The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June 04, 2025

Holmes Beach OKs $3M to purchase landmark church

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Let the negotiations begin!

Holmes Beach city commissioners voted 4-1 May 27 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to make a $3 million offer to purchase Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive.

Commission Chair Dan Diggins voted “no,” having recommended a $2.7 million offer instead.

The Gloria Dei congregation formed in 1959 and the building and its roof, an

island landmark, was built in 1964.

The church sustained damages last year from hurricanes Helene and Milton and permanently closed its doors following a final service Jan. 18.

Now, the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America — the titleholder — is selling the property and the city wants in.

The property consists of three parcels over 3 acres and is currently zoned for public/semi-public use.

It has a total net interior area of 6,437

square feet and features a reception area, fellowship hall, multiple classrooms and office rooms, restrooms, a lounge with a kitchenette, storage rooms and an electrical room.

The municipality hired two companies to appraise the property based on its current zoning ahead of the meeting.

West Palm Beach-based WestRock Appraisal Services found it to have an as-is market value of $2,100,000.

St. Petersburg-based Bluemark Valuation Advisors appraised the prop-

AM sinks new pier for ferry

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Looks like a new pier for landing the Gulf Islands Ferry in Anna Maria is sunk.

City commissioners reached consensus May 27 to abandon ferry landing options involving the construction of a new pier between the city pier and the Lake La Vista inlet to the north.

The GIF service consists of two 49-passenger boats operated ThursdaySunday between a downtown Bradenton Riverwalk dock and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. The service is set to expand this summer with the addition of a larger, enclosed vessel.

The Anna Maria City Pier was a ferry stop but service ended after Hurricane Milton in October 2024 destroyed the walkway. The city will rebuild the walkway, but because it must be rebuilt within the same footprint, it cannot

accommodate the larger boat.

That dilemma led the county to explore options for a new landing, basically either adding a new landing to a rebuilt city pier or constructing a separate structure adjacent to the Lake La Vista channel to the north.

Mayor Mark Short opened a May 27 discussion with commissioners by stating that the city would not be committing to a ferry landing plan, but he hoped to provide feedback to the county.

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he preferred adding a landing to a rebuilt city pier since it was more cost effective and efficient.

Commissioner John Lynch agreed but said he had concerns about how the pier and the surrounding area — roads and parking — could handle the additional traffic the new, larger vessel would bring.

Commissioner Christopher Arendt

erty to have a $2,770,000 as-is market value.

On the other hand, the Florida-Bahamas Synod’s property appraisal found it worth $9.9 million based on highest best use if it were redeveloped.

Bluemark noted in its report that its inspection of the property found it is in fair condition despite visible signs of storm damage and deferred maintenance, largely due to the initiation of an interior demolition after Helene.

COTA rejoices

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, built in 1953, opened again June 1, nearly eight months after two hurricanes caused damages that kept the doors closed. The church, including a sanctuary, classrooms and fellowship hall, is one block from the Gulf shore at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander

Bonner Joy

Raise, remove derelict

Sea Tow diver Sam Joseph works May 28 to raise and remove a submerged vessel at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Sea Tow operator Robert Louloudes assists from a boat. The submerged boat, which sank during Hurricane Helene last September, was being removed to allow repair work on the pier’s floating dock, also damaged during last fall’s hurricanes. Read about funding for boating improvements on page 10. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Municipal matters

Mayors provide updates

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short weighed in with an email to The Islander of “good news” May 30.

“Our Memorial Day event was a huge success with 300-400 people in attendance,” Short wrote.

He included a thank-you to the Center of Anna Maria Island and Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra for making the event possible.

Short also announced that William Pakbaz, a city resident and rising junior in high school, completed his Eagle Scout project by bringing around 20 volunteers on the beach May 30 to revegetate the shore north of the city pier.

About 160 saltwater, sandy-soil tolerant plants were planted. Short gave “congratulations” to William and the volunteers for the much-needed beach protection and another step forward as the city continues its hurricane recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, in Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth is looking at what could be the city’s biggest land purchase in many years — since buying the bulk of undeveloped property at Grassy Point Preserve.

Titsworth will be negotiating to buy the property that has been Gloria Dei Lutheran Church since the

Election 2025

Qualifying ahead on AMI

Take some summer days to ponder.

Qualifying to run for elected offices on Anna Maria Island opens in August.

Qualifying in Anna Maria will be noon Aug. 18-noon Aug. 29.

Qualifying in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach will be noon Aug. 25-noon Aug. 29.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

For more about 2025 elections, go to votemanatee. gov or call the elections office at 941-741-3823.

— lisa neff

1960s, including the landmark building.

“The commission gave me permission to negotiate an offer up to $3M. If we are able to come to a deal this will be a great asset to the community, as our hope is in our ability to add green space to the city and save this landmark,” Titsworth said.

The offer exceeds the city’s highest appraisal for the property by about $230,000, which demonstrates the city is “serious” about obtaining ownership, according to Commissioner Terry Schaefer during discussion at a May 27 city meeting.

Titsworth added, “I would love to get the preschool back in it, too.”

Titsworth also weighed in on an issue that was brewing in the Key Royale neighborhood, where some neighbors are keen on the idea of slowing traffic with speed tables while others were looking at policing street parking and problems with landscaping features in rights of way that prohibit parking with “tires off the road.”

Titsworth opted to address both issues, allowing speed tables or “humps” and letting neighbors continue to “police” their landscape trucks and manage their own off-street parking.

Worshippers gather in 2001 in the sanctuary at gloria dei lutheran church, built in 1964 under the rev. lester utz and designed by architect Victor lundy, famed for his designs as part of the sarasota school of architecture. lundy was proficient in church design and gave gloria dei a soaring central steeple with laminated wood beams that support the roof. many of lundy’s church designs featured unusual roofs. islander file Photo

voiced support for adding a landing to the city pier and said railings could make up for any added “hustle and bustle” from pedestrians on the pier as a result of the ferry service.

Commissioner Charles Salem said he was not in favor of building a separate pier and would not commit to other options until the city pier walkway was worked out.

“It just strikes me as odd that their focus is on something that’d be nice to have when something that is completely destroyed hasn’t been rebuilt yet,” Salem said. “And they haven’t told us how they’re going to help us do it.”

Short said the county has not committed funding for rebuilding the pier because the city has yet to submit a specific request.

Nevertheless, Short stressed that the city’s priority is to rebuild the pier walkway.

“We need that pier back up and running. That water ferry system, it will come,” he said. “What we need to stay focused on is … getting our pier rebuilt.”

Resources for storm season

One way to stay up to date during the season is to search for storm hashtags — like #TSAndrea or #HurricaneBarry — on social media.

Additionally, the National Hurricane Center provides updates on X via @NWSNHC and @NHC_Atlantic.

The National Weather Service informs via @NWS and, for local info, via @NWSTampaBay.

Media resources to use:

TV: Bay News 9, The Weather Channel.

Print and digital: The Islander, Islander.org.

Radio: WUSF 89.7, NWR KHB32 162.550.

Government websites to bookmark: Manatee County: mymanatee.org. Florida: floridadisaster.org. Federal: fema.gov.

Anna Maria: cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: holmesbeachfl.org.

Apps to download: PulsePoint, CodeRed, MyHurricaneTracker, The Weather Channel.

In other matters…

Commissioners:

• Unanimously voted to authorize Short to execute an agreement with Bradenton-based Big Sur Technologies for IT infrastructure and support services over five years;

• Unanimously voted to approve a request from Roser Memorial Community Church to exempt a $3,911 permit valuation fee for storm damage repairs.

The commission will meet next at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

People can attend city meetings via Zoom by visiting the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Treehouse owners’ request fine leniency

By ryan Paice islander reporter

After more than a decade of expensive litigation, the owners of the demolished Holmes Beach treehouse are seeking leniency from the municipality.

But it is proving to be a hard ask.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 27 to reject a request from Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen, owners of the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E., to reduce a $183,350 lien resulting from the treehouse drama.

In 2011, the property owners built a treehouse that the city and Florida Department of Environmental Protection found in violation of municipal and state law.

Litigation began in 2013, when the property owners filed a lawsuit against the city to contest the constitutionality of municipal codes that prohibit the treehouse.

Their lawsuit failed but a handful of others sprung up in its place — with the property owners ending on the losing side of each one.

A court order to demolish the treehouse was issued in February and it took place in August 2024.

While litigation concluded and the treehouse was demolished, the property owners still owed more than $370,000, including a $183,350 lien for a $50 daily fine for an unpermitted treehouse that ran from July 22, 2015, through Aug. 29, 2024.

As of May 27, the debt also included $191,375 in accumulated fines due to a $125 daily fine that began March 18, 2021, for renting units at Angelinos Sea Lodge without a city-issued vacation rental certificate.

The owners submitted a letter April 22 to the city requesting the reduction of the treehouse lien.

Tran said during the May 27 meeting that their property had been damaged by last year’s storms and they could not pay the city’s fines while also paying for necessary repairs.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said reducing the lien would be the equivalent of allowing other taxpayers to pay more than $253,000 in attorney’s fees the city shouldered due to the property owners’ litigation.

Schaefer moved to reject the property owners’ request and his motion passed.

city officials and treehouse property owners lynn tran and richard Hazen watch from the beach in front of their Holmes Beach residence aug. 27, 2024, as workers from tampa-based allied Wrecking dismantle the treehouse. allied had nearly finished its work aug 29, leaving the australian pine tree standing. islander file

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HB moves forward with banning deep holes, shovels on beach

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County’s push to limit beach holes has resonated in the city of Holmes Beach.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 27 to approve a first reading for an ordinance that mirrors county code by prohibiting metal shovels and holes deeper than one foot on any sandy gulf beach.

County staff — headed by Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county’s natural resources department — attended a Holmes Beach City Commission meeting on May 13 and a Coalition of Barrier Island Elected

glOria dei continued from Page 1

Conditions inside include missing drywall, damaged doors, deteriorated bathrooms, damaged roof covers, missing kitchen cabinets and more.

Neither city appraiser provided cost estimates for addressing potential repairs.

Properties within the city’s public/semi-public land use category require city commission approval for zoning changes that would allow for private development, and officials have expressed a desire to preserve it for public use.

By purchasing the property, the city could ensure the preservation of its public use, as well as its unique architecture.

There seems to be some support from the public for the city’s potential purchase of the property.

During public comment, Kelly Stewart, owner and operator of the School for Constructive Play, and resident Gale Tedhams supported the potential acquisition.

The SFCP is a preschool that opened in 1989 in a schoolhouse on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria but relocated to the Gloria Dei building in 2018.

The preschool was forced to relocate again following last year’s storms — this time to the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

“We were devastated to leave what had become our home,” Stewart said. “And although the (center) has been a huge blessing during this time after the storms, our littlest island citizens need a secure place that is their own.”

She said she hoped the city of Holmes Beach could

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Offi cials meeting on May 20 to spread a message. Hunsicker said the county code prohibits both metal shovels and holes deeper than a foot on beaches but the regulation only covers the county’s public beaches, such as Manatee Public Beach.

So Hunsicker and staff encouraged the island cities to adopt mirroring code for a consistent approach in trying to limit beach holes, which can be dangerous for beachgoers and nesting and hatchling sea turtles, which can become trapped or disoriented.

The city’s proposed ordinance would fulfill the county’s request by prohibiting metal shovels “of the

the city of Holmes Beach is exploring the purchase of the defunct gloria dei lutheran church, 6608 marina drive. the church sustained damages from hurricanes Helene and milton last year and the congregation held its last service Jan. 18. islander

purchase the church and create a public-private partnership to get SFCP back in the building.

Tedhams called the building “historic” and “iconic” and suggested it could be used to host community and cultural events, like art shows.

Chad Minor, the city’s director of development services, said city officials should not waste time if they want to pursue the property.

type customarily sold in hardware store (not a children’s toy)” and holes deeper than one foot on beaches, unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer moved to approve a first reading for the ordinance.

Commissioner Carol Soustek seconded the motion, which passed.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

From the archives: Purchase prospects dim Holmes Beach commissioners in 2017 began debating the prospect of purchasing Gloria Dei, which at the time was still an operating church. A 10-year loan to buy the land for $105,000 per year was included in the city budget for 2017-18.

But The Islander reported in February 2018 that “at this time, the Holmes Beach City Commission is not prepared to buy 1.06 acres from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.”

Mayor Bob Johnson said church officials would prefer to seek a residential zoning previously denied by the commission for three lots on the north side of the church.

A sale price remained an obstacle to doing a deal, church board president Tom Herman said. Florida Real Estate Advisors of Bradenton pegged the property value at $850,000 if the land is converted to a residential use.

Judy Titsworth, then the commission’s chair and now the mayor, said the issue could be revisited.

interest rate would result in a roughly $245,000 annual cost to the city over a 20-year amortization plan.

Diggins recommended basing an offer on the high end of the city’s two appraisals, at $2.7 million. Schaefer moved to authorize a $3 million offer as a show of “good will” by going beyond their highest appraisal.

Commissioner Carol Soustek seconded the motion, which passed.

“It shows that we’re serious,” she said.

“We gotta strike while the iron is hot,” he said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he had spoken with representatives from Mississippi-based HancockWhitney Bank and they were willing to work with the city on a loan to acquire the property, but nothing had been set in stone.

City attorney Erica Augello said that, following Titsworth’s negotiations with the titleholder, any final offer must go before the commission for approval. The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

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He said a potential $3 million loan with a 4.5%

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

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Bradenton Beach considers Tingley Library’s future

By robert anderson islander reporter

The city of Bradenton Beach is rallying to preserve Tingley Memorial Library, a longstanding community institution named for early resident Beulah Tingley.

Opened with a $600,000 bequest, the library, 111 Second St. N., faces a financial crossroads after sustaining damage from 2024 hurricanes and facing dwindling funds.

The library needs repairs due to the property’s age and damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

City building official Bill Palmer, during a city hall meeting May 21, said the library front porch and stairs remain in fair condition but other parts of the property, including a wheelchair ramp, rear stairs and an HVAC platform, require immediate attention.

Also, some hurricane-related damages were not covered by insurance and air conditioning issues threaten the library’s collection.

City treasurer Shane Thompson outlined the library’s finances, noting annual operating costs are $50,000-$60,000 but a roof replacement last year pushed expenses over $100,000.

The city currently manages the $165,400 in library funds that remain from Tingley’s bequest — enough to operate for roughly three more years if no major repairs are made.

A library board oversees another $100,000 in external investments.

A 2020 cost estimate for pre-storm repairs came in at $274,000, excluding the HVAC system. That price tag has raised concerns among library board members about the library’s long-term viability.

“If there’s no future for the library, why would we spend $274,000 if we’re only going to be there for 3-5 years?” asked Tingley board member Evelyn Stob.

“We’ve known for a long time that one of these days the bequeath was going to run out,” Mayor John Chappie said. He called on the board to raise funds and help make the library self-sustaining.

“The library board — it’s going to have to be on you guys, for the most part, to get things organized. We need a strong board to make this the success it was,” Chappie said.

Despite the challenges, library board members said the facility remains open and continues to serve the public.

“We need to fight for this library. It provides an invaluable service to the people that come there,” board member Pam Rottschafer said. “I know that the city has to be practical and finances are a reality they have to deal with, but I do think we haven’t utilized and promoted this space near to the extent that could be.”

Suggestions at the meeting included hosting a grand reopening, forming a community book club and enhancing outreach.

“During the storms, people loved getting updates via Facebook. A simple page with announcements

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could go a long way,” Commissioner Scott Bear said.

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce floated partnerships with the Annie Silver Community Center and Women of the Moose to boost programming and support.

Library manager Evanne Adams emphasized

Brielle langley, left, and daughter millie, read books with family — charlee, libby and Judy Hagemeier. the group decided to visit the library during their vacation from nebraska in 2023. islander file

rebuilding the volunteer base and bringing renewed energy into the space.

To improve communication and coordination, the city unanimously appointed Scaccianoce as liaison to the library board, which will meet in the coming weeks to begin developing a roadmap for fundraising, facility improvements and programming.

Anna Maria selects contractor for pier walkway demo

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Anna Maria City Pier’s fractured walkway might not be around much longer.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 29 to authorize Mayor Mark Short to execute an agreement with Bradenton-based Quality Marine Construction Inc., for the demolition and debris removal of the walkway.

The 800-plus-foot walkway was destroyed by last fall’s hurricanes and the city plans to demolish what remains so it can rebuild with superior materials.

The city published a request for proposals for the project in April and received two bids before the May 16 submission deadline.

Those include a $239,500 bid from Quality and a $2,197,658.15 from Washington-based Ballard Marine Construction, which has an office in Bradenton.

The municipality also received two bids after its deadline had passed, from Bradenton-based Tangerine Group Inc., and Fort Pierce-based Underwater Engineering Services Inc.

Those bids were rejected due to not being submitted on time.

The discrepancy between the two qualifying bids left little decision for city officials, who questioned Ballard’s proposal.

Short said he did not understand why Ballard’s bid was so much more expensive.

“I cannot explain the logic behind (it), other than perhaps not being local,” he said.

On the other hand, Short said Quality’s bid came in “on the low end” of a range of bid prices the city’s engineers told him to expect.

Due to the discrepancy in bids and Quality’s recent

demonstration of local work, including the demolition of the Seafood Shack in Cortez, Short recommended the city pursue their bid over Ballard’s.

Commissioner Christopher Arendt moved to approve Short’s recommendation and authorize him to execute an agreement with Quality.

Commissioner Gary McMullen seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

Hello, June

Finally, we have arrived at the sixth month of the year. It is June and showers have arrived to water our flowers and gardens on cue.

We’ll have to wait until June 20 for the astronomical start of summer and the summer solstice.

But consider all the blossoms opening on Anna Maria Island just this week.

As noted on page 1, the congregation returned to the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation for Sunday service after many months of renovations and repairs from the damages left by two hurricanes last year.

Many of the shops in the Island Shopping Center at Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach — the heart of the downtown area — are reopening this week. And there are two new boutiques, one for pets and one for discriminating shoppers who like to sip wine — AMI Beach Dogs and Salty Beaches Boutique.

They will complement other shops, like Sun ’n Surf, which is reopening this week. And, yes, the birds have returned.

And count in The Feast restaurant with a full makeover and added bar service, plus ice cream and pizza parlors and a totally revamped hardware store with new proprietors.

Congratulations and welcome back, to all.

For many merchants and mom-and-pop owners, it’s been a long road to “open for business.”

Three feet of water inundating your business will do that. Just ask the folks at Minnie’s Beach Cafe, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen or the Doctor’s Office.

The same is true across the island.

Blue Marlin in Bradenton Beach had some pop-up problems but they announced the makeover is complete and they will reopen June 4.

There’s just one thing bothering me now and that’s the apparent reluctance for the city of Bradenton Beach to step up and take care of (read that fund) any damages and update the little library that Beulah Tingley bequeathed to the city.

Tingley left funding as well and the proceeds of the invested funds were supposed to support the library long into the future. So what went wrong?

Maybe technology, tablet readers, iPads and social media put some libraries a step behind but the Tingley library — a gift to the citizens — must be maintained, in my humble opinion.

It can serve the community in the future in ways the folks at city hall have yet to realize.

Meanwhile, applause to the city of Holmes Beach for the vision to move forward with ownership of Gloria Dei. Hurrah. Hurrah.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Murphy

Happy Easter, merry Christmas

Christmas was always something of a hard sell on Anna Maria in my family.

My kids were skeptical.

Santa did not look good in short pants and those reindeer were going to have a tough time slogging that sleigh across the sand.

My son thought the UPS guy was Santa Claus. We went along.

The less-than-subtle implication was that the snowbirds had flown, and there were available tables in our dining room.

Invariably, I received hate mail damning me for not being grateful for the tourists.

If it wasn’t for them my kids would have been starving on the beach, eating sand.

To our northern friends and our neighbors on the mainland, that ad is true again.

They are gone. You can come out now.

To my island neighbors — rise like its Easter. Get out of the house.

▼ Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org editor lisa neff, lisa@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 sean murphy capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Sales ingrid mcclellan, ingrid.theislander@gmail.com ads@islander.org

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

▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy loden Wasco

This year, on this island, a celebration of Easter, of rising from the dead, makes for a great pairing with Christmas.

Granted the Easter Bunny and his little chickens have their own credibility problems, but a celebration of rebirth is what we need right now.

▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell All others: news@islander.org

Let’s put some chocolate chickens under the tree.

Last September we got drowned by Helene, then in October we were whipped by Milton.

We have all spent two months rising from a morass of water and mud and then crawling over the piles of drywall and mattresses.

We deserve to celebrate, a “rising.”

The good news is that much of the rising has been accomplished.

The beaches and Gulf waters are as beautiful as they have ever been, and there’s no problem finding a place to park.

I wish there were long lines at the restaurants and bars, but there aren’t any.

“Walking in” as a preferred method of attending an eating place is in style again.

You can almost always find an empty bar stool.

A gazillion years ago, the Beach Bistro ran an ad in The Islander at the end of tourist season. It portrayed a group of bistro waiters waving to a flock of geese flying in V-formation.

The caption read, “They’re gone. You can come out now.”

Sure, you’re exhausted, but it is time to put away the Cheetos and get off the couch — if it is not already out in the yard. Go for a drink. Bring a neighbor. Get over it.

And for Chrissake turn on the damn lights at night. Neither Santa nor the Easter Bunny are going to be able to find the island unless we turn the lights back on.

Happy Easter. Be nice.

— sean murphy

editor’s note: mr. murphy is out of town and could not write this week and we chose a past column to remind you to get out and enjoy the island over the summer and patronize the businesses waiting to serve you and recover financially from the storms we suffered in 2024. as one of my friends would say in such a situation, “share the wealth.” the doctor’s office also is waiting to serve you. — Bonner Joy

sean murphy is proprietor of the doctor’s office and the doctor’s garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when weather and the heat permits.

Books and more

toP left: a patron stands outside the island library in 1976 while looking at a book. the library was located in a storefront in the island shopping center in Holmes Beach.

toP rigHt: the interior of the island library after its relocation to 5701 marina drive. the photo is dated august 1994. left: island library patrons check out materials in august 1983. the library, 5801 marina drive, Holmes Beach, is open monday-saturday. islander

Photos: manatee county Public library archives

Connections

Skimming online

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Q&A

The Islander poll

This week’s question smells most like summer …

A. Suntan lotion/sunscreen.

B. Grilling.

C. Cut grass.

D. Rotting sargassum.

E. Salty air.

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

10-20-30 years ago

From the June 1, 1995, issue

• Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola brought back for discussion the idea of establishing a paidparking system at the county-managed Coquina Beach. The mayor said revenues could be used to fund beach renourishment.

• A driver lost control of a pickup truck and crashed into the bridgetender building on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The driver was ejected from the truck and suffered serious injury.

• The Bradenton Beach City Council was considering a prohibition of boats at the Historic Bridge Street Pier following two collisions that damaged the structure.

From the June 1, 2005, issue

• The Bradenton Area Convention and Tourism Bureau proclaimed the 2004-05 season to be the best in history, although occupancy numbers didn’t set records.

• The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage received a $47,000 grant for work on its FISH Preserve, adjacent to the historic Cortez village.

• The former Trader Jack’s property in Bradenton Beach went on the market for $25 million. Mike Norman Realty got the listing.

From the June 3, 2015, issue

• Jack Clarke was sworn in as mayor of Bradenton Beach following a recall election that removed Bill Shearon from the post. Clarke was elected to serve five months — the remainder of Shearon’s term.

• Holmes Beach’s code enforcement officer resigned after nearly 11 years working for the city to relocate to South Carolina.

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

compiled by lisa neff calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, June 11

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

ONGOING ON AMI

• Throughout June, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibits “Up and Away,” Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Throughout June, Island Gallery and Studios presents “Harmony: Lines, Shapes and Color,” 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

• Through June 29, “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-366-5731.

• Through July 30, “Art from the Heart: Connectivity,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-3595700.

• Through Aug. 3, “Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-359-5700.

• Thursday-Saturday, through Aug. 30, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Laser Light Nights, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through Aug. 31, “Life on the Edge” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120.

• Second Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery and Studios art demo, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

• Last Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery and Studios critique corner, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

SAVE THE DATES

Oct. 18, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, South Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: 041-840-0789.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Saturday, June 7

Noon — Family movie matinee, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Monday, June 9

10 a.m. — Didgeridoo Down Under, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

• Through Aug. 1, Manatee County Public Library summer reading program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATES

• July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, islandwide.

CLUBS

Wednesday, June 5

& COMMUNITY ON AMI

1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

• June 14, Cortez Village Historical Society/Florida Maritime Museum Summer Social, Cortez.

• June 14, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.

• July 12, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.

• Aug. 9, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.

• Sept. 6, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.

LESSONS & LEARNING

ONGOING ON AMI

• Mondays, through August, Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, 10 a.m., Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-301-8434, islandturtlewatch. com.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through Sept. 27, various dates, Bradenton Marauders’ minor league baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031.

OUTDOORS & NATURE ON AMI

Friday, June 6

Noon-2 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island/Oyster River Ecology workshop on reef restoration, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: centerami.org, 941-778-1908.

SAVE THE DATES

• June 23, Sea Turtle Conservancy/Tour de Turtles sea turtle release, Bradenton Beach. TENTATIVE.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

• Sea turtle nesting season continues. Lights out.

• Atlantic hurricane season continues. Be prepared.

• June 14, Flag Day.

• June 15, Father’s Day.

• June 19, Juneteenth.

• June 20, summer solstice.

• July 4, Independence Day.

• Aug. 11, back to school.

• Sept. 1, Labor Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org. For the calendar and Island Happenings, please include a phone number for publication, as well as date, time, location and nature of the event.

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents and decor for your home.

T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.

You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.

We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at our other locations:

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ 1175 N Washington Blvd

Scavengers Palmetto 2100 US Hwy 301

Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

Your place for fun, funky quirky!

Local Artisans. Upcycled, Vintage Furniture, Decor, Artwork

Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! Featuring “The Sea Hagg” collection. theblueflamingo.biz

They now have three large buildings of quirky, coastal, artisan, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures — including the Sea Hagg and Gathering Place.

Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. The Vintage Vine Market is a fave for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

“art from the Heart” opens at the ringling in sarasota. the show “highlights the extraordinary creativity, remarkable talent and resilience of neurodivergent artists as they navigate their unique challenges through selfexpression.” islander courtesy Photo

Ringling celebrates neurodivergent artists

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is exhibiting “Art from the Heart: CONNECTIVITY” in the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art.

The show features 66 pieces of art by 27 individual artists and, according to a news release from the Sarasota museum, “highlights the extraordinary creativity, remarkable talent and resilience of neurodivergent artists as they navigate their unique challenges through self-expression.”

“Neurodivergent artists bring a rare and radiant light to the art world — their work is not filtered through convention but flows straight from the soul. Through their unique lens, they reveal truths, beauty, and emotions the world might otherwise never see,” said Greg Cruz, executive director and founder of Streets of Paradise, which organized the exhibit.

The community gallery is a free public exhibition space and exhibitions are free to view. People can check in at the visitor’s pavilion and request a gallery wristband.

The show will run through July 30.

The Ringling is at 5401 Bay Shore Road. For more information, call 941-359-5700.

From SCF to USF

the Kiwanis club of anna maria island presents two $1,000 scholarships to isabella tovar, center of the state college of florida Key club. tovar will be attending the university of south florida-tampa in July. Presenting the honors march 24 are claudette Welch, left, and Patricia Webster, both of the club’s scholarship committee. islander courtesy Photo

Library launches summer reading program

Ahoy, young readers!

The Manatee County Library Summer Learning Program for kids up to age 17 launched May 31 and continues through Aug. 1.

The pirate-themed campaign encourages kids to read and rewards reading with books and other prizes.

For every five hours of reading, participants earn a free book and an entry into the grand-prize raffle. Reading beyond 20 hours unlocks additional raffle entries and brings participants closer to the chance of becoming a “Kid Librarian” as well as the opportunity to win a free round of mini-golf and a ticket to a Bradenton Marauders baseball game.

Grand-prize raffle prizes depend on age, but include a pirate-themed Squishmallow, a wooden pirate ship kit, a pirate LEGO set and a drone.

Children can register at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call 941-778-6341.

County approves $1.9 million in waterway project funding

By robert anderson islander reporter

Manatee County commissioners approved a series of municipal applications for waterway improvement projects through the West Coast Inland Navigation District, committing nearly $1.9 million in combined county and municipal funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The WCIND is a multi-county special taxing district composed of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. The district was established to support safe navigation and the enhancement of water-based recreational access along Florida’s Gulf coast, serving more than 1.1 million residents.

Training for lift off

advanced air mobility — aam — is defined by nasa as “an air transportation system that moves people and cargo between places previously not served by aviation … using revolutionary new aircraft that are just now becoming possible.” in may, at a series of meetings for the sarasota/manatee metropolitan Planning organization, officials from ami and elsewhere learned about aam opportunities in the region, including access to airspace and infrastructure, as well as potential public and commercial uses. initially, the electric vertical take-off and landing — eVtol— aircraft will rely on existing airports, such as srQ, and heliports. the florida department of transportation is planning a series of aam training workshops this summer. islander courtesy image

Bridges getting safety tech

Crews working for the Florida Department of Transportation will be installing pedestrian/bicycle detection systems this month on the three bridges to AMI.

A notice from the DOT’s District 1 offi ce said crews would begin installing detection technology on bridges the week ending June 7 and the work could take 3-4 weeks.

The work involves adding sensors, conduits and electrical components on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, the Cortez Bridge on Cortez Road and the Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive.

Motorists, the DOT said, are advised to use caution. Also, there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures.

— lisa neff

has to be sore after that!’’? 69 Anonymous guy

‘‘Because I’m the boss!’’

Pinged online

Commissioner Mike Rahn motioned to approve the item as part of the county’s May 20 consent agenda and was seconded by Commissioner Jason Bearden. The motion passed 6-0, with Commissioner Tal Siddique absent.

The funding applications request a total of $1.9 million in project support.

Of that amount, $1.2 million would come from WCIND allocations, with the remaining $673,902 provided as matching funds by the municipalities.

WCIND funding is earmarked for projects that support marine law enforcement, public navigation, boater recreation, boating and safety education, environmental outreach and disaster response.

DOT secretary resigning

LK Nandam, who has served as the secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 1, is leaving the post.

Projects approved for submission to WCIND in its upcoming cycle include:

• Manatee County Beach Patrol rescue boat, $700,000;

• Manatee County Coquina Boat Ramp phase I, $69,600;

• Manatee County navigational improvements, $170,000;

• Longboat Key Fire Rescue jon boat, $4,615;

• LBK navigational improvements, $20,000;

• LBK marine personal watercraft, $18,177;

• City of Anna Maria navigational improvements, $13,000;

• City of Palmetto derelict vessel removal, $25,000;

• City of Bradenton police boat operations, $68,444;

• City of Bradenton Fire Rescue boat, $574,745;

• Manatee River Youth Boating Education Program, $9,700;

• Warners Bayou navigational dredging, $250,000.

Manatee County administers the local WCIND fund and is responsible for reviewing and forwarding municipal applications to the district for final approval.

With approvals in place, the projects will be submitted to WCIND for consideration in their fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Final funding decisions are expected later this year.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

Way up or way down

‘‘How long have beavers

Nandam told the board at a May 19 meeting of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization that he was “going into the private sector.”

— lisa neff nandam

Nandam has been with the DOT for about 20 years and in the secretary post for about nine years.

During that period, the DOT made a couple of major recommendations for AMI transportation, including moving forward with high, fixed span bridges to the island on Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue.

Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: State Road 684/ Cortez Road. The Manatee County Public Works Department is relocating a water main and force main at the Intracoastal Waterway crossing. The work requires shoulder, sidewalk and bike lane closures in the area, as well as road detours and flagging operations.

For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

— lisa neff

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

May 24, 800 N. Shore Drive, vandalism. A caller told the Manatee County sheriff’s dispatch that someone inside a moving vehicle threw an object out the window, striking and damaging the hood of a parked car. A deputy documented the damage, assigned a case number and filed an official incident report.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria Bradenton Beach

May 25, 1800 Gulf Drive S., Coquina Beach, Battery. Bradenton Beach police offi cers were dispatched to the parking lot, where they observed a woman attempting to restrain a combative man. The man became irate, threatening, pushing and kicking police. He was restrained, arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto on charges of battery on a first responder, resisting arrest with violence and criminal mischief.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

May 18, 3000 block of Gulf Drive, theft. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports that patio furniture was stolen from a rental property. The officer spoke with the tenant, who said several items, including an umbrella and two chairs, were missing.

May 21, 400 block of 28th Street, drug paraphernalia. An officer found an intoxicated man on the beach around 1:25 a.m. Another officer found a pipe that tested positive for marijuana residue. An officer arrested the man, who was transported to the jail.

May 23, The Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, stolen bicycle. An officer responded to reports of a stolen bike and spoke with the complainant. A woman said she rented six bikes from Beach Bums Rentals but one was stolen from outside a restaurant.

May 25, D.Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, hitand-run. An officer responded to reports of a hit-andrun traffic incident outside the bar. The officer spoke with the complainant and his wife, who said they saw another motorist back out of a parking space and hit their parked vehicle. The motorist later left the bar after refusing to speak to the complainants. They provided a description of the vehicle and the driver. The officer identified the motorist and sent a be-on-the-lookout order to surrounding law enforcement agencies. The officer attempted to contact the motorist, but he did not respond to multiple phone calls. The officer filed a capias request against the motorist for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage.

May 26, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, battery. An officer responded to reports of a fight. He spoke with the complainant, who said she had stepped out of her vehicle to speak with another motorist about a parking spot. She said the motorist grabbed her hair and slammed her to the ground, resulting in a bloodied elbow. She provided the license plate number of the motorist’s vehicle. The officer searched the area to no avail, but the complainant identified a picture of the motorist.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

Streetlife is based on law enforcement reports.

DEVINE DESIGN

Cops & courts

Tampa resident arrested for DUI, 2 felonies

Holmes Beach police arrested Tampa resident Matthew Ocasio, 27, May 23 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

He was also charged with two third-degree felonies for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and MDMA — also known as molly — a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.

The Holmes Beach Police Department received a call around 9:45 p.m. from a woman who said her friend, who was texting her from the backseat of an Uber, was afraid her driver was intoxicated.

An officer located the Uber after it dropped off the passenger and followed.

The officer saw the motorist display erratic behavior and make multiple abrupt turns without signaling, so he conducted a traffic stop.

He spoke with the driver, Ocasio, and could smell the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

Ocasio said he had a medical marijuana license, but the two he provided the officer were expired.

He also handed over an ash tray containing burnt joints and a bag with a pill inside, which he claimed was Xanax a friend had given him. The pill later tested positive for MDMA.

The officer searched Ocasio’s vehicle and found

Beach assignment a manatee county sheriff’s office team prepares to police coquina Beach over memorial day weekend. the mcso’s island patrol included deputies on horseback and atVs. islander courtesy

Photo: mcso via facebook

a backpack containing 111.5 grams of marijuana, a “large dark colored rubber phallus shaped item (rubber dildo)” in the vehicle and another dildo stuffed down the front of Ocasio’s pants.

The officer asked Ocasio to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.

The officer transported Ocasio to the HBPD, where he registered two breath samples with results of 0.00 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.

The officer then asked Ocasio to perform a drug evaluation and provide a urine sample, which was to be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing.

Ocasio was taken to the Manatee County jail, where he was released May 24 after posting $5,500 bond.

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

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

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, July 18, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

Virginia man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach police arrested Jarrod Moore, 37, of Abingdon, Virginia, May 23 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 3900 block of East Bay Drive.

Moore, according to a police report, failed field sobriety exercises and registered breath samples with results of 0.209 and 0.231 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.

Moore was arrested and taken to the Manatee County jail, where he was released May 24 after posting $500 bond.

Moore was also cited for driving a vehicle without functional taillights and with a suspended license.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of

up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — ryan Paice

By Lisa Neff

Gather and give at LBK chapel

The Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will host a Gather and Give dinner program Tuesday, June 17.

The theme will be “Father knows best” and the chapel will collect men’s clothing for the Mount Carmel Mission.

The event will be 5-7 p.m. but donations — new underwear is especially needed — can be dropped off at the chapel’s Snook Fellowship Hall.

The evening’s speakers include Shirley Pearson of the Mount Carmel Resource Center in Palmetto and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

Roser shop shifts schedule

The volunteers at the Roser Thrift Shop are changing shifts.

The shop, across from the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is on summer hours — 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday this month.

Also, merchandise will be on a 50%-off sale.

The shop will close in July and August, reopening Sept. 9.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.

• The Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES Partnership Committee seeks members. Info: 941-778-1005, ext. 215.

• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.

• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.

• The Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.

• The Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.

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

Assistance offered on AMI

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

• AID offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769.

GoodDeeds Send announcements and listings to lisa@islander.org. Please include a phone number for publication.

Grant funds cameras at center

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s has an all new, “state-of-the-art” camera system thanks to grant funding.

The community center announced May 22 that the Manatee Community Foundation granted the nonprofit $7,500 for the installation of a surveillance system at its facility, located at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The center facility is owned by the city of Anna Maria and leased to the nonprofit organization, which maintains the property, provides exercise and sporting equipment, as well as hosts youth programs, fitness classes, senior activities and community events.

The MCF is a philanthropic organization founded in 1998 that has invested more than $62 million in

Ronald C. Gans

Ronald C. Gans, 81, of Bradenton Beach and formerly of Crest Hill, Illinois, died May 25.

He was born May 26, 1943, to the late Helen (Likar) and Albert Gans in Joliet, Illinois.

gans

He was a retired CPA and proprietor of Gans and Associates in Joliet. He and wife Mary Lou enjoyed an active lifestyle in Bradenton Beach.

Mr. Gans was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Visitation and a service for Mr. Gans will be in Joliet. Memorials can be made to Tidewell Hospice, 2504 34th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205. Memorial tributes and condolences can be made online at fredcdames.com.

Mr. Gans is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (Gregorich); children Ronette and husband Sean Piazza and Daniel and wife Denise; grandchildren Jovani, Sebastian, Brody, Simon, Cianna and Sadie; and his dog, Teddy.

AmE NEWS

dr. Katie fradley, ame’s principal, welcomes people to “back-to-school” night in august 2024. islander file Photo

CaMeraS continued from Page 14

Manatee County — and now $7,500 to the community center for the camera system.

Center executive director Christopher Culhane wrote in a May 28 text to The Islander that the camera system was installed and operational.

“This critical upgrade will ensure enhanced safety and security for the children, families, and community members who rely on the center for its wide range of programs and services,” the announcement states. “The center is reaffirming its commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all.”

People can learn more about the center by visiting its website, centerami.org, and the MCF via its website, manateecf.org.

— ryan Paice

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at island mail & Print, 3230 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of the islander.

Eagle Scout carries out enrichment project

aBoVe: anna maria public works general manager dean Jones, left, stands may 30 alongside scouts from the manatee district’s troop 108, leader travis mcleod, patrol leader Jackson mcleod and other volunteers after the group, led by William Pakbaz, ninth from the left, revegetated a stretch of beach between the anna maria city Pier and the lake la Vista inlet to the north. the area was left barren following hurricanes Helene and milton in 2024.rigHt: William Pakbaz, left, briefs volunteers on the planting plans. islander courtesy Photos

2024-25 classes end, summer arrives for AME

“I’m incredibly proud,” Anna Maria Elementary School principal Katie Fradley told The Islander as classes in the 2024-25 school year concluded.

Fradley, who just completed her first year as principal at the little school by the bay, said she’s proud of “the resilience our staff, students and families have shown this year. Despite being displaced for 42 days due to three hurricanes, our students excelled on the FAST assessment.”

Now comes a break.

The past couple of summers, AME has hosted camps. However, they won’t be taking place this year due to campus improvements.

“We’re excited about the progress. including a new teaching and learning deck with shade being added in June, new playground equipment for our K-2 students, remodeled art and music rooms, and updates to our

Celebrating retirement the Waterfront restaurant in anna maria is the site of a may 29 retirement party for anna maria elementary teacher laura redeker, center left, and school nurse Vicki dunning, center right. they celebrated with current and past faculty and staff.

islander Photo: Karen riley-love

boardwalk,” Fradley said.

Anticipating the new year, which will begin Aug. 11 for students, Fradley said, “I’m looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships with families and maintaining academic rigor, while developing well-rounded students with a passion for science.”

She added, “We’re also excited to introduce daily PE, expand our Guy Harvey STEM and marine biology program and launch after-school enrichment clubs that give students more opportunities to explore the arts.”

— lisa neff

Summer brings more soccer, golf, horseshoe action

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

A spring soccer season has come to a close at the Center of Anna Maria Island with the crowning May 27 of three division champions.

Beach Bums captured the 8-10 division crown with a 2-1 victory over Moss Builders. Louis Bacon paced Beach Bums with two goals, while Parker Svoboda chipped in with an assist. Goalie Judah Treworgy helped preserve the tight victory with seven saves.

Owen Mahoney notched the lone goal for Moss Builders, which also received 10 saves from goalie Miles Moss in the loss.

La Creperie captured the 11-13 division title and an unbeaten season with a 2-0 victory over Solid Rock Construction. Gunnar and Charlee Maize each scored one goal, while Parker Svoboda added an assist and Andre Harwood finished with eight saves to lead La Creperie in the victory.

Jordan Tobey finished with seven saves for Solid Rock Construction in the loss.

The final championship match of the evening saw 14-17 division team Better On Bikes upset No. 1 seed Gitt Team—KW On The Water with a come-frombehind 3-1 victory.

Renan Kesten and Callin Westfall led the way for Better on Bikes with a goal and assist each. Dominik Zupa added a goal and Chase Castagna added an assist. Cyrus Ryan and Blake Stoops combined for eight saves to help preserve the victory.

Jesse Zaccagnino scored the lone goal for the Gitt Team, which also received seven saves from Jack Zaccagnino in the loss.

Adult soccer playoffs kick off

First-round playoff action in the adult soccer league at the community center got going May 29

with No. 6 seed Sato Real Estate upsetting No. 3 seed Hampton Painting by a 1-0 score. Hakan Toka notched the game-winner, while Ben Sato made eight saves in posting a shutout.

The second match of the night saw No. 4 Ross Built hold off No. 5 Language Services Associates 6-4 behind three goals from Mack Heitchue and two goals from Adam Bujarski. Jake Ross chipped in with a goal and Lorenzo Llorente finished with six saves.

No. 2 Florida Impact Windows battled to a 0-0 tie in regulation time with No. 7 Pool America, but prevailed in a penalty-kick shootout. Axel Delarosa, Marcelo Rubio and Keith Mahoney converted three of their spot kicks for Impact Windows, while Murat Akay and Leo Gonzalez converted two shots for Pool America in the 3-2 shootout victory for Florida Impact Windows.

No. 8 Duncan Real Estate, who had to defeat No. 9 seed Bubble Binz in a play-in game, upset No. 1 seed Moss Builders in a penalty-kick shootout to stay alive.

8-11 am Tues-Fri ***FREE Half-order biscuits & gravy with any purchase. Expires 06-18-25

Center Soccer League 14-17

Division Champs: Better On Bikes alexander Burgos, Chase Castagna, Renan Kesten, Oliver Morrisontirpak, Cyrus Ryan, Blake stoops, Callin Westfall, Dominik Zupa and coach Dave samler. go to islander.org/sports for more team photos. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofaMI

Danny Free, Alvaro Figo, Joey Hutchinson and Steve Oelfke converted their spot kicks to give Duncan a 4-3 victory in the shootout.

Semifinal action continues June 5 at the center pitch with Impact Windows taking on Sato at 7 p.m. followed by Duncan vs. Ross at 8 p.m.

Key Royale golf news

Sixty-four golfers played a combination scramble/ shamble at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach on a hot and humid Memorial Day.

A tiebreaker scorecard playoff gave first place to the team of Anne Klein, Dan Hoversten, Dan Hoversten II and Jerry Martinek with a 1-under-par 43. Second place went to the team of Leo Burke, John Kolojeski, Dale Miller and Warren Stevens. Third place went to the team of Laurie and Marty Hicks, Debi Wohlers and Lori Waggoner with a score of even-par 44.

Wohlers again won the women’s long-drive con-

Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee’s 1st chair leaves

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

After almost four years, the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee is without one of its original and leading members.

Ron Huibers spoke to The Islander May 15 about his departure following his final meeting May 14.

The committee was established in December 2021 to advise city commissioners on ways to improve water quality in the area.

Huibers served as the board’s first chair until January, at which point he stepped down and nominated Jennifer Miller to succeed him. That nomination was unanimously approved by the committee.

He said he was confident in passing the baton to Miller and the committee as a whole.

“There’s a lot more to do … and there’s a great team of people onboard and Dr. Miller’s going to be a great leader,” Huibers said. “I’m really glad to pass the baton to a capable person and really good, capable committee members.”

The committee has also added two new members since his departure.

push to demand improvements in wastewater treatment and stormwater management,” he said.

test, while Chris Nelson won for the men. The duo of Mike and Janelle Clements won the closest-to-the-pin contest on hole No. three, while Jody Maleeny and Charlie Porter won on No. 8.

Lynn French took first place in the women’s chipping contest and Al Pollock won for the men. In the putting contest, Winny Hamden was the women’s champ and Mike Clements was the men’s winner.

A delicious lunch buffet was enjoyed by all fol -

City commissioners unanimously voted May 27 to appoint Charles Mopp, the town of Longboat Key’s public works director, and Anna Maria-resident Scott MacGregor, a marine biology teacher and charter fishing captain of 15 years. They bring the board’s membership to eight, one more than it began with.

Huibers expressed pride that the committee’s push for communication led to the creation of the Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign, an effort sponsored by the island cities to promote awareness of water quality stewardship.

However, there is still plenty of work to be done.

While the water quality in Anna Maria Sound has improved in recent years, it is still listed as impaired by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

Huibers said Manatee County could take some pointers from Sarasota County, which has made a series of improvements — building advanced water treatment facilities and reducing surface runoff to name a couple — that led to its waters getting delisted as impaired.

“What the committee needs to continue to do is

lowing the golf.

The club women played their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match on May 27. Terry Westby fired a 4-under-par 28 to lap the field. Second place went to Marlyn Manzer with a 4-over-par 36, one stroke better than third-place finisher Anne Klein.

Members were back on the course May 29 for an 18-hole shamble. The team of Mike Clements, Marty Hicks and Ken Nagengast combined on a 5-under-par 59 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Nick Cibel, Blake Ress and Steve Vasbinder were two strokes back in second place.

Another improvement Huibers continues to advocate is the purchase of an aquatic harvester that could remove harmful algae blooms and fish kills from island canals and waterways.

He said removing such matter from local waters would reduce the nitrogen load, which has been inflated since the Piney Point disaster in 2021.

Huibers said he hopes the clean water committee can bring the item to fruition in his absence.

“Until the treatment plants are improved and reduce the nitrogen loading, we’re going to continue to get algae blooms,” he said. “Removing this stuff — the dead fish and algae blooms — from the waters has a huge impact on improving the dissolved oxygen levels.”

In the meantime, Huibers said he’s going to take a breather and enjoy his time off.

First, he and his wife plan to visit their daughter in Glasgow, Scotland, then they plan to spend time in their summer home near Toronto.

Huibers said he’s been to 54 countries, but never Scotland, so he’s excited for the trip.

Horseshoe action

On May 28 at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits, two teams squared off in the final after each went 3-and-0 during pool play. Tim Sofran and Tom Farrington earned the days bragging rights on a 21- 13 win over Gersey Fernandes and Bob Hawks.

Action was washed out by thunderstorms and intermittent rain May 31 to end the month.

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

There is no charge to play.

Beat the June heat for fishing comfort and hookups

By Capt. Danny stasny Islander Reporter

With water temperatures in the upper 80s in the Gulf of Mexico and up to 90 degrees on the shallow flats in inshore waters, you can bet getting out on the water early is on the minds of Anna Maria Island anglers.

When fishing inshore on the flats, it’s definitely advantageous to get out early, before the water temperatures climb too high for fish to be active and feed.

You’ll want to look for other factors, such as good tidal flow where clean, clear water exists to find the best action.

I’m starting to see decent-sized clumps of Lyngbya floating on the surface, an indicator that water temps are high.

Gumbo — as we call it — can pull oxygen out of the water when in the shallows, causing fish to vacate the area. This, combined with a discoloration of the water, is far from the perfect combo to find fish. So if you notice these conditions on your flats fishing excursions, it’s best to move on until you find better water. You’ll probably notice you’ll find better action. too.

Areas congested with gumbo will appear to be void of sea life, including birds, manatees and even mullet. If those animals are gone, you can bet the fish you’re targeting will be gone, too.

To alleviate this problem, many anglers are moving into the Gulf of Mexico to find their prey. Catch-andrelease snook are appearing in the shallows along the Gulf beaches and in the passes, which makes them quite targetable as they can be seen.

Spotted seatrout and redfish are being found in the same areas, as well as in the passes where clean water and good tidal flow are found.

Of course, if you’re fishing the beaches, you’ll want to be there early, before the sunbathers and swimmers arrive and get in your way.

And for those of you fishing offshore in the Gulf, you may fi nd yourself venturing to slightly deeper water, where cooler temperatures exist. Bottom fishing for grouper and snapper is a good idea in these conditions. You might encounter pelagics such as cobia, kingfish and blackfin tuna if you find the right reefs and wrecks to drop your baits.

If you’re fishing in the heat, don’t forget to have plenty of water or other liquids to drink to stay hydrated. The heat is no joke. So take it seriously. Cover up as much as you can and try to have some

shade to retreat to from time to time as dehydration can ruin your day and, not only will it ruin your day, it’s hard to recover.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m trying to fish the early morning tides to beat the heat. Spotted sea trout are cooperating when being targeted over deep grass flats where the water and tidal movement are cooperating.

Free-lining live shiners in these areas yields plenty of slot-sized trout, as well as a variety of other species, including Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, jack crevalle and small sharks. Mangrove snapper are appearing on some of the flats, adding another species you’ll want to put in the cooler. Targeting redfish and catch-and-release snook is an option, although with water temps on the flats close to 90 degrees, timing is everything. Finding the right amount of tidal flow combined with clean water to coincide with fish that are ready to feed is key to success.

Capt. David White is spending his mornings and

FishingShort

Reel in free fishing

The state will offer two license-free fishing weekends in June.

silas shake, left, of lexington, Kentucky, gets a hand May 27 from Capt. David White to show off his trophy catch as the sun rises on anna Maria Island. White said the tarpon ate a live crab. shake’s silver king was in the 160-pound range.

every other bit of daylight patrolling the beaches for tarpon. Early mornings, he says there’s action before sunrise, yielding at least a few hook ups while using live crabs as bait. This bite typically is a quick one as the tarpon seem to find comfort during the low light conditions, which makes them more apt to take a bait.

After sunrise, White is switching to live threadfin hearing as bait, which works well as long as anglers are patient and can position their baits properly in front of the fish. Average sizes are 80-100 pounds on the silver kings with larger fish mixed in.

Capt. Johnny Mattay says offshore fishing is quite good, especially with the many days of light wind and calm seas that we are experiencing. Bottom fishing for red grouper is a crowd-pleaser for Mattay as limits of the fish are frequent. Mattay also notes that many snappers of all varieties are being caught offshore. American red snapper season opened for recreational charters June 1, so you can bet those are included in the offshore limit. Mattay adds that June is the only month this year where both red grouper and American red snapper can be harvested simultaneously.

Offshore fishing for pelagics is good, according to Mattay, with catches of kingfish, cobia, mahi and black tuna occurring over reefs and wrecks.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s summer license-free fishing weekends are June 7-8 for saltwater and June 14-15 for freshwater.

All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply on the weekends.

For more information, go to myfwc.com.

Moving to the shallow water within several miles of shore, Mattay says mangrove snapper are hitting good for his clients, as well as catch-and-release grouper. Cobia and kingfish are also in the June mix.

Finally, Mattay is targeting tarpon between his offshore excursions which is going well. Most catches are 80-120 pounds.

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

By Bonner Joy

No red tide

Red tide was not observed in Southwest Florida the week ending May 30.

It was detected at background concentrations in one sample from Northwest Florida.

For more information, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site at myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/.

Nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Disorientations disturb AMITW

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring notched another busy week documenting the activity of nesting sea turtles with the total number of nests on the beaches surpassing 100 by May 30.

Of note: AMITW’s tally for the season also includes 103 false crawls, including 60 between May 24 and May 30. False crawls are instances when a female sea turtle comes ashore to nest but abandons the effort.

AMITW also reported another eight adult disorientations, bringing the season total to 13.

The situation concerns executive director Kristen Mazzarella. “Many of our disorientations were mother turtles that traveled long distances parallel to the water, likely toward a flashlight on the beach,” she said.

“Mother turtles have already spent a lot of energy crawling up the beach and laying their nests without needing to travel so far out of their way on their way back to the Gulf. We remind folks to not use lights of any kind on the beach and, if you must use a light, use a red LED and point it directly at the ground. Also, please turn off any outdoor lights and close drapes after dark to eliminate lights that are visible from the beach.”

In other news, the Manatee County Natural Resource Department placed hay bales near the Bridge Street beach access in Bradenton Beach to keep sea turtles from becoming trapped in rock revetments or reaching the road.

Also, over the Memorial Day weekend, AMITW’s team worked to rescue a sea turtle that made its way

and

help rescue a loggerhead from a swimming pool over Memorial Day weekend. Many properties along the shore lost dunes and fences in hurricanes Helene and Milton, creating potential hazards for nesting sea turtles. Islander Photo: Courtesy Maureen Richmond

under temporary fencing to become trapped in a residential swimming pool.

“AMITW’s patrol volunteers and stranding team worked together to corral the turtle to the shallow end and out of the pool,” said Mazzarella.

The loggerhead was rinsed with fresh water and returned to the bay.

Michigan family shares message in a bottle found on AMI

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

A Michigan family vacationing on Anna Maria Island gained national attention after discovering a message in a bottle on Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Paris Hoisington, 31, of Howell, Michigan, said she was enjoying a day at the beach with her fiance, Jordan Law, and their three children — Josie, 11, Lincoln, 8, and Eden, 4 — when Josie made a discovery. “We were just looking for seashells and sand dollars,” Hoisington said May 31. “Josie was like, ‘Mom, look what I found, a message in a bottle!’ We were both just in disbelief.”

Hoisington said the bottle contained two origami birds and a note with a phone number that she said led the family to discover the bottle traveled more than 5,000 miles from Oahu, Hawaii.

The message read in part, “Hello people who found this, you will be happy that you found this, why, cause you will know me with this number.…” The message included a phone number and the date it was set adrift.

The bottle was tossed into the Pacific eight years earlier by a brother and sister inspired after finding a similar message, according to Hoisington.

Too shy to call, Hoisington texted a message to the number. “We couldn’t even believe we got a response,” she said. “It’s just something that my daughter and our whole family will never forget.”

The families have since been in touch, according to Hoisington.

The Islander reached out to the brother and sister who created the message but as of Islander press time June 2 there was no reply.

Josie law, 11, holds a bottle and message she found in Bradenton Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

ABC 7 News chief meteorologist Bob Harrigan weighed in on the bottle’s improbable but not impossible journey: “It would’ve had to come through the Panama Canal. Although highly unlikely, it is possible the bottle got stuck into a ship’s hull or something to that effect.”

He also considered how various weather patterns might have infl uenced the bottle’s path: “A storm such as a hurricane could’ve pushed it through the canal as well or blown it into the Caribbean and then up through the western Caribbean into the Gulf Loop Current.”

Harrigan emphasized that weather systems could have played a significant role.

Finding the bottle wasn’t the only memorable event of the trip. Hoisington and Law got engaged while visiting the island.

“It’s truly been an incredible trip,” Hoisington said.

The couple, who own two restaurants in Michigan have been visiting Anna Maria Island annually for the past five years.

“We just feel so lucky that it happened to us,” Hoisington said. “It’s an amazing souvenir that you can’t find anywhere else.”

It’s elementary

Class lessons from AMITW, AME Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, during the 2024-25 academic year, invited teachers and students at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach to compose questions about sea turtles, shorebirds and AMITW’s work on the beaches. Over the next couple of months, The Islander will share some of the AME questions and AMITW answers.

Bridget Querrard’s first-graders: What is the sea turtle’s shell made of? How hard is it

AMITW: Sea turtle shells are made of a hard protein called keratin. Keratin is the same material that makes up your fingernails.

Turtle shells are very hard and protect them from predators. Each section of a shell is called a scute and the number of scutes helps us distinguish different species of sea turtles.

Talking turtles

The city of Holmes Beach will host Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for weekly talks about sea turtle and shorebird nesting over the summer.

Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks continue most Mondays at 10 a.m. through August at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

For more information, call turtle watch at 941301-8434 or go to www.islandturtlewatch.com.

as of May 30, aMItW reported 103 total nests, 154 false crawls and 12 disorientations.

By Lisa Neff

Farming the Gulf

You can bet the farm there will be legal action. In mid-May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a modified permit for Ocean Era’s Velella Epsilon offshore fish farm about 40 miles off the Sarasota County coast in federal Gulf waters.

Leaders from a sea of environmental groups — Suncoast Water Keeper, Sierra Club Florida, Center for Food Safety, Recirculating Farms, Healthy Gulf and Food and Water Watch — challenged the project when it was pitched during the first Trump administration and they’re still concerned about the potential impact on water quality, marine life and coastal resilience.

Hawaii-based Ocean Era plans to farm 20,000 red drum in a net pen over a year’s time.

What permission was needed from the EPA for the project?

Permission to pollute under the Clean Water Act.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, the first such permit allowing finfish farming in federal waters, states: “Authorization to discharge: Wastewater from an Aquatic Production Facility producing up to 55,000 pounds/year for one production cycle” in the “Federal Waters of the Gulf of America.”

The permit says that Ocean Era:

• Cannot discharge dispersants and detergents or wet feed;

• Effluent cannot cause a sheen on the water;

‘Isolated inundation’ a higher-than-usual tide May 28 causes shallow flooding along the shoulder of Bay Drive south in Bradenton Beach. the Manatee County Public safety Department on facebook May 27 warned of temporary high tide levels: “While no major flooding is expected, brief isolated inundation may occur.” the elevated tides were due to the new moon, when the sun, moon and earth align — which creates especially high tides and very low tides, known as spring tides.

• Discharge from the facility cannot cause “significant” adverse changes in ecosystem diversity, productivity and stability of the biological community;

• The facility and anchorage must be at least 500 meters from hardbottom habitat on the seafloor;

• The release of farmed fish is prohibited;

• Any drugs, pesticides or other chemicals must be applied in accordance with label directions;

• Ocean Era must take dead fish to shore in closed containers for disposal and minimize any discharge associated with moving “harvested” fish;

• The EPA must be notified of plans to test new animal drugs, damages to the pen or spills of feed, drugs, pesticides and other chemicals;

The permit’s effective date is for two years beginning June 17.

Ocean era Inc. plans to create a fish farm — a floating aquaculture pen — in the gulf of Mexico. the project recently received a permit for pollution discharge from the u.s. environmental Protection agency. Islander Courtesy Image

Dr. Abbey Tyrna of Suncoast Waterkeeper cited a NOAA finding that Florida’s Gulf coast is unsuitable for aquaculture due to environmental concerns and said, “Industrial fish farming just doesn’t make sense for the Suncoast.”

And Marianne Cufone from Recirculating Farms pointed out broad problems already exist in the Gulf. “The Gulf states are already dealing with spinning and dying smalltooth sawfish and rays, massive coral die off, giant mats of rotting sargassum, algal blooms and a dead zone,” she said.

The aquaculture project was pitched as a small, pilot-scale demonstration but the purpose is to sell fish and assess the viability of aquaculture in the Gulf on a larger scale. Don’t accept anyone’s argument that it’s not about opening the Gulf to industrial aquaculture.

“This project is a gateway for the expansion of factory fish farms in our open waters,” said Martha Collins, executive director of Healthy Gulf. “The Gulf is already burdened by pollution and climate impacts. Adding floating industrial feedlots to the mix is irresponsible and shortsighted.”

fenced backyard with lush landscaping, and a great pool with Jacuzzi. Large garage/ game room, a roof-top deck with panoramic views of both the beach AND the bay and an abundance of off-street parking. Asking $3,400,000.

History on the market

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

A property with historical roots is for sale in Cortez.

The home at 4507 123rd St. W. — known as the Capt. Billy Fulford House — is listed at $1.69 million following a recent price reduction. Built around 1887, the house is one of the oldest structures in the village.

Originally the residence of William “Billy” Fulford, an early founder of the community, the home is a rarity in a region that continues to feel the pressure of coastal development.

According to an American Property Group listing on the web, the 3,103-square-foot multifamily property includes three distinct living units — a main residence, an upstairs apartment and a rear garden apartment.

The 0 .72-acre lot is zoned for additional development. “Ability to build more units on the vacant land makes this opportunity a one-of-a-kind buy!” the list-

ing states.

Cortez was settled in the 1880s by fishing families from Carteret County, North Carolina. The families, driven south by hurricanes and the calmer waters of the Gulf, established a tight-knit village on Sarasota Bay. Fishing, particularly for mullet and other inshore species, remains central to Cortez’s identity.

Today, the Cortez Historic District is recognized as a historical landmark, with many buildings on the

National Register of Historic Places. The community also is home to the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center, both of which chronicle the area’s unique contributions to Florida’s culture and the coastal economy.

The Fulford House has long been part of that narrative. It was featured in “The Finest Kind,” a novel by Ben Greene inspired by the region’s commercial fishing legacy.

Post-season recap: Cortez reports ‘soft’ season for stone crabs

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

The 2024–25 stone crab season wrapped up May 1, closing out a mixed harvest for fishers in Cortez, one of Florida’s last working fishing villages.

While not the strongest season in recent memory, it wasn’t the worst either, with solid landings offset by inconsistent crab quality.

“We started out the year with a lot of floaters, just a lot of the molting crabs,” Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Starfish market and restaurant, said in a May 28 interview with The Islander.

“Floaters” refers to claws from crabs in the process of molting and are less desirable among commercial crabbers. These claws contain less meat than fully hardened claws, making them lighter and reducing the overall yield. The texture and taste of floaters also can differ — while still edible, the meat is softer and more delicate, which some consumers find less satisfying. Floaters don’t meet the quality standards most commercial buyers and restaurants seek, making them a tough sell for wholesalers.

“At one point I had to tell (captains), try to throw them back,” Bell said, referring to the molting crabs. “I can’t have these thousands and thousands of pounds of floaters. I couldn’t sell them. It was awful.”

Bell said environmental factors, such as water quality and temperature, influence molting cycles in stone crabs.

Molting is a natural part of the crab’s growth process. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, warmer spring and summer waters can accelerate molting in crabs.

Reflecting on the past decade, Bell talked about fluctuations in the harvests: “We’ve had really good years in the past 10 years and we’ve had really bad years. The one year when we had a terrible, terrible red

tide — in 2018 — it was dismal. There was nothing here alive, nothing. But then the following year was a banner year.”

Florida’s stone crab season runs Oct. 15-May 1. During this time, only the claws are harvested, allowing crabs to regenerate the claws, a practice aimed at sustainability.

As the fishing community looks ahead, preparations for the next season, set to begin Oct. 15, are already underway, with fishers set for a better season — and harder shells.

For more information on stone crab regulations and season dates, go online to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website at myfwc.com.

Caring for health

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will present its 11th annual Champions of Healthcare Awards during a morning celebration June 12 at GROVE in Lakewood Ranch.

Awards will be presented for a variety of volunteer and professional achievements.

Among the finalists is Trudy Moon of Air & Energy, nominated for an Individual of Merit award.

— lisa neff

Wednesday, June 4

By lisa neff

THIS WEEK

11:30 a.m. — Manatee Chamber Power Connection luncheon, Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, 12332 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Fee applies. Info: 941-748-3411.

Thursday, June 5

8 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541.

Friday, June 6

4-7 p.m. — Island Shopping Center open house and hurricane recovery celebration, Marina and Gulf drives, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

ITEMS FOR SALE

GEM CAR STORAGE trunk for sale (older model). Very good condition. Pictures on request. $250. Pick up only. 610-730-1214.

SONY DIGITAL/AUDIO all component ready receiver, sub-woofer, desktop speaker, 50-CD compact-disc player. All for $100. Bill at 724-9860314.

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).

TRANSPORTATION

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

GOLF CART: 2023 Bintelli luxury golf cart. sixpassenger, street legal, lithium battery, fully loaded, under 900 miles, burgundy, sound bar, L e D undercarriage lighting, garage-kept. $10,900. 630-768-2054.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVe A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941896-2915.

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

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

LOOKInG FOR An eARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander. org. And it’s FRee!

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

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 Andrew Chennault FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

Kitchens • Bath • Design Ser vice Carpentr y • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

Residential & Condo Renovations

References available • 941-720-7519

BOATS & BOATING Continued

WeLCOMe ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941-840-3181.

10,000 LB. BOAT LIFT. South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. $1,495/monthly. 650-906-7640.

FOR SALE: 35 Bristol sailboat, Yanmar diesel, new shaft, cutless, log, prop and bottom job, 2024. $12,000. Located on Holmes Beach ready to sail. Bill, 302-494-4096.

HELP WANTED

ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the job description RoserChurch.com/job-opportunity

HANDYMAN: Help restore two homes on AMI. Minor electric and plumbing, carpentry, painting, flooring, minor electric and plumbing, etc. Work your schedule, self-starter, full or part time. Call or text Darryl, 813-439-0516.

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

PC OR TeCH issues? not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-5871309. www.gse.codes

SARASOTA PAInTInG: InTeRIOR/exterior/cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

RIDeeASY 247 YOuR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-4477737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail.com We are available 24/7.

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.

I SLA n D e R ARCHIV e. u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

SERVICES Continued

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

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 727-623-5050 or visit u-plus-me.com.

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

AIRPORT SHuTTLe: QuALITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.

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

IN-HOME SUPPORT: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.

ACHAuFFeR4u FOR TRAnSPORTATIOn anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941-812-5930.

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

AFFORDABLE PRESSURE CLEANING, painting or maid service. 941-356-1456.

NEED A RIDE to the airports? Service to Tampa, St. Pete or SRQ. Call Gary at 863-409-5875.

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.

AFFORDABLE PRESSURE WASHING and small job painting. 941-356-1456.

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

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.

I

LAWN & GARDEN

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

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

nOW HAuLInG STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-7957775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

GRIFFI n ’S HOM e IMPROV e M en TS 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 413-2462410. We would love to help.

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

DOnALD PeRKInS PAInTInG LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941-705-7096.

GORILLA DRYWALL R e PAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

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

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

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

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

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.

MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com

RENTALS

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2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. December-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.

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

AVAILABL e n OW! A nnu AL rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/ month. Call 612-802-8357.

ANNUAL CONDO: Bradenton Beach. 1BR, furnished, all utilities, cable, and WIFI included, small resort, big pool, one block to beach. Six months minimum, $2,500 per month. 941-704-7525.

2BR/2BA SECOND FLOOR condo with pool available in Holmes Beach. Available for 2025/26 season beginning December 2025. Call Jack, 312-835-2323 for more details and link to site with pictures and details.

2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Waterfront villa, two miles to Bradenton Beach. Six-month availability. Eloquently furnished, located on 90 acres of paradise. $4,600/month. Phil, 941-725-1043.

PERICO BAY CLUB 2BR/2BA condo for rent. Annual, $2,500/month or seasonal, $4,500/ month. Call our office, 941-778-1979 for more information.

RARE ANNUAL RENTAL in Holmes Beach! 2BR/1BA close to the beach access. $2,975/ month. Call the office for more information, 941778-1979.

AnnuAL RenTAL: 1BR/1BA Recently renovated, quiet street in Holmes Beach. Steps to a public beach access in Holmes Beach. $2,200/month. First, last and security. 941-807-1405.

OFF-SEASON RENTAL: 2BR/2BA townhouse. Pool and boat dock. $900/weekly. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

QuAInT SInGLe-STORY 3BR/2BA house one block from the beach. Large private swimming pool all the comforts of home. Privately owned and operated. Military discounts offered. 813601-4466.

REAL ESTATE

WI nn I e MCHAL e , R e ALTOR, 941-504-6146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “Selling HomesMaking Dreams Come True.”

GReAT VIeW: PeRICO Bay Club. 2BR/2BA, first floor direct bay view. Garage, n ew air, water heater, tile roof, renovated, like-new everywhere flooring, cabinets, countertops. Inside and outside newly painted. Very desirable, great value. Guard-gated community. Minutes to beach. 1153 e dgewater Circle, Bradenton. $495,000. Lew, 352-339-3478.

WATERFRONT 3BR/2BA MANUFACTURED home with ample parking for boat/RV and two cars. Screened-in lanai for enjoying sunsets. Steps away from Parrott Cove Marina and free boat launch. Sunny Shores beach nearby and easy walk or bike ride to Anna Maria Island. Awaiting new owner to complete drywall and decorative flooring. You own the land. Sunny Shores, a friendly community with voluntary homeowners’ association that provides access to clubhouse and park amenities. Ideal vacation home or rental property. Asking price, $299,000. Call 847-4360938 for more information or tour of home.

REAL ESTATE

WEST BRADENTON: MINUTES to beach. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage. Home features super private pool area, private RV or boat storage area. Brand new roof and no HOA fees. $474,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

NORTHWEST BRADENTON: CUSTOM-built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage single-family home. Great alternative to island condos. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

LARGe VACAnT LOT on north end. 132 Crescent Ave, Anna Maria. 7,700 sf lot cleared and ready for your plans/builder. Close proximity to Pine Avenue shops and beaches. Optional HOA ($200 annually) gives dock access for kayak/fishing. upper floors of new build and skydeck would have water views of Lake Lavista and Tampa Bay/Skyway bridge. $1,175,000. Call 630-8633845.