Burglars Hit Four Holmes Beach Stores 'No Rooms'

Volume 18, No. 7 Merry Christmas! Dec. 23, 2009 FREE

Sing along the 12 Days of AMI Christmas. Page 8 The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 www.islander.org Santa, Big Bird, more appear on AMI Skimming the news …

Meetings: The government calendar. Page 3

Bradenton Beach: Decorative street lights brighten mood, holiday light winners announced. Above: Santa arrives to the 15th annual Sandbar Restaurant-spon- Page 4 sored Lawton Chiles Christmas Party for Kids Dec. 15 under a canopy of seagrapes and through a gateway of Anna Maria Island Op/ed: The Islander Privateers and life-size cartoon and TV characters. Inset right: Elf opinion, your opin- hat and Ray-Bans don’t do enough to disguise the twinkle in the ions. Page 6-7 eyes of Ed Chiles at the party he hosts every year for children and their families at his Sandbar Restaurant. Far right: Big Bird gives a baby hug to Beckett Culhane at the Lawton Chiles Christmas Party for Kids. A host of “Sesame Street” characters, elves and others entertained and served the crowd of kids, parents and agency representa- tives from Head Start and Healthy Families Manatee. Islander Photos: Jack Elka Islander pursues noble work. Page 11 Burglars hit four Holmes Beach stores By Nick Walter and the cash register was smashed. Islander Reporter “My jewelry tools, all but some in my car, Legislators mark Early in the morning Dec. 18, burglars were taken. I don’t know how I’ll recover from local measures. targeted retail stores near the corner of Gulf this,” Shelly said as HBPD Detective Mike Page 13 and Marina drives, taking cash and various Leonard and Officer Chip Frapier awaited a merchandise. technician from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Tide and Moon in the AMI Plaza, and Office to take evidence. Mister Roberts Resortwear, the Color of To gain entry, burglars smashed Shelly’s Coconut and AMI Fitness, across Gulf Drive glass door. HBPD found some evidence in the from Tide and Moon in the S&S Plaza, were store. The AMI Plaza owner was collecting AME goes on burglarized before 7 a.m. surveillance and video taken from cameras holiday. Page 18 “It’s a huge sign of the times,” Holmes mounted over the walkways in the recently Beach Police Chief Jay Romine said. “This The Holmes Beach Police Department remodeled shops. is happening everywhere. It’s magnified responds to a burglary Dec. 18 at the Tide Sara Gafvert, co-owner of the Color of What to do and here because we’ve basically gone a long and Moon store on Gulf Drive. Islander Coconut, said burglars broke through the back when. Page 20 time without any incident.” Photo: Bonner Joy door of her store. “No one has ever broken in Tide and Moon was perhaps hit the here,” Gafvert said. “I don’t know what to do. hardest. Store owner Laura Shelly said she the loss of merchandise and destruction. Much Get poisonous snakes in here? We’re all work- has no theft insurance and was devastated at of the glass in her display cases was broken please see Burglaries, next page

Local residents ‘No rooms’ at Island holiday inns rescue dogs for adoption. Page 21 By Rick Catlin rooms. If not, we’ll call around for them and day before Christmas hoping for a room. Islander Reporter try to help them,” Teitelbaum said. “People are always e-mailing us at the last Streetlife Visitors to Anna Maria Island arriving “The best advice is to book early.” minute looking for a room. We’ll try to help Sarasota teen sen- this week without a reservation may have to Advance reservations at his three resorts them,” he said. tenced for burglaries. scramble to find lodging. for the holidays are ahead of last year, he said, “I think this speaks well for the Island. Page 22 Only a few Island accommodation but even more encouraging is that reserva- In spite of the economic woes, the Island is owners and managers surveyed last week tions for the February-March period are doing doing very well. It’s definitely a place to be for reported any vacancies for the Christmas- well. Christmas and the season,” Sato concluded. New Year’s week, and most expected those “This has been a good booking period for There were a few vacation rentals left at to be gone by Dec. 24. us and everybody. I think it speaks well for Gulf-Bay Realty in Holmes Beach last week, New ice creamery “We’re basically sold out,” said David the Island,” Jason Sato of Sato Real Estate in but vacancies were being gobbled up faster opens. Page 23 Teitelbaum, owner of the Tradewinds, Sea- Anna Maria agreed. than a Christmas turkey. Side and Tortuga resorts in Bradenton Beach “Our vacation rentals are all taken. Christ- Property manager Zita Kollar said she Sports: MHS Hur- and a member of the Manatee County Tour- mas week is full. It’s great. It’s going to be a had several two-bedroom units, but advance ricanes close season. ist Development Council. busy week on the Island,” Sato said. reservations had been brisk. Page 24 “We have a few rooms left,” he said last “This year is way ahead of last year’s res- “All I can say is give us a call and we week, but he anticipated that those would be ervation pace for Christmas,” he added. might still have something, but advance reser- Fishing: Low tide = taken by Dec. 23. Sato also suggested that visitors should vations have been good. The holiday is look- fish party. Page 25 “If someone arrives this week without book reservations early, but there are always ing good,” Kollar said. a reservation, we might have one or two some walk-ins who show up on the Island the please see no rooms, next page 2 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER NO ROOMS from page 1 Burglaries from page 1 At Fran Maxon Real Estate in Anna Maria, ing our butts off and we’re just barely making it right Stephanie Bell said she had a few large vacation now. There’s nothing worse than thieves, especially rental properties and a few small properties, but not around Christmastime.” much in-between. Linda Clayton, owner of Mister Roberts, said the “When we get a last-minute caller or walk-in next store alarm went off just before 4 a.m. “So the bur- week, we’ll do our best,” she said. glars didn’t spend a lot of time in here, I don’t think,” Christmas reservations this year are better than she said. Bell expected, and she has also seen had an upswing Clayton said the business has been around 43 in reservations for the February-March period. years. In the third year of the business, she said, when At Mike Norman Real Estate, Holmes Beach, the store did not have alarms, burglars broke in and property manager Marianne Norman-Ellis said all cleaned the store out. the units near the water have already been booked “They took everything,” Clayton said. “That’s for the Christmas season. why we have an alarm system now.” “We have a few rentals left that are still on the Romine said that with an alarming increase in Island, just not near the Gulf,” Norman-Ellis said last burglaries throughout Holmes Beach the past two week. months, citizens need to become aware of suspicious But reservations have been coming fast and we activity. could be sold out in a few days. We’ve been real busy. “In the city of Holmes Beach, there are 10,000 Burglars smashed the entry door and a window Dec. We’re ahead of last Christmas already.” eyes out there,” Romine said. “I’ve got 14 officers, 18 at the Tide and Moon, then ransacked the store. A full Island could bode well for the Island’s but there’s 10,000 eyes in the city. When people see restaurant industry, said Ed Chiles, owner of the things that don’t seem right at first glance, it’s prob- least we have a chance to find out that it’s nothing,” Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria, the Beach- ably because it ain’t. It’s probably not right.” Romine said. “We need people to be nosy.” House in Bradenton Beach and the Mar Vista on Romine called for citizens to report even the most Anyone with information about the burglaries is Longboat Key. minor suspicions. asked to call HBPD at 941-708-5804, or CrimeStop- “If we have good weather, we’ll be packed and “I’d rather respond 50 times to nothing, but at pers at 866-634-8477. I’m sure everyone with outdoor dining will also be full. We’re praying for good weather and I think it’s going to be a great Christmas for everyone,” Chiles said. Island tourism up in November While the various accommodations and motels Occupancy of Anna Maria Island accommoda- Overall, occupancy levels rose 2.6 percent for on AMI are helpful to those seeking a night’s stay, tion units rose 4.6 percent in November compared the BACVB market. anyone arriving without a reservation might have with the same month last year, according to figures November occupancy of Island accommoda- better luck going directly to the Anna Maria Island just released by the Bradenton Area Convention tions was reported as 43.2 percent against 41.3 per- Chamber of Commerce office, located in the Shoppes and Visitors Bureau. cent for November 2008. Longboat Key occupancy at Tidemark, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. It was the third straight month occupancy of for November of this year was 45.9 compared with The chamber keeps a list of all members with Island accommodations rose from its 2008 level. 48.6 percent for the same month last year. vacancies, said president Mary Ann Brockman. At the same time, however, occupancy of The BACVB has changed its Web site name “We’ve got a few members with vacancies and Longboat Key accommodation units fell 5.5 per- from www.myfloridagulfislands.com to www. we’ll be here until noon Dec. 24. People can also cent, the second straight month occupancy in that annamariaisland-longboatkey.com. The site has the e-mail us at [email protected],” she said. market declined. same look and contains the same information. “We’ll take care of them,” Brockman said. Escape the Ordinary

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941-747-5000 *see store for details MARBLE • GRANITE • ONYX • TRAVERTINE • PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS • FLOORING • BACKSPLASH • QUALITY INSTALLATION THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 3 Meetings Man arrested for prowling Anna Maria City Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy again fled the scene. • Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m., code enforcement board Alan Judy’s alert action in Anna Maria Dec. Another deputy brought a K-9 to track the meeting. 18 resulted in the arrest of Frank Huxley, 20, suspect and located him hiding underneath some • Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., environmental, enhancement of Bradenton, for loitering shrubs at 508 White Ave. According to the MCSO education committee meeting. and prowling. report, Huxley was bitten on the right arm and • Jan. 14, 7 p.m., city commission meeting. Judy, a deputy with the buttocks by the K-9. • Jan. 28, 7 p.m., city commission meeting. MCSO’s Anna Maria substa- Huxley resisted efforts to be taken into cus- Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- tion, was patrolling White tody and Judy used his stun gun to bring Huxley 708-6130, www.cityofannamaria.com. Avenue around 11:30 p.m. under control. Bradenton Beach when he saw Huxley near The suspect was taken to the Lakewood • Jan. 7, 1 p.m., city pier team meeting. an abandoned house. Ranch Hospital emergency room where he was • Jan. 7, 7 p.m., city commission meeting. Huxley When Judy attempted treated for minor injuries, released into MCSO • Jan. 21, 1 p.m., city commission meeting. to confront Huxley, he fled behind some nearby custody, and then transported to jail. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., houses. The deputy was able to locate the suspect Huxley faces charges of resisting arrest, loi- 941-778-1005, www.cityofbradentonbeach.org. and commanded Huxley to stop, but the suspect tering and prowling. Holmes Beach • Jan. 6, 5 p.m., parks and beautification meeting. Clearing • Jan. 12, 7 p.m., city commission meeting. the way • Jan. 21, 10 a.m., code enforcement meeting. A crew clears sev- • Jan. 26, 7 p.m., city commission meeting. eral Australian pines • Jan. 28, 9 a.m., board of adjustment meeting. in the 100 block of Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Gulf Drive North in 941-708-5800, www.holmesbeachfl.org. Bradenton Beach to West Manatee Fire Rescue District make way for a new • Jan. 21, 6 p.m., district commission meeting. sidewalk. The Gulf WMFR Station No. 1, 6001 Marina Drive, Drive project, funded Holmes Beach, 941-741-3900. with federal stimulus money and overseen Of Interest by the Florida Depart- • Dec. 25 is Christmas. Most government offices ment of Transporta- are closed Dec. 24-25. tion, also involves • Jan. 1 New Year’s Day and government offices, adding native plants as well as The Islander office, are closed. to the landscape • Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m., Island Transportation Plan- and improvements ning Organization meeting. Site to be determined. to beach accesses. • Jan. 20, Barrier Island Elected Officials meet- Islander Photo: ing. Details to be determined. Lisa Neff Send notices to Lisa Neff at [email protected].

[Jingle Bell] [Jingle Bell] [Jingle Bell] [Rock] Looking for last minute holiday gift ideas? Beach Bistro Gift Certificates; On-site or Online. 4 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER Decorative lights brighten mood By Lisa Neff Islander Reporter Bradenton Bradenton Beach Mayor Michael Pierce radiated Beach Mayor cheer. Michael Pierce Bradenton Beach public works director Tom and public Woodard generated enthusiasm. works director Long-awaited decorative lights are going up in Tom Woodard the city’s downtown district, primarily along Historic on Bridge Bridge Street, from Gulf Drive to the Historic Bridge Street, where Street Pier. new decora- White poles were planted on Bridge Street last tive lighting is week, reaching about 20 feet in height, and standing being installed. parallel to the palm trees along the roadway. Islander This week, said Woodard, a Hines Electric crew Photo: Lisa will place the heads on the 21 poles. “By Christmas Neff they’ll be done,” he said. “It’s happening.” Local merchants have come to refer to the lights as hybrids. The fixtures are decorative in old-school fashion — similar to existing lights on the city pier with u-shaped curves at the top and circular lamp- shades — but the new lights will be solar powered, and I know it’s good for the city. This is going to be — more than double the life of the solar element in requiring sun-collecting panels and battery packs. a showpiece.” a Toyota Prius. The city commission approved the purchase and The city has worked with Florida-based Beacon “The heads will be attached so that the direction installation of the lights at a cost of about $127,000 Products on the project, which plans to bring repre- can be changed,” Woodard said. “For the start, they’ll in September. sentatives from other cities to see Bridge Street after shine on the sidewalks.” Old decorative lights in the commercial district the lights go on. “And,” said Pierce, “they’ll be turtle-friendly.” were turned out in 2007 after someone leaned against “Already six mayors are coming here to look at The mayor said as he talked to merchants and a lighting pole and got shocked. An inspector deter- what we’ve done,” Woodard said. shoppers last week, he found “most everyone is very mined that the lights were not grounded and needed Beacon built the lights to withstand hurricane- excited.” to be removed. force winds. Additionally, the solar panels are esti- “I think it’s going to increase tourism here,” The lengthy process to replace the fixtures began, mated to last 50 years and the battery packs 25 years Pierce said. “This city is really cool.” which included a review of conventional lighting options. City honors properties for holiday lights “The old lights were out of commission for three years,” said Woodard. The winners of the Bradenton Beach holiday beautiful and blue. Woodard said to wire new lights to connect to the lighting contest include: Displays were judged Dec. 18 and announced electrical company grid would have required under- • Residential: 1. 105 10th St. S., for consistent Dec. 19. ground work. effort. 2. 2404 Ave. A for variety. First-place winners receive $150 for commer- “We felt the wiring was going to be a problem,” • Commercial: 1. Drift In, for bright bikes. 2. cial and residential lighting displays, and second- he said. “So I’m very pleased that the commission Linger Longer, for the dolphin delight. place winners receive $100 for commercial and voted to go solar. I’m happy with the green aspect • Honorable mention: Bungalow Beach — lighting displays. $50,000 CHALLENGE TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE!

Holmes Beach residents Charles and JoAnn Lester are again offering up to $50,000 in matching funds for contributions made by Dec. 31, 2009, to the Anna Maria Island Community Center program scholarship fund. And your contribution is tax deductible. COUNT ME IN FOR THE CHALLENGE! Children and families in our community count on the Center... Name ______The Center provides a critical human service need on the Island and Address ______annually serves more than 3,785 individuals and family members, pro- Phone ______viding more than 1.2 million hours of service to change and enrich lives. � Amount $ ______� I would like my gift in honor of: ______WE’REWE’RE COUNTINGCOUNTING ONON YOU.YOU. � I would like my gift to be in memory of: ______Send your check to the Lester Challenge, Chuck and Joey payable to AMICC. Mail your donation to P. O. Box 253, Anna Maria FL 34216. � Please, bill me for my pledge amount. A community service sponsored exclusively by THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 5 Tie is win for Anna Maria nominee By Rick Catlin Resident Robin Wall said the mayor has “made Aposporos and Mike Coleman and Stoltzfus backed Islander Reporter a mistake,” and Tom Turner should be nominated him up. In the National Hockey League, a 2-2 tie at the because he is next in line, not Barlow. Stoltzfus said he did not want people on the com- end of regulation play earns both teams one point. Barford responded that she thinks Turner is mittee who have said there isn’t a safety problem. Some say a tie is like kissing your sister. already the vice chairman of the capital improve- Webb, however, said that in his 20 years experi- But at the Anna Maria City Commission Dec. 17 ments advisory committee and will likely become ence in county government and forming committees, meeting, a 2-2 tie earned former Commissioner Bob the chairman in the near future. He also advises her it’s best to give all sides a “seat at the table and flush Barlow a seat on the planning and zoning board. on a number of issues, she said. out all the issues.” Barlow was nominated by Mayor Fran Barford Commissioners Dale Woodland and Chuck Webb Good ordinances and suggestions come from a to fill the vacancy after Doug Copeland resigned. voted for the nomination, while Stoltzfus and Quam good mix of opinion, Webb indicated. For the first time in her were opposed. Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick was “Besides, if we don’t like their advice, we don’t tenure, however, a board nomina- absent. take it,” he said. tion by Barford ran into difficulty Quam initially believed that the nomination The commission then voted 3-1 to approve Apos- with some commissioners. would have to be brought before a full commission. poros, Coleman, Terry Schaefer, Larry Albert, Gene Barford said she nominated Building official Bob Welch, however, pointed Aubry and Mike Pescitelli to the committee, with Barlow because he was the best out that in the event of a tie, the nominee “shall be Stoltzfus dissenting. applicant. Barlow has also had deemed approved,” according to city code. Quam then appointed Stoltzfus as the commis- previous service on the P&Z Quam said that settled the issue and Barlow’s sion liaison to the committee. Barlow board, the charter review com- nomination was approved. Joint commission-P&Z workshop mittee and as the city’s vice- mayor and a commissioner. Safety committee Commissioners agreed to hold a joint work session Commission Chairman John Quam, however, Each commissioner and the mayor nominated with the P&Z board at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 to review site-plan asked what other residents applied and Commissioner one person to serve on an ad hoc parking safety com- procedures and study changes to the LDRs. Harry Stoltzfus suggested that, in the past, the mayor mittee that will study parking in the ROR district and Stoltzfus said each of his recommended LDR has nominated people to the P&Z board based upon make recommendations to the commission. changes should be part of the work session. the date of application. Stoltzfus argued that the commission was “back- Woodland, however, said he first wants to make Not so, Barford indicated. ing up,” because it was his understanding that com- sure the site-plan process is right. “Michael Coleman was the first to apply and I missioners had already agreed there was a parking There are two separate issues, but they do come don’t think he is the right person” for the position, safety problem in the ROR. together at the end, he said. she said. “This committee is a waste of time,” he said. Quam said if enough time remained, the LDRs The mayor said the order in which the applicants He asked that the commission look at his sug- would be studied and, otherwise, it would be an agenda applied for the position was Coleman, Carl Pearman, gestions for changes to the land-development regula- item at the commission’s February work session. Tom Turner, Charlie Daniel and Barlow. tions that don’t match the comprehensive plan. That Quam wondered why the person who applied last will show there is a parking safety problem, he indi- New business was moved to first on the list, but Barford said she cated. Stoltzfus wanted commissioners to examine land followed the process required of the mayor. She has Woodland, however, countered that the purpose of development regulations and Chapter 74 as part of never nominated candidates to boards or committees the committee is to find the problem the city is trying new business, but Quam said Stoltzfus should e-mail based upon who applied first, but upon their qualifica- to solve. Otherwise, it’s just everyone’s opinion. the items he wants to include under new business for tions and desire. Quam at first opposed the nominations of Tom the next regular meeting.

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HOLIDAY PICKUP SCHEDULE CITY OF HOLMES BEACH RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS ONLY Waste Management of Manatee County will not be picking up residential garbage on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2009. Friday’s garbage will be picked up on Saturday, December 26, 2009. Thank you and enjoy a safe weekend W TH WASTE MANAGEMENT 10 of Manatee County For more information, call 753-7591 6 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER OurOpinion Whew, two shopping days left… With only two days left to shop as you read this Dec. 23 edition of The Islander, it seems all over but some wrapping and tucking under the tree, some eggnog and cookies, and awaiting Friday morning, when kids everywhere will experience the wonder and surprise of Christmas morning. And it’s beginning to look a little like a northern Christmas on Anna Maria Island. For nearly a week the sky has been alternately gray and sunny, an all-too-familiar scene before a snowfall if you’re a transplant to Florida. The air has been crisp and cool in the mornings, and balmy by mid-afternoon, but bringing a chill as the sun sets. It is a change of season, of sorts, for Floridians. A little welcome rain. No snow, thank you. Lots of holiday lights around the Island are what help create the excitement and joy of the holiday for young and old. It’s a fun time to bike or trolley about to catch the “spirit” from neighbors and businesses. And “wow!” Santa Claus was everywhere on the Island in recent weeks, and he was generous to children who attended the many parties. It was great to see the joy on their faces and we can’t help but thank all who made it possible. The Sandbar hosted its 15th annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids, and kids were feted with gifts, food and fun with lots of clowns, elves and fun characters. It was a holiday treat just to see the joy on the children’s faces. It’s heartwarming to say the least. The same was true at the Moose Lodge. Thanks to Chuck and Joey Lester, who hosted a holiday party for children and families at the com- Slick O’ tide-ings of comfort and joy… By Egan munity center, and to so many businesses where open house celebrations allow us time to give a hug and a holiday greeting to friends. It all helps to make the season bright, especially Your for some who are not as fortunate as others. It’s the season of fellowship, kindness and sharing, and no Opinion one does it better than Islanders! We thank you all for making this a great holiday Dear Anna Maria center. season and for making our Island community “the I fell in love with you 20 years ago, like all great Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus, if you work on best.” loves, for better or worse. My first morning on Anna these you will find that Pine Avenue never looked It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Maria I was greeted by City Pier regulars, at least better. My personal dream for Pine Avenue is to Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas. Happy 40 strong. Right away I felt at home. Then came the make it a one-way street from North Shore to the Hanukkah. Merry Kwanza. Greetings of the season Welcome Wagon with all kinds of information. city pier. to all. At that time, we had Fast Eddie’s, a gas station/ Mark M. Alonso, Anna Maria Now on Dasher, to next week and the new year. convenience store and 5 O’clock Marina on Pine. It all brought a lot of happy people to the Island. It was Pier position a happy, busy, busy Pine Avenue. It appears that the commissioners of Holmes Change is to be expected. Fast Eddies left and Beach are of mixed opinion over the 312-foot versus others followed, including the Welcome Wagon. I the 700-foot pier to replace the one being demol- Dec. 23, 2009 • Vol. 18, No. 7 want it back. ished. ▼ Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, [email protected] Pine Avenue became dormant for a few years. It I request that they seriously consider the 700-foot ▼ Editorial was sad. Little by little it became a ghetto, but help alternative, not “just because we have the money” but Diana Bogan, [email protected] Kevin Cassidy, [email protected] is on the way, thanks to Rhea Chiles, with the beauti- for a number of other reasons. Rick Catlin, [email protected] ful Studio at Gulf and Pine, Brenda Boyd, An Island As a fisherman, I can assure you that the longer Jack Egan Place, Susan Carlson’s Pineapple Cottages and Betsy Jack Elka, [email protected] pier would provide substantially better fishing, as it Kimberly Kuizon, [email protected] Hill’s Mango Grove. would expose access to about three times the amount Molly S. McCartney Pine began to live again. As we say in America, of water as a 312-foot pier. Lisa Neff, copy editor, [email protected] Nick J. Walter, [email protected] when things get tough, the tough get going. So, here At low tide, most of the old pier was over dry ▼ Contributors comes Pine Avenue Restoration. What a beautiful land, as would be a 312-foot replacement pier — Jesse Brisson Edna Tiemann job you are doing on Pine Avenue. Thank you for T-end or not. The water is not particularly deep at Mike Quinn | NewsManatee.com employing so many people. the end at low tide, and the larger fish are unlikely to ▼ Advertising Sales Rebecca Barnett, [email protected] I have no vested interests on the Island or any- cross the sandbar to get to the water accessible from Toni Lyon, [email protected] where else, except for the body I live in, and that’s a 312-foot pier. ▼ Accounting Services [email protected] on loan. I am a street boy who spends 4-6 hours daily A 700-foot pier would provide access to more ▼ Production Graphics on Pine. I use three- and four-wheel bikes daily. I water, and deeper water, both critical for good fish- Jon Sachtjen, [email protected] Virginia Stewart have never had a problem with safety. The only prob- ing. The longer pier would also attract more visitors, ▼ Classifieds & Subscriptions lems are the ones that Johnny came-lately is trying to a major plus for this city whose very existence and Lisa Williams, [email protected] cause. If you want do something, consider this: [email protected] whose businesses, are so dependent on their pres- ▼ Distribution • Move the city dump off the main street. ence. Urbane Bouchet • The location of the city maintenance department Pete Gross, Holmes Beach Ross Roberts Lisa Williams is a no-no. Children play around the city jail. Sidewalk stimulus? (All others: [email protected]) • At the foot of the bridge on Crescent, trucks Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. Late on a recent Monday afternoon I heard a lot © 1992-2009 • Editorial, sales and production offices: and equipment pull in and out. They’re not visible to Island Shopping Center, 5404 Marina Drive traffic. That’s a no-no. We have plenty of room at city of noise outside my home on Willow Avenue in Anna Holmes Beach FL 34217 hall. Shuffle boards and horse shoe pits take up half Maria. WEB SITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821 of city hall. These activities belong at the community please see SIDEWALK, next page THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 7 Your Opinion 10 years ago SIDEWALK COntinued from page 6 Thank you to all the businesses that donated food, In the Dec. 23, 1999, issue of Investigating, I discovered large machinery and drinks and prizes. The Islander, headlines announced: a crew of workers breaking up my sidewalk. Let’s remember these Island businesses when • The Anna Maria City Commission voted 3-2 Now, I call it my sidewalk because my husband doing our holiday shopping this season. to cancel an already begun Southwest Florida Water and I paid Johnny Fara to install it after we built our These are the same businesses that donate all year Management District drainage improvement project home. The concrete was 4-5 inches deep and never round every year to the many Island charities. and accompanying Florida Department of Transpor- had so much as a crack in it. It would last until the Lori Schlossberg, Caroline Pardue, AME Fall tation bike path and return the nearly $750,000 total Island washed away. Festival Chairs funding for the two projects. The move cost the city When confronted about the activity, the man who about $200,000 in already approved contracts that was in charge said he was just following orders “from WMFR Auxiliary thanks had to be honored. Obama.” The West Manatee Fire Rescue Auxiliary would • Fifteen Anna Maria residents qualified to run Apparently this is some Florida Department like to thank all who have contributed to the efforts for four seats on the city commission up for elec- of Transportation work to be paid for with federal to support the local fire district and to maintain the tion in February, including four who would seek the stimulus money. The supervisor suggested I attend original fire house and antique fire truck. mayor’s position after incumbent Chuck Shumard a meeting that night if I had any questions about the The Bradenton Beach fire hall was recently rec- said he would not seek another term. Commissioner project. ognized by the Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust George McKay resigned his commission seat to run Obviously, after the sidewalk was broken up in and will be in the Florida Master Site File of historic for mayor and was to face Jason Cimino, Gary Def- pieces, attending a meeting seems rather pointless. I had properties. A plaque purchased from AMIPT reads, fenbaugh and Mike Appleton in that race. called the DOT and our city building department, but it “Historic Bradenton Beach Fire House.” • Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach officials was after business hours and no one was available. This is where it all started, and that is one of the planned a joint meeting Dec. 28 with Florida Depart- There are a hundred better ways to use that stimu- reasons we are preserving the hall. ment of Transportation officials to discuss how the lus money than destroying a quality sidewalk. Our efforts have always been and will continue cities could apply for all or part of the $246,000 in Moreover, I am positive that whatever they replace to be “Preserving the past, supporting the future.” bike path funds that Anna Maria had rejected earlier it with will be inferior to the one that existed. Rhoda D’Ambra, auxiliary president in the week. Someone deserves a Big Boob award. Let’s see if we can find out who. Have your say Barbara Bacich, Anna Maria We welcome and encourage your comments on Temps and Drops on AMI topics, columns and editorials in The Islander. Date Low High Rainfall PTO thanks The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 Dec. 13 64 81 0 Many heartfelt thanks go out to the Island com- words and reserves the right to edit. Letters must include Dec. 14 63 84 0 munity for supporting and coming to this year’s Anna name, address, and a contact phone number. Dec. 15 64 81 0 Maria Elementary School Fall Festival. Address letters by e-mail to [email protected] Dec. 16 63 81 0 The fall festival raised funds above its anticipated or mail to 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL Dec. 17 61 79 0 goal to collect money for the classrooms, field trips 34217, or comment on matters on The Islander Web Dec. 18 64 74 .13 and other school needs. site at www.islander.org. Dec. 19 57 68 0 Thank you to the parents who volunteered time Stories on the Web site include comment forms Average Gulf water temperature 72° organizing and helping at the event. for submissions. 24-hour rainfall accumulation with reading at approximately 5 p.m. daily. VOTED TOP-10 FISH RESTAURANT BY SARASOTA MAGAZINE! We’d love to mail Shop Rotten Ralph’s Gift Emporium you the news! for Great Holiday Gifts! We mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We’ve been pub- lishing and mailing successfully since 1992! 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Mail Start DATE:______ROTTEN RALPH’S ROTTEN RALPH’S The Original Waterfront Restaurant on the Historic Bridge Street Pier Lunch • Dinner • Full Bar Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Beer/Wine 902 S. Bay Blvd • Anna Maria 200 Bridge St. • Bradenton Beach 778-3953 • Open Every Day Open every day • 778-1604 New Year’s Eve Party Live shrimp at the bait shop! THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Since 1992 with Jay Crawford - Reserve Now! Island Shopping Center • 5404 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach FL 34217 Gulf of Mexico CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978 ONLINE (secure server) www.islander.org E-mail [email protected] As always... Free Beer Tomorrow 8 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER Singalong Anna Maria Island holiday jingle

10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, AMI two swimming turtles, In the holiday spirit, The Islander offers its 12 and a parrot in a palm tree. days of an Anna Maria Island Christmas. The “12 On the 11th day of Christmas, days” in the original song, with heavy religious sym- my true love showed to me bolism, actually refers to the days from the first day 11 dolphins diving, of Christmas, Dec. 25, to the eve of the epiphany. 10 dudes a-surfing, But sing when you will, merrily and loudly: nine birds a-skimming, On the first day of Christmas, three wooden piers, eight boats a-sailing, my true love showed to me two swimming turtles, seven rays a-schooling, a parrot in a palm tree. and a parrot in a palm tree. six fish a-jumping, On the second day of Christmas, On the seventh day of Christmas, five sandy shells, my true love showed to me my true love showed to me four beach cabanas, two swimming turtles, seven rays a-schooling, three wooden piers, and a parrot in a palm tree. six fish a-jumping, two swimming turtles, On the third day of Christmas, five sandy shells, and a parrot in a palm tree. my true love showed to me four beach cabanas, On the 12th day of Christmas, three wooden piers, three wooden piers, my true love showed to me two swimming turtles, two swimming turtles, 12 Islanders lounging, and a parrot in a palm tree. and a parrot in a palm tree. 11 dolphins diving, On the fourth day of Christmas, On the eighth day of Christmas, 10 dudes a-surfing, my true love showed to me my true love showed to me nine birds a-skimming, four beach cabanas, eight boats a-sailing, eight boats a-sailing, three wooden piers, seven rays a-schooling, seven rays a-schooling, two swimming turtles, six fish a-jumping, six fish a-jumping, and a parrot in a palm tree. five sandy shells, five sandy shells, On the fifth day of Christmas, four beach cabanas, four beach cabanas, my true love showed to me three wooden piers, three wooden piers, five sandy shells, two swimming turtles, two swimming turtles, four beach cabanas, and a parrot in a palm tree. and a parrot in a palm tree. three wooden piers, On the ninth day of Christmas, two swimming turtles, my true love showed to me and a parrot in a palm tree. nine birds a-skimming, On the sixth day of Christmas, eight boats a-sailing, my true love showed to me seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, four beach cabanas, Happy holidays three wooden piers, from The Islander crew, two swimming turtles, with special thanks and a parrot in a palm tree. to songwriter Lisa Neff. On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me Holiday happenings on AMI

St. Bernard group supports SOLVE The Council of Catholic Women at St. Bernard Island’s smallest ninja bellringer Canvassing for deals Catholic Church in Holmes Beach celebrates the Matthew Call rings the bell for the Kiwanis Club of Shoppers browse the annual Where’s Woody art Christmas holiday with a luncheon Dec. 10 and Anna Maria Island for Salvation Army donations. sale outside The Islander newspaper office, 5404 honors the spirit of the season by donating $415 The bell-ringers work shifts outside the Publix Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Dec. 19. The event for SOLVE Maternity Homes, as well as gifts for Super Market in Holmes Beach. Kiwanis member provided artists an opportunity to increase their SOLVE. Pictured are Virginia Wahl and Cele Van Ralph Bassett is seeking more bell-ringing volun- holiday business, and an opportunity for shoppers Winkle of CCW and Donna Vellenga of SOLVE teers to assist at 941-795-8697. Islander Photo: to find original art at some bargain prices. Maternity Homes. Islander Photo: Nancy Ambrose Courtney Call Islander Photo: Lisa Neff THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 9 Holiday happenings on AMI

Pier party Members of the Voices of Anna Maria chorus from the Anna Maria Elementary School sing for members Frank Almeda and Mark Alonso celebrate Christ- of the Anna Maria Garden Club Dec. 16 at Roser Memorial Community Church. The school group, led mas Dec. 19 at the Anna Maria City Pier Restau- by music teacher Krissy Kerber, includes singers Courtney Uletschi, Amanda Karge, Sara Green, Marley rant, where Almeda and the Pier Regulars hosted Mapp, Cortni Wash, Valerie Kriesel, Terra Mount and Kara Lou Mora and assistant Coral Mora. a party with family and friends. Almeda, with the support of local businesses and especially restaurant manager David Sork, organizes the event, providing breakfast and raffle prizes. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

Seasonal song Lexi King, 4, performs in the Anna Maria Island Community Center’s holiday sing-a-long Dec. 11. Fifteen children performed in the event. Islander Photo: Nancy Ambrose

Moose hosts holiday party Mark Scott and his daughter, Rebecca, 2, await Joanna Cavosi, a member of the Women of the the arrival of Santa Claus at the Moose lodge in Moose, plays an elf during the group’s holiday Bradenton Beach Dec. 19. brunch Dec. 19 at the Bradenton Beach lodge. The group also held an outdoor plant and bake sale. Custom Homes Islander Photos: Lisa Neff Remodeling & Renovations Interior Design Consulting Meowwy Happy 941.953.8200 Christmas! Mew Year! LIC1329498

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Available only at Bridge Street Jewelerelerrs Fun Place …Cool Stuff “The DestinationTM You Love…To WWeear!”ar!r!” Open Wed-Sun 10-4 5358 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 FREE DELIVERY AND PICK-UP SERVICE TO YOUR VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Farmer’s Market Bridge Street Jewelers www.rentjust4fun.com [email protected] 5704 Marina Dr. 129 Bridge Street • Bradenton Beach • 941-896-7800 Holmes Beach [email protected] 941.896-7884 941-778-4402 www.amibracelet.com Wir sprechen Deutsch www.theislandfl ea.com 10 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER KAY THIBAUT Churches celebrate Christmas MASTER STYLIST AND COLORIST Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Ave., Anna Maria, will host two Christmas Eve pro- Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold family Mass at 4 Welcome Back grams in the sanctuary — a celebrational candlelight p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve Mass at Snowbirds! service with music and prayer at 5:30 p.m. and a 10 p.m. The choir will sing carols at 9:30 p.m. traditional candlelight service at 9 p.m. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 The Hideaway Christmas Eve is Dec. 24. Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, will hold a service 5109 Manatee Avenue W. (In Fairway Center) Crosspointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. 941-713-7223 Holmes Beach, will hold a candlelight service on On Christmas, which is Dec. 25, Roser will hold *may be more for long hair Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. a service at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Gloria Dei will hold a worship service at 9:30 Perfect gift ideas? Holmes Beach, will celebrate on Christmas Eve with a.m. music programs at 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and candle- Annunciation will hold a service at 10 a.m. Mermaid light services at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. St. Bernard will hold Christmas Day mass at 8 pendant of The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 a.m. and 10 a.m. silver, gold Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will celebrate on Christ- and ancient mas Eve with services at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. and the Academy to host winter classes mammoth singing of carols at 10:30 p.m. The Lifelong Learning Academy will present a tusk ... and series of programs on Anna Maria Island in January much more. and February. ExclusivelyE … The academy, located at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, has sponsored several semesters of classes on the Island. The winter semester will include three lectures: Bridge Street Interiors • 11 a.m. Jan. 20, Jan Skalny discussing “The 114 Bridge St. • Bradenton Beach Nobel Prize” Concept, History and Politics,” the 941-782-1130 • www.bridgestreetinteriors.com Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. • 11 a.m. Feb. 5, Joe Kerata discussing “The Human Animal,” the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. • 11 a.m. Feb. 17, Alan Grindal discussing “In Search of Memory,” the Studio at Gulf and Pine. The semester also will include courses at the Studio at Gulf and Pine: • 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 4-Feb. 8, Institute for the Scientifically Timid II, the second installment of a course exploring life on Earth. • 1:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 4-Feb. 22, Spiritual Psychology, an exploration of paths to conscious- ness. • 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 24, the Craft of Writing, instruction in how to craft sentences and build narratives. Suzanne and John Wesley Barlow • 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 25, As The World Turns: The Economic Version, not the Soap Wight, Barlow marry Opera, Version, an eight-part series on global eco- Suzanne Wight and John Wesley Barlow married nomics. Nov. 26 at the Anna Maria home of Janet and Gene Admission to the lectures is free. A fee is charged Aubry. for the courses. The bride is a case manager supervisor at Wesley For more information about the academy pro- House Family Services in Key West. She is a gradu- grams or to register, call 941-359-4296. ate of the University of Florida with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. Bell ringers sought for duty Health We will The groom is a police officer with the Key West and fi tness beat any Police Department. He is a graduate of North Caro- The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is seek- at your other lina State University with a major in political science ing volunteers to ring the bell for Salvation Army convenience prices! and a concentration in criminal justice. donations. The bell-ringers work shifts outside the Publix 9908 Gulf Dr. The couple reside in Key West. Suzanne is the daughter of Janet Aubry and Doug Super Market in Holmes Beach. Wight of St. Petersburg. For more information, call Ralph Bassett of the Wes is the son of the late David H. Barlow Jr. Kiwanis at 941-795-8697. and Dora Barlow Boney of Hamlet, N.C. welcome to Beach swim planned Jan. 1 Up north, swimmers who take an outdoor dip on New Year’s Day might be called polar bears. Taking a dip off Anna Maria Island on New Year’s Day isn’t so icy. Swimmers might be called … manatees? hair • Nails • Massage On Jan. 1, a bus from Clancy’s Irish Pub on Come in for a Holiday stress Cortez Road will motor to Coquina Beach for the relief massage. $75/hr. second annual Shamrock Shiver. The swim will begin at noon and donations for the event benefit the Caring for Children Charity in Sarasota. For more information, call Clancy’s at 941-794- 2489.

Bridge club at Annunciation New arrival The Anna Maria Duplicate Bridge Club is meet- Jack David Zaccagnino, dressed for the Christmas ing at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Episcopal Church of holiday, was born Oct. 30 to David Zaccagnino, a 3612 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach city commissioner, and his partner, (next to Ocean Star Sushi) • 941.778.0400 For more information, call 941-778-3390. Mauri Greenberg. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 11 Islander pursues noble work By Lisa Neff colors for its heirloom plates, says Noble imbues a Islander Reporter unique sense of “femininity, emotion and grace to her • Clutter Control Anna Maria artist Marty Noble depicts her sub- subject matter, as well as power and dignity.” • Storage Solutions jects — whether angels in the heavens or women Noble comes from a family of artists. Her grand- • Large Scale Cleaning working the land — with nobility. parents — all four — attended art school together • Weekend Makeovers “I love different cul- in the Midwest in the 941.778.2181 tures,” says Noble, who 1920s. Her maternal www.beauty-andthe-beach.com moved to Anna Maria grandfather, George C. IRRESISTIBLE IDEAS FOR HOME AND GARDEN with her partner, sailor Harper, became a well- Bruce Matlack, about known commercial three years ago. “And I artist. Noble’s mother, love depicting women.” Helen, also worked as Earlier this month, an artist, principally in Noble began hanging watercolors and mono- some of her original prints. works at the Studio at noble grew up Gulf and Pine, Rhea in the Santa Barbara, Chiles’ gallery and Calif., area, where she exhibit space in Anna became a regular at Maria. street fairs after learn- The first Noble ing the art of batik. originals to go up in the She sold her work on Studio were a collection the Pacific Coast, with of watercolors depict- the artist community ing angels — “Angel of of Ojai, Calif., as her WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS Friendship,” “Angel of home base. Hope,” “Angel of New as her batik work Beginnings,” “Guard- became more involved, ian Angel,” “Christmas more intricate, Noble % Angel” and more. began to show in gal- All40 Jewelry, Citizen OFF Watches,s, Marty Noble’s watercolor of the “Christmas Angel” is at Noble’s angels are the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. leries. She also began Estate Jewelry and not golden chubby cher- to paint. Spiedel Watchbands in stock.k ubs, but rather earthy “I had a lot of com- 25% OFF Special Orders! females taking flight. “I enjoyed working on that mission work,” she said. “I never could keep up with project,” says the self-taught artist, who has worked the demand, which is a good thing for an artist.” NEW LOCATION! As her work matured and demand grew, Noble as an illustrator for a number of companies. The 8102 CORTEZ RD. W. angels — some of them modeled after friends in her began to work for a number of companies, providing home state of California — began as commissioned artwork for greeting cards, calendars, coloring books, Tues- Sat 10-4 • ATM & credit cards accepted • 941-798-9585 work for a calendar. gift wrap, gift bags and posters. In the coming weeks, Noble plans to add other She has artist’s credit on a deck of tarot cards originals to the Studio collection, including Asian- published by Random House, credit for paper dolls influenced work she did for The Franklin Mint. published by Grosset and Dunlap and numerous cred- The Franklin Mint, which has used Noble’s water- its for design and activity books from Dover Publica- tions. Noble estimates that she’s worked on about 250 books for Dover, many of the books featuring designs and patterns of various cultures in the East and West. “It’s a great way to make a living,” says Noble, whose familiarity with Mexico, Guatemala, Europe, $20$18 Israel, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam can be seen in $132$76 WE her work. Prices subject to change MOVED Sailing opportunities brought the couple to Anna Maria. Matlack is a champion windsurfer. New Location 5508 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Here, Noble, whose studio is a converted bed- 778-3636 room in her Anna Maria home, says she has discovered another vibrant arts community. Anna Maria artist Marty Noble at the Studio at “This is the first arts community that I have found Gulf and Pine, where she is showing and selling since I left Ojai,” she says. “I’m happy to put down original work. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff roots here.” Christmas tree disposal Live Christmas trees will be collected on Anna for people to safely dispose of retired computer Maria Island on the days that yard waste is col- components, copiers, video and audio equipment lected. and household appliances. Waste haulers ask that trees over 6 feet be cut The value in disposing of the old items in half and placed curbside in the first two weeks comes in keeping them out of the landfill — of January. e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the nation, according to the International Asso- E-Scrap collection set for Jan. 30: ciation of Electronics Recyclers. The organiza- Christmas wishes for the newest must-have tion estimates that about 400 million electronic gadgets and gizmos can lead to desires in the new items — many of them loaded with chemicals year to discard old electronics. that can cause illness — will be scrapped this But local officials are encouraging residents to year in the United States. wait to pitch the old stuff until E-Scrap, a Manatee The collection program also provides people County collection program scheduled for 9 a.m. with an opportunity to dispose of hazardous mate- to 3 p.m. Jan. 30 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton rials, such as solvents, paints, pesticides, ammuni- Beach. tion, flares, waste oil, propane tanks, fluorescent The event, sponsored by the county in conjunc- lights and batteries. tion with Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton For more information about E-Scrap, call the Beach and Longboat Key, provides an opportunity county at 941-792-8811. 12 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER P&Z recommends Anna Maria zoning change By Rick Catlin For a lot of good reasons, responded city planner on Pine Avenue, and the board should wait to see if Islander Reporter Alan Garrett. anything affects the ROR areas. Anna Maria resident William Nally of Spring “Your home right now is non-conforming. This “We don’t know what will come out of that,” he Avenue was pleasantly surprised last week to learn makes your house conforming and allows you to add said. that the city’s proposal to rezone his property — a on and renovate. And, it’s always better to be con- But board chairman Frank Pytel said parking is residence in the commercial zone — to retail-office- forming,” Garrett concluded. a separate issue from zoning. residential will result in his property conforming to “Well, that answers my question,” said Nally. Board member Sandy Mattick said making the the city zoning regulations after many years of non- But not everyone was enthused about the pro- lots conforming was better for the residents than conformity. posal. allowing them to continue as non-conforming. Nally was one of several members of the public Larry Albert said the board should wait because Conoly eventually agreed and voted with the who attended the Dec. 15 P&Z hearing on a request by parking on Pine Avenue in the ROR is already an other five board members to recommend that the the city to rezone 24 lots from commercial to ROR to issue. commission approve the rezoning. conform to the city’s future land-use map as approved “We have enough problems. I don’t see the rush. After the vote, Pytel wanted to discuss issues in the 2007 comprehensive plan revisions. We already have ROR problems,” Albert said. regarding land-development regulations, but Garrett Nally asked “What can I do tomorrow that I can’t Board member Jim Conoly agreed. The city com- said that was not on the agenda. do today? Why are you doing this?” mission is looking into parking safety, particularly Pytel asked that for all future P&Z meetings, “new business” be an agenda item, including public hearings. Dredged sand sent to Palma Sola Beach concession could By Nick Walter inquire about the sand, and that helped start Islander Reporter the nourishment process. support improvements In the past two years, the Palma Sola “Because the DOT is doing the grading, Manatee County Tourist Development Council Causeway has received two sand nourish- no one has to be paid from a private contrac- Chair Carol Whitmore reiterated at the TDC’s Dec. ments, the first such improvements since the tor,” McClellan said. 14 that some Holmes Beach city commissioners want causeway was created in the 1950s. An additional 6,250 tons of dredged sand a 312-foot public beach pier with a T-end. On Dec. 14, 8 tons of beach-compatible will be trucked to the DOT storage yard on A 700-foot pier remains possible, said Whitmore, sand was brought from the SandBlast 2009 S.R. 64, east of I-75. a Manatee County commissioner and former Holmes competition at Bradenton Beach to the north- “Since the sand was added in 2007, there Beach mayor. Funding for a longer pier could come east shore of the causeway on State Road 64/ has been some erosion,” McClellan said. from public beach concession fees, she said. The Manatee Avenue. “This new sand will add more sandy shore- county could take a long-term loan and pay it off In January, the West Coast Inland Navi- line, versus shell or grass.” with concession fees. gation District will truck to the causeway In addition, the causeway will receive While Whitmore is in favor of a 312-foot pier, 6,250 tons of sand dredged from a channel 1,800 feet of 1-inch-diameter white rope that she said she supports the interests of Holmes Beach, near Jewfish Key in the Gulf Intracoastal will replace rope stolen from the causeway. and doesn’t want the public beach looking like every Waterway. To prevent theft, McClellan said the plan is to other beach in the state. The sand will be graded along the cause- install 15-foot segments connected by bollards Instead, Whitmore said concession fees could be way beaches by the Florida Department of around landscaped islands. used for fixing the beach rest rooms, or to rebuild Transportation across both sides of Manatee Keep Manatee Beautiful purchased the concessions at Coquina Beach. Avenue. rope for $2,550. And Gary Kinder, of the Bra- The TDC also discussed an international wake- Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director denton Public Works Department, arranged to boarding contest taking place on the Manatee River, Ingrid McClellan said Manatee County Com- have the rope picked up from Marine Surplus possibly in October. missioner John Chappie recommended KMB in Sarasota. “We were trying to think of fringe events,” Whit- more said. HAYO CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL 941.920.0892

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By Lisa Neff State Reps. Islander Reporter Bill Galvano, The Manatee County legislative delegation R-Bradenton, and agreed Dec. 15 to introduce legislation that would Arthenia Joyner, allow Anna Maria to extend its boundaries into local D-Tampa, and waters and allow Holmes Beach to annex the King- state Sen. Nancy fish Boat Ramp. Detert, R-Venice, The delegation, preparing for the 2010 session listen during the in Tallahassee, also heard and discussed a number of Manatee County other requests, including a call from Manatee County Legislative Del- elected officials to stand firm against expanding drill- egation meeting ing opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico. Dec. 15 in Bra- Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes denton. Islander was the first speaker to address the delegation at its Photo: Lisa Neff annual meeting in Bradenton — because Hayes also needed to get to a county commission meeting downtown. Hayes outlined the county commission’s legisla- cities and counties,” Detert told Siekmann. “I’d like mostly housekeeping.” tive priorities for 2010, which include continued state to take the temperature of the community I live in.” A second component of the legislation, said Dye, funding for beach renourishment, flexibility to use Siekmann replied, “We are very convinced that involves extending Anna Maria’s control into near- golf carts on sidewalks in certain state and county the opposition to drilling on Longboat Key is signifi- shore waters, which currently are under the jurisdic- rights of way, support for the Port Connector Road cant.” tion of the county. to improve transportation in the Port Manatee area, State Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, then Dye said both city and county officials support continued support for the Central Florida Commuter raised a stack of blue note cards signed by people the change, which allows Anna Maria oversight on Rail project and opposition to offshore drilling. who opposed drilling, but Detert replied that the uni- docks. Hayes said the county commission adopted a formity of the cards suggested a coordinated opposi- In regards to the Kingfish Boat Ramp on Mana- resolution opposing the opening of state waters for tion campaign. tee Avenue west of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, oil and gas drilling, as did the governing boards in State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, said he Dye said there also is city and county agreement for the six municipalities in the county. has opposed expanding drilling in the past, because Holmes Beach to annex the land. The property is a Later in the meeting, Longboat Key Vice Mayor he wants to focus on alternative, renewable energy. Florida Department of Transportation right of way Robert Siekmann, who presented priorities for the town But he questioned whether Manatee County officials that contains a boat ramp operated by the county. as well as goals for the Manasota League of Cities, also based their early opposition on insufficient informa- Until recent years, Holmes Beach officials believed asked the delegation to stand against drilling. tion. the land was within city limits and policed the area. Earlier this year, there were reports that lawmak- “Let’s find out what the facts are,” Bennett “Ownership doesn’t change” with annexation, ers might gather for a special session to consider said. said Dye. Nor will the county’s operation of King- opening state waters to oil and natural gas drilling. On the request for legislation to change boundar- fish. State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said the wor- ies for Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, Anna Maria State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, who ries were exaggerated, that there is no bill and that city attorney Jim Dye addressed the delegation. chairs the delegation, asked for a vote on the request, lawmakers are not being inundated with requests Part of the request involves correcting a boundary and received a unanimous endorsement. from energy lobbyists. discrepancy in the southernmost part of Anna Maria “The bill will be introduced,” he said. “We don’t have any bill. We never had a bill in and north Holmes Beach. However, Bennett added, “We’ve not really had the Senate,” she said. Dye explained that some residential area cur- a chance to read these.… The bill could change if the Detert also said that while local elected officials rently is shown on maps for both cities due to an deal is not all worked out. We’re kind of flying on oppose expanding drilling, she isn’t certain of con- oversight. faith here.” stituents’ opinion. “There is an overlap,” said Dye. “It’s a relic from Dye said the two cities and the county have only “You haven’t polled the people who live in your when Holmes Beach was founded.… We see this as minor details to work out. SCOOTER HOLMES BEACH SALES & SERVICE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE Starting at Foreign & Domestic • Air Conditioning Electrical Systems • Tune-Ups, Brakes & More HOLIDAY SPECIAL $700 Enroll for $9 and your 5333 Gulf Drive ﬁ rst month is free. Holmes Beach Offer expires 12-31-09. at the corner of Gift certiﬁ cates available. Open 7 days a week. Gulf & Marina Drives 5364 Gulf Drive • S&S Plaza (Next to Minnie’s) 4520 Manatee Ave. W. 941-779-0487 941-778-5446 Bradenton • 941-748-4930 www.gowestsideauto.com Roser Memorial COMMUNITY CHURCH 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria • 941-778-0414 hair Christmas Eve Services: Sanctuary skin 5:30 pm Candlelight Celebration Service massage Spread the Good News, Nativity Pageant 9 pm Traditional Candlelight Service nails Music by Chancel Choir, Soloists and Ensembles makeup Christmas Day Service: 10 am - Chapel New Year’s Eve Service Make your Continuous Chapel appointment now! Communion - 4-9 pm December Sunday Open Every Day Services 5311 gulf drive 10 am - Sanctuary Enjoy free wi-fi holmes beach in the Tidemark shops January thru Easter Sunday Services courtesy of 941.778.5400 9 and 11 am - Sanctuary The Islander! www.acquaaveda.com www.roserchurch.com 14 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER Very merry Bridge Street celebrates Dec. 19

Jack and Luke Jones of Toronto meet with Santa Claus during the holiday open house on Bridge Street.

Dana Snell of the Historic Bridge Street Merchants Association reaches for a raffle ticket.

Jo Ann Meilner welcomes Margaret and Bryce Cleveland survey the prizes before purchasing guests to the their tickets in a raffle to benefit the Tingley Memorial Library. They Back Alley’s took home two prizes — a bike and a wreath — during the holiday open first annual house on Bridge Street Dec. 19. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff shrimp boil, held during Bridge Street’s holiday open house Dec. 19.

Caryn Hodge of the Chiles Group prepares to present a raffle during the holiday open house on Bridge Street.

check us out at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church www.islander.org Pastor Rosemary W. Backer Saturday 5pm – Celebrate! Sunday 9:30am – Traditional Worship Fellowship follows Sunday Service Celebrate with us!

778-1813 • 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach • www.gloriadeilutheran.org

Anna Maria Chiropractic Sandra Ashbrook, D.C.

941-962-7785 www.annamariachiropractic.com THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 15 More holiday happenings …

Sharing for SHARE All Island Denominations and the Anna Maria Island Community Center volunteered Dec. 19 to help prepare holiday dinner packages for SHARE/ Self Help And Resource Exchange at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff AMICCO’s gift The Anna Maria Island Community Chorus and Orchestra performed its annual gift to the Island Dec. 20 — An Island Christmas concert, featuring the work of Vivaldi, Mozart, Boccherini and Handel at Crosspointe Fellow- ship in Holmes Beach. AMICCO will present “From AMICCO With Love” Feb. 14. Islander Photo: Edna Tiemann

City hall takes a holiday Happy holiday, happy birthday Bradenton Beach staff gather for a holiday celebration at city hall Dec. 18. Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford presents resident Margaret Jenkins with a The city hall closed early for the party, which came a day before the holiday cupcake in celebration of her 87th birthday. The occasion took place at the city’s open house on Bridge Street. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff holiday party for staff and volunteers. Islander Photo: Edna Tiemann LOOKING FOR LONGEVITY? Carrier since 1902 + West Coast since 1972 = An Unbeatable Combination!

check us out at When Willis Carrier invented the fi rst system for “manufactured weather” in 1902, he sparked an industry that revolutionized the way in which we live, work, and play. From the very fi rst www.islander.org day to today, Carrier has been a company built on a legacy of innovation. For more than a century, Carrier’s research, expertise, and forethought have resulted in market-leading innovations and “fi rsts” that have shaped and defi ned the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. Owners Carrier’s tagline “Turn to the Experts” has helped make Rick, Aaron & Judi Rickerson Carrier the brand trusted in more homes than any other. Family owned and operated for 30 years Carrier invented air conditioning more than 100 years ago. It is Carrier’s heritage. Carrier dealers will continue showing our See us for your customers why Carrier should be their fi rst choice in heating Complete and air conditioning. ASE Certifi ed Technicians Auto Repair Services 778-9622 5347 Gulf Drive, NNo.o 44, 5608 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach Holmes Beach Business Center, Holmes Beach Across the street from the Island Library CAC044365 www.DuffysTavernAMI.com

ON VACATION Duffy’s Tavern Reopen Sept 24 “The best hamburgers and the coldest mugs of beer this side of Heaven.” 1416 ■n Dec. DEC. 23 , 23,2009 2009 ■ THE n THEISLANDER ISLANDER THE ISLANDER ■ Dec. 23, 2009 ■ 15 Miss Duffy www.DuffysTavernAMI.com - Bayside Banquet Hall’s $ $ Pat Geyer, Proprietress TIKI BAR & PATIO 2 2 SCORE BIG! Duffy’s Tavern Open every Monday at 2pm The Island’s football “The best hamburgers and the coldest contest is happening available at The Islander mugs of beer this side of Heaven.” -Miss Duffy • Appetizers now! Call now Pat Geyer, Proprietress to advertise your “The best hamburgers & Dinner robby cox plays and the coldest mugs of business in the B4 beer this side of Heaven.” SEAFOOD original and wed. dec. 30 B4 • Live Band Rod & Reel -Miss Pier Duffy best football MON-SAT 11-8 • SUN 12-8 • CLOSED TUESDAY FAVORITES! • Cash Bar closed christmas day Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerPat Geyer, 7 Proprietress Days www.DuffysTavernAMI.com OPEN 11-8 • 12-8 SUNDAY AWESOME VIEW! contest. & New Year’s day “Fresh Fish” Specials Daily 59TH & MARINA DR. • HOLMES BEACH • 778-2501 WE HAVE AMI Ice-Cold BeerCLOSED & Wine TUES. • 59TH & MARINA DR. • HOLMES BEACH • 778-2501 BAYSIDE BANQUET HALL Call Toni, B4B4 Waterfront Weddings • Receptions • Events STICKERS 928-8735 or C-8 Rebecca, B4 Serving Lunch & Dinner C8 4628 119th St. W. • 798-2035 MON-SAT 11-8 • SUN 12-8 • CLOSED TUESDAY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Turn S from Cortez Rd on 119th • no credit cards Get yours at 5404 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach 704-4133. 59TH & MARINA DR. • HOLMES BEACH • 778-2501 NOV 13, 14, 15 ~ ERIC VON HAHMANN NOV 20, 21 ~ MICHAEL MAC NOV 28 ~ ROADBLOCK The City Pier Restaurant Open 11am daily for Lunch & Dinner C8 100 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria B1 B4 778-1885 779-1667 5406 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach • 778-5320 875 North Shore Drive • Anna Maria A1

Denzel Washington said: “Great Food” Tues-Thurs 11:30-9, Fri 11:30-late Sat Noon-late, Sun Noon-8 pm Closed Mondays 4528 119th St. W. Cortez • 798-9404 Key Royale Pass Caribbean Seafood & Grill Seafood • Ribs • Chicken • Steaks Home of the Mango- Live Music Friday Macadamia Encrusted Grouper and Saturday Open Nightly 4-9:30. Fri & Sat 4-10 Vo ted Best Crab Cakes Early Bird 4:30-6pm 2 FREE 1/2 OFF ENTREE GLASSES OF with purchase of WINE OR BEER regular-price entree with the purchase of 2 and any two beverages. regular-priced entrees. Must present coupon. Not valid Sun-Thurs only, must present coupon. on holidays, special events or with Not valid holidays, special events any other coupon or discount. or with any other coupon or discount. AvailableCOUPON EXPIRES 06/23/09 At…...COUPON EXPIRES 06/23/09 B-8 103 Gulf Drive • Bradenton Beach

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cHeck us out at (941) 778-6641 (941)INSHORE SPORTFISHING778-6641 CHARTER BOAT Gulf Drive Cafe Find Great Full & Half Day Tr ips www.IslaNder.org 5606 Marina Drive, HolmesCustom Beach Tr ips Available Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Daily 7am-9pm 5606 Marina Drive Hours: Mon–Thurs 4pm–11pmU.S.C.G. Licensed Beachy Gifts Holmes Beach Fri–Sat 11am–12amCustom-built Privateer A2 SEGWAY at Mon–Thurs 11am–11pm Sun 11am–11pm Fishing License, Now serving Scenic Tours • Short and Long Term Rentals T Fri–Sat 11am–12am Ice, Bait & Tackle Sales • Events h Sun 11am–11pm Furnished e Beach Hut WECapt. Steven DELIVER Salgado beer & wine 941.209.5970 • www.segsbythesea.com Anna Maria Island, Fl 5337 Gulf Drive (at Holmes Blvd.) Owner/Operator An Eco-Friendly Way to Play! B4 B4 Lifetime experience in local waters C8 941-778-2773 ISLANDSLLANDA SHOPPINGHOOPPING CENTEENTER • 54540440404 MARINAARA INA DRIVERIVVE • 949941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG WE DELIVER 778-9712

900 Gulf Drive N. • Bradenton Beach ‘I recommend The Islander’ New Year’s Eve TOURISTS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU ! We Know the Way at 941-778-1919 B7 to your dream home or an B4 HELP ’EM OUT! Caribbean Grill & Restaurant ideal vacation rental… Great Food with an Island Attitude! 5912 Marina Drive • HB • 941.779.0880 AMIVideo SA Don’t miss out on your opportunity to market to our VINGS! Open Christmas Day @ 4:30 Island visitors. More circulation weekly than the Anna Maria gone Fishing! Wednesday Friday Saturday dailies on AMI, greater readership than any publication Island Dinner & Party RENT 2, GET $10 KIDS DAY circulating on AMI, and a solid reputation for success! New Year’s Eve 3 Dinner Seatings returning oct. 9! Rent 1 More than 17 years of service to the Island community REAL ESTATE LLC 5 pm - 7 pm Open Menu 3RD 2 movies, 1 candy GET 1 FREE and readers are still ﬂ ocking to The Islander. Call 9 pm Special Menu FREE and popcorn! Everyone loves it! Everyone reads it! Seating at 9 pm Rebecca or Toni for marketing tips, special deals and the Well, almost everyone … $50 per person “best news on Anna Maria Island” … call 941-778-7978. Anna Maria Island’s longest-running, most award-winning includes: 5-Course Dinner newspaper ever is favored by Islanders and visitors at newsstands and by mail-order subscribers. And Baby Evan Wine Toast at Midnight Talucci of Holmes Beach highly recommends reading The Islander Live Music by Doug Bidwell Fireworks at midnight! 779-0202 • 800-732-6434 5402 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach Call for Reservations THE “BEST NEWS” SINCE 1992 SINCE 1992 Island Shopping Center 941 779-1930 www.suncoastinc.com WWW.ISLANDER .ORG Web site: www.islander.org B4 B-8 103 Gulf Drive • Bradenton Beach [email protected] www.bananacabanaseafood.com

VACATION The Store with the Birds FUN WEAR www.DuffysTavernAMI.com

ON VACATION Duffy’s Tavern Reopen Sept 24 “The best hamburgers and the coldest mugs of beer this side of Heaven.” 14 ■ Dec. 23, 2009 ■ THE ISLANDER THE THEISLANDER ISLANDER n DEC.■ Dec. 23, 23 ,2009 2009 n■ 1715 Miss Duffy www.DuffysTavernAMI.com - Bayside Banquet Hall’s $ $ Pat Geyer, Proprietress TIKI BAR & PATIO 2 2 SCORE BIG! Duffy’s Tavern Open every Monday at 2pm The Island’s football “The best hamburgers and the coldest contest is happening available at The Islander mugs of beer this side of Heaven.” -Miss Duffy • Appetizers now! Call now Pat Geyer, Proprietress to advertise your “The best hamburgers & Dinner robby cox plays and the coldest mugs of business in the B4 beer this side of Heaven.” SEAFOOD original and wed. dec. 30 B4 • Live Band Rod & Reel -Miss Pier Duffy best football MON-SAT 11-8 • SUN 12-8 • CLOSED TUESDAY FAVORITES! • Cash Bar closed christmas day Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerPat Geyer, 7 Proprietress Days www.DuffysTavernAMI.com OPEN 11-8 • 12-8 SUNDAY AWESOME VIEW! contest. & New Year’s day “Fresh Fish” Specials Daily 59TH & MARINA DR. • HOLMES BEACH • 778-2501 WE HAVE AMI Ice-Cold BeerCLOSED & Wine TUES. • 59TH & MARINA DR. • HOLMES BEACH • 778-2501 BAYSIDE BANQUET HALL Call Toni, B4B4 Waterfront Weddings • Receptions • Events STICKERS 928-8735 or C-8 Rebecca, B4 Serving Lunch & Dinner C8 4628 119th St. W. • 798-2035 MON-SAT 11-8 • SUN 12-8 • CLOSED TUESDAY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Turn S from Cortez Rd on 119th • no credit cards Get yours at 5404 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach 704-4133. 59TH & MARINA DR. • HOLMES BEACH • 778-2501 NOV 13, 14, 15 ~ ERIC VON HAHMANN NOV 20, 21 ~ MICHAEL MAC NOV 28 ~ ROADBLOCK The City Pier Restaurant Open 11am daily for Lunch & Dinner C8 100 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria B1 B4 778-1885 779-1667 5406 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach • 778-5320 875 North Shore Drive • Anna Maria A1

wwwIs l a.bananacabanaseafood.com n d sh o p p I n g Ce n t e r • 5404 Ma r I n a dr I v e • 941-779-1930 941 778-7978 • w w w .I s l a n d e r .o r g 9

VACATION The Store with the Birds FUN WEAR 18 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER AME celebrates, prepares for winter holiday

Twas the week before Winter break and all ing to work together in their holiday centers. throughout Anna Maria Elementary School the Island By Santa watched with a smile as students began to students were stirring. Kimberly learn from one another and their teachers. The tests, projects and reports were done in hopes Kuizon And as the students worked they began to realize that break would soon be there. that schoolwork involved a lot of holiday fun. Stu- The students were busy with plays, presents and the mood for a holiday and a break. The Anna Maria dents in their holiday centers made everything from much more fun time. Island Kiwanis’ grandparent program held a party snowflakes to ginger bread people, played bingo and The AME first-graders play, “Twas the night with a bag full of goodies for their adopted AME made their wish lists for Santa. before Christmas,” filled student minds with visions grandkids. While students began to settle in for a long winter of sugar plums, Santa and his eight tiny reindeer. And kindergarteners and first-graders rose with week the next thing they knew out came principal There were also many presents to get students in such a clatter that students knew they must be learn- Tom Levengood. And with a smile, a twinkle of his eye and a nod at the clock. The school bell rang with such a clatter that students sprang from their desks and gave shouts while they flew from their seats and out the door. You could hear them exclaim, as they went out of sight, Happy holidays to all, and to all a great new year! AME will be back in session on Jan. 4.

Holiday cheer Kiwanis member Bob La Mastro smiles with his adopted AME granddaughter Maddie Gunn. The Kiwanis grandparents meet with students six times Twas the night before christmas a year. Anna Maria Elementary first-graders perform their Christmas play, “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” to Christmas help get the student body in the mood for the holiday. Islander Photos: Kimberly Kuizon. presents Kiwanis member Rich- ard Herman Holiday bingo and AME student Myriah Students wait Deal exchange excitedly for the Christmas next holiday- presents during themed item to be their holiday called out during meeting Dec. bingo. A dradle 15 at AME. and a Christmas tree were a few of the items students could find on their bingo sheets.

Ms.Vicki’s Closet Anna Maria Elemen- tary first-grader Katherin Burgess was chosen as the winner of nurse Vicki Dunning’s quest to find a name for the school’s clothes closet. The name is officially Ms.Vicki’s Closet. Pictured right are AME teacher Gary Wooten, first-grade teacher Lauren Waite, Learning is fun Dunning, winner Bur- Anna Maria Elementary kindergartner Paisley gess, Parent Teacher Smelt makes a Christmas tree at the kindergarten Organization president and first-grade centers For two days, students Monica Simpson and went to six centers to experience new ways of PTO secretary learning with different teachers while having Stephanie Bell. holiday fun. THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 19

Girls power cookie donation Junior Girl Scout Troop 683 and Brownie Troop 316 decorate more than 300 cookies they will donate at the Salvation Army shelter in Bradenton. The cookie plan was orchestrated by troop leader Holly Connelly, and scouts either took home dough she provided or baked their own recipe. Thirty-eight scouts came back with cookies to decorate. Islander Photo: Courtesy Anna Schuster Making the grade at MHS Several Islanders and Anna Maria Elementary School alumni were inducted into the National Honor Society at Manatee High School recently. Islander Daniel Landesberg, president of NHS, welcomed students selected for their outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, service and character, including juniors, front row, from left, Sarah Howard, Greyson Wallis and Katie Hunt. Back row, from left, Rainia Lardas, Chris Perez, Jenna Duvall and Patrick Facheris. Not pictured, seniors Kyle Aritt and Sean Edwards and juniors Alexis Coulter, Sage Geeraerts, Sarah Oldham, Molly Slicker and Blake Wilson. Islander Photo: Courtesy Donna Perez Making holiday sounds King Middle School orchestra and band students perform a holiday concert Dec. 7 at the school audito- AME school calendar rium for friends and families. The seventh-grade orchestra, pictured here, is led by Holmes Beach resident • Jan. 4, students return from winter break. Chris Rudacille. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy For more information, call the school office at 941-708-5525. AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. il Fish Mar eta ke R t

GIFT BOXES Great selection of seafood-

oysters, shrimp, clams, smoked mullet, $2199 smoked salmon, ﬁ sh spread, and more! SCAMP, BLACK, Merry Christmas GAG GROUPER and a happy AND STONE New Year! CRABS AT MARKET PRICE HOG SNAPPER WHEN AVAILABLE!

Southern BBQ, Dry Rub and Hot BBQ for all your holiday needs! Call 778-6614 or come and pick ’em up. We ship. 3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach FL • mrbonesbbq.com 119th St. W. on the Cortez Waterfront check us out at Turn at 119th St. trafﬁ c light, follow road to end. www.islander.org Mon 10-5 • Tues-Sat. 10-6 • Sunday 11-5 • 794-1547 20 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER Jumping jacks Flapjacks are prepared iSlAnDeR to serve to a crowd at St. Bernard Catholic cAlEnDaR Church in Holmes Beach Dec. 13. Addi- Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve. tional dates for the 4 p.m. — Family mass at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor pancake breakfasts are Drive, Holmes Beach. Jan. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 5 and 11 p.m. — Christmas Eve service at The Episcopal Church 7, Feb. 21, March 7 of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. and March 21. The $5 5:30 p.m. — Candlelight service with music and prayer at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. all-you-can-eat break- 6:30 and 10 p.m. — Christmas music program, candlelight services fast includes pancakes, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. sausage, orange juice, 7 p.m. — Christmas Eve service at Harvey Memorial Community coffee, tea and oranges. Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: 7:30 p.m. — Candlelight service at Crosspointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Edna Tiemann 9 p.m. — Traditional candlelight service at Roser Memorial Com- munity Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Ongoing: • Artists Guild Gallery Holiday Boutique at the Sun House Restau- 9:30 p.m. — Christmas carols followed by mass at St. Bernard • First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Artists Guild of Anna Maria rant, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, through Dec. 24. Information: Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, 941-795-7805. 10:30 p.m. — Christmas Carols at The Episcopal Church of the • The first and third Mondays of each month, the American Legion Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Post 24, 2005 75th St. W., Bradenton, hosts dinners for the public. Fee. Coming Up: Information: 941-794-3489. • Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve fireworks at BeachHouse. Friday, Dec. 25 • Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria Duplicate Bridge Club at the • Jan. 1, Shamrock Shiver Coquina Beach Swim sponsored by Christmas Day. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Clancy’s Irish Pub. 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Mass at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Information: 941-778-3390. • Jan. 2, art demonstration with Cecy Richardson, Island Gallery Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. • Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., teens meet at the Anna Maria Island West. 9:30 a.m. — Worship service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941- • Jan. 4, Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island meets at the Episcopal Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. 778-1908. Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Service in the chapel at Roser Memorial Community • The third Wednesday of each month, noon, the Anna Maria Island Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Garden Club meets at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Save the date: 10 a.m. — Holiday service at The Episcopal Church of the Annuncia- Anna Maria, through April. Information: 941-778-2809. • Jan. 7, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Mark Thompson speaks tion, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. • Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., players pitch horseshoes in at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, Sarasota. the pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Informa- • Jan. 14-24, Manatee County Fair. Tuesday, Dec. 29 tion: 941-708-6130. • Feb. 10, Anna Maria Garden Club Antique Appraisal Affair. 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — Wagon tours through Robinson Preserve, • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club meets at Send calendar announcements to [email protected]. Please 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501, ext.4605. Fee Cafe on the Beach at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes include the time, date and location of the event, a brief description and a applies. Beach. contact via e-mail and phone.

ZAGAT’S Top Restaurants in America – “Best in Florida” THE REAL GERMAN RESTAURANT ON FLORIDA’S WEST COAST Pelican Petes REAL British Fish & Chips Surfside … Anna Maria Island OPEN DEC. 25 FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER Mon: Fish & Chips $7.99 4-8:30PM CALL FOR Tues: Brit Nite w/ music 6.30pm DUCKLING RESERVATION Wed. Gumbo Boogie Band 7.30pm CLOSED DEC. 24 FRI & SAT Closed Thursday and Friday OVEN-FRESH BAVARIAN Sat: The Wheedles 7.30pm HAXEN & Sun: Suzi Sings 20’s/30’s/40’s 6:30pm CRISPY DUCKLING CALL AHEAD TO 12012 Cortez Road W. RESERVE DINNER HOURS: TUES-SAT 5-9PM • 778-1320 941-778-6444 www.BeachBistro.com Anna Maria Island Centre • 3246 E. Bay Drive • Holmes Beach 792-4822 Great Food! PALBO’ CA House of Pizza S Taco & Fajita Buffet CORTEZ Wednesday 24-ITEM SALAD BAR 4-8pm PLUS 10 2 SOUPS DAILY all-you-can-eat SPECIALTY PIZZAS TO CHOOSE FROM! ENDLESS PIZZA $8.95 per person • dine in only LUNCH $5.99 • DINNER $6.99 Try us anytime for food and fun on the beach! happy hour all day Mondays 4-8 pm Live Music 4-8pm 2 FOR 1 DRAFT open 7 days a week Italian Buffet $8.95 mon-sat 11-10 • sun 12-9 Tues 12/22 ~ K aren Greenley BEER AND Wed 12/23 ~ R oni Happy 10519 Cortez Road W. • Cortez Tuesdays 4-8 pm HOUSE WINE Sunset Dinner Specials Thurs 12/24 ~ No Music 941-792-5300 • Takeout available Fri 12/25 ~ Tom Mobley Wednesdays 4-8 pm Sat 12/26 ~ Squirrel with pizza buffet! Taco and Fajita Buffet $8.95 Sun 12/27 ~ Tom Mobley Free Sundae Mon 12/28 ~ Karen Greenley 8 FLAVORS! MIX TOTO CREACREREATETE YOUROUR OOWWNW SENSATION! Fridays 2-8 pm Holidays! strawberry Fish Fry All-You-Can-Eat $9.95 raspberry Every Day - $5.95 on black cherry ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT the Beach chocolate Pancakes and Sausage Cafe ALL DINE HERE ONLY OPEN 7 AM • 7 DAYS A WEEK • BEER & WINE pistachio • mocha 4000 Gulf Drive • Holmes Beach • 778-0784 butter pecan & peanut butter Great Prices! THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 21 Royal friends rescue dogs for adoption By Lisa Neff Islander Reporter During the holiday season, many people seek to help those who are hungry and in need of shelter. Bear, a male Julie Gilstrap-Royal is among the charitable, and lab, rescued her rescue mission — to feed and shelter — involves by Royal dogs. Pet Rescue Gilstrap-Royal, an owner/partner at SunCoast Islander Real Estate and founder of Royal Pet Rescue, recently Photo: Cour- traveled to Tennessee and back to rescue 11 dogs that tesy Julie had been abandoned. Gilstrap- An Islander Q & A with the dog rescuer: Royal The Islander: What danger were the animals facing in Tennessee? And how did you hear about them? Julie Gilstrap-Royal: The animals were facing starvation and reproduction. The lady who had them dumped on her property, Pamela Evans, in Michie, Tenn., contacted Underdog Rescue’s Shona Samuels asking for her help. She sent e-mails, pictures, her starving while I was working on transport. male lab, 11 months, 70 pounds; Bear, male lab, 60 story. We picked up the dogs. The dogs were thin, but pounds; Tootsie, female lab, 45 pounds; Sadie and Underdog does small dogs, so Shona forwarded OK, one pup was very sick and placed in a separate Cici, 6-month-old shepard mixes; Savannah, who the e-mails to me, as I rescue large dogs. carrier. He later died on the 15-hour trip. died; Bella, Ginger and Tiki, 3-months-old, lab pups. The Islander: How many dogs did you find? And The Islander: You rescued the dogs with a Tiki had a broken foot. their condition? friend? The Islander: Where are the animals now? JGR: We were in contact for over a month as I JGR: Yes, my best friend of 30 years, Sunny JGR: Bear is being fostered by Barbara on Anna was trying to get Pilots N Paws, an organization that Moss, went with me. and I couldn’t have made the Maria, Shiloh has been spade and adopted. Bella has flies animals, but there were too many dogs and it trip without her sharing the 15-hour non-stop drive been adopted and is in training to be a FEMA search was too far a distance — 800 miles — so that fizzled and keeping me laughing. and rescue dog. She will fly around the world after out. The Islander: Did you return with the dogs in a being dumped on the side of the road. Then I contacted the long-haul truckers, who also car? All the others are at my house. have an organization that transports animals. They JGR: We rented a 10-foot truck, and had them in The Islander: When will they become available require a $25 fee per animal — there were 11 — plus five wire cages and blankets. It was 40 degrees. for adoption, and who would be eligible to adopt health certificates from the vet and rabies vaccina- The Islander: Did they mind the radio? them? tions. JGR: I don’t think so. They were pretty quiet JGR: As soon as the rest are spayed/neutered they Pamela could not afford to feed all the dogs, let except when we stopped for gas and food. will be available. All were taken to the Animal Medi- alone take them to a vet, so that was a dead end. The Islander: Did you name them on the return cal Clinic on Cortez Road to be evaluated. Underdog A very kind Anna Maria Island resident, Bar- home? Rescue paid for the vet bill. bara Kitchell, stepped up and called a feed store and JGR: They were already named by Pamela — The Islander: How do people reach you? had 200 pounds of food delivered to keep them from Shiloh, mommy dog, black lab, 70 pounds; Bo, JGR: Call me at 941-720-1411 to adopt. Adults are $75, pups $200. I spent over $2,000 flying up, renting a car and for the truck, hotel and gas. Canine travel pals Sunny Moss and Julie Gilstrap- Royal prepare to return to Florida with dogs rescued from Tennes- see. Islander Photos: Courtesy Royal Pet Rescue

Royal Pet Rescue retrieved dogs, including Tiki, above, that had been dumped on a property in Ten- nessee. The dogs are now in the Anna Maria Island area and available for adoption. Happy Closing noon Dec. 24, reopen Dec. 28. Holidays! Classified deadline from everyone at noon Monday Dec. 28 for Dec. 30 edition. 22 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER

at the 33rd Street beach access and the victim left Sarasota teen sentenced his beach bag at the beach. When they returned 45 minutes later, the bag was gone. The victim said the bag contained two sets of keys. for burglaries Dec. 13, 4103 Gulf Drive, burglary of a residence, criminal mischief. Officer responded to victim By Lisa Neff argued to Circuit Court Judge Gilbert Smith that the in reference to criminal mischief. The victim said that Islander Reporter charges should be dismissed because of failure to someone entered his garage and damaged his 2007 A Sarasota teenager was sentenced to nine months preserve evidence, specifically video surveillance of Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a new custom paint in the county jail and four years probation after plead- two alleged break-ins, one at a car wash in Bradenton job will cost more than $1,500. ing no contest to 12 local burglaries. and the other at Rotten Ralph’s on Bridge Street in Dec. 16, 607 Dundee Lane, burglary of a resi- Patrick S. Banker, 19, was arrested May 19 while Bradenton Beach. dence. Officer was dispatched to the residence and fleeing from the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria, Van Ness said copies of the surveillance tapes met with the complainant, who told the officer that which he broke into moments should have been made and, she claimed, the tape someone had broken into his house and stolen a earlier. Banker, according to of the burglary at Rotten Ralph’s would have shown prescription bottle of oxycodone, a digital camera authorities, then confessed to a two white males entering the restaurant. Banker is and a laptop computer. The complainant had gone series of area burglaries commit- African-American. to the beach at 66th Street with a woman who he ted last spring and winter. said was continuously texting someone on her a second man, John phone, and then said she needed to leave to help a O’Keefe, 18 of Sarasota, also friend whose car had broken down. She took the faces related charges of burglary Streetlife complainant home and left. Two hours later, the Banker and is scheduled to go to trial complainant noticed items missing from his home. next February. Island police blotter The complainant said he met the woman Nov. 30 In Manatee County court last week, Banker Anna Maria while they were both in jail, and that she may have pleaded no contest to 12 counts of burglary to an No new reports been in jail for burglary. unoccupied structure, including two break-ins at Bradenton Beach the Waterfront Restaurant and one break in at the No new reports. City Pier Restaurant in Anna Maria, a break-in at Holmes Beach the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, five break-ins at Dec. 9, 600 block of Concord Lane, intelligence. Obituary Longboat Key shops, three break-ins in Bradenton The officer was contacted by a citizen on Key Royale and one in Cortez. who said that a man at a nearby residence had been Craig Steven Luloff He received credit for time served in the jail. going out in his boat late at night and returning early Craig Steven Luloff, 47, of Bradenton Beach, Banker still faces a trial in February on two in the morning. The citizen noticed this happening died Dec. 10. charges — that he allegedly broke into shops at 101 a few times a week since the man moved there. The A memorial service was held at sunset Dec. 19 Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria and the American Car citizen said the man leaves his canal without using on the beach. Care Center in Bradenton. boats lights. Mr. Luloff’s survivors include daughter Lindsay; Two other burglary charges were dismissed. Dec. 12, 3300 Gulf Drive, theft. The officer was son Dylan; sisters Becky and Tresa; brother Darrell; Banker’s attorney, Varinia Van Ness, successfully dispatched to the Manatee Public Beach to meet with father Steve and wife Debbie and mother Sandra a lifeguard and some victims of theft. The victim said Luloff. that he and a friend had been taking scuba lessons Click! TER! $ The Islander welcomes photographs and notices WE CA om 25 of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anni- versaries, travels and other events. Please send notices Platters fr and photographs with detailed captions — along with complete contact information — to [email protected] or 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217.

Bayside Banquet Hall’s 3232 EastEt BDBay Drivei Next to Walgreens TIKI BAR & PATIO 778-7878 Open every Monday at 2pm Appetizers & Dinner BREAKFAST • LULUNCHNCH • DIDINNERNNER • BBEERE AND WINE Live Band • Cash Bar 50% OFF BAYSIDE BANQUET HALL The City Pier ALL BOOKS Waterfront Weddings • Receptions • Events FRESH BAKED CONCH 4628 119th St. W. • 798-2035 Restaurant EMPANADAS FRITTERS Turn S from Cortez Rd on 119th • no credit cards 7PM-2010: NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WITH BERNI ROY HAPPY HOUR PRICES ALL NIGHT! HAPPY HOUR 3-7 PM $4.95 NACHOS • $1.50 DRAFTS • $2 DOMESTICS $3 IMPORT BOTTLES • $3.50 WINE 5904 MARINA DRIVE • HOLMES BEACH • 778-7772

EAT-IN OR 00 MERRY TAKE-OUT $1 OFF Northern Italian Cuisine Any Size Pizza FREE DELIVERY! CHRISTMAS! Open Every Day including OMA PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT Christmas Day Specializing in Veal • Chicken • Fish • Pasta Open Until 8 MakersMakers of the of theWorld’s World’s Largest Largest Pizza Pizza and Open 7 Days • 11AM to Midnight 201 N. Gulf Dr. • Bradenton Beach Christmas Eve New Year’s Day 778-0771 or 778-0772 5702 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach 941-779-0220 • 941-779-0221 100 Bay Blvd, Anna Maria • 779-1667 Reservations suggested check us out at Open 11am daily for lunch & dinner email: dagiorgioﬂ [email protected] www.dagiorgio.net www.islander.org THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 23 Year’s Eve Extravaganza, featuring a fireworks display for the public on the beach and dinner and danc- Island Biz ing for partygoers at the restaurant. The restaurant’s party begins at 9 p.m. Thursday, By Rick Catlin Dec. 31, and the $99 admission includes a four-course dinner, music, dancing, a balloon drop, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. At midnight, weather permitting, fireworks will go off, visible along the shore in the downtown area of Bradenton Beach. For more information, call 941-779-2222 or Holy Cow! opens e-mail [email protected]. Ben Stewart’s goal is to make you think, “Holy Lina Taylor of Holy Cow Ice Cream, left, serves Jeweler correction Cow.” treats to George Lucas, 10, and Jacob Talucci, 11. Holy Cow! Ice Cream opened in the Anna Maria Bridge Street Jewelers at 129 Bridge St., Braden- Island Centre shopping plaza Nov. 1. welcomed the following new members between Sep- ton Beach telephone number is 941-896-7800. Stewart and wife Andrea don’t have just an ice tember and November: The Islander inadvertently used an old number cream shop. • Marianne Correll, Island Real Estate, 6101 for the store in a Dec. 16 Islander photo caption about “We want people to think, ‘Holy Cow’ when they Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-725-7799. Bridge Street Jewelers. come in,” Stewart said. • The Back Alley gallery and coffee shop, 121 It worked on Jakii Schwan, a Bradenton Beach Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, 941-778-1800. Island real estate resident, who did not expect such a unique shop sand- • Shoreline Builders of Southwest FL, 5345 Gulf wiched in the center wth Subway and Walgreens. Drive, No. 300, Holmes Beach, Judy and Steve Tits- transactions “I was pretty shocked,” she said. “I thought it worth, 941-778-1015. 610 Dundee Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,129 sfla / was just an ice cream shop.” • Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream, 11904 Cortez 2,494 sfur 3bed/3bath canalfront pool home built in The Stewarts, who also own the Sand Dollar Gift Road, W., Cortez, Rob and Dan Alderson, 941-794- 1967 on a 90x115 lot was sold 12/02/09, Whitaker to Shop, decorated Holy Cow with an array of signs, 5333. Shapiro for $699,000; list $739,900. dinnerware, lights and scented products. Reggae • The Parrott Inn, 8621 Cortez Road W., Braden- 517 69th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,919 sfla / 2,128 music adds to the island-style atmosphere. ton, Sandy Greiner, 941-792-8995. sfur 3bed/2½bath canalfront pool home built in 1969 “People are visiting an island,” Stewart said. “We • The Cake Zone, 5105 Fort Hammer Road, Par- on a 90x110 lot was sold 12/04/09, Bayt to Rake for want it to feel like an island.” rish, Alla Levin, 941-772-9867. $455,000; list $495,600. The shop offers 20 flavors of ice cream, frozen • AMI Health & Fitness Center, 5364 Gulf Drive, 308 64th St., Unit 308, Pineapple Palms, Holmes yogurt, coffee, cappuccinos and hot tea. Holmes Beach, John Monteforte, 941-778-5446. beach, a 975 sfla 2bed/2bath/1car condo with pool built Jacob Talucci, 11, of Holmes Beach, approved • Anna Maria Sailing and Boat Rides, 3018 Gulf in 1980 was sold 12/02/09 Wien to Taylor for $355,000; of his ice cream sundae and the shop. Drive, Holmes Beach, Octavio Utrera, 941-580- list $379,000. “It looks like the Sand Dollar,” he said. 1502. 6602 Holmes Blvd., Unit , Blue Lagoon, Holmes Holy Cow is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday • Silky Dreams by Snoopy Gate, 5702 Carissa, Beach, a 858 sfla 1bed/1bath condo with shared pool through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Holmes Beach, Snoopy Gates, 941-778-4709. built in 1971 was sold 12/01/09, Haka Ventures LLP to Sunday. • Island Gourmet, 5910 Marina Drive, Joe deNe- Pips Properties LLC for $310,000; list $349,000. gris, 941-778-0333. 501 Gulf Drive N., Unit 204, Bridgeport, Bradenton Chamber news • Seg’s By the Sea Inc., 9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Beach, a 1,000 sfla / 1,075 sfur 2bed/2bath Gulf-view The January Anna Maria Island Chamber of Maria, Ron Perpall. condo with shared pool built in 1982 was sold 11/30/09, Commerce business luncheon will be held from • Goodwill Industries Manasota, 7502 15th St. Bridgeport Condominium Association Inc. to Blatz for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the Beach- E., Sarasota, LuAnne Kirschner, 941-355-2721. $240,000; list $299,900. House Restaurant, Bradenton Beach. 3801 E. Bay Drive, Unit 102, Sunbow Bay, Holmes Reservations are required and the cost is $15. BeachHouse Beach, a 1,121 sfla / 1,222 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1981 was sold 12/01/09, Schmidt On Wednesday, Jan. 13, the chamber will hold its presents fireworks Sunrise Breakfast from 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. at The Gath- to Livesay for $177,000; list $185,000. ering Place, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fireworks again will usher in the new year in Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty Reservations are required and the cost is $8 per Bradenton Beach. of Anna Maria, can be reached at Gulf-Bay 941-778- person. The BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive 7244. Current Island real estate transactions may also The January business card exchange is scheduled N., Bradenton Beach, will host the 16th annual New be viewed online at www.islander.org. Copyright 2009 for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Just visiting Cafe on the Beach Ave., Anna Maria. paradise? The cost is $5 per person and reservations are Don’t leave the Island without requested. The event is open to non-members who taking time to subscribe. You’ll get ALL the best news, delivered ENJOY CHRISTMAS first contact the chamber. by the mailman every week. Visit For more information on all the chamber’s Janu- us at 5404 Marina Drive, Island ary activities, call 941-778-1541. Shopping Center, Holmes Beach ON THE BEACH! – or call 941-778-7978. Breakfast with Santa New to the chamber Online edition: www.islander.org The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Friday • Dec. 25 Breakfast starting at 7am Santa arrives at 9am CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Music by Tom Mobley ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT STONE CRABS! Since 1967 Christmas Buffet M O O R E S HURRY IN • MONDAY-FRIDAY Ham, turkey and all the trimmings ’ Served noon - 5pm Let us take care of your holidays! $14.95 per person (no take out) STONE CRAB Order Appetizer Trays Now! RESTAURANT New Year’s Day Dinner Need gift ideas? Ship our stone crabs anywhere New Year’s Eve 12 noon-5pm Come by featuring Pork & Sauerkraut land or give a gift certiﬁ cate to friends and family! Celebration and Homemade Potato Pancakes or sea! NEW! Enjoy our after-work BAR SPECIALS 6pm Regular menu Premium Drinks $4, Appetizers starting at $5, Mon-Fri 4-6pm (bar only) Food • Entertainment $8.95 also available 9 DINNERS $9.99 NIGHTLY 11:30-5:30 “It’s Midnight Somewhere” Fun & Noisemakers! HOLIDAY WINE 15% off all bottled wines through Jan. 1! on New Year’s Day the OPEN 11:30-9:30 ~ HAPPY HOUR 4-6 ~ 7 DAYS A WEEK Cafe Beach Call ahead seating & reservations for 6 or more. Breakfast 7am-noon OPEN 7 AM • 7 DAYS A WEEK • BEER & WINE 800 Broadway St. • Longboat Key • 941-383-1748 4000 Gulf Drive • Holmes Beach • 778-0784 LONGBOAT’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED FAMILY RESTAURANT Great Food • Great Prices 24 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER Fox shifts from turtles to birds in winter By Lisa Neff The red knot, a member of the sandpiper family, Islander Reporter is species whose numbers have steadily declined in Though the 2009 sea turtle nesting season ended the past decade. The red knot breeds in the Arctic more than a month ago, Suzi Fox is still patrolling tundra in the summer and then migrates south for the the beaches. winter. Fox, the executive director of Anna Maria Island Florida hosts a population of wintering red knots. Turtle Watch, is taking steps to integrate the monitor- However, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife ing of shorebird activity on the Island beaches. Conservation Commission, the lack of data on these “We just want to make sure everything is in birds stymies scientists as to their classification. It is balance,” said Fox, who has begun adding “and not known where in the Arctic Florida’s birds go to shorebirds” to the name “Anna Maria Island Turtle breed or whether the group wintering in Florida is Watch.” genetically different from other subspecies. She currently is not working with a legion of vol- Experts say the red knot population has dropped unteers, as is the case when monitoring turtle nesting A pair of red knots on Anna Maria Island Dec. 2. from 100,000 in the 1980s to fewer than 17,000 from May through October. Rather, Fox, for now, is Islander Photo: John Young today. Some researchers believe the species’ decline monitoring the beaches with photographer and part- is tied to a decline in the horseshoe crab population. ner John Young. They counted another 17 oystercatchers, includ- Red knots feed on horseshoe crab eggs deposited on “This is part of what we do,” said Fox. “And it’s ing one banded bird, and 10 red knots in north Holmes beaches. so much fun.” Beach/south Anna Maria. Fox is working with the county on shorebird On Dec. 2, Fox and Young observed six snowy The most exciting find, said Fox, was the sight- monitoring, as well as reporting her finds to the Sun- plovers and 21 oystercatchers feeding in the waterline ing of 73 red knots, some wearing bands, on the Gulf coast Shorebird Partnership coordinated at Eckerd on the north end of Anna Maria Island. shore in Bradenton Beach. College in St. Petersburg. Galati, MHS Hurricanes run ends in defeat By Kevin Cassidy low-net-of-partners game Dec. 16. The team of The men’s Dec. 14 nine-hole round was a two- Islander Reporter Bob Elliott and Gary Harris combined to card a best-balls-of-foursome challenge won by the four- A fantastic Manatee High School Hurricanes var- 1-under-par 127 to take first place by three strokes some of Dick Eichhorn, Pete Weir, Bob Landgren sity football team season that captivated the entire over a pair of teams. Tom Lewis and Tom O’Brien and Paul Proxy with a 9-under-par 55. Three teams county came to an end Dec. 18 at the Florida Citrus matched the 130 carded by Art Hibbs and Paul — Dick Grimme, Chris Collins, Bob Kelly and Earl Bowl in Orlando when MHS dropped a heartbreaking Proxy to tie for second place. Earl Ritchie teamed Ritchie; Joe Dickinson, Al Kaiser, Wade Ladue and 21-14 decision to Tampa Plant High School. up with Peter Proxy to take third place with a 131, Art Hibbs; and Web Cutting, Barry Martin, Paul The Canes fell behind 21-0 in the first half thanks while Lew Winegarden and Jim Thorton came in Kaemmerlen and Jim McCartney — finished one in part to their inability to contain Plant running-back fourth with 135. shot back in a tie for second place. James Wilder Jr., who rushed for 137 yards on 20 The women of the club played a nine-hole, carries. low-net game Dec. 15 with Jean Holmes taking top Horseshoe news The tapes Wilder will send to recruiting colleges honors in Flight AA. She carded a 1-under 31 to Two teams emerged from pool play during Dec. will no doubt include his 42-yard touchdown run in defeat second-place finishers Sue Hookem, Cindi 19 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall the second quarter. He came through the right side Mansour, Sandy Tocco and Penny Williams by pits and were left to battle for the day’s bragging of the line and met three Hurricane defenders head three strokes. rights. The team of Art Kingstad and Bruce Wagner on. They all ended up on the seat of their pants while Marcia Helgeson’s 3-under-par 29 was low-net outlasted the walking team of one, Gene Bobeldyke Wilder bounced off and ran around the left end and round of the day and put her on top of Flight A by 21-16. into the end zone for the TD. one stroke over Mary Selby. Diane Miller was alone The Dec. 16 games saw three teams come make It was a different game in the second half as the in third place with a 1-over 33. it out of pool play with the prerequisite three wins. Hurricanes found a way to slow him down and the Dorothy McKinna’s even-par 32 put her on top The team of Norm Good and John Crawford drew Manatee offense came to life, but in the end, they fell of Flight B by one shot over second-place finisher the bye and advanced to the finals where they took just short. Ginny Nunn, while Lois Biel came in third with a on Herb Puryear and Bruce Wagner. They advanced Though the Canes lose talented players like 34. to the finals by defeating Art Kingstad and Bruce quarterback Brione Carnes and wide-receiver Ace Flight C saw Sally Keyes take first place with Munro 21-11. Puryear and Wagner stayed hot and Sanders, they will see a bevy of talent returning in a 4-over-par 36 that was one shot better than sec- bested Good and Crawford 21-14 to earn the day’s running-back Mike Blakely, the entire defensive ond-place finishers Joy Nelles, Markie Ksiazek and bragging rights. line and Islander Nick Galati. There’s a good chance Mardene Eichhorn. Play gets under way at 9 a.m. every Wednesday Manatee will be vying for another shot at the its divi- Nell Bergstrom carded a 1-over-par 33 to take top and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. War- sion championship next year and a deep run into the honors in Flight D by four shots over second-place mups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team state playoffs. finisher Margaret Schuller at 37. Sally York and Rose selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is Congratulation to Nick and his teammates. Slomba tied for third place with 39s. welcome. Low-net-of-foursome winners Cindi Mansour, Key Royale golf news Cindy Miller, Mary Selby and Penny Williams com- Your sports news is welcome at The Islander. The Key Royale Club men played an 18-hole, bined to card a 137. E-mail Kevin@islander. org or call 941-778-7978.

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Anna Maria Island Tides Date AM HIGH PM HIGH AM LOW PM LOW Dec 23 3:16 1.5 4:44 1.6 9:58 0.2 11:01 0.6 Dec 24 4:36 1.2 5:15 1.7 10:33 0.4 — — • • • • • • • G O L F L I N K S Dec 25 6:20 1.0 5:50 1.9 12:18 0.3 11:07 0.6 December 2009 Dec 26 8:20 1.0 6:28 2.0 1:27 0.0 11:41 0.8 7am-1pm $40.50 + tax Dec 27 10:13 1.0 7:11 2.2 2:29 -0.3 12:15 0.9 After 1pm $29.50 + tax Dec 28 7:58 2.3 — — 3:25 -0.5 — — Green Fee and 1/2 Cart Dec 29 8:48 2.4 — — 4:17 -0.8 — — 708-6331 • 7 Day Advanced Tee Time Dec 30 9:40 2.6 — — 5:07 -0.9 — — 1801 27th St. E, Bradenton • Cortez High Tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 25 Extreme low tides will congregate fish By Nick Walter Islander Reporter There have been some below-average-level tides that have congregated redfish, snook and trout. These low tides will remain throughout the weekend. Anglers can target low tides, especially just before a cold front. There reportedly remains a good amount of white bait on the Key Royale flats and anglers might as well keep fishing with the shiners as long as they stay in the area. Trout season re-opens Jan. 1. Anglers can keep five trout per day between 15 and 20 inches, with the exception of one over 20 inches. And there reportedly have been some big trout around. Capt. Mark Johnston of Legend Fishing Char- ters out of Annie’s Bait and Tackle said in Palma Sola Bay and Anna Maria Sound there have been a lot of catch-and-release trout. On the south side of Palma Sola Bay, there had been redfish on low tide Bill Zwyghuizen shows off a smoker kingfish he caught with a sardine on a flat line with Capt. Larry on the flats and around docks. Johnston added the McGuire of Show Me the Fish Charters. nearshore natural reef systems are producing a lot of grouper, including a lot of break-offs. “It seems like the slow time of the year though,” Kilb said. “There blessing, as the really good action with mackerel, the fish are right on that structure,” Johnston said. are still snook around. And ain’t nobody fishing for pompano, blues, and bonito out on the open bay and Capt. Mark Howard of Sumotime Charters them.” gulf waters should diminish with a drop in water tem- said he was able to net shiners easily again last week Danny Stasny from Island Discount Tackle at peratures.” at the Key Royale flats, which he used to catch trout, Catchers Marina said there had been a lot of big Zacharias said it has not been cold enough to Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and bluefish on a fast trout around the bulkhead — the flats off the mouth run live bait out of the area, and as long as the bait tide. This week, Howard expects more redfish under of the Manatee River — and a decent snook bite in stays around, so will the fish. “The lack of cold has docks, and a better bite from sheepshead. north Sarasota Bay. Anglers can target the snook on also kept the sheepshead fishing from taking off,” Capt. Warren Girle said the mangrove snapper top-water plugs with some of the cloudy mornings Zacharias said. “A good, hard, cold snap will bunch bite is hot 3 miles offshore over artificial reefs. Girle that are inevitable throughout this winter. He said up and drop many inshore species into deeper, highly- had his clients free-lining shiners. “We went to a spot anglers have also done well on grouper, trolling the structured, dark-bottomed areas in the interior bays, I’ve never been before,” Girle said. “And if you’re Sunshine Skyway Bridge shipping channel or fish- canals and creeks where they become easy prey.” momentarily hooked into a snapper, and you don’t ing some of the rock piles in the bay. He’s also heard Zacharias said once the snook, reds, trout, drum, get to cranking real fast, the Goliath grouper will of good Spanish mackerel and bonito bites off Bean sheepshead, flounder and snapper become accus- take them. One half the size of a Volkswagen came Point. tomed to the cold water, they can provide some really up within 3 feet of the boat and took him. When kids Capt. Zach Zacharias of the DEE JAY II out top-notch action when they decide to eat. see that, it’s real, real exciting.” of Parrot Cove Marina reported that “the El Niño Dave Sork from Anna Maria City Pier said Inshore, Girle said he’s still catching redfish pattern seems to be getting entrenched with lousy bonito has been hitting the live bait around the pier and trout. The trout are still on deep holes. “And the weather, punctuated by a real nice day or two. The and there have been some small Spanish mackerel other thing that went off in the bay was the mackerel weather gurus claim there is some pretty cold weather brought to the pier as well. and ladyfish,” Girle said. “The little glass minnows dropping in behind this storm. It will be a mixed Send fishing news and photos to [email protected]. showed up again and it was an unbelievable feeding frenzy.” Vulture Capt. Tom Chaya of Anna Maria Fishing culture Charters at Catchers Marina said one week ago More than conditions lined up for an excellent bite. On an two dozen extremely low tide, Chaya and his clients fished a cut turkey vul- off the Ringling Bridge just before a cold front. “All tures, drawn I saw up and down the flat was fish that were big,” to the annual Chaya said. In 20-mph winds from the north, Chaya mullet harvest, said his clients caught five snook over 30 inches, await the rise limits of redfish and trout to 26 inches. “Even with of discarded all the mullet fishermen,” Chaya said. fish in the Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me the Fish waters of Anna Charters reported good action on kingfish, man- Maria Sound. grove snapper and grouper offshore of Anna Maria The vultures Island and Longboat Key. On Dec. 15, he reported gathered Dec. a school of big kingfish swimming around the boat 15 on the while the anglers were catching grouper and snapper. dock behind The action has been at almost any depth where there the Imperial is some sort of structure. Live pinfish has been the House condos best bait, he said. in Braden- Kyle Dodrill from the Sunshine Skyway Fish- ton Beach. ing Pier said anglers have been catching some big Islander grouper and Spanish mackerel, as well as bonito early Photo: Carl in the morning. Here’s the good news: Sheepshead are Parks back. “There’s a lot of them,” Dodrill said. “They’re around and are hitting shrimp and fiddler crabs.” Bob Kilb at the Rod & Reel Pier said anglers there have been landing a lot of Spanish mackerel and CHRISTIE’S Have fun cruising local waters! a few sheepshead, black drum and bonito. “This is PLUMBING RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL Serving the Island, LBK, OPEN SAT. 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(CFC057778 778-3924 OR 778-4461 Prices start at just $15/hour per person! . Tarpon • Grouper • Shark 5508 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.3875 • www.gnarlymangrove.com LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BUILDING 26 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER Islander staff, families send holiday greetings

From top left, clockwise: Art- work painted by Jackie (Yencho) Elka — Islander photographer — while in sixth-grade at Eddystone (Pa.) Elementary School. “I bring it out every year,” Elka said. Kevin Cassidy, sports writer for The Islander, snapped this photo of his two kids about four years ago at G.T. Bray Park. Kim Kuizon as an elf at this year’s Sandbar Christmas party for kids, and as youngster. Annie Williams, visiting Santa, is now a student at Manatee High School. She labels, sorts and bags bulk mail for The Islander’s off-Island subscribers. A tiny, young Lisa Williams (Annie’s mom) looks over her Christmas presents. She’s in charge of customer service at The Islander office, manages classifieds and subscriptions, and provides delivery to more than 2,000 homes. Joselin, in her Minnie Mouse outfit, and Jesse, granddaughters of publisher Bonner Joy, now 12 and 11, visit Santa a few years back. Edna Tiemann visits Santa at Publix, where she provides customer service with a smile. She also shoots photos “out and about” for The Islander. Newbie reporter Nick Walter gives Santa his best pirate yell at The Islander holiday open house. Nancy Ambrose on Santa’s knee at this year’s Bridge Street holiday festivities. Lisa Neff, far right, looks forward to Santa’s arrival with brother Mark and baby Melissa. She is a reporter and copy editor for The Islander, covering Bradenton Beach, features and anything else that comes her way. Merry Christmas, y’all! THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 27 I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS Continued LOST and FOUND

LIFE-SIZE one-of-a-kind sculptured mermaids. WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. LOST: OSU SILVER bracelet, extremely senti- 941-778-7788. Deliver to The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, mental. Reward. 614-353-0218 or 941-778-7213. Holmes Beach. [email protected]. BEAUTIFUL MOSAICS FOR sale: $10-$40. Fish, birdhouses, frames, etc. Beach Mosaics. 941- WANTED: FISHING GEAR: Anna Maria Priva- FOUND: COUPON BOOK near Holmes Beach 779-2093. teers are collecting new or used, repairable fish- shopping center, Dec. 12. Apples on cover. Claim ing poles and reels, nets, tackle, buckets, etc. to at The Islander newspaper office, 5404 Marina BOOKS: HARDBACKS. 50, very good condition. give to children. Donate your gear at The Islander Drive, Holmes Beach. $25. Call 941-761-1928. newspaper office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. PETS LAMP: WOODEN MODEL A Ford pickup with red cloth top. Unique. $10. 941-941-1415. FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, PARENTS NEEDED for loving homes to foster Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- puppies and kittens until they are old enough for USED/ANTIQUARIAN BOOKS: A roomful. sion and Holmes Beach Police Department. Free adoption. All food and medical provided. Julie, Essence of Time. 10015 Cortez Road W., Bra- at The Islander newspaper office, 5404 Marina 941-720-1411. denton. 941-792-3545. Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe. ADULT CATS in desperate need of loving TACKLE BOX: PLANO # 757. Large, loaded with PERFECT HOLIDAY REMEMBRANCE: Purchase homes. All are current on vaccines. All applicants lures and tackle, $40. 941-761-1415. a personalized brick in the Anna Maria Island But- screened. Please, call 941-922-0774. terfly Park. Two lines, $50. Three lines, $60. Forms PORTABLE CD SYSTEM, JVC, $15. Aquarium, BOATS & BOATING 2.5 gallon, complete with whisper filter, light, etc. at The Islander, or call 941-518-4431 for more $10. 941-761-1415. information. BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, ESTATE SALES AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and Zuma and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685- purchase online: www.jackelka.com. ESTATE SALE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1400. 26. 203 73rd St., ANNOUNCEMENTS 260 SEARAY BOWRIDER: 116 hours, year 2000, lift-kept, local. No trailer. $15,000. 941- GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN Church: All are wel- Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island. King-size 761-0477. come to come and worship with us! Please call bed, chests, dressers, tables, chairs dinette set, wall unit, older sofas, bookcase, lamps, pictures, 941-778-1813 or visit us at: www.gloriadeilu- EMPLOYMENT WANTED theran.com for worship times. 6608 Marina Drive, patio furniture, dishes, electric twin bed, organ, Holmes Beach. TVs, Necchi sewing machine, band saw, yard and 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE in home health aide/CNA. hand tools, yard art, stained glass supplies, linens Excellent references. Call Debra, 941-565-1849. ENTERTAINMENT: THE BEST in comedy. Corpo- and kitchenware. Sale By Julie McClure. Pictures: rate golf and private parties. 781-367-0339. www.appraisals4u.biz. MOBILE DJ: 1960s through today. Any occasion. Four hours, $100. Eric, 941-201-9808. WANTED: BUCKETS. DONATE clean five-gallon GARAGE SALES buckets with lid to ship to Haiti. Please drop at The ISLAND RESIDENT: WILL do housecleaning, Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. yard work, errands, etc. Good references. Call Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. 511 Cathy at 941-580-2050. TERRY HAYES, REALTOR. Global market, Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733. market connections. 941-302-3100. Terry.hayes@ KIDS4HIRE sothebysrealty.com. Discoverannamaria.com. FLEA MARKET: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Furniture, household items, clothing, more. 8700 CALL ALEXANDRA, 15, for babysitting or odd- MANATEE SAFETY SIGNS, exclusively for boat- Cortez Road W., Bradenton. jobs. Red Cross certified in first aid and babysit- ers available at The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, ting. 941-778-5352 Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. A SALE EVERYDAY at The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Miscellaneous office supplies, CALL GUSSIE AT 941-778-7257 for babysitting. T-shirts, home treasures, mirrors and framed art. I have experience with kids of all ages. no. 1213

sOMetIMes a gReat nOtIOn By Mike shenk / edited by Will shortz 123456789101112131415161718

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te: 50 giovanni of 70 netman nastase 85 list holders shown in 1960s bowled over and others 101 Bear witness 112 aboard “lost in tV: abbr. 11 Brief writer, in 71 snaps 86 g-men’s weapons 103 Web-footed 55 Codlike fishes 113 Cry translation” 98 pulitzer category brief 73 under control 87 Jargon ender mammal 12/20/2009 60 lane in accompanied by For any three answers, 102 seeks water, in 12 net assets? Hollywood 74 “now!” 88 support 104 all washed up? a way a gavel rap call from a touch-tone 13 Riot police goal 61 long-running 77 Have ___ up 92 low point 105 three more than phone: 1-900-285-5656, 116 2001 biopic Answers found 104 Related groups 14 Key in nBC show, for one’s sleeve 95 “like that’ll ever quadri- $1.49 each minute; or, 117 ___ culpa withon a creditpage card, 28. 1-800- 106 Dry cleaner’s 15 part of a dean’s short 78 Members of some happen!” 107 It can carry a challenge address city commissions 96 sitcom waitress tune 119 Creative story New York Times 814-5554. 62 Meat-stock jelly 28 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S KIDS4HIRE Continued SERVICES Continued

ISLAND TEEN EXPERIENCED, and certified ISLAND PET NANNY: Loving pet care. Longtime child care with Safe Sitter, CPR and Red Cross Island resident, background check, pet CPR-cer- training, seven days a week. Maggie, 941-447- tified, references. Karen Robinson, 941-779-2830 4632 or 941-778-8405. or 941-730-5693.

NEED A BABYSITTER or pet sitter? Call Kendall! LIGHT CARPENTRY, HOME repairs, handyman First-aid certified, great with kids and animals! work, deck repairs, dock repairs, etc. Retired Best on the Island! 941-779-9783. tradesman, Island resident. No job too small. Call Steve Doyle 941-778-1708. NEED A BABYSITTER, pet sitter, house sitter or dog walker? Experienced. Red Cross certified in I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Profes- CPR for all ages. Call the twins, Kayla and Ariel sional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941- Windows & Doors Jennis, 941-778-1746. 778-7770. Leave message.

TEEN WITH CHILD daycare experience and Red ISLANDER SENIOR ASSIST: Cheerful com- 941-730-5045 LIC#CBC1253145 Cross certified in babysitting.L oves children. Call pany for our seniors by appointment, or regularly Katie, 941-778-1491 or 941-447-4057. scheduled home assistance. Leave message for RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. contact. Dependable. 941-792-4601. Residential & Condo Renovations TRISH AND KIM babysitting service, house Kitchens • Bath • Design Service cleaning and pet sitting. Certified. Experienced. COMPUTER GOT YOU down? Got a virus? Need Carpentry • Flooring • Painting CBC 1253471 Call 941-538-8922 or 941-538-2081. wireless, network setup? Web site? Need help? Commercial & Residential Call JC, 941-487-7487. References available • 941-720-7519 LAWN MOWING/DOG walking? Will walk dogs any day, mow lawns after 5 p.m. weekdays, after ISLAND MERMAIDS CLEANING and Co.: 34 11 a.m. weekends. 941-447-7092. years of happy customers. Mom-Watch, Pet- PLANET STONE Watch, Storm-Check, windows, etc. Rentals our Marble & Granite Inc. CALL ZACK, 13, for odd jobs. Will do anything specialty. 941-792-1000. Counter tops, vanity tops, you need done after school and Saturdays. 941- bar tops and more. 773-3185. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refriger- 8700 Cortez Road W., Bradenton 941-580-9236 ation. Commercial and residential service, repair RED CROSS LIFEGUARD for private parties at and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and HONEY DO HOME REPAIR your pool. $10/hour. Call Marie Durocher, 941- the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest 941.807.5256-cell • 941.896.5256-ofﬁ ce & fax 795-4722. and personalized service, call William Eller, 941- Drywall & Texture Repairs • Painting 795-7411. CAC184228. Sofﬁ t & Siding • Tile & Laminate Flooring CASSIE’S DOG WALKING and house sitting. I “We Can Repair or Install Anything With Your Home” can walk your dog anytime. 941-962-3373. www.honeydohomerepairinc.com ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional cre- ates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www. 11-YEAR OLD girl can watch your 4-year old or jackelka.com. 941-778-2711. younger child. CPR-certified, references, experienced. Brianna, 941-448-9036. NADIA’S EUROSAGE Relaxing, healing massage in the comfort of your home. Call today for HELP WITH SCHOOL WORK? Manatee High an appointment, 941-795-0887. MA#0017550. School junior will tutor math, science, basic com- puting skills. Patrick, 941-524-5686. CHECK MY HOUSE! When you’re away, we stay close to home. We provide full house checking KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for Island youths services to ensure your house is secure while Bed: A bargain! under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in you are away. Call 941-928-8735, or e-mail check. King, Queen, Full & Twin, person at The Islander newspaper office, 5404 [email protected] details. pre-owned from $30 new/used. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AFFORDABLE HANDYMAN NO JOB TOO SMALL • 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESTAURANT: ISLAND BREAKFAST/lunch ISLAND RESIDENT • FULLY INSURED • REFERENCES ADMIRAL TOWNCAR eatery. Profitable, charming, easy to run. Confi- Professional Chauffeur at taxi prices Airports • theme parks • cruise terminals dentiality agreement required. $95,000. Longview Call Tim 941.778.5746 All appointments … We go anywhere Realty, 941-383-6112. Call Phil 941.778.5407 [email protected] HEALTH CARE licensed/insured • Credit cards accepted MASSAGE THERAPY: In-home visits by appoint- Island Limousine and ment. Patricia Emslie, LMT. 941-504-2030. Gift Airport Transportation certificates, too! Lic. # MA0023639. PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE • NEW VEHICLES SERVICES

Livery Insured 941-779-0043 Airport Permitted LET US DRIVE YOU! Airports, cruise ports. Flat rates. Anna Maria Sunshine Car Service. 941- 778-5476. Marianne Correll REALTOR The Big Picture...It's all about Real Estate. COMPUTER OBEDIENCE TRAINING. Is your It's a GREAT TIME to buy! computer misbehaving? Certified computer service and private lessons. Special $40/hour. Free advice. 941-545-7508.

ISLAND PRESSURE CLEANING, wash away 941-725-7799 • 941-778-6066 • [email protected] mildew, dirt, salt. Thorough, reasonable, reliable. Free estimates, licensed, insured. 941-778- 0944. ANSWERS TO DEC. 23 PUZZLE Adopt-A-Pet ATHEARTPAPAW DEEPEN TOOLBARS ELITEIN DIRA PROFESSIONAL I.T. SERVICES: Complete com- TABLETOP DONTBESTUPID I’m Ginger, puter solutions for business and home. Installa- IMALEWAYRESSUPESEA another tion, repair, upgrade, networking, Web services, CARB DETOOAI RERS adorable ANTICLENHECTORELMO wireless services. Richard Ardabell, network engi- rescue from TARS CABLESOCIAL neer, 941-778-5708, or cell 216-509-1945. RIBISIFLATB USHAVENUE Tennessee. ATONICOYLALAD DIN Three- GOOGOODOLLSASK LEA month-old ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. ARK HIDEANDSEEK HIP female On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance TISASSLAPISLAZULI lab mix. STINTONWINI CONIC and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535. WITHAVENGEANCE NANTES Spayed/ IMLATEOASIS M ERE chipped, ready for a new family, $200 adoption TOTAL DOOR AND Window Service: Repairs, TEENRATTED FRIDRAMA fee. Call Julie 779-0202. replacements, sales, parts, storm catcher hurricane DOW SES CLANSSPOT ICETRIPBOLOTIESTNT sponsored by covers, Simonton windows, Plastpro doors, ODL POTATOFAMINEIMPOLITE inserts. [email protected]. 941-730-1399. OMELETDELTAOUTLIVES DESIRE SALONMIDEAST THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 29

Residential CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING & Commercial I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S Serving the Island, LBK, Manatee & Sarasota Counties since 1975 SERVICES Continued LANDSCAPING Continued New Construction • Remodeling All Phases of Plumbing Repair & Service

UPSCALE NAIL SALON: Nails on the Island. 30 CLOUD 9 LANDSCAPING: Lawn maintenance, 778-3924 or 778-4461 • 5508 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach • Open Sat. #CFC057778 years experience. Gift boutique, nail products, mulching, plantings, shell and more. Great mainte- handbags, jewelry and sunglasses. 9908 Gulf nance rates. Fully insured and references. Please Drive, Anna Maria. Call for an appointment. Now call 941-778-2335 or 941-284-1568. offering in-home pedicure services. 941-713- 5244. NATURE’S DESIGN LANDSCAPING. Design and installation. Tropical landscape specialist. TILE AND MOSAIC custom installation, 20 years Residential and commercial. 30 years experience. experience. References available. For a reason- 941-729-9381. able price, call Sebastian, 941-704-6719. Your Shuttle Service on Anna Maria Island Permitted/Licensed/Insured MUSIC LESSONS WITH Koko Ray. Island studio HOME IMPROVEMENT Free Door-to-Door AirpormulCHt open now. Instruction in flute, clarinet, saxophone, Transportation guitar and piano. 941-778-8323, or evenings, VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, inte- 941-580-5777 941-758-0395. 315 58th St., Studio I, Holmes rior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island www.shuttleserviceami.com Most major credit cards are accepted references. Bill, 941-795-5100. Beach. J&M Tree Service LAWN & GARDEN TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, menTion THis aD, geT 10% oFF! Trimming • Topping • Removal • stump grinding CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, land- Neil, 941-726-3077. 941-527-7020 • 941-807-2290 scaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. affordable • free estimates • insured 941-778-5294. CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLER service and repair. carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticu- Your complete irrigation repair company. Call 941- lous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 778-2581. 941-779-2294.

TREES BY BREEZE Inc.: Custom landscapes, GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handy- tree trimming, property maintenance. Insured. man, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and Since 1988. Chris, 941-778-2837. shutters. Insured and licensed, 941-748-4711. DAN’S RESCREEN INC. POOL CAGES, LANAIS, PORCHES, WINDOWS, DOORS ECONOMY TREE TRIMMING, hedges, mulching. Lowest prices starting at $15. 12-year Island JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry work, handy- No Job TOO BIG or TOO SMALL . Free Estimates. resident. Cell 941-951-1833. man, light plumbing, electrical, light hauling, pres- Call Dan, 941-713-3108 sure washing. Call 941-778-6170 or 447-2198. JR’S LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE Lawns, native plants, mulching, trimming, haul- EXPERIENCED BUILDING CONTRACTOR: Carl ing, cleanups. Island resident 25 years. Call 941- V. Johnson Jr. Inc. New homes, porches, decks, ISLAND TAXI 807-1015. remodel, repairs, etc. Quality work. Fair price! Providing islanders with personal service to and from 941-795-1947. central and south Florida airports, etc. Since 1991. LANDSCAPING Bruce Collins (941) 778-6201 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. For all your GABBARD MASONRY INC.: Custom stone and landscape needs. Shell $45/yard. Call Shark brick. Fireplaces, pools, Jacuzzis, fire pits, grills, Mark. 941-301-6067. landscape, patios. Paver brick, stone, glass block. Licensed and insured, free estimates. 941-792- KARAZ LANDSCAPE LAWN service. Mulch, 5206.

clean ups, power washing, tree trimming and PROACTIVE APPROACH more. 941-448-3857 or 941-448-5207. SOUTHBAY HOME REPAIRS: If it’s broken, stuck, loose, leaks, needs paint, etc. I’ll fix it. Affordable THE SWISS GARDENER: Full-service landscap- quality work. 941-720-2906. AMI TAXI ing and property management. 15 years Island professional, metered, on-call, gps, cards accepted www.amitaxi.com • [email protected] experience. Licensed and insured plus unbeatable holmes beach, bradenton beach, anna maria prices. Call Allen anytime. Cell 941-224-8569. PAINTING, WATERPROOFING: NEW construction or re-paints. Dozens of Island completions 800.301.4816 airports • shops • dining since 1992. Call Venture Services, 941-809- SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $45/yard. 8159. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with ALTERATIONS PLUMBINGPLUMBING free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell ALLEN STEINIGGER INC: Painting and handy- BY NORA phone” 941-720-0770. man services. Insured. Hardwood, ceilings, real • Wedding Gowns wood, kitchen cabinets. 941-822-6636. • Formal Wear • Tailoring for Men & Women 24-hour24 hour Emergency Service • Leather Work • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Zippers • Water Heaters • New Construction Open Tues-Fri 9-5 • Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Sat by Appointment PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD 941-744-9336 www.coderedplumbinginc.com Print and online classiﬁ ed ad submission: 521 39th St. W, Bradenton 941-920-3684 Marina Avalos Licensed • Insured • Fl. Lic. CFC1427803 ______and ______Christmas. ______CALL THE ISLAND’S FINEST… MORE THAN 2,500 LARGE AND SMALL ______C ______losed noon ______D ec. ______noon 24 ______Monday, ______Dec. ______28. PROJECTS ON AMI SINCE 1988! ______We provide design plans~You preview 3-D drawings

CLASSIFIEDClassified RATES business deadline or individual: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40. Box: $4. (Phone number is a "word." Spell out all words.) WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION The deadline is NOON monday for the following week’s paper. 941.725.0073 Darrin J. Wash • State Lic. CRC 1329024 LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1988 Run issue date(s) ______or TFN start date: ______Amt. pd ______Date ______ck. No.❏ ______cash ❏ ______By ______HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND… credit card payment: ❏ d ❏ u No. ______Your place, Name shown on card: ______card exp. date ______/ ______your convenience. House no. or P.o. box no. on cc bill ______Billing address zip code ______Massage by Nadia Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ______941.795.0887 Web site: www.islander.org E-mail: classiﬁ [email protected] C 941.518.8301 5404 Marina Drive Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Practicing on AMI for 16 years Holmes Beach FL 34217 Phone: 941-778-7978 MA#0017550 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 30 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued RENTALS Continued RENTALS Continued

WINDOW SHADES, BLINDS, shutters and more. ENJOY SPECTACULAR WATER view from huge PRIVATE BEACHFRONT HOME: 2BR/1BA Lifetime warranty. Call Keith Barnett for a free in- living, dining area. Plate glass windows, doors, ground level, spectacular views, seasonal/monthly home consultation. Island references, 15 years 30x12-foot screened deck fronting bay, beach and rental. $3,500/month. 941-778-8356. experience. 941-778-3526 or 730-0516. park with Gulf beach an easy walk. 3BR, washer SEASONAL RENTAL: EL CONQUISTADOR and dryer, unfurnished in north Anna Maria. A RENTALS Country Club. 2BR condo with garage in excel- must see! 941-748-5334. lent condition and neighborhood. For picture and WEEKLY/MONTHLY/ANNUAL rentals: wide vari- information, call 941-545-3097. ety, changes daily. SunCoast Real Estate, 941-779- VACATION RENTALS ACROSS from beach. 0202, or 1-800-732-6434. www.suncoastinc.com. Openings now. 2BR/1BA, $550/week. Almost RETIRED SWISS COUPLE looking for an Beach Apartments. 941-778-2374. annual rental. 2BR/2BA Anna Maria Island for March. E-Mail: [email protected]. OFFICE, RETAIL, PROFESSIONAL space. 625 SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/1BA, nicely furnished, sf, $500/month. Also 1,800 sf. 8799 Cortez Road. washer and dryer, large back deck, steps to ANNUAL RENTAL: LARGE unfurnished bayfront 1-800-952-1206. beach. $2,500/month. 813-244-4944. 2BR/2BA. Wonderful view, washer and dryer hookups, new laminate, tile floors, covered park- ANNUAL 2BR/2BA DUPLEX. Holmes Beach. ing. $1,200/month. 941-795-1132 or 941-545- WATERFRONT KEY WEST STYLE with dock. $825/month plus utilities, $500 deposit. 941-778- 7109. Furnished, walk to beach. Off-season rates, $115/ 4498. night, $725/week. $1,800 for December. 941-794- JANUARY RENTAL: Furnished 2BR/BA Braden- 5980. www.divefish.com. SEASONAL RENTAL: EL CONQUISTADOR ton Beach condo. Washer/dryer in unit, steps to Country Club. 2BR condo with garage in excel- beach. $1,500/month. 813-245-0428. WANTED: ANNUAL RENTAL. 2BR/2BA close to lent condition and neighborhood. No smoking. For beach, room to store kayak and bike. On Anna picture and information, call 941-545-3097. VACATION RENTAL: AVAILABLE Jan. 5 -March 5, Maria Island. Call Dan, 941-705-5561. 2010. 1BR/1BA, upstairs with deck, clean, block MOBILE HOME: 2BR/1.5BA. Furnished, remod- to beach, kitchen, cable, WiFi, $1,600/month. ANNA MARIA DUPLEX: 2BR/2BA, washer/dryer, eled, central heat, air conditioning, gated park. 941-779-1112. seasonal $2,000/month, monthly or weekly. Close Pool, hot tub, activity center, $1,000/month, four- to beach, trolley and restaurants. 941-778-7167. month special. $695/month annual. Sale, $49,995, PERICO ISLAND: Jan. 11-April 25. 2BR/3BA townhouse. Amenities, clubhouse, pool, tennis, STEPS TO BEACH: 1BR/2BA, Anna Maria Island. includes share. Financing. 863-688-3524 or 863- workout room. $2,500/month. 941-224-0555. Christmas, March, April, $495/week. 941-778- 608-1833. [email protected]. 1098. [email protected].

, Gulf Bay Realty of Anna Maria Inc. EXPERIENCE Jesse Brisson - Broker Associate, GRI REPUTATION 941-713-4755 800-771-6043 RESULTS 35 Years of Professional Service BRADENTON BEACH CLUB to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton HERONS WATCH 8 min. to beaches. Lakeview, 3BR/2BA, Immaculate 2BR/2BA Stone Fireplace, Corian & other upgrades. $329,000. condo with den. This RIVER OAKS WATERFRONT, 2BR/2BA condo, downstairs like-new condo has end unit. Clubhouse, pool, tennis. $129,000. peeks of the Gulf and PERICO ISLAND PATIO HOME, 2BR/2BA, enclosed lanai, Large Greatroom, $275,000. a great rental history. Covered parking, RENTALS: deeded beach access, LUXURY GULF-FRONT VILLAS. Anna Maria. Weekly & monthly. storage. Turnkey 8 MIN. TO GULF BEACH. 3/2, 5 yrs. old $1,300/mo Annual. www.islander.org furnished. A supreme RIVER OAKS 2BR/2BA seasonal, tennis, pool, clubhouse. $1,700/mo. value in today’s market. This property will not last long. CANALFRONT 2BR/2BA, family room, garage. Seasonal. Owner will pay 1 year of condo dues! $369,000. CANALFRONT 3BR/2BA bayview, pool, boatdock, $2,900/mo. Seasonal. 31 YEARS GULFFRONT 5BR/4.5BA, Suitable for wedding and reunions, Call Jesse Brisson seasonal and vacations. 941-713-4755. HOLMES BEACH• 941-778-0807 VACANT LOT IN ANNA MARIA. 2 blocks to the [email protected] • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com Rod and Reel Pier and 2 blocks to the Gulf. $270,000.

HAYES REDUCED! terryGlobal market. Global connections.

202 75th St. ½ block to beach! 4/2.5 pool home. Beautiful - designer 941.302.3100 · [email protected] furnished by White Egret! 2 car garage and elevator. discoverannamaria.com $759,000 SPANISH PARK near Blake Hospital. 3BR/2BA, Te rry Hayes, Realtor® 2-car garage and huge family room. fenced back yard. $179,800.

SOLD!

105 12TH St. 1700 Gulf Dr. 6404 Gulf Dr. Adorable and renovated 3BR/1.5BA beach house. ½ Exquisite full gulf views from this 3BR/2BA top ﬂ oor Gulf front gated boutique luxury condo 3BR/3BA PRIVATE ISLAND at the north end ofLongboat Key. block to beach. Excellent rental history for investor. corner unit luxury condo. – designer furnished. Complex offers pool, elevator One acre building lot with water, electric and septic and secure garage. $429,000 $915,000 $1,499,000 to the site. Boat dock andprivate parking on main- land. Only 11 homesites on the 38-acre island. Mike 800-367-1617 941-778-6696 Norman 31O1 GULF DR The Plaza at Five Points | 50 Central Ave, Suite 110 Realty INC HOLMES BEACH Sarasota FL 34236 www. mikenormanrealty.com Each Ofﬁ ce is Independently Owned and Operated. THE ISLANDER n DEC. 23, 2009 n 31 I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S RENTALS Continued RENTALS Continued REAL ESTATE Continued

SEASONAL RENTAL: JANUARY-February 2010. SEASONAL OR WEEKLY cottage-style rentals. VILLAGE GREEN VILLA : 2BR/2BA with a two-car 2BR/2BA. Nicely furnished, heated pool, tennis court, 1BR/1BA or 2BR/1BA with pool. Walk to beach, garage, 2,154 sf. 10 minutes to beach, $129,000. Jacuzzi, fishing, spectacular view of the bay at West- shopping, restaurants. 941-778-3426. Web site Make offer. Estate sale. Denise Langlois, Cold- bay Point & Mooring. Call Ann, 203-259-4769. 2spinnakers.com. well Banker, 941-725-4425. VERY SMALL STUDIO: North Longboat Key. REAL ESTATE Washer and dryer, utilities included. $550/month. ANNA MARIA CANAL home: 2BR/2BA for sale. 941-383-4856. MOBILE HOME: 1BR/1BA. One mile from Anna Walk to beach, boat lift and dock, washer, dryer, Maria Island. You own the land. Not a co-op. No recently renovated. $550,000. Possible owner DISCOVER THE OTHER island! Tidy Island in monthly fees. Steps to water. Great condition. finance 813-245-0428. Sarasota Bay. Waterfront renovated 2BR/2BA, Free boat ramp access. $74,900. 513-470-3851. two-car garage condo. 24/7 guards, nature and so WEST BRADENTON TOWNHOUSE: 3BR/2.5BA, much more. Pet friendly! Realtor, owner, Katharine large garage, pool. For rent, $975/month, or for Pepper, RoseBay Real Estate, 941-792-9459. BUILD WEALTH! Call or e-mail for our free bro- sale with owner financing. 941-778-9710 or 847- chure. Discover how easy it is to build wealth 530-8833. ANNUAL RENTAL: 3BR/3BA Key Royale through short sales and foreclosures. Adkins home. Caged pool, garage, nice kitchen, tile Florida Group, Wagner Realty. Free@AdkinsFlor- WANTED: CANALFRONT HOME on Anna Maria throughout. $1,950/month. 863-660-8366. idaGroup.com. 941-713-0635. Island. Cash buyer, quick closing. For own use. Send details to: [email protected]. SEASONAL: RUNAWAY BAY. 1BR/1BA ground NORTH BEACH VILLAGE 2BR/2.5BA townhouse. floor. Pool, tennis, fitness, beach access. January- Large living room, pool, storm shutters, garage, PRICE REDUCED: DUPLEX on two deeded lots, March, $2,500/month, regularly $3,500/month. storage. $399,000, 941-722-0640. both units 2BR/1.5BA, elevated, park under build- Call 941-685-1942. ing. $450,000. Call owner: 941-730-2606. WATERFRONT LOT: BREATHTAKING, Sunshine Skyway Bridge view. 230 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes FLORIDA, OUT-OF-STATE ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA apartment in Holmes Beach. $550,000 or trade for house of equal value Beach. $850/month plus utilities. Days, 941-778- or income-producing property. 941-778-0019. LAND OR DEVELOPMENTS wanted. We buy or 6541. Evenings, weekends, 941-504-3844. market development lots. Mountain or waterfront SANDPIPER RESORT CO-OP. Awesome unit on communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, JANUARY: 15 PERCENT discount! Westbay the bay. Completely renovated. New air condition- Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Call 800-455- Cove, Holmes Beach. Second-floor 2BR/2BA on ing, appliances, siding, tile, private parking beside 1981, ext.1034. bay. Lovely views, pools, tennis. January, $2,465. of unit. Completely furnished, linens, dishes, TVs. LOTS FROM $13,900! Waterfront community on February-March, $2,900/month. 30-day minimum. Screened lanai. Includes share. $129,900. 304- Georgia coast. Access to ocean. Hurricane-free Visit aposporos.com. Aposporos & Son, 941-387- 768-3333. 3474. zone. Limited release on lots from $13,900. Best value. Call 888-506-6707! www.peninsula-gold- VACATION: LAST MINUTE for Christmas, New KEY ROYALE WATERFRONT 3BR/2BA home. enisles.com. Year’s. 2BR/2BA pool, boat dock, townhouse. Caged pool, boat dock, updated. $450,000. By Realtor, 941-356-1456. owner, 941-356-1456. Just visiting paradise? Vacation Rentals Don’t leave the Island without Mike Norman Realty has offered the largest & best selection of vacation taking time to subscribe. You’ll get ALL the best news, delivered rentals on Anna Maria Island for OVER 31 YEARS. by the mailman every week. Visit us at 5404 Marina Drive, Island Shopping Center, Holmes Beach – or call 941-778-7978. Online edition: www.islander.org

SALLY, CARLA, ROCHELLE, LISA, CRACKER & MARIANNE Call us for all There are many sales and rental agents on AMI, but only one Mike Norman Realty! your sales or Mike 800-367-1617 rental needs! 941-778-6696 941-778-7200 Norman 31O1 GULF DR REAL ESTATE INC. 866-519-SATO (7286) Realty INC HOLMES BEACH 519 Pine Ave. • Anna Maria FL 34216 www.satorealestate.com www. mikenormanrealty.com www.islander.org

PERFECT BEACH HOUSE 5BR/3BA HOME WITH POOL WALK TO BEACH! $829,000 Visit us on Pine Avenue or online for many more listings and rental info. ISLAND FACES...SELLING ISLAND PLACES 32 n DEC. 23, 2009 n THE ISLANDER ROLLOVER PICK THE GAME WINNERS • COLLECT BIG BUCKS • A WINNER EVERY WEEK • $5O WEEKLY PRIZE GET IN THE GAmE DEC. 16 GAME WINNER:______PAUL BEEVER BUC’S SCORE WINNER: ______ROLLOVER

Let me help you navigate Join Kitty and tiki on their SUNDAYS ONLY BARNETT the island to find that shopping adventures in ANY 2 perfect home or condo in FOOTLONGS PARADISE. the Dec. 30 edition of BLINDS $ Your window 10 treatment experts I can navigate ✴ PLANTATION SHUTTERS Your ✴ BLINDS you to the perfect ✴ SILHOUETTES & LUMINET ✴ DUETTES Island ✴ MOTORIZATION ✴ CUSTOMIZATION home. Clemson vs. Kentucky ✴ INSTALLATION ad Bucs at Saints Texans at Dolphins Jaguars at Patriots Capt.Greg Burke Contemporary Medicine 941.592.8373 with old-fashioned care! Call Keith Barnettett 102 Bridge St. for free in-homee th CAPT. 4404 124 st. Ct. W. 32323232 EastEast BayBBay DDrDriveiive design servicee Bradenton Beach, Fl Marshall vs. Ohio Here KEITH Cortez Village Next to Walgreens 941.778.3526 BARNETT, Realtor call SALES AND VACATION RENTALS 941-792-2838 www.beachvetclinic.com 778-7878 941.730.0516 941.730.0516 [email protected] 779-7978 1 2 3 4 5 for details

Christmas Eve 413 Pine Ave • Anna Maria Special Menu AMI ALLIANCE GROUP PUBPUB & GGRUBRUB SALES • RENTALS New Year’s Eve presents 778-9622778 96622 STICKERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NFL 941-920-0669 Raiders at Your Special Menu & Live www.rentalsonannamaria.com Panthers at Saints Bucs entertainment: Football $2 EACH on HDTVs ! Panthers at Giants Firedoor no cover ad Chiefs at Bengals See all games with Plus NFL Wings Your NFL Sunday Ticket and other Sharon Here Bills at Falcons Seahawks at Packers Great Game L. Raiders at Browns call call Food and Villars The Island Experts Since 1972 ISLAND SHOPPING CENTER 779-7978ad Drinks! 5347 Gulf Drive #4 PA, 778-7978 9701 Gulf Drive,Anna Maria 5404 MARINA DRIVE Browns at S&S Plaza • 5346 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach Business Center HOLMES BEACH e-pro, for details Steelers to get in 941-567-4056 Holmes Beach • 941-778-5788 778-9622 Mail order plus $2 Realtor the game Here 6 7 8 9 10

Wishing you BEST VALUE FOR TEZ PUMP & The Blessings of Peace YOUR DOLLAR!D COR The Beauty of Friends Lions at PackersYour SPRINKLER Mullet And the Spirit of Love SUPPLY That is Christmas. Cowboys at Eagles We’ll be thinking of you. The Island Experts Since 1972 sale 5347 Gulf Drive #4 WE CARRY Rams at Cardinals ad Holmes Beach Business Center SPRINKLER Titans at Colts Giants at Vikings 778-9622 Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Full Bar Service a Maria Rea SUPPLIES Here n l n ty Anna Maria A at Galati's Marina 941-778-3953 call “We ARE the Island!” Breakfast, Lunch Broncos at Broncos at Eagles Ravens at Steelers & Dinner 7 Days 778-7978 Chargers On the Historic M-F 7:30-5 • Sat 8-noon Marie Franklin, Lic. Real Estate Broker Bridge Street Pier to get in 8700 Cortez Road W., ISLAND SHOPPING CENTER 941-778-2259 Fax 941-778-2250 941-778-1604 Bears at Texans Redskins at 49ers Bradenton 5404 Ma r I n a dr I v e E-mail [email protected] Cowboys at Redskins the game 792.9304 • Fax 792.9354 941 778-7978 Lions at 49ers w w w .I s l a n d e r .o r g Web site www.annamariareal.com

11 12 13 14 15 Marie Franklin, Lic. Real Estate Broker 941-778-2259 Fax 941-778-2250 E-mail [email protected] Web site www.annamariareal.com

$5O PICK THE WINNERS CONTEST PUBPUB& & GRUB presents • The Islander pays $50 to the person with the most cor- Open 7 Days 8am-9pm • All advertisers must be listed to be eligible to win. 7 ______NFL rect game-winning predictions. collect prize in person • oNlY oNe eNTRY PeR PeRSoN, PeR WeeK. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 8 ______Football or by mail. Winner Advertiser 5904 Marina Drive • HB 9 ______on HDTVs ! (under the cell tower) • Entries must be postmarked or hand delivered to the 1______10______newspaper by noon Saturday weekly. 2______11______• A winner will be drawn from tying entries. The decision 778-7772 3______12______of The Islander football judge is fi nal. 4______Buy 1 lunch • All entries must be submitted on the published form or a 13______Plus NFL Wings or dinner 5______14______and other Great entree, copy of the form. Be sure to include your name, address 6______15______Game Food and get 1 FREE! and phone number. Contemporary Medicine LOCALLY OWNED with old-fashioned care! Drinks! S&S Plaza • 5346 Gulf Drive & OPERATED Your correct score prediction for next week’s Buccaneer game th YES! WE DELIVER 4404 124 St. Ct. W. Holmes Beach • 941-778-5788 could win you $50. Drawing in the event of a tie. Rollover if there’s no Cortez Village $5O BUCS CONTEST winner! (no game/no prize) BucS ______vs ______941-792-2838 ScoRe ScoRe • Your name ______Address/city ______Phone ______Mail or deliver to The Islander • 5404 Marina Drive, Island Shopping Center, Holmes Beach FL 34217 • 941-778-7978