ABOVE: Garrison
Hahn of Hahn’s Handcrafted Lemonades waits on customers
Terry and Bia Robinette of Lake Mary Oct. 1 at the Coquina Beach Market. RIGHT: People peruse local wares on the opening day of a new season for the Coquina Beach Market in Bradenton Beach. The market operates 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Market management said 96 vendors were on board for the 2025-26 season.
Islander Photos: Robert Anderson
Bradenton Beach post office might not reopen
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
The future of the Bradenton Beach post office remains uncertain as negotiations between the property owner and the U.S. Postal Service are apparently stalled over rent costs.
The post offi ce at 116 Bridge St. has been closed since hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in fall 2024 while repairs and lease talks have dragged on.
Mayor John Chappie told commissioners Oct. 2 that the Miami Beach-based Fryd Family Partnership, which owns the property, spent two years trying to renew the lease.
The landlord submitted two independent studies valuing rent at $40-$45 per square foot but Chappie said the postal service refused the pricing.
In an interview with The Islander following the meeting, Chappie said
October deadline set for Anna Maria repairs
The post office in Anna Maria is expected to reopen its permanent location this month.
For nearly a year, the post office has operated from a trailer at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., while repairs to its storm-damaged location at 101B South Bay Blvd., took place.
Mayor Mark Short said Sept. 25 that the U.S. Postal Service recently informed him of an Oct. 19 deadline for those repairs to be completed, at which point the post office could return to its regular spot.
Short said he hopes to have the temporary office trailer removed as soon as possible so the city can use City Pier Park for its Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
When the temporary office opened in October 2024, just weeks after Milton hit, stamps and postage were not available for sale, but there was good news, too. Live musical entertainment was provided by Mike Sales.
— Ryan Paice and Lisa Neff
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Hurricanes Helene and Milton landed a devastating one-two punch to Anna Maria Island’s stormwater infrastructure last year.
And their impact on that infrastructure might reverberate for years to come.
City officials spoke with The Islander over the week of Sept. 29 about how their cities’ stormwater infrastructure was impacted by last year’s hurricanes and how it might change moving forward.
Last September, Helene brought historic storm surge to the island, submerging much of it underwater.
That rush of water also displaced tens of thousands of cubic yards of sand from the beaches onto the land, leaving many roadways covered in sand and debris after the surge receded.
Following the storm, responders cleared roads with bulldozers and excavators, often pushing the leftover sand into rights of way where many miles of stormwater infiltration trenches across the island are located.
Infiltration trenches are filled with loosely packed stone that allows stormwater to seep through, filtering waterborne nutrients, pollutants and sediment from the water before it reaches local sources.
The trenches are not primarily designed to reduce fl ooding, but they collect stormwater and often feature underground pipelines to carry the filtered water elsewhere to drain.
While the surge-brought sand has since been removed, the sediment has left many of those infiltration trenches clogged, reducing their efficacy and leaving some all but useless.
In Holmes Beach, city engineer and public works director Sage Kamiya told The Islander Oct. 2 that the first phase of work repairing the clogged trenches on the south end of the municipality has already been completed.
That work includes removing about 6-10 inches of impacted stone from the trenches, replacing it and wrapping it in fi lter fabric to keep the material in place.
Kamiya said the city plans to com-
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The Anna Maria City Pier’s rebuilder has been chosen.
City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 30 to select Gibsonton-based Tampa Bay Marine Inc.’s $4,641,239 bid to rebuild the pier’s walkway, which was destroyed last year by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
When the city pier was built in 2019-20, the walkway was constructed with lesser specifications than the T-end — which remained intact through the 2024 storms — in an effort to reduce the project’s total cost.
The walkway will be rebuilt with the same specifications as the T-end, so it will rest on solid concrete pilings instead of spun cast concrete piles and be supported by concrete bents instead of wooden bents.
The city received bids from nine contractors in response to a request for proposals posted in July.
TBM’s bid was by far the smallest of the bunch — almost $800,000 less than the second-least expensive bid.
Bradenton-based Quality Marine Construction Inc.’s $12,157,484.56 bid was the largest.
Mayor Mark Short said he reviewed the bids with city staff and St. Petersburg-based George F. Young, the city’s contracted engineering fi rm, and recommended the selection of TBM’s proposal.
He said the city’s initial estimates
to fully rebuild the pier ranged from $7 million-$9 million, but TBM’s bid brought that estimate down to $6.2-$6.9 million.
The bid includes engineering, inspections, walkway demolition and rebuild, fixes to the T-end structure and buildings, as well as remediation.
Short said while TBM builds the walkway, a third-party contractor will tackle some work on the T-end, such as clearing the two buildings of equipment and debris so repairs can begin with city oversight.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth emailed The Islander Oct. 3, saying “Sage (Kamiya) has resigned, unfortunately. He is moving on to the city of Sarasota.
“He will be truly missed. He was a tremendous asset to the city and was responsible for creating a public works department that I am most proud of.
“He also was instrumental in developing our emergency operations plan.”
Titsworth said Kamiya made “great strides” in mapping a stormwater master plan, including hydrodynamic modeling, during his tenure. He also brought experience in grantwriting and had many successes with infrastructure projects.
“He will always hold a special place in my heart for taking the lead in our storm recovery efforts,” the mayor wrote. “He and our consultants were able to meet the strict criteria for reimbursement from FEMA for not only the debris removal but for damages to city infrastructure.”
She continued, “He has been a pleasure to work with and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Anthony Benita will serve as interim superintendent of public works/city engineer while the city searches for a successor.
In other matters, Holmes Beach plans improvements at the dog park, which will be on the agenda at the next parks and beautification meeting. “We hope our park users will be able to attend so we can get their input,” Titsworth said.
Also, the city is reaching out to island restaurants regarding the Dec. 5 city anniversary event at city field.
“We also are extending an invite to the arts and craft community,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Titsworth noted, “It is election season and although it is not my time to campaign, I want to remind everyone that my door is always open. If there are any concerns that I can assist with, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to serve and I value the opportunity to help in any way I can.”
You can reach the mayor at 941-708-5800.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander Oct. 3 with news about the city pier, a housemoving shut down on Pine Avenue and a new trash, landscape debris and recycling schedule.
He said commissioners approved moving forward with Tampa Bay Marine to rebuild the walkway for the pier at their Sept. 30 meeting and the city met with the contractor to discuss logistics and next steps.
Phase 1 of Anna Maria’s swale cleanup project will kick off in the coming week. “Our initial focus will be the swales behind the properties on North Shore from Newton to North Bay, North Bay from North Shore to Crescent, the backs of properties on Pine, Spring and Magnolia from North Shore to South Bay and South Bay from Pine to Magnolia,” according to Short.
On Oct. 8, a cottage will be moved from the 100 block of Willow to Pine Avenue behind the Roser cottage, the office for Sato Real Estate.
People need to be aware that “between 9 and 11 a.m. portions of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue will be closed during the move and no street parking will be allowed,” Short said.
Finally, the mayor said, Waste Management service schedule changes will begin Oct. 6:
• Mondays: Landscaping debris citywide.
• Tuesdays: Citywide trash collection; half the city collection of recycling.
• Fridays: Citywide trash collection; other half of city recycling.
Short noted the city’s website has a map for recycling collection areas and all property owners should have received a mailing from WM regarding the recycling areas.
— Bonner Joy
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.
Columbus Day is Monday, Oct. 13, a federal holiday that can bring the closure of some government offices and services — if they aren’t already closed due to a government shutdown.
Classes in the Manatee County School District will not take place that day, which is on the district calendar as a records and teachers’ workshop day.
Local governments have not announced closings or changes to services on the date.
— Lisa
neff
Would you travel to tampa for a Rays’ game?
A. Yes.
B. Maybe.
C. No.
To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.
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Checklist for shopping, packing and stockpiling for hurricane season
Records and papers
❒ Birth certificates.
❒ Marriage certificates.
❒ Passports.
❒ Social security cards.
❒ Wills.
❒ Insurance documents.
❒ Account numbers.
❒ Irreplaceable photographs.
❒ Water-tight box.
❒ Wrench.
❒ Hammer.
❒ Pliers.
❒ Scissors.
411 and 911
❒ Rechargeable radio.
❒ Earbuds.
❒ Batteries.
❒ Whistle.
❒ Smartphone and power bank.
❒ Solar chargers.
❒ Road maps.
❒ Cash.
❒ Gasoline — full tanks.
❒ Propane tank.
and clearing
❒ Assorted nails.
❒ Dust mask.
❒ Pocket knife.
❒ Flashlights.
❒ Signal flare.
❒ Extension cords.
❒ Hatchet.
❒ Work gloves.
❒ Trash bags.
❒ Tarp.
❒ Duct tape.
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.
By Lisa neff and Robert Anderson Islander Staff
Planners will conduct modeling that could result in four-lanes on Cortez Road leading up to the Cortez Bridge and potentially four lanes on a new bridge.
During a brief discussion on the Barrier Island Congestion Study at the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting Sept. 29, consultant Nathan Kautze of Kittelson & Associates said, “I received word … the other day, it sounds like there’s some four-laning going on … on Cortez potentially.”
Dave Hutchinson, executive director of the MPO, jumped in and added, “So, we’ve been asked to include in our long-range transportation plan … the four-laning of the Cortez Bridge from Gulf Drive 789 to 123rd Street.”
He described the work as a modeling effort that, if successful for the bridge, “may take the place of a reversible lane” but would not eliminate any bicycle
By Lisa neff Islander editor
A third vessel for the Gulf Islands Ferry Service should be in service by the end of the year.
Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Center, informed the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board Sept. 29 of the timeline and that the service could add two stops — one at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and another at a landing in Palmetto.
“We’ll hit two years come the middle of January,” Falcione said of the service, which currently operates between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier near the city’s downtown and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. “I was a pessimist, not an optimist, when we were asked to start this but it’s working.”
And it’s working despite inclement weather that’s forced the cancelation of some service days, as well as
or pedestrian amenities.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, the island’s representative on the MPO, told The Islander, “It was good to hear that.”
Chappie said to complete the four-laning of Cortez Road and then the new bridge “would be perfect to help with traffic, not just coming … onto the island but more so I think we would see a tremendous difference in traffic leaving the island with you immediately getting into two lanes going off the island.”
The concept of four-laning the replacement Cortez Bridge isn’t new. It came up during the project development and environment study and at previous meetings on barrier island traffic needs.
“They’re not talking … a redesign of the structure itself,” Chappie said. “The width is what it is. The height is what it’s supposed to be or what they want it to be and this would just be realigning the stripes on the road.”
two major hurricanes that closed the Anna Maria City Pier, eliminating one of three service stops.
In the first year of operation, the service moved 27,000 passengers but lost 148 days due to weather.
In year two, the passenger count has climbed 44% to exceed 40,000 so far and the lost days have declined despite hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall.
Those storms, in addition to taking out a landing, disrupted operations at the pier in Bradenton Beach.
“With the hard work of Mayor (John) Chappie’s organization, we were able to quickly partner and get Bridge Street rebuilt to at least get a two-stop ferry service. So that’s where we’re at today. It’s going to take you about 40 minutes, 45 minutes to get from downtown Bradenton to Historic Bridge Street,” Falcione said.
And where might the service, which currently operates two pontoon catamarans, be by next year?
Rebuilding a stop in Anna Maria might be more
A dOt map shows the bridge project area.
Islander courtesy Image
Preconstruction work, including utility relocation, is taking place ahead of the bridge construction, which is planned for fiscal 2026.
The DOT plans to replace the 1959 drawbridge with a high fixed-span bridge with a 65-foot vertical clearance from the mean high-water line.
than a year away, but Falcione said a new 60-foot boat that can carry 93 passengers, including 35 indoor seats, will be “in service hopefully before the end of the calendar year.”
The new vessel could be what’s needed to implement a program to move workers between the mainland and the island.
Falcione also said the county continues to pursue adding a ferry stop at the South Coquina Boat Ramp, which could help boost the number of county residents using the service since “Coquina Beach is one of the beaches of choice for the residents.”
The county also has had discussions with Palmetto officials about building a ferry stop at the Palmetto Estuary, which is near the Bradenton Area Convention Center and a newer Marriott Resort.
Falcione said guests could “jitney down to the estuary,” hop a ferry and reach Bradenton’s riverfront or Anna Maria Island.
Modern Chop Happy Hour Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only. ▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.
▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only. ▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass ▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour in the lounge all nite.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
One mother’s love for her daughter has driven an emergency contact registry program all the way from Anna Maria Island to Washington, D.C.
What began with the sudden loss of her daughter in a crash has grown into a movement that could be recognized at the congressional level.
Christine Olson, founder of To Inform Families First initiative, told a packed room at the Manatee Community Foundation in Bradenton Oct. 2 about how her life was transformed by tragedy 19 years ago.
On Dec. 7, 2005, Olson’s 22-year-old daughter, Tiffiany Marie, was killed when a driver ran a stop sign and struck a motorcycle Tiffiany and her boyfriend were riding. Tiffiany died instantly; her boyfriend survived only minutes longer.
Olson, who was just 15 minutes away from the crash site, said it was more than six hours before authorities notified her.
“It took six and a half hours for me to be notified,” Olson said. “All they (first responders) have is what’s on the driver’s license… .But Tiffiany’s not at her address. So, who do I contact? Who can they notify on your behalf?”
At the time, Olson had been working for more than two decades as a server at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. From the pier community, she began sharing her idea: a way to attach emergency contacts to a driver’s license.
“I just started asking people on the island,” she said. “They thought, wow, this is amazing. We started a petition drive. The cook in the kitchen at the Rod & Reel Pier, Captain John, made the petition. The petition went crazy.”
With help from then-state Rep. Bill Galvano, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department embraced the idea.
On Oct. 2, 2006, Olson became the first person to register emergency contact information in a driver database.
Olson called it the TIFF program: “A tool for every single law enforcement officer, to have in their tool belt. When they respond to an emergency, they have this tool that they simply swipe a license and it says, ‘If I hurt, contact this person on my behalf.’”
Nineteen years later, Olson said more than 22 million Floridians are registered and 18 states have adopted similar programs.
Her advocacy, once fueled by grief, is now on the
confirmed legislation will be introduced by the end of 2025. The proposal will be called the To Inform Families First Act of 2025.
Two other speakers Oct. 2, Kim Miele and Bob Gibbons, also shared their stories of loss and survival. Miele described waiting five hours to be notified of her husband’s death in 2014.
“It just bothers me so much that somebody could have been with him,” Miele said.
Gibbons recounted his daughter Georgia’s nearfatal crash in 2012 and her recovery, calling TIFF “a phenomenal program” that should expand.
The event also drew Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells — Olson credited him as a steadfast supporter of TIFF since its inception — and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown — Olson said he’s issued proclamations to raise awareness.
Olson said she hopes TIFF goes nationwide.
“By Oct. 2, 2026, I want to have this to every single person in the United States of America,” she said.
edge of national recognition.
Olson said U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R- Longboat Key, has agreed to champion TIFF at the federal level. She met with Buchanan recently and said his office
T-end work will include roof and siding repairs, replacing doors, redoing bathrooms and deck repair. The city will take bids for the work.
Short also said a barge was set to arrive in three weeks for the clearing work.
“We’re attacking this on both ends. We’re not going to wait until the walkway is done before we deal with the T-end,” Short said.
As for a timeline for the walkway rebuild, the RFP stipulates that the contractor must be out of the water by the end of March 2026.
By that point, pilings should be driven and decking should be ready for installation, among other things, so it is not a final completion date.
Short expects the pier to reopen next fall.
Brian Seymour, co-owner of the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop, asked during public comment if there was any news about Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory’s future on the T-end.
Short said he had yet to receive a commitment “one way or the other” from Mote about its potential return to its Marine Science Education and Outreach Center.
Through the pain of losing her daughter, Olson has carried forward what she calls Tiffiany’s legacy.
“It takes all of use to take a first step,” Olson said. “I am the story why the state of Florida did this, but they are the ones that have the program.”
The city of Anna Maria received nine bids to rebuild the city pier’s destroyed walkway, including bids of:
• $12,157,484.56 from Bradenton-based Quality Marine Construction Inc.;
• $10,349,765.20 from Palm Harbor-based Southern Road and Bridge LLC;
• $7,598,747.16 from Panama City-based RJ Gorman Contracting LLC;
• $7,466,298.07 from West Palm Beach-based YC Group LLC;
• $6,482,550 from Texas-based Russell Marine LLC;
• $6,148,224 from West Park-based Shoreline Foundation Inc.;
• $6,141,153.09 from Washington-based Ballard Marine Construction LLC;
• $5,389,225.45 from Fort Pierce-based Underwater Engineering Services Inc.;
• $4,641,239 from Gibsonton-based Tampa Bay Marine Inc.
— Ryan Paice
5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10
Celebrating
Sidewalk
Pink”
Raffles • Refreshments
Support local artists and artisans and support local business! Paintings, prints, jewelry, mosaics, sculpture, book art, photography and much more! All at the GUILD GALLERY in the Island Shopping Center, Holmes Beach.
BB pOSt cOntInued FROM PAge 1 an associate with the USPS suggested the location might not reopen.
“Two days ago, I got a phone call and I was told that it was a done deal and they’re not going to open up,” he said, though no official announcement has been made.
Chappie said he contacted U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s office and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s office to press postal officials in Washington, D.C.
The Bradenton Beach post office has functioned as a hub since the 1970s, offering full USPS services and distributing mail. If it closes permanently, service would shift to Longboat Key or Anna Maria.
“I think we should do everything possible to keep the post office here,” Chappie said. “If people want the post office to stay, they need to contact their representatives.”
The mailing address for Buchanan’s Longboat Key office is 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 210, Longboat Key, FL 34228; and the office phone number is 941-951-6643.
The mailing address for Scott’s Tampa office is 801 N. Florida Ave. Suite 421, Tampa FL 33602; and the phone number is 813-225-7040.
The mailing address for U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody’s Tampa office is 801 N. Florida Ave., Suite 1108, Tampa, FL 33602; and the D.C. phone number is 202224-3041.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
The Bradenton Beach City Commission began its search for an interim city attorney Oct. 2, seeking to replace longtime counsel Ricinda Perry, who resigned Sept. 18.
Land-use attorney Robert Lincoln, who has been filling in since Perry’s departure, told commissioners he could not serve as interim attorney due to other commitments. Still, he urged the city to move deliberately in appointing a temporary replacement while preparing a request for proposals for a permanent attorney.
“This is an important transition,” Lincoln said. “You want to take your time, make sure you can do a good request for proposal and a comprehensive search. In the meantime, it would be helpful to have an experienced person or firm supporting you.”
Lincoln presented two candidates for consideration: Erica Augello, city attorney for Holmes Beach and a member of the Trask Daigneault law firm, and Regina Kardash, a veteran municipal attorney who has represented Indian Shores, Belleair Shore, Tarpon
Springs and other coastal communities.
Commissioners weighed both options. Several noted that Trask Daigneault already works with Bradenton Beach through the Florida League of Cities on an insurance claim, giving the firm familiarity with city issues.
Mayor John Chappie told the commission he spoke with Holmes Beach officials, who, “think the world of Erica and the firm and everything they’ve done in legal issues.”
Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said she favored hiring a full-service firm and highlighted her past work with attorney Robert Eschenfelder, another member of Trask Daigneault.
Amy L. Waterbury of Bradenton, who won the second week of the Islander’s 2025 top notch weekly contest and then the grand prize, is pictured in September at a downtown Bradenton coffee shop. She took home $100 from the Islander and a gift bag including certificates and gift cards from Islander partners, including Artist Haven AMI, Sun n Surf Beach Shop, Pink Pearl Resort Wear and Hurricane Hank’s Pub & grill. Waterbury’s winning photo of a rainbow over the gulf of Mexico was taken at coquina Beach. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
“I worked very closely with him at Manatee County when I was the records manager and handled all their Freedom of Information Act requests,” Scaccianoce said. “He’s outstanding.”
Commissioner Ralph Cole added that a firm could provide greater flexibility.
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“I do like the idea of having a firm, too, because then you have more heads,” Cole said. “If someone can’t make a meeting, there’s always someone to help them out.”
Commissioner Scott Bear said he wanted clarity on who from Trask Daigneault would serve as the city’s point attorney, noting possible conflicts if Augello continued representing Holmes Beach.
“I’d like to know for certain who Trask is going to recommend as the person,” Bear said.
The commission reached consensus to hold a workshop Oct. 7 to meet with Augello and Kardash before deciding.
A formal vote on an interim appointment is expected Oct. 16.
Until then, Lincoln will continue advising the city on land-use matters and supporting the planning and zoning board.
Bradenton Beach was a hub of activity long ago when the first and only bridge to the island connected the southernmost city to the mainland.
Back then a mail truck hobbled across the rickety wooden bridge from Cortez and delivered to small offices in Bradenton Beach and then rumbled on dirt and shell roads through dense island swamps of trees and mosquitoes to Anna Maria for delivery.
Eventually, Bradenton Beach became a full-service postal facility, where trucks spanned out across Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach for delivery and pickup services to homes and businesses. Anna Maria opted out of home delivery.
In the 1970s, Bradenton Beach drew postal and state officials to an opening for a new facility on Bridge Street and the late Islander editor, Paul Roat, a young boy then, ws there with his parents for the festivities.
Paul’s dad, Don, worked at the Bradenton Beach Post Office. Jeanne, his mother, worked at the hardware store for a time, and then in a law office in Bradenton. The Roat family first came to AMI many years earlier to operate a small cluster of cottages that were frequented by the Michigan Roats in the off-season.
They were part of the community that included a small grocery store, a gas and service station and a bait shop, among others, all there to service the needs of a growing city.
I’m quite sure the residents would all shudder at the idea of losing any of those key elements of the community — but especially the post office and the library.
But it’s starting to look as though the last of the residents are holding onto the remnants of the community bond — the glue that held it all together.
Now, with only 479 voters among the property owners in Bradenton Beach, it’s tourism hot spot.
Once upon a time, not so long ago when our county government proposed to run a trolley from AMI to Longboat Key. the LBK folks raised objections to trolleys running folks from a honky-tonk — Bradenton Beach — through their posh resort town.
Yes, Bradenton Beach once had a reputation for its bars and loud music — sometimes called a “quiet drinking town with a fishing problem.”
But at least the post office maintained respectability and the city turned things around with tourism.
Cross your fingers that we keep the postal service in Bradenton Beach. And the library, too.
Or maybe there’s an empty bank or a building nearby for sale to accommodate the city’s needs?
Please, let’s fight to save the neighborhood.
— Bonner Joy
In August, two swimmers lost their lives at Bean Point — notorious for strong currents and rapidly changing conditions.
Despite warning signs, visitors are drawn to its beauty, often unaware of its dangers. The city created a no-swim zone at Bean Point, but the mayor vetoed the ordinance citing concerns over enforcement.
From the Oct. 5, 1995,
• Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola announced she would not seek reelection. Pierola, mayor since 1989, accepted an appointment to the Florida Beaches and Shores Preservation Association. “I’m going to give the director position 110%,” she said.
• Anna Maria Commissioner Mark Ratliff resigned, announcing plans to sell his Gulf Drive home and move to Sarasota.
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We know that lifeguards dramatically reduce the risk of drowning and injury at beaches. Manatee County Beach Patrol employs EMT-certified staff with emergency medical experience, who are also highly skilled watermen.
the
At county-patrolled beaches, lifeguards have a track record of successful rescues and injury prevention.
Placing a lifeguard stand at Bean Point would allow trained professionals to actively patrol and respond in real time.
Lifeguards are a critical resource that can save lives while strengthening community trust.
It’s time for Anna Maria Island and its city leaders to support a lifeguard presence where it is needed most.
A lifeguard stand at Bean Point is a simple and effective step everyone can rally behind. Let’s make our beaches safe for everyone and put lifeguards where they’re needed most.
Joseph Farabee, Bradenton
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• With the Gulf of Mexico region still reeling from Hurricane Katrina, the federal government caught the attention of locals with a model of what would happen if a Category 4 storm hit Anna Maria Island. The model depicted storm surge of about 16 feet, scouring the island clean.
• Officials celebrated the 100th birthday of Passage Key, the second national wildlife refuge established by Theodore Roosevelt in October 1905. The key, closed to the public, disappeared from view not long after the ceremony during the intense hurricane season. But it has since reappeared, drawing birders, boaters and nudists near shore.
the
• A 44-year-old Bradenton Beach man died Sept. 30, 2015, while crossing Manatee Avenue West on a bicycle. The man was struck by a vehicle near the entrance to Neal Preserve on Perico Island.
• Jim Lynch resigned from the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board in an email to Mayor Jack Clarke. Lynch was facing questions about whether he and another P&Z member violated the Sunshine Law while attending a noncity meeting.
— Lisa neff
compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org
Monday, Oct. 13
6 p.m. — Art House Cinema, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
• Through October, Island Gallery and Studios “Reimagine and Imagination: Photography and Paper Mache” exhibit by Joe Dombroski and Tom Goldman, 456 Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.
• Through Oct. 10, “Create: An Open, All Media Juried Exhibit,” Herrig Center for the Arts, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Info: 941746-2862.
• Through Jan. 11, “Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.
• Through April 12, 2026, “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.
• 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.
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 16-Nov. 2, Manatee Players’ “Misery,” Bradenton.
• Oct. 18, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.
• Oct. 23-Nov. 1, Manatee Players’ “Hello Dolly,” Bradenton.
• Oct. 30, Hocus Pocus Pops, Bradenton.
• Nov. 1, A Celestial Affair: The Bash at the Bishop, Bradenton.
• Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota Rhinestone Cowboys and National Heroes concert, Bradenton.
• Nov. 13-23, Island Players’ “Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.
• Nov. 16, Island Players’ “Murder by Misadventure” auditions, Anna Maria.
• Dec. 4-21, Manatee Players’ “Frozen,” Bradenton.
• Dec. 7, Bay Chorale’s The Voices of Christmas concert, Bradenton.
• Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota A Christmas Carol Concert, Bradenton.
• Dec. 31, Bradenton Alive New Year’s Eve Celebration, Bradenton.
Thursday, Oct. 9
10 a.m. — Toddler Playdough, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. Saturday, Oct. 11
2-8 p.m. — Bridge Street Merchants Association’s Get Down Sundown celebration, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Info: 941448-7808.
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. org.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 17, Goblin Gathering, Bradenton.
• Oct. 18, Anna Maria Elementary PTO Fall Festival, Anna Maria.
• Oct. 25, Halloween Fall Festival, Palmetto.
• Oct. 31, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trail of Treats, AMI business districts.
• Oct. 31, Bradenton Alive Halloween Celebration, Bradenton.
• Nov. 22, Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.
• Nov. 28, Tree Lighting, Palmetto.
• Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland, Bradenton.
• Dec. 6, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Lester Family Fun Day, Anna Maria.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, 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: www.amirotary.org.
• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-7300016.
• Most third Mondays, 1 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 16, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s Pints for Polio fundraiser, Cortez.
• Nov. 1, League of Women Voters of Manatee County Unite and Rise for Democracy, Bradenton.
• Nov. 1, the Bishop Museum’s A Celestial Affair gala, Bradenton.
• Nov. 8, Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving, Palmetto.
• Nov. 9, Center of Anna Maria Island Community Wellness Day, Anna Maria.
• Nov. 14, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale, Anna Maria.
Friday, Oct. 10
5-7 p.m. — Night Market in the City Center with the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.
• Tuesdays, through April, Anna Maria y Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941- 778-1908.
• Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Coquina Beach Market, south Coquina, Bradenton Beach. Info: coquinabeachmarket.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Info: 941-301-8445.
SAVE THE DATES
• Nov. 14, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach.
• Nov. 29-30, Mistletoe Market, Holmes Beach.
• Dec. 5, Market Night in City Center, Holmes Beach. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI
Wednesday, Oct. 8
10 a.m. — Creative Aging: Pastels, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. Saturday, Oct. 11
10 a.m. — Fire safety, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 17, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Saving Your Belongings workshop, Anna Maria.
• Oct. 24, Florida Maritime Museum Folk School mosaic class, Cortez.
• Oct. 30, Florida Maritime Museum Folk School bonsai class, Cortez.
SPORTS & FITNESS ON AMI
Monday, Oct. 13
2 p.m. — Tai Chi, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 25, Center of Anna Maria Island Youth Athlete Combine, Anna Maria.
• April 2, 2026, Bradenton Marauders season begins. OUTDOORS & NATURE ON AMI
Tuesday, Oct. 14
9 a.m. — Seashell Shore Walk with the Manatee County Natural Resources Department, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: emily.laughlin@mymanatee.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Nov. 8, Kringles & Kayaks benefit, Bradenton.
• Dec. 18-21, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, Bradenton.
KEEP THE DATES
• Through Oct. 31, Sea turtle nesting season continues. •Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season continues.
• Oct. 13, Columbus Day.
• Oct. 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Oct. 31, Halloween.
• Nov. 2, daylight savings time ends.
• Nov. 11, Veterans Day.
• Nov. 27, Thanksgiving.
• Dec. 25, Christmas.
The Sundown Get Down event series, bringing family-friendly street parties to Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street, will return for the 2025-26 season.
The first event 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, will feature music, food and drink, shopping and family fun, as well as a recognition of “heroes who protect, serve and restore our island every day.”
The Bradenton Beach Merchants Association presents the Sundown Get Down events.
For more information, go online to sundowngetdown.com.
The Friends of the Island Library invites patrons to visit the library Oct. 19-Oct. 25, which is National Friends of Libraries Week.
The island group dates to 1965 and opened the first Island Branch Library in a storefront in the Holmes Beach Shopping Center.
The group also raised money to help open the current library at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in December 1982.
Today, the group supports the library with programs, services and funding for improvements, including the mural on the west side of the building, new furniture and the renovation of the meeting room.
Some of the money is raised with the group’s annual jewelry sale, which will be held in March 2026 and which is stocked with donations.
For more information, call the library at 941-7786341 or go to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org.
Submit your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, travel photos, fishing, sports and event news and photos to news@islander.org.
Share the fun.
market returns
graham, left,
a “paint around” at the Artists’ guild gallery, 5414 Marina drive,
night Market. the first night Market of the 2025-26 season will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6694. Islander File
Gathering By Lisa Neff
The Longboat Island Chapel will celebrate the fall season with OktoberFest!, described in a chapel newsletter as “an awesome feast.”
The event will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Shook Fellowship Hall at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.
For more information or reservations, call 941383-6491.
The volunteers with Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria issued a late-August request to boost the pantry’s supplies.
The list includes toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, travel toiletries, canned peas, canned carrots, canned black beans, canned kidney beans and canned fruit.
Donations can be dropped off at the Roser Memorial Community Church office, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Financial donations can be mailed to Roser Church, PO Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or sent online at www.roserchurch.com/give.
For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.
Wildlife Inc. is seeking volunteers to help care for rescued animals at the Bradenton Beach-based rehab center, which also is the home of founders Ed and Gail Straight.
The animal rescue recently issued a call for help, stating, “After suffering severe hurricane damage, the rescue center is now full opened again. … The damaged equipment has been replaced. Now what we need most is volunteers!”
Volunteers work four hours a week, generally a morning shift that begins at 7:30 a.m. or an afternoon shift that begins at 2:30 p.m.
Applications are online at wildlifeinc.org.
To contact Wildlife Inc, call 941-778-6324,
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• All Island Denominations offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769.
• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.
• Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
Aqua Adventures, coastal conservation Association of Florida, egmont Key Alliance, Hubbard’s Marina, Riverside tours, AMI dolphin tours and more.
Jessica Rhodes, James Mains and Alex Lowe-Mains, center, guide volunteers to their cleanup zones on egmont Key. A lot of debris was left on egmont during hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall. Islander Photos: Ingrid Mcclellan
Volunteers disembark Sept. 27 from an AMI dolphin tours boat onto egmont
for
More than 250 volunteers registered for the great egmont Key cleanup. Some volunteers arrived by their own vessels, others arrived on vessels provided by Hubbard’s Marina Ferry departing from tierra Verde, Riverside tours departing from Palmetto and AMI dolphin tours departing from Holmes Beach.
• Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.
• Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, which is closed for repair, seeks a temporary space — a pop-up space — for public exhibits. Info: 941-708-6120.
• Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.
• Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers to “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.
— Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org.
They call it “service above self.”
The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island is seeking sponsors for a Pints for Polio fundraiser set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez.
Sponsors will receive a commemorative pint glass for their support of Rotary’s 40-year campaign to eradicate polio.
There are three sponsor levels: $100, $350 and $500.
For more info, contact Rotary’s Jim McDaniel at 413-210-6921 or jim.mcdaniel2012@gmail.com.
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program announced a transition in leadership, with Dr. Ryan Gandy taking over the executive director position from Dr. David Tomasko Nov. 17.
gandy
Tomasko took on the role in November 2020.
Gandy holds a Ph.D. in wildlife and fisheries science, an M.S. in mariculture from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in marine biology from the University of Charleston, according to a news release from SBEP.
Over his 15-year tenure as a research scientist and research administrator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gandy led the development of programs focused on research, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, citizen science, fisheries management and the restoration of shellfish resources.
For the past year, he has worked as SBEP’s science and restoration manager.
“While we’ve made significant progress in restoring bay health and increasing marine habitat, our coastal ecosystem still faces challenges. I look forward to working with our partners and the community to strengthen the estuary’s resilience for the benefit of all,” Gandy said in the release.
— Lisa neff
cortez Village Historical Society president cindy Rodgers, left, and volunteer Bob Hooper prepare to plant one of 101 native flowering plants Oct. 4 at the entrance to the cortez cultural center, 11655 cortez Road W., cortez. centeR: Volunteers Paul dryfoos and RIgHt: Alan garner. Islander
Photos: Robert Anderson
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Work improving a stretch of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach is set to begin soon.
City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 25 to approve a $1,731,614.43 contract with Tampa-based Harris-McBurney Company to complete improvements on Gulf Drive and from from Gulf Drive to Marina Drive as well as 55th and 56th streets.
Harris-McBurney was one of five contractors that submitted bids. Details on the other bids were not recieved by press time for The Islander.
The improvement work will involve milling and resurfacing some roadway, installing a tide valve and new stormwater drainage pipelines, eight new solar-powered flashing street beacons, as well as new pedestrian crosswalk markings and roadway striping.
City engineer and public works director Sage Kamiya said 50% of the project cost would be funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through its Resilient Florida Program, which aims to protect inland waterways, coastlines and shores.
There was no public comment.
Kamiya told The Islander Oct. 2 that a project
need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gift@ the HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Ask about our personal and pet portraits. emersonshumor.com
start date had yet to be determined.
The contractor will have 180 days from the date of a notice to proceed to complete the project but can request up to two 30-day extensions for completion.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800-779-3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com
TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER “AD-VISER” INGRID McCLLELAN AT 941-778-7978.
TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER SALES DIRECTOR TONI LYON 941.928.8735 OR toni@islander.org
A Bradenton Beach public works truck is partly buried Sept. 28, 2024, as a result of flood waters from Hurricane Helene. Helene brought a storm surge of 5-7 feet to Anna Maria Island on the night of Sept. 26, 2024, and, along with a high tide and hurricane force gusts, resulted in severe damage across the island cities. Islander File Photo: Robert Anderson
StOrM LOSSeS cOntInued FROM PAge 1
storm losses to 14
plete another two phases of infiltration trench repair work to get the infrastructure back to where it used to be.
While the city will front the more than $2 million cost to complete all three phases, it is seeking 75% reimbursement funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help shoulder the load.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short told The Islander Oct. 2 that the city planned to complete “some” infiltration repair work over fiscal 2025-26, but only in areas where localized fl ooding was “really bad” or where the trenches had been shown to help reduce stormwater buildup.
He said he was not a “fan” of infiltration trenches since people expect them to address localized flooding when they are primarily intended to filter runoff, not drain it.
On the other hand, the city has contracted Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc. to clean out and regrade 11,000 linear feet of swales — shallow ditches intended to collect stormwater runoff and prevent flooding.
Short said C-Squared was set to start work on the swales by the week of Oct. 6.
While last year’s hurricanes resulted in extensive repairs for the two cities’ stormwater infrastructure, they also might lead to changes moving forward.
Short said the city plans to conduct a resiliency study to determine potential solutions for dealing with stormwater buildup and localized flooding down the line.
“I think this resiliency study is going to point us in the right direction. Whether it’s swales. Maybe it’s more pipes and pumps. We don’t know,” he said. “I’m sure we’re going to find out there are better, longerterm solutions.”
For the city of Holmes Beach, Kamiya said last year’s storms could be partly credited — alongside the municipality’s goal to continuously improve upon itself — for changing the way they look at certain projects.
One of those changes involves topping infiltration trenches with soil and sod instead of leaving stone exposed.
Kamiya said topped trenches were better protected from sediment, improving their survivability and maintenance requirements, as well as more aesthetically pleasing.
“I think the community is going to start seeing the infiltration that goes in look a little different,” he said.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie did not respond to The Islander’s inquiries as of press time Oct. 6.
Anna Maria No new reports.
Bradenton Beach
Sept. 25, 2653 Gulf Drive S., Coquina Boat Ramp South, injury. Manatee County emergency services were called after a boater was injured while stepping from a vessel onto the dock. The subject was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Sept. 26, 200 block of Gulf Drive South, stolen vehicle. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a stolen vehicle report. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Cortez
No new reports.
Holmes Beach
Sept. 23, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, surrendered firearms. A man entered the HBPD to surrender two firearms damaged in last year’s storms. A police officer placed them in storage.
Sept. 26, 400 block of 62nd Street, potential fraud. An attorney called the HBPD to report that an unknown person stole and cashed a $10,500 check from his client’s front porch.
Sept. 26, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive,
Holmes Beach police arrested Robert Randolph, 36, of Bradenton, Sept. 26 on a second-degree felony charge for alleged robbery without weapon.
Two officers responded around 5 p.m. to reports of shoplifting at Publix Liquors, 505 Manatee Ave. W., involving a man last seen near the Manatee Public Beach.
The officers found a man matching the description sitting on a bus bench in the 4700 block of Gulf Drive and a Publix employee confirmed he was the shoplifter.
Security camera footage of the incident confirmed the employee’s claim and Randolph admitted to taking two bottles of liquor, which the offi cers found in a nearby trash receptacle.
The officers arrested Randolph and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody with a $15,000 bond as of Oct. 1.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree felony charge includes up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a fine of up to $10,000.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice
FROM PAge 14
trespassing. An HBPD offi cer responded to a call from the cafe at the beach about a drunk man, who staff wanted removed from the area. The officer found the man drinking from a bottle of gin and escorted him to the parking lot. The offi cer confi scated the alcohol and trespassed the man, who refused to leave. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail.
Sept. 29, Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., Marchman Act. People flagged down an HBPD patrol officer and pointed him to an intoxicated woman in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. The officer spoke with the woman, who showed signs of intoxication or disorientation, but did not have her keys in the vehicle’s ignition. She said she had a heart condition but did not elaborate, so the officer requested Manatee County Emergency Medical Services. After an evaluation, medics said the woman’s disorientation was likely due to alcohol consumption. The officer placed the woman in protective custody and EMS transported her to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.
Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
— Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice
Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach police arrested Palmetto resident Matthew McClanahan, 20, Sept. 23 on two alleged third-degree felonies — fleeing to elude law enforcement and possessing a vehicle with altered vehicle identification numbers.
McClanahan also was arrested for allegedly driving with a suspended, canceled or revoked driver’s license, operating a motorcycle without an endorsement, as well as lacking a motor vehicle registration, all misdemeanors.
A Holmes Beach police officer saw a pair of motorcyclists driving in the 600 block of Manatee Avenue around 10:22 p.m. Neither motorcycle had a license plate and one lacked a headlight, so the officer attempted a traffic stop.
While one motorcyclist pulled over, the other —
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach police arrested resident Evan Purcell, 44, Sept. 28 on a third-degree felony charge for allegedly failing to obey a law enforcement officer’s order to stop.
An officer saw a man driving a golf cart with no headlights, no visible registration decal or license plate in the 500 block of Key Royale Drive around 10:38 p.m. The driver also was not wearing a seat belt.
The officer told Purcell multiple times to pull over so he could conduct a traffic stop, but he refused and continued onto Palm Drive.
The offi cer activated his emergency lights and siren, but Purcell continued driving until the 6600 block of Palm Drive, where he parked.
The officer arrested Purcell and transported him to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where the man complained of a possible panic attack and discomfort in his left arm.
Manatee County Emergency Medical Services was called to the HBPD and medics evaluated Purcell and found no issue or reason for treatment, but he requested transportation to a hospital for further evaluation.
The officer transported Purcell to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, then to the Manatee County jail after he was medically cleared.
Purcell was released Sept. 29 after he posted $2,500 bond.
If convicted, punishments 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.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
later identified as McClanahan — tried to flee.
The officer pursued McClanahan and ordered him to stop, which is when he learned McClanahan did not have a driver’s license or motorcycle endorsement and was on probation.
He said he purchased the motorcycle earlier that day, but could not provide a title or proof of registration.
The officer also found that the motorcycle’s VIN had been tampered with.
The officer arrested McClanahan and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody with a $5,450 bond as of Oct. 1.
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 charge includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Inspector Lisa Sedillo of the West Manatee Fire Rescue district, is equipped in full firefighting gear as she leads a fire- and life-safety presentation Sept. 24 at the Loveland center, 5704 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. the Loveland center is a nonprofit focused on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Islander Photo: courtesy WMFR
By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter
Youth soccer action kicked off at the Center of Anna Maria Island Sept. 30 with action in the 8-10 and 11-13 age divisions.
Action in the 8-10 division got started with Solid Rock Construction defeating Beach Bums 5-3 behind two goals each from Elijah Roadman and Kierstyn Darak. Jeremiah Raulerson added a goal and Samuel Raulerson made three saves in the victory.
Louis Bacon paced Beach Bums with three goals while Gia Ciasullo made four saves in the loss.
The second 8-10 division match saw Moss Builders top Vida Sports Ministry 2-0 behind two goals from Finn Viehman and two saves from Titus Moss. Everett Hood stood out for Vida Sports Ministry with nine saves in the loss.
The last 8-10 match of the night saw Adrian Griffin Interiors edge AMI Outfitters 3-2. Jackson Griffin led the way with three goals and Houston Winn helped preserve the victory with five saves.
Judah Treworgy paced AMI Outfitters with a goal and eight saves. Phoenix Harwood added a goal and Deacon Bekkerus added two saves in the loss.
Action in the 11-13 division kicked off with Print Wizzards cruising to a 6-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind four goals from Luca Viehman and two goals from Parker Svoboda. Kellen Reed made 10 saves in the victory.
Callin Westfall scored three goals to lead Solid
Rock Construction, which also received four saves from Isaac Roadman in the loss.
The last match of the evening saw La Creperie earn a 2-0 victory over AMI Coconuts. Tristan Hagey scored two goals and Jordan Tobey came through with seven saves in the victory.
Leo Tyler made four saves to lead AMI Coconuts in the loss.
Key Royale golf news
Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started Sept. 29 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Ron Huibers carded a plus-5 to take first place by a point over Ken Nagengast and Terry Schaefer who tied for second place at plus-4.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Sept. 30. Jackie Gorski fired a 1-over-par 33 to take first place by a stroke over Sue Wheeler. Rene Chapman, Linda Dorsey and Mary Wilkie finished in a three-way tie for third at 4-over-par 36.
Club members played a nine-hole scramble Oct.
Slim’s Place’s chase Richardson, Jacob Robertson, Jasmine Muldoon, connor Ludwig and tim Holly celebrate winning the center’s adult football championship Oct. 3 at Palma Sola Park. Slim’s defeated Solid Rock construction 39-32 in the semis and followed up with a 32-27 victory over Solid Rock Electrical, after Solid Rock Electrical advanced to the championship on a 40-33 victory over coaster continent. Islander Photo: courtesy cofAMI
2 that saw the team of Scott Mitchell, Mike Riddick, Warren Stevens and Quentin Talbert combine on a 2-under-par 30 to win the day’s proceedings.
Horseshoe action
Two teams forged 3-0 pool play records and settled things in a playoff during Oct. 1 horseshoe action for the AMI Pitchers at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Tom Farrington and Steve Kriebel defeated Bob Hawks 24-11 to earn bragging rights for the day.
Three teams advanced to the playoffs during Oct. 4 horseshoe action. Steve Doyle and Gary Howcroft drew the bye into the finals and watched as Gersey Fernandes cruised to a 26-10 victory over Farrington and Tim Sofran. Fernandes stayed hot, rolling past Doyle and Howcroft by a 23-2 score.
The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
FAR LEFt: Slim’s Place tim Holly breaks up a pass intended for Solid Rock receiver Kevin Roman during semifinal action in the community center’s adult flag football league. Islander Photo: Kevin P. cassidy
LEFt: tom Farrington and Steve Kriebel team up for a win at the Oct. 1 horseshoe competition with a 24-11 victory over Bob Hawks. Islander Photo: courtesy AMI Pitchers
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
One might call it a hurricane party.
A year after Helene and Milton buried Anna Maria Island in storm surge, sand and debris, merchants along Bridge Street — the heart of Bradenton Beach’s business district — are preparing to mark their resilience with a street party and centennial celebration.
Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street Merchants Association will host the Sundown Get Down: Rock the Block Saturday, Oct. 11, transforming Bridge Street into a pedestrian-only festival zone 2- 8 p.m. The serves as a salute to first responders who helped return the city and the 100-year anniversary of the Drift-In AMI bar, one of the city’s oldest establishments.
“This will be our capstone, if you will — kind of birthday party… 100 years for Drift-In,” said owner Derek Williams, who also serves as president of the merchants association.
Williams, who spoke with The Islander Sept. 30, credits the merchants’ survival to grassroots cooperation and the city’s emergency response. “The convoy concept that the chief (John Cosby) put in place was, just again, wonderful from our standpoint,” Williams said. “We would all come out together and work together to help each other dig out our businesses. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears, so to speak.”
After the storms, restaurant owners provided hot meals, shopkeepers shared generators and freezer space and neighbors pitched in.
John Horne of Anna Maria Oyster Bar fed cleanup crews, while Bridge Tender Inn employees and residents from the Pines Trailer Park hauled coolers, water and equipment. “There were a number of folks from Pines who knew they couldn’t get back into their homes, but they still came out and gave their time,” Williams said. “They brought four-wheelers and coolers and ice and water, and they were selfless. They really helped us all.”
Cosby, the city’s emergency manager, said merchant convoys and daily debris meetings made all the difference in the recovery. “That’s why we didn’t lose businesses,” Cosby said in a Sept. 19 interview with The Islander. “We wanted to make sure they had dumpsters, power and a chance to get moving. By February, the businesses were up and running.”
While reopenings came relatively quickly for some, not all recovery is complete. Amanda Escobio Ryan, owner of Searenity Spa, said her recovery is ongoing.
Her boutique and massage hut, which opened in Bradenton Beach in 2010, were rebuilt within months, but her larger spa in Anna Maria is shuttered while she awaits permits. “We’re still down about 50% on the spa side and on the staff side,” Ryan said. “Tourism
hasn’t fully come back. Some people don’t want to work on the island anymore. But I’m happy to be here and slowly be making my way back.”
Ryan credited community ties for keeping her business afloat. “Being part of a group made all the difference,” she said.
On Oct. 11, Bridge Street will showcase that resilience with a recognition ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Bridge Street Pavilion, discounts for first responders and essential workers, live music, food, family activities and an inaugural cornhole tournament.
At the Drift-In, the centennial celebration will feature live music all day, limited-edition merchandise, a Budweiser “Cabana Up” cool zone in the parking lot, and the unveiling of a 6-foot-tall Babe Ruth statue and a game bat used by Ruth on display in the bar.
Williams said the milestone is more than a birthday party — it’s a chance to show that Bridge Street is back.
“It’s worth the time to come out and enjoy such a beautiful piece of paradise. The businesses out there are working really hard … they need your support.”
For Bridge Street, the Oct. 11 celebration will serve as a symbolic closure to the storms’ aftermath — and a chance to honor those who carried the community through its darkest days.
“There is a lot to celebrate,” Ryan said. “Particularly this year.”
By Lisa Neff Islander Editor
Tourists continued to shell out for Manatee County rentals in August.
The county collected $1,985,837 from its monthly “bed tax,” a 6% levy on overnight accommodations of six months or less.
The figure represents a 10.285% increase from the August 2024 tourist tax revenue, when the tax rate was 5% rather than 6%.
Heading into the fi nal month of its fi scal year, the county reported earnings of $30,506,587 and was expected to pass the record $30,540 set in 2023-24 when September’s numbers are added to the total for fiscal 2024-25 — and that’s with the impact of hurricanes last fall.
Historically, unincorporated Manatee County and Holmes Beach have jockeyed for the top collection.
In August, unincorporated Manatee accommodations yielded $746,695 or 37.60% of the earnings pie, while Holmes Beach accommodations generated $502,424 in tax dollars or 25.30%.
Anna Maria sleepovers produced $311,815 or 15.7%, and Bradenton Beach accommodations generated $88,648 or 4.46%.
Bradenton generated $173,432 or 8.73%, Long-
Source: Manatee county
boat Key grossed $131,215 or 6.61% and Palmetto held down the reporting at $31,635X or 1.59%.
The revenues do not go directly to the municipalities where the accommodations generating the taxes are located but instead to a pot that gets portioned out by the county under the advice of the tourist development council.
Per state law, the tax dollars must be used to drive tourism-bolstering initiatives and have funded beach renourishment projects on the island, as well as the construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier and the commissioning of two boats for a ferry service.
By capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter
As water temperatures slowly drop around Anna Maria Island, the fishing really heats up.
Water temps approaching 90 degrees — like we experienced this past summer — are now behind us. Although we’re still seeing temps in the 80s, a slight drop can make a huge difference. Our present water temps are more tolerable for humans and the fish we target, which is resulting in some great action on the fl ats and in the Gulf of Mexico.
The most apparent is the arrival of a variety of migratory species. Along the beaches, jack crevelle, ladyfish, blue runners and Spanish mackerel can be seen crashing bait schools within 50 yards of shore, putting on spectacular shows as they feast from below and the shore birds attack from above.
Larger migratory fish like cobia and kingfish, are being found in slightly deeper water in the Gulf at the artificial reefs and wrecks as they bounce from one structure to the next in search of bait schools.
You might encounter bonito and large Spanish mackerel in these areas. And, of course, with all this commotion going on, you can bet there are plenty of sharks on the prowl. Blacktip, spinner and sandbar sharks are the most frequent sightings, although hammerhead and lemon sharks cruising the near shore are not a surprising occurrence.
Moving inshore, redfish are being found around a variety of places, including mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, docks and in the passes. Live shiners as bait work in most of the locations, although, as you may know, redfish aren’t opposed to eating a dead bait
capt. David White fished with family Oct. 4 and daughter cameron Lee, 7, came up with a wining fish dinner — a nice redfish. She caught it using a live shiner while her captain, “Dad,” worked the mangrove shoreline in the back country.
Mason Richert, 14, left, and Bam Gartman, celebrating his 15th birthday Sept. 24 on a guided fishing trip in Sarasota Bay with capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria charters, show off their keepers. the pair caught plenty of fish, but these three — two redfish and a snook — were keepers for the day. the teens are both residents of Palma Sola.
either. Try fresh-cut pieces of ladyfish or finger mullet and hang onto your rod.
Snook fishing is on the upswing as the linesiders
are starting to make their way from the beaches and back into the flats. Finding them in the passes will yield good action and a chance to sight cast to larger fish if the water is clear.
Lastly, spotted seatrout are active on most grass flats in 4-8 feet of water. Free-lined baits work best.
Capt. David White is finding plenty of action for his charter-fishing clients while working the inshore waters of Tampa Bay and the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Early morning, outgoing tides yield quite a few snook when casting baits under the mangroves and around oyster bars. The same applies for redfish, which also seem to be feeding on the outgoing tides, according to White.
During the incoming tides, macks and mangrove snapper are being found around structure, both in the bays and in the Gulf.
Limits of mangrove snapper are still attainable and spotted seatrout are being caught regularly over deep grass flats.
Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is venturing offshore with clients on the calmer days to target red grouper and a variety of snappers.
In depths around 100 feet, Mattay has his anglers using live pinfish or shiners combined with a bottom rig to get a bite. Once the bait reaches the bottom, red grouper are quickly leaving their hiding places to take the bait and limits of red grouper are being caught.
Fishing over wrecks and reefs is yielding action on Mattay’s trips, especially on mangrove snapper. With the aid of chumming, the snapper are being caught by freelining live shiners on a jig head behind the boat. Yellowtail snapper also are in the mix.
Moving inshore, Mattay is finding plenty of action on snook while fishing mangrove edges and grass flats adjacent to channels. Redfish are being caught around docks and oyster bars as well as along the beaches.
Lastly, spotted seatrout and mackerel are being found around deep flats where bait schools are present.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
The recreational harvest of snook in all east coast and most west coast regions, including Sarasota Bay, opened Sept 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages harvesting of the popular inshore fisheries using seven metrics to evaluate the fishery by region.
Sarasota Bay
Open: March 1-April 30, Sept. 1.-Nov. 30.
Bag limit: One fish per person per day. Slot limit: 28-33 inches total length.
Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. They collected and maintain The Islander on the library site, since our first edition in 1992, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
Boundaries: The northern coastal boundary in Manatee County is State Road 64 and the region extends south to 27°04.727 north latitude, near the Venice Municipal Airport. This region includes Palma Sola Bay, Phillippi Creek, Cow Pen Slough Canal and Curry Creek. It does not include the Braden and Manatee rivers. For more information, go to myfwc.com/ snook
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The Center of Anna Maria Island has dug a hole for itself to start fiscal 2025-26.
The nonprofit was $182,448 in the red through August, the second month of the new fiscal year, according to a report.
That defi cit includes a $29,112 loss in net ordinary income, which factors in administrative, programming and fundraising revenues and expenses.
While the center has logged program income in both July and August, it has not been enough to outweigh its costs over the same period.
At the same time, fundraising has been hit or miss.
In July, the nonprofit recorded a $19,733.54 loss from fundraising operations. Over that month, the center raised only $2,760.48 despite spending $22,494.02.
In August, the ship righted itself and the center logged $75,595.63 in fundraising revenue — far outpacing the $17,965.82 in direct costs.
However, the resulting $57,629.81 in fundraising income still fell short of outweighing a $58,047.14 loss from operations.
The deficit also includes $153,337 in capital expenses for field maintenance, new sod, fence and roof repairs, as well as a new outdoor scoreboard.
Nevertheless, the community center finds itself in a familiar financial position to last year, when it was $138,351 in the red through August.
The nonprofit ended up finishing fiscal 2024-25 $79,022 in the black.
Executive director Christopher Culhane wrote in an Oct. 2 email to The Islander that the deficit was “still $85,125 better than the budget,” and blamed it on a timing issue.
“All the work from the hurricane repairs is still ongoing, and we should be closer to budget after the next two months,” he wrote.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Discontent with Waste Management’s services in Anna Maria continues to grow.
City officials discussed their ongoing frustrations with the Texas-based company’s services during a Sept. 25 commission meeting — a little over a month since the municipality approved an amended agreement with WM.
In August, city commissioners unanimously voted to amend the municipality’s franchise agreement with WM, which is contracted through June 28, 2026, to provide waste removal services.
Before, the company provided yard waste, recycling and solid waste removal on Mondays, as well as solid waste removal on Thursdays.
As of Oct. 6, recycling and solid waste collection days are Tuesdays and Fridays, with WM picking up half the city’s recycling on Tuesdays and the other half on Fridays.
Yard waste collection is still Mondays and WM’s previous commercial pickup schedule was unchanged.
Another part of the amended agreement was the immediate implementation of citywide side-door service for all residential properties.
Side-door service involves WM employees retrieving, dumping and returning waste bins to the side of houses.
All non-homesteaded residential properties within the city were previously required to obtain the service at an additional cost, but residents complained that WM was inconsistent in its execution.
WM representatives claimed that was due to its employees’ confusion in determining which residential properties were signed up for side-door service and which were not.
That led to a city suggestion to implement citywide side-door service in an attempt to eliminate the inconsistency.
However, city officials said Sept. 25 that WM’s performance is still a source of complaints.
While Commissioner Christopher Arendt said the company has been “perfect” on his street, Commissioner Gary McMullen and Mayor Mark Short said they were still experiencing issues with WM’s service.
Short said he had been “experimenting” by taking his trash out from behind his home and putting it in his driveway for pickup.
Sept. 30 bulges with garbage. Islander
Nevertheless, he noted that his recycling had not been collected during the previous week and, on Sept. 22, neither his trash nor recycling had been taken.
Short said his wife, Pat, called WM the same day and spoke with two different customer service representatives. One did not know the proper collection schedule. The other claimed their residence was not registered for side-door service despite the arrangement for citywide implementation.
Short said he then contacted WM on Sept. 24 and spoke with a supervisor who told him the company had “no record” of citywide side-door service in Anna Maria. WM then failed to collect his garbage and recycling Sept. 25.
“They have failed miserably,” he said. “Every one of you have had challenges. … That is probably the No. 1 complaint we get.”
Commission Chair Charlie Salem said the city should consider including penalties for nonperformance in any future contract with WM.
“They’re not living up to the contract that they signed,” he said.
Short has said that the city will explore proposals from other waste removal proposals when WM’s contract expires next summer.
In the meantime, WM has about eight months on its contract to win back the city’s trust.
Short wrote in an Oct. 3 text message to The Islander that he met with WM representatives Sept. 29 at city hall and had a “good discussion” about the company’s service.
“We expect and anticipate improvement,” he wrote.
The city commission will meet next at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite “COOL” shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents, home decor and special treasures.
Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!
Stop by at our other locations:
Scavengers Marketplace SRQ
1175 N Washington Blvd
Scavengers Palmetto 2100 US Hwy
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 vinyl records.
You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor.
You don’t want to miss this collection.
Across the street from Cat’s Meow, there’s Blue Flamingo, another “must stop,” boasting three large buildings of quirky, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures and nauticals, hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans, as well as Dixie Belle paints.
You’ll also find a new collection from the Gather-
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
ing Place and classy nautical furnishings from the Sea Hagg, formerly in Cortez.
We promise, you will find treasures aplenty. 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 favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.
And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”
By Lisa Neff
Earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 180. Now dozens of environmental groups are calling on the Legislature to make some fixes in the 2026 legislative session.
The measure, also known as the Emergencies Act, restricts local governments from enacting moratoriums, more restrictive land-use regulations or “burdensome’ review processes for one year after a hurricane within 100 miles of their jurisdiction, with the stated goal of facilitating recovery and rebuilding after major storms.
Local governments and a number of citizens and environmental groups have called for the repeal of SB 180’s Section 18 and Section 28, the provisions that freeze local governments from adopting needed landuse policies after natural disasters and halt planning efforts statewide for years.
The provisions also undermine local growth management efforts, open the door to costly litigation and threaten initiatives to protect water, wildlife and public safety.
“Contrary to the stated goal of disaster recovery, tying the hands of local communities striving to address urgent growth and resiliency challenges puts Floridians at even greater risk from flooding, pollution and unchecked sprawl that erodes both the environment and quality of life,” reads a recent letter from 41 organizations to lawmakers.
The provisions that environmental groups are taking issue with did not get debated in committee and now SB 180 is being used to invalidate a range of measures aimed at sustainable growth and environmental protection.
“With SB 180, the Legislature has sabotaged its own efforts to create a safer, more sustainable and
Some repairs are simple… and then there’s the stuff that makes our techs feel like autosurgery specialists.
Ever had an engine that just wouldn’t quit hiding the problem? Sometimes, we literally have to move the engine around just to get to that one tricky part.
It’s like playing Tetris… with a V8. And trust us — no two cars are ever the same! But that’s why we love what we do: the challenge, the precision, and making sure your car leaves our garage running better than ever.
So next time you swing by Grooms Motors, remember… it’s not just a repair — it’s an engineering adventure!
Happy Birthday, Miles!
Dad, your support, love, and endless wisdom mean the world to us. Today, we celebrate YOU—your laughter, your strength, and the fact that you somehow make even the toughest days brighter. Love you!
more affordable future for Floridians,” the letter reads. “Initiatives like septic-to-sewer and stormwater grants to improve water quality and comply with the Clean Water Act, lighting ordinances to protect sea turtle habitat, resilience funding programs and flood insurance rating systems rely on voluntary participation by local governments and often require changes to policies and procedures that could be deemed ‘more restrictive or burdensome.’”
The signers include representatives from 1000 Friends of Florida, Audubon Florida, Center for Biological Diversity, Florida Native Plant Society, Save the Manatee Club, Sea Turtle Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation and the Sierra Club of Florida.
“If Florida is to achieve a sustainable future, maintaining our greatest assets – our environment, quality of life and the economy that depends on both – legislators must fix the fatal flaws in SB 180,” they conclude.
People can read more about SB 180 at 1000fof. org.
By Lisa Neff
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reports just 12 nests remaining on the 7-mile span of island beaches with the season approaching its end on Oct. 31.
“We have been conducting a lot of 70-day excavations on nests that are overdue, many have been washed over by the surf several times this year,” said AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella. “The good news is that some of them have hatched eggs.”
Mazzarella said checking overdue nests provides important data about the number of eggs in a nest, as well as how much overwash a nest can withstand and still hatch.
For the week ending Oct. 3, AMITW reported two nest disorientions with one hatchling found in a pool and another in a parking lot.
Mazzarella said people should still be observing best practices — and following local ordinances — on the beaches: keep lights out or shielded.
“We also remind folks that we share the beach with shorebirds,” Mazzarella said. “Some birds are resting and feeding their young, while others are stopping on AMI to rest and feed during long migratory journeys.”
Before Helene
Julie Hobbs, a USGS hydrologic technician, installs a wave sensor on Long Boat Key Sept. 25, 2024, ahead of Hurricane Helene’s projected landfall Sept. 26, 2024, in Florida. Islander File Photo
Winnie’s swim Winnie, Anna Maria Island’s entry in the 2025 tour de turtles presented by the Sea turtle conservancy, has traveled about 202 miles in the sciencefocused migration marathon. the loggerhead, swimming
in ninth place out of 12 sea turtles, was tagged with a satellite tracker in June at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
As of Oct. 3, AMItW reported 544 total nests, 827 false crawls, 420 hatched nests and 30,613 hatchlings produced.
The Island Experts Since 1972
chef Vincenzo Esposito, more known to islanders as chef Vinny of Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, is celebrating Italian-American Heritage Month in October at his kitchen and market with a few specials. First up, is a buy one, get one free on his “take-n-bake” meals. the dinners, including lasagna, chicken parmagiano and more are handmade by the chef and ready for pickup in the cooler section. they are freezer-ready and the perfect answer to “What’s to eat?” when you get home from a long day of work or play. Just mention the Islander for your BOGO at purchase. Next up on the October specials are gift certificates — buy $100 in certificates and receive an additional $20 worth of certificates. Buy $500 — think holiday gifts for family, staff and friends — and get another $100 in certificates. It’s time to help the locals recover from the storms and a long, slow summer — as well as eat well! — Bonner Joy
By Lisa Neff
Wednesday, Oct. 8
11:30 a.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce Headliners Luncheon, “Innovation in Weathering the Ebbs and Flows in the Market” with Elliott Falcione of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-748-3411, manateechamber.com. IslBiz calendar
Thursday, Oct. 9
11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon, AMOB on the Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, terri@amichamber.org.
Saturday, Oct. 11
2-8 p.m. — Bridge Street Merchants’ Sundown Get Down celebration, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-448-7808.
• Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria.
• Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, BB.
• Oct. 25-26, SeaFlower Bloom by the Bay grand opening and tour, Bradenton.
• Oct. 31, 4 p.m., AMI Chamber Trail of Treats.
• Nov. 13, 4-7 p.m., Manatee Chamber Fall Expo at LECOM Park, Bradenton. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Anna Maria
party on Bridge Street. the Drift’s celebration will feature live music, limitededition merchandise and the unveiling of a Babe Ruth statue, as well as a bat used by the baseball legend. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
By Lisa Neff
Median listing home price: $2.9 million, trending flat year-over-year.
Median sold home price: $1.7 million.
Listings: properties.
Bradenton Beach
Median listing home price: $1.3 million, trending down 1.2% year-over-year.
Median sold home price: $787,500.
Listings: 72 properties.
Holmes Beach
Median listing home price: $1.5 million, down 9.7% year-over-year.
Median sold home price: $1.9 million
Listings: 138 properties.
Source: Realtor.com
WAtERROWER MARK IV natural ash rowing machine with S4 monitor. Made in the USA. Like-new. $750 OBO. Holmes Beach. 941920-3921.
ICE CREAM MAKER: Cuisinart, like new, $50, grill, non-stick tabletop, green pan, like new, $90. 941-920-2494.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE
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).
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com
HAVE A BOAt and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. captain chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
WELcOME ABOARD JOYFISH charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. call to reserve, 941840-3181.
21-FOOT CUDDY cabin: Great for fishing or pleasure. 225 Evinrude. $10,000, with trailer. 941-356-1456.
NOW HIRING: THE White Egret and The Egret’s Nest. We are seeking creative individuals to fill both part-time and full-time positions at our boutiques! Flexible days but, some weekend availability required. Please inquire in person, drop off a resume or call 941-778-3782 for an interview appointment.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@ islander.org
TECH HELP, TUTORING, custom projects: Tutoring (K-6) starts at $12/hour. Tech and projects vary by complexity. Serving Anna Maria Island. dominic.cusimano@gmail.com.
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.
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. 941-896-7884.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
P c OR t E c H issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOtA PAINtING: INtERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: c all or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.
OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-404-9163.
GO t DIRt Y WINDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window cleaning, 207-852-6163.
More ads = more readers in The Islander!
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. call U Plus Me LLc at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
AIRPORt SHUttLE: QUALItY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: c lean, 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.
A c HAUFFER4U FOR t RANSPORtAt ION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.
ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
HOME WAtc HER: 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 SHUttLE Guy: We pick up from tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota airports. Up to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, Licensed and friendly transportation to and from Anna Maria Island. AMIShuttle. com. 941-500-3388.
CLEANING SERVICES: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. Contact Jessica, 941-900-8051.
ST VACATION RENTAL management for your investment home(s) on AMI. From website startups to end cleaning, we market and maintain guest relations for your property. We optimize results at discounted rates. Contact Coastal Vibes at 281-608-4229 or cbuckner124@gmail. com
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. 941920-3840.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. 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.
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
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMEN t S Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?
JRcc Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAIN t ING LL c . Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LL c . 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, 864-884-3380.
tEtI tILE: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. t ile, marble, murals. Free estimates. call John teti, 302983-5774.
TRUE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.
PERICO ISLAND PATIO home: 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423.
CENTRAL HOLMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. Annual, $2,595/month. 941-713-6743.
ANNUAL REN tALS AVAILABLE: Bradenton Beach, 2BR/1BA furnished cottage, $1,800/month, 2BR/2BA furnished home, $2,400/month. Off Island: Perico Isle, 3BR/2BA unfurnished pool home, $3,500/ month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished condo, $3,100/month. All require application, first, last and security. Wagner Realty, 941-778-2246.
SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: Discount for multiple months. 2BR/2BA, second floor condo in Holmes Beach. Pool, tennis/pickleball, in-unit laundry, WiFi, screened lanai, covered parking. Available 2025/26 season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/beach toys, bikes included. Call Jack, 312-835-2323 for more information/ photos.
KEY ROYALE HOME: Beautifully landscaped annual rental. Unfurnished. Fresh interior and exterior with all new appliances. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage. Large pool with heater and chiller. Boat dock and lift on a large canal. $10,000/month. 941-713-1586.
2BR/1BA ANNUAL: 50 yards from beach. Newly renovated, new appliances. Pool. First, last, deposit. 941-726-6597.
AVAILABLE NOW: QUIE t beautiful, bright, sunny condo. 2BR/2BA, nicely furnished, second floor, washer/dryer, screened in lanai overlooking pond, carport, tennis, pools, hot tub, gym, very safe, security gate. Minutes from AMI beaches. $2,300/month, annual, $3,900/month, seasonal. call 952-818-4685.
HOLMES BEA c H WES t BAY c ove condo. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai with bay view and one block to Gulf beach. Pools, tennis, pickleball. December and January, $4,000/month. 941-778-8456. terryaposporos@gmail.com
2BR/2BA WEST BRADENTON. Available December, January, February, March. Inclusive, $3,000 or $2,750. Text 941-962-0971. Suzanne Wilson PA.
2BR/2BA HOLMES BEA c H. Available October, November, April. Monthly $3,400 plus tax and cleaning fee.1-403512-2350.
ANNUAL REN tAL AVAILABLE now! Beautiful 2BR/2BA villa in Pinebrook-Ironwood complex, boasts soaring ceilings updated kitchen and bathrooms and magnificent view of the eighth hole at Pinebrook Golf course. this unit comes with covered parking, pool and lots of amenities. Five miles from Anna Maria Island. $2,300/ month. A must see! call 317-703-0449.
BEAUtIFUL AND cONVENIENt 2BR/2/BA condo (handicap accessible, with elevator access) for rent or sale in Fourth Bayshore Gardens, Bradenton, Florida. Pool, shuffleboard, barbecue and clubhouse for use. Available immediately. Interested, call 401-261-8847 or email marshall. patricia@gmail.com.
MADBEACH SEASONAL: Fully-furnished, secondfloor, 2BR/2BA condo in Madeira Beach for rent Nov., Dec., Jan. April, May. Screened lanai, two pools, park amenities (pickleball included), view of the Intracoastal and short walk to Gulf beaches, restaurants, retail. No smoking. Email connieandlisa@gmail.com
WINNIE M c HALE, REALt OR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams come true.”
2BR/2BA cONDO IN Mt. Vernon for sale. Fully furnished, on lake with view of Sarasota Bay. clubhouse, pool, workout room, and hot tub. Minutes to beaches and shopping. Asking $370,000. call Sharon, 941-730-5645.
BEAcH FIXER 1BR/BA trailer: Partially remodeled in Bradenton Beach $109,500. One-minute walk to beach/bay. 831-212-2606.
NORtH END LONGBOAt Key: Lot and old cottage. Handyman special. 3BR/2BA, one-car garage. $800,000. Or build to suit, new house. call for pricing. Northwest Bradenton custombuilt 2BR/2BA, two-car garage, community pool, spa and boat slips. No-flood zone. $796,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
