Issuu

JAN. 7, 2026 FREE

VOLUME 34, NO. 11

islander.org Astheworldterns 6

Islander of the year

Plunging into 2026

Participants in Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge sprint into the Gulf of Mexico Jan. 1 at Coquina Beach as part of an annual New Year’s Day fundraiser put on by Clancy’s Sports Bar & Grill to benefit Healthy Teens, Hungers End and the Blessing Bags Project nonprofits. The event has raised more than $470,567 for charity since its inception in 2009. BELOW: Spectators record participants as they enter the Gulf of Mexico during the Jan. 1 Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

BOB SLICKER, 2025: We didn’t think about anyone as a hero in the throes of recovery from the hurricanes, but several people emerged with strength, wisdom, hope and an eye for the future. Sean Murphy struggled to put The Doctor’s Ofﬁce back on track, to put his people back to work as quickly as he could and offer comfort to his customers. Murphy, like most of us, thought if you got the doors back open that life would go on as before. In Bradenton Beach, Derek Williams had to face more than what the storm brought to his door, he had to face arbitrary rules and changing minds — and rules — at city hall. But Bob Slicker stood out among them. He was ﬁghting the odds already, working long hours with family and loyal staff ready by his side, but as the storms hit, he also was dealing with serious health issues, including repeated hospitalizations. As owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez with many years of hospitality experience, he had spent decades quietly showing up for others, whether

TURN TO ISLANDER 2025, PAGE 4

Launch nears for Manatee Belle — a bigger ride

Island pantry bounces back

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Manatee County officials are preparing to introduce a new, larger vessel to the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet, a move they say will improve reliability, passenger comfort and year-round service as ridership continues to climb. The new service launched in January 2024 as a pilot program aimed at reducing traffic congestion between the mainland and Anna Maria Island by offering residents and visitors a waterbased transportation alternative. Funded primarily through tourist development tax dollars, which are restricted by state law to tourism-related uses, the service was on a path for expansion as demand increased. The route hit a snag when two hurricanes knocked the Anna Maria port, The Manatee Belle, the newest vessel in Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry the city pier, out of commission. fleet, is in sea trials ahead of its planned launch in the first quarter of the year. TURN TO NEW FERRY, PAGE 5

Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County

Volunteer Jack Brennan stocks the shelves Dec. 24, 2025, at the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria. For more, see page 10. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

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Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Islanders of the Year over the years: A remembrance By Bonner Joy Islander Publisher

The Islander takes pride in recognizing members of the Anna Maria Island community for contributions and concern for making this slice of paradise an even better place to live. Since the newspaper started in 1992, The Islander has made its path by partnering with organizations and making their goals one and the same, by reporting the news of record and by telling the tales of people who live and work on AMI. If it’s not about the island or the people who live and flourish here, it’s not likely to be read here. By the end of the first and second years of publishing, we sought a way to say thank you to the people who worked for a better island. And, in 1993, we found a worthy champion and launched an Islander of the Year award. The first award was presented posthumously to Mayor Ernie Cagnina for the year 1993 and the next to Mayor Ray Simches for 1994. Both served as mayors in Anna Maria. With the exception of 2023, The Islander looked for those who gave from the heart to be Islander of the Year. A look at the other winners: KATIE PIEROLA, 1995: Katie Pierola had served six years as mayor of Bradenton Beach. She proved to be a bulldog at grant-getting, enacting improvements and bringing about positive change in office, and the city underwent a renaissance under her command. She embodied the definition of a public servant in caring, tireless efforts to improve her city and the island. She fought to achieve the first beach renourishment program for the island and led the first round of the battles to prevent a proposed megabridge to replace the Cortez Bridge. WILLIS HOWARD “SNOOKS” ADAMS, 1996: Snooks Adams was born April 24, 1917, to settlers of Cortez and spent much of his life on the island as a police chief who used common sense as

his guide. He was a friend to local children, having started in 1954 an end-of-school party, celebrated now as Snooks Adams Kids Day. In 1952, Bradenton Beach incorporated and Adams became first assistant chief, then chief of police. He is credited with helping set up the first Veterans of Foreign Wars post and was commander three times during the 1950s. In 1956, Adams went to work for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. “My job was to take care of the island,” he said. From 1962-78, Adams was chief of police in Holmes Beach. CHARLES AND JO ANN LESTER, 1997: Charles Lester and Jo Ann Lester came from Wisconsin, fell in love with the island and, along with it, the Anna Maria Island Community Center, now the Center of Anna Maria Island. They put their money where their hearts are — here and in Wisconsin. For this, and for the foresight to establish an endowment fund for the center, for their altruistic, unselfish willingness to put themselves at the foreground of a major fundraising campaign for the center, we honored them as Islanders of the year. JIM KRONUS, 1998: Jim Kronus, retiring in January 1999 after 25 years as Anna Maria Island Elementary principal, was named 1998 Islander of the Year. He also was honored with his name on the school auditorium. Twenty-five years’ worth of admiring students, their parents, family and former and current staff honored him at that event. SUZI FOX, 1999: With little funding to support Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, Suzi Fox organized a group of volunteers to protect sea turtles. A few years earlier, she took over the state permit for protecting nesting sea turtles, mostly loggerheads, and also their hatchlings. Beach renourishment brought funding and necessary monitoring of turtles to AMITW and Fox, who continued as the group’s executive director, overseeing volunteers who track and monitor turtle activities on the shore. NANCY AMBROSE, 2000: Ambrose brought

a passion for butterflies and butterfly gardening to Holmes Beach in a garden at city hall. Ambrose was later shamed with an arrest and plea agreement after she allegedly stole donations from the butterfly charity and the park. The park underwent a makeover in recent years as host to the Veterans Memorial Marker. CAROLYNE NORWOOD, 2001: With so many people moving to the area from everywhere on the planet, our history was at risk of being lost in an avalanche of new faces, homes, businesses, things to do and see. The keeper of the island’s history became Carolyne Norwood, who died in 2020. She set out on a quest to preserve our history and we think she was a champion at it, so much so that we selected her the Islander of the Year for 2001. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, its museum and the preservation of the old jail and Belle Haven Cottage all are thanks to her vision. BILLIE MARTINI, 2002: Billie Martini was just our cup of tea. She exemplified the charm and character of the island. Martini came to AMI in 1944, residing 16 years in Bradenton Beach before settling in Holmes Beach. She held various jobs, including post office clerk, bookkeeper for the water company and teacher’s aide at AME. She retired and rose to president of the grass-roots effort that became Save Anna Maria Inc. She was elected to the Holmes Beach City Commis-

PlEaSE, ISlanDERS, PagE 6

Connections

Skimming online

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2026 state legislative session brings new island concerns By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

With another year comes another slate of legislative concerns for Anna Maria Island. Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer, who serves as legislative liaison for the city, told The Islander Jan. 2 about a number of items he has concerns about in the state legislative session. The session lasts 60 days every year, with this year’s beginning Jan. 13 and ending March 13. Any bills passed by both chambers before the end of session and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis will become law. Schaefer Schaefer said many laws enacted in recent years have negatively impacted municipal home rule, or autonomy, for local governments. Heading into this year’s session, Schaefer said he’s concerned about bills that could continue to chip away at home rule. Among Schaefer’s biggest concerns are proposed bills that aim to accomplish DeSantis’ goal to eliminate non-school ad valorem property taxes. Ad valorem taxes are one of the largest sources of revenue for local governments across the state, including Holmes Beach, where ad valorem taxes make up almost 28% of the city’s revenues for fiscal 2025-26, which began Oct. 1. Schaefer called the idea of eliminating ad valorem taxes for local governments without establishing a sufficient replacement to make up for lost revenues “outlandish.” He said such a significant drop in revenue would result in a loss of municipal services for Holmes Beach residents and others. “If you eliminate all of that, where else are cities and counties going to be able to generate the revenue to continue to support (their services),” he said. “The governor and Legislature so far, in my humble opinion,

haven’t offered another source of revenue that would Schaefer said the elimination of local control over offset that.” water management is another threat to home rule. While Schaefer said most of the eight proposals “It’s just another Big Brother approach to the state that would eliminate or reduce non-school ad valorem overtaking local control,” he said. taxes have stalled at the committee level, the matter Those state bills are not the only thing worrying will remain a significant concern until the session Schaefer. wraps up its business in March. He also expressed concern about President He said other concerns for the session include Donald Trump’s new federal offshore drilling plans, Senate Bill 750 and corresponding House Bill 803, which would expand U.S. oil production by allowing which would deauthorize local governments from for exploration and drilling in new areas of federal assessing administrative fees when a property owner waters. or contractor retains private providers to review plans That includes waters off Florida’s coast in the eastor provide building inspection services. ern Gulf of Mexico, an area that has been protected He said the outright elimination of administrative from drilling since 1995 due to concerns about oil fees would represent a threat to home rule. spills. Another pair of bills, SB 718 and HB 479, would Schaefer said the Holmes Beach City Commisprohibit local governments from adopting regulations sion will consider a resolution expressing opposition relating to water quality and quantity, pollution control to Trump’s offshore drilling plans in the Gulf. and discharge — leaving the state in charge. “It’s simply our city acknowledging the threat and voicing our opinion,” he said. “Do we not rememThe Florida Capitol in ber the BP spill a decade ago and all of the resulting Tallahassee. Islander damage that it did economically and environmenFile Photo: Bonner Joy tally?” Schaefer said the proposed resolution would also be brought to the Manasota League of Cities so its members could consider taking a similar action. “There’s strength in numbers as far as taking positions for or against threatening legislation,” he said.

Q&A The Islander Poll

Should Manatee County proceed with public boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack-Annie’s site in Cortez?

A. Yes B. Maybe C. No To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.

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islander 2025 continued from page 1

supporting youth sports, holding fundraisers, collecting and delivering disaster relief to other people or simply opening his doors when people needed a place to gather. Hurricanes Helene and Milton dealt a devastating blow to Slicker’s Eatery, flooding the restaurant with more than 3 feet of muck and winds blew a newly installed air-conditioning unit off the roof. The business remained closed for four and a half months. Slicker came out fighting, inspired by his staff, and began helping displaced restaurant workers across Cortez and Bradenton Beach. He organized recurring parking-lot fundraisers, with donated food, music, tents and merchandise. He made sure the proceeds

were split among employees from multiple shuttered restaurants. He began helping the Rotary Club of AMI, or was it them helping Bob and all the others? He found private donors and volunteers to serve more than 18,000 meals to residents and first responders. Slicker helped coordinate Rotary’s hurricane relief efforts in Cortez, distributing more than $100,000 in assistance through Home Depot vouchers, appliance replacements arranged with Rice Appliance, bicycles for residents who lost transportation, and even two donated vehicles. In a Jan. 4 conversation with The Islander, he credited much of his outlook to his mother, Ellen Scott, who lived at the Pines Trailer Park for nearly 30 years

and was deeply involved in island charities and events. She passed away two years ago. Her influence, combined with years of coaching youth sports at the community center, shaped his belief that kindness has lasting impact. Now 63, Slicker says he feels fortunate to feel so much love in return. “Not many people know what love truly is,” he said. “I feel very fortunate for that.” We are fortunate to have Bob Slicker in our community. He’s an inspiration and he is The Islander’s 2025 Islander of the Year. — Robert Anderson and Bonner Joy

Pier rebuild on target for new year Embedded pilings stretch Jan. 1 from the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier almost to shore. Mayor Mark Short wrote in a Jan. 2 text message to The Islander that Tampa Bay Marine completed “minimal work” on the walkway rebuild over the week of Dec. 29 due to windy weather and the New Year’s holiday. However, the final set of pilings was delivered to the work site. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

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Bob Slicker shows off his “hurricane” T-shirt at work on Cortez Road Jan. 4 where his restaurant is approaching five years in operation — minus some time for Helene and Milton. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

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Jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mike Pollard helps Bradenton resident Marlon Haoui, 8, as the first passenger off the Miss anna Maria on a chilly day back on Jan. 14, 2024, at the anna Maria City Pier following the ferry service’s first voyage from downtown Bradenton. Marlon, who took the trip with parents, said they were going to visit the Mote Marine laboratory & aquarium’s Marine Science Education and outreach Center on the pier, then dine at an island restaurant. The anna Maria pier is now closed due to hurricane damage. Islander File Photo

Flashback 2025: Most viewed at islander.org

On islander.org, the most viewed links in 2025 were to content out of Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Cortez. These are the top online headlines, stories and photos by the numbers: • No. 1. Complaint alleges Bradenton Beach fraud, graft: Bradenton Beach officials were put on notice of a potential $100 million class action lawsuit alleging political corruption, graft and fraud in the city’s post-hurricane property damage assessments and treatment of small businesses. Posted Aug. 19, with 18,017 views. • No. 2. Anna Maria moves forward with Bean Point no-swim zone: Anna Maria city commissioners reached consensus Aug. 28 to move forward with making Bean Point, from the Fern Street beach access to the island’s northern tip, a no-swimming area. Posted Sept. 2, with 17,558 views. • No. 3. Bradenton Beach suspends building official in wake of two hurricanes: Bradenton Beach was working to maintain its permitting and inspection process following the suspension of building official Darin Cushing. On Feb. 6, the city commission met to discuss the impact of Cushing’s suspension, which began Jan. 22. Posted Feb. 11, with 16,699 views. • No. 4, Bradenton Beach reaches consensus on home demos: Bradenton Beach officials wanted to see demolition of 16 structures compromised by 2024 hurricanes. Police Chief John Cosby, who oversees the city emergency management team, told commissioners in February that he sent letters to property owners regarding the need for demolition. Posted Feb. 5, with 12,733 views. • No. 5. Fire in Cortez: Fire broke out early on Dec. 29, 2024, in Cortez at 4412 123rd St. W., bordering Cortez Road, at a residential home and business, Fit To Grind. Posted Jan. 1, 2025, with 11,447 views. Other top links: • Anna Maria officials continue beach commercialization talk, about commissioners exploring code changes to potentially allow some level of commercialization on the beach. • County seeks solution to condemned waterfront business, about whether to demolish the storm-damaged Annie’s Bait and Tackle on the Cortez waterfront. • Cortez Bridge preconstruction road closures begin, about utility work in advance of the new bridge construction. • Regulars assemble, tears flow for Annie’s, about the demolition of Annie’s Bait and Tackle. — lisa neff

neW Ferry ConTInuED FRoM PagE 9

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said ridership has surged during peak travel periods, with the service transporting about 500 passengers per day during a recent weekend. The ferry currently operates using two open-air pontoon catamaran vessels between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The new vessel, the Manatee Belle, is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2026, pending crew training, sea trials and U.S. Coast Guard approvals. “We want to launch it right the first time,” Falcione said in a Dec. 30, 2025, interview with The Islander. Built by Breaux Brothers Enterprises of Loreauville, Louisiana, for $2.86 million, the 60-foot boat is constructed of marine-grade aluminum and powered by twin Cummins X15 diesel engines. Unlike the existing catamarans in service, the new boat has enclosed seating, offering heat and air-conditioning. Falcione said the vessel weighs about 100,000 pounds while the catamarans weigh about 30,000 pounds. So the larger boat can better handle wind and rough seas. The new ferry can carry 91 passengers,

Boarding the ferry

The Gulf Islands Ferry operates WednesdaysSundays between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, and the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Dependent on weather, first departure from Bradenton is 7:30 a.m. The last Bradenton departure is 9 p.m. One-way fares are $6, with discounts for seniors and children. For more information, call 727-200-6487 or go to www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islandsferry/. — lisa neff

with 33 seats inside, 56 seats outside. “This is another step closer to allowing employees who live on the mainland and work on the island to rely on the ferry,” Falcione said. Plans are underway to add a stop at the South Coquina boat launch, as well as at the Anna Maria City Pier. Falcione said expansion possibilities also include

Gulf Islands Ferry, a timeline

Pre-2023: Conceptual discussions about a ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island date back many years as local leaders and tourism officials explored ways to reduce traffic and enhance multi-modal transportation. • November 2023: Two Gulf Islands Ferry vessels — the Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess — completed first voyages with media and local officials aboard. January 2024: The Gulf Islands Ferry begins public service with connections from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island. • September 2024: Damages by Hurricane Helene, followed in October by Hurricane Milton, disrupted the Gulf Islands Ferry service. • January 2025: Route adjustments were implemented due to storm damage at the Anna Maria City Pier, with the service limited to runs between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier. • December 2025: A new, larger ferry was on the water, as the county prepared for a launch in the first quarter of 2026. The ferry continues to operate between downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier, with plans to add a stop at Coquina Bayside this winter. — lisa neff

You can read it all online at islander.org

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islanders ConTInuED FRoM PagE 2

sion in 1993 for a two-year term, on the promise to be a voice for the people on the commission. She sought recreational opportunities for residents, including a public swimming pool. Although that pursuit did not see reality — there is now a skate park, children’s gym and other amenities at the site adjacent to city hall. Her finest achievement was the realization of the Grassy Point Preserve, ILONA AND JEFF KENRICK, 2003: Ilona and Jeff Kenrick led an anonymous foundation that gave international aid amounting to about $1 million a year. The foundation’s mission was to “make contributions for religious, educational, charitable and scientific purposes.” The Kenricks carried out the mission and created a local event that combined donations for a blood bank with a reward for blood donors, a cash payout to the blood donor’s choice of four island charities. It was a win-win for everyone — although it no longer is held — and we thank them for their positive impact. JEFF CROLEY, 2004: Jeff Croley of Holmes Beach symbolized all the good qualities we could ask for in a volunteer — and he symbolized for Anna Maria Island all the good folks who quietly went about doing anything and everything they could to aid those in need after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Croley, who worked a condo maintenance job on Longboat Key, took vacation days to drive with a cooler, cold drinks and a chain saw to the hurricane devastated areas in East Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties, looking for folks who needed aid. He came upon The Islander office early the first morning of his good Samaritan journey looking for a big cooler and some ice — and we were pleased to oblige. ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVATEERS, 2005: If there is a symbol for Anna Maria Island, it is the sword-wielding, cannon-firing, ship-riding krewe, the Anna Maria Island Privateers. They do good year after year, but 2005 stood out for the extra efforts on behalf of one unfortunate boy. It only took a phone call to bring the Privateers and their ship to greet a boy with a failing heart on a “wish” trip to the island. It was a selfless and remarkable gesture that symbolized hope for Tyler and filled his heart with love for our island. The Privateers gave him many reasons to return — and hope. The Privateers also came to the rescue with Hurricane Katrina relief, collecting needed items and transporting them to Tampa. Next, the Privateers managed a memorial scholarship fund for an island teen killed in a car crash. They hosted the annual Snooks Adams Kids Day, “thieves markets” in season, blood drives, Fourth of July and Christmas parades and many “captures” and visits to almost every event where their presence is requested. They did all this and more — despite the death of Greg “Shiprek” Davidson. PETE LANNON, 2006: If there was one person

JAN. 7, 2026 • Vol. 34, No. 11 ▼ ▼

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Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Robert anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Contributors Jacob Merrifield Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Sean Murphy Advertising Sales Stephanie Smith, stephanie@islander.org ads@islander.org lisa williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org Distribution urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy loden wasco Webmaster wayne ansell All others: info@islander.org

who touched the fabric of life and brought out the best in the island community in 2006, it was Pete Lannon. He went far beyond his calling as a Holmes Beach community resource officer to become a mentor for our children, a confidant for those in need and a friendly face that even island visitors came to know as they passed AME, where Lannon was a fixture as a crossing guard for more than five years. He fought cancer and eventually lost. CHRISTINE OLSON, 2007: Christine Olson’s 22-year-old daughter Tiffiany died in 2005 in a motorcycle crash, after which Olson sought to connect people in emergency situations with loved ones and family members who “need to know.” The quest led her to our office and then-state Rep. Bill Galvano, who just retired as a state senator. Galvano led Olson to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which allowed contact information in the existing Driver And Vehicle Information Database and law enforcement agencies to access information by “swiping” a driver’s license. Registration was added to the DHSMV website in October 2006, and just like that, Tiffiany’s Initiative became reality. FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR SALTWATER HERITAGE, 2008: Cheers to the organization that runs the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and dedicates the proceeds to preserving the village, including the Burton store, the old schoolhouse and the 90-plus acre preserve that provides a buffer for the village from encroaching development. RHEA AND ED CHILES, 2009: It was an honor for the island to be home to a first lady of Florida, Rhea Chiles, and to have her return after the death of Gov. Lawton Chiles. AMI embraced Rhea. Little did we know she would bring with her culture, education, arts and artists, and a sense of nature and the beauty around us — the Studio at Gulf and Pine. Combined with the generosity and vision of son Ed Chiles, owner of a trio of landmark restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, we have a legacy for the future. THE GEYERS, 2010: The Geyer family was our 2010 Islanders of the Year. You may have known Pat Geyer as mayor or commissioner and, for many years, islanders loved her as Miss Duffy. Patricia A. Geyer, proprietress of Duffy’s Tavern, died May 1, 2010, at

age 79, but she is remembered. She served 18 years on the city commission and was elected mayor from 1990-94. Her daughters — and now their families — contributed to community events, fundraisers and the family business. Geyer gave her family and the island a great gift of traditions. Miss Duffy earned many accolades, but surely none pleased her more than the simple appreciation for her family, political service and burgers. THE PRIVATEERS, 2011: The Privateers brought revelry and excitement during their 40th anniversary year. It was a very good year for the Privateers, a crew that proved worth its weight in gold — raising more than $40,000 for college scholarships — and continuing service and entertainment on the island. PAM LECKIE, 2012: We came to recognize a crusade of sorts by one woman to fill the island pantry, the Roser Food Pantry. The food pantry and its chair at the time, Pam Leckie, literally brought the pantry out of a church closet to a place of its own, where the pantry grew in its assistance to islanders. In 2012, Leckie and other volunteers distributed almost 1,500 bags of staples and gift cards for fresh foods. Leckie and her volunteers proved they are among the best of the best by coming to the aid with groceries for employees of the Rod & Reel Pier after a fire closed the Anna Maria restaurant. GENE AUBRY, 2013: Former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry was a renaissance man, empowered with seemingly limitless knowledge, embracing a sort of great thinking. He stepped up to serve the city — many times. JEANNIE BYSTROM, 2014: We honored the effort of one woman — Jeannie Bystrom — to make a difference by not only saving seabirds day after day, freeing them from fishing line entanglement and other hazards encountered in their habitat, but more so for pushing for better education and regulations to protect wildlife and our valuable environmental assets. SABINE MUSIL-BUEHLER, 2015: As we searched for the person who made a difference in our lives in 2015, we came to realize the value of lessons learned from the loss of Sabine Musil-Buehler and for the closure she provided from her final resting place

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Jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Postmaster Harry F. Swathwood works the counter at the post office in the village of Cortez in December 1965. Swathwood was about to retire from his post. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public library System

10-20-30 years ago

From the Jan. 4, 1996, issue

• Katie Pierola, former mayor of Bradenton Beach, was heralded as the first Islander of the Year by The Islander newspaper for her work to renourish the beaches and challenge plans for high-rise bridges. • Qualifying for the March municipal election was getting underway in Holmes Beach, where the mayor’s seat, held by Carol Whitmore, and two council seats were up for grabs. • Holmes Beach was scheduling hearings for people to debate the merits of restricting vacation rental periods in residential districts of the city.

From the Jan. 4, 2006, issue

islanders ConTInuED FRoM PagE 6

on the beach. ERNIE CASALI, 2016: In 2016, we recognized a grand figure in Moose International and at our local lodge in Bradenton Beach, Ernie Casali. He made a difference for the lodge over the course of years as its manager and in the daily lives of people he helped — both through the Moose and through his own softhearted generosity. HURRICANE IRMA RESPONDERS, 2017: We recognized the people who made a safe return to the island possible after the evacuation for Hurricane Irma. We saw damage but not devastation from the storm, and our “hurricane heroes” kept order, soothed and swayed our fears and led us back home. VERN MCGOWIN, 2018: Serving among the heroes in law enforcement with grace, embracing our children in his duties at AME and always putting a caring manner behind the badge, there is Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Vern McGowin. He was off to relish a much-deserved retirement and an adventure that put family first. WILDLIFE INC. , ED AND GAIL STRAIGHT, 2019: Gail or Ed Straight are founders and directors of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., based in their home in Bradenton Beach since 1987. Ed Straight, president and former Bradenton Beach commissioner, a retired law enforcement officer, started rescuing animals in need as a hobby. The Straights now manage thousands of rescued birds and animals yearly, from laughing gulls and owls to Key deer, otters, squirrels and many more, caring for their injuries or nursing them when they’re abandoned and returning them to the wild whenever possible. YOU: You were the Islander of the Year in 2020. You, the person who diligently wore your life-saving mask, repeatedly washed your hands and sanitized and, especially, respected other people’s need for personal space by social distancing for most of the past nine months in order to protect yourself and others, your family and the strangers you encounter, as you go about your essential business. CORTEZ BRIDGE BATTLERS, 2021: We honored the four who took the challenge to a high bridge on Cortez Road to the courts — Joe McClash, Jane von Hahmann, Linda Molto and Joe Kane. They were four crusaders fighting for the preservation of the ambiance and historic character of Cortez and Anna Maria Island as they battled the Florida Department of Transportation’s proposed megabridge to replace the old 1957-built drawbridge connecting Bradenton Beach and the mainland at the fishing village. SUZI FOX, 2022: When Suzi Fox took over turtle watch, the organization was in a conundrum — caught between volunteers who were unwilling to forego old school hatcheries and release methods for hatchlings that had been banned by the state and, likewise, unwilling to implement new science-based guidelines. Fox stepped up and started attending Florida Department of Environmental Permitting meetings and learning the science to best protect the habitat and the turtles. She coordinated volunteers, activities and nesting season. She oversaw putting in effect limits on the beach for lighting and beach gear left overnight — vastly improving the habitat. REP. WILL ROBINSON, 2023: Republican Rep. Will Robinson Jr. won’t be remembered for whatever good he may have done, but rather for his attack on Anna Maria Island and the rights of three cities to determine their destiny. Robinson questioned the number of governments needed to govern the island at a year-ago legislative delegation meeting and proposed a state study on the island’s governing structure for consideration at the 2024 legislative session. His gambit produced an uproar among island political leaders and residents and also caused the cities to invest time in answering the study probe, which was, essentially, a flop. HEROES, 2024: We didn’t recognize an Islander of the year in 2024. It was such a letdown for islanders in 2024 after the hurricanes, it was hard to see through the muck from storm-driven waters, the trash and trees that blew and all the remnants of our lives at the curb — here and in the surrounding areas of NW Bradenton and Cortez — that we were stunned by the loss we all suffered. BOB SLICKER, 2025: We didn’t think about anyone as a hero in the throes of recovery from the hurricanes, but several people emerged with strength, wisdom, hope and an eye for the future. And Bob Slicker stood out among them.

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes opinion letters. Send letters with name, address and phone number to news@islander.org. Only the name and city are published. Letters are edited for space to no more than 250 words.

WE LIKE LIKES

• The Islander gave its Islander of the Year award to the Anna Maria Island Privateers for “all the good they do year after year” and for extra efforts in 2005 to help a child with a failing heart and his family. • A challenge to raise $50,000 for the Anna Maria Island Community Center, now the Center of Anna Maria Island, fell short as 2005 ended and supporters were appealing for last-minute donations to meet the goal. • Three island juveniles were arrested for breaking 10 windows and spray-painting graffiti on the exterior of Anna Maria Elementary during winter break.

From the Jan. 6, 2016, issue \ Facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

• On the job less than 30 days at Bradenton Beach City Hall, Therese Rice, a front desk clerk, handed in her resignation effective Dec. 31. • Law enforcement was searching for a man who robbed the Circle K in Bradenton Beach of an undisclosed amount of cash and a carton of Newport cigarettes. — lisa neff

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

City of Anna Maria to host block party Jan. 9 Compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

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

Thursday, Jan. 8 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture, Reese Vita on retirement planning, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Monday, Jan. 12 6 p.m. — Vintage Vault Cinema, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. • Jan. 22, Tingley Memorial Library Florida Author Book Club, Wednesday, Jan. 14 Bradenton Beach. 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina • Jan. 22, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Beach. • Jan. 22-Feb. 1, Manatee Players’ “Once Upon a Mattress,” ONGOING ON AMI Bradenton. • Jan. 8-25, Tuesdays-Sundays, Island Players’ “Murder by • Jan. 24, Center of Anna Maria Island presents the Wailers, Misadventure,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: Anna Maria. theislandplayers.org, 941 778-5755. • Feb. 5, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. • Most third Mondays, 1 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island • Feb. 12, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908, Beach. centerami.org. • Feb. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island Atlanta Rhythm Section • Throughout January, Artists Guild Gallery exhibit, 5414 Marina concert, Anna Maria. Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778• Feb. 14-16, Sundays at Nee/Jersey Boys Tribute, Braden6694. ton. • Feb. 15-16, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. ONGOING OFF AMI • Feb. 19, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes • First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Beach. Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: • Feb. 19-March 1, Manatee Players’ “The Cemetery Club,” villageofthearts.com. Bradenton. • Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime • Feb. 26, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: Beach. 941-708-6120, ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org. • Feb. 29-March 1, Invitational at Holmes Beach: Art and Fine • Throughout January, Island Gallery and Studios exhibit, Craft Show, Holmes Beach. “Animal Friends” by Janet Flickinger. 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: KIDS & FAMILY 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com. ON AMI • Through Jan. 11, 2026,“Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies Wednesday, Jan. 7 except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org. 10 a.m. — Toddler Playdough, Island Library, 5701 Marina • Through April 12, “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and SymbolDrive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. ism,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies Saturday, Jan. 10 except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org. 1:30 p.m. — Paper-crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. SAVE THE DATES

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI Friday, Jan. 9 5 p.m. — City Block Party, City Pier Park, 103 N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Info: 941-708-6130. Sunday, Jan. 11 8 a.m. — Manatee Public Beach cleanup, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-392-3885. Wednesday, Jan. 14 2 p.m. — Manatee County Veterans Services beneﬁts info session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI • Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. • Most Fridays, 1 p.m., bridge, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-3390. • First and third Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island luncheons, the Beach House patio, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: amirotary.org. • Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-7300016. SAVE THE DATES • Jan. 15 through March, Annie Silver Community Center bingo, Bradenton Beach. • Jan. 20, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Workday, Bradenton. • Jan. 17, Palmetto Youth Center Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Palmetto. • Jan. 31, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria. • Feb. 28, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria. MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES ON AMI Friday, Jan. 9 5-7:30 p.m. — Market Night, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694. ONGOING ON AMI

• Tuesdays, through April, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941- 778-1908. • Tuesdays, through season, 10 a.m. until sell out, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Settler’s Bread sales, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: amihs.org, 941-778-0492. • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet ONGOING ON AMI • Jan. 15, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Thrift Store at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Beach. • Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638. • Jan. 17-18, Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show, Holmes Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. • Most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, 9 Beach. org. a.m.-noon, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: • Jan. 18, Island Players “The Second Time Around” auditions, • Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 941-778-0414. Anna Maria. 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. • Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, south Coquina, Bradenton Beach. Info: SAVE THE DATES coquinabeachmarket.org. • Jan. 15-25, Manatee County Fair, Bradenton. ONGOING OFF AMI Music Lessons: Guitar, Bass Piano, • Jan. 16, 2026, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria. Ukulele, Saxophone and More • Feb. 20, Center Bingo Night, Anna Maria. • Saturdays, through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public • March 15, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, AMI. Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-301-8445. Used & Consigned • March 20, Center Bingo Night Anna Maria. Musical Instruments SAVE THE DATES Open JAM 1st Wednesdays • Feb. 13, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. You can read it all 941.896.9089 • March 13, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. playitagainjams.com online at islander.org SPORTS & FITNESS 8208 Cortez Road W., Ste.5, Bradenton SAVE THE DATES

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Island happenings

Jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Wailers to bring reggae sound to AMI

The Center of Anna Maria Island will present The Wailers in an outdoor concert Saturday, Jan. 24. The band’s culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 1970s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Now the center invites people to experience the live performance of timeless reggae classics and cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire. Gates will open at 6 p.m. There will be an opening act at 7 p.m. and The Wailers will perform at 8 p.m. Tickets to the general admission show — with bring your own seating — start at $50. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For tickets and more information, go to centerami. org/concerts or call the center at 941-778-1908.

Compiled by lisa neff

Wading into 2026 Participants feel the shiver as they wade into the gulf during the noon plunge at the Jan. 1 Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge at Coquina Beach, braving chilly water to benefit local charities serving Manatee County.

Island Players present ‘Murder by Misadventure’

The Island Players will bring a twisty British thriller to the stage Jan. 8. The community theater group describes “Murder by Misadventure” as a gripping psychological thriller by Edward Taylor that will keep audiences guessing until the final curtain. Directed by Heiko Knipfelberg and co-produced by Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Shop, the production features crisp British dialogue, clever plot reversals and an escalating psychological duel that promises edge-of-your-seat entertainment. The production runs through Jan. 25, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased online at theislandplayers.org, by phone at 941-778-5755 or at the box office, which is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaysSaturdays and an hour before curtain. The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Piper Marty gray ushers in 2026 on the bagpipes during the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge Jan. 1 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. gray plays with lion Rampant Pipe and Drum of Sarasota. Islander Photos: Robert anderson

Calendar ConTInuED FRoM PagE 8 OUTDOORS & NATURE 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. CALENDAR NOTES KEEP THE DATES • Jan. 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. • Jan. 29, Lunar New Year. • Feb. 8, Super Bowl. • Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. • Feb. 16, Presidents Day. • Feb. 17, Mardi Gras. ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Foundering Flamingos — Debbie griffin,left, Deb Hepler, anne Bruno, lisa Bielejeski, Savilla Banister, Eileen Buck wearing ﬂamingo hats and pink tutus — take first in the costume contest at Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge at Coquina Beach.

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

By Lisa Neff

Roser pantry bounces back over holidays By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Pancake breakfast at Roser

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will hold a series of pancake breakfasts this winter and spring. The dates are Saturdays, Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 21, with breakfast served 8-11 a.m. A $10 breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children age of 5 and under. The Guild Thrift Shop also will be open. To present the breakfasts, Roser seeks volunteers: flippers, mixers, sausage servers, syrup servers and more. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Obituary

The Roser Food Pantry is starting 2026 with renewed momentum. Despite hitting a rough patch in the fall, food pantry volunteer Doug Copeland and Roser Memorial Community Church financial administrator Matt Meehan recently told The Islander that an outpouring of community support over the holidays got the pantry back on its feet heading into the new year. The volunteer-run food pantry is the only one of its kind on Anna Maria Island and is located across the street from the Roser Chapel, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The pantry is supported by All Island Denominations, a network of the island’s churches, and through private donations of food and money. People who register with the pantry for benefits can receive a bag of nonperishable grocery goods per person every week, as well as receive Publix gift cards to purchase perishable goods. However, Copeland told The Islander Dec. 23, that the pantry’s shelves were “basically bare” only 4-6 weeks earlier, when the federal government shutdown

At your service

Joyce Whisenant McCook

Joyce “Joy” Whisenant McCook, 97, of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 23. She was born Sept. 24, 1928, in Palmetto. She was a proud Florida native who lived most of her life in Manatee County. She graduated Palmetto High McCook School in 1946. She attended Florida State College for Women in its final year, as well as the first year males were admitted and the school name was changed to Florida State University. She married Howard, her high school sweetheart, April 3, 1949, at First Presbyterian Church in Palmetto. They enjoyed almost 49 years together, moving to Holmes Beach in 1987. While she loved her home, she was always ready for an adventure. She enjoyed travel around the country and overseas by train, plane, automobile or cruise ship. She was a huge Seminoles football fan.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Send obituaries to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free — a service of your community newspaper. The priorities in her life were family and faith. She cherished time with Howard and the more family that showed up at their house, the merrier. In addition to skills in the kitchen, she was an amazing seamstress. Her love for children spread beyond her family as a volunteer at vacation Bible schools to service in the church nursery, as well as 0a mentor to girls’ youth groups and teaching reading to elementary students. Her husband died in 1998 but she continued to enjoy island living, especially the annual summer gatherings, a tradition for close to 100 years. For the last several years, Mrs. McCook resided at the Villas of Hollybrook/Reflections in Bradenton. A graveside service was held Dec. 26. Mrs. McCook is survived by her son, Steve, and wife Marilyn of Bradenton; daughters Debbie Fischer of Port Charlotte, Cindy and husband Drew Eason of Bradenton, and Beth and husband Kent Tucker of Bradenton, five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister Phyllis and husband Dick White of Winter Haven.

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor Visitors & Residents Welcome

led to a spike in demand for help. The shutdown began Oct. 1, 2025, and ran until Nov. 13, 2025, leaving recipients of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program without benefits for its duration. Many of those SNAP recipients sought help from other sources, including the Roser Food Pantry. Copeland said the pantry had handed out 71 bags of groceries over a single week during the shutdown. For comparison, he said the pantry handed out 71 bags over the whole of May 2025. “It was a dramatic increase in people signing up for benefits and also people that hadn’t been coming all of a sudden were coming back,” Copeland said. According to Copeland, demand remains high despite the end of the federal government shutdown in November. “There are a lot of people who don’t have money and prices are not going down,” he said. “Times are tight.” During the rough stretch, the pantry’s struggles were featured by Spectrum Bay News 9 and ABC 7 WWSB — coverage that Copeland and Meehan credited for helping to turn things around. Copeland said that coverage led to a spike in donations that restocked the shelves, as well as a surge of volunteers serving the pantry. “All of a sudden, things have turned around dramatically,” he said. “It’s been just a dramatic outpouring from the community.” Meehan told The Islander Dec. 30 that the pantry rebounded in resounding fashion due to the community’s support. He said it was not only back to normal, it was “better” than normal. “They really responded,” Meehan said. Part of the community’s support was a food drive organized by the city of Anna Maria. Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short told The Islander Dec. 23 that the city has been collecting food donations in a box at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, and dropping them off at the pantry in an effort to support it. “The whole intent was just to help out with the

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Holmes Beach resident Fernanda Homem, left, takes a donation Dec. 24 from Jack Brennan, right, a volunteer at the Roser Food Pantry, located across the street from the Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 & 10:00 AM

IN THE SANCTUARY 10 AM Program for children & youth ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

RoserChurch.com

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Jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community center chipping away at 2025-26 deficit By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s first positive month of its fiscal 2025-26 year is in the books. But the nonprofit has a long way to go to the black before the year is over. The community center recorded $34,407.15 in net income in October 2025, bringing its deficit for fiscal 2025-26 — which began July 1 — to Culhane $287,945 after four months, according to a financial report. The nonprofit was $322,352 in the red through September 2025, after recording three consecutive months of at least $89,365.24 in losses. Part of the deficit over the first quarter of fiscal 2025-26 was a lack of fundraising. Over those three months, the center only earned $21,522 in cumulative fundraising income.

The nonprofit nearly quintupled that figure in October 2025 with $101,026.62 in fundraising income, resulting in the center’s first gains of the year. Another factor those gains can be attributed to is a drop in capital overlay expenses. The nonprofit spent $206,916.07 — more than two-thirds of its deficit — on capital expenses through October 2025. Much of those funds were used to restore the center’s outdoor fields and fencing at the facility it leases from the city of Anna Maria at 407 Magnolia Ave., in addition to the purchase and installation of a new scoreboard. Executive director Christopher Culhane wrote in a Dec. 30 email to The Islander that the nonprofit would need to “play catch-up” for the rest of its fiscal year due to those expenses. However, the worst of it may have passed. While the center spent $64,388.90, $88,947.91 and $42,394.26 on capital expenses over the first three

months of fiscal 2025-26, it spent only $11,185 on capital expenses in October 2025. Culhane wrote that an undisclosed grant would help fund those costs. “We just received $60,000 from a local foundation to help offset these capital costs, and we should be able to announce this grant in the near future,” he wrote. The nonprofit’s fiscal year has also played out just about as expected — so far, at least. The $287,945 deficit is only $4,680 of the center’s $292,625 deficit through October 2025. It still marks a sharp falloff from last year, when the nonprofit was $149,555 in the black through October 2024. In order to dig itself out of the deficit, the center will have to earn an average of $35,993.13 in monthly net income for the remaining eight months of fiscal 2025-26. People can learn more about the nonprofit by visiting its website, centerami.org.

Community center-Van Zandt trade scholarship applications open High school seniors eyeing careers as electricians, EMTs, chefs or cosmetologists have a chance to ease the financial burden of their training. The Center of Anna Maria Island recently opened applications for the 2026 John van Zandt Scholarship, offering tuition assistance ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for graduating seniors in the class of 2026 pursuing careers that require certification, licensing or apprenticeships. The scholarship targets students entering highdemand fields, including building trades, health care, construction, manufacturing, hospitality and culinary arts, salon services and public service careers such as firefighter, EMT and law enforcement.

To qualify, applicants or their parents must live or work on Anna Maria Island. Students who have received full tuition funding from another scholarship are not eligible. Awards are determined by an independent committee that reviews applications to identify the most deserving recipients each year, according to a notice from the center. One or more students may receive funding. The application deadline is April 23. Interested students should submit completed appli-

cations to Jillian Ptak, the center’s director of development, at development@centerami.org. Applications are available at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and online at centerami.org. For questions, call the center at 941-778-1908. Also, donations to support the scholarship are welcome and can be made at centerami.org or by mailing checks to the Center, P.O. Box 253, Anna Maria, FL 34216, with “JvZ” noted on the memo line. — Lisa Neff

Community cleanup at Manatee Public Beach

Manatee County Natural Resources invites people to join a cleanup at Manatee Public Beach at 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. The program is family-friendly, though children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required for the event. at https://events.humanitix.com/community-beach-cleanup-at-manatee-public-beach. For additional information, contact Shelby Reece at shelby.reece@mymanatee.org or 941-392-3885. — Lisa Neff

pantry continued from page 10

holidays because we know it’s hard times for a lot of people and we just wanted to do a little bit to help out,” he said. Short said the drive would continue. People also can contribute to the food pantry by donating in-person or online. In-person donations of money and nonperishable food products can be delivered to Roser’s church office 9 a.m.-3 p.m. MondaysThursdays. Online donations can be made via Roser’s website, roserchurch.com/food. Meehan said the food pantry also asks tourists with food left in their pantry to donate it before they leave the area. “There is always more need than we can serve, so if we have the money we’ll find good people to spend it on,” Meehan said. The food pantry is open 10 a.m.-noon Mondays and Wednesdays. To register for benefits, identification must be presented to food pantry volunteers.

2026 drifts into Bradenton Beach LEFT:Hundreds of people crowd Bridge Street outside the Drift-In AMI in Bradenton Beach on New Year’s Eve, celebrating with live music and a midnight Oyster Drop to ring in 2026. RIGHT: Derek and Helena Williams stand beneath an illuminated oyster suspended above Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy Drift In AMI

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HBPD arrests Sarasota woman on Christmas for DUI By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Jolie Jackson, 26, of Sarasota, Dec. 25, 2025, on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence of alcohol. Jackson also was charged with first-degree misdemeanors for alleged obstruction without violence and alleged failure to leave a property where she was trespassing despite an order. An officer was at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, when he found a vehicle parked in the parking lot around 10:43 p.m., after closing hours. A woman, Jackson, was found sleeping in the driver’s seat. He woke Jackson and informed her the property was closed and that she needed to leave. Jackson

Streetlife

Island police reports

RELEASE DATE: 1/4/2026

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

Anna Maria No new reports. Bradenton Beach No new reports. Cortez No new reports. Holmes Beach Dec. 25, 5200 block of Gulf Drive, domestic battery. Two Holmes Beach police officers responded to reports of domestic battery and met with the caller, who pointed to a man and said he struck a woman through a vehicle window. The officers spoke with the woman, who said the man was her boyfriend. She said he had become upset when she picked him up in her vehicle and began striking her, at which point she pulled over. She said her boyfriend then exited the vehicle and began striking her through the driver-side window. She provided a statement for police. The man, who appeared intoxicated and admitted to striking her, was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. Dec. 30, 600 block of Key Royale Drive, fraud. An officer responded to reports of potential fraud and met with the complainant. She told police that she gave a check for $42,000 to a contractor who completed work for her, but believed the check had been destroyed since she had paid the contractor per invoice. However, she said when she hired another contractor and

BBPD traffic stop leads to DUI

refused to comply and was “rude, uncooperative, and belligerent,” according to a police report. The officer called for backup and, when another officer arrived, Jackson still refused to leave, so the officers arrested her. She displayed signs of impairment during the arrest and, during a search of her vehicle, police found multiple open alcohol beverage containers. She refused to perform field sobriety exercises and was charged with DUI. Police reported “she was in actual control of the car as the vehicle was fully functional and the keys were readily accessible.” Jackson was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she provided breath samples with results of 0.100 and 0.094 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The state’s legal limit for driving under the influence is 0.08. Jackson remained in custody at the Manatee County jail under $1,500 bond as of Jan. 2. If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000. Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

tried to pay them, she learned that the check had been cashed. She contacted her bank, which told her that the check had been cashed with an altered date. The officer issued a case number to the woman and referred the case to a detective for review. Streetlife is based on reports from the Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. — Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Island watch call 911 in an emergency.

Otherwise, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department assisted in the arrest of Robert A. Nagel, of Whippany, New Jersey, Dec. 27, 2025, for driving under the influence. A BBPD officer had observed a speeding motorist and stopped him in the 700 block of Gulf Drive South. The driver, Nagel, said he had consumed a beer about an hour earlier, according to a police report. So BBPD called for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a DUI investigation, which resulted in Nagel’s arrest for driving under the influence. If convicted, Nagel would face up to 12 months in jail. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. — Robert Anderson

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge: The Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing project is underway, with plans for 24/7 drilling operations for a submerged pipe in the Intracoastal Waterway and temporary lane closures. Info: www. amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660, info@amiprojects.io. Gulf Drive/State Road 789: The Florida Department of Transportation is milling and resurfacing Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach through May 1. Cortez Bridge: The utility relocation project is continuing in preparation for the construction of the new bridge. Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge, with sidewalk closures. Pipe installation is expected to continue into the spring. Info: 941-306-4660. 75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West: Manatee County is working on its 75th Street West Improvements Project from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West, including at the Manatee Avenue intersection. Motorists can expect delays. Info: mymanatee.org/75th. — Lisa Neff

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird: Reel, remove and release!

No. 1228

PRESENT TIME BY DAVID KWONG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ David Kwong is a magician in Los Angeles. When he was 7, a magician at a pumpkin patch fooled his father, a biochemist (‘‘the smartest man in the world’’ in the son’s eyes), with a magic trick. That’s when David knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. David’s traveling show, ‘‘The Enigmatist,’’ concluded a successful run in London last month. — W.S. Note: Once the puzzle is complete, the circled letters, when read from left to right, will spell a punny two-word phrase.

AC R O S S 51 Like a corporation 99 They hold water 11 ____ Gorman, ‘‘The with Hill We Climb’’ poet 1 Some Arctic transports 102 Silence a new logo, perhaps 12 Copy 10 S.E.C. football 103 Lying faceup 54 Comment from powerhouse, for 13 Iced-tea-and104 ____ Park, Calif. someone caught in short lemonade 105 Air the rain refreshments 14 1950s hangout with 107 Disney subsidiary 56 Yellow avenue in a jukebox 14 Spending romp Monopoly 111 A little help? 20 Game piece made of 15 Output of certain 58 A bit off, say 112 Evaded, as a four squares mining sensitive issue 59 Hyatt alternative 21 ‘‘The Kite Runner’’ 16 Counterpart of a sub 60 Hard-boiled genre protagonist 114 Some pings, in brief 17 Fast start? 62 TheForce.net for 22 Skulks 115 ‘‘Fie on ____!’’ ‘‘Star Wars,’’ for (Shakespearean cry) 18 Father, familiarly 23 Joins gradually 19 Mentally overpower, example 116 Skips over 24 ‘‘Doggone it!’’ with ‘‘out’’ 64 Dark side 118 Few and far between 25 Treatment 28 Like most moccasins 65 Former big name 119 Regulars at parks 26 Blue colorant in browsers 29 Great Dane of with ramps, obtained from the cartoons, informally 67 U.F.O.-watching org. informally indigo plant 33 More livid 27 Wrangler alternative 68 By way of, informally 121 Reply after having 37 Keister, in Leicester 70 Kemo ____ (the Lone one’s memory 28 Brightly colored Ranger) jogged 39 2015 chart-topping hit Mediterranean for the Weeknd 71 Sailor’s patron 122 Some time ago flowers 72 Fleetwood Mac hit 40 Symbolic for its time 123 ‘‘What’s done is 30 Rap’s Run-____ named for a Celtic done!’’ 41 Shoe company with an 31 Course catalog? goddess iconic checkerboard 124 Stick (to) 32 When Aries 76 Daddy design transitions 125 Garden interloper 79 Eponymous British 42 Descendant to Taurus 126 Church parts financier James ____ 43 Apple: Fr. 34 Sweetly, on scores crossing naves 81 By saying this you 35 ‘‘I’ll pass’’ 44 Is without mean well 36 Input of certain 47 Rabid in appearance DOWN 82 Wrap seller mining 50 Woman’s nickname 1 Make furious 83 Adopted, as a pet 38 Montalbán who that sounds like two 2 ‘‘The Family Circus’’ 85 Wasn’t folded in a played Khan in ‘‘Star letters cartoonist Bil ____ suitcase, say Trek II: 51 Rice-A-____ 3 Tennis line judge’s 87 Developed, as baby The Wrath of Khan’’ 69 Where to find six 52 ‘‘Borderlands’’ ruling teeth 40 Timer setting ‘‘presents’’ in this director Roth 4 Duke Ellington classic 89 Sci-fi miniaturizer puzzle? 42 Areas of influence 53 Hiding place with the lyric ‘‘That 91 Emanations 71 Knock ’em dead 45 Mental health org. was my heart 55 Gene pools? 93 Boldly face 72 Coolidge who sang 46 Fraudulently make serenading you’’ 57 Org. with its own the theme for 94 Kind of cipher in seem like 5 West side of L.A.? alphabet ‘‘Octopussy’’ which 48 Covers completely 6 ‘‘Is there still time for 61 Abbr. not found on A becomes B, B 73 Just getting started 49 Wyoming peak me to join you?’’ most smartphones becomes C, e.g. with 7 51 to the hour 95 Guardians, on a 63 ‘‘Aren’t ____ lucky 74 Green shade Online subscriptions: Today’s scoreboard 8 Stage direction one?!’’ 75 What Joe Montana puzzle and more Answers: 96 Bit of birdspeak 9 Phillipa of Broadway 66 It has a lot of was in the ’80s than 4,000 past puzzles, secretaries nytimes.com/crosswords 98 Damp, mildewy page 18 10 Grammy winner 76 A TD scores six of ($39.95 a year). quality Erykah 67 Shirt collar stiffener these

77 ‘‘Fancy, that!’’ 78 Prickly denizen of coral reefs 80 Famed lawyer in the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial 81 Most minimal 84 Some Korean exports 86 Calmed deceptively 88 Baseball slugger’s stat 90 Bird used to deliver messages on ‘‘Game of Thrones’’

92 Blueprints 97 Author Zora Neale ____ 98 Noodled on, with ‘‘over’’ 100 Girlfriend in ‘‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’’ 101 Informant 103 ‘‘Ta-ta!’’ 104 Tricky pool shot 106 Someone enjoying a walk in the park

108 Mentally with it 109 ____ four 110 Fits one inside the other 112 Porcine : pigs :: cervine : ____ 113 Essential 117 It might be good for a change 119 One who knows the drill?: Abbr. 120 Teslas, e.g., for short

Jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Chilly start to 2026 lacks cooling power for hot surf fishing By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

A chilly start ushered in the new year and AMI anglers were excited to hit the beach for surf fishing. I use surf fishing loosely, as our surf fishing differs from many areas. Our Gulf shoreline waters are calm, clear and fairly shallow. Most of the species we target are within 100 feet of the sand, requiring lighter tackle and minimal gear. Medium-light spinner gear, some leader material, a pair of pliers and an assortment of colorful jigs completes the preparation. Of course, a fishing license is required and, if you’re harvesting fish, you’ll want to carry a tape measure and either know the Stasny current regulations or carry a copy with you. Once prepared, it’s as simple as getting to the beach and casting jigs until you find the action. For such a casual way of fishing, you may be surprised with the results — if your timing is right. Factors like tides, wind and water clarity can play a major role in your success. Species like pompano, ladyfish and jack crevalle are a good bet because they patrol up and down the shallows along the shoreline in search for a meal. Span-

ish mackerel and bluefish also are on the prowl and are notorious for striking a jig, resulting in a cut leader from their sharp teeth. So bring an ample amount of jigs. The addition of a live shrimp to the equation can lure more species. Adding a small piece of fresh-cut shrimp to the jig will attract flounder, black drum, sheepshead and redfish, all of which are quite enjoyable when hooked on light spinning gear. And they make for a great tablefare, too. And for anglers who aren’t into jigging, casting a live shrimp out on a weighted rig will get the job done, although this method requires some patience. No matter the approach, the most appealing thing about beach fishing is the casual nature. A minimal amount of planning is involved, which is easy on the angler. You don’t have to gas the boat, trailer to the boat ramp, load a ton of gear and ice and plan to be out all day. In fact, some beach sessions may last an hour before you decide to head home — but if the bite is really good — you can stay out longer. And when you’re done, you go home, rinse off your tackle, clean some fish and enjoy the rest of your day. On my Just Reel charters, I’m working a variety of areas for an assortment of species. On the calmer days, venturing into the Gulf yields sheepshead, man-

grove snapper and Key West grunts. Live shrimp on a knocker rig fished around structure are attracting the fish to the hook. On days when it’s breezy, I’m finding redfish, sheepshead and black drum while working the canals and docks as well as in the passes. Drifting over deeper grass flats and casting jigs tipped with shrimp works to get a bite, especially on pompano, trout, ladyfish and bluefish, providing great action on days when they’re really biting. Capt. David White is working his charter trips on nearshore structure, such as hard bottom areas, ledges, reefs and wrecks. When using live shrimp as bait, White is putting clients on hogfish, Key West grunts and catch-andrelease gag grouper. Other species, like sheepshead, triggerfish and flounder, are also in the mix. Moving inshore, White has anglers hooking up with catch-and-release snook on live shiners as bait. Spotted seatrout and bluefish are also reacting to the shiners. Lastly, drifting and jigging over deep grass flats is yielding pompano for White’s anglers. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Heart attack survivor, paramedic also meet Ryan Kelley, paramedic, left, holds a “box of Joe” at west Manatee Fire Station no. 3. John Stephen, heart attack survivor, stopped by Jan. 2, as his vacation to aMI from new Hampshire was ending, to meet the paramedic who helped save his life Dec. 27. also pictured are Stephen’s wife, Jenny, and paramedic Donna Dunkum, right. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

Heart attack survivor, samaritan meet up over holidays John Stephen, left, smiles Dec. 27 on meeting with Mark Batia, right, who — alongside his wife, abigail — found Stephen on nov. 30 suffering a heart attack along Marina Drive. abigail Batia called 911 and Mark Batia performed CPR until an ambulance arrived. Despite the fact that his heart ﬂatlined four times, Stephen survived the crisis. The Batias, who live in orlando, returned to the island at Christmastime and met with Stephen and his family. Islander Photos: Courtesy Shirley Stephen RIgHT: Mark Batia, left, and abigail Batia, right, pose Dec. 27 with John Stephen, center.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Looking back, looking ahead in sports By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

It’s hard to believe another year of my writing for The Islander has passed, with this being my 34th year with newspaper. I’ve witnessed and written about a lot of great sports accomplishments during the years and met a ton of great folks along the way. I want to thank everyone who contributes to the weekly column, especially the people at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Tom Nelson at the Cassidy Key Royale Club and Jay Disbrow with the AMI Pitchers. Horseshoe action on Dec. 31, 2025, at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet. Tom Skoloda and Steve Doyle posted the only unbeaten record during pool play and were the day’s outright champs. The Jan. 3 games saw four teams emerge from pool play and settle things in a playoff. Semifinal action saw John Poccynek and Bob Hawks advance to the finals with a 22-11 victory over Billy Silver. Bob Mason and Skoloda were paired up

Tom Skoloda, left, and Steve Doyle are all smiles on winning the New Year’s Eve championship competition at the Anna Maria horseshoe pits with a 3-0 record to wrap up the year in the winner's circle.

urdays at the Anna Maria City Hall. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. It’s free to play and everyone is welcome. Meanwhile, golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started Dec. 29 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Ken Nagengast grabbed first place with a plus-5, one point better than second-place finisher Tim Friesen. The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match on Dec. 30. Helen Pollock fired an even-par 32 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Carol Patterson was one stroke back in second, while Sue Wheeler was alone in third with a 2-over-par 34. Rene Chapman had a chip in on hole No. 5 to highlight her round. The community center kids and adults should get started with winter sports on the return to school and activities. Have a great year of sports in 2026.

and defeated Tom Farrington and Bob Lee 23-4 in the Counting down to spring other semifinal match. Poccynek and Hawks cruised to a 24-5 victory training in Bradenton The Pittsburgh Pirates will play 31 games on over Mason and Skoloda in the finals to earn the day’s their spring training schedule for the 2026 Grapefruit bragging rights. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Sat- League. Sixteen games are set for LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, the team’s Southern home. The Pirates will open their spring schedule with The Buccos return to Braa trip to Sarasota to take on Baltimore Feb. 21. Pittsdenton and spring training in burgh’s home opener will be played Feb. 22 against February. Tampa Bay. Additional highlights on the schedule: • Feb. 23: The Pirates host the New York Yankees. • March 3: The Pirates host Team Colombia in their fourth all-time matchup against a World Baseball Classic team. • March 5: The Pirates welcome St. Louis to Bradenton, marking their first time hosting the Cardinals for a spring training game since March 29, 1998. • March 17: The Pirates host Houston in Bradenton for the first time since March 6, 2016. • March 23: The Pirates host Atlanta at LECOM Park in the Grapefruit League finale. In addition to the 31-game spring training schedule, Pittsburgh’s Spring Breakout Game will take place against Detroit on March 20 at LECOM Park. For more about the schedule, tickets and times, go to mlb.com/pirates/spring-training or call the ticket office at 941-747-3031. — Lisa Neff

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jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

To the moon and back

Early this year, a crew of four astronauts will travel in space around the moon and back to Earth on a 10-day mission that begins at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center and ends with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The target for launch is no earlier than Feb. 5 and no later than April. The Artemis II crew — NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen — could break the neff Apollo 13 distance record. And not since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 have humans traveled this close to the moon. At its nearest approach, their spacecraft will be about 4,600 miles from the lunar surface. The rest of us will be about 238,900 miles away. Still, even at such a distance, there are plenty of reasons to look up. Twice a year, around Jan. 1 and July 1, Sandscript provides a skywatch calendar — a snapshot of upcoming celestial events, including meteor showers, eclipses, moon phases and more. We check NASA’s event calendars, the American Meteor Society website, resources from the U.S. Naval Observatory and “The Sky” from Sea and Sky. Here’s the calendar through June: • Jan. 10: Jupiter at opposition. The planet will be at its closest approach to Earth, and its face will be fully illuminated by the sun. Jupiter will appear brighter than at any other time of the year and will be visible all night. • Jan. 18: New moon. The moon will be on the same side of the Earth as the sun and will not be visible in the night sky, creating an opportunity to observe galaxies and star clusters. • Feb. 1: Full moon. The moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, with its face fully illuminated. • Feb. 17: New moon. • Feb. 19: Mercury at greatest eastern elongation. This is the best time to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset. • March 3: Full moon. • March 3: Total lunar eclipse. During this eclipse,

The Space Launch System rocket is joined with the stacked solid rocket boosters for the artemis II mission at naSa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Islander Photo: Courtesy naSa/Frank Michaux

the moon passes completely through Earth’s shadow, or umbra. It will gradually darken and take on a rusty color. The eclipse will be visible throughout much of eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean and North America. • March 19: New moon. • March 20: Spring equinox. The sun will shine

directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night worldwide. This marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of fall in the Southern Hemisphere. • April 2: Full moon. • April 3: Mercury at greatest western elongation. This is the best time to view Mercury in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. • April 17: New moon. • April 22–23: Lyrids meteor shower. The Lyrids typically produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak and can sometimes leave bright dust trails that linger for several seconds. • May 1: Full moon. • May 6–7: Eta Aquarids meteor shower. The shower can produce up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak, with most activity visible in the Southern Hemisphere. • May 16: New moon. • May 31: Full moon, also a blue moon. The second full moon in the same month is referred to as a blue moon. • June 15 — New moon and Mercury at greatest eastern elongation. • June 21: Summer solstice. The sun will reach its northernmost position in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. • June 29: Full moon.

2025 tally for Christmas count

Local volunteers gathered Dec. 20, 2025, to do their part in the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, one of the longest-running wildlife censuses providing critical data on the status of birds. Audubon’s bird count takes place annually from mid-December to early January and involves more than 83,000 people in at least 20 countries. Locally, 76 individuals joined in the count for the Bradenton Circle, which encompasses a 15-mile radius that includes Perico Island, Cortez and other west Manatee areas, but not Anna Maria Island. Kathy Doddridge, a member of the Manatee County Audubon chapter for more than a decade, has served as the Bradenton Circle’s compiler since 2018. She provided a summary of the 2025 count, which involved 31 observation teams: • Counters tallied 151 species, down 3% from 2024; • Counters tallied 32,463 birds, down 2% from 2024; • Counters observed species rarely seen in Bradenton, including the short-tailed hawk, stilt sandpiper and groove-billed ani; • Counters observed some species in high numbers, including the Wilson’s Plover, short-billed dowitcher and tree swallow;

a map shows the Bradenton Circle, the area covered in a local Christmas Bird Count for the audubon Society.

• Damage to habitat caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, the removal of trees and wetlands for new development and restricted access to more residential areas continues to present challenges for birders and birds; • Because the cold had yet to push down waterfowl from “up North,” the number of duck species was down from 2024. Doddridge, noting that the circle team included 21 new participants and she invited people to join in the effort in 2026 — the next Bradenton Circle count will be Dec. 19. Potential volunteers can email Doddridge at kathydoddridge56@gmail.com. — Lisa neff

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Artist enhances rebuilt island home with fresco mural By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Hurricanes Helene and Milton in fall 2024 brought the beach into one Anna Maria home and left it beyond saving. Now, in the rebuilt house, the beach is back — this time as art. Artist Crocifissa Kristina Grillo told The Islander Dec. 23 about her work on a fresco mural for a kitchen backdrop in Beth and Joe Croyer’s rebuilt home at 432 63rd St., Holmes Beach. The Croyers’ original house was damaged beyond 50% of its value during the 2024 storms, so it was demolished and replaced with a new structure, according to Joe Croyer. While work on their new home is not yet finished, the Croyers had an idea for the kitchen backdrop: to commission a mural recreating a picture Beth Croyer took at the beach of a cloud that looked like a mermaid. Beth Croyer had met Grillo at an art show in Holmes Beach over the past year and asked the artist if she could do the piece. Grillo, a Sicilian who has lived and studied in Florence, Italy, was trained to paint frescos — a style of painting that involves using watercolors on wet lime plaster, like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel work on the ceiling. As a result of the fresco process, the paint chemically bonds with the plaster and, when dried, becomes a permanent part of a wall. Grillo accepted the job, purchased and prepared materials, created multiple studies — preparatory sketches — and began work on the backdrop on Dec. 18. By Dec. 22, after about 37 hours of preparation and 49 hours of work, Grillo had completed the fresco — other than a sealant she was set to apply a couple Heads up! Bins Be Clean is now Bubble Binz!!!

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Crocifissa Kristina Grillo strikes a pose while working on a mural that was inspired by Beth Croyer’s picture of a cloud shaped like a mermaid that she took at the beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

of weeks later, after the piece had fully dried. “I’m very dedicated to what I do,” Grillo said. “I couldn’t even sleep. I kept thinking, ‘I just want to get this done.’” “When I left yesterday and I was done, I kid you not, I wanted to cry. … It makes me sad to leave my art,” she added. The fresco spans 14 feet of kitchen cabinets along one wall. It’s 18 inches tall for the majority of the stretch, since there are also cabinets above. However, above the kitchen stove, there is a 40-inch-tall by 44-inch-wide space, where Grillo

IslBizCal

THIS WEEK

painted the mermaid-looking cloud photographed by Beth Croyer. Grillo said she was happy with how the fresco turned out. “I’m very, very pleased,” she said. “When they walked in, I got chills. I felt that it was right.” Joe Croyer told The Islander Dec. 30 that he agreed with Grillo’s assessment. “The piece looks nice, she did a great job,” he said. “It looks great.” Joe Croyer said construction on the new home, including the kitchen, remains unfinished, so the completed fresco has been blocked off in the meantime to protect it. He added that they hope to move into their rebuilt home and enjoy their finished fresco-adorned kitchen by the end of February.

Thursday, Jan. 8 8 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast, Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, amber@amichamber.org. Anna Maria Wednesday, Jan. 14 Median listing home price: $2.172 million, trend11:30 a.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Headliners ing down 9.21% year-over-year. Luncheon: State of the Cities, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El ConListings: 74 properties. quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-748-3411. Bradenton Beach

MarketWatch

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941.778.0020 Sign up: BubbleBinz.com/Manasota MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

Median listing home price: $792,000, trending down 45.14% year-over-year. Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Listings: 79 properties. lunch, Slicker’s Eatery, Cortez. Holmes Beach Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m., Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s awards Median listing home price: $1.395 million, down dinner, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto. 3.37% year-over-year. Send listings to calendar@islander.org Listings: 176 properties. SAVE THE DATES

— Lisa neff

Source: Realtor.com

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jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Coastal collection

Shanelle Lance, owner of Beach Sand Babe jewelry, helps show a browsing customer her handmade coastal-themed jewelry during the anna Maria Community Farmers Market on nov. 25, 2025. The market takes place Tuesdays outside Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

biz Bradenton Beach P&Z to hear hotel proposal

Lucky Frog gains new owner

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

In mid-December, a post on social media accounts The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board for the Lucky Frog, a German restaurant in Bradenton, will hold a public hearing at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. introduced a new owner and extended an invitation to 7, to consider a proposed 15-room hotel development visit soon. on Gulf Drive North. The post from Maria Medja, read, in part, “I’m The proposal involves a major development plan very happy to introduce myself as the new owner and for property at 2000 Gulf Drive N. and 2104 Gulf Drive host of Lucky Frog German Restaurant. I’m originally N., both owned by Gayle Luper of Luper Enterprises from Germany, and bringing genuine hospitality and Inc. quality food to the table truly matters to me.” According to agenda materials, the plan calls for The post continued, “Lucky Frog has been a spea two-story hotel with 15 guest rooms, on-site parking cial place for many guests over the years, and I’m honand an outdoor pool. ored to continue this tradition with respect, warmth, The project is located within the city’s R-3 zoning and great food.” or multiple-family dwelling district and requires a The restaurant is at 4625 Cortez Road, Bradenton. major development review, as well as a letter of no For more info, go to lucky-frog.com or call 941-795objection under the city’s land development regula2132. tions. — Lisa neff The public hearing will be held at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. The P&Z will make a recommendation to the city Waterbird, a water commission, which will consider the proposal during purification specialist its next commission meeting, set for noon, Thursday, company in Holmes Jan. 15. at city hall. Beach, is developing Luper’s proposal follows a dispute with the city a marketing camover storm recovery at the Bungalow Beach Resort. paign with its new The bungalows were destroyed by hurricanes partner, football Hall Helene and Milton in fall 2024 and demolished. Luper of Famer Emmitt followed with a request for a temporary use permit to Smith. Islander Courconstruct a parking lot on the site. tesy Image The commission approved the permit with conditions in April 2025, prompting an appeal by Luper’s Waterbird Home Solutions welcomes partner/co-owner legal team. Waterbird Home Solutions announced Dec. 31 that Beach at Unit J, 315 58th St. In August 2025, a special master dismissed the For more information, visit getwaterbird.com or appeal, ruling the commission’s decision was quasi-ju- Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith joined the business as a co-owner “and teammate.” call 941-280-5856. dicial and could only be challenged in circuit court. Smith, in a news release, said, “Football gave me Helping Chamber lunch at Slicker’s visibility, but my true passion has always been faith, hand The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce family and making a meaningful impact beyond junie Presswill hold its monthly networking luncheon at 11:30 myself.” wood gets a He added, “At Waterbird, family isn’t just who a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 helping hand you go home to, it’s teammates, employees, customers Cortez Road W., Cortez. from paramedic The event will offer chamber members an opportu- and the communities you serve. That mindset aligned Debbie Dunkum nity to network while enjoying a choice of four entrees perfectly with who I am and how I live my life.” with car seat Smith gained a career with the Dallas Cowboys, — crab cakes, Cubano, portobello or mushroom — adjustment at where he won three Super Bowls and was MVP. served with salad, black beans and rice. the West ManaWaterbird, in the release, said it takes a compreThe cost to attend is $22 for members and $30 for tee Fire Rescue prospective members, with reservations due by Tues- hensive approach to home health, including water station in purification, plumbing, AC heating and cooling soluday, Jan. 13. Holmes Beach. For more information and reservations, email tions. Islander Photo: The business was founded 47 years ago and has Amber Tipton at the chamber at amber@amichamber. Bonner joy locations in Ohio and Florida, including in Holmes org or call the chamber office at 941-778-1541.

— Lisa Neff

Compass raises $7,525 for animal welfare group

Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound, a boutique hotel bearing the Margaritaville brand, raised $7,525 for Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare during its Jimmy Buffett Day of Service activities in August 2025, the hotel recently announced. The funds support the nonprofit’s work for Manatee’s animal shelter system, including medical care, resources and enrichment for shelter animals. Money was generated through multiple events and promotions, including a Jewelry to the Rescue fundraiser, rafﬂe ticket sales for prizes such as a complimentary hotel stay, dining credit and a sailing experience, guest check roundups and sales of signature cocktails. The hotel is at 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. For more information, visit compasshotelannamariasound.com or call the hotel at 941-741-9700. — Lisa neff

Business news

The Islander welcomes business news, including announcements of operational changes, expansions, achievements, openings, special events and more. Please, email news@ islander.org with notices, Include a contact name and phone number. Photos are appreciated.

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ESTATE SALES

SERVICES Continued

KEF SPEAKERS, LIKE new, Q100 pair, $75, Q300 pair, $95, also Q600c, Q400b, $95. 403860-3447.

COASTAL ESTATE SALE: 9-2 Fri. Jan 9, 9-1 Sat. Jan. 10. 627 Concord Lane, Key RoyaleHolmes Beach. White wicker arm chairs, tables, three small dining sets, all appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer, dryer, freezer, sofa, love seat, Viking sewing machine, lamps, R. C. Christmas plates, shelving, yard and hand tools, drill press, glass art, decorative coastal accessories, a lot of craft supplies and much more! See photos on www.estatesales.net. Sale by Julie McClure.

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

TWIN RATTAN HEADBOARDS: $40. 321-4086148. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978. FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer). ANNOUNCEMENTS BRIDGE GAME AT The Community Center on Fridays starting Dec. 5 at 12:30 p.m. 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. LOOKING FOR FRANK from Island P r i n t ? H e ’s ava i l a bl e by c a l l o r t ex t 941-704-8108. Email frankhtc.fw@gmail.com.

Islander archive. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

GARAGE SALES MOVING SALE: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23-24. Original Art, antiques, collectibles plus usual stuff. 11021 Jasmine Circle, Perico Island, Bradenton. TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com . BOATS & BOATING

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

ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

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

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References available • 941-720-7519

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382. CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181. GHEENOE: FIVE-IN-one, 15-foot multi-boat. Canoe, motor, sailboat, fishing and rowboat. Aqua with white interior. $850 obo. 814-574-3768. FOR SALE: FOUR place galvanized kayak trailer, three used kayaks with paddles and life jackets. $500. 231-282-0027.

HELP WANTED ,IVERY )NSURED s !IRPORT 0ERMITTED

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

PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes. SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience. RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com. We are available 24/7. 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. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com. GOT DIRTY WINDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

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

HEALTH CARE

ANSWERS TO Jan. 7 PUZZLE

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

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

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234. ACHAUFFER4U FOR TRANSPORTATION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

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

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

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

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.

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

MORE ADS = more readers in The Islander.

jan. 7, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

REAL ESTATE

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

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

WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

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

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

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.

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.

RIDES 4 YOU: Airports, shopping, short trips, events 24/7. Call or text, 941-398-8404, Don.

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

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. CAC184228. CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

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

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

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792. LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help. TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096. GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607. TETI TILE: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John Teti, 302-983-5774.

RETIRED LIFETIME PAINTER: Works alone. $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. SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: Discount for multiple months. 2BR/2BA, second floor condo in Holmes Beach. Pool, tennis/pickleball, in-unit laundry, WIFI, screened lanai, covered parking. Available 2025/26 season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/ beach toys, bikes included. Call Jack, 312-8352323 for more information/photos. 2BR/1BA ANNUAL 50 yards from beach. Newly renovated. New appliances, pool. first and deposit. 941-726-6597.

ANNUAL RENTAL AVAILABLE now! Beautiful 2BR/2BA villa in Pinebrook-Ironwood complex, boasts soaring ceilings updated kitchen and bathrooms and magnificent view of the 8th hole at Pinebrook Golf Course. This unit comes with covered parking, pool and lots of amenities. Five miles from Anna Maria Island. $2,000/month. Annual lease. Unfurnished. Non-smoking, no pets. A must see! Call 317-703-0449. WINTER WEEKS AVAILABLE: 6505 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Call Lisa, 267-566-8577. www. gulfbeachbungalows.com. FEBRUARY-APRIL CONDO rental near AMI beaches. Delightful 3BR/2BA condo, photos available. Close to pool, hot tub, tennis/pickleball, shopping and restaurants. Walk to beach with Palma Sola views. Covered carport, guest parking. One small dog under 30 lbs. considered. $3,300/ month, utilities included, three-month minimum. 617-803-4659. zoe.perrywood@gmail.com.

Islander archive. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

2BR/2BA CONDO IN Mt. Vernon for sale. Fully furnished, on lake with view of Sarasota Bay. Clubhouse, pool, workout room, and hot tub. Minutes to beaches and shopping. Asking $370,000. Call Sharon, 941-7305645. SNOWBIRD SPECIAL: NICELY furnished 2BR/2BA condo. Community heated pool and spa. Minutes to beach. $249,000. Call agent direct, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. NORTHWEST BRADENTON: SINGLE-family custom home. 2BR/2BA, two-car garage. Community pool, spa, clubhouse and boat docks. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. BEST ISLAND DEAL!1BR/1BA trailer: Takeover remodel. Retirement, annual, seasonal income. Sandpiper Resort, $69,999. 831-212-2606. CUTE FURNISHED TRAILER in 55-plus active community just off island. Island living without island prices. 5-6 months’ use. 1BR with room for guests. Your home away from home. 920-3448271.

Place classified ads online by 11 am mondays at islander.org

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

Rick Turner

Personal Driver 941.504.2894

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org jan. 7, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

We’re Local. We’re Global.

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Amy Ward

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