Tag: Anna Maria Island Privateers

Historical Society hosts annual Heritage Day Festival

Written by Joe Hendricks on March 25, 2026. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – In celebration of Anna Maria Island’s past and present were celebrated at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Festival on Wednesday, March 18.
The annual Heritage Day Festival serves as a fundraiser for the historical society and the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum at 402 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.

The museum and the adjacent Belle Haven Cottage were open for free tours, with volunteer docents on hand to discuss the history of the Island.

*The AMI Privateers captured and released Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

The fundraising activities included strawberry shortcake sales, Settlers Bread sales, raffles and silent auctions that featured items donated by local businesses and – with the assistance of the Anna Maria Island Privateers – the capture of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, who was held in the “Old City Jail” until enough ransom was raised to secure his release.

The mayor’s two-year-old granddaughter, Quinn Cunningham, was among those who placed ransom in the ransom bucket.

*Mayor Mark Short’s two-year-old granddaughter, Quinn Cunningham, put money in the ransom bucket. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

Unable to participate in this year’s event, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, her husband, Steve, and Shoreline Construction donated $500 to help free the Anna Maria mayor.

Anna Maria-based Pizza Social sold pizza by the slice and Dole Whip Fruit Soft Serve sold a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan ice cream-like frozen treat.

The children’s activities included face painting, oversized checkers, a scavenger hunt and the museum’s fundraising “The Sand Beneath Your Feet” Discovery Station that replicates mining for rocks and minerals in a river.

*Oliver Crane displays the shells, rocks and gems he discovered in the musuem’s “The Sand Beneath Your Feet” activity area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

The participating vendors sold homespun wool yarn and yarn products, art, crochet pot holders, local honey, jewels and crystals, historical books and more.
The participating non-profit organizations included AMI Turtle Watch, Wildlife Inc. (with a live kestrel and a live great horned owl), Islanders 4 Clean Water, the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee, the Island Branch Library and the UF | IFAS Extension for native plants.

Performing solo, Trevor Bystrom provided the live music.

*Trevor Bystrom played a mix of original material and cover songs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

Historical Society President Carolyn Orshak served as this year’s festival chairperson and she expressed her gratitude and thanks for everyone who attended, assisted, volunteered or participated in this year’s event.

Shortly after the mayor was released, Orshak said, “The money raised today helps us keep the museum open for free admission, as we’ve done since the museum first opened its doors in 1992. We’re very proud of that. We’ve had some pressure to start charging for admission like most other museums do, but we want everybody to be able to enjoy this museum.

*The AMI Historical Museum was open for tours and the museum tours are always free. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

“The Privateers did a great job of raising money to get the mayor out of jail. They volunteer their time to do that for us and they give the ransom money to the museum,” Orshak said.

Standing within earshot, Privateer Terry “Colonel Krash” Kilpatrick said, “We’re here out of the goodness of our hearts, as black as they may be.”

“We have so many beautiful silent auction and raffle gifts,” she said. “Pizza Social is here selling inexpensive pizza. We have dairy-free, gluten-free ice cream (Dole Whip Fruit Soft Serve) that’s amazing and he’s been letting my granddaughter help him serve it.

*Jordan Simmonetti, David Miesner, Hollie Miesner, Lori Miesner and Katie Miesner at the Pizza Social tent. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Lance Sulek served tasty Dole Whip Fruit Soft Serve frozen treats. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

“We have a beekeeper selling local honey and we have a lot of other interesting vendors. We also have a lot of informational and educational booths this year that help raise awareness about those organizations,” Orshak said.

*Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter introduced folks to Kaya, the kestrel, with Athena, the great horned owl, watching on. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

Standing beside Orshak, Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee member and Anna Maria Island Real Estate Company owner Bill Romberger said, “We’re just trying to raise awareness to the local community and the tourists about keeping the waters around the Island clean.”

*Scott MacGregor and Bill Romberger from the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee were joined by Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Clerk Allyson Kalicharan. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

Orshak said Detwiler’s Farm Market donated the strawberries this year and Anna Maria-based Hometown Desserts once again provided the shortcake.

*Historical Society members Barb Murphy and Renee Goodheart served strawberry shortcake to AMI Privateer Terry “Colonel Krash” Kilpatrick. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

“We have four amazing sponsors this year: Anna Maria Island Real Estate Corporation, Island Real Estate, Moss Builders and Solid Rock Construction. They generously sponsored us with $500 each, which helped us pay our expenses and fund our programs,” Orshak said.

Visit the musuem and historical society website to learn more.

Heritage Day Festival photo gallery

*Catwalk fiber arts owner Donna Stansbury uses an old-fashioned, foot-powered spinning wheel to spin wool into yarn. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Detwiler’s Farm Market donated the strawberries. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*The children’s activities included face painting. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Painter Corin Finnie is an annual Heritage Day participant. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*The weather was grand for the well-attended Heritage Day Festival. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Museum docent Karen Z. Gardner shared the history of the Belle Haven Cottage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*These whimsical stuffed animals were among the many items for sale during the festival. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Anna Maria Turtles LLC Manager Joanie Derry set up next to the AMI Turtle Watch tent. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*AMI Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella shared information about sea turtles and their nesting activities that will begin soon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Robin Hankinson is an annual participant in the Heritage Day Festival. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Island resident Luann Marshall offered her homemade pot holders. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*The fundraising activities included a silent auction. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Local businesses donated raffle prizes and silent auction items. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Beekeeper Kevin Lausman discussed local honey with John Nowicki. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Susan Griffith displayed a buttonwood and a necklace pod at the UF | IFAS Extension native plants table. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Youth Programming Coordinator Sidney Richendollar represented the Island Branch Library. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*Historical books were among the vendor offerings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

*The Anna Maria Island Privateers captured Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and held him for fundraising ransom. – Joe Hendricks | Sun*

Privateers award annual scholarships

Written by Jason Schaffer on June 25, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

BRADENTON – The Anna Maria Island Privateers awarded 14 scholarships at LECOM Park before the June 21 Bradenton Marauders baseball game against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

The Privateers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids in the community, hold fundraising events throughout the year with the two primary goals of funding Christmas gifts for underprivileged children and scholarships for students.

Scholarship recipients for 2024 are:

FIRST YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS ($1,500)

– Jake Burdette of Manatee High – $500 – AMI Privateers Scholarship

– Ella Evans of Palmetto High – $500 – AMI Privateers Scholarship

– Jack Love of Manatee High – $500 – AMI Privateers Scholarship

SECOND YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS ($2,750)

– Jessica Burdette of University of Florida – $750 – AMI Privateers Scholarship and Dean’s List Bonus – $500 – Davey Jones Locker Memorial Scholarship, in honor and memory of beloved Privateers who are now at rest.

– Laila Singer of University of North Florida – $750 – AMI Privateers Scholarship

– Isabella Pasquale of University of Florida – $750 – AMI Privateers Scholarship

THIRD YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS ($3,000)

– Carissa Bailey of University of Florida – $1,000 – Theresa Kunze, Sandpiper Resort Memorial Scholarship

– Gabe French of University of Central Florida – $1,000 – Theresa Kunze, Sandpiper Resort Memorial Scholarship

– Keile O’Dell of Southeastern University – $1,000 – Theresa Kunze, Sandpiper Resort Memorial Scholarship

FIRST RESPONDERS ($1,500)

– Medical: Courtney Bauer of University of South Florida – $500 – AMI Privateers First Responder Scholarship

– Fire & Rescue Academy – Accepting on behalf of Manatee Technical College, Jay Bush, Director of the MTC’s Fire Academy – $500 – AMI Privateers First Responder Scholarship

– Police Academy – MTC Police Academy – $500 – Drift In AMI Scholarship

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS ($1,500)

– Early Learning Coalition: Accepting on behalf of ELC, Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management – $1,000 – Theresa Kunze, Sandpiper Resort Memorial Scholarship

– Veteran’s Continuing Education: Accepting on behalf of MTC Veterans Financial Aid, Brittany Burton, Financial Aid Specialist – $500 – Drift In AMI Scholarship.

AMI privateers party for a cause

Written by Jason Schaffer on December 5, 2023. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

RADENTON BEACH – It was a perfect night for a party and the Anna Maria Island Privateers know how to pack people in for a worthy cause.

Last Saturday evening, thousands of people flocked to Bridge Street for the annual Holiday Boat Parade and street party. Bridge Street was closed to traffic and people were free to roam the shops, restaurants and bars, one of which was home to the Privateers’ annual Christmas at the Drift In fundraiser.

This year’s fundraiser featured plenty of food available for a small donation and two big raffle prizes. There was a lotto board with hundreds of dollars’ worth of lottery tickets, won by Jennifer Newburg, and a booze basket won by Tony Markvicka. No Privateers holiday party would be complete without Santa, who enjoyed VIP status on the pirates’ sleigh as he met with kids of all ages in the parking lot of the Bradenton Beach Post Office next to the 42-foot Christmas tree.

Money raised from the event will go to the Drift In AMI scholarship to be awarded in June 2024. The Privateers are still calculating their booty, but said the turnout was one of their best yet.

The Privateers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to assist kids and the community through scholarship programs and other initiatives that help local children.

Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids

Written by Joe Hendricks on July 25, 2023. Posted in Bradenton Beach.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift In raised $2,350 during Saturday’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser.

Saturday evening’s fundraising efforts included two raffles: one raffle for the lotto board that contained a $100 bill surrounded by $400 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets; and another for the liquor basket valued at $300.

Glen Authers won the

lotto board assembled by honorary Privateer Ellen Scott, and Drift In Manager and honorary Privateer Doreen Flynn won the liquor basket.

The fundraising efforts also included food sales. For a $10 donation, folks could enjoy a wide variety of food donated by local restaurants and others.

While standing near the food table, Privateer Carmela O’Driscoll thanked The Freckled Fin, the Palmetto Moose Lodge, Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs, El Sombreros, Cheesecake Cutie, Bolo’s Baked Goods, the Privateers and Flynn for the food and desserts they donated to the cause.

Several local restaurants donated food to the fundraising efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

As the event got underway, Privateer John “Arr” Rutherford said, “We’re raising money for kids at Christmas time. Most of today’s proceeds will go toward the families that have fallen on hard times that we help during Christmas. This is one of our two annual events that we have to help our Christmas families. The Drift In has been great in allowing us to host this annual event here for the past several years. They’re super-supportive of the Privateers.”

“We hope to raise lots of money for the Privateers,” Flynn said. “We help families every year at Christmas and we also help raise money for the scholarships the Privateers give away in July. The Privateers do so much for the children in our community and that’s what it’s all about.”

Sitting outside in his Adirondack chair, Santa (Greg McCoy) posed for pictures with those who made donations to the Privateers. During the late afternoon musical performance by Dos-Macs and Tommy Balbo, Santa stepped to the mic and said he was already compiling his naughty and nice lists and supporting the Privateers would get you on his nice list.

Concrete Edgar provided live music indoors that evening.

Fourth of July Parade wet, wild fun

Written by Jason Schaffer on July 11, 2023. Posted in Entertainment, Parades.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – More than 120 participants in the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade loaded their vehicles with water guns to do battle with thousands of people lining the parade route.

Beginning at Coquina Beach at the south end of the Island and finishing on Pine Avenue in the north, some parade participants had containers holding more than 100 gallons of water, but parade watchers also were well stocked for what has become known as Florida’s biggest and longest water battle.

“We had more than 80 Jeeps in this year’s parade, in addition to the other participants that made this one of, if not the biggest, Fourth of July parades we have ever had,” Anna Maria Island Privateers President Kim Boyd said. “It was so much fun.”

Every July Fourth, it is understood that standing along the parade route will result in getting wet, but this year, it appeared that people watching the parade were especially prepared.

“We live in St. Pete and have heard about this parade and how much fun it is,” Jalene Hummer said. “We brought plenty of water, a tent and plenty of “Super Soakers” to fight back against the parade, and it was every bit as much fun as we thought it would be. This parade was huge, the best we have ever been to.”

Both locals and visitors seemed to enjoy getting soaked, especially since temperatures were well into the 90s even when the parade began at 10 a.m.

“It’s so hot here, what a great idea to cool things down for a parade,” said Jason Kabler, of Jacksonville, North Carolina. “We didn’t come with water guns because we knew nothing about it. We just got here yesterday, but we happily let them hit us as they passed by; it felt good.”

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been in existence for 52 years and has donated over $500,000 in scholarships to local high school students. They also contribute to many other charities, adopt families at Christmas, participate in community events, as well as promote children’s activities and reading events.

No tops on these “Slingshot” vehicles means a wet and wild Fourth of July parade on AMI. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

More than 80 Jeeps participated in the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, many completely soaked inside and out within the first mile of the more than 6-mile long parade route. -Jason Schaffer | Sun

U.S. Army WWII veteran John Seen, 104 years old, waves to the crowd at the front of the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers lead their annual Fourth of July Parade doing battle with water guns against parade-watchers while aboard their ship, The Skullywag. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

Although there were no official fireworks displays on AMI over the Fourth of July holiday, many individuals set off their own. - Jason Gargiule/amiaerials.com

The sunset had a little help from fireworks on Anna Maria Island on July Fourth. - Jason Gargiule/amiaerials.com

Privateers hold raffle for The Skullywag

Written by Jason Schaffer on March 21, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Just about anyone who’s been on Anna Maria Island during a holiday parade or large community event has seen The Skullywag, the road-going pirate ship that almost always has plenty of pirates about, ready to serve the community they care so much for. Unfortunately in recent months, the ship has required extensive maintenance and repairs so, like they always do when other people are in need, the AMI Privateers sprang into action.

“There’s a lot of maintenance on a 65-foot pirate ship,” AMI Privateers President Kim Boyd said. “We’re always having to do extensive maintenance. After we got our transmission fixed and repaired the rear axle, there’s little things that pop up here and there. We had to pull off the rear deck because it was starting to sag and became a safety hazard. We got that fixed, but now the extra weight has caused a suspension issue. It’s not dangerous, but we want it to last us a while.”

The ship began life as an International school bus, and there is a limited number of people in the area who can work on it. The Privateers recently upgraded the sound system and want to continue to make the ship the best fundraising tool it can be.

“She’s 40 years old, bless her heart,” Boyd said. “Even 40-year-old people need to go see the doctor every once in a while. She’s got to get a new paint job, new suspension, new wiring and things like that. We also want to add new lighting and other things that will enhance the experience for people who want private events. This will enhance our fundraising possibilities.”

Since most fundraising events held by the Privateers are to raise funds for scholar- ships for kids in the community and events such as their Christmas Families program for children, the Privateers make sure that they are clear when an event is for The Skullywag, such as the one at The Drift In in Bradenton Beach on March 15. The fundraiser offered raffle tickets for $5 each with the prize including a lotto board that contained $100 in cash, along with $300 in scratch-off tickets and a high-end Irish spirits basket with an estimated value of $300.

There is still time to register for the Privateers’ annual schol- arships that are open to any local student who has applied to a secondary education such as a trade school, community college or state college/university. Applications must be postmarked by April 1. For more information on the Privateers and the annual scholarships, visit www. amiprivateers.org.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been in existence for 52 years and has donated over $500,000 in scholarships to local high school students. They also contribute to many other charities, adopt families at Christmas, participate in community events and raise money for first responders, as well as promote children’s activities and reading events.

July Fourth weekend crowds return to Anna Maria Island

Written by Jason Schaffer on July 4, 2022. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island was packed and traffic stretched for more than a mile to get onto the Island most of the weekend as everyone from international visitors to local Floridians flocked to AMI beaches to soak up the sun for the Fourth of July holiday.

Major holidays are always a big draw as visitors look to beat the summer heat.

“We came from Orlando. The traffic was insane, but it’s worth it to be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” said Carlos Ramirez, who was visiting Coquina Beach with his wife and four children. “It took forever to get a parking spot, and now that we have one, we’re not leaving. We brought food to grill and we’re here until the sun sets.”

Ramirez was fortunate to get a parking spot. On Monday, July 4, cars were lined up bumper to bumper, with drivers hoping a parking space would become available at the beaches.

After the sun set on Saturday night, visitors continued to flock to the Island for the return of the Sandbar Restaurant’s annual fireworks display after a sabbatical due to COVID-19.

And the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July parade both delighted beachgoers and further slowed traffic on the Island’s two main roads on Monday.

“The beaches are incredibly crowded. We barely have room to drive our ATVs because there are so many people out there,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said.

Tokajer also addressed the use of Anna Maria Elementary’s parking lot for overflow parking. The lot was free to use July 2, 3 and 4, but not without controversy.

“The school was open for parking Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but in reality it shouldn’t have been,” Tokajer said. “County Administrator Scott Hopes told Superintendent Cynthia Saunders that he would have the flashing beacon for the crosswalk installed before the July Fourth weekend and it was not. It was a dangerous situation with people crossing the road with their families carrying beach gear in an area without a proper crosswalk.”

Leslie Lake | Sun

Anne Yarbrough | Sun

Kristin Swain | Sun

Water ban reversed for July Fourth parade

Written by Jason Schaffer on June 28, 2022. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After issuing a statement earlier this month about prohibiting the use of water during their annual July Fourth parade, The Anna Maria Island Privateers have reached a truce with Island officials.

“The use of water and any device that propels water is restricted and prohibited for parade participants and spectators during the Privateer July Fourth Parade,” Privateer President Kim “Syren” Boyd wrote in a June 8 statement that is now repealed.

The reversal was due to complaints from some parade participants, according to Boyd, who said the Privateers feel that water is an important element of fun associated with the parade. In addition to water sprayed from floats at parade attendees, people along the parade route also bring water guns to shoot at floats on what is most often a hot July morning.

Boyd issued a revised statement on June 24 saying that Island mayors consent to the use of water guns, but no water balloons, high-powered hoses or spray nozzles will be allowed.

The parade forms at Coquina Beach South on Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m., running the length of the Island to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. It’s first come, first served for participants, and no spaces can be held between floats during the lineup, so all participants are encouraged to arrive early and dress for the heat. There is no charge to participate, but the Privateers are a 501(c) (3) organization and appreciate donations. A portion of all donations will go to the Roser Church food pantry.

For more information on participating, email kb8746@ gmail.com or visit the Privateers online.

Historical Society hosting Heritage Day celebration on Tuesday

Historical Society hosting Heritage Day celebration Tuesday

Written by Joe Hendricks on March 11, 2022. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is hosting its annual Heritage Day celebration on Tuesday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historical Museum at 402 Pine Ave.

Free tours will be given of the museum and the adjacent historic Belle Haven Cottage.

Craft demonstrations near the cottage will include weaving, macrame, soap and lotion making, sewing, candle making and broom making.

Tuesday’s event will include an area where children can play “old fashioned games” that don’t require electricity or Wi-Fi, and a scavenger hunt will require participating youngsters to tour the craft demonstrations.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are planning an invasion and the capture of Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, who will be confined in the Old Anna Maria City Jail until enough bounty is raised to bail him out. The money raised to secure the mayor’s release will benefit the AMI Historical Society.

Set up in outdoor booths, Historical Society members will be selling items from the museum gift shop, ‘antiques,’ strawberry shortcake and raffle tickets for the gift baskets donated by local businesses and the crafters participating in Tuesday’s event.

Local authors Peggy Donoho and Ron Prouty will be on hand discussing and selling their book, “Miguel’s Bay: The Pioneer Tale of Miguel and Frederica Guerrero.” The book tells the story of Menorca-born sailor Miguel Guerrero and Bavarian immigrant Frederica Kramer. Guerrero established a fishing rancho on Terra Ceia Island, near Palmetto, in 1848, and later married Kramer. Despite their cultural differences, the couple overcame the overwhelming difficulties they faced together.

Artist Robert Johnson’s Island-themed paintings will be on display and the Healing River Beekeepers and Friends of the Library will also have booths set up on the museum grounds.

Palmetto-based TK Grill & Barbeque will be selling their barbeque and other menu items and Great Heights Creamery will be selling their ice cream treats.

Commissioners invited

During the March 10 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Historical Society board member Barbara Murphy extended personal invitations to each of the city commission members. “We have an amazing Heritage Day planned,” she said when providing an overview of the upcoming event.

“Several businesses have contributed beautiful gift baskets and we’ll be raffling those off,” she noted.

“There is going to be a visit from the Privateers and they are going capture someone (her husband) and put him in jail. It’s going to take lots of dollars to get him out. If he has to stay in jail overnight that’ll be OK too,” she joked.

“He can only be released with real doubloons,” Commissioner Robert Kingan added.

“It’s going to be really fun, so I hope all of you will be there to greet our visitors and residents. I think we’ll do well and have a beautiful time,” she told the commission.

She also thanked the Anna Maria Public Works Department for the assistance they are providing before, during and after the event.

Commission Chair Carol Carter said the Heritage Day celebration provides an opportunity to educate visitors about Anna Maria Island’s extensive history.

Ringing in the holiday season, Island-style

Written by SUN contributor on December 16, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Parades.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The holiday spirit was on full display Dec. 11 as crowds lined the Island’s streets to see the annual AMI Privateers Christmas parade.

Led by the Privateers on the Skullywag, the Christmas parade brought out kids young and old to cheer as their friends and favorite characters traveled from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, through Holmes Beach and down to City Pier Park in Anna Maria.

After the parade, Santa and some of his favorite pirate elves gathered at City Pier Park to take pictures, find out what everyone wants for Christmas and hand out presents to children.

The group from AMI Locals celebrates Grinchmas as they ride along in the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas parade on Dec. 11. - Kristin Swain | Sun

One bicyclist joins in on the Christmas parade fun. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers lead the way down East Bay Drive on their landbound pirate ship, the Skullywag, for the 2021 Christmas Parade on Dec. 11. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Holmes Beach public works staff ham it up during the Christmas parade. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Holmes Beach public works staff get in on the holiday fun during the Christmas parade. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Church members and kids celebrate the Christmas season on the Roser Church float. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Santa waves to the crowd as he travels along the Christmas parade route before stopping at City Pier Park in Anna Maria to hand out presents to good boys and girls. - Submitted | Gail Swain

Santa brings down the house as he arrives on his sleigh to the happy cheers of children during the Christmas parade. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some of Santa’s elves take a ride on a boat instead of a sleigh. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The Paddlers from Paradise take a break from their dragon boat to ride in the annual Christmas parade. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Privateers raise money for scholarships

Written by Jason Schaffer on December 5, 2021. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers invaded the Drift In to raise money for their scholarship fund on Saturday.

“I didn’t know what was going on, I just assumed people here dress as pirates,” said Christopher Davies, visiting from England. “It looks like they’re having a great time.”

The Privateers work year-round to raise money for youth in the community, and can be found at just about any event involving children on the Island. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s motto is “For Kids and Community” and it shows in their efforts to bring not only financial assistance, but also joy to local kids.

Santa and his sleigh were on hand to take pictures with kids of all ages, and there were plenty of pirate photo ops as well. Money was raised through a lotto board raffle, a huge raffle basket worth more than $1,200, donations to dine at the potluck buffet and cash donations.

There’s no slowing down for the Privateers. They’ll be hosting their Christmas Parade and Gifts With Santa this Saturday, Dec. 11. The parade begins at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and ends on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. If you would like to participate, there is still time; all the details are at amiprivateers.org.

Privateers mourn the loss of ‘Big John’ Swager

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 17, 2021. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Beloved Anna Maria Island Privateer John ‘Big John’ Swager, 58, died on Oct. 6 at Blake Medical Center after a month-long battle with COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Big John knew he loved life, but was particularly passionate about three things: His wife, Cindy ‘Bubbles’ and family, Texas barbecue and serving his community through his extended family, the AMI Privateers. On just about any given weekend, John could be found in full pirate regalia reminding children of all ages that not only are pirates real, but they are here to help others, and this tiny Island is full of them.

One of the longest-serving Privateers, John Swager joined the 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the early 1990s and, over the years, served in almost every capacity, most recently as treasurer. His work, along with that of the other Privateers, raised thousands of dollars over the years for the Privateers scholarship fund, a source of pride for all the Privateers.

“He knew more about the history of the Privateers than any of us,” said Mary “Xena” Lehrman, the current Privateers treasurer. “There are things he remembered that are now lost. We would have an idea to do something we hadn’t done in 15 years and the only person we could turn to who remembered how we did it was John. A lot of our history is gone with his passing.”

Although John was born in Pennsylvania, he always identified as a Texan, having moved there as a child. As he grew up, he developed a love for barbecue and competition cooking, winning awards and traveling across the country in pursuit of his passion. After moving to Anna Maria Island more than three decades ago, John worked as a professional plumber and eventually started his own barbecue business here. If you’ve attended an outdoor event on the Island, you’ve probably tried at least a taste of Big John’s Texas BBQ.

“He was a Privateer to the core – everything he felt, everything he did was for the Privateers,” said Privateer Terry ‘Cookie’ Rapert. “He knew names and events from 30 years ago. He was a walking encyclopedia.”

There will be a memorial service and celebration of John’s life on Monday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Field Park in Holmes Beach. There will be music, food and beverages available, and plenty of friends and neighbors to share their fond memories of this larger-than-life pirate.

Privateers hold ‘Christmas in July’ for a good cause

Written by Jason Schaffer on July 26, 2021. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – After not being able to hold the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anna Maria Island Privateers were excited to resume their annual “Christmas in July” event at The Drift In on Bridge Street.

The event featured live music, a buffet of Island food, raffle prizes and more. While the event was a great party and everybody attending appeared to be indulging in lots of food and a little bit of rum, it was all for a great cause that the Privateers are passionate about.

“This is to help with the many things we do throughout the year. This is mostly to help with our Christmas families that we help in December,” said Dallas of the Privateers, explaining that proceeds will help families with children who may be having difficulties financially around the holidays.

A large food buffet was open to anyone attending for a cost of $10 and featured dozens of dishes and desserts provided by Privateers as well as local restaurants including the Bridge Tender Inn, Seafood Shack, Pizza Social, The Moose Lodge, Smoqe House and The Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe. A lotto board and “booze basket” valued at $500 were also up for grabs with all the proceeds going to help Island children.

Even Santa Claus was in on the action, taking a break from toy-making and bringing his sleigh to The Drift In parking lot for pictures with anyone who just couldn’t wait until December. It was also a rare chance to see Santa in board shorts, sandals and a straw beach hat. He certainly appeared to be enjoying his Anna Maria Island vacation.

A festive Fourth

Written by Sun staff on July 4, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Parades.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers took the Fourth of July holiday to the streets of all three Island cities Saturday, making up for lost time from the cancellation of last year’s parade by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bands of rain from Tropical Storm Elsa deterred some from lining up along the parade route, but many who attended were soaked anyway in fierce water cannon combat instigated by the invading Privateers and backed up by the forces of Hernando DeSoto’s conquistadors. The red, white and blue was still flying proudly at the end of the skirmishes, which concluded before the heavy rains deluged the Island. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

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Pirate invasion coming to Anna Maria Island

Written by Jason Schaffer on June 22, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Events.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Privateers have announced their “Return to Tortuga Pirate Invasion Weekend” Aug. 5-8.

Events for the weekend include the Bilge Rat Derby, Invasion Kick-Off Party, Island Pub Crawl, Island Scavenger Hunt, the Pirate Gathering at Seafood Shack’s Neptune Room, Breakfast with the Pirates and an afternoon leisure cruise around the Island. Participants can also charter a boat for some fishing or a floating tiki bar for a group party.

The Privateers have rooms blocked and rates locked in for the weekend at the Compass Margaritaville Hotel on Anna Maria sound, along with an offer of two days prior and two days after so participants can spend a full week at a special rate. The Invasion Package for the weekend is $195 per person and includes admission and transportation from Compass to all of the weekend’s events. The package price is good until July 1; after that, the package price will be $225 per person. Anna Maria Island Resorts also has rooms blocked for the Invasion Weekend with special rates.

The AMI Privateers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of area youth. Proceeds from this event will benefit their youth scholarship program. To date, the Privateers have awarded over $300,000 worth of scholarships to youth in the area.

To participate in this event, contact Syren at 931-639-0986 or get information online at www.amiprivateers.com.

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