Holiday closings

Presidents Day Feb. 16

Local and county government offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, to commemorate Presidents Day.

Public schools and the Island Library also will be closed, as will most banking institutions and some other businesses.

Also, trash, recycling and yard waste collections may be pushed back a day through the week.

Manatee County Area Transit services, including the island trolley, will operate normal daily routes.

The holiday will not impact operations at public parks, except the G.T. Bray recreation center in Bradenton will be closed.

— Lisa Neff

Islander archive 24/7

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

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Letters should be no more than 250 words and include a name, address and contact phone number. Email to news@islander.org.

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Wednesday, Feb. 11

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

Thursday, Feb. 12

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture, Robert Gaglio on “The Other Italy,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Feb. 13

5-7 p.m. — Night Market, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

Saturday, Feb. 14

10:30 a.m. — Date with a Book, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

7 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Atlanta Rhythm Section concert, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

• Throughout February, Artists Guild Gallery exhibit by featured artist Anne Abgott, 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.

• Through March 19, “Clyde Butcher Lifeworks in Photography,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• 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.

• Through April 19, Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., “Living History,” De Soto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. 941-792-0458.

• Through June, Florida Maritime Museum “Vacationing in Cortez” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 19, Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 22, Mindful Travel Live-to-Headphones Piano Concert, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 25, AMI Garden Club Fashion Show, Bradenton.

• Feb. 26, Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 28, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s The Florida Highwaymen exhibit, Bradenton.

• 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.

• Feb. 28-March 1, Springfest, Holmes Beach.

• March 5-15, Manatee Players’ “Bright Star,” Bradenton.

Friends lecture series continues at Island Library

The Friends of the Island Library continues its annual lecture series throughout the month, with programs at 2 p.m. in the community room at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and seating is limited.

Robert Gaglio will take attendees on a journey through “The Other Italy” Feb. 12 while charter fishing guide and conservationist Scott Moore will share five decades of experiences 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.

• March 6-7, Center’s Murder Mystery Dinner, Anna Maria.

• March 12-29, Island Players’ “The Second Time Around,” Anna Maria.

• March 28, Center of Anna Maria Island Wine Tasting, Anna Maria.

• March 28, Realize Bradenton’s BAM!Fest, Bradenton.

• March 29, Sundays at Neel/John Denver Tribute, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

OFF AMI

Saturday, Feb. 14

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — De Soto National Memorial’s Food Truck Saturdays, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. Info: 941792-0458.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, in front of Starfish Co. and A.P. Bell between 123 Street West and 124th Street West, Cortez. Fee applies. Info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1985570672300356/.

6-9 p.m. — Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Info: pirates.com/spring. Sunday, Feb. 15

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, in front of Starfish Co. and A.P. Bell between 123 Street West and 124th Street West, Cortez. Fee applies. Info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1985570672300356/.

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 20, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria.

• March 15, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, AMI.

• March 20, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Friday, Feb. 13

5-8 p.m. — City Block Party, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Info: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Thursdays through March, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 513368-6454‬.

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

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

Duck Designs Shop

artist Connie Wolgast.

HeART celebration set

Love is in the air — and in the art galleries. The Village of the Arts will host its Valentine’s Day Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

People can browse handmade gifts from local artists and pop-up vendors and explore galleries in the Bradenton district around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West. For more information, call 941-744-2424 or email thevillagemystic@gmail.com.

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

• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of AMImeets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-730-0016.

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 21, Center of AMI Beach Cleanup. Anna Maria.

• Feb. 24, Tingley Memorial Library grand reopening celebration, Bradenton Beach.

• Feb. 25, Annie Silver Community Dinner, Bradenton Beach.

• Feb. 28, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria.

• March 14, Paws in Motion Walk-a-thon, Bradenton.

• March 7, Sarasota Bay Watch Scallopalooza, Sarasota.

• March 7-8, Back to Angola, 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.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet Thrift Store at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638.

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

• Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Longboat Island Chapel’s Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-4738.

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

OFF AMI

Saturday, Feb. 14

11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Follow Your heART, Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: 941-744-2424.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

• March 13, Night Market in City Center, Holmes Beach.

• March 14, Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

Saturday, Feb. 14

2 p.m. — Intro to Needlepoint, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

11:30 a.m. — Making Sense of Medicare and Medicaid, Island

Info: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING

• Wednesdays, 11 a.m. through season, Holy Yoga, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414. SAVE

• Feb. 20-21, Bradenton Regatta, Bradenton.

• Feb. 21, Pirates spring training begins.

• April 2, Bradenton Marauders season begins.

Saturday, Feb. 14

7:30 a.m. — Manatee County Audubon Guided Bird Walk, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Info: manateeaudubon.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

NOTES

MARK THE DATES

• Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.

• Feb. 16, Presidents Day.

• Feb. 17, Mardi Gras.

Island happenings

Atlanta Rhythm Section to rock community center

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

Tickets to the indoor show — headliner at 8 p.m., opening act at 7 p.m. — can be purchased at centerami. org/concerts/.

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

Night Market ahead

Award-winning watercolor artist Anne Abgott is the featured artist throughout February at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’ gallery in Holmes Beach.

A reception for Abgott will be 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the gallery, coinciding with the monthly Night Market.

Attendees also can experience the “Paint Around,” where member artists pass around a painting, each adding to the previous artist’s work.

The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call 941-778-6694.

Food trucks roll into DeSoto

Lunch with a side of living history?

De Soto National Memorial is hosting Food Truck Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14, March 14, and April 18.

The free, familyfriendly event at 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, combines local food vendors with the park’s educational programming.

For more, call 941-792-0458.

AM block party Feb. 13

The City of Anna Maria is inviting residents to a community block party at City Pier Park Friday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m.

The event promises an evening of old-fashioned community fun by the bay, featuring live music and refreshments. Also, city commissioners will be on hand grilling food for attendees.

Residents are encouraged to bring a dish to share.

For more info, call the city at 941-708-6130.

Gathering By Lisa Neff

Roser hosts Terrific Tuesdays

Roser Memorial Community Church is hosting a four-week series of community dinners and Bible study this February and March.

The Terrific Tuesdays events will take place in the Fellowship Hall on Feb. 17, March. 24, and March 3. The first event was to be Feb. 10.

There will be a Bible study at 6:45 p.m.

The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more, call the church at 941-778-0414.

Obituary

David Alfred Ambrose

David Alfred Ambrose, 65, of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Jan. 27.

He was born in Cincinnati and graduated St. Xavier High School and earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati.

He moved to Atlanta, where he met his wife of 38 years, Nancy.

His love of cooking and his ease with people eventually led him to a career in the restaurant business. He used his cooking and science skills to develop and sell hot sauces that were enjoyed by many people.

In Florida, he took a job managing the Westchester condominiums on Longboat Key, retiring in 2023.

A service and burial is planned the weekend of June 19-21 in Thomas, West Virginia.

Mr. Ambrose is survived by wife Nancy; brother Dr. Steven of Chicago; uncle Jordan and Andy Spillane, Corbett and Kelsey; Fletcher and Keaton Spillane; many cousins; and dogs, Bailey and Molly.

RIGHT: elliott Perre spends Feb. 7 — his sixth birthday — at the community park at the Holmes beach City Field with his brother Stevie, 4, and a swarm of “about 10 kindergartners,” according to dad, Jeff Perre. Jeff Perre said the family had so much fun, they overstayed their own party by about an hour. They live in bradenton and do adventures two-three times a week. Islander Courtesy Photo

Excellence in education

Fifth-graders easton Nock, left, Luke Plummer and Livingston Griffith hold a sign in support of Anna Maria elementary teacher Nicole O’Neill during a Feb. 4 School District of Manatee event, where O’Neill was recognized as a Top 4 finalist for educator of the Year. AMe students, families and staff attended to show their support for O’Neill. Islander

Photo: Courtesy AMe/Via Facebook

10 : 00 AM

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Visitors & Residents Welcome

traverses musical landscapes from French in 2008, Concert pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin have performed on television and radio, and dazzled audiences world-

PTO catches disco fever

Mirror balls and Champagne toasts will take center stage

Saturday, April 18, as Anna Maria Elementary’s PTO hosts its 2026 gala, with sponsorship opportunities available for businesses ready to boogie for a cause.

The fundraising event offers multiple partnership levels, including reserved Glitz Tables at $1,000 and Glammer Tables at $850, plus individual sponsorships like Late Night Snack at $500, Disco Ball $500, Paparazzi backdrop $850 and Signature Drink at $500.

Several premium opportunities—including DJ, Photobooth, Bar and Red Carpet sponsorships — have already been claimed by community supporters.

For more information, go to amepto.org or call 941-708-5525.

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Anna Maria Island Garden Club seeks sponsors for its Anna Maria Island Historical Society Park rejuvenation and Holmes Beach beach access beautification projects. Info: 941-224-1761.

• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

• Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for storage. Info: amiprivateers. org.

• Cortez Village Historical Society seeks volunteers to catalogue materials and serve as docents. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.

• Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers. Info: 941-920-1362.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

• All Island Denominations offers financial help. Info: 941-778-0414.

— Lisa Neff

Email listings to lisa@islander.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 & 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY 10 AM Program for children & youth

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Receive the eNewsletter • Sign up at RoserChurch.com/contact-us

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

Photography by Lisa E

Over 30 years experience. Specializing in beach weddings and making memoriesfor couples

memories for couples.. 941-243-1945 photographybylisae@outlook.com

1800s, when fishing families migrated south from coastal North Carolina, primarily from Hyde County and communities around Roanoke Island. Drawn by the wealth of abundant marine life, the families settled in the coastal hammocks of Cortez along Sarasota Bay, where the surrounding waters became known as “The Kitchen” for their productivity.

Built around mullet, fish houses and family-owned boats, Cortez remains one of Florida’s last communities where commercial fishing continues across generations.

While many traditional fishing villages in the state have disappeared, Cortez has remains an active working waterfront for mullet, grouper, snapper, stone crab, blue crab, Gulf and bay shrimp, baitfish and other locally harvested species.

Festival organizers said the focus on domestic seafood is intended to connect the public more directly with the local fishing fleet and the seafood that moves from those boats to regional markets, while reinforcing the economic and cultural value of maintaining the waterfront.

Entertainment plans

Live entertainment also is scheduled throughout the weekend.

On Feb. 14, performances begin with Shanty Singers 10-11 a.m., followed by Doug Demming and the Jewel Tones 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Introductions and awards, New College singers and a fisher’s fashion show are scheduled 1-2 p.m., followed by The CoPilots 2-4 p.m. and Jason Harum 4:30-6 p.m.

There also will be a program on Ron Floethe’s book, “The Fisherman and His Boat,” Dock Talks presented by Florida Sea Grant, Tales of Cortez with Allen Garner at the Fulford Fish House and Miller’s Dock and a photo contest display at A.P. Bell.

On Feb. 15, entertainment begins with Sycamore Shade 10 -11:30 a.m., followed by Soul-R-Coaster noon -1:30 p.m. A crab-eating contest is scheduled at 1:30 p.m., then Eric Von Band performs 2:30-4:30 p.m. MOB will close out the festival 5-6 p.m.

Dock Talks, Tales of Cortez and the photo display will continue throughout the day.

The festival also will feature arts and crafts, marine education exhibits and a strawberry shortcake booth that has become a longtime event staple.

Visitors can also explore the Florida Maritime Museum grounds and Cortez Cultural Center and meet fishers at the Organized Fishermen of Florida booth.

Proceeds from the festival support conservation and restoration of the FISH Preserve, a 95-acre coastal habitat bordering the village and representing the last undeveloped stretch of waterfront on Sarasota Bay.

Where to park

Multiple parking and shuttle options will be available.

Prime parking will be offered for a $5 donation at the FISH Preserve, 4404 116th St. W., located a block east of the village, with shuttle service and golfcart transport to the festival entrance near 123rd Street Court West.

Free off-site parking will be available at Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., where shuttle service, including the Monkey Bus, will operate.

Additional park-and-ride options will be available via Manatee County Area Transit bus service from

Festivalgoers crowd the village during the 2025 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, one of Florida’s longest-running celebrations of commercial fishing and working waterfronts. The annual event returns Feb. 14-15, highlighting locally harvested seafood, live music and the fishing heritage of the historic village. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

AbOVe: Ryan Gandy, executive director of the Sarasota bay estuary Program, speaks Jan. 31 during Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation in Cortez about the importance of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve, known as the FISH Preserve, a nearly 100-acre protected estuarine area restored to improve habitat, water quality and public access along Sarasota bay.

Look for T-shirts, posters and other memorabilia at the fishing festival. Islander Courtesy Image

Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and GT Bray Park in Bradenton.

Get involved

As preparations continued, organizers said Feb. 2 they were seeking volunteers, particularly for an after-

Bishop hosts Cortez show The Florida Maritime Museum’s traveling exhibition, “Vacationing in Cortez: Greetings from Old Florida,” is on display at the bishop Museum of Science and Nature in bradenton through June. The exhibition is included with regular admission to the bishop, 201 10th St. W., bradenton. For more information, call 941-746-4131.

noon shift Feb. 15, with additional help needed for gate operations and cash collection.

Volunteers can sign up at www.signupgenius.com/ go/4090D4FAFAB23A1FB6-61019262-2026

For more information

More information is available through the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival’s Facebook page.

Cops & Courts

Bradenton man found guilty of DUI in Holmes Beach

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Judge Melissa Gould of the 12th Circuit Court ruled Jan. 28 to adjudicate Bradenton resident Cody Manning, 33, guilty of four misdemeanor charges, including a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The other charges include first-degree misdemeanor for refusing to submit to DUI testing; seconddegree misdemeanor for failing to register his motor vehicle and second-degree misdemeanor for driving without a valid license.

Manning was arrested Nov. 9, 2025, in connection to a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in Holmes Beach.

A pair of Holmes Beach police officers located Manning, who was riding a motorcycle that matched a given description and conducted a traffic stop.

When the officers spoke to Manning, they found he displayed signs of intoxication and he lacked a driver’s license. Also, his motorcycle had not been registered

Ellenton man arrested for DUI

Holmes Beach police arrested Evens Saint Fort, 52, of Ellenton, Jan. 31 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and a first-degree misdemeanor for refusing to submit to DUI testing.

An officer stopped the motorist, driving around 9:21 p.m. with no headlights on, and, upon observing signs of intoxication, asked him to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.

The officer arrested Saint Fort, who twice refused to provide a breath sample for testing while in detainment.

Saint Fort was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Feb. 1 after posting $150 bond.

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

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

An arraignment will be March 10 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— Ryan Paice

for about 10 months.

The officers detained Manning and requested field sobriety tests, which Manning agreed to but failed to perform.

Manning was arrested and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he failed to provide breath samples for testing.

He remained in jail until Gould’s Jan. 28 ruling, where he pleaded nolo contendere — or no contest — to the four misdemeanor charges.

Gould found Manning guilty of every charge and sentenced him to credit for time served.

His sentence also suspended his license for six months, requires he serve 12 months of probation and complete 50 hours of public service work.

Manning must also attend and complete DUI school and a victim impact panel within 11 months.

Deputy awarded for Bean Point rescue Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy Matthew Daugherty holds a plaque Feb. 3 recognizing him as January’s Deputy of the Month for his part in an August 2025 rescue of a father and son from the waters off bean Point in Anna Maria, where Daugherty is stationed. He found the two struggling to reach the shore and swam out to rescue them. Islander Photo: Courtesy MCSO

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

Feb. 2, 100 block of Hammock Road, burglary. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a burglary report involving the theft of more than $600 from a residence. An incident report was filed.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

Jan. 31, Shell, 5424 Marina Drive, alcohol. An officer saw a woman drinking from a handheld boxed wine in the gas station parking lot. She hid the wine, drove away and parked at a restaurant when the officer approached. The officer followed her to the lot, where she admitted to drinking the wine. The officer issued court summons. The woman agreed to give her car keys to a family member who works at the restaurant.

Feb. 1, city field, 5900 Flotilla Drive, battery/city ordinance violations. A man entered the Holmes Beach Police Department to report that he was walking his dog when he saw a resident driving a golf cart while walking two large dogs without leashes. He said he commented on the dogs, at which point the other man pushed him and he struck back. An officer found the other man at his residence, where he confirmed he was involved in the incident. He said the complainant had yelled at him, so he grabbed him by the shirt, at which point he was struck. The officer was requesting city surveillance footage of city field to investigate the alleged violations of operating a golf cart on the field and allowing dogs to walk without leashes.

Feb. 2, 500 block of 67th Street, fraud. A man entered the HBPD to report that he was the victim of an online scam, in which he believed he had paid a $11,600 down payment for a motor home. He said he wired the money to an LLC but became suspicious due to delays with the supposed delivery. The man filed a report with his bank and provided the claim number for police.

Feb. 3, 2900 block of Avenue C, fraud. An officer met with a woman who said she had paid $700 for a barrier system, but when she called the company was closed for the holidays. She called after the holidays and the phone number was no longer in service. The officer provided a case number.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

— Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are looking to add to their collection of valentines with a shopping trip to their favorite shops, boutiques and vintage markets!

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

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, another “must stop.” They are always festive but now the collection includes the Gathering Place and the 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, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans, as well as Dixie Belle paints.

place for fun, funky quirky!

Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More!

Featuring “The Sea Hagg” collection. theblueflamingo.biz

Don’t miss the once-a-month outdoor Vintage Flea market at Blue Flamingo — with the next event Feb. 8.

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.”

County passes on settlement in Holmes Beach bike crash

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

There may not be an end in sight for the settlement offer in a personal injury lawsuit against Manatee County and the city of Holmes Beach.

County commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 27 to approve a consent agenda that included authorization to take no action regarding plaintiff Thomas Eppich’s proposed $104,000 settlement agreement and allow it to expire.

Eppich, a Sarasota County resident, filed a lawsuit seeking damages against the city and county in April 2025. The lawsuit is based on a crash Eppich suffered on Sept. 5, 2024, while riding his bike on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

The county had recently begun a project at the intersection of 72nd Street and Marina Drive, where a section of roadway was removed for excavation and backfilled with crushed stone. On the date of the crash, the county allegedly left the area unattended and unmarked by warning devices or signage.

Eppich rode over the backfilled area, flipped over his bike’s handlebars, crashing to the ground and fracturing his left elbow, according to court documents. He underwent surgery as a result of his injuries, resulting in $387,360.16 of medical expenses, per the claim.

Eppich’s lawsuit seeks damages from the defendants on counts of negligence for failing to maintain the roadway in safe condition and failing to warn of a known danger.

His complaint alleges he “suffered bodily injuries and resulting pain-and-suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life and expense of hospital, medical and nursing care.”

The case has yet to make it to trial, but settlement discussions have begun.

Eppich served his settlement proposal to the county on Dec. 30, 2025. The deal would have involved the county paying the plaintiff $104,000 in exchange for him dismissing the litigation.

However, a county report included with the consent agenda item makes it clear that such a settlement may not be necessary. “The county sttorney’s office believes that the county has viable legal defenses against plaintiff’s claims, and that the amount of the

proposal is unreasonable and not commensurate with the value, if any, of the claim,” the report states.

Eppich’s settlement proposal expired Jan. 29, following 30 days of inaction from the county.

Meanwhile, a settlement proposal from Holmes Beach remains unresolved.

On Jan. 26, the city filed a notice with the 12th Circuit Court that it had served a proposal for settlement to Eppich, who will have 30 days to accept the proposal before it automatically expires in accordance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Tampa woman faces 10 charges in drug-related arrest

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Emily Morrow, 34, of Tampa, Jan. 27 on several criminal charges, headlined by four third-degree felonies for possession of controlled substances — including cocaine and methamphetamine — without prescriptions.

Morrow also was charged with:

• Another third-degree felony for a third or subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license;

• A first-degree misdemeanor for possession or use of drug equipment;

• Four second-degree misdemeanors for possession of legend drugs without prescriptions.

Morrow was stopped by an officer for driving with an obscured license plate. She had a suspended license and there was a Sarasota County arrest warrant out for her passenger.

During a search, police reported finding a prescription mouth wash that Morrow did not have a prescription for, a case containing a scale and small plastic baggies, a capsule containing 12 morphine sulfate pills, six loose pills identified as metformin hydrochloride

and quetiapine fumarate, a smoking pipe with white residue that tested positive for meth and five Virginia license plates that did not belong to the vehicle.

Morrow, according to the report, had two baggies containing white powder substances that tested positive for cocaine and meth, as well as a few pills identified as Alprazolam, a Schedule 2 narcotic.

The officers arrested Morrow and transported her to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Jan. 28 after posting $13,600 bond.

Morrow’s passenger was also arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail.

If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

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

Second-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

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

Bradenton Beach demands return of public records from former city attorney

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

A dispute over public records has emerged months after the resignation of longtime Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry, with the city formally demanding the return of records it says remain in her possession.

In a Jan. 12 letter, city attorney Erica Augello demanded Perry immediately return all public records generated or received during her service as city attorney that were not turned over when she resigned Sept. 18, 2025.

The letter cited Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and warned that failure to comply could result in civil or criminal penalties and possible referral to the Florida Bar or the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Perry resigned after more than 21 years with the city. Her departure followed a Sept. 16 performance review meeting. At the time of her departure, Perry presented city commissioners with three large bind-

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project is underway, requiring temporary lane closures. Info: www.amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660, info@ amiprojects.io.

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. Motorists can expect single-lane closures overnight. Info: swflroads.com/project/451021-1.

Cortez Bridge: Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge, with sidewalk closures. Pipe installation work is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-3064660, info@amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive/55th Street/56th Street : Holmes Beach’s Gulf Drive Sea Level Rise Mitigation Project continues into April, with periodic lane closures in the area of 55th Street and 56th Street, from Gulf Drive to Marina Drive. Info: 941-708-5768.

— Lisa Neff

ers.

In a Jan. 21 response to the city’s demand, Perry said she intends to cooperate and stated that the binders contained her work product and communications prepared to assist the transition to new legal counsel. She objected to the city’s 15-day deadline and said the demand was overly broad. Perry also said any extensive retrieval work would require a special service charge under state law.

Augello on Jan. 30 responded and said the binders did not include emails, notes or text messages and did not constitute full compliance with Florida’s publicrecords law. Augello cited statutes requiring officials to deliver all public records upon leaving office, asserted Perry is unlawfully possessing public records, rejected any request for fees and said the city is prepared to pursue all available legal remedies if the records are not returned.

Champs crowned at KRC, football and horseshoe action in AM

by Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach held its annual club championship tournament Feb. 4 and Feb. 6.

In the men’s division, 28 golfers competed over 36 holes, with Eric Lawson taking his sixth straight championship on a score of even-par 128.

Gary Risner finished second with an 8-over-par 136, while Jim Goff took third at 13-over-par 141.

In the WOMEN’S division, nine women battled it out over 36 holes, but 36 holes weren’t enough to determine a champ as Linda Dorsey and Jenny Huibers finished in a tie at 160. In a three-hole playoff, Dorsey prevailed by one stroke to take the crown. Lori Waggoner took third with a 163.

Regular action at the golf club saw the men play their weekly modified-Stableford match Feb. 2 as Herb Clauhs and Larry Pippel finished in a tie for first place with matching plus-3s.

Clauhs, Jim Goff, Brian Hogan and Ron Vandeman each won a skin during the match.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Feb. 3 that saw Rene Chapman and Pam Lowry both card 1-under-par 31s to finish in a tie for first place. Linda Dorsey was alone in second at even-par 32, while Peggy Clauhs, Annette Hall and Sue Wheeler finished in a tie for third.

Center posts youth flag football results

After four weeks of action in the youth flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, six teams are boasting perfect records across four age divisions.

In the 8-10 division, Adrian Griffin Interiors and Shady Lady Horticultural Services sport 3-0 records, putting them three points ahead of 2-2 Solid Rock Construction and USA Fence with a game in hand. Gulfster. com follows at 1-3, while Sato Real Estate at 1-2 and 0-3 Grooms Motors & Automotive complete the standings.

The 11-13 division standings also have a pair of

APPETIZER

Caprese Salad

KRC crowns men’s, women’s club champions

leFT: second-place finisher gary Risner, six-time Key Royale Club champ eric lawson and third-place finisher Jim goff pose outside the clubhouse following the club tourney Feb. 6. RIgHT: second-place finisher Jenny Huibers, KRC champion linda Dorsey and third-place finisher lori Waggoner at the clubhouse at the conclusion of the women’s tournament. Islander Photos: Courtesy KRC

unbeatens in 4-0 82 West Home Inspections and Slim’s Place — both holding a 6 point lead over 2-2 Florida Impact Windows and USA Fence. Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness, Cloud Pest Control and Sato Real Estate are all 1-3, just ahead of G.I. Bins at 0-4.

The 14-17s has Moss Builders and Swordfish Grill on top with 3-0 records and Better on Bikes 3 points back at 2-2. HSH Designs and MI-Box follow with 1-2 records, while Solid Rock Construction and Wings ’N Things complete the standings at 1-3.

Meanwhile, Print Wizards and Sato Real Estate are running away with the girl’s 8-11 division with 3-0-1 records. Emily Moss Designs follows at 1-3 and Poppo’s Taqueria completes the standings at 0-4.

with Print Wizards rolling to a 32-6 victory over Emily Moss behind Heidi Bannick, who threw two touchdown passes, ran for another and added an interception return for a TD for good measure. Willow Moss added two TD receptions and an interception return for a TD.

Elle Blackburn threw a TD pass to Ruthie Ball for Moss Designs in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Sato edge Poppo’s Taqueria 24-13. Quinlynn McCusker and Juliette Sato each ran for two TDs to lead Sato in the victory.

Ariyah Carlton and Gia Ciasullo each ran for a TD for Poppo’s, which also received an extra-point and an interception from Mary Campany in the loss.

Action in the girl’s 8-11 division kicked off Feb. 2

Action in the 8-10s kicked off with Solid Rock Construction outscoring Grooms Motors 27-13 behind three TD passes from Elijah Roadman and a TD reception and an interception return for a TD from Lucas Urbiola. Louis Bacon and Asher Cusiman completed the scoring for Solid Rock in the victory.

Please, see sports, Page 17

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A premium Compart Duroc, bone-in, dry-aged loin, perfectly seared and glazed. Served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, bacon-wrapped grilled asparagus, and a fresh spring and Romaine mix salad.

Pan-Seared Chicken Piccata, 24.99

Lightly floured chicken breast sautéed with capers, fresh lemon, and a white wine butter sauce. Served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, bacon-wrapped grilled asparagus, spring and Romaine mix salad.

Shrimp Verde Enchiladas, 23.99

Tender sautéed shrimp rolled in corn tortillas and smothered in a vibrant, housemade chili verde sauce and melted Monterey jack cheese. Served with authentic Spanish rice and a crisp spring and Romaine mix salad.

Desserts

Peach Cobbler. Housemade peach cobbler served with French vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.

Flourless Chocolate Torte: Served with housemade strawberry sauce, powdered sugar and fresh strawberries.

Please, call 941-216-4119 for Valentine reservations. pork valentine menu Pork Serving Love, One Bite At A Time! 5 to 8pm, February 13 & February 14

Community center cutting into financial deficit with programs

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

One big month cut the Center of Anna Maria Island’s deficit by more than a third.

The nonprofit recorded $132,210.66 in net income in December 2025, bringing its cumulative deficit for fiscal 2025-26 from $350,854.83 to $218,644.17, according to a provided report.

Six months into the fiscal year, which began July 1, 2025, the center only recorded two positive months — October and December.

In October, the nonprofit made $34,407.15 on the back of its fundraising, cutting into a $322,351.98 cumulative deficit through the prior month — the highest mark so far.

However, the center recorded another negative month in November and added $62,910 to the deficit, bringing it to a deficit of $350,854.83.

The explosion of income in December was — like October — owed to fundraising efforts.

The month featured a loaded events schedule, including the Lester Family Fun Day, the Blue Oyster Cult concert, Family Fun Night and a Bingo Night.

It also marked the beginning of the center’s Lighting the Path annual fundraising campaign, which raised $240,000 from 117 donors.

The campaign ended in January, so it is unclear how much of the $296,120.48 of fundraising revenue recorded in December can be attributed to it, since a financial report for the first month of 2026 was not released as of Islander press time.

sports ConTInueD FRoM 16

Owen Serra threw a touchdown to Judah Treworgy and Bruno Peerani ran for another TD to lead Grooms in the loss.

Sato held on for a 27-20 victory over USA Fence behind four TD passes from Caleb Bratniche, including two each to Josh Bratniche and Greer Snyder.

Sebastian Buser paced USA Fence with TD passes to Eli Cotrone, Grady Niedzwic and Jordan Steele in the loss.

Shady Lady Horticultural Services held on for a 19-13 victory over Gulfster.com in the last 8-10 game of the night. Beauen Kolb threw two TD passes, including one each to McLain Markel and Mason Shook, while Riley Konig ran for a score.

Everett Hood and Judah Long each ran for a touchdown for Gulfster.com in the loss.

The 11-13s saw Cloud Pest Control open the action Feb. 3 with a 34-13 victory over G.I. Bins. Silas DeWitt ran for a TD and added two receiving TD to lead Cloud Pest Control, which also received a pair of TD passes from Everett Hood and a TD reception from Quinton Aller in the victory.

Eli Szabo had a TD reception on a pass thrown by Jermaine Goode and added an interception return for a TD to lead G.I. Bins in the loss.

The second game of the night saw Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness cruise to a 37-0 victory over Florida Impact Windows behind four TD passes and three interceptions on defense from Kyle Mims, including one he returned for a TD. Kellen Reed added a pair of TD catches for Reed Physical Therapy, which also received touchdowns from Isaac Roadman and Samuel Raulerson in the victory.

Slim’s Place outscored Sato 33-20 behind three rushing TDs from Gunnar Maize and two TD passes from Sawyer Leifried in the third game of the evening. Owen Guth finished with a TD catch, while Caleb West had a TD reception and a pair of interceptions in the win.

Brandon Sato threw three touchdown passes, including to brother Dylan Sato to lead their real estate team, which also received a TD reception from Jackson Griffin in the loss.

and $252,450 in direct costs, resulting in $778,987 in fundraising income.

Through the first six months of fiscal 2025-26, the nonprofit tallied $588,615 in fundraising revenue and $293,185 in direct costs, resulting in $295,429 in fundraising income — $483,558 less than last year.

On the other hand, the center’s programming has held steady.

While the nonprofit has spent 25% more on direct costs for its programs compared to last year, it has earned 30% more in program revenues.

That has earned the center $182,196 in program income so far this fiscal year.

Moving forward, the nonprofit has an array of fundraising events that could help it climb out of the hole.

The center will host a concert on Saturday, Feb. 14, headlined by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, an American Southern rock band best known for its song “Imaginary Lover,” which reached No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The final concert in this year’s series will be headlined by John Oates, cofounder of the rock duo Hall & Oates, and The Good Road Band on Sunday, March 1.

Despite the two big fundraising months, the nonprofit’s overall fundraising marks are down compared to last year.

Through the first six months of fiscal 2024-25, the center earned $1,031,437 in fundraising revenue

The last game of the night saw 82 Home Inspections roll past USA Fence 37-13 thanks to four TD passes from Miles Moss. Rusty Dilley added a pair of TD catches and a sack for a safety to 82 West, which also received a pair of TDs from Luca Viehman and one from Nolan Anderson in the victory.

Tyler Higman threw a TD pass to Grayson Cohen and added an interception return for a TD for USA Fence in the loss.

Action in the 14-17 division got started Feb. 3 with Moss Builders cruising to a 26-12 victory over Solid Rock Construction. Mason Moss threw three touchdown passes, including two to Mason Hackley and one to Valentino Grieneisen. Cale Rudacille added a pair of interceptions, including one he returned for a TD.

Jack Mattick threw a pair of touchdown passes to Blake Brower to lead Solid Rock in the loss.

Cadeen Quinby threw six touchdown passes to lead HSH Designs to a 38-6 victory over Mi-Box in the second 14-17 division game of the night. Frankie Coleman and Jack McCarthy each finished with three touchdown grabs in the victory.

Caleb Steele threw a TD pass to Jackson Goodhue to lead Mi-Box in the loss.

March’s event schedule also includes the center’s 2026 Murder Mystery theater, set for Friday-Saturday, March 6-7, and a wine tasting event Saturday, March 28.

People can learn more about the center and its events by visiting its website, centerami.org, or by calling 941-778-1908.

The last game of the night saw Better on Bikes roll past Wings ’N Things 36-12 behind four TD passes from Tyler Higman, including two to Landyn Dowell. Key Castagna and Cayson Travis each added a TD catch in the victory.

Ryk Kesten threw for one touchdown and ran for another for Wings ’N Things, which also received a TD catch from Callin Westfall in the loss.

Horseshoe news

Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a playoff during Feb. 4 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

Bob Palmer and Adin Shank cruised to a 21-6 victory over Del Reese and Bob Baker to earn the day’s bragging rights. The Feb. 7 games saw Gersey Fernandes and Bob Rowley post the only 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Cold air, water temps especially damaging to snook

by Capt. Danny stasny Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers are thankful that despite seeing the coldest temperatures in years, our snook population managed to hang on without large numbers of losses.

We did quite well while our neighbors to the north and on the East Coast were witnessing major cold-stun fish kills.

Water temperatures play a major role in a snook’s survival and, once the water reaches an intolerable level, snook suffer. Water temperatures of 60 degrees can cause extreme stress and temps in the 55-degree range can cause snook to experience lethargy and even death. Drops into the low 40s are typically fatal to the species.

Sustained cold is the real danger. Luckily, in West Central Florida, we rarely see extreme cold temperatures for more than a couple of days. Still, the frequency and degree of cold the past two weeks had the potential to do some damage.

Fortunately, our snook managed to ride out the storm by finding shelter in deep water canals and possibly the artificial reefs in the Gulf.

So hang in there snook — spring and warmer temps will arrive.

As far as fishing goes, most anglers are targeting species that are more hardy when it comes to cold water. Sheepshead, black drum and redfish top the list of survivors while fishing inshore. All three species enjoy live shrimp as bait, which makes getting bait easy.

Pompano are susceptible to a live shrimp, especially when a small piece is added to a jig and cast into the surf or in the passes.

If the inshore bite is slow, moving out to deeper water in the Gulf of Mexico might add some action to the day. Deeper water seems to remain at a more consistent temperature instead of fluctuating with the air temp like the shallows in the backcountry.

Palma Sola park seeks volunteers for work day

Too cold or rough to fish?

The Palma Sola Botanical Park is holding a series of garden workdays this season, including one on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Volunteers will work 9 a.m.-noon.

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

For more info, call the park at 941-761-2866. — lisa neff

Reefs and wrecks might be holding sheepshead, snapper and grunts, all worthy of a fish fry after a long day of fishing in the cold weather.

Finally, the same applies for offshore fishing when targeting red grouper and mangrove snapper.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is finding good action for his clients who are game to target sheepshead. Mattay says fishing over structure in the Gulf and in Tampa Bay with live shrimp as bait is yielding good numbers of fish, with some large examples mixed in.

Moving deeper into offshore territory, Mattay says red grouper and a variety of snappers are being caught while using large, dead baits, like whole sardines or live pinfish on a bottom rig.

Moving inshore, dock fishing with live shrimp is producing action on redfish and black drum. Numerous reds 16-20 inches are being caught, with lucky anglers

hooking into some upper-slot fish.

Lastly, drifting and jigging over deeper grass flats is mustering up some pompano, as well as jacks and ladyfish.

Capt. David White is finding action along the Gulf beaches and around structure in the nearshore waters west of Anna Maria Island. Using live shrimp as bait is leading to action for his anglers on sheepshead and black drum. Even though the waters are stirred up, leaving little to no clarity, White is finding some good action. Moving to the inshore waters, White says he’s got clients catching redfish by casting live shrimp around rocks and docks. There’s also a few sheepshead and black drum taking refuge among the redfish, adding variety to the bite.

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

Work continues on Anna Maria pier

equipment sits idle Feb. 3 at the base of the anna Maria City Pier, where Tampa bay Marine has begun to cut the concrete pilings down to uniform size for the walkway rebuild. Dean Jones, general manager of the city’s public works and building department, wrote in a Feb. 6 email that work on the rebuild was “going great.” Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Pier fishing in Anna Maria

a group fishes from the 1911 anna Maria City Pier, where people arrived via boat, including two paddle-wheelers, before the construction of a bridge to aMI in the early 1920s.

Islander

Courtesy Manatee County Public library system

By Lisa Neff

Cruising at what cost?

Every couple of months or so, a brochure for a cruise line arrives in the mail. I didn’t request the glossy pamphlets, but I flip through the pages and consider the adventures aboard cruises to Alaska, down the Mississippi, across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean.

Countless friends have encouraged such travels and, I’ll admit, aspects of cruising appeal to me.

What holds me back besides the lack of travel funds in my bank account? The damaging impact of cruising and the cruise ship industry on communities and the natural environment, along with the industry’s contribution to climate change.

To quickly summarize: Cruise ships contaminate water with heavy metals, nutrients and chemicals. They pollute air with sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide and they cause underwater noise pollution and sediment disruption.

The industry requires massive use of infrastructure and materials and it has an enormous carbon footprint, emitting an estimated 30 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. A single passenger on a cruise can be responsible for as much as 1,000 pounds of CO2 per day.

So, count me in on the opposition to the KnottCowen cruise port project.

And greetings, protesters.

We’re arriving to this campaign from all kinds of angles, with varied interests and concerns, and that’s a powerful way to build a coalition. I’ve read so many opinions against the proposal, while the only pro-port arguments that come to mind are those stated by the developers.

And what do the developers maintain?

Based on promotional materials and preliminary filings with Manatee County, terminal operator SSA Marine, in partnership with landowner Slip Knott LLC,

a map shows the area of a proposed cruise ship port on the west side of the sunshine skyway bridge. Islander Image: Courtesy suncoast Waterkeeper

wants to build a terminal on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract for use by ships too tall to clear the 190-foot height of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and reach Port Tampa Bay.

The tract is undeveloped, with submerged lands and wetlands, near Rattlesnake Key, which consists

of more than 720 environmentally sensitive acres that its owner has said will be conservation land.

The Manatee County Audubon Society, which has been organizing a task force to respond to the port proposal, said in a recent newsletter, “The owners of Rattlesnake Key’s 724+ acres appear poised to participate not as the terminal site, but potentially as a mitigation tract — land used to offset environmental damage caused elsewhere.

“The framing matters,” Audubon continued. “It suggests the project could result in significant environmental harm at the terminal site, with mitigation offered offsite rather than avoiding or minimizing impacts in the first place.”

The proposal involves a fundamental shift in how public trust lands, aquatic preserves and coastal infrastructure are treated, Audubon said, adding, “It sets a dangerous precedent.”

Over the next several weeks in Sandscript, I’ll break down the different potential environmental impacts of a port, as well as the broader environmental impacts of the cruise industry.

In the meantime, I hope to see you at the opposition rally at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Seabreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop, Terra Ceia.

Captain, turtle watch rescue cold-stunned turtle

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird

Monitoring reported the recovery of a cold-stunned sea turtle in the area Feb. 4.

AMITW, in a social media post, stated, “We are grateful to Capt. Jon who found the turtle floating at the surface and called in to AMITW’s 24-hour hotline — 941-301-8434 — to report it.”

The nonprofit continued, “Our stranding team met his boat at the north end of the island and carefully transported the small green sea turtle to Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, where it is being slowly warmed up and will remain under their care in hopes of an eventual release.”

AMITW said the rescue was the first involving turtle watch and Mote since 2010.

AMITW also said the boat captain “did exactly the right thing” by first calling the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC, as well as turtle watch at 941-301-8434, for advice and then bringing the sea turtle onboard his boat.

The captain then met turtle watch’s stranding volunteers, who brought the sea turtle to Mote in Sarasota. AMITW did not provide the captain’s last name.

cold-

Cold stunning causes sea turtles to become hypothermic, weak and unable to swim. The turtles might float at the surface or wash ashore and often need medical care before they can safely return to the water.

AMITW advised people who see a sea turtle in distress to first call FWC’s hotline and, on AMI, to also call turtle watch’s hotline.

— lisa neff

Vendors sought for market

Sailors, fishers and nautical enthusiasts are preparing to drop anchor at the Florida Maritime Museum’s Cortez Nautical Flea Market Saturday, March 14, and organizers are calling on vendors to claim their spot.

The event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the museum grounds, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, offers vendors an opportunity to reach customers hunting for fishing gear, nautical art, marine equipment and maritime collectibles.

For more information or to reserve a vendor spot, visit floridamaritimemuseum.org or call 941-7086120.

— lisa neff

Annual dinner ahead

It’s a must-do event for leaders at local businesses.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will bring together more than 500 business and community leaders for its 63rd Annual Dinner Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

The signature evening event will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction beginning at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s dinner will include the presentation of the Ninth Annual Robert P. Bartz Award for Outstanding Leadership, honoring an individual whose vision and commitment reflect the legacy of the late Bob Bartz.

The event takes place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

For more information, including tickets, contact the chamber at 941-748-3411.

— lisa neff

JUST SOLD

CANALFRONT LOT: 208 Oak Ave.

This rare 0.25-acre canalfront lot (approx. 10,890sf) sold for $1,800,000.

Anita Jones, 724.989.4824

Michael Saunders & Company

Island center pours for kids

Sommelier-led sips meet silent auction bids as a favorite fundraiser returns Wednesday, March 28, benefiting local youth programs.

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host its annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser at 3:30 p.m. in collaboration with the Olive Oil Outpost on Pine Avenue.

Island sommelier MaryKate Scott will guide guests through seven Chilean and Argentine wines paired with artisan cheeses, meats and gourmet accompaniments during the 4 p.m. tasting program.

Tickets are $75 and include access to a silent auction featuring local artwork and distinctive island finds. Proceeds support summer camp scholarships, ensuring island children can participate in the center’s enrichment programs regardless of financial circumstances.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for community-minded businesses looking to invest in youth development.

For more information, visit centerami.org/events, call 941-778-1908, or email info@centerami.org.

current proposal, dated within 30 days of Jan. 1, 2026, will be reduced by $500 with presentation of this coupon. This includes all new proposals for replacement of your AC and heating equipment. Call us for more details.

For professional real estate needs, call a TRUE ISLAND NATIVE, born and raised on AMI, selling the “Island Dream” for over 25 years, right here with her family.

Oh, Lola, love that wine!

seth Cripe, left, raised on anna Maria Island and a product of local schools and restaurants, returns to Manatee County for a busman’s holiday from his home in napa Valley, California, where he operates lola Wines. He visited Rich Knowles, right, chef/ owner of enRich bistro in bradenton, Feb. 4 for a lola wine tasting, where he was greeted by one of the dinner guests — a long ago babysitter. Islander

Courtesy Photo

Vacationing on, about AMI?

Visiting Anna Maria Island? We’d love to see the island through your eyes.

The Islander invites vacationers to share photos taken at local restaurants, shops, beaches and favorite hangouts across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Cortez.

Your snapshots help capture the energy of our community and support the small businesses that make the island special.

Please, email photos to news@islander.org with the names of people pictured, the location, the date the photo was taken and a contact email.

Whether it’s a sunset dinner, an ice cream cone, a beach stroll or a fun time shopping at a souvenir stop, share your memories and be part of the island story.

Thank you for sharing your island moments.

6:30 p.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s awards dinner, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Fee applies. Info: 941-748-3411.

SAVE THE DATES

• Feb. 20, 5 p.m., Island Cabinets and Design grand opening, Holmes Beach.

• May 8, AMI Chamber Golf Tournament, Bradenton. Send listings to calendar@islander.org — Lisa Neff

December 2025 tourism recovers from storm-impacted 2024

by lisa neff Islander Reporter

Visitors snug in Manatee County beds generated $2.6 million in tourist development tax revenues in December 2025.

The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office Feb. 2 released December collection numbers for the tourist development tax or bed tax. The 6% bed tax is collected by resort owners, landlords and property managers of accommodations rented or leased for six months or less.

The third month of the 2025-26 fiscal year grossed $2,600,725 in bed tax revenues in the county, a 35.03% climb from the $1,926,032 collected in December 2024, which was just a couple of months after hurricanes Helene and Milton hit.

Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Island in December, generating $585,409, about 22.51% of the countywide total.

Anna Maria accounted for about 13.73% of the collections, bringing in $356,984.

Bradenton Beach generated $103,231 or 3.97% in December 2025.

Some other numbers for December:

• Unincorporated Manatee County generated $1,072,215 or 41.22%;

• Bradenton generated $274,101 or 10.54%;

• Longboat Key generated 5.78% or $150,340;

• Palmetto generated $58,642 or 2.25%.

The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, so the net collection for December 2025 was $2.522.703.

Collections for the first quarter of the fiscal year totaled $5.908.822.

Under state law, resort tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism.

In Manatee, the money funds the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related entities such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates,

Endless Season AMI TOURISM:

December tourist tax collections

December 2022: $2,573,631

December 2023: $2,309,508

December 2024: $1,926,032

December 2025: $2,600,725

source: Manatee County Tax Collector

as well as supports projects, such as beach renourishment and reconstruction on the Anna Maria and Bridge Street piers.

The county tourist development council recommends how to spend the money to the county com-

Cool evening

On the TDC agenda

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council was set to meet Feb. 9, as The Islander went to press.

The agenda for the meeting at the county administration building in Bradenton included updates on tourism data, sports bookings, convention center sales and a “special announcement” from Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione. — lisa neff

mission.

The January numbers will be released in early March.

The next TDC meeting was to be held Feb. 9 in Bradenton as The Islander went to press.

a gulf sunset is seen off 23rd street north in bradenton beach Jan. 29 as unseasonably cool, dry air settles over the island. The calm conditions were driven by a strong high-pressure system and an arctic cold front that pushed south through Florida, bringing below-average temperatures and northeast winds. nearshore gulf waters were at 65-67 degrees, with wave heights of 1-2 feet, while conditions worsened offshore, with higher swells in the open gulf. Forecasters said rare gulf-effect snow flurries over that weekend were unlikely but possible as colder air moved over warmer gulf waters. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

NEW TO THE MARKET

ITEMS FOR SALE

HONEYWELL PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT, $20, 25 new legal hanging files, $25, two new ceiling lights, $20. 815-289-8599.

GMC NEW CARGO roof rails, $40, Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, $65, Dell monitor, $40. 815-2897887.

MILWAUKEE 2-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE dolly, 800 lb. capacity. Model 30086. $100. Call Bill, 724986-0314.

ICE CREAM MAKER: Cuisinart, $50, grill, nonstick tabletop, green pan, $90, Tigerxbang oar/ paddle for outdoor activity, $45. 941-920-2494.

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

looKIng FoR an eaRlY bIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds at 5 p.m. Monday at islander.org. and it’s FRee!

Islan D e R a RCHIV e. u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIDGE GAMES AT Roser Church each Friday. Starting 12:30 p.m., Feb 6. 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria.

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

LOST & FOUND

LOST: KEY FOB for Honda CRV at Robison’s Preserve. Please, text/call 714-213-5463 if found.

TRANSPORTATION

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

BOATS & BOATING

HaVe a boaT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

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

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

WelCoMe aboaRD JoYFIsH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

FOR SALE: FOUR place galvanized kayak trailer, three used kayaks with paddles and life jackets. $500. 231-282-0027.

looKIng FoR boaT rentals in bradenton or anna Maria Island? Manatee River boat Rentals & Water sports provides well-maintained boats with direct access to the Manatee River, anna Maria Island and egmont Key. Reserve online at https://manateeriverwatersports.com/ or call/text 941-932-3700.

HELP WANTED

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

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.

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

SERVICES Continued

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

PC o R T e CH issues? n ot 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.

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

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

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

go T DIRTY WI n D o W s ? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

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.

a CH au FF e R4 u F o R TR ans P o RTaTI on anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in b radenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

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

H o M e WaTCH e R: WH en you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a state Certified Residential a ppraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

SERVICES Continued

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.

PET SITTING: PRIVATE fenced home, walk to DeSoto and Robinson Preserve. Cookie, 914610-5582.

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

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

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

LAWN & GARDEN

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.

g RIFFI n ’ s H o M e IMPR o V e M en T s Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

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

loo KI ng F o R an Y 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.

D onal D P e RKI ns Pa I n TI ng ll C. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

go RI lla DRYWall R e Pa IR ll C. l et’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.

TeTI TIle: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on a MI and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John Teti, 302983-5774.

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

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

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

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

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

RENTALS

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

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

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

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.

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

WANTING TO RENT a parking space. Do you have an extra parking space? In a driveway, condo or open parking lot? Looking for some additional income? We are looking to rent a parking space for several months, a year. We live in Bradenton and want to come to the island frequently. Not looking for overnight, would be a Jeep or Chevy Colorado. Closer to the beach the better. 937231-3524.

aMI 2bR/2ba WaTeRFRonT condo available March, april, May. Discount for multiple months. Two pools, pickleball/tennis courts, walk to shop and to beach. sorry, no pets. Call Kathy, 973-219-0335.

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH duplex. 2BR/1.5BA, unfurnished, elevated, covered parking. $2,600/ month. 941-779-7822.

REAL ESTATE

REDUCED TO SELL! 1BR/1BA trailer: Takeover remodel Sandpiper Resort, $61,000. Retirement, annual, seasonal income. 831-212-2606.

RENTALS Continued

WI nn I e MCH ale , R ealT o R, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and b radenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “ s elling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

NEED REAL ESTATE help? Call me direct. 35 years selling the islands and more. Fred Flis, Real Estate Mart owner. 941-356-1456.

REDUCED $10,000. TOTALLY, nicely furnished 2BR/2BA updated condo. Minutes to beach and shopping. Now $239,000 or best offer. Very motivated seller. Call agent direct, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

8144 37TH AVE. Circle West, Bradenton. Bike to beach location. Newer smart home built to highest hurricane standards. Four bedrooms plus den, possible fifth bedroom, pool. Christine Kourik, REMAX, 314-440-7574.