The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, May,27, 2026

Golf cart inferno May 21 on Pine Ave. in Anna Maria consumes SUV, kicks off holiday weekend …

Forecast: Below normal storm season

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Federal officials forecasted a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season May 21, citing the expected development of El Nino as a key suppressing factor, but emphasized it just takes one storm to make a disastrous season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted 8-14 named storms for the 2026 season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30. Of those, 3-6 are expected to reach hurricane strength, with 1-3 potentially becoming major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

NOAA put a 55% probability on a below-normal season, compared with just 10% odds of an above-normal one. By comparison, an average season produces 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes.

The primary driver for the forecast is the anticipated arrival and strengthening of El Nino, the periodic warming of central Pacific Ocean surface temperatures that tends to increase wind shear over the Atlantic — a condition that disrupts the formation of hurricanes.

However, Atlantic Ocean temperatures are running

Election 2026

Titsworth bows out in Holmes Beach

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and standing against Manatee County’s push for a parking garage.

Former AM treasurer files discrimination, wrongful termination claims

Holmes Beach will have a new mayor before the year’s end.

Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander May 21 that she will not seek reelection in the Nov. 3 general election after eight years in the position, allowing her current term to expire in November.

Titsworth joined the city commission in 2012 and served as chair from 2013 until 2018, when she was elected mayor. She was reelected mayor in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

She said she was sad to leave the position but happy with what she had accomplished, including

Seat opens in BB commission election

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Ralph Cole will not seek reelection after 10 years at the dais.

Cole made the announcement May 21, during a city meeting, saying he wanted to give people time to consider running before the qualifying period closes June 12.

“I want to spend some time with my family,” Cole said. “I’ve got six grandkids.”

Cole represents Ward 3 on the commission. Due to ward adjustments in 2024, an additional year was added to his term, extending it to 2026.

A longtime commissioner, former vice mayor and former chair of the Community Redevelopment

“I pretty much checked all the boxes, so I asked myself: ‘If I left for a week, would the city run perfectly smooth?’ And it would because I’ve got all the perfect people in all the department head positions,” Titsworth said. “So it’s really the best time ever to hand over the reins.”

That somebody might be Commissioner Dan Diggins, who told The Islander May 21 that he plans to run for the mayoral seat in the upcoming election.

Diggins was first elected to the commission without opposition in 2022 and reelected in 2024. His current term will expire in November. He served as commission chair from 2024-25 and vice-chair 2025-26.

He said he made the decision to run for mayor

3 Anna Maria officials seeking reelection

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Election season is nearing and the terms of three officials are up for grabs in

Anna

Maria.

But any newcomers will have to compete with the incumbents.

Commissioners Christopher Arendt and Gary McMullen, as well as Mayor Mark Short, told The Islander May 21 that they will seek new two-year terms in the Nov. 3 general election.

According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office’s website, votemanatee.gov, Arendt and Short submitted qualification documents as of May 22.

People interested in running can begin the qualifi-

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria’s former treasurer is levying some hefty allegations against the municipality — and seeking a hefty payout, too.

Tallahassee-based attorney Marie Mattox filed a complaint in the 12th Circuit Court April 9 on behalf of LeAnne Endres seeking more than $100,000 from the city for alleged age and disability discrimination, among other claims.

Former Mayor Dan Murphy hired Endres, whose last name was Addy for the duration of her employment, to serve as city clerk in August 2016 and, in March 2017, she was appointed treasurer. However, Endres’ role was narrowed to treasurer when the city hired Amber LaRowe as city clerk in 2025. Endres, who has a history of misconduct allegations, was terminated Nov. 17, 2025, without cause by Mayor Mark Short.

The court file includes numerous claims by Endres, often involving the alleged actions of Short and LaRowe, including age and disability discrimination, failure to accommodate under the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, surveillance of employees, unlawful termination, retaliation for public whistleblowing and opposition to employment practices.

Discrimination claims

Endres, who is 57 and suffers from a chronic autoimmune disorder, claims she was “subjected to disparate treatment, different terms and conditions of employment, and held to a different standard” because of those factors.

She claims she was offended by discriminatory comments allegedly made by Short and LaRowe during an April 10, 2025, meeting regarding the hiring of a

Constituent cooperation

Sandpiper Resort resident Bob Gumson, left, who is visually impaired, speaks with Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie prior to public comment at the May 21 city commission meeting regarding a nonfunctioning audible pedestrian crossing signal near 27th Street and Gulf Drive. During public comment at the meeting, Gumson urged restoration of the signal, which was damaged in the 2024 hurricanes.

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Agency, Cole frequently has been involved in discussions on redevelopment, infrastructure, storm recovery and transportation issues.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Scott Bear of Ward 2 said he was undecided about seeking reelection.

“I’m strongly considering running again, but I haven’t made a final decision,” Bear said. “I’ve gotten all the paperwork.”

Bear, a civil engineer and chairperson of the Bradenton Beach CRA, was elected in 2024 after running unopposed for the seat held by Marilyn Maro.

Candidates must reside within the ward they represent but commissioners are elected at-large — all city voters cast ballots for all commission races.

Ward 2 is generally bounded by 26th Street North south to include the mid-city mid-island area.

Ward 3 generally encompasses portions of the central city south of Ward 2 to Cortez Road.

finance assistant. Short allegedly “verbally advised that he was ‘looking for someone in their thirties,’ and did not wish to hire anyone old,” while LaRowe “verbally stated, ‘I don’t want an old b*tch in here.’”

Endres claims the city discriminated against her due to her age by granting pay raises to “younger, less qualified employees,” while “continuously” denying her requests for similar compensation.

She also alleges that she submitted an ADA request to Short and LaRowe via email Oct. 28, 2025, for “accommodations for short breaks and minor schedule adjustments, including increased remote work, due to her disability.”

However, Endres claims the city rejected her request, as neither Short nor LaRowe responded to the email or “engage in the interactive process with her,” but other employees worked remotely from home.

Endres’ lawsuit claims that following her ADA request “she began to experience retaliatory action from LaRowe and Short up until plaintiff’s wrongful termination, including being excluded from meetings, restricted access to software and programs necessary for plaintiff’s job duties.”

One example was her exclusion from a meeting in October 2025 or November 2025 that she had requested to attend remotely via Zoom.

Another example was how “certain system permissions, such as Florida Municipal Insurance software, Florida State Retirement, security camera access, and procedural responsibilities, were modifi ed without formal communication or notice, hindering her ability to perform her job duties.”

Other allegations

Endres also alleges that Short suggested submitting fraudulent claims to the Federal Emergency Man-

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Islander Photo: Robert anderson after learning that Titsworth would not seek reelection.

“I just feel like I have a lot to offer the city. I have executive experience with the federal government and, of course, I have almost four years of commission experience in Holmes Beach,” Diggins said.

He praised Titsworth’s staff and her job as mayor and said that he wanted to continue her good work.

“I just want to continue keeping the city going in the right direction,” Diggins said.

Meanwhile, Commission Chair Carol Whitmore told The Islander May 21 that she will run for reelection as commissioner.

Whitmore first served as city commissioner from 1991-98, then as mayor from 1998-2006. She then served on the Manatee Board of County Commissioners for 16 years, 2006-22.

She was again elected to the city commission in 2024 and selected by the board to serve as chair in 2025.

Whitmore said she loves the city and public service, which she has more time for now that she’s retired.

“I’ve only done this because I love my city and I want to make my city successful,” she said.

agement Agency to finance repairs and that the city used an Apple AirTag to surveil public works general manager Dean Jones.

Endres claims she was with Short and Jones March 25, 2025, when the mayor suggested the city claim multiple items, including a previously damaged seawall, had been damaged by the 2024 hurricanes to seek FEMA funding.

As for employee surveillance, Endres claims she was with LaRowe and code enforcement manager David Dezutter in September 2025 “when they suggested tracking Dean Jones by hiding an AirTag tracking device in his car, without Jones’ knowledge, because they deemed Jones ‘suspicious.’”

Then, in November 2025, Jones told Endres he found an AirTag in his work vehicle and he had filed a complaint with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

She said she relayed that information to Short and LaRowe via email Nov. 17, 2025, and asked for “confirmation that tracking devices or monitoring tools were not being used on any employee.”

Nevertheless, Endres claims that neither Short nor LaRowe acted on or responded to her report and, about five minutes later, she received a termination notice from Short via email.

For each of the nine claims in her lawsuit, Endres seeks lost wages, benefits, emotional distress damages and punitive relief. Her complaint calls for a jury trial.

The case is assigned to Judge Charles Sniffen.

As of May 23, the city had yet to file a response.

Short briefly addressed Endres’ lawsuit during a May 21 interview with The Islander. “We are aware of the complaint,” he said. “We are working with counsel to address it and they will be representing the city through this process. I have been advised not to make any other commentary about the complaint.”

Qualifying period set to begin

Two city commission seats and the mayoral post will be up for grabs this November.

The optional prequalifying period began May 26 and ends Friday, June 5, while the official qualifying period will run from noon Monday, June 8, to noon Friday, June 12.

To qualify, people must be Holmes Beach residents for at least two years and file four forms with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office during the qualifying period, including:

• Form DS-DE 9, appointment of campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository for candidates, which must be filed before opening a campaign account and accepting or spending any funds;

• Form DS-DE 84, statement of candidate, which must be filed within 10 days of Form DS-DE 9;

• Form DS-DE 302NP, candidate oath nonpartisan office;

• CE Form 1, statement of financial interests.

Candidates must either file an affidavit of undue burden or pay an election assessment fee equivalent to 1% of the position’s annual salary — which is $8,210.04 for city commissioners and $28,680 for mayors — via check to the SEO.

They also must submit a candidate residency affidavit and 15 petition signatures from registered voters who are Holmes Beach residents.

To learn more, visit the SEO’s website at votemanatee.gov.

The Ward 2 seat is for a two-year term. The Ward 3 seat is for a one-year term.

Prequalifying will be May 26-June 6. Official qualifying will be noon June 8-noon June 12.

To qualify, candidates must provide proof of residency, appoint a campaign treasurer, open a campaign bank account and pay a qualifying fee equal to 4% of the annual salary for the office sought.

Commissioners earn $400 per month.

The city had 468 registered voters as of May 22, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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cation process now, as the city’s optional prequalifying period began May 26 and will end Friday, May 29. The official qualifying period will begin at noon Monday, June 1, and close at noon Friday, June 12. Candidates must be city residents for at least two years and must fi le forms with the SEO, including an affidavit of undue burden or pay the SEO an election assessment fee equivalent to 1% of the sought position’s annual salary — which is $4,800 for commissioners and $19,600 for mayors.

Short was a member of the city’s 2019 charter review committee before being appointed to the commission the same year.

He was reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022, then elected mayor in 2024.

If Short is reelected in November, he will serve his second full term as mayor.

He told The Islander May 21 that he believes the city has made “tremendous progress” since the 2024 hurricanes and hopes to see continued improvements.

“There’s been significant improvements made to the back office and how the city operates,” Short said. “I hope to continue down the path of making the city more operationally efficient.”

Arendt was the chair of the 2024 charter review committee and was elected without opposition to the city commission later the same year.

If he wins his bid for reelection, he will serve his second two-year term on the commission.

“I love our city. I think it’s a very special place, and I love it so much I don’t want to leave its fate to chance,” Arendt told The Islander May 21. “And I really enjoy it.”

He added that there was unfinished business he wanted to see through to completion, such as the Pine Avenue improvement project and construction on the Anna Maria City Pier.

McMullen was appointed to the city commission in January 2024 and elected later the same year to continue serving on the board. He will serve a second full term if he is reelected in November.

He told The Islander May 21 that he also wanted to see work on the city pier through to completion, as well as pursue improvements for pedestrian safety throughout the municipality, especially on Pine Avenue.

“I’d like to make it safer,” McMullen said. “People just walk on the street. I can’t stand it.”

People can learn more about the election and the process to qualify by visiting votemanatee.gov.

BB police chief transitioning to public works director

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby will step away from the job, but he is not leaving the city’s employment.

The city commission voted unanimously May 21 to transition Cosby, at his request, from police chief to permanent public works director no later than Oct. 1, the start of the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Cosby already serves as public works director, having taken over the position following the 2024 resignation of Tom Woodard.

Mayor John Chappie voiced support, saying the transition allows the city to retain Cosby’s institutional knowledge while reestablishing a dedicated public works director position.

“We know what we’re getting with Chief Cosby,” Chappie said. “And it’s 38 years of institutional knowledge.”

Cosby said emergency management remains one of the proudest parts of his career, especially after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.

City Pier walkway now walkable

Tampa Bay Marine employees walk May 19 on the anna Maria City Pier’s walkway now that the concrete foundation is set. TBM will now install hardwood decking and a conduit for utilities on the underside. Soon work on the T-end will begin.

“I think the hurricanes still are affecting everybody, to be honest with you,” Cosby said in a May 21 interview with The Islander. “Whether they recovered or not, that’s still in their mind.”

He said the police department worked 12-hour shifts for 60 consecutive days after the storms.

“This little city pulled together and did the impossible,” Cosby said, referring to the city’s recovery.

He also cited community policing, saying Bradenton Beach officers have built strong relationships with residents and business owners.

“My officers are in touch with everybody,” Cosby said. “They give their personal cellphone numbers to people so they can call if there’s issues.”

Several factors led to his decision to leave policing, including changes in law enforcement technology and reporting, as well as the demands of being on-call around the clock.

“I’m at the point that constantly being on call weekends, nights, it’s a lot, and it’s taken a lot away from my family. Now’s the time to cut back,” Cosby said.

Cosby said his public works duties have been less disruptive outside regular hours.

“I’ve been doing public works, it’s actually been a little over two years,” he said. “I have not received one after-hours call, one call on the weekend, no calls on a holiday.”

Cosby’s public works role would include oversight of streets, stormwater, city facilities and the pier area and coordination with outside agencies.

Cosby also said he plans to continue leading emergency operations and intends to take on a larger role with the community redevelopment agency.

Commissioners agreed to a starting salary of $122,000 for the public works director position. They said additional duties tied to emergency operations and CRA work could be addressed during budget discussions.

“Having Chief Cosby available to assist with that transition into how we do things here in Bradenton Beach, that’s invaluable in and of itself,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.

The city is expected to begin advertising for a new police chief later this year.

This week’s question

Ever evacuated for a hurricane?

A. Yes, multiple times.

B. Yes, once or twice.

C. No, ordered to but stayed.

D. Never ordered to go.

Last week’s

question

Got Memorial Day plans?

Demolition begins at island bank

an excavator rests May 19 at the former bank building at 5325 and 5327 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, where Bradenton-basedOden Hardy Construction has begun demolishing the structure. The building will be replaced with a two-story commercial structure that will feature an arcade, miniature golf course, retail store and a candy and ice cream shop on the ground floor, as well as a restaurant on the second floor.

Islander

Anna Maria negotiating for new waste removal

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Waste Pro may soon provide waste removal services for all three island cities.

Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted May 14 to authorize Mayor Mark Short to negotiate with Waste Pro on an agreement.

The municipality’s current franchisee for waste removal is Waste Management, but city officials have expressed issues with the consistency of the services over the past year and the contract expires June 28.

In March, the city issued a request for proposals from waste removal providers.

Three contractors submitted proposals, including WM, Florida Waste Solutions and Waste Pro, which provides waste removal services in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

A fi ve-member evaluation committee rated the proposals, giving Waste Pro the highest score. So, the

committee unanimously recommended the city negotiate with Waste Pro.

Much of the commission’s discussion about waste removal has been focused on side-door service, which involves WM employees retrieving, dumping and returning waste bins to the side of houses.

The city amended its agreement with WM last October to implement citywide side-door service for all residential properties.

Commissioner Christopher Arendt asked if the proposals included side-door service for rental properties, since city officials took issue with some rental properties where waste bins were left at the curb too long before citywide side-door service was implemented.

Mayor Mark Short said the proposals did not include the service as a baseline for residential properties, so property owners would need to sign up for the service at an additional cost if they want it.

Island police reports

By Robert anderson and Ryan Paice

Streetlife is based on incident reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments.

Anna Maria

No new reports.

Bradenton Beach

May 17, 700 block of Gulf Drive North, neglect. An MCSO deputy responded to a report of unattended children in a vehicle. Deputies located the parents and issued a citation for leaving the children unattended. Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

May 14, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, hit-and-run. A man reported his vehicle was involved in a hit-andrun. He said he left it parked at Manatee Public Beach and noticed it damaged hours later. An HBPD officer completed a report.

May 17, 7200 block of Gulf Drive, civil dispute. There was a dispute between beach vendors. One said he was selling ice cream when a waterborne hot dog vendor yelled to beachgoers not to buy the ice cream, then threw ice cream sandwiches to people. The hot dog vendor remained anchored offshore and refused to speak with police.

May 17, Publix, 3900 E. Bay Drive, shoplifting. A store manager reported a woman left without paying for items and drove away when confronted.

May 18, 3100 block of Avenue E, suspicious circumstances. An officer was dispatched to a rental property where someone appeared to occupy the unit unlawfully.

May 18, Anna Maria Beachfront Resort Motel, 6306 Gulf Drive, suspicious circumstances. A complainant said she left a rented low-speed vehicle parked at a charging station at the resort, but returned to find it missing. The officer issued case cards to the complainant and Fun and More, the LSV owner.

He said that, in lieu of citywide side-door service, the commission could revise city code so staff can better enforce the placement and removal of garbage cans at the curb.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson supported maintaining the citywide side-door service for residential properties.

“It keeps all the cans out of the street, and it doesn’t look ugly. And it’s very efficient, the way they’ve been doing it,” she said.

Commissioners Gary McMullen and John Lynch also supported continuing the collection practice.

Short said the matter would be part of his discussions with Waste Pro if he is authorized to negotiate with them.

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to authorize Short to negotiate terms with Waste Pro.

Anna Maria Island Bridge: A water main project is underway along Manatee Avenue requiring lane closures. Info: amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660. Cortez Bridge: Construction activities are ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West east of the bridge. Info: 941-306-4660, amiprojects.io.

STORM REaDy / Road Ready: Fuel or power vehicles before evacuation orders. Have a destination in mind. Map an efficient route. Carry a physical map.

— Lisa Neff

BB strengthens storm readiness ahead of hurricane season

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach officials say the impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck the region in September and October 2024, are shaping the city’s preparations for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

The back-to-back storms brought historic flooding, storm surge, sand inundation and damage to Anna Maria Island.

John Cosby, the city’s police chief, emergency operations manager and public works director, said May 19 that the city is pursuing Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation grants to better protect municipal buildings.

“We’re writing grants, mitigation grants to put in water surge barriers for public works, PD and city hall,” Cosby said. “The PD and public works have already been approved.”

FEMA funding is expected to cover about 86%

AM readying for storm season

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria residents and businesses have a few items to check off before the storm season begins.

The list includes securing post-disaster re-entry tags, signing up for the city alert system and knowing where to fill sandbags.

Reentry tags are required for residents and business owners/employees to return following an evacuation for a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. The tags are available at the front desk at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, upon presentation of proof of residency, property ownership or a business location.

For residents, that includes a valid ID with an address within the city or a rental/utility bill addressed to a property in the municipality.

Non-residential owners, like vacation rental owners, must show both a valid ID and documentation proving property ownership in the city.

Business owners must provide a valid ID — which does not need to have an Anna Maria address — and documentation confirming the business address.

Only two tags will be issued per property.

Tags acquired last year remain valid through January 2027.

To receive news and update alerts from the city via email or text, people can visit cityofannamaria.com/ list.aspx, sign in and subscribe.

The city also will provide news updates via its website and social media accounts.

Lastly, the city’s sandbagging area is on the north side of Bayfront Park at the corner of North Bay and North Shore Drive.

Bags and sand are free, but people are asked to bring their own shovels for loading sandbags.

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

of the cost of inflatable water-filled barriers for the public works building, while the police station and city hall would receive pressure-seal flood barriers for door openings.

The city also is emphasizing evacuation preparedness and emergency communication for the 2026 hurricane season.

Cosby encouraged residents and business owners to renew reentry tags, which are updated every two years and allow access to the city after storm-related closures once conditions are deemed safe.

People also can register for TextMyGov alerts to receive storm updates and emergency notifications.

“If the evacuation warning comes, evacuate,” Cosby said. “You don’t have to go far. Just get out of that path.”

He warned against complacency, noting hurricanes do not need to make direct landfall on the Island to cause catastrophic flooding and storm surge.

“Again, I just keep going back to the fact that a storm (Helene) that was 125 miles away, brought the amount of water and devastation that it brought,” Cosby said.

What to remember for storm prep in Holmes Beach

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Future hurricane seasons won’t be the same as 2025 — lacking impact to Florida’s coastline.

And not every hurricane season is going to be like the devastation we saw in 2024.

But islanders should prepare like they will be.

In Holmes Beach, that preparation includes obtaining re-entry tags, signing up for alerts from the city and knowing where to fill sandbags in advance of storms.

Locals will need reentry tags in order to return to the island following mandatory evacuations for natural disasters like hurricanes.

People can get their tags at the Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, by filling out a re-entry tag application form — which is available online — and providing proof of residency or business

“You prepare for what you can prepare for because you don’t know the end until it gets here,” he added.

ownership within the city.

Re-entry tags are limited to one per residence or business, or two for annual rental properties — one for owners and one for renters.

Any re-entry tags issued in or after 2023 remain valid through 2028.

To sign up for the city’s alert system, locals can text “HOLMESBEACH” to 91896 and reply “YES” to confirm.

Otherwise, news updates and alerts will be shared via the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org, and its social media accounts.

The municipality maintains a sandbagging area north of the pickleball courts at city park, at the corner of 62nd Street and Flotilla Drive.

Sandbags are available at the HBPD and the city’s public works building, at 5901 Marina Drive.

In some cases, Manatee County will also set up a sandbagging area in the parking lot of the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.

Hurricane PTSD

Two years ago this week, I was waxing on about initialisms, as in, “IYKYK.”

And about preparing for and surviving holidays and storms on AMI.

As I said, we who have survived many holidays on the island know. Stay home. Travel by bicycle if you must go to a restaurant or shopping. If you’re a first-timer here, then start planning now for the Fourth of July — because it’s a whopper.

You’ll be in lockdown — in paradise.

Just make the best of the extra family time.

And while you’re planning for the July 4 holiday, please, put your mind in gear for all the planning that goes into storm season.

Remember, storm season 2024? Here’s a repeat — with emphasis — of my warning.

Line up your evacuation plan.

Where will you go and what do you need to take with you? You should plan at least five days away.

And prepare for a minimum five days without power when you get back home.

Plan a yard cleanup. And plan how and where you will store the grill and all the outdoor furniture.

Plan for your boat. And from what I’ve seen on lifts and at docks along the canals, lots of boaters need advice on how to best secure your boat for a storm at the dock if you’re not towing it to a safe location.

Plan for your pets. Everyone should plan ahead — but more so if you have a pet — for evacuation to a pet-friendly safe place and we only recommend a shelter as a last resort. A shelter will require you to kennel your pets and carry proof of vaccination with you.

And keep reading in this issue and the weeks to come for more tips on storm planning.

Maybe you should stash this issue of The Islander in a safe place — in a waterproof bag — to help with last-minute prep — and recovery.

Because, since 2024, we’ve learned a lot.

Especially knowing that all the warnings we gave islanders about the impacts of a storm, let alone a category 3 or stronger storm, were not enough. The various unexpected problems (mold!) we encountered and the recovery effort required for each of the impacts, means we need more than ever to prepare better.

Maybe we should have a plan in place — aka contracts! — for service providers, roof repairs, plumbing, electrical, AC, replacement appliances, new windows, mold removal, lawn care and so on because …. IYKYK.

The only cure for hurricane PTSD is preparation, although an adult beverage has been known to help.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

10-20-30 years ago

In the headlines: May 23, 1996

• Two people, one armed, robbed a convenience store on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, taking cash and a customer’s personal belongings.

• A petition was circulating on AMI to decide interest in building a municipal swimming pool in Holmes Beach.

MAY 27, 2026 • Vol. 34, No. 31

▼ Publisher, editor

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial

Robert anderson, robert@islander.org

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Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com

Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Mike Sales

▼ Advertising Sales

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

▼ Lisa Williams

info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

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▼ Webmaster

Wayne ansell

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board voted unanimously to hire Mary Ann Brockman as the full-time executive director. Brockman had been interim director.

In the headlines: May 24, 2006

All others: info@islander.org

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2026

WEBSITE: islander.org

Text or call: 941-778-7978. Email news@islander.org

• The West Manatee Fire Rescue District Commission voted to increase the annual fire service assessment for fi scal 2006-07. The increase for a singlefamily residence was expected to be about $6.75.

• More than 50 youngsters competed for prizes in the second annual Holmes Beach Skateboard contest at the skate park on Marina Drive.

From the May 25, 2016, issue

• When the Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Eastern conference finals, Pittsburgh fans waved “Let’s Go Pens!” fan towels sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, prompting local protests over support for the local team opposition.

• During a Coalition of Barrier Islands Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested placing license-plate recognition cameras on AMI.

— Lisa Neff

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

Ready and recovery

TOP: Officials at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center plan for Hurricane andrew, a compact but powerful and destructive Category 5 atlantic hurricane that struck the Bahamas, Florida and Louisiana in august 1992. BOTTOM: The aftermath of Hurricane alma in Bradenton Beach in June 1966. alma was a rare June major hurricane. It was the earliest atlantic hurricane in the calendar year in 15 years, as well as the earliest continental U.S. hurricane strike since 1825.

1

Both conditions favor storm development and warming oceans driven by climate change fuel stronger hurricanes that bring more heavy rainfall and higher storm surge when they make landfall.

“It’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season,” said Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service.

Graham joined NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, Rear Admiral Chad Cary of NOAA’s Office of Marine Aviation Operations and FEMA’s acting region 4 administrator Robert P. Ashe in Lakeland for a preseason news conference, which also was broadcast online.

NOAA announced several technological upgrades that officials said will improve forecast accuracy and emergency response.

For the first time, data collected by drones will be fed directly into NOAA’s Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System. Scientists determined that incorporating the drone data can improve hurricane intensity forecast accuracy by 10%.

Also, the National Hurricane Center will roll out an updated forecast cone graphic that includes tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings for inland areas, addressing longstanding concerns that storm surge and flooding threats to interior communities are often underappreciated by the public.

NHC also is testing an experimental cone that will capture a wider range of possible storm tracks, accounting for uncertainties in both direction and timing.

Additionally, NOAA’s flood inundation mapping service — which gives emergency managers streetlevel visualizations of expected flooding — currently covers 60% of the U.S. population and is set to expand to nearly 100% by late September.

Jacobs highlighted the role of artificial intelligence. “NOAA’s rapid integration of advanced technology, including AI-based weather models, drones and nextgeneration satellite data will deliver actionable science to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the American people,” he said.

NOAA will update its seasonal outlook in early August, ahead of the statistical peak of hurricane season.

Officials urged residents in hurricane-prone areas not to treat the below-normal forecast as cause for complacency.

For storm readiness information, turn to page 9

Saying goodbye

anna Maria Elementary teacher Sandy Fisher is retiring after 21 years in education. Fisher said she’s looking forward to catching up on her sleep, traveling, spending more time with family and friends and cherishing time with her mom. Islander Photo: Courtesy aME/Via Facebook

Hurricane

ready

Read more about the atlantic hurricane season throughout this issue, which includes The Islander’s Storm Ready guide. For breaking news throughout the season, go to islander. org.

Julia Piermont, Pastor

10 : 00 AM

against aME fifth-grader alex Czajkowski May 19 during a Chess Challenge Tournament at Sea Breeze. Students’ matches emphasize sportsmanship. Islander Photos: Courtesy aME

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce website views for April was 23K.

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, May 28

10:30 a.m. — Florida Author Book Club meeting, Tingley Memorial Library, 111 2nd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-7791208.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

• Through June 28, ”Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues / En los barrios y las grandes ligas. “Pleibol!” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through June 28, Florida Maritime Museum “Vacationing in Cortez” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131. Through Sept. 5, Thursday-Saturday, times vary, Laser Light Nights, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through Sept. 16, “The Evocative Lens: Pictorialism and the Rise of Fine Art Photography,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling. org.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Thursday, May 28

5 p.m. — Tween Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Through July 31, Road Trip USA: Summer Reading Program at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6341, mymanatee.org.

• Most Wednesdays and Saturdays through June, Pop-up Play Time, Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. 941-779-1208, facebook.com/tingleymemoriallibrary.

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

NEXT WAVE RESTORATION

Island happenings

Tingley Library sets calendar

Tingley Memorial Library is planning a children’s drop-in play session, a two-day book sale and a pair of Florida Author Book Club discussions.

The library’s Pop-up Play Time runs Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m., through the end of June, offering families a chance to drop in and play with Duplos, puzzles, wooden train tracks, blocks and more in the children’s area.

Book lovers can browse the library’s book sale 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. Most titles will sell for $1 and all books will be buy one, get one free. The selection includes novels, biographies, cookbooks and children’s books.

The Florida Author Book Club has two scheduled meetings. On Thursday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m., the group will discuss Brad Meltzer’s “The Escape Artist,” followed by Kristin Harmel’s “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” on Thursday, June 25, also at 10:30 a.m.

Registration is required for both. Interested readers can call 941-779-1208 or email bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

All events will be at the library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach.

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

LEARNING & EDUCATION

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Mondays, 10 a.m., AMITW’s Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-3018434.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Thursday, May 28

10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

MARKETS &

COMMUNITY SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through Sept. 6, select dates, Bradenton Marauders baseball,

Mike Sales

Live! AMI! Music!

Find island music listings at islander.org.

Guild kicks off plein air series

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is bringing its outdoor painting series back this summer, gathering artists at scenic locations across the island and surrounding community.

Sessions will run 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays through late July.

The early start is intentional — participants catch the best morning light, avoid the heat and get ahead of traffic, according to AGAMI.

Upcoming sessions include the Palma Sola Causeway June 9, Perico Preserve on Perico Island June 16, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach June 23 and the Star Fish Co. dock in Cortez June 30.

Sessions continue into July at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, the Palma Sola Botanical Park in northwest Bradenton, a waterfront spot in Holmes Beach and Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach.

For the schedule, go to amiartistsguildgallery.com/ plein-air-2026.

For more information, contact Wendell Graham at 508-265-0408 or Reen Troy at 805-455-8503.

AGAMI operates a gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Their email is artistsguildannamariaisland@gmail. com.

LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941747-3031.

SAVE THE DATES

• June 6, Center of Anna Maria Island One Love AMI Skimboard Competition, Anna Maria.

• June 26-28, Full Send Fishing Tournament, Anna Maria. OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

• June 6, World Oceans Day Dive into Ocean Fun at the NEST, Bradenton.

• June 29, Sea Turtle Conservancy’s sea turtle release, Bradenton Beach. CALENDAR NOTES

MARK THE DATES

• Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season.

• Through Nov. 30, hurricane season.

• June, Pride Month.

• June 14, Flag Day.

• June 21, Father’s Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Get ready, get going, get back A checklist for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

As hurricane season approaches, emergency officials say preparation comes down to three stages: get ready before the storm, get going if evacuation orders come and get back safely after the storm passes.

Get ready

❒ Know your evacuation zone.

❒ Have multiple ways to receive alerts — download the FEMA app, sign up for local alerts and note that EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts require no

Speaking of storm season A guide to hurricane lingo

• Category: Hurricanes are classified in terms of intensity, from Category 1 to Category 5, with 5 being the most intense.

• Coastal flood warning: A warning to expect significant wind-forced flooding along low-lying coastal areas.

• Coastal flood watch: An alert to expect significant wind-forced flooding along low-lying coastal areas.

• Cone of uncertainty: The tracking model that shows the probable path of the storm center but not the size of the storm.

• EOC: The emergency operations center that serves as a central location for the coordination and control of all emergency preparedness and response activities.

• Evacuation time: The lead-time that a populated coastal jurisdiction must have to relocate residents of vulnerable areas from an approaching hurricane.

• Eye: The relatively calm area near the center of the hurricane, where winds are light, and the sky is often partly covered by clouds.

• Eye landfall: The point in time when the eye, or physical center of the hurricane, reaches a coastline.

• Flood warning: Indicates the expected severity of flooding, as well as where and when the flooding will occur.

• Forward speed: The rate of movement of the hurricane eye in miles per hour or knots.

• Hurricane: When winds reach a constant speed of 74 mph or more. These winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center of extremely low pressure known as the eye of the hurricane.

• Hurricane track: The line of movement of the eye through an area.

• Hurricane warning: An alert added to a hurricane advisory to expect hurricane conditions within 24 hours.

• Hurricane watch: An alert added to a hurricane advisory covering a specified area and duration. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean they are imminent.

• Tropical cyclone: Low-pressure systems that include thunderstorms and rotate counterclockwise.

• Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with winds of 38 mph or less.

• Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with winds of 39-73 mph.

• Storm surge: The forceful dome of wind-driven waters sweeping along the coastline near where the eye makes landfall or passes close to the coast.

sign-up.

❒ Confirm everyone in your household knows the plan.

❒ Check insurance policies and personal documents are current and store copies in a secure, password-protected digital location.

❒ Reinforce your home. Clear drains and gutters, bring in outdoor furniture, consider hurricane shutters.

❒ Build a supply kit with enough food, water, medication, disinfectants and pet supplies to last two weeks.

❒ Keep devices charged and buy backup power banks.

Get going

❒ Monitor emergency alerts closely as the storm approaches.

❒ If you’re in a mandatory evacuation zone and officials say go — leave, no exceptions.

❒ Text or use social media to reach family.

Get back

❒ Wear protective clothing and a mask when cleaning up mold and debris.

❒ Never touch electrical equipment that is wet or while standing in water.

❒ Stay out of floodwater — it can carry pathogens, chemicals, debris and downed power lines that may electrify the water.

❒ Photograph all property damage and contact your insurer promptly.

Categorizing hurricanes

The United States uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale for categorizing hurricanes. Damage rises by a factor of four for every category increase.

Category 1

• Wind: 74-95 mph.

• Surge: 4-5 feet.

• Effects: Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Coastal flooding and minor pier damage.

Category 2

• Wind: 96-110 mph.

• Surge: 6-8 feet.

• Effects: Roofing material, door and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes. Flooding damages piers and small craft.

Category 3

• Wind: 111-130 mph.

• Surge: 9-12 feet.

• Effects: Structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures.

Category 4

• Wind: 131-155 mph.

• Surge: 13-18 feet.

• Effects: Extensive curtain-wall failures with roof failure. Significant erosion of beaches. Terrain flooded well inland.

Category 5

• Wind: 155 mph and more.

• Surge: 18 feet and more.

• Effects: Complete roof and building failure. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shore.

Pet-friendly planner

Got Skip the dog chipped?

Got a kennel for Fennel the cat?

Remember to consider pets in disaster planning.

Some recommendations:

• Visit the vet early in the season;

• Immunize pets;

• Microchip animals;

• Pack a kit that includes an ID collar, rabies license tag, leashes, water and food bowls, medications, food for two weeks, bags for waste disposal, toys and comfort items.

• Pets should have secure carriers or collapsible kennels large enough for animals to stand comfortably and turn around.

• Plan to stay with friends or relatives when sheltering with pets.

• If a readiness plan involves staying in a motel or other lodging, determine in advance what brands welcome animals.

• A good planning resource is petswelcome.com.

Storm ready? Resources for 2026

When a buzz begins about a storm brewing, weather-watchers increasingly turn to social media for news, tracking and emergency updates.

Social media

One way to stay up to date is to search for hashtags for a storm — like #TSArthur or #HurricaneBertha — 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.

A favorite Facebook follow: Meteorologist Denis Phillips at @ denisphillipsweatherman. Local law enforcement agencies also are on Facebook, including @HolmesBeachPD, @ManateeSheriff and @BradentonBeachPoliceDepartment.

Websites

Manatee County Emergency Management: mymanatee.org.

Florida Emergency Management: floridadisaster.org.

Federal Emergency Management Agency: fema.gov.

National Flood Insurance Program: floodsmart. gov.

National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov.

State of Florida Weather Information:

Tracking Chart

stateofflorida.com/floridaweather.

FPL outages: www. fplmaps.com.

Volunteer Florida: www.volunteerflorida. org.

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org.

Anna Maria: cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach: cit-

yofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: holmesbeachfl.org.

Media resources

TV: Bay News 9, The Weather Channel. Print and digital: The Islander, Islander.org.

Radio: WUSF 89.7, NWR KHB32 162.550.

Go to islander.org to sign up for breaking

Evacuating from home to shelter

Got a friend with a mainland condo or a spare bedroom outside the flood zone offering shelter?

Want to build up some big points on the hotel rewards card?

Emergency management officials encourage evacuating residents to consider options other than a public shelter, including hotels or stays with family or friends out of the evacuation zone.

Early in storm season, learn your zone by going to mymanatee.org/evacuationlevels.

In an evacuation, if a public shelter is needed, turn to local media for notices of openings.

Manatee County’s shelter roster, updated as needed at mymanatee.org, includes:

• Mills Elementary, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto;

• Myakka City Elementary, 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka

• Miller Elementary, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton;

• Freedom Elementary School, 9515 State Road 64 E., Bradenton;

• Gullet Elementary, 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton;

• McNeal Elementary, 6325 Lorraine Road, Bradenton;

• Mona Jain Middle, 12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton;

• Haile Middle, 9501 State Road 64 E., Bradenton;

• Harvey Elementary, 8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish;

• Sugg Middle, 3801 59th St. W., Bradenton;

• Prine Elementary, 3801 Southern Parkway, Bradenton;

• Willis Elementary, 14705 The Masters Avenue, Bradenton;

• Braden River High, 6545 State Road 70 E., Bradenton;

• Buffalo Creek Middle, 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto;

• Oneco Elementary, 5214 22nd St. Court E., Bradenton;

• Rogers Garden, 515 13th Ave. W., Bradenton;

• Williams Elementary, 3404 Fort Hamer Road,

Parrish;

• Witt Elementary, 200 Rye Road, Bradenton;

• Lee Middle, 4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton;

• Braden River Middle, 6215 River Club Blvd., Bradenton;

Reentry tags for AMI

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Reentry tags allow public safety officials to identify people approved to reenter an impacted area following a mandatory evacuation.

• Daughtrey Elementary, 515 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton;

• Johnson K-8, 2121 26th Ave. E., Bradenton;

• Kinnan Elementary, 3415 Tallevast Road, Sarasota;

• Seabreeze Elementary, 3601 71st St. W., Bradenton;

• Tillman Elementary, 1415 29th St. E., Palmetto;

• Manatee High, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton.

In Anna Maria, reentry tags are available at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. People can call city hall at 941-708-6130 for more information.

In Bradenton Beach, reentry tags are available at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. For more information, contact city hall at 941-778-1005.

In Holmes Beach, residents and business owners can obtain reentry tags from the police department, 5801 Marina Drive. For more information, call HBPD at 941-778-2677.

People also can register for news bulletins from each of the cities. For more, see the stories on page 5.

What to bring: Items to bring to a shelter include pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses; clothing; toiletries; towels; folding chairs; quiet games, books; important papers; and irreplaceable keepsakes.

Expect long lines

Motorists await reentry to anna Maria Island via Manatee avenue in September 2017 following evacuation for Hurricane Irma. Islander File Photo

Stocking up for storms

Must have H20 and more

❒ Water in small bottles for drinking.

❒ Water in gallon containers for cleaning up.

❒ Bottled beverages.

❒ Instant coffee.

For the ‘kitchen’

❒ Nonperishable foods.

❒ Can opener.

❒ Cooking pot or pan.

❒ Utensils.

❒ Plates.

❒ Grill.

❒ Grill tools.

❒ Self-starting charcoal.

❒ Sterno.

❒ Matches.

❒ Aluminum foil.

❒ Plastic bags.

Health and hygiene

❒ Prescriptions.

❒ Insect repellent.

❒ Sunscreen.

❒ Toiletries.

❒ Toilet paper.

❒ Adhesive bandages.

❒ Handwipes.

❒ Tweezers.

❒ Thermometer.

❒ Latex gloves.

Ready to wear

❒ Changes of clothing.

❒ Glasses.

❒ Boots.

❒ Rain jacket.

❒ Umbrella.

❒ Face masks.

Checklist for shopping, packing and stockpiling for the hurricane season

Records

and papers

❒ Birth certificates.

❒ Marriage certificates.

❒ Passports.

❒ Social security cards.

❒ Wills.

❒ Insurance documents.

❒ Account numbers.

❒ Irreplaceable photographs.

❒ Water-tight box.

Toolbox

❒ Wrench.

❒ Hammer.

❒ Pliers.

❒ Scissors.

❒ Assorted nails.

❒ Dust mask.

❒ Pocket knife.

❒ Flashlights.

❒ Signal flare.

❒ Extension cords.

❒ Hatchet.

❒ Work gloves.

❒ Trash bags.

❒ Tarp.

❒ Duct tape.

411 and 911

❒ Battery-powered radio.

❒ Earbuds.

❒ Batteries.

❒ Whistle.

❒ Smartphone and power bank.

❒ Solar chargers.

❒ Road maps.

❒ Cash.

❒ Gasoline — full tanks.

❒ Propane tank.

Cleaning and

clearing

Comfort and convenience

❒ Sleeping bag.

❒ Blankets.

❒ Lawn chairs.

❒ Games.

❒ Toys.

❒ Reading materials.

❒ Paper.

❒ Pencil.

❒ Candles.

❒ Lanterns.

❒ Disinfectant.

❒ Chlorine bleach.

❒ Medicine dropper.

❒ Plastic bucket with lid.

❒ Mop and broom.

❒ Rags.

Pet friendly

❒ Kennel.

❒ Medications.

❒ Cat litter box.

❒ Vaccination certificates.

❒ Food.

❒ Treats.

❒ Leash.

❒ Pet pick-up bags.

Also need