HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 17 non-profit organizations from Anna Maria Island and Cortez.
The grant award ceremony was held at the Waterline Villas & Marina on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 22.
After the grant award ceremony ended, Chamber President Terri Kinder explained how the grants are funded and awarded.
“We were giving away trolley grant monetary awards to 17 non-profits and not-for-profits on the Island and in Cortez that applied for the grants and were accepted,” Kinder said.
The trolley grant awards are funded by revenues generated by the advertising placed on the Free Island Trolleys operated by Manatee County.
“We sell the advertising on the trolleys. We are then required to pay the county $60,000 a year, and that helps keep the trolleys free. After the Chamber retains a small percentage to manage the program, the remainder of the advertising revenue has to be given back to the Island and the Cortez communities,” Kinder said.
“This year, we gave away $17,472. Since the beginning of the trolley grant awards in 2024, the Chamber and the Manatee County trolley program (MCAT) have awarded over half a million dollars to Island and Cortez non-profits,” she said.
THE RECIPIENTS
The grant given to Anna Maria Elementary School will be used for the reading and math tutoring program for third, fourth and fifth-grade students.
The grant given to the Anna Maria Island Art League will be used for art education workshops.
The grant given to the Anna Maria Island Garden Club will be used to restore a wind sculpture garden.
The grant given to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society will be used to purchase a large-screen tablet and a floor stand for the tablet.
The grant given to the Anna Maria Island Privateers will be used for operations support for marketing and recruitment strategies.
The grant given to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring organization will be used for “Turtles-to-Go Trunk” hands-on activities.
The grant given to the Annie Silver Community Center will be used to update the grounds.
The grant given to the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will be used for the Guild’s community market night program.
The grant given to the Cortez Village Historical Society will be used to increase community awareness with the society’s “Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation” events.
The grant given to the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum will be used for a flat file collections project.
The grant given to the Friends of the Island Library will be used for seating in the reading area.
The grant given to the Island Players will be used for a black backdrop curtain for the theater.
The grant given to the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will support the All-Island Churches Interdenominational Easter Morning Sunrise Service.
The grant given to the Roser Memorial Community Church will assist in running the church’s Summer Vacation Bible School.
The grant given to the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island will be used for the Good Citizenship/Character Building program at Anna Maria Elementary.
The grant given to The Center of Anna Maria Island will be used for low to moderate-income family participation in Center programs.
The grant given to Wildlife Inc. will be used to help with the care and feeding of the wildlife.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island business community lost a great friend and ambassador with the recent passing of Susanne Arbanas.
According to close friends, she was discovered deceased at her apartment in west Bradenton on Dec. 8. She was 67 years old and is survived by her 98-year-old father and Holmes Beach resident, Ron Arbanas, and her brother, Keith, who lives elsewhere.
In 2010, Arbanas opened Anna Maria Island Concierge Services and she spent several years connecting Island visitors with the various services provided by Island and Island-area businesses. Her LinkedIn page notes that she was AMI Concierge Services’ “Director of Contagious Enthusiasm.”
During her career, Arbanas also worked at the Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound in west Bradenton and previously worked as a resort host and concierge at the Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach when it opened in 2017. From 2008-10 she served as the membership coordinator for The Center of Anna Maria Island.
Arbanas moved to the Island from Australia about 15 years ago. In Australia, she worked as a hotel manager and guest relations manager. Before that, she worked in Australia as an airport manager after spending 15 years as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines.
At the time of her passing, Arbanas was a longtime member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board of directors and also served as one of the Chamber’s volunteer ambassadors.
“Susanne was a huge advocate for the businesses and the Chamber,” Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “She spent a lot of time connecting chamber members with other chamber members that could be of assistance. If there was something a business owner needed, Susanne always knew someone to refer them to so they could work together. She had a huge impact on the businesses and she will be greatly missed.”
Anna Maria resident Trish Edwards and Pineapple Marketplace owner Marcia Mattick were two of Susanne’s closest friends.
Trish Edwards and Marcia Mattick were close friends with Susanne Arbanas. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“She was outgoing and always trying to promote and help the businesses out here,” Mattick said. “She was always at the Chamber events and she encouraged me, as a business owner, to go too. We tried all the new restaurants when they opened and I met a lot of businesspeople because of her. I’m going to miss her as a friend.”
Edwards said, “I met her in 2010 or 2011 when she was doing her concierge business and we became friends. She knew everybody, she was super-friendly and she liked promoting everybody on the Island who had a business. She was such a good person and she wanted all the businesses to succeed. She had great stories about living in Australia and she was fun to hang around with.”
Longtime family friend and Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster said, “Susanne was a great ambassador and a big promoter for the Island’s small businesses. She always had something positive to say. She had a lot of friends on the Island, she was big part of the community and we’re definitely going to miss her.”
“She was a wonderful spirit and always positive,” AMI Rotary Club President Jim McDaniel said.
“Susanne was a true inspiration who led by example with her enthusiasm. We should all be more like her,” Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker said.
HOLMES BEACH – This year’s Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce annual business awards ceremony was a celebration of community and resiliency in the wake of last year’s devastating hurricanes.
The Rotary and Chamber award winners were announced during the AMI Chamber’s annual members gala at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach on Nov. 20.
Anna Maria Island Resorts General Manager Katy Demick won the AMI Rotary Club’s 2026 Business Person of the Year award.
Joann Baker won the Chamber’s new and first-ever Ambassador of the Year award.
The Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation was named the Chamber’s 2026 Non-Profit of the Year.
The Cool Beans A.M.I. coffee shop in Anna Maria was named the Chamber’s 2026 Small Business of the Year.
The Holmes Beach-based HSH Collective interior design firm was named the Chamber’s 2026 Medium Business of the Year.
The Freckled Fin Irish Pub in Holmes Beach was named the Chamber’s 2026 Large Business of the Year.
Many of the speeches given by the award presenters and the award recipients reflected on the Anna Maria Island business community’s initial and ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Thursday evening event also included the presentation of the Chamber’s 2026 board members that included four-year chairperson Katy Demick passing the gavel to the board’s new chair, Anna Maria Island Real Estate Corporation owner and broker Bill Romberger.
Rotary award
The award presentations began with Slicker’s Eatery owner, Rotarian and past award winner Bob Slicker presenting the AMI Rotary Club’s Business Person of the Year 2026 award to Anna Maria Island Resort General Manager Katy Demick. Anna Maria Island Beach Resorts operates the Tortuga Beach Resort and the Tradewinds Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach.
Katy Demick received the Rotary Club’s Business Person of the Year award from Rotarian and Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When reflecting on the aftermath of the 2024 hurricanes, Slicker said, “We just went through the worst year of lives businesswise.”
He noted the Anna Maria Island Resorts team spent a couple of days in Cortez assisting residents and businesses before they were able to return to the Island to check on their resorts.
When reading aloud a written statement from Anna Maria Island Resorts co-owner Marlene Sobol Masson, Slicker said, “Your dedication to Anna Maria Island Resorts and the pride you take in your work have made a tremendous impact on our success. You’ve always impressed me with your work ethic, your heart, the way you pour yourself into every single task you do. It’s truly been a pleasure having you on my team and watching you grow and achieve so much. We are all incredibly proud of you. This is an honor so well-deserved.”
When accepting the award, Demick said, “Thank you to everybody. I’ve made such great connections through this Chamber and this community. You all are amazing and you all do a great job.”
Chamber awards
When presenting the Ambassador of The Year award to Baker, Chamber President Terri Kinder said, “Your dedication to the Anna Maria Island Chamber and its members is so appreciated.”
Joann Baker received the Chamber’s inaugural Ambassador of the Year award. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As a Chamber ambassador, Baker follows up with new members and introduces them to other members during the Chamber’s networking events. Baker is a banker with the United Community Bank.
Salon, Salon owner and stylist Nakita Fosmore served as the Chamber’s Business Award Committee chairperson and the panel of judges included SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria Account Manager Kellie Spring, Salty Mermaid Real Estate & Vacation Rentals owner and broker Liz Blandford and Cedar Cove Resort Manager Eric Cairns.
Before presenting the business awards, Fosmore said, “The hurricanes last year tested us in ways we could not have imagined. Many of you had to rebuild and we all had to adapt and we kept going – not because it was easy, but because our community depended on it. What we saw, what we witnessed, was resilience, unity and strength, and that was because of you. Thank you for showing up, supporting one another and helping our community rise up.”
Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation Executive Director Beverly Burdette and Office Manager Jenny Gunter accepted the Chamber’s 2026 Non-Profit of the Year award. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When presenting Non-Profit of the Year award, Spring said the citizen-led Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation protects 10 acres of land near Robinson Preserve in west Bradenton and offers interactive educational experiences and a serene environment to explore landscapes, while hosting community events, providing free trees and more.
Executive Director Beverly Burdette and Office Manager Jenny Gunter accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.
“We strive to be a wonderful community resource,” Burdette said. “In December, we have a four-night, free admission fundraiser. The whole park is lit up with Christmas lights. We have Santa, hot cider, vendors, food trucks and live holiday music – all free. We strive to be the premier botanical gardens in Manatee County. We really appreciate this award.”
The Winter Nights Under the Lights event Burdette mentioned is Thursday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 21 at the botanical park at 9800 17th Ave. N.W.
Cool Beans A.M.I.
Before presenting the small business of the year award to Cool Beans A.M.I. owner Morgan Bryant, Blandford said, “The vision for this small business began long before it opened its doors. Its owner grew up dreaming of creating a business that captured the warmth, connection and sense of community she felt in the neighborhood coffee shop she loved as a kid. That nostalgia became the foundation for a space built on joy, intention and togetherness. Starting small, they listened closely to their customers and curated a menu focused on quality and wellness, serving only organic coffee and using reverse osmosis water.
“Their impact reaches far beyond great coffee. They provide a supportive, understanding environment for their team, give back to locals whenever possible and serve as a platform for local artists by offering a space to share and sell their work. Even while rebuilding themselves, they continued to show up for their community,” Blandford said.
When accepting the award, Bryant said, “Thank you so much. This is such an honor. We’ve all been through so much this last year. I’m a coffee shop owner. It’s something I wanted to do my whole life. I love health food and to be able to bring organic coffee to the Island and it’s so important what we put in our bodies every single day.”
HSH Collective
Senior Interior Designer Bridgette Latessa accepted the Medium Business of the Year award on behalf of HSH Collective founder and principal interior designer Jessica Holmes Holiday.
When presenting the award, Fosmore said, “This year’s Medium Business of the Year honoree is built on two pillars: exceptional design and deep community connection. Led by a talented interior designer, this business has flourished – not just because of her creative vision, but because of the team that she has built: a collective of moms, wives and creatives who are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally while doing the work they truly love. “Guided by one simple philosophy for the future: keep growing and stay grounded. Their impact goes beyond design. They are strong supporters of The Center, Pace Centers for Girls and they give back to the community whenever possible. What sets them apart is their belief that they’re not just designing houses. They’re helping people create homes, strengthening community and building something larger than themselves,” Fosmore said.
Senior Interior Designer Bridgette Latessa accepted the Medium Business of the Year award given to the HSH Collective. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When accepting the award, Latessa said, “I work with a beautiful team. We create beautiful spaces. We’re so lucky to have such an incredible collective and be a part of this beautiful community. Thank you.”
Freckled Fin
Before presenting the Large Business of the Year award, Cairns said, “All of you here tonight are survivors of what transpired last year. It was very difficult for all of us I know and I’m so glad to see all of you here this evening. Thank you for being here.”
He then said, “This year’s winner is a place many locals consider they’re home away from home and they extend that same warm welcome to every visitor who walks through their doors. A lively and innovative place to be, they blend the charm of traditional tavern with the released spirit of our Island’s beach culture. Their journey has not been without challenges, relocation, natural disasters, even a pandemic, but time and time again they arise stronger than before.
“They never say no to a fundraiser, they continuously support local causes and they have built a reputation for exceptional food, entertainment, hospitality and heart. The business doesn’t just serve the community, they help make our slice of paradise even better,” Cairns said.
Freckled Fin General Manager Steve Shannon accepted the Chamber’s Large Business of the Year award. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When accepting the award, Freckled Fin General Manager Steve Shannon said, “This really means a lot. It’s nice to be rewarded for your hard work. Thank you to our great staff. We wouldn’t be here without them and their great dedication. This award doesn’t just go to me; it goes to everybody at the Freckled Fin. Thank you,” Shannon said.
ANNA MARIA – Beautiful weather, classic cars, live music, a wide array of vendors and great attendance made for a successful Bayfest celebration after last year’s festival was canceled due to the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The 24th Annual Bayfest celebration on Saturday was hosted and organized by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, with assistance provided by the city of Anna Maria, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the event sponsors and participants.
The weather was beautiful for this year’s Bayfest. – Joe Hendricks
“Bayfest was a great success for Anna Maria Island,” Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “Part of the proceeds go toward our scholarship program. Our community was ready to embrace Bayfest after last year’s hurricanes. A big thank you to everyone who participated, came out to enjoy themselves and helped us make it an outstanding festival; and thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to help us make it one of the best Bayfests ever.”
Earlier in the day, Chamber board member Eric Cairns said, “It’s noon and the street is already packed.”
He attributed the high volume of early attendees to the picture-perfect weather.
Larry Keen displayed his modified 2010 Dodge Challenger, joined by his canine companion, Lacy Mae. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Chamber’s fundraising activities included beer sales and the first beer vending shift was covered by Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, City Clerk Amber LaRowe, Executive Assistant Barbara Jeffries, Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker, Anna Maria Island Historical Society member Barbara Murphy and Bayfest volunteer Ingrid McClellan.
Barbara Jeffries, Amber LaRowe, Ingrid McClellan, Bob Slicker, Barbara Murphy and Mark Short assisted with the chamber’s fundraising beer sales. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Short said this year’s Bayfest was another positive step in the city and the Island’s continued “return to normal” from the 2024 hurricanes.
Vendors and classic vehicles lined Pine Avenue from North Shore Drive to South Bay Boulevard, joined by many Pine Avenue businesses and restaurants, Roser Memorial Community Church, the Roser Food Pantry, Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
Turtle Watch volunteers Daniell Kimberly, Lisa Picciano and Andrea Cramer celebrated a successful turtle nesting season. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Bill Mergens Memorial Car Show along Pine Avenue included the classic Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” television show and dozens of additional classic cars, trucks and vans.
The classic Batmobile was a nostalgic highlight of the Bayfest car show. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The food court in the Roser Church parking lot included local favorites Pizzano’s Pizza, The Freckled Fin, Poppo’s Taqueria, Topsail Steamer and Mixon Fruit Farms, joined by visiting food vendors that included Red Zeppelin Rockin’ Lobster Rolls.
Red Zeppelin Rockin’ Lobster Rolls were among the festival’s food offerings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Wildlife Inc. volunteer Jeanne Potter displayed a leopard tortoise and volunteer Krista Carpenter held a kestrel. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At the Wildlife Inc. tent, volunteer Krista Carpenter held a kestrel (a member of the falcon species) and Jeanne Potter displayed a leopard tortoise, with Athena, the great horned owl, and E.T., the barred owl, perched behind them.
Tropicats Morgan Bryant and Chuck Caudill opened the Bayfest musical performances. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Throughout the day and evening, the live music stage at the Pine Avenue/Bay Boulevard intersection was graced by The Tropicats, Memphis Rub, Jack’d Up and The Dr. Dave Band.
Turtle Watch volunteer Lisa Picciano wore a turtle costume. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Athena and E.T. had an owl’s-eye view of the Bayfest festivities. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The food court in the Roser Church parking lot featured local restaurants and visiting vendors. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
These were a few of the many vintage vehicles featured in the classic car show. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
This beach-themed Volkswagen van fit right in with Bayfest’s tropical surroundings. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Vintage vehicles are a highlight of the annual Bayfest celebration. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Roser Food Pantry volunteers Wanda Crummey and Doug Copeland participated in Bayfest. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce recently presented $1,000 scholarships to three outstanding Manatee County students: Gracie Jean-Charles, Torianne Hurst and Callaway Johnson.
The scholarships were presented during a March 27 AMI Chamber event held at the LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air headquarters in Holmes Beach and catered by The Feast restaurant.
Charles will graduate from Palmetto High School with an Advanced International Certificate of Education and in the top 3% of her class. Her list of accomplishments includes winning the Yale Book Award by the Suncoast Yale Club and the Manatee County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. She also served as a Youth advocate. She will attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in microbiology.
Hurst will graduate from Manatee High School in the top 4% of her class. Her academic excellence includes being a member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honors Society. She’s also been a mentor in the Penguins Project at the Manatee Performing Arts Center where she mentored children and adults with disabilities as they performed on stage. She grew up on Anna Maria Island and the Island’s close and supportive community helped her through some difficult times. She will attend Florida State University in pursuit of a degree in computer science.
Johnson will graduate from Manatee High School in the top 3% of her class with an AP Capstone Diploma with five dual enrollment classes and college credits from USF. Callaway is active in sports, clubs and volunteering. She took on leadership roles in the Student Council, National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ballroom Dance and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors. She was a member of the Sugar Canes dance team and a varsity cheerleader. She plans to attend Baylor University to pursue a degree in accounting.
HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 18 local organizations and announced three business of the year award winners during a ceremony at the Key Royale Golf Club clubhouse on Jan. 23.
Local business owners Adrienne Cardinale, Donna Woodruff, Jason Luper (front row), Frank Galati, Rick Cardinale, Marife Bryan and Gayle Luper accepted the Chamber’s business of the year awards. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
LaPensee Plumbing, Pool and Air owner Karen LaPensee served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, assisted by Chamber President Terri Kinder.
The annual trolley grants are funded by a portion of the advertising revenues generated by the businesses that advertise on the trolley buses that Manatee County Area Transit operates on Anna Maria Island at no charge to trolley passengers.
When applying for the annual trolley grants, local organizations propose a specific use or project and an estimated cost. A panel of Chamber board members interviews each applicant and determines who receives a grant and the grant amount. The differing grant amounts are based on the request and the surplus advertising revenues available, which this year totaled nearly $18,000.
This year’s grant recipients included Anna Maria Elementary School, the Anna Maria Island Art League, the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the Annie Silver Community Center, the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, the Cortez Village Historical Society, Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum, Friends of the Island Library, The Island Players, the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, the Roser Food Pantry, Roser Memorial Community Church, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, The Center of Anna Maria Island and Wildlife Inc.
Businesses of the year
Shore Thing Tiki Cruises is the chamber’s large business of the year, Bungalow Beach Resort is the medium-sized business of the year and Slicker’s Eatery is the small business of the year.
Rick Cardinale, Adrienne Cardinale and Frank Galati accepted the award given to Shore Thing Tiki Cruises. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When accepting the large business award, Adrienne Cardinale, joined by her husband, Rick, and Capt. Frank Galati, thanked the Chamber and said, “If it wasn’t for the networking events, the support and the ambassadors who really helped us integrate with the Island and the other business owners, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We started from scratch and we’re super-thankful for the award.”
Marife Bryan, Gayle Luper and Jason Luper accepted the award given to the Bungalow Beach Resort. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Bungalow Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach sustained significant hurricane damage and several ground-level bungalows built in the 1930s were destroyed.
When accepting the award, Jason Luper said, “This is amazing and we’re very honored. We’re able to rebuild and we’re excited to keep the soul of Anna Maria Island with what we have.”
His mother, Gayle Luper, said, “We’re very thankful for this and we’re thankful for the Chamber. Our new project, we call it ‘old Florida with modern durability.’ We’ll keep the reclaimed wood and ambiance and even though it’s going to be a brand-new building, it’s still going to have the ‘old Florida’ look.”
Donna and Bill Woodruff accepted the award given to Slicker’s Eatery. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Brandon Rolland, Chris Ferrero, Abby Coller and Brianna Sandstrom received the Slicker’s Eatery award the following day. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez sustained significant flood damage during the hurricanes and had not reopened as of last week, but their reopening is expected soon. Owner Bob Slicker couldn’t attend the ceremony because he was recovering from surgery, so Donna Woodruff accepted the award on his behalf. When contacted the following day (his 118th day of closure) Slicker expressed his gratitude for winning the award despite being closed for four months.
“Since we first dreamt of building our own little family eatery, we promised to keep things local and keep kindness at the forefront. It has never been about competition or getting rich. We still haven’t stopped working, serving and growing and we’ve never been known to give up. Simply put, we care about people and people care about us,” Slicker said.
Dr. Katie Fradley and Jen Serra represented the Anna Maria Elementary school. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Marilyn Margold and Gale Tedhams represented the Anna Maria Island Art League. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Renita Bertoluzzi and Kathy Morgan represented the Anna Maria Island Garden Club. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kris Martinez represented the Cortez Village Historical Society. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Juarez and Karen Bell represented the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Rebecca Gill and Judy Rupp represented the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Jillian Ptak and Chris Culhane represented The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, we extend a big “thank you” to the many golfers, sponsors, prize donors, business vendors and volunteers at our 25th Annual Golf Tournament for Scholarships at IMG Academy Golf Club on May 10. Monies received from the tournament go toward our annual scholarship program. The AMI Chamber awards three scholarships each year to Manatee County high school seniors who wish to further their education by attending either a college or trade school.
To our sponsors and prize donors, thank you for donating to this very worthy cause and making a difference! To our volunteers, thank you for your time and welcoming smiles that participants look forward to seeing! To our business vendors, thank you for sharing your services and promotional items with the tournament’s golfers.
Through your contributions, we can continue providing scholarships. We are very appreciative that you helped make this year’s tournament a success!
ANNA MARIA – Three students were awarded the 2024 Pat Copeland Scholarships at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society during the April 25 AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange.
The scholarships named for Copeland, one of the founders of the Historical Society and a former reporter and copy editor for The Sun, are $2,000 each and are provided through fundraising activities.
Bryanna Sparks, who is graduating from Manatee High School, excels in the Medical Academy and serves in leadership roles as president of both Future Health Professionals and the National Honor Society. She also serves as webmaster for Key Club. Sparks has been active in Girl Scouts since 2011, which includes the Gold Award for her project on maternal mental health. She also has served over 300 hours of community service, including at Downtown Ministries, HCA Florida Blake Hospital and with the homeless. Sparks plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology, then work toward her goal of becoming a pediatrician attending LECOM for her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. She plans to open a practice in Bradenton. Sparks was unable to attend the event.
Anna Wright, graduating from Manatee High School, is an active member of her community and school, including the drama club and environmental club, where she worked closely with Keep Manatee Beautiful. Outside of school, she has worked for Cove on Bridge Street for three years, which she says has taught her a good work ethic that will be valuable in the future. She also currently participates in the Youth Advisory Council program at De Soto National Memorial. Wright says she would like to pursue a career with the National Park Service and become a park ranger. She plans to study environmental science at Florida State University.
Nicholas Yatros, graduating from Manatee High School, scored a 1500 on the SAT while maintaining a 4.32 GPA. He has completed four AP courses and is currently taking four more before graduating. Despite his heavy course load, he was selected MVP of the basketball team, is a member of the National Honor and Spanish Honor societies, and co-founder of the school’s argument club, which is a spin-off of the debate club. Yatros has also volunteered at Anna Maria Elementary and The Center of Anna Maria Island, accumulating over 100 hours of community service. Yatros plans to pursue a degree in computer science from the University of Florida.
In addition to the Copeland scholarships, a Chamber scholarship was also awarded to a student who couldn’t be present at its March 28 ceremony. Nathan Rupprecht is graduating from Southeast High School having completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program in the top 3% of his class. Excelling in engineering design, Rupprecht won first place in the United States Technology Students Association over 7,000 other students, as well as the national title in Architectural Design. He also works at Publix part-time. Rupprecht will seek an advanced degree in mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.
HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business Card Exchanges are always a great networking event, but the March 28 exchange at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air was extra special for two area high school seniors who were each awarded $1,000 college scholarships by the chamber.
Bryanna Sparks and Jacob Burdette were on hand to accept their awards and meet Island business owners and managers.
According to AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder, money for the scholarships is raised through the organization’s annual Bayfest event, as well as the annual chamber golf tournament.
“Portions of the proceeds from those two major events is what funds our scholarships,” Kinder said. “We have a committee that does the scholarship awards. This year we had a record 26 applications for the scholarships. They all go to the committee, which scores the scholarships.”
Only two of three scholarships were given out at the event. One of the winners, Nathan Rupprecht, was away with his family for spring break, so his award will be given at the next April business card exchange with the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Kinder said the historical society, which will be awarding its own scholarships at the upcoming exchange, was gracious enough to allow the chamber to award its final chamber scholarship then.
BRYANNA SPARKS
Sparks is graduating from Manatee High School after excelling in its Medical Academy and serving in leadership roles as president of both Future Health Professionals and the National Honor Society. She also serves as webmaster for Key Club. Sparks has been active in Girl Scouts since 2011, including receiving the Gold Award for her focus on maternal mental health. She also has over 300 hours of community service, including Downtown Ministries, Blake Hospital and work with the homeless population.
Sparks plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology and then work toward her goal of becoming a pediatrician in Bradenton, attending LECOM for her doctorate in osteopathic medicine.
JACOB BURDETTE
Burdette is graduating from Manatee High School in the top 1% of his class. His long list of honors includes AP Scholar Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, White M, National Honor Society, Junior Manatee & Boys State Leadership and more. Burdette is also an Eagle Scout and has more than 225 hours of community service. Burdette has been accepted to the University of Florida to pursue a bachelor’s in business finance and a master’s in business administration with a minor in chemistry.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Passport Program is a fun way for residents and visitors to the Island to get out and discover Island businesses with a passport offered for free by the chamber.
Participants are encouraged to get their passports stamped at four participating chamber-member businesses in each of the four defined areas: Bradenton Beach, Cortez, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Anyone who completes the challenge is rewarded by the chamber with a T-shirt for their achievement. For most, the task is completed over a few days, weeks or even months, but for one Bradenton Beach man, it only took five hours.
Roy Cuddahy, a 69-year-old retired “snowbird” who spends three months a year in Bradenton Beach, saw the Passport Program as a challenge he thought he could knock out in record time, so he set out to do exactly that.
“I hopped on my e-bike and did the four in Bradenton Beach, four in Cortez, four in Holmes Beach and four in Anna Maria,” Cuddahy said. “It took me five hours and 22 miles, and I made it to the chamber to get my T-shirt just a few minutes before they closed.”
Cuddahy said there were eight businesses he knew and eight businesses he had never been to, which is exactly why the chamber does the program each year; to allow people to explore new businesses and get to know the Island, while at the same time stimulating the local economy.
Roy is no stranger to e-bikes. Back at his home in Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, he owns and operates an e-bike business. While on the Island, he visits the newly opened e-bike business, Better On Bikes in Bradenton Beach, offering his knowledge and assistance to them. He also conducts an Island e-bike tour on Wednesday mornings where participants can either bring their own e-bike or rent one for $35. The guided ride lasts about two hours and is free, but he accepts donations for the Robinson Preserve trail fund. The rides are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will continue through Wednesday, April 10. Anyone interested can contact Better On Bikes at 877-426-4386.
CORTEZ – More than a hundred people packed the Seafood Shack’s Neptune Room on Jan. 25 for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s latest Business Card Exchange, which featured the annual Trolley Grant Awards.
This year’s awards went to 16 nonprofit organizations that requested money for specific projects to better the community through their efforts.
To keep the familiar trolleys that carry passengers up and down the Island free of charge, the AMI Chamber sells advertising space on the inside and outside of the trolleys. After administrative costs and expenses are covered each year, excess revenue is dispersed in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations on the Island and in Cortez. The annual award winners are selected by a committee and awarded annually on the fourth Thursday of January based on submissions that are due in mid-December.
The program was founded by Ed Hunzeker, former Manatee County administrator, along with the late David Teitelbaum, of Anna Maria Island Resorts.
This year’s ceremony gave back more than $25,000, bringing the total grants given to nonprofits on the Island and Cortez since the inception of this program to more than $471,000. AMI Chamber officials say they are honored to manage this program with Manatee County that gives back to the community.
Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trolley Grant recipients:
• Anna Maria Elementary School PTO
• Anna Maria Island Art League
• Anna Maria Island Garden Club
• Anna Maria Island Privateers
• Anna Maria Island Turtle Watchand Shorebird Monitoring
HOLMES BEACH – Hundreds of people flocked to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s parking lot for the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. In previous years, the tree has been a tree-shaped strand of lights that was erected in the chamber parking lot, but this year there were big changes.
When The Sun spoke to chamber President Terri Kinder at last year’s ceremony, she said it was the chamber’s goal to get an actual tree for 2023 and they accomplished exactly that. The only caveat for this year was the tree needed to be anchored to the ground, so it couldn’t be in the chamber parking lot.
A new tree was provided to the AMI Chamber of Commerce by an anonymous donor and placed at Hancock Whitney Bank across the street from the chamber office in Holmes Beach. The tree was lit at the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
“Big changes this year; we’re very excited about this,” Kinder said. “An anonymous donor donated that beautiful tree to the City of Holmes Beach. It’s 24 feet tall and needs to be staked, so we decided Hancock Whitney Bank across the street was the best place for it to be. Holmes Beach did a fantastic job putting this tree up and putting it together, and Hancock Whitney Bank has an amazing partnership with the city and the chamber. We’re just so excited.”
Kinder told The Sun in 2022 that they would have to do a significant amount of fundraising to upgrade the previous tree, but thanks to the anonymous donation, the chamber didn’t have to spend any money. City staff erected the artificial tree and Hancock Whitney Bank is providing the electricity to illuminate it. According to Kinder, this was the largest attendance for a tree lighting thus far, with hundreds of people attending, enjoying food and drinks, and mingling with friends and newly met friends from the Island community.
“It just keeps getting bigger every year,” Kinder said moments before the tree was lit. “I’m excited to see everybody’s reception because I think they’re going to be thrilled with this new tree.”
A large crowd gathered at the AMI Chamber of Commerce parking lot for the annual Holmes Beach Tree Lighting festivities, Dec. 1. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
In addition to the tree, the Anna Maria Island Privateers were on hand with their sleigh and a special visit from Santa Claus, who met with children of all ages wishing to get their Christmas lists in his ear before the big day. Leading up to the lighting of the tree, CrossPointe Fellowship entertained the crowd with live music, singing holiday favorites with the backing of a full band. It may not have been cold, or even cool, but the Island showed its Christmas spirit, snow or not.
BRADENTON – Local business owners recognized high achievers in the business world at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 2023 Member Gala on Nov. 17 at the Bradenton Country Club.
The event is an opportunity for local business owners and managers to applaud the winners of the Business of the Year Awards. The awards are presented to businesses in four categories that go through a rigorous process of evaluation by a panel of five chamber members before one in each category comes out on top.
“We had 38 nominees this year, and out of that 38 there were 12 that were selected to do a face-to-face interview,” AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “There’s three chosen in each of the four categories. We have one winner and two runners-up in each category.”
AMI Chamber members mingle during cocktail hour prior to the awards presentation at the 2023 at the AMI Chamber Member Gala held at Bradenton Country Club. – Jason Schaeffer | Sun
The four categories are Not-For-Profit, Small Business, Medium Business and Large Business. Three finalists in each category are chosen for a face-to-face interview with a panel of five chamber members who then decide on a winner.
The committee that chooses the winners consists of Karen LaPensee of LaPensee Plumbing Pools and Air, Eric Cairns of Cedar Cove Resort, Susanne Arbanas of AMI Concierge Service, Mike Southwick of AAA Payroll and Nikita Fosmore of Salon Salon.
The award winners and finalists are:
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Winner – Manatee County Habitat for Humanity
Runner Up – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank everyone who participated in our 2023 Golf Tournament for Scholarships at IMG Academy Golf Club. We wish to acknowledge our Presenting Sponsor, Tom Sanger Pool & Spa, our Apparel Sponsor, Jay Pros, and our Gold Sponsor, LaPensee Plumbing/Pools/Air. To our golfers, volunteers, food and beverage sponsors and the many businesses who donated raffle prizes, our heartfelt thanks for making this another successful great day on the links. The Chamber of Commerce weather provided everyone involved with an outstanding day of golf and fellowship. We appreciate all of the support and hope you can participate again for 2024!
HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business Card Exchange is always a great networking event, but the March 23 event at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air was extra special for three area high school seniors who were each awarded a $1,000 college scholarship by the Chamber.
Evan Christenson, Hannah Ferguson and Terrance Johnson Jr. were on hand to accept their awards and meet Island business owners and managers.
Christenson is graduating from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School with a GPA of 4.24. He is a member of the varsity lacrosse team and volunteers at the AMI Center. Evan has been accepted to Florida State University and will major in finance and law. He hopes to return to Bradenton to establish his career and to dedicate time to help seniors and veterans who need business and or legal services.
Ferguson graduates from Braden River High School and has been engaged in businesses of her own from an early age, from her lemonade stand to her bakery. She became the “leader” in
the classroom as well as captain of the volleyball team and girls’ flag football team. She will major in entrepreneurship and innovations at the University of South Florida next fall. Her dream is to own a successful business on Anna Maria Island.
Johnson graduates through the AICE program at Palmetto High School. The pandemic significantly impacted him with the loss of face-to-face instruction. He overcame the situation by setting and maintaining his own goals to maintain good grades. He will attend Florida A&M University to study business, marketing and information technology.
“These scholarships are open to any Manatee County graduating senior who is pursuing further education, whether it be a four-year degree, two-year degree or a trade school,” AMI Chamber President Terry Kinder said. “The applications are turned in to the Chamber, which has a committee that goes through the applications and scores them, then picks the beneficiaries.”
