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School in session; slow down

School in session; slow down

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – School is back in session at Anna Maria Elementary School, and officials warn drivers to stay alert and slow down, particularly in the school zone.

Distracted driving is an area of particular concern, according to Holmes Beach police officers.

“The biggest problem we see is people not paying attention and not slowing down,” Lt. Brian Hall said. “A lot of people still have their cell phones in their hands while they’re driving through the school zone. We’ve been enforcing that and have given a lot of citations already and will continue to have a presence throughout the school year.”

Hall said that his department takes violations in school zones very seriously and most violators will be ticketed, not warned. He also points out that a violation in a school zone carries higher fines and penalties, similar to construction zone fines, which are often double that of a regular violation.

When driving through a school zone, police can stop anyone texting, talking or using a phone in any manner other than hands-free.

A new survey from AAA reveals that many drivers admit to risky behaviors like using their handheld mobile phones and speeding while driving through a school zone. A survey of Floridians shows 38% admitted to speeding and 32% admitted to using their hand-held phone while driving in active school zones.

“Drivers can save lives by having a heightened sense of awareness from the moment they leave the driveway,” AAA Spokesman Mark Jenkins said. “You’d expect to see more foot traffic near schools, but neighborhoods and city streets will also be bustling
with activity. Since children can move quickly and cross the road unexpectedly, it’s important to constantly scan the road for people while driving and be ready to stop at a moment’s notice. You can also reduce the risk of injury by slowing down and avoiding distractions like using your cellphone or eating while driving.”

AAA representatives, through the company’s School’s Open Drive Carefully campaign, remind motorists to:

  • Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
  • Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
  • Eliminate distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.
  • Share the road with bicyclists. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least 3 feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist.

Both Holmes Beach police officers and AAA representatives also stress the importance of parents educating children on being alert when crossing the street or walking near traffic. Both motorists and pedestrians should take safety measures as a precaution when traveling, particularly through busy areas.

It’s also important to know the law regarding school buses. All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street or a multi-lane paved median must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.

Traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least 5 feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic. However, motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus.

AME ready for first day of school

AME ready for first day of school

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The first day of the school year at Anna Maria Elementary will have an added layer of excitement as it becomes the first home in the country to the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science.

“The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) has been creating a marine science STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) curriculum that will align with our school district’s curriculum,” AME Principal Michael Masiello said.

Teachers will be trained to implement the curriculum and use of materials prior to the Wednesday, Aug. 10 first day of school.

“Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation staff will conduct the trainings. Future trainings are planned as we move throughout the school year,” Masiello said.

Students will be introduced to The Guy Harvey Collection: Sharks, Introduction to Marine Science, Mangrove Science and Coding-Ocean Edition.

“We will be adding additional curriculum topics as we move throughout the school year,” he said.

One existing classroom will be converted into an aquarium research room.

“The aquarium research room will house up to four aquariums with different marine ecosystems and new furniture,” Masiello said. “Students will be able to visit the aquarium room with their class to learn about the marine life and ecosystems, which will align with lessons of study.”

Dr. Guy Harvey is a well-known marine artist and conservationist. The GHOF’s mission statement reads in part, “The GHOF conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment… (and) will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ecosystem.”

The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists, according to the GHOF website.

The agreement between the School Board of Manatee County and GHOF was signed and adopted on June 28.

Masiello said that school enrollment will be 189, approximately the same as last school year, and students are still being enrolled at different grade levels.

“Students zoned for Anna Maria are automatically approved to attend,” he said. “Students outside of the Anna Maria school zone can apply for ‘hardship’ and must be approved prior to enrollment. ‘School choice’ will become available again in December.”

AME registrar Amy Slicker said that approximately 65% of students at the school live off-Island.

Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation partners with AME

Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation partners with AME

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) will soon be home to the first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences in the country.

The Academy, named for world-renowned wildlife artist, conservationist and businessman Guy Harvey, will focus on marine sciences, conservation and the arts. A collaboration between the School District of Manatee County and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), the Academy will develop a K-5 curriculum that will include an aquarium room at AME that should be completed by October or November and accompanying art components.

“It is a goal of our school district to bring innovative educational opportunities to our students to expand their career and life possibilities,” Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said. “It’s been a genuine pleasure to work with Dr. Harvey and everyone associated with his ocean foundation to make this academy a reality.”

The collaboration happened quickly after Saunders met representatives from GHOF at a conference. The school’s waterfront location on Anna Maria Island made AME the perfect place to launch the academy, and it didn’t take long before both parties agreed to move forward with the project, scheduled to begin at the start of the 2022-23 school year.

“We are so excited, this is the first one of these in the country,” AME Principal Mike Masiello said. “It’s not just us that will benefit. During the summer, other schools will bus over to us to take advantage of what this Academy has to offer.”

In the near future, the district hopes to develop curricula for Guy Harvey Academies at King Middle School and Manatee High School in Bradenton. Masiello said this will be a benchmark that schools around the country can observe and adopt.

Dedicating most of his life to the environment, Dr. Harvey has devoted his talent, time and resources to protect oceans, fish populations and reef systems through the development of the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University and The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Those institutions have made numerous contributions to protecting fish resources and biodiversity in the world’s oceans.

Harvey is also an internationally-known artist and his artwork is regularly featured in galleries, on apparel and on many other products. He holds a degree in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland and a Doctorate in Fisheries Management from the University of West Indies.

“I can’t tell you how honored and excited Jessica and I are to be working with you on the creation of the very first Guy Harvey Academy of the Arts and Sciences,” said Dr. Harvey in a video statement with his daughter, Jessica.

“We’re excited to bring a new generation of young people together who will make a difference in saving our oceans,” said Jessica Harvey, who serves as co-chair of GHOF.

The agreement between the School Board of Manatee County and GHOF was signed and adopted at the June 28 board meeting. Doug Evans, chief philanthropy officer for GHOF, was in attendance.

“I don’t think there could possibly be a better fit for the very first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science than Anna Maria Elementary,” Evans said. “You can actually see the entrance to Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the back of the school.”

The adopted Memorandum of Understanding included a detailed outline of what would be provided, how teacher training would take place and how the Academy would progress over the next five years. Year one includes the aquarium, training materials, educational materials and a certificate of completion for 5th-grade students who complete the program. Year two covers a plan to expand to the 6th-grade curriculum and establish a summer school program. Year three will see the development of 7th– and 8th-grade modules and the beginning of a high school program.

The memorandum also calls for joint efforts in fundraising initiatives for the initial collaboration of three years to support the development and expansion of the program.

Students, teachers all smiles as AME wraps another school year

Students, teachers all smiles as AME wraps another school year

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – As parents waited in line to pick up their children on the last day at Anna Maria Elementary School, the graduating fifth-grade class made a lap around the school, getting a round of applause from fellow students, teachers and school staff.

The victory lap ended as every student gave Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer a high-five while parents and staff continued to clap in support of the children who will be moving on from the little school by the bay. 

“It has been an amazing school year,” said Alyson Larson, parent of fourth-grader Alba Rose Larson. “We got to participate in field day last week. Having the parents involved and back out there with the kids was super special.”

“It was great to see the kids all back together and see their parents get involved. It was just fantastic,” said David Larson, Alyson’s husband. 

Students and teachers were all smiles as AME wraps another school year
Fourth-grader Alba Rose Larson takes the lead in the potato sack race at AME Field Day on May 23. – Submitted

The 2021-22 school year that ended May 25 saw a return to normalcy after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic halted the parent-teacher involvement that AME students and parents are accustomed to. This year, in-person meetings with parents and teachers returned along with plays, field trips and other activities. 

“The beginning of the school year was a little tricky; we had to be flexible,” AME Principal Mike Masiello said. “It was around March when things began to feel normal and the kids seemed to be really engaged. We were able to have all of our field trips, plays and fifth-grade graduation. It ended up being a great year.” 

Students and teachers were all smiles as AME wraps another school year
AME kindergarteners and second-graders perform “Pajama Party” on May 17, the final school play of the 2021-22 school year. – Nick Reuter | Submitted

This was Principal Masiello’s first year at AME. At the beginning of the school year, he had no idea what COVID would bring when it came to the way his new school would operate. Fortunately, AME had one of Manatee County’s lowest COVID numbers throughout the year, with 27 student cases and two staff cases. Masiello, along with the teachers and staff at AME, hope next year will be even more “normal” than this year, allowing students and staff to foster creativity in and out of the classroom. 

Students and teachers were all smiles as AME wraps another school year
Lily Plummer says goodbye to AME with plenty of fanfare from her mother, Nicole, and brother, Luke, a first-grader at the school. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“We love this school. Every single morning, we park the car and take our time walking our kids up the seashell path and get to give them a hug and a kiss,” said Kathi Reuter, who along with her husband, Nick, have two children attending AME.

“Last year we couldn’t do it; we just had to drop them off. The school plays are back again, which is awesome. It’s all just great,” Nick Reuter said. 

Due to recent events in Texas, school security is on everybody’s mind, and AME has established a good relationship with the local police. Holmes Beach Police Officer Christine Labranche is fully armed on school grounds when students and teachers are present, and teachers have security badges that allow them to alert police at the touch of a button should an emergency situation arise. Students and staff are also on a first-name basis with Police Chief Bill Tokajer, who was present for fifth-grade graduation, the last day of school and many other AME events. 

Principal Masiello said the security of students and staff is absolutely a top priority at AME.

“I feel pretty fortunate to be where I am,” he said.  

Third suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

Third suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – A third suspect in the violent beating of a 40-year-old man has been arrested. 

Cameron Evans, 18, of Sarasota was located and arrested by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on April 14 at 10:30 a.m. after a warrant had been issued for the aggravated battery of Evan Purcell. 

John William Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton was taken into custody by police on March 30 and an unidentified juvenile also has been charged and is in the custody of his parents.

Third suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack
John William Bartholow, 17, was arrested in connection to the aggravated battery of Evan Purcell. – Submitted

Purcell, a Holmes Beach resident, was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece on the evening of March 23 when he came upon some teenagers breaking bottles, drinking alcohol and vandalizing Anna Maria Elementary School property, according to a police report. Purcell yelled at the group to stop what they were doing, which resulted in the teens becoming aggressive. Although Purcell waved a pocket knife as he feared for his safety, it was not a deterrent to the teens, who knocked him to the ground and beat him severely with a wooden object, possibly a skateboard.

According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, police arrived on the scene about 9 p.m. to find the assailants gone and Purcell unconscious on the ground. He was taken to HCA Blake Hospital in stable condition, but suffering from multiple serious injuries. 

Although there was no video of the incident, the suspect vehicle was identified by the city’s license plate recognition camera as a white Kia Sportage. Tokajer said the suspects were not students of Anna Maria Elementary, and no one related to the school was believed to be involved.

Third suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack
Increased security measures at Anna Maria Elementary are in response to the March 23 attack of a Holmes Beach man on the property. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Since the incident, several security measures have been put in place at Anna Maria Elementary to deter loitering on school grounds after hours. Locking gates have been installed at all vehicle entrances and “No Beach Parking” signs have been posted to keep the lots clear during the day as well. 

Beach parking still will be allowed at the school on certain holiday weekends including Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day, according to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.

Purcell’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with his medical bills. As of April 10, the effort has raised $17,160 of their $25,000 goal. To make a donation, visit GoFundMe.

Related coverage

 

One suspect still at large in Holmes Beach beating

 

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

 

Brutal attack leaves AMI resident hospitalized

One suspect remains at large in Holmes Beach attack

One suspect still at large in Holmes Beach beating

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Two suspects have been arrested and one remains at large in the violent beating of a 40-year-old man in Holmes Beach.

John William Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton, was taken into custody by police on March 30 and an unidentified juvenile also has been charged after warrants were issued for the aggravated battery of Even Purcell.

One suspect remains at large in Holmes Beach attack
                    Bartholow

Due to the age of the juvenile, police are not releasing information about his capture, only saying he has been charged and is currently in the custody of his parents. The search continues for 18-year-old Cameron Leron Evans, of Sarasota, who is described as a 6’0” 140-pound Black male.

“We’ve had multiple agencies checking addresses for the remaining suspect, Cameron Evans, on active warrants,” Holmes Beach Police Lieutenant Brian Hall said. “I’m sure he’s just laying low and hiding out, but he’ll get caught.”

Purcell, a Holmes Beach resident, was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece on the evening of March 23 when he came upon some teenagers breaking bottles, drinking alcohol and vandalizing Anna Maria Elementary School property. According to police, Purcell yelled at the group to stop what they were doing, which resulted in the group of teens becoming aggressive. Although Purcell waived a pocket knife as he feared for his safety, it was not a deterrent to the teens, who knocked him to the ground and beat him severely, including an assault with a wooden object, possibly a skateboard.

According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, police arrived on the scene around 9 p.m. to find the assailants gone and Purcell unconscious on the ground. The victim was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in stable condition, but suffering from multiple serious injuries. 

Although there was no video footage of the incident, the suspect vehicle was identified by the city’s license plate recognition camera as a white Kia Sportage. Tokajer also said there were cans and broken bottles left at the scene that could be used to obtain DNA and fingerprints. He also said these were not students of Anna Maria Elementary, and no one related to the school was believed to be involved in any way.

Since the incident, several security measures have been put in place at Anna Maria Elementary to deter loitering on school grounds after hours. Locking gates have been installed at all vehicle entrances and “No Beach Parking” signs have been posted to keep the lots clear during the day as well.

One suspect remains at large in Holmes Beach attack
Increased security measures at Anna Maria Elementary are in response to the March 23 attack of a Holmes Beach man on the property. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Due to the violent acts committed and the nature of the charges, Evans is considered a danger to the community. Police are urging the public not to approach Evans if seen and to contact the Holmes Beach Police Department immediately with any information. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 866-634-TIPS or a web tip can be submitted online. Information can be submitted anonymously, and Crime Stoppers may pay a cash reward of up to $3,000.

Purcell’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with his medical bills. As of April 10, the effort has raised $17,015 of the $25,000 goal.

Related coverage

 

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – One suspect is under arrest and one is still at large in connection with the beating of a 40-year-old Holmes Beach man on March 23.

John William Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton was taken into custody by police on March 30 and charged with aggravated battery in the attack on Evan Purcell.

Another suspect, Cameron Leron Evans, 18, of Sarasota, is at large.

Purcell was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece on the evening of March 23 when he came upon some teenagers breaking bottles, drinking alcohol and vandalizing Anna Maria Elementary School property, according to Holmes Beach police. Purcell yelled at the group to stop what they were doing, which resulted in the teens becoming aggressive. Although Purcell waived a pocketknife fearing for his safety, it was not a deterrent to the teens, who allegedly knocked him to the ground and beat him severely, including an assault with a wooden object, possibly a skateboard.

According to Holmes Beach Police Department Chief Bill Tokajer, police arrived on the scene around 9 p.m. to find Purcell unconscious on the ground and the assailants nowhere to be found. The victim was taken to Blake Hospital in stable condition, but suffering from multiple serious injuries.

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack
Evan Purcell is recovering in Blake Hospital after being brutally beaten by a group of teenagers in Holmes Beach on March 23. – Submitted

Although there was no video footage of the incident, the suspect vehicle was identified by the city’s license plate recognition camera as a white Kia Sportage. Tokajer also said there were cans and broken bottles left at the scene that could be used to obtain DNA and fingerprints. He stressed that these were not students of Anna Maria Elementary, and no one related to the school was believed to be involved in any way.

Evans, a 6-foot tall, 140-pound Black man, is considered a danger to the community due to the violent acts committed and the nature of the charges, according to police.

Anyone who sees Evans is advised not to approach him and to immediately contact their local police department.

Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach attack
Evans

A third person, a juvenile, also has been charged in the case.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call HBPD at 941-708-5800.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or submit a tip online. A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Purcell’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with his medical bills. As of March 30, the effort has raised $15,755 of the $25,000 goal. To make a donation, visit the GoFundMe site.

Related coverage

 

Brutal attack leaves AMI resident hospitalized

Commissioners plan next steps with county

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – In the aftermath of a joint meeting with Manatee County commissioners, Holmes Beach city leaders are trying to figure out their next steps toward building a better relationship with county leaders.

During a March 8 work session, Holmes Beach commissioners went over their notes from the joint meeting, held March 1. They also took public comment on the meeting to help gauge public opinion following the discussion, which primarily revolved around beach parking.

Holmes Beach resident Izzy Skye, representing a group of residents attending the meeting, thanked commissioners for holding firm to their stance on not reopening residential streets near the beach to public parking.

“You cannot pave our paradise to put up your parking lot,” Skye said, speaking about the discussion where Manatee County commissioners suggested building a large parking garage at Manatee Beach. “Visitors are coming to see a preserve. This is no place for a concrete jungle.”

About the March 1 meeting, Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “I think it was a good opportunity to look the county commissioners in the eye and see the kind of people they are.” He added that it was “obvious” that the primary objective of Manatee County commissioners was to discuss parking, something that Holmes Beach commissioners weren’t willing to change their stance on. But Schaefer said he feels there is still room for more discussions with county leaders, a sentiment echoed by his fellow commissioners.

“It was a beginning,” he said. “I’m not discouraged.”

While Holmes Beach commissioners understand that there are a growing number of Manatee County residents and visitors every year who want to go to the beaches on Anna Maria Island, they also feel that it’s the issue of county leaders to provide parking and facilities for the people wishing to access county beaches. Mayor Judy Titsworth said that she doesn’t have a problem with visitors to the Island – she said she welcomes them – however, there is only so much space available on the 7-mile island, about three of which are occupied by the city of Holmes Beach.

HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer said that, using the city’s license plate reader cameras, he counted 9 million cars coming into Holmes Beach across Manatee Avenue in 2020, increasing to 9.6 million in 2021.

In an effort to work with the county to find solutions to parking problems, and hopefully address some of the city’s concerns in a future joint meeting, she said she’s having City Attorney Erica Augello look at the lease for the land where the Island Branch Library sits to see if that parking lot can be used for overflow beach parking while the library is closed without violating the land grant from the Holmes family, which donated the property to the city.

As a stop-gap measure, Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously on March 8 to enter into an agreement with the Manatee County School Board to use the more than 60 spaces at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach as overflow beach parking. During the joint meeting, Titsworth said that if the county wants to use the school for excess beach parking, they need to provide trash and restroom facilities along with a flashing beacon or crossing guard for the crosswalk. While county commissioners were amenable to providing portable restrooms and trash cans, they balked at providing a crossing guard or flashing beacon for the crosswalk traversing Gulf Drive.

“I think the dialogue is open and that’s good,” Commissioner Jayne Christenson said, adding that she thinks Holmes Beach commissioners need to step back and assess what they can do to address some of the issues. She suggested rebranding the city as a community across social media and the internet rather than as a vacation destination.

Commissioners agreed to have another work session to discuss potential action items before scheduling another meeting with county commissioners.

Related coverage

 

Water taxi dock space problematic in Holmes Beach

 

All roads lead to parking

 

No solutions found to parking issues

Dolphin Dash starts with a bang

Dolphin Dash starts with a bang

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

Tess Bolognone, June Moore and Lexi Bauer sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the start of Saturday’s 15th Annual Dolphin Dash. – Scott Moore | Submitted

HOLMES BEACH – The 15th Annual Dolphin Dash 5K and 1-mile fun run on Feb. 19 drew 153 participants from ages 8 to 82 to raise funds for the Anna Maria Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.

Officiated by the Bradenton Runners Club and co-chaired by Alana Fleischer and Kelly Gitt, the run began and ended at AME.

Funds raised during prior runs have provided improvements such as a new stage in the auditorium for school plays, overhead projectors in the classrooms, new cafe tables for the lunchroom, new benches in the pickup line and expansion of the estuary behind the school.

Winners

Top male finisher, overall                                Connor Kreger, 17, St. Clair, Michigan

Top female finisher, overall                             Anna Neal, 33, Durham, North Carolina

Top male finisher, masters                              Scott Akker, 41, Norton Shores, Michigan

Top female finisher, masters                           Wendi Hudson, 50, Apollo Beach, Florida

Top male finisher, grandmasters                     JD Pepper, 58, Dansville, Michigan

Top female finisher, grandmasters                   Penny Tisko, 53, Voorheesville, New York

Top male finisher, senior grandmasters            Chuck Block, 65, Dewitt, Michigan

Top female finisher, senior grandmasters         Sandy Meneley, 74, Holmes Beach, Florida

Top male finisher, veteran grandmasters          Frank Davis, 77, Rock Falls, Illinois

Top female finisher, veteran grandmasters       Dianne Schultz, 70, Postville, Iowa

Male 9 and under, first place                           C. Bess, 8, Lithia, Florida

Male 10-12, first place                                    B. Gartman, 11, Holmes Beach, Florida

Male 13-15, first place                                    Ethan Kreger, St. Clair, Michigan

Male 16-19, first place                                    Zackary Baker, 18, Bradenton, Florida

Male 20-24, first place                                    Matthew Schultheis, 24, Riverview, Florida

Male 25-29, first place                                    Travis Belsito, 26, Bradenton, Florida

Male 30-34, first place                                    Max Spiegel, 33, Sarasota, Florida

Male 35-39, first place                                    Wesley Weed, 37, Sarasota, Florida

Male 40-44, first place                                    Steve Grimes, 42, Park Ridge, Illinois

Male 45-49, first place                                    Brett McQuade, 49, Terra Ceia, Florida

Male 50-54, first place                                    Scott Leland, 54, Bradenton, Florida

Male 55-59, first place                                    Walter Szeezil, 58, Terra Ceia, Florida

Male 60-64, first place                                    Bob Nelson, 64, Bradenton, Florida

Male 65-69, first place                                    Dennis Schultz, 69, Bradenton, Florida

Male 70-74, first place                                    Gene Fergione, 70, Bradenton, Florida

Male 75-79, first place                                    Robert Lathrop, 79, Bradenton, Florida

Male 80 and over, first place                           Frank Nicolosi, 81, Bradenton, Florida

Female 9 and under, first place                        T. King, 8, Cortez, Florida

Female 10-12, first place                                S. Coba, 12, Bradenton Beach, Florida

Female 13-15, first place                                Angelina Albrecht, 15, Bradenton, Florida

Female 20-24, first place                                Krista Lyons, 22, Sarasota, Florida

Female 25-29, first place                                Peyton Stipes, 28, Sun City Center, Florida

Female 30-34, first place                                Lindsey Styka, 33, Bradenton, Florida

Female 35-39, first place                                Tatjana Stojkovic, 36, Seffner, Florida

Female 40-44, first place                                Yvonne Boyer, 43, Wentzville, Missouri

Female 45-49, first place                                Jessica holiday, 47, Holmes Beach, Florida

Female 50-54, first place                                Sara Sugarman, 50, North York, Ontario

Female 55-59, first place                                Shirley Arendt, 56, Ruskin, Florida

Female 60-64, first place                                Kim Gorman, 63, USA

Female 65-69, first place                                Ellen Jaffe Jones, 69, Sarasota, Florida

Female 70-74, first place                                Cheryl Hess, 71, Bradenton, Florida

Female 75-79, first place                                Josephine Nicolosi, 77, Bradenton, Florida

Female 80 and over, first place                        Esther Van Duzee, 81, Bradenton, Florida

No COVID-positive students in Manatee County schools

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – For the first time since the start of the school year, Manatee County is reporting no new student COVID-19 cases and only one staff case at Ballard Elementary.

COVID in Manatee County

Oct. 29

Cases 210

% Positivity 2.57%

Deaths 161

% Eligible population vaccinated 62.9%

New hospital admissions 19

 

Nov. 7

Cases 155 (-26.19%)

% Positivity 2.16%  (-0.21%)

Deaths 96 (-40.37%)

% Eligible population vaccinated 63.2% (+.02%)

New hospital admissions 13 (-31.58%)

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control

The 2021-22 school year started with none of the restrictions that had kept students and staff from close contact in 2020-21. This quickly changed when the Delta variant of COVID-19 swept the county and the debate over mask mandates and other COVID-related restrictions quickly began. 

At the peak of the Delta variant during late August and early September, county schools were seeing more than 300 new cases in a single week. Cases are now at the lowest since the start of the pandemic in 2020 – zero.

The total COVID-19 cases in Manatee County schools for the year are 2,580 students and 375 staff. At Anna Maria Elementary, there have been a total of 13 student COVID cases this year, – among the lowest in the county – and no staff cases. Only AME and Jain Middle School have had no staff cases this year.

The county mask mandate has expired, and it is unlikely it will return unless COVID returns to AME and other county schools. Other school districts such as Sarasota and Hillsborough counties that had stricter mask mandates that did not include an opt-out clause like Manatee County also have allowed those mandates to expire and show no signs of bringing them back. 

 

School mask mandate expires

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – After a sharp decline in positive COVID-19 cases in Manatee County schools, the county’s school mask mandate has been allowed to expire.

As of Oct. 29, when the mandate expired, only two cases of coronavirus were reported among students in the county schools, with no cases among staff. Anna Maria Elementary School reports no current cases among students or staff, with 13 student cases and no staff cases reported since school began on Aug. 10.

As the 2021-22 school year got underway, so did the Delta variant of COVID-19, and the school district saw more positive cases than before the vaccines were available. In response, the Manatee County School Board took action and enacted the now-expired temporary mask mandate. The mandate was passed on Aug. 16, just one week after students returned to school on Aug. 10.

On Aug. 24, the board voted 3-2 to extend the mandate, which included an opt-out clause for any student who did not wish to wear a mask. The mandate differed from those in nearby Sarasota and Hillsborough counties that did not have opt-out clauses, putting them in violation of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on such mandates. 

The school board approved a motion that would allow the superintendent to remove the mandate if the 7-day COVID-19 positivity rate in Manatee County reached 8% or less. Otherwise, the mandate was set to expire on Oct. 29. The most recent positivity rate was 2.57%, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

As cases have fallen to almost zero in Manatee County schools, it was expected that the school board would not extend the mandate, and it was not extended at the board’s Oct. 29 workshop. The issue could be brought up at the next board meeting, however.

Since the first day of school, there have been 2,576 student COVID-19 cases and 374 staff cases in the county. One month into the 2021-22 school year, there were more than 300 cases in a single week in Manatee County, and more than 1,000 cases by the end of August. Those numbers haven’t been above 75 cases per week for the past month.

Another factor that may keep things moving in the right direction is the recent approval of vaccines for children between 5 and 12 years of age. The vaccination rate is currently 62.7% of eligible county residents.

The CDC continues to recommend masks in schools and social distancing whenever possible.

AME still COVID-free as school cases drop countywide

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – After experiencing a fifth straight week of no COVID-positive staff or students, it’s possible things may be slowly returning to normal after a scary start to the 2021-22 school year that began just as the nation was bracing for the new Delta variant of COVID-19.

Manatee County schools saw the fewest new staff and student cases since the beginning of the school year, with six staff and 35 students testing positive for COVID-19 over the past week.

There were arguments among parents, school board members and even the highest levels of state and national government officials over how to handle masks in school and staff vaccine mandates. In Manatee County, the School Board decided not to violate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on mask mandates in school. Since the county didn’t violate the mandate because its version had an opt-out clause, no state funds were withheld from the county or its elected board members. 

“Would it have mattered if they made them all wear masks? Honestly don’t think so,” said Ken, a parent of a student at Anna Maria Elementary, who asked that The Sun not publish his last name. “I think things are slowing down because of the vaccines and the fact so many people have had COVID and have antibodies. This is a sign we’re headed for herd immunity.” 

According to the CDC, regardless of the numbers, it is best to continue to take every possible precaution including vaccines, masks and hand-washing and sanitization.

COVID-19 on the decline in county schools

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – Almost two months into the 2021-22 school year, Anna Maria Elementary School is now reporting three consecutive weeks with no COVID-19 cases among students or staff.

AME is also one of only two schools in Manatee County that has had no staff member test positive for the coronavirus this school year, the other being Jain Middle School. Anna Maria Elementary has reported 13 student cases this school year.

As of Friday, Oct. 1, there were seven students reporting COVID-19 positive tests in Manatee County and no staff cases. In contrast, more than 200 students were positive on Sept. 1. A total of 2,468 students and 358 staff members countywide have tested positive since the start of this school year.

While there is a mask mandate in Manatee County, it offers an opt-out clause that allows students and parents to make the choice to wear masks while in school. This opt-out clause keeps Manatee County in compliance with a Florida law that bans mask mandates without an opt-out clause.

As of Sept. 26, Sarasota County Schools dropped its mask mandate – which had no opt-out clause – due to a decline in students and staff testing positive for COVID-19. Sarasota County saw the positivity rate drop below 8%, but if it rises beyond 10%, the county’s policy calls for mandatory masks to resume.

COVID-19 procedures in Manatee County schools

  • All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom-free.
  • Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students.
  • Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff.
  • Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in between uses as needed.
  • Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools.
  • District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day.
  • Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.
  • All employees will answer COVID-related questions daily upon arriving at work.
  • Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.
  • Everyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
More COVID cases at Anna Maria Elementary

More COVID cases at Anna Maria Elementary

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County schools, including Anna Maria Elementary School, continue to see a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

AME reports two coronavirus cases among students and two students quarantined as of Sept. 3, with 10 total cases since the school year began last month.

No confirmed cases have been reported among staff. Of the 52 schools in Manatee County, AME is one of only five that has seen no staff cases.

The county had 49 student cases and five staff members testing positive, with 178 students quarantined as of Sept. 3. There have been 1,820 COVID-19 student cases countywide and 274 staff cases countywide since Aug. 10.

Manatee County has a mask mandate in place for schools, but it has an opt-out clause that allows parents to send their children to school without a mask if they fill out an online form. While the state outlaws mask mandates and can withhold funds from county school systems that violate the law, Manatee County’s school system is unlikely to lose funding because of the opt-out clause.

COVID-19 procedures in Manatee County schools

  • All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom-free.
  • Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students.
  • Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff.
  • Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in between uses as needed.
  • Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools.
  • District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day.
  • Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.
  • All employees will answer COVID-related questions daily upon arriving at work.
  • Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.
  • Everyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

Manatee County School Board extends mask ‘mandate’

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Manatee County School Board voted 3-2 on Aug. 24 to extend a temporary mask mandate it passed on Aug. 16 requiring all students and staff to wear masks on campus.

The mandate includes an opt-out clause requiring parents to fill out an online form if they do not want their child to wear a mask.

Staff members also may opt out of the mask mandate.

The school board also approved a motion that would allow the superintendent to remove the mandate if the 7-day COVID-19 positivity rate in Manatee County is 8% or less. Otherwise, the mandate expires on Oct. 29.

When the Aug. 16 meeting was held, there were fewer than 700 cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County schoolchildren and fewer than 200 cases among staff. Anna Maria Elementary had reported two student cases of COVID-19 at that time.

Since then, the numbers at Anna Maria Elementary have risen to six students since the first day of school on Aug. 10 and 1,337 students countywide. Staff COVID-19 cases are currently at 220 countywide. 

While mask mandates are illegal under Florida law, some school districts have passed them despite Gov. Ron DeSantis’ warning that state funds can be withheld from those districts. Nearby districts that have passed mandates without opt-out clauses include Sarasota and Hillsborough. So far, no action has been taken by the state against the districts.

COVID-19 procedures in Manatee County schools

  • All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home
    until they are symptom-free.
  • Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students.
  • Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff.
  • Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in-between uses as
    needed.
  • Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools.
  • District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the
    school day.
  • Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.
  • All employees will answer COVID-related questions daily upon arriving at work.
  • Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.
  • Everyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.