CORTEZ – The vision that FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) members had more than 20 years ago to preserve the environmental integrity of coastal land on Sarasota Bay has come to fruition.
The preserve, on 100 acres of coastal wetland between Cortez Road and Sarasota Bay, will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.
The sold-out event will feature speeches from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle and Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.
The FISH Preserve borders the historically significant Cortez commercial fishing village and the waters of Sarasota Bay. It is one of the only untouched waterfront properties on the bay.
The preserve underwent years of environmental restoration which removed exotic vegetation and added waterways to connect to Sarasota Bay and restore aquatic habitats.
“The FISH Preserve came close to getting paved over by developers, however, the community came together to purchase the property in the nick of time,” according to the FISH website. FISH raised the initial funds for the protection of the land in 2000, buying parcels one at a time ever since.
Funding for the first $60,000 mortgage payment on the land was raised from donations from citizens and conservation-minded companies. Years of proceeds from the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival each February and donations from members and friends allowed FISH to pay off their original mortgage.
A major grant was provided by the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, which led to the creation of a tidal stream system. That grant allowed for the creation of new wetland areas and the removal of invasive plants.
“The water quality in Sarasota Bay is improving. Large-scale restoration projects like the FISH Preserve build on that progress to help restore our fish and wildlife populations,” said Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
The preserve is fully restored, but public recreation is currently limited to a few foot trails. FISH and its partners are looking at adding boardwalks, trails and signage.
Restoration of the preserve was a collaborative effort between FISH, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the EPA, the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Retired Chiles Group Chief Financial Officer Martha Wright passed away on Oct. 20.
Martha retired a few years ago and in recent years experienced some lingering health issues. During her time with the Chiles Group (now known as Chiles Hospitality), she played a pivotal role in the success of the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, the BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach and the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub in Longboat Key.
“I had the privilege to work with Martha Wright for 33 years,” Chiles Hospitality founder Ed Chiles said. “If I had to pick one person who was the most responsible for the success we have had for over four decades in this business, it would be Martha. Generations of locals and guests to our area have enjoyed our unique locations and Martha’s passion, dedication and professionalism were instrumental in making that possible.”
Former Chiles Group Marketing Director Caryn Hodge said, “Martha and I worked together for many years at the Chiles Group. She championed me for the position of marketing director. We were not just colleagues, but true friends. We bonded over our shared love and passion for helping homeless pets. We became even closer after she retired, keeping in touch with each other up until her passing. To me, she was a mentor – someone who was a great listener and advice-giver with such patience and love. She was a loyal friend and confidant, and I will miss her so much. The one thing that gives me solace is knowing she is now with her beloved dog and soul mate, Ringo.”
Former Chiles Group Office Manager Lynda Bailey said, “Martha always made me want to do better at work and as a person. I will miss her a lot.”
“Martha’s door was always open,” former Chiles Group IT Manager Lisa Castro said. “She was kind and generous. I’m grateful for her friendship and the time we spent together, and I will miss her dearly.”
Cheryl Wade runs the Gulf Shore Animal League, which Wright was heavily involved in.
“Martha gave generously of her time to volunteer as Gulf Shore Animal League’s treasurer for the past 16 years,” Wade said. “Martha was a compassionate soul and she had a deep love of animals, especially cats. She never looked the other way when there was an animal in need. We are grateful for her enduring friendship, lifelong advocacy for animals and tireless dedication to support our mission to reduce the population of homeless cats in Manatee County through our Trap-Neuter-Return program. Martha’s generous heart and spirit of kindness will stay with us always.”
A celebration of life will be held at The Pavilion at the Sandbar in Anna Maria on Friday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
BRADENTON – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge and Bradenton Moose Lodge threw a fun-filled children’s Halloween party on Oct. 28.
AMI Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach is temporarily closed while the dining room floors are being replaced. The previously scheduled renovations resulted in the lodge needing a place to host its annual children’s Halloween party and Bradenton Moose Lodge #1223 offered its lodge for the occasion.
Upon arrival, the youngsters were greeted by Moose members standing near a long table filled with candy and treats to be placed in their candy bags.
The arriving children discovered a large, candy-filled table. – Joe Hendricks | SunA skeleton cat guarded the candy table. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
AMI Moose Lodge Senior Regent Debbie Eisenback said, “We are having a fabulous Halloween bash for the kids. We have face painting; we’re going to have pinatas to bash and a costume contest.”
Dressed as a “Thomas the Train” conductor, Sebastian Cascio set his sights on the candy-filled pinata. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe children scrambled after the candy that fell from the pinata. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Using a “pinata buster,” the younger attendees were the first to take five swings each at a pumpkin-themed pinata containing three pounds of candy. Several swings by many children were needed before the cardboard pinata burst open and sent the kids in hot pursuit of the fallen candy. The older kids then got their swings at a ghost-themed pinata that lasted long enough for some of the younger kids to take some extra swings too.
Samara Entler took several good swings at the ghost-themed pinata. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe youngsters pounced on the pinata’s fallen candy. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The partygoers were treated to a lunch featuring chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese bites prepared by chefs Kyla and Zack.
During the costume contest, the contestants paraded past the two judges who sat at a table filled with games, puzzles and other prizes.
While the party unfolded, AMI Moose Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said, “The Bradenton Moose was kind enough to host the kid’s Halloween costume party for us because our lodge is undergoing floor renovations. We’ll be open again the first week in December. They’ve been very accommodating and it shows good workmanship between the two lodges. One of the main reasons for the Moose’s existence is to support children and seniors and to do things for the community. It’s a great combination of kids from both lodges and we’re keeping the kids happy.”
AMI Moose member Cheryl Clark lost her pirate’s battle with two Spidermen and a dinosaur. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Standing next to Dalton, Bradenton Lodge Administrator Wanda Ayers said, “We’ve struggled here with kids’ Halloween parties because we have an older crowd. We started getting a younger crowd a couple of years ago because we had indoor cornhole, and that crowd has children. I was so excited when Byron called and asked if we could partner on the party. We’ve got the room and that way our kids can come and their kids can come. It turned out wonderful. We have well over 50 to 60 kids.”
Ayers said she and Dalton have worked together before as lodge administrators and the cooperation between lodges helps build the Moose fraternity.
AMI Moose Lodge administrator Byron Dalton (wearing blue shirt) thanked the volunteers from both lodges for their efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Before the party ended, Dalton called forward the volunteers from both lodges and thanked them for making the party a success.
BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently hosted a workshop seeking community input on the development of a Cortez Road corridor vision and action plan.
The Oct. 18 workshop at American Legion Post #24 in west Bradenton drew about 50 community members, FDOT personnel and staffers from the Renaissance Planning consulting firm conducting the workshop.
The Cortez Road corridor extends from 121st Street Court West in Cortez to U.S. 301 in Bradenton/West Samoset. The corridor project is a partnership between FDOT, Manatee County and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, with Renaissance Planning gathering input from the public and other stakeholders.
The primary goal is to identify ways to make the Cortez Road corridor safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and others. The study and resulting action plan also will address the connection between the roadway and the development occurring along the corridor. In the coming years, more than 8,500 new homes and residential units are expected to be constructed near Cortez and Anna Maria Island.
This property along Cortez Road is being cleared for the Lake Flores development. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Large-scale land clearing is progressing along Cortez Road between El Conquistador Parkway and 86th Street West. This work is for the 1,300-acre Lake Flores development, which is expected to include 6,500 homes, 2 million square feet of retail space, 1 million square feet of office space, 500 hotel rooms, and a 19-acre man-made lake. The Lake Flores development is expected to continue along the east side of 75th Street West, 53rd Avenue West and El Conquistador Parkway.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, ownership of the Lake Flores property currently being cleared was transferred from Whiting Preston’s LF Manatee LLC to the Chicago-based Cortez75W Investors LLC in March 2022. It appears that LF Manatee LLC still owns the large area of undeveloped farmland between 53rd Avenue West and El Conquistador Parkway.
Several multi-family dwellings have already been constructed in the Aqua development along El Conquistador Parkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Construction is already occurring along El Conquistador Parkway at developer Carlos Beruff’s partially completed Aqua development. Abutting Sarasota Bay, the Aqua development was approved for more than 2,800 residential units, including single-family homes, multi-family dwellings and a limited number of high-rise buildings.
Preston’s pending Peninsula Bay development near the Sunny Shores neighborhood in Cortez is approved for approximately 2,000 residential units, a boat ramp and marina basin, and commercial, retail and office space.
The Peninsula Bay development is planned near the Sunny Shores neighborhood in Cortez. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the property appraiser’s office, Preston’s Pen Bay 1 LLC owns the two large agricultural properties slated for development as Peninsula Bay. The county sewer line to provide future service to the Peninsula Bay community is currently being installed along Cortez Road.
The Hunters Point development is being constructed near the Cortez Bridge. – Joe Hendricks
Near the foot of the Cortez Bridge, construction is well underway on developer Marshall Gobuty’s Hunters Point development, which will include 86 solar-powered homes.
These current and future developments were mentioned during the workshop.
Workshop discussions
Sitting in small groups, attendees participated in board game-like planning and visioning activities. In the first exercise, attendees were asked to place transparent overlays atop a long, scroll-like corridor map. The overlays represented neighborhoods, town centers and employment hubs.
The Lake Flores development was a topic of workshop discussion. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Cortez resident and former county commissioner Jane von Hahmann’s workgroup noted the Lake Flores development is expected to be developed in a town center-like style that includes stores, restaurants, coffee shops and other establishments and amenities accessible by interior roads.
In the comments section provided for that exercise, von Hahmann summarized her group’s desires and wrote: “Looking for livability, walkability and sense of neighborhood. Have shops, restaurants and services within walking, biking and golf cart distances. Safety for pedestrians and bikes. Provide natural spaces and areas to gather as a community.”
At another table, San Remo Shores Association Past President Lynda Einspar said, “How are you going to build anything if there’s no space?”
During another exercise, participants created their ideal streetscapes, factoring in right-of-way elements that included sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, building setbacks and landscaping.
During the final exercise, participants placed colored dots on photographs of various corridor elements they deemed most important.
District 3 Manatee County Commission candidate Tal Siddique’s workgroup listed limited growth, increased safety, nature conservancy and landscaping as corridor priorities.
“I live through this traffic,” Siddique said. “I go to the Island almost every day. I’m seeing Lake Flores and Peninsula Bay coming online and whatever’s done at the other end of Cortez Road with the DeSoto Mall is going to involve more density. A lot of people are upset about the growth that’s happening, and quite a few of them don’t know how many new homes are coming to Lake Flores alone.
“I heard some people discussing a monorail or light rail service from downtown Bradenton to the Island. That was kind of interesting. Nobody wants the extra traffic and the growth that’s happening but you can’t stop or slow growth unless you say ‘no’ to developers,” he said.
Consultant insights
Renaissance Planning consultant Frank Kalpakis said, “My hope is that we can capture the desires of the community and their vision for this corridor that’ll serve as a blueprint for how we design the road. It’s important that we have a transportation system that is aligned with the growth in the corridor. How can growth be organized on the corridor, and how can it be made safer and more walkable?”
Kalpakis doesn’t envision more travel lanes being added to Cortez Road anytime soon.
“We’re really not looking at that yet,” he said.
He mentioned multi-modal transportation options, including automobiles, bikes, pedestrians, low-speed vehicles, mass transit, water transit and more.
“I think there are several opportunities for multi-modal strategies and transportation strategies that provide choices for people to get up and down the corridor,” he said.
“The visioning process will go through January. After that, it’s probably a six-month phase for the action plan and developing strategies for the corridor. The action plan will lay out the implementation strategies and help create an implementation schedule. Based on funding, we’ll lay out the implementation sequence. It’s a collaboration between FDOT, the county and the city of Bradenton,” he said.
Parting thoughts
At the conclusion of the workshop, Einspar said, “I came because I want to support my community, but I didn’t have a lot of hope for this workshop because there’s just no way you can impact the number of cars going back and forth on Cortez Road. They can’t make the road wider. It’s not going to happen. Safety is the biggest thing. We have a blind gentleman who lives in our community and he has a terrible time crossing the street to catch the bus.”
Einspar also participated in the public input process that FDOT initiated several years ago on the replacement of the Cortez Bridge drawbridge. Despite public support for a new and higher drawbridge, FDOT decided to construct a fixed-span bridge that provides 65 feet of vertical clearance. Bridge construction is expected to begin in 2026.
When asked if she thinks the public input provided during the corridor workshop will factor into FDOT’s decision-making, Einspar said, “I think they’re going to do what they want to do.”
Approximately 50 people attended the Cortez Road corridor workshop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the workshop, von Hahmann said, “It was interesting, but I don’t know how you turn what’s already existing into a new vision. I’m a little gun-shy given how much input we gave for the bridge and then FDOT just did what they wanted anyway. I hope the remarks we wrote down resonate, but they’re just trying to put a whole lot more people into a very small space.”
Learn more about the corridor study and visioning plan at the project website.
HOLMES BEACH – A local is asking for the public’s help after a decorative lighthouse that he calls a family heirloom was stolen from his yard. Wayne Giordano, a New York native, brought the lighthouse with him when his family bought their home on the corner of 36th Street and Gulf Drive.
“We don’t live here full-time and rent our house to tourists sometimes when we’re not here,” Giordano said. “When the lighthouse disappeared we actually didn’t have anyone renting the house. It went missing the last week of September into the first week of October, but I have no way of knowing exactly what day.”
Giordano says the lighthouse is about four feet tall, rotates and is electrically powered, shining a light as it rotates. He says due to the size and weight, the person who took it would have most likely needed a truck, as it would be difficult to fit it in an average car.
“The lighthouse has been in the family for 15 to 20 years,” Giordano said. “I had it in my home in the Catskill Mountains and, when we bought here in 2016, I brought it down 2,000 miles. We have a lot of good family memories, it reminds us of good times. It’s not about the thousand dollars we paid for it; it’s all about the memories.”
Giordano says when he put it on the corner, he didn’t want the light to bother anyone, including wildlife, so he put it on a timer to only run a few hours after sunset and changed the 40-watt bulb to a 15-watt. There were never any complaints from neighbors. A police report was filed with Holmes Beach Police but no suspect has been identified.
Giordano is offering a $250 reward for the return of the lighthouse. He says no questions will be asked and no charges will be pressed if the lighthouse is returned. He just wants the lighthouse returned safely. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the lighthouse is asked to call 917-842-0670. Anonymous calls are welcome.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Rock Extravaganza benefit held at the Drift In on Oct. 15 raised nearly $7,000 for local musician Mack Black.
A $4,000 donation Black received from a Drift In patron before the benefit began brought the fundraising total to nearly $11,000.
Black plays bass and harmonica and sings lead and backing vocals with Dos-Macs and his long-time musical partner, Mike McConnell. The Sunday afternoon musical performances and all-star jams featured Dos-Macs, Koko Ray, The Cabana Dogs, Rob Hamm & the Daily Specials, Steve Paradis, Mikey Silbaugh, Tommy Balbo, Lance Biddle (who also provided the PA and ran sound), “Buzz,” Ronnie Soul, Mike Cunningham and the percussionist known as “Cajun.”
The Renegades motorcycle club delivered a cash donation to Mack Black. – Amy Hendricks | Submitted
During the Dos-Macs’ performance, the vice president of The Renegades motorcycle club presented Black with a cash-filled envelope. Throughout the day, Black expressed his thanks and gratitude for the generous donations that will assist him with his living expenses and the medical bills he incurred during a recent hospital stay which caused him to miss several gigs and lose the musician’s income he depends on. He also thanked the Drift In and manager Doreen Flynn for their efforts.
Steve Paradis led one of the all-star jams. – Amy Hendricks | SubmittedThe Cabana Dogs were among the local musicians who donated their time to the fundraising efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Drift In donated a lotto board containing a $100 bill surrounded by scratch-off lottery tickets. The raffle winner donated the $100 bill to Black. The winner of the liquor basket donated by Anna Maria Island Privateers re-raffled the basket and donated the additional funds to Black, as did some of the winners of the gift baskets and gift certificates donated by Clancy’s, Il Panificio pizzeria and others. The 50-50 raffle totaled $740, with half the proceeds given to Black.
Pig Out BBQ & Southern Soul Food donated pulled pork sandwiches and more, and several attendees brought dishes to share as part of the fundraising efforts.
Drift In Manager Doreen Flynn thanked everyone for their support and generosity. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I want to thank everyone who came and donated and gave their time out of the kindness of their hearts,” Flynn said. “Thanks to all the musicians who donated their time for one of their fellow musicians. The music was amazing. Thanks to the Renegades, the Privateers, Pig Out, Clancy’s and everyone else for their generosity. And thanks to the Drift In ownership, employees and volunteers who helped make this very special day possible.”
HOLMES BEACH – Friends, family and Anna Maria Elementary (AME) staff gathered at the school on Saturday to honor Kim Bobo and dedicate a memorial garden in her honor.
The beloved member of the AME staff worked as the school’s speech pathologist for 34 years, touching many lives in the process.
Bobo and her husband, Allen, moved to Anna Maria Island in 1988, having their son, Matt, shortly after. She finished her master’s degree in speech while her children were young and began her career at AME. Anyone who has visited the AME campus is familiar with the red train caboose on the property. Although it is used for storage today, when Mrs. Bobo joined the AME family, it was her first classroom.
“You talk about finding a place in paradise,” Allen Bobo said. “Anna Maria Island in general, then you find this school and wind up in the caboose by the bay. It was just paradise for her and she absolutely loved it.”
Allen Bobo was vice-president of The Center of Anna Maria Island for 16 years and recalls the kids coming to The Center for activities, and how it fostered a camaraderie among the people who call AMI home.
“All the kids on the Island were playing all these sports at the community center, so you sat there in the bleachers with everybody,” he said. “Everybody got to know each other. The old joke was, ‘It takes a community to raise a kid.’ Everybody raised each other’s kids out here.”
In honor of her service to AME and the thousands of children over the years who’ve passed through the school’s doors, a memorial garden has been created on the property, ensuring her memory will live on for many years to come.
“They did a friendship memorial garden in her honor,” Bobo’s son, Matt, said. “Some teachers and former staff came out last week and helped dig up what was there and re-plant and put down mulch to make it nice. A plaque should be here in the coming days that will stand in the garden.”
Fundraising efforts from the AME PTO helped make the garden possible.
“Mrs. Bobo was a long-time, valued staff member of the AME family, spending her entire career at AME,” AME Principal Mike Masiello said. “She was an outstanding person and speech-language pathologist and will be missed. We are happy to be able to dedicate a garden space in her name. Kim was a friend to all and touched so many lives, especially students and staff at AME.”
ANNA MARIA – As the youth soccer season starts heading toward the playoffs and an October chill fills the air, team Moss Builders and team Cheesecake Cuties dominate the 8- to 10-year-old and 11- to 13-year-old leagues, respectively.
Both teams, with five wins, find themselves at the top of the ranks, with a two-game lead on their closest opponents.
Moss Builders shut out The Porch last Tuesday night, 6-0. The hat tricks by Parker Svoboda and Gunnar Maize showed the offensive dominance of the Moss team. Each teammate assisted each other in a goal.
Thane Maize dribbles the ball down the field for AMI Coconuts with Air & Energy’s Mason Bekkerus closing in from behind last Monday night in The Center youth soccer’s youngest league. – Monica Simpson | Sun
The Moss offense kept The Porch goalie busy with six wonderful stops. For the victors, goalie duties went to Miles Moss, who stopped two shots, and Everett Hood, who had a single save in the game.
Capturing their second win of the season, Isola Bella Italian Eatery defeated the second-ranked Solid Rock Construction. The number three team now has a 2-2-2 record with the 5-2 win.
With four goals, Bailey Shenbaum got past the goal-keeping talents of Solid Rock’s Carson Long. Leo Tyler is credited with a solo goal for Isola Bella, along with Chandler LaPensee’s assist.
Long’s eight saves for the Solid Rock Construction squad helped keep his team in the game. Offensively, Matthew Darak shot and scored on two of his attempts.
Trinity Miller put three saves in the game stats for Isola Bella.
Still looking for the team’s first win, AMI Coconuts gridlocked 1-1 at the end of regulation play against team Adrian Griffin Interiors. The low-scoring game was not for the lack of shots taken against the opposing defenses.
Fighting for position on The Center pitch, Mason Bekkerus and Thane Maize led the crowd in last Monday night’s developmental game for team Air & Energy and team AMI Coconuts. – Monica Simpson | Sun
Andre Harwood made eight nice stops for the Adrian Griffin Interiors team, while his counterpart, Evangeline Zupa, was moving and grooving, saving 13 shots in the game.
Goal scoring came courtesy of AMI Coconuts’ Beau Canup, while on the other side of the field, Joseph Caballero did the scoring for his team.
The La Creperie team, ranked fourth, had a bye week.
With playoffs starting in November, the matchups for the final games of the season are still up in the air.
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission have established the timeline that will be used to fill two vacant city commission seats.
In late September, Commissioner Deanie Sebring vacated the remaining 14 months of her two-year commission term. The commission seat held by Commissioner Robert Kingan will be vacant in December after his current two-year term expires. Kingan chose not to seek reelection and no other candidate chose to run in this year’s race, which also sees commissioners Jon Crane and Charlie Salem running unopposed for additional two-year terms in office.
The person appointed to fill Sebring’s vacant seat will serve the remainder of a term that expires in December 2024. The person appointed to fill Kingan’s vacant seat will serve a term that expires in December 2025.
The commission generally meets two Thursdays a month (once in the afternoon and once in the evening), with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Commissioners earn $400 per month for their service.
On Oct. 19, Murphy and the four sitting commissioners made slight revisions to the previously discussed appointment timeline.
The city will begin soliciting candidate applications on Nov. 1, with applications available from the city clerk’s office or online at www.cityofannamaria.com. The application period closes on Friday, Dec. 15.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 27, the city clerk’s office will accept candidate questions submitted by the public, the media, the mayor and the sitting commissioners. Questions can be emailed to amclerk@cityofannamaria.com. On Dec. 29, the compiled questions will be provided to the commission applicants who will then present their answers during a public forum at city hall on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at 6 p.m. Forum attendees will be allowed to pose follow-up questions to the written questions addressed or not addressed by the candidates.
The two vacant commission seats will then be filled by commission appointment on Thursday, Jan. 25. The appointments will be based on the individual candidate rankings made by sitting commissioners Mark Short, Jon Crane and Charlie Salem. The two top-ranked candidates will be appointed.
During Thursday’s meeting, Crane questioned whether Kingan might be willing to serve a one-year appointment and then vacate that seat with one year remaining. Murphy said he would discuss that possibility with Kingan. After the meeting, Kingan was asked about his interest in serving one more year. He said at this time he has no intention of doing so.
ANNA MARIA – Leashed dogs may soon be allowed in City Pier Park, but not during special events or holiday events, and not in the children’s playground.
The city commission may also consider installing a dog park at the city-owned park.
Commissioners discussed dog-related matters on Oct. 19 at the request of the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z).
On Sept. 21, P&Z member Dusty Crane initiated a discussion about the City Pier Park dog prohibition that many residents were unaware of. In recent months, “No Dogs Allowed” signs appeared around the perimeter of the park. Similar signs are affixed to the City Pier Park children’s playground fence.
The signs reference city Ordinance 38-28, which states, “It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any domestic animal to allow or permit any such domestic animal on any beaches, coastal barrier, sand dunes or parks located within the city limits.”
The P&Z members unanimously directed Crane, a dog owner, to appear before the commission to request the ordinance be amended to allow dogs in City Pier Park while maintaining the pet prohibitions elsewhere.
P&Z member Dusty Crane presented the planning board’s dog-related request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When addressing the commission, Crane said, “Many residents and visitors were not aware of the prohibition of dogs in the park until the new signage was installed.”
She said dog owners would be responsible for keeping their leashed dogs under control when visiting the park and must pick up their dog’s waste. She said providing a dog waste station at the park would help keep the park clean. She added that those who don’t clean up after their dogs could be ticketed and fined under another city ordinance.
Crane said allowing dogs would improve the park experience for residents and visitors.
Commissioner Robert Kingan, a dog owner, asked Crane if nearby Bayfront Park was also part of the request. Crane said the board’s request pertained only to City Pier Park.
Mayor Dan Murphy asked if the dog allowance would remain in effect during the farmers market and other special and holiday events held at the park, some of which feature food being served.
“That’s a concern I have, especially the food,” he said.
Crane said she’d be okay if dogs remained prohibited during certain events and activities.
“If you want to put that into the amendment, that would be fine,” she said.
Kingan said it might be confusing to allow dogs in the park but prohibit them during certain events. He suggested installing a designated dog run or a fenced-in dog park that limits dogs to a specific area of the park.
Commissioner Charlie Salem said there’s enough space between the playground and the Lake La Vista canal for a dog park that would help attract more people to the park.
Dusty’s husband, Jon, is a member of the city commission. He said allowing dogs in the park would be good for the residents who walk their dogs in that area. He suggested asking the city attorney to draft an amended version of Ordinance 38-28 for future consideration.
Commission Chair Mark Short noted the commission was dealing with two separate issues – allowing dogs in the park and creating a dog park. Short suggested separating the two issues by first amending the ordinance to allow dogs in the park and then continuing the dog park discussion. He suggested the dog park could be included in the Reimagining Pine Avenue project.
The commission reached an informal consensus to move forward with amending the ordinance in a manner that would still prohibit dogs during certain park events and in the children’s playground.
Dogs are not allowed in the City Pier Park children’s playground. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During public input, city resident and dog owner John Kolojeski said, “I love your idea about a dog park.” He noted the nearest dog park is in Holmes Beach.
“It would be wonderfully convenient, but you’re going to have to appropriate for a fence and offer doggie bags and a repository for their waste. Thank you for thinking of it and thank you to our presenter,” Kolojeski said.
Murphy said more public input is needed before any final decisions are made.
“I think this requires a degree of public input as well. There are a lot of people that are totally opposed to this and they need to be heard from. And there are others who are totally in favor of it. We’ve only heard one side of it,” he said.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Turtle nesting season is over early this year, with Hurricane Idalia having left a large dent in nesting numbers.
“Hurricane Idalia had a major impact on our nesting season, causing the loss of 18.5% of this season’s nests,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. “Only one of the nests remaining after the storm hatched and only four hatchlings emerged from that nest.”
Mazzarella said she was grateful that more than 80% of nests – 405 total – had already hatched before the Aug. 31 storm.
“Overall, we did very well with hatchling production this summer,” she said. “Our last nest was inventoried on Oct. 14. The final numbers are still being reviewed and compiled.”
Turtle season officially ends on Oct. 31, but with no more nests on the beach, Turtle Watch is preparing for the 2024 turtle season.
“We have removed all our equipment from the beach, cleaned it and are working on repainting stakes and restocking equipment for next season,” Mazzarella said. “We are double-checking all the data and compiling reports for the county and the state.”
She said Turtle Watch is currently working with the City of Bradenton Beach, Manatee County, and Florida Power and Light to identify problem streetlights and get them switched to turtle-friendly fixtures before next nesting season.
Known as light pollution, lighting near the shore can discourage females from nesting and cause hatchlings to become disoriented, as at least 3,270 hatchlings on the Island did this season.
“Artificial lighting on the beach discourages female sea turtles from nesting. Instead, turtles will choose a less-than-optimal nesting spot, which affects the chances of producing a successful nest,” according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. “Excess lighting from the nearshore buildings and streets draw hatchlings toward land, where they may be eaten, run over or drown in swimming pools.”
One of the primary goals of Turtle Watch is education and outreach.
“We will be updating our educational materials, working with local schools on creating new ones, and printing enough to distribute to all the local properties and businesses on AMI in March 2024,” Mazzarella said.
Turtle Watch volunteers will staff an educational booth at the City of Anna Maria Farmers Market at City Pier Park on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 7, 2024.
ANNA MARIA – The 22nd Annual Bayfest celebration on Oct. 21 offered something for the entire family.
A large portion of Pine Avenue was closed for most of the day to make room for vendors offering a little bit of everything. This family-friendly event has been a perennial favorite for both locals and visitors for two decades and the 2023 celebration delivered on the promise of fun.
From left, Kevin “Squeegee” Avalone gives a tour of the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ ship, Skullywag, to Bella and her parents, Rocco and Christina, along with Privateer Berry Le, at the 22nd Annual Bayfest celebration in Anna Maria. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
It was all smiles and dancing in the street as Memphis Rub, The Trevor Bystrom Band, The Karen and Jimmy Band and the Dr. Dave Band brought unique sounds that had something for everyone. There was also plenty of unique Island art, jewelry and specialty items that would be difficult to find in the same place outside of an event like Bayfest.
“What a party! This is great, and something we didn’t expect when we planned our trip,” said Amy Alford, of Canton, Ohio. “We kept hearing October is the best month to come to the Island, but that’s because of the weather and hurricane season winding down. We had no idea they were throwing a party like this. We’ve spent way too much money on local art and food, but we’ll call it money well spent. When we get home, we’ll have memories we can see every day and that’s priceless.”
The Dr. Dave Band, above right, headlined the live music at Bayfest. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
In addition to the “party on Pine,” as many call it, there was a classic car show and a unique smell that many couldn’t resist.
“The smell of the food is insane, you can’t eat it all, but you want to,” said Jim Ellis, who was visiting from Shelby Township, Michigan. “We want to move here; the people are just awesome and don’t seem to be bothered by tourists like they are in other places we’ve traveled. It’s just laid back and that will make you live longer being in that environment, at least in my opinion.”
Bayfest is hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen Island businesses sponsored this year’s event.
HOLMES BEACH – More than 40 volunteers planted 1,000 sea oats on Saturday, replacing those that were lost during Hurricane Idalia’s high tides.
Sea oats were lost when Anna Maria Island was hit with storm surge and high winds in the Aug. 31 hurricane.
Keep Manatee Beautiful (KMB) led the volunteer effort with a financial contribution of $5,000 from the City of Holmes Beach and direct assistance from the City’s Code Enforcement division, KMB Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman said.
Volunteers gathered at the 52nd Street entrance to the beach at 8 a.m. and within an hour, the sea oats had been planted.
“One thousand plants, 42 volunteers and done in less than an hour,” she said.
Sea oats are a perennial grass that play a vital role in shoreline protection.
“Sand dunes and sea oats are natural barriers against storm surge and they did their job by breaking up the wind and surf and bracing against storm surge,” Hoffman said. “But large portions of sand dunes and sea oats washed away as tides receded. Holmes Beach officials and I spotted those losses early on and decided to do something about it.”
“Sea oat is an extremely valuable plant for coastline and barrier island protection,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (USDA). “Its massive root system is capable of holding soil and sand in place during extreme weather events.”
BRADENTON BEACH – This Halloween, when the hearse rolls up, the road will shut down as the Bridge Tender Inn Dockside Bar & Grille, 135 Bridge St., throws a spooky party with costume contests and larger-than-life animated creatures.
“We take our Halloween seriously here,” Bridge Tender General Manager Susan Shinka said.
Located at the corner of Bridge Street and Bay Drive South, Shinka said Bay Drive South adjacent to the restaurant will close to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m., when the festivities begin.
“People can bring their kids at 2 p.m. for treats and then at 5 p.m. we have a doggie costume contest,” Shinka said. “At 8:30 p.m. we have an adult costume contest with gift certificates for first, second and third prizes.”
A hearse is parked outside the Bridge Tender Inn at the 2022 Halloween party. – Submitted
In addition to the hearse and coffin which will be parked outside, decorations will include a 12-foot tall witch and automatons – moving mechanical devices – including a ghost that jumps out at passersby, a witch and a demon.
“There will also be a haunted house people can access from Bridge Street,” Shinka said.
She said that she has had people tell her they plan their vacations around this Halloween party.
“It’s really a good time,” Shinka said. “We have people calling to ask if we’re having the party each year.”
Brigid’s Cross will be providing music.
“We typically wind down around 10 p.m., after the costume contest,” Shinka said.
There is a charitable component to the party as funds will be raised to benefit the non-profit Vintage Paws Sanctuary, which provides a home-like setting for older dogs.
“We’ll be selling items such as Halloween cups and the money we raise will be donated to Vintage Paws,” Shinka said. “Over the years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for them.”
“Our goal is to raise enough money to build a ‘retirement home’ where senior dogs can live comfortably surrounded by love and getting the veterinary care they need,” according to the Vintage Paws website.
