The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Feb, 25, 2026

Pop-up vendors crowd causeway as regulatory gaps persist

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Commercial activity on the Palma Sola Causeway is booming but it appears that oversight is not keeping pace.

Vendors are using public property to conduct business in a narrow corridor on a busy state road where authority includes the state, Manatee County and the city of Bradenton.

Recreational areas for fishing, picnics and family gatherings are frequently lined with commercial trail-

ers, signage and watercraft displayed for rent. Mobile vendors offer horseback rides, jet skis and paddle craft excursions that attract customers to the right of way.

The issue was discussed in mid-February during a meeting of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity in Bradenton, with members sharing concerns about commercial activity in the statedesignated scenic corridor.

Scenic highway chair Ingrid McClellan during the Feb. 11 meeting cited a state law prohibiting the “sale,

Terra Ceia protections advance in face of cruise port plan

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Florida Senate Feb. 19 unanimously voted for a measure to strengthen protections for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve as debate continues over a proposed cruise terminal near the mouth of Tampa Bay.

When the Senate passed SB 302, a coastal resiliency bill sponsored by Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, it approved an amendment by Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, to reinforce protections under the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975 and allow only “minimum dredging and filling” for the creation and maintenance of marinas, public boat ramps, piers and docks, along with related navigation channels and access roads, subject to state approval and public notice requirements.

Boyd, in a statement posted Feb. 20 to Facebook, wrote, “Strengthening resiliency is critical to protecting Florida coastlines and preserving our unique ecosystems, including the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. Thank you, Senator Ileana Garcia, for your work on SB 302 to protect our communities by identifying long-term, cost-effective nature-based restoration opportunities to fortify Florida.”

wen tract southwest of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC have outlined a multi-berth facility designed to serve cruise ships too tall to pass beneath the Skyway’s 180-foot vertical clearance.

In a Feb. 20 statement issued through SSA Marine’s public relations office in response to questions about Boyd’s amendment, the company said: “SSA Marine is committed to environmental stewardship and creating long-term economic opportunities that we are confident will be transformative for Manatee County. We look forward to continuing to engage with residents, officials, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue to discuss a shared vision for the region which includes marine conservation, well-paying jobs, and robust recreational activities.”

BB challenges former attorney’s 9-month bill

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners Feb. 19 directed their current city attorney to send a “demand” letter to their former city attorney after an audit found $28,000 in questionable charges in a nine-month block invoice.

City attorney Erica Augello said the issue surfaced shortly after she was hired by the city to succeed former city attorney Ricinda Perry, who resigned last September.

“When I first was retained by the city, one of the issues that came up was that Ms. Perry had done basically a block invoice for services from January through her resignation in September,” Augello said.

“It was for quite a substantial amount of money,” Augello said, referring to the $167,674 bill from Perry.

A prior engagement agreement with the city required Perry to submit monthly invoices.

Perry, however, submitted an Excel workbook Oct. 23, 2025, for nine months of services — January-September 2025 — according to a memorandum from Augello, who said city staff conducted an audit of Perry’s billing.

“The engagement agreement drafted by Ms. Perry specifically said that she would get her invoices done monthly, and then they would be paid monthly,” Augello said. “That was not done in this case.”

Augello said the city has legal standing to con-

Geoff Click, a founder of the grassroots group People Protecting Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, which formed in opposition to the proposed cruise port, said he had “mixed, mixed feelings” about the amendment.

The legislative action comes amid controversy over a proposed cruise terminal on the 328-acre Knott-Co-

“The language is so broad for marinas, there’s no limitations on scale or scope of proposed marinas,” Click said, adding that dredging standards are “all very

New BB commissioner takes oath

Robert Talham, left, is sworn in as bradenton beach’s new Ward 4 commissioner by city clerk Terri Sanclemente Feb. 19 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. The commission Feb. 5 appointed Talham to fill the Ward 4 seat held by Jan Vosburgh. He will serve until the next election, which is in November. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Ugly Grouper growing, expanding indoors

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Ugly Grouper is getting bigger and adding something it currently lacks — indoor seating.

The restaurant is at 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, but it posted a photo Feb. 15 to its Facebook account showing ongoing renovations at a neighboring property, 5702 Marina Drive.

The post reads, “Yes, WE’RE STILL OPEN! Just a little EXTRA Ugly. Stay tuned for all of our upcoming renovations! Any guesses on what we’re up to?”

While the business declined to comment on the work when contacted Feb. 19 by The Islander, public records provided by the city of Holmes Beach provide some insight into the restaurant’s plans.

The existing restaurant at 5704 Marina Drive offers outdoor dining, live music and a children’s play area.

The property at 5702 Marina Drive, which is on the south side of the restaurant, was a multi-unit commercial building that used to house Funky Island Essentials downstairs and office space upstairs.

Both properties are owned by LLCs managed by

Indiana resident Scott Rolen, who co-owns The Ugly Grouper with Mike Ross, a former Major League Baseball player.

A handful of active permits show that the restaurant plans include refacing the exterior frontage of 5702 Marina Drive and converting the interior into a bar and dining area with seating for 52 people and a stage for live music.

The dining area also will feature a large Ugly Grouper mural near the stage and flat screen TVs on each wall, including four behind the bar.

A small shopping area with merchandise will be near the building’s front entrance. The rear of the building will include restrooms, a pantry, storage space and a service area.

Venice-based Florida Ultimate Improvements LLC will handle the interior renovations.

A building permit lists a $224,987.70 estimated cost for the work, resulting in a $6,666.85 fee.

People can learn more about the restaurant, its menu and hours by visiting its website, uglygrouper. com.

Clerk honored for kindness

Holmes beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, right, presents code compliance clerk Sandy Olson, left, Feb. 13 with the city’s Nate brown Kindness Award for the fourth quarter of 2025. The award is named for code compliance officer Nate brown and recognizes city staff for embodying positivity and kindness. Fellow code compliance clerk Allyson Kalicharan wrote a Feb. 13 email to The Islander crediting Olson for her “positive attitude and gentle demeanor” that make her an “outstanding team player.” Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes beach

explore The Islander dating to November 1992 online at the UofF Digital Newspaper Collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Magistrate continues Anna Maria tree removal case to March

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Tens of thousands of dollars hang in the balance over a potential code violation in Anna Maria.

A case involving the alleged removal of six grand trees at 610 N. Bay Blvd. was continued for a second time during a Feb. 17 special magistrate hearing.

City staff members claim six grand trees were removed from the property last fall.

City code defines grand trees as those with 8-inch diameters at 4.5 feet above ground level — excluding ficus and Australian pine trees — and prohibits their removal without city commission approval.

The city is seeking the same fines against each of the three alleged violators involved in the case, including $5,000 for each of the removed trees and a $100 administrative fee.

That would result in $30,100 in fines per violator and $90,300 overall.

The alleged violators claim that the removed trees either did not qualify as grand trees or were cleared for removal under state law due to an arborist’s assessment of unacceptable risk.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project is underway at the bridge, requiring temporary lane closures. Info: www.amiprojects.io, 941-3064660, info@amiprojects.io.

Gulf Drive/55th Street/56th Street : Holmes Beach’s Gulf Drive Sea Level Rise Mitigation Project continues into April, with lane closures around 55th Street and 56th Street, from Gulf Drive to Marina Drive. Info: 941-708-5768, mgorman@holmesbeachfl. org.

Gulf Drive/State Road 789: The Florida Department of Transportation is milling and resurfacing Gulf

The case was presented to special magistrate Gerald Buhr, an attorney out of Lakewood Ranch, on Jan. 20, but he postponed a ruling in lieu of the arborist who assessed the trees.

It was continued again during the Feb. 17 hearing, sending the case to the city’s next special magistrate hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

See more photos online at islander.org.

Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1. Motorists can expect single-lane closures overnight. Info: swflroads.com/project/451021-1.

Cortez Bridge: Construction activities are ongoing east of the bridge on the south side of Cortez Road West. Pipe installation work is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-306-4660, info@amiprojects. io, amiprojects.io.

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

— Lisa Neff

West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic Christopher O’Kelly, center, holds a certificate Feb. 17 recognizing his promotion to training officer. WMFR Chief ben Rigney, left, and Training Chief Mark Tuttle, right, presented O’Kelly’s promotion. Islander Courtesy Photo

AM planners discuss intersection visibility improvements

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria is setting its sights on improving visibility at intersections throughout the city.

Roadway engineer Mark Gillette of Tampa-based Element Engineering Group led city staff Feb. 20 in presenting a sight-triangle study to the planning and zoning board for review.

The P&Z is an advisory board to the city commission that reviews proposed ordinances, variances, special exception requests and more for compliance with municipal code.

The board previously requested city staff assess stop-controlled intersections with obstructions within sight triangles — a motorist’s line of sight on approaching traffic and pedestrians at intersection.

Sight triangles are meant to be unobstructed.

However, staff found obstructions at numerous intersections.

The study includes a list of 24 crashes reported to the Florida Department of Transportation from Jan. 1, 2023, to Aug. 7, 2025, with breakdowns of where and how each occurred.

Of those crashes, eight occurred on Gulf Drive, eight on Pine Avenue and two on North Bay Boulevard.

The bulk of the study involved assessing 30 prioritized intersections for safety issues and recommendations for how to address those issues.

The intersections include nine crossings with Gulf Drive, eight with North Shore Drive, five with South

Bay Boulevard, four with North Bay Boulevard and three with Pine Avenue.

Staff recommendations for addressing the concerns at the crossings vary but involve adding stop bars, crosswalks and signage, restriping, lowering fences, clearing foliage and more.

Some notable recommendations include adding crosswalks on Coconut Avenue, North Shore Drive, Sycamore Avenue and Tarpon Street, as well as making the intersection of North Shore Drive and Palm Avenue a four-way stop.

P&Z Chair Jeff Rodencal questioned the four-way stop.

The intersection currently features stop signs for motorists driving either way on North Shore Drive, but no stops for Palm Avenue motorists.

Gillette said the high-volume intersection calls for a four-way stop.

Rodencal said the intersection did not feature a higher volume of traffic and pedestrians than others in the city, especially those along Gulf Drive or Pine Avenue.

Another staff member said the four-way stop was recommended since it was the only intersection with North Shore Drive without stops at every corner.

P&Z member Don Buswell-Charkow said he frequents the intersection and often sees motorists “zoom through” despite the regular presence of children in the area, so he expressed support for the four-way stop.

Rodencal asked how the city would tackle other improvements, including foliage removal.

Coalition forms to challenge proposed cruise ship port

A coalition of groups challenging a proposed cruise port in Manatee County registered opposition with the Florida Board of Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

The coalition of conservation, fishing and community organizations sent the board a letter stating how the port proposed on the Knott-Cowen tract conflicts with state law, local land-use protections and the long-term public interest in safeguarding one of Tampa Bay’s most productive and intact coastal ecosystems.

The issue for the groups begins with the possible rezoning of the property, which is geographically located within the state-protected Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and described as vital to Florida’s biological and aesthetic heritage, as well as the productivity of the wider Tampa Bay estuary.

“Existing regulations were put in place to ensure treasures like this remain unspoiled,” said Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. “If the law won’t protect the TCAP, it won’t protect anything. This is a litmus test for Florida’s future: either our environmental regulations have teeth, or no critical habitat in this state is truly safe.”

Florida protected the preserve to safeguard 21,736 acres of interconnected ecosystems.

“Dredging for a cruise port and increased vessel traffic would destroy and degrade these habitats, disrupting tarpon migration and spawning-related activities for both Tampa Bay and the Gulf,” Jim McDuffie, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust president and CEO, said in a news release. “With much of Florida’s juvenile tarpon habitat already lost to coastal development, protecting the remaining habitat is critical to the future of the fishery.”

— Lisa Neff

CRUISE PORT CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

subjective and definitely leave the door open.”

“I don’t want to discredit Jim Boyd because I appreciate the cruise port aspects of it getting more challenging,” Click said. “But it opens up a big door for developers to do things that require dredge-and-fill within the aquatic preserve and gives them an easier lane forward.”

To become law, SB 302 would need to pass the Florida House of Representatives and both chambers must agree on identical language.

If approved in both chambers, the bill would go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who could sign it, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.

Unless otherwise specified, legislation passed during session typically takes effect July 1.

Click voiced concern that some people might view the amendment as a final victory.

“I worry that people in the community are going to get fixated on, ‘Oh, we won, we stopped the cruise port,’ when there’s still the threat of a major project, major dredge-and-fill, major implications on the health of the ecosystem and the quality of life for people who live around there,” he said.

City planner Ashley Austin said the city is allowed to remove obstructions within sight triangles, and public works staff or a contractor could handle foliage removal.

She said the matter was only a discussion and action would not be needed, but asked how the P&Z wanted to move forward.

Rodencal said he wanted to bring the study back to the P&Z’s next meeting so they can go through each assessed intersection in detail, since only eight had been discussed.

In other matters…

P&Z members also:

• Unanimously voted to recommend a variance to a 15-foot waterway setback for the installation of a retaining wall at 853 N. Shore Drive with conditions;

• Unanimously voted to recommend an ordinance amending code regarding bulkheads and seawalls and their repair or replacement;

• Continued a discussion of utility issues to a later meeting.

The city’s next P&Z meeting will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Political contacts, from here to Washington, D.C.

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

Governor: Gov. Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337; 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee FL 32399-0001; 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.

New clerk starts work, shadows mentor in Holmes Beach

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A new chapter is beginning at Holmes Beach City Hall, where, following almost 20 years without a change, a new municipal clerk is clocking in.

Marina Hovious told The Islander Feb. 20 that she was set to begin shadowing Stacey Johnston, the retiring city clerk, on Feb. 23 — after The Islander’s press deadline.

Johnston has served as city clerk since August 2007, but will retire March 6 after nearly 20 years at the position.

Mayor Judy Titsworth recommended Hovious to succeed Johnston and, in January, the city commission

Election 2026

unanimously voted to approve the hire.

Hovious is originally from Estonia, but moved with her family to Brooklyn in 1995, when she was 8. Her family then moved to Oregon.

There, Hovious graduated from Washington State University in 2007, worked the past eight years as board clerk for Multnomah County and eight years before that as assistant board clerk for the same county.

She became a certified municipal clerk in 2025.

Hovious told The Islander that she — and her family — are happy to be named as Johnston’s successor.

“My whole family was watching the meeting where I was getting voted in,” she said. “Everyone was just really excited to hear the verdict.”

Hovious said her family completed the move to Florida over the week of Feb. 9 and is currently renting in Lakewood Ranch.

She added that she has been warned about traffic on the island, but said she dealt with heavy traffic in the Portland area and would be prepared for it here.

“I’m used to the long commute, but I am bracing for it,” Hovious said.

She said she was excited to start shadowing Johnston so she can be prepared for the role by March 6, when Johnston will retire and she will step in as city clerk.

Voting underway on West Manatee Fire question

Mail voting is underway for the West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s special election.

A referendum question asks voters to levy annual ad valorem taxes not to exceed 1 mill beginning in fiscal 2026-27. The district currently levies non-ad valorem fire assessment fees.

The deadline to request a mail ballot from the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office is Thursday, Feb. 26. Election Day will be Tuesday, March 10, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registration open

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 the Florida Department of State’s website, registertovoteflorida.gov.

Details on registration also can be found at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections’ website, votemanatee.gov.

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 is Tuesday, Nov. 3. For more info

For more about voting, candidates or qualifying, go to votemanatee.gov or call 941-741-3823.

— Lisa Neff

Plan now!

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

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

Hovious said she and her husband wanted to settle down somewhere new with their children, so she applied for jobs in different states, including the gig in Holmes Beach.

BB ATTORNEY CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

test the invoices: “From a purely legal perspective, I think the city is on good footing with saying you’re not responsible for paying those invoices because she’s in breach of her own contract … that she drafted.”

Perry’s fi nal billing totaled $167,674. The city audit reduced that amount to $139,685, a difference of $27,989.

Augello said concerns extend beyond timing of the invoices to the billing entries themselves.

Commissioners cited audit findings that billing entries exceeded the number of hours in a single day.

“It amazed me that someone would send an invoice out for having spent 26.1 hours in a day,” Commissioner Scott Bear said. “I’m an engineer. So, math is math, and that math never added up.”

Vice Mayor Debbie Scaccianoce said she found the audit findings troubling.

“I guess I’m alarmed at the audit and how much money it was, how that billing turned out,” Scaccianoce said. “It’s disappointing because you put your faith in your city attorney to represent the city and do the right thing, and then this happens.”

Augello described the issue as a contract matter.

“I want you to keep in mind that this is a contract just like you would have with anyone else,” she said. “You can always take into (account) extenuating circumstances, but they need to be the same things that you would take into account with any other service that you had in your professional service or any other contract that the city would have.”

Under the agreement between Perry and the city, unpaid invoices more than 30 days past billing accrue interest at 12% per year.

Commissioners directed Augello to authorize payment of the audited September amount — $23,782 — but to invite negotiation on the disputed fees.

By consensus, commissioners authorized Augello to send the demand letter to Perry.

“Thankfully I get to shadow her for about two weeks and just really learn from her — all her ways of doing things and the way she runs the office,” Hovious said. “I don’t want to shake things up. I want to do the same good job she’s been doing.”

People can meet Hovious by visiting city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

Perry on Feb. 20 commented via text to The Islander, saying she had corresponded with city treasurer Shayne Thompson, seeking collection of the unpaid invoices.

“My invoices were submitted over 100 days ago,” she wrote. “There has been no communication as to any issue with my fi nal invoices now for over 120 days, so I am unaware of any potential problems. While none of my time is in any way conditioned upon such reimbursement and the city is well beyond their contractually allotted timeframe to object, as I have done for the last twenty years, I am always happy to assist the city should they so request.”

Perry also suggested in her Feb. 20 text that the city seek Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement for her hurricane-related work.

Perry’s invoice can be viewed at islander.org.

The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Woe is me

I can’t imagine how many times this space has been dedicated to the topic of bridges in the past 34 years — as long as I’ve been writing it.

Within months of launching the newspaper in 1992 we were thrust into an argument between locals and the Florida Department of Transportation over the bridges to Anna Maria Island.

It all got going when then-Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola mounted a campaign to end the DOT’s plans to build a megabridge at Cortez Road.

The DOT quickly shifted the budgeted funds to the Anna Maria Island aka Manatee Avenue Bridge and finally the gavel fell in the locals’ favor at a special magistrate hearing.

No megabridge.

But that wasn’t enough. The DOT waited a few years and started to push again for a megabridge replacement on Manatee Avenue — and won.

The same darn thing played out for Cortez but there was a great deal of fury — and lawsuits — from the opposition.

Now we are months away from the start of construction for a Cortez megabridge.

Up until this week, I assumed the Longboat Key town officials were in favor of the megabridge at Cortez Road. After all, much of the hype was for smoother traffic flow from LBK.

Meanwhile, LBK took opposition to a megabridge at Longboat Pass — and this week we’re learning from some sources that the DOT is adamant about building a megabridge there, too.

Longboat Key has lost the fight.

Meanwhile, Bradenton Beach is just now stepping into the muck left by former city attorney Ricinda Perry in the form of her late bills, claims the city is late on payments, and overbilling by Perry of her hourly rate and — YES — more hours than there are in a day.

Maybe a longer review is needed, going back over the past few years’ invoices from Perry. We often noted her statements somehow appeared in consent agendas long after the billing month and for large amounts that went unquestioned by the mayor and commissioners.

How long has it been going on?

And, finally, kudos to state Sen. Jim Boyd for his amendment to protect the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve — where a great deal of deep dredging would be needed to access a proposed cruise port.

While we are grateful, much of the port opposition is waiting for a review of existing protections to determine if Boyd’s measure is meaningful.

Maybe it’s just hot air, but we’ll take it.

— bonner Joy

OpinionYour

The island beckoned

We came back at New Year’s Eve to visit our home of 14 years for the first time after the hurricanes. We had sold the house and moved to South Carolina. It was bittersweet. We rented across the street from our old house. We love the new owners. And we love our neighborhood on 82nd Street in Holmes Beach.

Here is my poem, written Jan. 1:

The island beckoned

Even after losing so much.

But now joy fills every pore.

Connections

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

Facebook: islandernewspaper

Instagram: @theislanderami

News alerts: Register at islander.org

E-edition: Subscribe at islander.org

Archive: ufdc.ufl.edu

Submit news: news@islander.org

Letters to the editor: news@islander.org

Q&A The Islander poll

When we meet old friends

How many spring training games will you catch?

FEB. 25, 2026 Vol. 34, No. 18

When we see familiar faces

When we walk the beach

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

▼ Editorial Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jackelka000@gmail.com

Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Sales

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

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

▼ Distribution

Urbane bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

And the waves continue

To roll in and out

Like breath.

And our soul rejoices

All others: info@islander.org

In the familiarity of place and time.

The dog remembers, though a year and a half have passed.

Every smell a memory

Every step excitement

Pulling us toward home.

Sitting up, tail wagging, ears alert

As we drive towards the dog park.

The beach path points North,

Where a treat jar waits on top of a wall.

He knows it with certainty, though it’s 20 minutes away.

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.

A. One.

B. At least a couple

C. As many as possible.

D. Have season tickets.

E. None.

To answer the poll, go to islander.org.

Last week’s question

What do you want to see added to the T-end at the Anna Maria City Pier?

A. A full-service restaurant. 72%

B. Food court. 11%

C. Coffee house. 7%

D. Marine exhibit. 9%

E. Souvenir shop. 0%

His memory is sharp.

While I recognize familiar faces

But no names.

Familiar addresses

With no sense of direction

After living here for 14 years.

sound of the waves

Looking back

Prepping to play ball in Bradenton

A baseball clinic takes place in March 1977 at Pirate City in bradenton as spring training season got underway. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Archives

OPINIONS CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 6

The rustling of the palm fronds The feeling of being home.

There have been other homes

That were familiar once With their own smells jogging our memories

The St. Louis Cardinals train in March 1923 at McKechnie Field in bradenton. The team played in bradenton 1923-24 and 1930-36.

10-20-30 years ago

From the Feb. 22, 1996, issue

• “No megabridge!” declared the headline on Page 1 of The Islander. The report said a hearing officer rejected the proposal by a state agency to build a high, fixed-span bridge to AMI.

• Responding to criticism from residents, the Holmes Beach City Commission agreed to discuss reducing the scope of a planned city hall complex and possibly remodel instead of build new.

From the Feb. 22, 2006, issue

• Tourism on the island fell by 22% in January 2006 compared with January 2005. Island accommodations managers blamed the presence of beach renourishment pipes on the downturn.

• The Anna Maria Island Community Center said rising oil prices and other costs meant a new center would cost $3 million instead of $2 million. The county agreed to provide an added $100,000 and the center was asking the island cities to contribute to the building fund.

• The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted down a proposal to purchase the Seafood Shack property in Cortez to house a maritime museum.

From the Feb. 24, 2016, issue

• Developer Shawn Kaleta sued the city of Anna Maria in federal court, alleging the city deprived him of his First Amendment and 14th Amendment rights.

• Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said attorney Fred Moore had done research and determined that commercial businesses operating on the day dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier might be operating in breach of the submerged land lease the city negotiated with the state.

Making our souls soar with joy. So distant now

But so familiar with every step When we return.

Barbara Truemper-Green, Salem, South Carolina

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

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 26

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture, Nate Jacobs, founder of the West Coast Black Theater Troupe, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Saturday, Feb. 28

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Springfest, 59th Street between city hall and city field, Holmes Beach. Info: blueribbonevent.com/florida-shows. Sunday, March 1

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Springfest, 59th Street between city hall and city field, Holmes Beach. Info: blueribbonevent.com/florida-shows.

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.

OFF AMI

Saturday, Feb. 28

11 a.m..-3 p.m. — The Florida Highwaymen exhibit and sale, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Info: palmasolabp.org.

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

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

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

• March 6-9, “Paranormal Cirque!” Ellenton.

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

• March 14, De Soto National Memorial’s Food Truck Satur-

days, Bradenton.

• March 15, Island Players’ “The Outsider” auditions, Anna Maria.

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.

SAVE THE DATES

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

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

Saturday, Feb. 28 8-11 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Pancake Breakfast, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-7780414.

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.

• 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 AMI meets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-730-0016.

SAVE THE DATES

• March 7, Sarasota Bay Watch Scallopalooza, Sarasota.

• March 7, Great American Cleanup, Palma Sola/Perico Island.

• March 7-8, Back to Angola, Bradenton.

Save the dates

“Paranormal Cirque,” a horror-themed circus cabaret for mature audiences, comes to ellenton Premium Outlets, 5461 Factory Shops blvd., ellenton, March 6-9. Tickets begin at $10 at paranormalcirque.com or 941-704-8572. Islander Courtesy Photo

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

• March 17, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Workday, Bradenton.

• March 18, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Celebration, Anna Maria.

• March 21, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria.

• March 21, Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup, Anna Maria.

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

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 sellout, 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.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

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

• March 14, Florida Maritime Museum Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

• March 21, Manatee Rare Fruit Tree Sale, Lakewood Ranch.

• April 10, Night Market in City Center, Holmes Beach.

• April 18, Herrig Center Snatch It Up, Bradenton.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through March 23, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-7473031.

SAVE THE DATES

• April 2, Bradenton Marauders season begins.

John Oates concert at center

The Center of Anna Maria Island will present John Oates and the Good Road Band in concert Sunday, March 1.

The indoor concert at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will begin at 7 p.m. with a headliner. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Oates, a former member of the duo Hall & Oates, has led a solo career for 25 years. He’s currently touring with his Good Road Band and Acoustic Quartet, performing new original songs plus past hits and influential music he’s described as “the songs that made me” — from the early days of rock, soul, folk and R&B.

Tickets are $65 and on sale at centerami.org/concerts.

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

Center pours to benefit kids

Sommelier-led sips alongside silent auction bids — a favorite fundraiser — returns to the community center Saturday, 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, cured meats and gourmet accompaniments during the 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 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 www.centerami.org/ events, call 941-778-1908, or email info@centerami. org.

CALENDAR CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 8

OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI

Wednesday, Feb. 25

9 a.m. — Native planting volunteer morning, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.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.

SAVE THE DATES

• June 26-28, Full Send Fishing Tournament, Anna Maria. CALENDAR NOTES

MARK THE DATES

• March 8, daylight saving time begins.

• March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

• April 1, April Fool’s Day.

• April 3, Good Friday.

• April 5, Easter.

• April 22, Earth Day.

• May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

Island happenings

Field day

Marilyn Marigold, left, president of the Anna Maria Island Art League, Springfest judge Jean Murray, AMIAL board member Katy Demick and judge Jane Lewis visit the Young at Art exhibit during the 2025 Springfest fine arts and crafts show in Holmes beach. This year’s Springfest will be Feb. 28-March 1. Islander File

Lisa Neff

Springfest returns to Holmes Beach with new food, arts, events

Springfest will return Feb. 28-March 1 featuring new culinary and arts programming alongside its signature arts and crafts show.

The free, Saturday-Sunday event organized by Blue Ribbon Events runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days along 59th Street in Holmes Beach between city hall and city field.

Springfest will feature returning artists, including painter Kristina Grillo, photographer Jimmy Chadsey, woodworker Tim Gillespie and jeweler Heather Veremis, among others.

Admission is free but attendees are asked to bring a food pantry donation.

New this year is Taste of the Island, which will

Tingley grand party Feb. 24

Tingley Memorial Library will officially celebrate its reopening following the recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton with a party 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, after the Islander’s press time.

A notice said the library, located across the city hall parking lot at 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, will offer coffee, pastries and a buyone-get-one book sale.

Also, new library members will receive a tote bag.

For more, call the library at 941-779-1208.

bring up to 30 local eateries noon-4:30 p.m. March 1, including Poppo’s Taqueria, Rock N Eggroll, Topsail Steamer, Anna Maria General Store and gRub Tropical BBQ.

Small plates will be priced $4-$10 and purchased using a ticket system. The vendor that collects the most tickets — or sells the most food — wins a $500 prize, a trophy and bragging rights.

Also, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will sell cocktails noon-4:30 p.m. and Maverick & Lulu of iHeartRadio will be on-site noon-2 p.m.

Another new element is Paint the Island, a plein air competition with painters at locations across the island Friday-Saturday, Feb. 27-28.

Completed work will be auctioned March 1, and eligible for cash prizes. The entry fee is $29.

The Holmes Beach-based Anna Maria Island Art League established Springfest nearly 40 years ago and collaborated with Blue Ribbon Events to present the show in 2025.

Blue Ribbon, in a Feb. 6 news release, announced, “After thoughtful consideration, the Anna Maria Art League has decided not to move forward with Springfest in future years in order to focus its time and resources on other art-enriching initiatives that directly serve the community.”

AMIAL is receiving $500 from Springfest to support its nonprofit work.

For more information, go to blueribbonevent. com.

Gathering By Lisa Neff

Church Women United hosts World Day of Prayer event

Representatives from Anna Maria Island churches, including Roser Memorial Community Church, will participate in the Church Women United’s World Day of Prayer service at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 6, at Ward Temple AME Church, 1017 Fifth St. W., Bradenton.

Attendees are asked to bring new children’s shoes or monetary donations for the Soles to Little Souls project.

World Day of Prayer is an annual ecumenical event, part of a worldwide movement of Christian women, held on the first Friday of March to promote prayer, fellowship and action for peace and justice.

GoodDeeds

Cleanup set for March 7

Keep Manatee Beautiful is calling for volunteers to join the Great American Cleanup Saturday, March 7, on Manatee Avenue along the Palma Sola Causeway and on Perico and Anna Maria islands.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with cleanup 9:30 a.m.noon. Lunch will be provided to registered volunteers, and cleanup supplies will be available on site.

Registration is encouraged.

For more information and to register, go to manateebeautiful.com or call 941-795-8272.

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.

County seeks volunteers for animal welfare boards

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved two advisory boards to combine community input with professional and technical expertise to support animal welfare services.

The animal services advisory board will provide input on policies, operations and community education.

Seats will be filled through a public application process and commission appointment.

The animal services technical advisory board will

provide professional expertise to support services. Seats will be filled through a nomination-based process and appointed by the commission. Application materials, nomination instructions and additional information are available at mymanatee. org. The county phone number is 941-748-4501.

At your service Obituaries are offered as a free service. Submit to news@islander.org.

YouTube link ) Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Ser vice 10 : 00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor Visitors & Residents Welcome

(

for

close harmony and unique blend. Their individual talents and wide variety of musical styles combine to make them one of America today - and they’re all a wide variety of styles and

Serving in the fellowship hall

Diners Jan. 31 move through the serving line at Roser Memorial Community Church. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The church hosted its first pancake breakfast of the season in the hall in January. Lynn brennan, left, offers butter and syrup. Carol Reed plated biscuits and gravy and brent Reed offered applesauce and OJ. The next breakfast will be 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

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

• Cortez Village Historical Society seeks volunteers. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.

• Friends of the Island Library collects jewelry for its spring jewelry sale to benefit the library. Info: 941-778-4255.

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

• Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, seeks volunteers to lend books. Info: 941-779-1208.

• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.

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 calendar@islander.org.

Orchestra evaluating role, way forward post hurricanes

The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra has taken a grand pause, a break in the music.

“We’re evaluating where we are going to go,” AMICCO president Catherine Hackert told The Islander Feb. 18. “We’re in a holding pattern.”

The nonprofit group’s performance calendar currently is clear.

Years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic and shifts in the island population and visitor market, AMICCO performed four sold-out concerts in Holmes Beach each winter-spring snowbird season.

And, more than a decade ago, AMICCO performed its first Symphony on the Sand show on the beach.

Hurricane Nicole forced the cancelation of the 2022 Symphony on the Sand.

And AMICCO already had announced plans not to stage the Symphony on the Sand in September 2024, before hurricanes Helene and Milton hit.

A statement at the time said, “Our 2022 Symphony on the Sand was blown out by Hurricane Nicole and we absorbed a financial loss. Mounting a multifaceted production that involves coordinating food and restaurants, staging, soloists, ticketing and an orchestra plus all the municipalities involved is a bit more involved in our post-pandemic world. Our 2023 Symphony on the Sand was an artistic success, and we are hoping to put on a fabulous event in November 2025.”

However, a 2025 Symphony on the Sand did not take place.

Hackert said Feb. 18, “We are still trying to make decisions about moving forward.”

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is gathering most weeks at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

At the Feb. 28 meeting, the club will hear from Dawn Bryant of Hope Family Services.

In March, the club will hear from Tim Boyd of Guardian Angles, Krista Carpenter of Wildlife Inc. and a representative from Manatee Children’s Services, as well as prepare for the annual sunrise service on Easter Sunday.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-730-0016.

She said, “Yes!”

Steve Rose, owner of bortell’s Lounge, proposes marriage Feb. 21 to his college sweetheart, Lisa Sandwich, atop the bar amid a crowd of invited patrons and unwitting customers. The party was to be a “farewell toast” as Rose thanked everyone and announced the imminent sale of the bar. but the engagement, and later, a wedding, were a planned surprise for the crowd. More, page 20. Islander Courtesy Photos

Island happenings

Robert Gaglio, founder of Italian Culinary Tours, guides Jane Weisbrodt and John Cook in a biscottimaking demonstration during the Friends of the Island Library’s Lecture/Travel Series program Feb. 12 as Joy Leitner performs Italian opera selections. The series at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes beach, concludes Thursday, Feb. 26. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Nancy Deal

For character and resiliency

Anna Maria Island Rotary Club youth services chair

Judy Rup, left, presents a donation to Anna Maria Elementary counselor Kim Sherburne Feb. 18 in support of student resiliency and character education programs at the school. Rotary regularly partners with the school, providing funding for literacy initiatives, character development and campus improvements. Islander Photo: Courtesy AME

Lecture series ends Feb. 26

The Friends of the Island Library hosts one more lecture in its annual series in the community room at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The series will conclude at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, with Nate Jacobs, founder of the West Coast Black Theater Troupe.

For more info, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Registration open for center’s spring break camp

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host its annual Spring Break Camp March 16-20, offering a full week of themed activities for children in kindergarten through fifth-grade.

The camp runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily and features activities including Creative Carnival, Detective Discovery, Music & Movement, Wide World of Sports and a Bowling Field Trip.

Registration must be completed by Thursday, March 12.

The camp fee is $190 for members and $215 for nonmembers. Sliding scale fees are available for qualifying families.

For more information or to register, visit www. centerami.org, email youthprograms@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

AME Lego Club seeks brick donations

The Anna Maria Elementary School ParentTeacher Organization is collecting Lego bricks for its Lego Club and is asking families to donate sets.

The PTO posted the donation drive on Facebook, writing that the school welcomes “any Legos longing to be played with again.”

Donors are asked to drop off bins or bags of bricks at the school front desk, 4700 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach.

For more info, call the school at 941-708-5525. — Lisa Neff

Islander makes dean’s list

LeahGrace Young of Anna Maria earned dean’s list honors at the University of Tampa for the fall 2025 semester.

Young is a freshman majoring in health science.

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list, according to a news release from the school.

School achievements

The Islander welcomes notices of achievements and honors in school —from elementary to higher ed.

Please, email the editor at news@islander.org with the details. Photos also are welcome. Include a contact name and phone number.

— Lisa Neff

Cops & Courts

Felony charge dropped against Bradenton man

The state attorney’s office dropped a second-degree felony charge against Devon Guidry Jr., 29, of Bradenton, Dec. 30, 2025, for alleged burglary of an unoccupied structure.

Holmes Beach police arrested Guidry in November. He was found sleeping in a vacation rental property without the permission of its owner, according to court records. The owner wanted to press charges, but Guidry had already been trespassed and released from custody.

Guidry was found the next day allegedly trespassing at another property. He was arrested and trans-

ported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained with a $15,150 bond as of Feb. 18.

Guidry was initially charged with a second-degree felony, as well as a first-degree misdemeanor for trespass in unoccupied structure/conveyance and a seconddegree misdemeanor for loitering and prowling.

In addition to dropping the felony charge, the SAO reduced the first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree misdemeanor.

A hearing is scheduled for March 17 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— Ryan Paice

Adjudication withheld against Bradenton woman

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Judge Jacqueline Steele of the 12th Circuit Court ruled Feb. 9 to withhold adjudication against Linda Kemp, 72, of Bradenton, for a second-degree misdemeanor for alcohol-related reckless driving.

Holmes Beach police arrested Kemp last October for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol after she was found driving through a closed section of Gulf Drive. She was released from jail without bond Oct. 25, 2025.

Kemp was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for DUI but signed a deal with the state attorney’s office to participate in Manatee County’s driver enhanced treatment education rehabilitation — or DETER — program.

Majority of swale maintenance completed in Anna Maria

Fresh stone covers a swale that runs behind properties between Spring and Magnolia avenues in Anna Maria. The swale is one of three that Sarasotabased C-Squared CGC has trenched, graded and topped with stone as part of the city’s project to maintain 11,000 linear feet of swales throughout the municipality. Anna Maria public works manager Dean Jones wrote in a Feb. 6 email to The Islander that the project was going “fantastically” and C-Squared had completed “about 70%” of the work.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The deal specified that, upon completion of the program, Kemp could plead nolo contendere — or no contest — to an amended charge of reckless driving with alcohol, for which adjudication would be withheld.

Withholding adjudication allows a court to issue a sentence without a formal conviction.

Steele’s Feb. 9 ruling determined Kemp had successfully participated in the DETER program, so the deal was upheld.

Steele amended the charge to reckless driving and Kemp pleaded no contest.

Steele withheld adjudication against Kemp for the amended charge and sentenced her to 12 months of probation, a $500 fine, DUI school and a live victim impact panel, as well as 50 hours of public service.

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

Feb. 11, 100 Spring Ave., the Sandbar Restaurant, assault/trespass. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to the restaurant, where a customer allegedly put his hands on the complainant during a disagreement. The customer left the area on foot.

Bradenton Beach

Feb. 9, 300 Bay Drive South, criminal mischief. A resident notified the Bradenton Beach Police Department of banging noises and an individual attempting to open an exterior door before walking away. Plastic trim around the door was ripped off. Damage was estimated at $600. Police did not locate a suspect.

Feb. 12, 1300 block of Gulf Drive North, fire alarm. West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a call about a burning smell at Tortuga Inn and evacuated the structure. WMFR determined the odor was burnt food.

Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

Feb. 10, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, petit theft. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a theft at the beach and met with a Manatee County Beach Patrol lieutenant, who said someone removed a chain and pad lock from a fence.

Feb. 13, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, alcohol/ obstruction without violence. An officer saw a man cross Gulf Drive, causing a motorist to brake. The officer tried to stop the man, but he continued walking, entered a bar and tried to hide in a restroom. The officer followed him, unholstered his Taser and commanded him to the ground. The man complied and was placed in custody. The man smelled of alcohol and the officer found an open alcoholic beverage in a brown paper bag. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail.

Feb. 15, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, fake ID. An officer responded to reports of a woman sleeping on the sidewalk. The officer woke the woman, who said she was sunbathing. When asked for identification, she provided a name and birth date, which was not found. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy was called to the scene and identified the woman using Rapid ID software. The officer arrested the woman and transported her to the Manatee County jail.

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

—

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are looking forward to a dreamy springlike day for a shopping trip to their favorite shops, boutiques and vintage markets!

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at

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.

Your place for fun, funky quirky!

Local Artisans. Upcycled, Vintage Furniture, Decor, Artwork

Dixie 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 March 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.”

Mixed-use concept prompts LDC debate in Bradenton Beach

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

One property owner, seeking to rebuild after 2024 storm damage, is asking Bradenton Beach officials to consider changing the municipal land development code to allow a mixed-use project in the Bridge Street area.

Property owner Salvatore Alfonso wants to redevelop 104 First St. N., where a home was demolished after being substantially damaged in 2024. The concept includes a cafe on the ground floor and residential units above.

Attorney Scott E. Rudacille, representing Alfonso at a city meeting Feb. 19, said the concept aligns with the intent of the mixed-use Bridge Street overlay district but current code offers limited flexibility for mixed-use development on the standard 50-by-100foot lots common in the area.

Rudacille emphasized the owner does not seek approval of a specific redevelopment plan. Instead, Alfonso wants to explore a text amendment to the land development code that would give the city greater discretion to consider projects like the one he wants to pursue.

Mayor John Chappie said the city should take a broader look at community redevelopment agency goals before considering code changes that could affect development patterns in the Bridge Street area.

The mayor said the CRA district has evolved over time and he suggested the city commission revisit objectives before changing the LDC.

Also, Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce voiced unease with introducing new mixed-use development

PALMA SOLA CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1 display or free distribution of any merchandise, goods, property or services” on state rights of way.

While that statute exists, PSSH members said enforcement is inconsistent on the causeway, a state road in Bradenton city limits, with Manatee County maintaining landscaping under a 2024 interlocal agreement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulating boating and livery permits on the water.

The situation troubles marina-based business owners.

“What gives them the right to use public property to run their business?” John Cadmus of Cortez Watersports said of mobile vendors. “We’re paying rent, insurance, taxes and complying with every regulation and they’re just pulling up on the side of the road.”

John DeLeon, who formerly operated Bradenton Beach Marina for more than 30 years, added, “There’s nothing wrong with competition. But it has to be fair competition. What’s to stop me from buying 20 skis and operating there instead?”

Bill Diggens, who operates Anna Maria Jet Ski from Parrot Cove Marina, said storefront businesses carry expenses mobile vendors might not face.

“In order to have a brick-and-mortar location, you have to have a signed lease with a marina and we’re required to have full liability insurance,” he said. “The added expenses make it really difficult to compete with those guys.”

But Austin Nicholson, owner of Seaside Island Adventures, said his company, which operates from the causeway, meets state livery requirements, invests in training and carries insurance.

“Every one of my employees were trained by me for an entire month,” Nicholson said Feb. 14. “We abide by all the laws. We have the insurance. We keep the policy. We have a livery. We keep it up to date.”

FWC rules require companies renting personal watercraft to hold a livery permit, and that permit requires commercial insurance coverage of $500,000 per person and $1 million per occurrence, along with documented safety briefings for renters.

Nicholson said responsible operators go beyond the minimum for compliance.

“We’re not just plopping people on (personal watercraft) and saying, ‘Have a good day. We’ll see you in an hour,’ I hope,” he said. “There are people doing things the wrong way, but there’s absolutely people doing it the right way and they deserve to be

into a largely residential area.

“My concern is that we’re talking about turning what has been a predominantly residential neighborhood into mixed-use with commercial, and that’s going to impact the quality of life for the people who live there,” she said.

“If a house becomes a retail shop, you’re going to have cars parking up and down the street, and that changes the character of the neighborhood.”

Acting building official Rob Perry said the owner

Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing Salvatore Alfonso, addresses the bradenton beach City Commission Feb. 19 at city hall. Islander

Robert Anderson

had sought approval under existing code and was denied by planning staff and a former building official, prompting the pursuit of a code change.

After discussion, commissioners agreed by consensus that the owner may file an application to amend the LDC — not to approve the proposed project itself.

Any proposed amendment would require review by the planning and zoning board and public hearings before returning to the commission for consideration.

out there.”

“Some people are running a business. Some people are operating a side hustle,” he added.

Chuck Dort, manager of Freedom Jet Ski Rentals, said the longest-tenured operators on the causeway work together to maintain safety.

“We know each other’s skis. We know each other’s customers,” he said. “If I’m going out to check on my rentals, I’m checking on his, too. If he’s going out, he’s looking at mine. We communicate constantly.”

Jeffrey Burns owns Little Philly Sea Adventures, which operates on the causeway. He said safety protocols and documentation are central to his operation.

Burns also said he carries more insurance than the state minimum. “I carry $1 million to $2 million on everything,” he said. “That’s protecting myself, my business and the customer.”

He and other vendors acknowledged that regulatory enforcement on the causeway can be uneven.

Burns said some vendors obtain insurance but later drop coverage.

“That’s been the trend that I’ve seen,” he said.

FWC officers conduct compliance checks, according to vendors, particularly when customers are stopped on the water for an alleged infraction. However, vendors said they have not routinely seen the FWC conduct compliance checks onshore.

“I follow the rules and safety comes first,” Burns said. “I think there needs to be more accountability to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

A central question raised by brick-and-mortar businesses and some mobile vendors is how frequently

boards advertise rentals Feb. 12 on the right of way of the Palma Sola Causeway. Islander

insurance compliance is verified after a livery permit is issued.

In addition to the state responsibility, Manatee County and Bradenton have rules and authority on the causeway.

The county, in a Feb. 3 email to The Islander, said that under a 2024 interlocal agreement with Bradenton, it handles maintenance, landscaping and trash removal.

Bradenton has said it can regulate what occurs within city limits and city offi cials work to ensure people using public property safely and meet permitting and insurance requirements.

“Bradenton supports small businesses and waterfront recreation,” a Jan. 27 statement to The Islander read. “But we also have a responsibility to apply these standards consistently. Businesses that follow the rules should not be placed at a disadvantage, and our focus is on making sure everyone is held to the same expectations, so the community, visitors and legitimate operators are protected.”

However, the statement did not detail standards or enforcement procedures.

And businesspeople and PSSH members say consistency has been difficult to achieve given the fragmented oversight.

Adrian Mays, owner of the causeway-based Freedom Jet Ski Rentals, said she and other operators have discussed structured solutions, including a vendor-permit system.

“We don’t want it shut down,” Mays said. “We just want it regulated.”

Night golf, horseshoe challenge and center sports top the week

by Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Six weeks into the youth flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, two teams are dominating the 14-17 division standings: Moss Builders and Swordfish Grill.

Both are 5-0 and hold a commanding lead over the rest of the division.

Better on Bikes, HSH Designs and Solid Rock Construction are tied for third place with matching 2-3 records followed by MI-Box and Wings ‘N Things at 1-4 and 1-5, respectively.

Action for the 14-17s kicked off Feb. 17 with Moss Builders taking on Wings ‘N Things. Moss Builders showed why it’s undefeated with a 44-26 blowout victory behind six touchdown passes from Mason Moss, including four to Mason Hackley, who also had a game-high eight receptions. Austin Guess and Valentino Grieneisen each added a touchdown catch in the victory.

Ryk Kesten threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for two scores to lead Wings ‘N Things, which also received two touchdown receptions from Callen Westfall in the loss.

Swordfish Grill cruised to a 26-13 victory over MI-Box in the second game of the night behind a pair of TD passes from Ryker Kieft. Maddox Culhane had a TD reception and a pair of interceptions, including one he returned for a TD. Colton Shook added a TD catch and Harrison Schenerlein had an interception return for a touchdown.

David Evans threw a TD pass to Jack Schneider and added an interception return for a TD for MI-Box.

HSH Designs rolled to a 26-6 victory over Better on Bikes in the last 14-17 game of the night behind four TD passes from Caden Quimby to Frankie Coleman.

Landyn Dowell threw a touchdown pass to Jack Zaccagnino for Better on Bikes, which also received four quarterback sacks by Kyle Castagna in the loss.

The 11-13 division standings are a little more spread out, but 82 West Home Inspections and Slim’s Place are in a battle for first with matching 6-0 records.

Sato and USA Fence are tied for third at 3-3 while Cloud Pest Control, Florida Impact Windows and Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness are all 2-4, just ahead of 0-6 G.I. Bins.

Action in the 11-13 division on Feb. 17 got started with Slim’s Place edging Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness by a 13-7 score. Quarterback Sawyer Leibfried threw TD passes to Will Breslin and Gunnar Maize while Charlee Maize added an extra-point reception.

Kellen Reed threw a TD pass to Kyle Mims and added an extra-point reception to lead Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness in the loss.

Cloud Pest Control held on for a 19-15 victory over USA Fence in the second 11-13 game of the night. Jackson Thomas threw two TD passes and Silas DeWitt had another to lead Cloud Pest Control, which also received two touchdowns from Quinton Aller and one from Everett Hood in the victory.

Sammy Gilmore threw two TD passes to Colten DeBerry who also added an interception return of a two-point conversion for USA Fence in the loss.

Sato defeated Florida Impact Windows 28-18 behind two TD passes and a rushing TD from Brandon Sato, who also chipped in an interception return for a TD on defense. Louis Bacon and Dylan Sato each added TD receptions to lead Sato in the victory.

David Evans paced Florida Impact Windows with three TD passes to Braylen Briggs in the loss.

82 West Home Inspections scored early and often in their 52-6 victory over G.I. Bins in the last 11-13 division game of the night. Parker Svoboda threw for two scores and had two TD catches while Miles Moss finished with three TD passes. Rusty Dilley and Luca Viehman each added a pair of TD catches while Nolan Anderson threw for two touchdowns and added a TD catch of his own. Hudson West added a TD catch and run in the 82 West Home Inspection victory.

Konner McGowan threw a TD pass to Eli Szabo for G.I. Bins in the loss.

Adult 35+ soccer action

After five weeks of action in the 35+ adult soccer league at the center, Hogan’s Pool Service & Repair is

comfortably on top of the standings with a 4-0-1 record. Emily Moss Designs at 2-3 and 2-2 MG Construction are in a battle for second, while Bubble Binz at 1-2-2 and Language Services Associates at 1-3-1 are following.

Action Feb. 18 kicked off with Bubble Binz and Language Services battling to a 5-5 tie. Eric Pullen paced Bubble Binz with three goals, while Nate Welch scored twice and notched six saves in the draw.

Murat Akay and Marcelo Rubio scored two goals each to lead Language Services, which also received a goal from Jake Czajkowski and 11 saves from Steve Oelfke in the tie.

Hogan’s Pool Service and Repair defeated Emily Moss Designs 5-3 behind four goals from Jonathan Stern and a goal from Will Kretzman. Tyler Bekkerus helped preserve the victory with 10 saves in goal.

Danny Anderson scored two goals and Matt Darak added a goal to lead Moss Designs in the loss. Brian Leibfried helped keep Emily Moss Designs in the game with nine saves.

Horseshoe news

The AMI Pitchers renewed the club’s friendly rivalry with the Trailer Estates Pitchers in a Feb. 16 meetup at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. The AMI Pitchers came out on top this time by a 15-13 score.

Regular action Feb. 18 saw Tom Farrington and Bob Baker cruise to a 22-4 victory over Bob Mason and Tom Skoloda to win the day’s championship.

Action Feb. 21 saw four teams advance to the playoffs. Skoloda and Tim Sofran defeated Del Reese and Lee Pochet 21-1 in the first semifinal, while Bob Rowley and Bill Galbally edged Adin Shank and Baker 21-20 to advance to the final.

The final saw Skoloda and Sofran cruise to a 21-0 victory — an emphatic end to the week’s activities.

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 fee to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach included a fun-filled nighttime golf event Feb. 18. Forty players came out to play the nine-hole, parthree course with glow-in-the-dark balls and lighted pin markers.

The team of Monica and Eric Lawson and Marcia and Tim Friesen combined on a 1-under-par 26 to win the night’s event.

Members added to the fun with a lighted game of corn hole that was won by Dave DuVernay and Dee Munn. Lisa Edmonds and Buddy Foy put the cap on the evening by winning the nighttime putting contest.

Regular golf action got going Feb. 16 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Chas Smith carded a plus-4 to take first place by a point over Buddy Fox, Rick Arnold and Shawn Mobley, who finished in a tie for second place.

Brian Hogan, Brian Comer and Matt White each won a skin during the round.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights Feb. 17. Debbie DuVernay fired a 2-under-par 30 to earn a one-stroke victory in Flight A over Linda Dorsey and Helen Pollock. Marcia Friesen and Nina McSparren tied for third at 1-over-par 33.

Jan Turner carded a 3-under-par 29 to take first place in Flight B. Connie Livanos was alone in second place at even-par 32, while Sue Christenson, Terry Westby and Sue Wheeler finished in a tie for third.

The week of organized golf ended Feb. 19 with a nine-hole scramble won by Marcia and Tim Friesen and Mike Cusato, who combined on a 3-under-par 29.

Islander soars to rare rank in Taekwondo

by lisa neff Islander editor

At 78, Vic Caserta trains four or five days a week. He runs 5Ks and 10Ks, drills balance exercises and trains in Taekwondo.

For the Holmes Beach resident, who lives steps from the sand, he’s continuing a 55-year journey in martial arts — one that recently culminated in earning a ninth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, the highest distinction in the discipline.

“It’s a lifetime goal,” Caserta said Feb. 18 of attaining the 9th Dan distinction. “But it’s also the beginning of something else.”

Caserta began training in the early 1970s while living in Wilmington, Delaware. Looking for structure and focus, he joined a martial arts program at a local YMCA.

He found the martial arts was about discipline, respect and fortitude.

After four years, a brown belt and relocating to Pennsylvania, he shifted to studying Taekwondo. He essentially started over, retraining in a new system and earning his first-degree black belt after a grueling test.

Over the decades, Caserta trained while building a full-time career in the chemical industry. Wherever he was, he sought out dojangs — training halls — and continued practicing. He also studied weapons, hapkido and jiu-jitsu, though his rank progression remained in Taekwondo.

His ninth-degree black belt was awarded through Kukkiwon, the official world headquarters of Taekwondo in Seoul, South Korea.

The process took a couple of years and required international travel, written submissions, video demonstrations and examination before panels of grandmasters in the United States and Korea.

There are just 50-100 ninth-degree black belts worldwide recognized under Kukkiwon standards.

“It was humbling,” Caserta said. “You don’t ask to test. You wait until your instructors tell you you’re ready. That’s the etiquette.”

For Caserta, martial arts extends beyond physical conditioning. He views it as an art form rooted in centuries of history and a philosophy that shapes daily life — discipline at work, patience in relationships, resilience in setbacks.

As he’s aged, the practice has shifted to strategy and mindset.

“You don’t compare yourself to a 20-year-old,” he said. “It becomes more mental, like chess.”

Vic Caserta of Holmes beach recently attained the ninth-degree black belt in Taekwondo. His message to the next generation of students: “First, it is a mental and lifetime commitment that involves physical, mental and time to fully develop, and the passion to be your very best at every stage. and, so what, if you give it your utmost from every aspect and you fall short. You have tried it and know versus not totally engaging it.” Islander Courtesy Photo

Caserta has competed at the amateur level but found his greatest satisfaction in teaching. Over the years, he has mentored students who went on to run successful schools, compete at high levels and build careers inspired in part by lessons learned in Taekwondo.

That instinct to mentor extends well beyond martial arts.

The islander and his wife, Kathy, have immersed themselves in nonprofit and educational work with Clearwater Marine Aquarium and other conservation initiatives. He’s a man equally comfortable discussing sea turtle rehab programs and Olympic-level Taekwondo standards.

Despite the high rank in Taekwondo, Caserta keeps his original black belt from decades ago.

And ninth degree, he insists, is not a finish line.

“There’s always room to improve,” he said. “You never accept status quo.”

Wintertime pattern continues with another front dropping in

by Capt. danny stasny Islander Reporter

Another cold front moved in from the north Feb. 22. So Anna Maria Island anglers are again facing cold temps — 30s and 40s overnight — and windy days on the water.

But with March right around the corner, springtime fi shing is in the not-so-distant future.

There’s hope.

As for now, anglers fishing inshore are being rewarded with catches of sheepshead, black drum and redfish. Casting live shrimp as bait attracts all three of the species to the hook, depending on where you’re fishing.

Reefs and wrecks in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are providing good action on the sheepies.

For the reds and black drum, fishing along the Gulf beaches or in residential canals around docks and seawalls is working well.

Moving offshore, in depths of 100 feet or more, red grouper seem to be readily available for anglers

working hard-bottom areas. Live and frozen baits are working well.

Snapper fishing is good while offshore. Lane, vermillion and mangrove snapper are being caught frequently.

Lastly, wreck fishing in the Gulf is providing action on amberjack.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of sheepshead being caught while using live shrimp as bait. Casting shrimp around structure in the Gulf and Tampa Bay is leading to good numbers of keeper-size fish. And there are many smaller sheepshead in the mix.

Fishing along the beaches with shrimp is producing action, especially on black drum and redfish. Both species are responding to baits placed on the bottom with a weighted rig.

Spotted seatrout are being located along the beaches where structure exists. Casting artificials like soft plastics on a jig head leads to numerous hookups on trout, as well as on bluefi sh and Spanish mackerel.

Capt. David White reports he’s finding action for clients by working along the Gulf beaches and using live shrimp as bait. He is hooking up his anglers with

Fish and Wildlife to host gag grouper workshops

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a series of workshops to gather input from stakeholders that will help shape the recreational gag grouper fishery off Florida’s Gulf coast.

The nearest in-person workshop will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at the Madeira Beach City Hall, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach.

Additional workshops will be held in Crawfordville, Port St. Joe, Destin, Steinhatchee, Homosassa and Tarpon Springs, as well as a virtual workshop at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at myfwc.com/saltwaterworkshops.

The FWC, in a news release Feb. 18, said the Gulf gag grouper remains overfished and is currently under a rebuilding plan, “there are opportunities to improve access while continuing to support the stock’s recovery.:

People also can submit comments by emailing the FWC at marine@myfwc.com.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

The FWC’s phone number is 850-487-0554.

— lisa neff

black drum, sheepshead, redfish and pompano. To catch these fish, White is employing small jigs tipped with shrimp or live shrimp on a weighted rig.

Fishing over structure in Tampa Bay also is producing action, especially for the sheepshead. Live shrimp on a knocker rig fi shed on the edges of the structure is producing the best action.

Capt. Johnny Mattay is catching good numbers of fish while working offshore in the Gulf. Fishing hardbottom areas with frozen sardines and live pinfish is yielding his clients limits of red grouper, as well as a variety of snappers — including lane, mangrove and vermilion.

Also, while wreck fishing, Mattay is putting clients on plenty of amberjack, which are well-suited for anyone wanting to put their stamina to the test. These fish fight hard right until the end.

Moving inshore, Mattay says he’s finding good action along the beaches. Casting live shrimp, shrimp on jig heads or simply a knocker rig is leading to catches of sheepshead, black drum, redfish and pompano. In some areas, he’s even pulling up on a few trout for his anglers.

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

Marauders tickets on sale

The Bradenton Marauders began sales of singlegame tickets earlier this month for the team’s 16th season at LECOM Park, with the home-opener scheduled for April 7 against the Palm Beach Cardinals.

The Marauders released their full promotional schedule for 2026, highlighting an action-packed season that includes drone shows, fireworks displays, themed jersey nights and specialty giveaways throughout the 66-game home schedule. Opening weekend, presented by Pepsi, kicks off with a 5:30 p.m. first pitch April 7.

The weekend festivities include a replica Bradenton Script jersey giveaway to the first 750 fans on April 10, followed by a postgame drone show April 11 that will illuminate the night sky with baseball-themed displays celebrating the sport and Manatee County.

Throughout the season, fans can enjoy recurring promotions, including Bark in the Park on select Fridays, Thirsty Thursday specials presented by Budweiser and Ticket Sarasota and three Copa de la Diversión games where the team will rebrand as the Bradenton Barbanegras.

Special events scheduled for 2026 include Margaritaville Night, Star Wars Night, Military Appreciation Night and an Independence Day Celebration.

Season tickets are available for $495, while group tickets are $15 and include a complimentary hat and drink.

LECOM Park is at 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031 or visit bradentonmarauders.com.

— lisa neff

By Lisa Neff

Dirty air for Manatee

A proposed cruise ship port south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County is being pitched as an economic engine.

But here’s a hard truth: Cruise ships are floating cities powered largely by dirty fuel.

The multi-berth cruise terminal is proposed on the 328-acre KnottCowen tract, a privately held property within the geographic boundaries of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

The development would have far-reaching consequences, including for air quality, climate and public health across lower Tampa Bay.

Modern cruise ships burn massive quantities of fuel at sea and at berth. Their exhaust contains sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and carbon dioxide.

Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s North American Emission Control Area, vessels operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast must use lower-sulfur fuel or equivalent controls, reducing sulfur content to 0.1%.

That rule has improved air quality but it does not eliminate emissions.

Ships at berth continue running auxiliary engines unless plugged into shore power, often called “cold ironing.”

Ports such as the Port of Seattle have invested in shore power to cut dockside emissions. But implementing shore power isn’t just a plug-in fix. It requires a massive grid upgrade and significant commitment from utility providers. Would shore power be required, funded and technically feasible?

Prevailing winds across lower Tampa Bay routinely move air masses from the county shoreline toward barrier islands and coastal neighborhoods.

How would a cruise terminal impact the air quality for residential communities, preserves and beaches?

At the botanical park a painting by Mary ann Carroll, a member of the Florida Highwaymen group. The Palma sola botanical Park in bradenton will host a Florida Highwaymen exhibit and sale Feb. 27-28. The twoday event kicks off with a private preview 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, open to park members and volunteers. The public is invited saturday, Feb. 28 — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Friday preview will include an opportunity to meet artists and hear historian doretha Hair. For more information, call 941-7612866 or visit palmasolabp.org. Islander Courtesy Photo

Watering restrictions continue due to drought

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board continues a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions across the region.

One-day-per-week watering restrictions began Feb. 8 and continue through July 1 for the area.

In Manatee County, the standard one-day-perweek schedule is based on street address:

• Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday

• Addresses ending in 2 or 3: Tuesday

• Addresses ending in 4 or 5: Wednesday

Layer cruise ship exhaust onto existing industrial emissions from SeaPort Manatee and traffic on U.S. 41, Interstate 275 and regional bridges, and the cumulative burden grows.

Passenger vehicles, buses and ride-share trips tied to cruise schedules would create seasonal spikes in congestion and tailpipe pollution. Regional planning data already project traffic growth and adding thousands of cruise passengers per sailing compounds the existing strain.

Climate implications are equally serious. The cruise sector remains carbon-intensive per passenger mile compared with many land-based travel options.

Plus, building a new waterfront terminal in an era of accelerating sea-level rise raises further questions about long-term resilience and public cost.

Public health also should anchor this debate.

• Addresses ending in 6 or 7: Thursday

• Addresses ending in 8 or 9, and locations without a discernible address: Friday.

Properties under 2 acres may water only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Properties 2 acres or larger may water only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Low-volume irrigation — micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering— is allowed any day and time.

— lisa neff

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to asthma exacerbation, cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Peer-reviewed studies in journals such as Atmospheric Environment and Marine Pollution Bulletin have documented elevated pollution levels near busy ports and cruise terminals.

The Florida Department of Health reports thousands of asthma-related emergency visits annually statewide, including in Manatee County. Even modest increases in fine particulates can translate into measurable health impacts, especially for children and older adults.

Developers frame the port as a catalyst for growth.

Locals should ask a more direct question: Growth for whom and at what cost to the air we breathe?

Dig up dirt?

Bright shade similar to

Welcome to the chamber

The Islander welcomes the following new members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber staff is reporting the following businesses joined Jan. 15-Feb. 15:

• National Awards of Florida, Ramona Glanz/ Andrew Vac, 941-730-8767.

• Bringman Roofing, 1111 29th Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-746-6643.

• Island Therapeutics, 6000 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-216-8884.

• Innovative Real Estate, 630-508-3500.

• EAG Appointed Partners, 443 62nd St., Holmes Beach, 813-340-9275.

— bonner Joy

Moose to host pig roast

The Loyal Order of Moose 2188, a private members-only club in Bradenton Beach, is launching its spring season with the annual Pig Roast.

The event will be Saturday, March 7, at the lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., with three seatings — noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets cost $20.

Plans include two band performances and dancing on the sand.

The lodge also will host a Children’s Easter Party at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28. Members must register kids for participation at the lodge.

For more about the event, go to mooselodge2188. com.

The lodge’s phone number is 941-778-4110.

— lisa neff

Allegiant adds nonstop

Allegiant Air has begun nonstop service between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and New York’s Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, with introductory one-way fares starting at $54.

The Las Vegas-based carrier began the new route Feb. 13, offering flights up to three times weekly at SRQ, the airport nearest Anna Maria Island.

Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, said in a news release, “This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering travel that’s more accessible, affordable and enjoyable.”

SRQ is at 6000 Rick Piccolo Circle, Sarasota.

Flight days, times and fare details are available at Allegiant.com.

— lisa neff

includes all new proposals for replacement of your AC and heating equipment. Call us for more details.

Headliners luncheon to spotlight SRQ CEO

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will host a Headliners Luncheon March 11 featuring Paul Hoback, the new CEO of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

The Wednesday event will be 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy, 5450 Bollettieri Blvd., Bradenton.

Hoback will discuss his vision for the airport as

Welcoming

aMI chamber board members join owner Kimberly duffy, center left, at Toasted Mango Cafe, 3240 e. bay drive, Holmes beach, for a Feb. 11 ribbon-cutting to celebrate the restaurant opening in the anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza. Islander Courtesy Photo

the region experiences rapid growth. He is expected to outline upcoming initiatives and infrastructure priorities and address how the airport’s expansion supports economic development.

There is a fee to attend.

For more info or to register, contact the chamber at dany@manateechamber.com or 941-748-3411.

— lisa neff

steve Ross and lisa sandwich were wed Feb. 21 at bortell’s lounge in anna Maria midway through a celebration hosted by Rose to mark his sale of the landmark bar. Islander Courtesy Photo

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.

steve Rose gave last call at his bar and said his wedding vows all in the same evening. He stands here, atop the bar at bortell’s lounge, 10002 gulf drive, anna Maria, Feb. 21, toasting a packed crowd of invited guests and some surprised customers during a celebration marking the imminent sale of the longtime island watering hole. soon after, Rose and his fiance, lisa sandwich, surprised guests with a secretly planned wedding. bortell’s was listed for sale in 2023 for $7.2 million. Islander Courtesy Photo

WEEK Thursday, Feb. 26

5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business-card exchange, chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, amichamber.org. SAVE THE DATES

March 5, 8 a.m., AMI Chamber Sunrise Breakfast, Gulf Drive Cafe, Anna Maria.

Vacationing on, about Anna Maria Island?

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 photo location and date, city of residence 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.

Heart, flowers, peace

Visitors Chris Julian, laura Marble and Jan Reynolds, all of Waterford, Michigan, create beach art Feb. 12 on the shore near the sandbar Restaurant in anna Maria. “We collected shells along Holmes beach and anna Maria Island for a number of days in preparation for our two pieces of beach art,” Marble said. “We enjoyed talking with people as they walked by and took photos while we pieced it together. We used numerous broken shell pieces with bright colors to fill in the vase. We enjoyed using misfit and broken pieces that weren’t likely to be collected.” Islander Courtesy Photo

Cafe conversation

Visitor Keith Maynard of annapolis, Maryland, makes a friend while dining at ginny’s and Jane e’s Cafe and Coastal store, 9807 gulf drive, anna Maria, according to Cindy Motsko, who shared the photo Feb. 15 with The Islander. Islander Courtesy Photo

by Mike sales

Bradenton Beach

Who’s playing tonight!

As the refrain goes, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!”

With season upon us, some venues are featuring live music in the afternoons in addition to their nighttime lineups.

Anna Maria

And to make getting there easier, the fare-free island trolley is an excellent accompaniment to live music, barhopping, day-drinking!

Here’s a look at the offerings Feb. 25-March 3.

Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, mademoiselleparis.com. Chuck Davis, 5:30-8:30 p.m. FridaySaturday.

Harry’s Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, harrysgrillami. com. Pamela K Ward 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Skip Eaton 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday; Steve Arvey & Deacon Gibson, 6-8:30 p.m. Monday; Scotty Yates 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Holmes Beach

Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, uglygrouper. com. Raquel Santana 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Kaleb 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Charles Parker 5-8 p.m. Friday; Nathan Alan noon-3 p.m. and North Star 5-8 p.m. Saturday.

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, amibeachcafe.com. Scott Blum Jazz Quartet featuring Barbara King 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday; Open Jam Band 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday; Mike Sales 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday; Ted Stevens 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday; Harold Antoine 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday; Bobby Stillwell 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday; and the Stockton Brothers 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Biofile: John Oates

by Mark scoop Malinowski special to The Islander

The Center of Anna Maria Island will present John Oates and the Good Road Band in concert Sunday, March 1.

Tickets to the show, which begins with an opening act at 7 p.m., are $65 and on sale at centerami.org/ concerts.

Oates — guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer — co-created Hall & Oates, the successful duo that recorded 21 albums and sold more than 80 million units worldwide. They created 10 No. 1 records and more than 20 Top 40 hits. Oates was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Here is a “Biofile” Q&A with Oates:

First memory of music: Listening to the Make Believe Ballroom radio show in my parents’ car on the drive from Pennsylvania to New York in the early 1950s.

Inspirations: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers and Elvis (Presley) laid the foundation. And the regional sounds cracking out of the AM radio.

Last book read: “365 Tao: Daily Meditations.” Favorite movies: Mostly nonfiction and history related.

First famous person you met or encountered: I saw Bill Haley & His Comets perform live when I was 4 years old.

Childhood dreams: Learning to play the guitar and learning to drive.

Greatest moment of career: Right now. Because I’m still doing what I love after all these years.

Most painful career moment: Not paying attention to the business side of music.

Most memorable performance: The next one!

Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate.

Favorite artists: Chuck Berry. Curtis Mayfi eld.

Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., wickedcantina.com. Ross David 6-9 p.m. Wednesday; Jason Hedges 6-9 p.m. Thursday; Hi Fi Drifter 2-5 p.m. and Ross David 6-9 p.m. Friday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Ken Macy 6-9 p.m. Saturday; Hi Fi Drifters 2-5 p.m. and Chris Warner 6-9 p.m. Sunday; Drew Navy 6-9 p.m. Monday; and Ken Macy 6-9 p.m. Tuesday. Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S., islandtimebarandgrill.com. Josh Quinn 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday; Jay Taylor 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Messenger 7-10 p.m. Friday; Steve & Rick 2-5 p.m. and Mojo Filter 7-10 p.m. Saturday; Marcel 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday; Zion Albert 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday; and Mike Williams 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Coquina Beach Market, 1800 Gulf Drive S., coquinabeachmarket.org. Mike Sales 10-2 p.m. Wednesday; Chuck Davis 10-2 p.m. Friday; and Mr. Charlie 10-2 p.m. Sunday.

Cortez and Bradenton

Swordfi sh Grill, 4628 119th St. W., swordfi shgrillcortez.com. Tim Chandler 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Frankie Lombardi 5-8 p.m. Friday; Terry Helm noon-4 p.m. and Taylor Opie 5-8 p.m. Saturday; Tim Chandler noon-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Sunday; Steel Vibes 5-8 p.m. Monday; and Ted Stevens 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Porkbelly’s Eatery, 9516 Cortez Road W., porkbellyseatery.com. Open Mic w/MillerTyme Trio & Stevie B 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday.

88 Live Piano Bar, 6640 Cortez Road W., 88livebradenton.com. The Fulcos 7-10 p.m. Wednesday; Billy Rice Band 7-10 p.m. Thursday; Dueling Pianos featuring Emily & Todd 8-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; The Boomers Experience 6-9 p.m. Sunday; 88 Live Jam Band 7-10 p.m. Tuesday.

Clancy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 6218 Cortez Road W., clancysirishsportspub.com. Rye Road 6-10 p.m. Thursday; Kingpin 6-10 p.m. Friday; Westbound & Down 5-9 p.m. Saturday; Dr. Dave Band 3-7 p.m. Sunday; and Craig James 5-8 p.m. Tuesday.

As always, be sure to say “Hi,” if you wind up where I’m playing!

Mike Sales is a local singer/songwriter. Find out more at mikesalesmusic.com,

John oates will perform March 1 at the Center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy nick spanos

Mississippi John Hurt. Joni Mitchell. The Band. Funny career memory: I was sitting alone in my dressing room and some guy walked in and said, “Which one of you guys is Hall and Oates?”

Embarrassing career memory: Can’t remember, too depressing.

Favorite venues: Madison Square Garden. Budokan, Tokyo. Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Station Inn Nashville. Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Colorado.

People qualities most admired: Honesty. Selfreliance. Vision. And work ethic.

You can read more Biofiles from Scoop Malinowski at mrbiofile.com.

ITEMS FOR SALE

WHITE CRIB AND mattress including bedding, $45. High chair, $30. 570-704-8486.

BLACK AND RED roll suitcases, $40 each and carry-on suitcases, $15 each, Tigerxbang oar/ paddle for outdoors, $45. 941-920-2494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIDGE GAMES AT Roser Church on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. until the end of March, 2026.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Continued

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

GARAGE SALES

LONGBOAT KEY’S BIGGEST and best: Royal Rummage Sale XVIII. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, March 6, $5 admission, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 7. Free admission. 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

KEY ROYALE COMMUNITY garage sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach.

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28. Furniture, housewares, clothing, electronics, tools and much more. 3606 Pinebrook Circle, Bradenton.

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, 941896-2915.

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, 941-840-3181.

loo KI ng F o R boaT rentals in b radenton 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 e gmont Key. Reserve online at https://manateeriverwatersports.com/ or call/ text 941-932-3700.

FOR SALE: 2021 Road King Model RKAL 19 boat trailer. $2,500. 919-830-5139.

SUNSET CRUISES, EGMONT Key, bachelorette party boats and dolphin tours on Anna Maria Island with Manatee River boat rentals and water sports! Book unforgettable private charters with local USCG licensed captains. Explore AMI waters in comfort. Reserve now: https://manateeriverwatersports.com/ami-boat-rentals

HELP WANTED

PR o P e RTY M on IT o R Wan T ed for Holmes b each condo. Working s aturday, s unday and holidays three hours per day. great working conditions and $20 per hour! Call 941-778-1390.

KIDS FOR HIRE

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be submitted 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.

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

SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

PC oR TeCH issues? not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact g avin at 928-5871309. 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 941-4477737 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! services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. d riveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. g arage 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 727-623-5050 or visit u-plus-me.com

goT dIRTY WIndoWs? Free estimates/insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

looKIng FoR soMeone who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is dena gray a.k.a. sparkles! 941-524-2234.

aCHauFFeR4u FoR TRansPoRTaTIon anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in bradenton. dennis, 941-812-5930.

CLEANUP. Junk

SERVICES Continued

HoMe WaTCHeR: WHen you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a state Certified Residential appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

a MI a IRP o RT s H u TT le g uy: We pick up from Tampa, s t. Petersburg and s arasota airports. u p to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, licensed and friendly transportation to and from a nna Maria Island. a MI s huttle.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.

PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING: Downeast Window Cleaning. Insured/free estimates. 207-852-6163.

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. References. 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” 941-7200770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

gRIFFIn’s HoMe IMPRoVeMenTs Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-7228792.

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

looKIng FoR anY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-2462410. We would love to help.

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

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

Queen bee PaInTIng: “We do It Royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. sheryl, 864884-3380.

TeTI TIle: 40 years’ experience in delaware, now on aMI and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John Teti, 302-983-5774.

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.

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH duplex. 2BR/2BA, unfurnished, elevated, covered parking. $2,500/ month. 941-779-7822.

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, 973-2190335.

REAL ESTATE

WI nn I e MCH ale , R ealT o R, 941-504-6146. dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “selling HomesMaking dreams Come True.”

PRICED TO SELL: 1BR/1BA trailer: Takeover remodel Sandpiper Resort $55,000. Retirement, annual, seasonal income. 831-212-2606. NEW LOW, LOW price: Upgraded 2BR/2BA condo being sold nicely furnished. Heated pool and spa. Minutes to beach. $210,000. Call agent direct to see. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. MORE ADS = more readers in The Islander.

REAL ESTATE

ATTENTION GOLFERS: COME see the pearl of the course. Modern 2BR/2BA plus office/den, twocar garage. Panoramic view of lake and course from private, caged pool. $580,000. Call agent direct, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

NORTHWEST BRADENTON: CUSTOM-built Mediterranean-style home. 2BR/2BA, spacious great room with open kitchen. Features two-car garage, community pool and spa. Boat docks on Manatee River. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

SARASOTA BAY R/V park: 1BR cabin, 12 Sea Grape. 1.5 miles from beach, totally updated, under $38,500. Picture or app, 402-223-8068.

oPen House: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. sunday, March 1. 5200 gulf drive, Holmes beach. 3bR/3ba, gulffront. noranne Hutcheson, 941-932-0738. Re/ MaX alliance.