28 Responses to Your Comments

1. Charlene Inglis says:

   February 1, 2011 at 2:58 pm

   Manatee County Animal Services Adoptions

   In January of 2006, I was lured to the Palmetto shelter by a friend who told me that a “white Cockapoo” was in danger of being euthanized because she couldn’t be put out for adoption due to fear-barking. Was I ever shocked when employees brought out a huge brown dog who’d been discarded like yesterday’s garbage and abandoned overnight a few days before.

   This girl, now named Peachy Doodle, didn’t make a sound when she saw me, but came over and pushed up against me. Well, big brown dog stole my heart immediately. How I would explain to my husband a dog who was a different color and at least four times the size we were expecting remained to be seen.

   I observed at least three employees whose emotions were palpable in the hopes that I’d take this pitiful victim out of the shelter so they wouldn’t have to kill her. One nice young man had tears of joy in his eyes when he loaded her into my car, and thanked me repeatedly for saving her.

   Upon taking her to the vet, tests revealed that she was in the final stages of egregious neglect. She’d been bred nearly to death, was severely underweight, full of every imaginable parasite, had teats nearly a foot long, mammary tumors, and apparently had never had a bath much less ever been groomed. Titers run on her revealed that she basically had no levels of antibodies in her system either. She was very sick and very sad. We later learned that she suffered from inflammatory bowel disease, likely due to years of stress and untreated parasites.

   After four baths, a grooming, great veterinary care and a proper diet, Peachy turned out to be a stunningly beautiful huge, white, healthy, and very happy girl.

   I cannot adequately express how much joy she has brought to our lives, and the lives of our other canine and feline companions –happiness that Peachy, as well as we, would have been denied if the employees at Manatee County Animal Services had not worked very, very hard to save her life. These unsung heroes will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

   Charlene Inglis,
   Nokomis FL

   Reply
2. Bonner Joy says:

   February 1, 2011 at 3:00 pm

   Shame on Laurie.

   Lisa Williams is a former investigator with a national animal rights group, and a staff member at The Islander, and corroborating on the content of her guest editorial is not an unusual practice, nor is it considered plagiarism. It’s appropriate. We intend to push forward in asking for better laws, better practices and fewer killings at animal services because once the blinders of government employees are removed, they can accomplish a great deal more for animals.

   MY REPLY TO THOSE WHO REPLIED IN THE SUMMIT NETWORK THAT OUR COMMENTS (both mine and Lisa Williams’) are negative, I hope you rethink your words. Most of you are involved in rescue groups, trying to save animals. We only seek to put a halt, once and for all, to the slaughter of innocent, homeless domestic pets at Manatee County Animal Services. Is that not your goal? WHY don’t you join us in taking the steps to make Manatee County a true no-kill community? It’s entirely possible to do this in very short order, and government has not yet succeeded. WHY do you protest our effort to convert to no-kill?

   It’s completely incongruous. If you want a no-kill community, stop bickering, sign the petition and we’ll notify you when we plan to address the county commission.

   http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nokillmanateecounty/

   E-mail us at ManateeCoNoKill@aol.com or sign up on Facebook at Make Manatee County No Kill.

   Bonner Joy, publisher, The Islander

   Reply
3. PEELEN says:

   February 1, 2011 at 3:11 pm

   Lisa and Bonner:

   I always admire when people take a stand. I am all for creating a real no-kill policy in Manatee County. I do, however, want all the facts out there. Eighty two dogs and 58 cats were euthanized in December and that is horrible. Just horrible.

   There are more facts though that concerned people would want to know that didn’t appear in your editorial.

   In December 235 dogs and 137 cats were picked up by Animal Services wandering the streets. Sixty nine dogs and six cats were returned to their owners. Forty eight dogs and 30 cats were transferred to rescue groups. Fifty seven dogs and 17 cats were adopted.

   Animal Services is a small group of underfunded people who are doing what they see to be their best with the deluge of dogs and cats being abandoned by owners. They didn’t create the deluge and they probably cannot, alone, create the solution.

   The tone of your editorial was confrontive and accusatory. I’m sorry to see that, because The Islander would be a wonderful ally for creating more adoptions, assisting with requiring spay/neuter rules, and making Manatee County a truly no-kill county.

   Jean Peelen, Holmes Beach

   Reply
4. Heimo J. Keller says:

   March 3, 2011 at 11:33 pm

   Cell phone radiation effects
   I wonder if any one of the supporters of even more intensive “cell phone radiation” on AMI has ever had a look at “You Tube”( http://www.youtube.com). This could easily be done by typing a neutral heading like – “cell phone radiation” – e.g., into the search box of their “starting page”. This action would open up a full spectrum of contributions of different aspects of the problem. You could watch videos – viewed and commented by hundreds of thousands of people around the world – which show some of the surprises connected with the use of this technology. You can see videos in which corn is popped up just using the energy of a few cell phones, in which water is brought to boiling and many other “funny” experiments. Though these immediate “thermal” effects are certainly much less severe on the long run compared to the “non-thermal” effects – at least in my opinion – it is impressive to watch what you can do with a cell phone and its energy.
   Obviously there are also many serious contributions about “non-thermal” effects, like brain tumor and other cancer risks and much more of the like. And all these hundreds and/or thousands of entries about the risks of cell phone radiation on a web page which could not be suspected to be a strong opponent of wireless communication. Have a look and have fun, if you dare!

   Reply
5. T Boyer says:

   March 16, 2011 at 2:49 am

   DaGiorgio’s Aria strikes a sour note! We were given a gift certificate at Christmas for Dagiorgio’s, now Aria in Sarasota. Unable to use it during that visit, we planned on using it in March before it’s due date March 28, 2011. Alas, we have been told by the owner himself that this was a “new business” despite the fact that he is the same person. Granted, that may be true, but if he wished to retain customers, no complimentary glass of wine or appetizer for keeping our reservation on a Wednesday night was offered, just bad attitude and defensiveness. Save your gas and time –skip Aria in Sarasota and patronize any one of the other restaurants that wants to retain your business.

   Reply
6. Richard C. Maddox says:

   March 21, 2011 at 12:17 am

   Holmes Beach’s has an ethical quandry: the mayor solicits items of value to raffle off to the employees of the city. He states there is a policy that forbids gratutities to employees and it is not being violated because he is the intermediary.

   The question is who is attempting to gain favor? The mayor with the employees; the donor with the mayor, or the employees? The mayor said that the employee doesn’t actually know who the donor is. I suppose if the favor were ever called in, then they will know; till then step lightly because someone may have gained undue influence.

   This policy has an air of impropriety at the minimum, even if well intended. At the most, if not properly voted and documented it may violate the state provision for extra compensation.

   Reply
7. islander says:

   April 28, 2011 at 7:25 am

   “I am responding to the letter from Bill Imfeld regarding ‘that liberal agenda’ in the April 6th editorial. Personally, as a Florida resident, I appreciate all comments from our news media regarding what is going on in this state. Too bad, Mr. Imfeld, that you are offended by an honest editorial in a local Florida newspaper. We, as Floridians and Anna Maria Island lovers and residents, want to know what is going on in our state and local cities. For you to be offended by political statements from a newspaper in an area that you visit, is ludicrous. The more informed our voters are, the better. All views should be analyzed and taken seriously. The fact of the matter is, that Florida elected a governor who is overreaching. I believe having the klieg lights shine on this issue is invaluable to our citizens. Thank you Islander. You are still my favorite Island newspaper.
   Maureen Dahms Bradenton “

   Reply
   • Almendra says:

     March 15, 2012 at 12:15 pm

     You have got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why do we sliten to what the snowbirds recommend, leave the island the way it is- if you want an amusement park go toDisney World!!!!!! Now you know why there are not many people left that live here full time- what used to be a peaceful place to live has turned into a nightmare!!! This island does NOT need an amusement park!!! People come here to relax and get away from it all!!! I am sick and tired of people coming here for a week and then deciding the island needs this and that!! As it is all the old houses are being torn down for another real estate company!!! Now to all the people that read this don’t get your panties in a wad and think I am bashing tourists- there’s always someone out there! I have made many a friends to people from up north its just a select few that can’t leave it alone. I live in a condo by the beach with my family and some of the retirees that come from up north do not like that we have children that live where they come to stay- rent a 55 and over if you do not like it, this beautiful island is shared by many- young and old. But PLEASE do not add this to the island, it would forever ruin it!!!!!!!!

     Reply
     • Patrick says:

       April 30, 2012 at 11:29 pm

       The delicious irony in your posting is that you decry the loss of the old homes in Anna Maria, but then go on to talk about how much you love your “condo by the beach”.

       You mean the condo built in “Old Florida” or the one that was built on the ruins of Old Florida?

       Your condo destroyed something before it. Maybe your box is better than what existed prior, but maybe (probably) it destroyed something you want others to maintain – on their own dime – so that your view of the island is not diminished by…(wait for it)…developers who built the condos like yours.

       I cannot maintain my Old Florida home because Anna Maria Island won’t let me. We have no choice but to tear it down and replace it with something the laws, rules, edicts and zoning require: an ugly box on stilts.

       Fix the 50% rule for Old Florida – let us take a 70 year old structure in need of serious TLC and fix it for the next 70 years. Until you push for that, your condo is the problem and its occupant is guilty of wishful thinking.

       Reply
8. Bonner Joy says:

   June 8, 2011 at 8:06 am

   My husband and I believe were the first couple to get married on this boat – July 4, 1986… We celebrated our 10th anniversary with friends and family on her too. I was told the boat was scrapped and about Captain John’s passing. He actually lived in the same complex as we did upon our return from CT… I have been trying to locate the boat in VA to surprise my husband for our 25th anniversary.

   Reply
9. islander says:

   June 14, 2011 at 7:05 pm

   Chumming ban encouraged

   We were encouraged to see an article in the June 8 edition of The Islander about a request by several Anna Maria residents to prohibit chumming, the use of blood or cut up fish as bait to attract sharks close to shore. We urge Anna Maria’s commission to seriously consider this proposal. We believe that there would be support for this proposal among city residents.

   There is disagreement about the danger of chumming, but many believe that the practice attracts sharks to an area and increases the likelihood that sharks will come close to and be aggressive toward humans.

   In 2001, Florida was the first state to prohibit the feeding of sharks while diving.

   In July 2010, Vero Beach adopted an ordinance prohibiting chumming and “bloodbaiting” from any park or beach within city limits.

   Delray Beach approved an ordinance that bars chumming and fishing for sharks within 300 feet of the public beach.

   In addition to public safety concerns, shark fishing bans are strongly supported by conservationists. Sharks are magnificent creatures who are essential to the ocean ecosystem. Many species of sharks have seen their numbers decline in recent years.

   We urge commissioners to consider a ban on chumming and shark fishing in Anna Maria.

   Nick Atwood, Animal Rights Foundation of Florida

   Reply
10. islander says:

    June 14, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    On the scene

    Concerning “Police guard frolicking manatee herd from crowd of swimmers” in the June 8 Islander, I wish the newspaper been able to interview the bystanders.

    My wife and I, along with Holmes Beach neighbors, were in that crowd watching manatees mate May 8. About 20 people were wading — not swimming — a respectful distance from the animals when I arrived at about 5:30 p.m. At one point, I observed someone try unsuccessfully to touch a manatee. Two young police officers stood by, observing. The scene was calm.

    A largely enjoyable experience dissipated 10 minutes later with the arrival of a Holmes Beach Police Department sergeant who blew a whistle while marching into the crowd. All of us, it seemed, were too close to the water.

    Later, observing the tide was in the early stages of waning, I asked the sergeant who would help the remaining manatee into deeper water. He became irate and insisted that I move away.

    Back at the house, I e-mailed Mote Marine Laboratory, asking what anyone might do to help the remaining stranded animal.

    At about 10:30 p.m., my wife and I returned to the beach to see how the manatee was faring. The animal was still there, now yards from the nearest tide, a darkened Holmes Beach police vehicle nearby. No one else was around.

    The following morning I received a reply from Mote stating FWC officials moved the Manatee into deeper water overnight.

    I commend the behavior of all of the police officers but one, who belied his circumstances by asserting himself inappropriately. He was brash, bullying and insensitive. I was chagrinned that such person represented my community in an official capacity.

    Fred Teeter, Holmes Beach and Westminster, Md.

    Reply
11. islander says:

    June 14, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Just wondering

    Just wondering if Joan Dickinson, Greg and Ann Loomis and Freida Williams are accepting applications of the “shark police.”

    I’d like to apply.

    Does the position “entale” giving the sharks a warning first or just throwing them in the pokey — I mean aquarium.

    You live long enough, you’ll hear everything.

    I laughed so hard over the stop shark fishing article that I sent it to Reader’s Digest and Jay Leno’s show.

    W. Weser, Holmes Beach

    Reply
12. islander says:

    June 14, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    Marine life

    I am surprised at the recent outrage regarding my bull shark that was caught and released at the northern point of Anna Maria Island.

    I am more surprised at the assumption that chum was used.

    Fishing for shark is not a science, nor is it difficult. You merely put a piece of dead bait in the water.

    By no means was I “attracting” said shark to the area. The annual tarpon migration up the Gulf coast beaches that is so commonly publicized is always accompanied by trailing hammerhead and bull sharks.

    Just last year I had a 12-foot hammerhead cut a 6-foot tarpon in half, merely 75 yards from the beach. The blood and debris in the water was as graphic as any crime novel, yet there were no attacks to the swimmers oblivious to the spectacle.

    I implore the residents of Anna Maria to know the eco-sysem of the waters that surround our little island in the Gulf and to do the research on the tactics of our fishing residents before we “necessitate a debate within our public forum.”

    David White,

    Reply
13. islander says:

    June 20, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Endangered species: American fisherman

    I read with great interest the latest article regarding shark fishing. It reminded me of a debate I had with William Mote some years ago, when he wanted me to capture live sharks for his aquarium on City Island. He said a fisherman such as myself, who enjoyed fishing (and often killing sharks), was in direct conflict with those at Mote who believed in protecting animals.

    Which is why he said: “ It is necessary to re-educate a new generation about protecting shark species. This also is why at Mote we work hand-in-hand with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, to enact good, sound conservation policies.”

    This is one reason why Florida’ s Commercial Fishing Industry is nearly dead — 85 percent of seafood consumed here is imported.

    Jobs are lost and the charter boat fishermen are being choked economically — gag grouper and other fishing restrictions closing seasons during peak tourism, with more jobs lost.

    And telling local outdoorsmen they can’ t fish from a beach or a pier! This is what happens when eco-extremists, propped up by a government agency, at taxpayers’ expense can push bad science — speculative fish stocks — in the name of conservation. Anyone really concerned with conservation should read “ Embracing the Earth’ s Wild Resources” by Eugene Lapointe, an IWMC World Conservation Trust publication.

    Your article states, “ The FWC does not have extensive shark research facilities, so expert advice on sharks comes from Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, which has a shark research facility.”

    I find it humorous that concerns from a few — I must assume, animal rights activists — would contact Anna Maria Mayor Selby about prohibiting shark fishing anywhere on the island. People who don’ t know how to fish are telling those who do what’ s best for all.

    And why would the city commission find director of shark research
    at Mote Bob Hueter’ s input relevant. This is the same protectionist who claims, “ Sharks are near extinction and their numbers have dropped 50 percent.” Then contradicts himself by saying in the same publication, “ Quantifying the exact shark number is not possible.” (The Daily News, Oct. 24). He now claims in your publication, “ Florida waters abound with sharks and anyone entering the water is probably within a mile or two of them.”

    Which is it, Bobbie?

    Any serious shark fisherman knows sharks feed at night. Best time — full moon and an outgoing tide. Anyone who wants to swim during these conditions is asking to become shark bait. It’ s my hope that when Gov. Rick Scott receives a true assessment of shark stocks from my fishermen’ s legal catch totals, photo documentation and DNA samples from my Predator Roundup Tournament, along with the National Fishing Alliance’ s reports of real industry data, some heads will roll at FWC.

    We need to stop wasting tax dollars on the FWC which implements these restrictions based on biased opinions of eco-extremists. As to any attempt to regulate shark fishing on Anna Maria Island, the Florida statutes state: The beach below the mean high-waterline is owned by the state. This renders any bans on beach shark fishing unconstitutional! On Feb. 2, the Boca Raton Marine Advisory Board voted unanimously to reject an ordinance banning shark fishing. Common sense prevailed.

    Forty years ago, I stepped out my back door and saw an America that was land of the free and home of the brave. Today, I step out the same door and see an America that is the land of the lobbyist (Peta, Pew, etc.) and home of the special interests (non-governmental organizations raising money)

    If Anna Maria Island City Commission attempts any anti-shark fishing ordinance, I will sue. As an outdoorsman, I will fight to protect my rights.

    Capt. Bill Goldschmitt, Sarasota

    Reply
    • Arthur Haine says:

      July 27, 2011 at 4:47 pm

      The Neanderthl mentality evident in the letter by Capt. Goldschmitt is the reason inshore fishing has become so poor here in Ma.The population of fluke, flouder, cod, scup,black sea bass and blackfish has been decimated by overfishing. As a result the economy has suffered in some areas. The only thing worth fishing for here anymore without running way offshore are bluefish and striped bass. The striped bass have taken a big hit in recent years yet the Fish and Game has failed to take appropriate measures because they are controlled by the commercial fishing lobby.
      I fish Florida in the winter and do not mind paying $50 for a non resdident license because I realize at least some of the money is going to the preservation of species. When I hear someone like Goldschmitt whining I know the Fl. authorities must be doing their job.

      Reply
14. John Chambers says:

    July 29, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Why Raise Taxes?

    Our Anna Maria city commission set the stage Thursday night for a 15% increase in our city’s property tax rate this year. This tentative rate would set a new high for the city’s rate in recent memory. Why would they do that when we are experiencing historic highs in unemployment and facing continuing economic instability with a very uncertain future? They want to have the funds available in case they decide to purchase the six lots at Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. These lots, while nice to have, are not needed. There is not even a meaningful explanation as to what the lots would be used for after a purchase – maybe parking, maybe electric cart charging stations, maybe green space, maybe a festival destination. The city obviously does not have the funds to make this purchase so they want to pass the burden of the mortgage payments off to the taxpayers for the next 10 to 20 years for something unnecessary. Let’s concentrate on what is necessary – getting our reserves restored to a comfortable level in case of a catastrophe, natural or economic. With the proposed budget, this can be accomplished quite easily over the next two years at the current tax rate.

    Reply
15. Jamie Schindewolf says:

    September 13, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    After reading the recent article about prices on the island, I am a little confused as to why the article ignores the real reasons that prices are higher: gas and insurance. The trucks that have to bring these items all the way out to the island and back use a lot more time and fuel ( especially during season when they get stuck in traffic). Additionally, as any island resident knows, the cost of insurance on the island is higher than that of the mainland. I hear people complain about “price gouging” by our island stores all the time and I wish they would take a few minutes to consider the explanations I provided above. I for one am happy to pay an extra seven percent for the luxury of being able to stay on the island to shop, and am grateful that these stores are here.

    Sincerely,
    A happy consumer

    Reply
16. David Youngs says:

    October 26, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Park Property value in City of Anna Maria.

    Recently the Islander reported that the city of Bradenton Beach purchased 4 lots for the John R. Chappie Gulfside Park for $300,000 earlier this year. Equaling about $75K per lot.

    Earlier in October 2011, it was also reported that the City of Anna Maria paid $2.8 million for six lots to be used for a park on N. Bay Blvd. Equaling about $467K per lot.

    The question that comes to my mind is why the vast difference in pricing between property in BB verses AM? 622 percent more in AM. Probably I am missing something, but it does seem unusual to see such a huge difference for public use park property.

    Reply
17. Kathy Caserta says:

    October 28, 2011 at 1:36 pm

                        Booty Call

    The weather has been so nice that one early evening we started to take a walk from 30th St. to the north end of the Island. We walked with a nice breeze and my husband was ready to head back after 1 and 1/2 miles of walking. That would make it a nice 3 mile walk. We turned around and no breeze, it was a little more humid so I was excited to suggest that we just walk further north and then take that great free trolley. After all, I just took that walk on Saturday and did not really even think about the distance since the weather was so cool and nice. I have been waiting all summer to walk the beach in cooler weather. The sunset was great just past the Sandbar Restaurant and I knew there was a trolley stop in front of The Studio on Pine. What luck, we arrived at the bench just as the trolley pulled up!
    What timing, we were ready after that brisk walk for a nice ride home. 
    It is everything you love about the Island, the beach walk, the trolley ride back. What a life!

    Now that you have the idea that I just did this walk on Saturday and was excited that my husband would take a nice long walk with me that evening let me tell you that it all came to an end. The trolley driver looked at me and said, “Sorry you are not allowed on the trolley without shoes!” Well it was around 7:30 and we already walked 3.78 miles on the beach and now we had to turn around and walk back? Now you are talking about 7.56 unplanned miles with the walk back!
    The beach was getting dark and people left large holes to swallow up a person if you are not very careful. I guess if you fell in one of those holes you would have to crawl home?

    I always walk with my flip flops and had no problem on Saturday since I walked the beach and then carried them when the sand was smooth. I did not even think anything about it. 
    Many people walk without shoes or flip flops and enjoy the beach and water. 

    I have lived on this Island since 1999. I always watch the tourists enjoying the Island and taking the trolley and started to get excited about acting like a tourist. 

    I have mentioned this to some other Islanders and now hear stories like mine. One person roller bladed with their son and got tired but was refused entrance to the trolley. 
    I have had conversations and heard enough stories now to make a suggestion. Much of the taxes collected on the Island are taken off the Island for projects. Well how about some booties like they wear in the hospitals? Why not have a box of them on all the trolleys so that a person does not have to exercise by default! I like staying healthy and chalking up the miles on a beach walk but never planned to walk all that way. 

    KC
    Holmes Beach

    Reply
18. Heimo J. Keller says:

    November 28, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Happy Australian Pines Hunt.

    Finally just a few Australian Pines have survived in AM “Willow Park”- at least for a while. The natural habitat of the Barrier Islands is xeric (desert-like) and salty. Australian Pines are one of a few or even the only big tree species which can withstand such harsh conditions close to the waterline. If you will have just a look (live!) at the coast lines of numerous Barrier Islands – from here to Naples e.g. – it is obvious that beaches with Australian Pines close to the water are wider, steeper (more sand around the roots) and higher compared to beaches without these helpful trees. The State of Florida is spending millions of dollars to renourish, replant and to “fortify” ( seawalls, breakwaters and the like) beaches and some Communities use money to get rid of the Pines which help just the same purpose: To shield the Mainland and the Islands from the impact of storms. Avoiding to plant new Australian Pines on Mainland ground which is used culturally – on the one side – and cutting down helpful trees close to the waterline of a Barrier Islands – on the other hand -are just two totally different matters. And by the way: The few plants which grew in the windshield of the Pines will go, if the trees fall: Poor Mother-In-Law-Tongues!

    Reply
19. Heimo J. Keller says:

    December 10, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    CELL TOWER: A new Perspective
    Suddenly – after years of time, work and money have been spent on cell tower plans, ordinances and possible future installations – suddenly – a new perspective emerges: The City of Anna Maria is thinking of starting all the action anew, just because the City is dreaming of earning money with a new tower. Before this will happen a few points have to be clarified:

    (i) How many citizens have still cell phone problems, problems which solely are caused by too week signals? I would guess that the manifold of strong and efficient antennas in Holmes Beach has taken care of this part of the problem.

    (ii) How many citizens would like to be irradiated even more intensively with pulsed microwave radiation just because a Tele company wants to earn its money with installations on city grounds but with services, which are clearly intended for customers outside City limits – e. g. on boats or on the Sunshine Skyway? Otherwise – just by servicing the few people within City limits – there will be no way that the investments for the installations, their maintenance and the regular “rental” payments to the City will repay.

    (iii) The more than 2000 year old Roman life principle – up to this day the base of any reasonable jurisdiction and decision making – should be obeyed: “Audiatur et altera pars”. The other part has to be heard! Out there, are numerous serious and renowned experts who warn vividly – on the basis of strong scientific evidence – not to further intensify the exposure of the public to pulsed microwave radiation. At least one of them should have the opportunity to present his views personally in Anna Maria before a final decision will be made.

    (iv) My experience is to have a closer look at all “free offers” especially at those which promise additional “free money” before taking action. This should be done in this case too. NO THING is free. Not even death: It costs your life.

    Reply
20. islander says:

    December 12, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Socially correct

    A comment last week regarding a dog-friendly beach was attributed to the wrong person. Following are the correct comments from The Islander website comment page:
    “I think having a dog beach is a wonderful thing and is long overdue. The majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible. They will pick up after their dog. Since Manatee County and the Island cities have a leash law, there should be minimal disturbance to the birds and other wildlife. Regarding dog pee, yes, dogs do it. So do birds, turtles and other critters, although the consistency is somewhat different.” — Julie West
    “We already have a beach where dogs are allowed — the causeway beach along Manatee Avenue. I suggested that elsewhere and a dog owner was quick to reply she wouldn’t bring her dog there because it’s too dirty. Bingo! If even 10 percent of people don’t pick up after their dogs, that’s too much for the beaches we advertise as being white and pristine. Tourists come for a short time and do not take the time or an interest in our rules. The garbage left for days at the curb of the Island rentals proves that. Oh, and if you think most people pick up after their dogs, come and take a walk down Key Royale and check out the medians — nicely landscaped gardens that too many use for puppy potties.” — Marlane Wurzbach

    Reply
21. Sandra D'Amato says:

    February 2, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    Please do not approve that darn market on Gulf DR.! that thing is a joke! Every day I am held up at the same spot and the people are crossing at all different parts of the road! Why have 2 markets so close together?? We have enough problems with traffic on this island!

    Reply
22. jean baylee says:

    February 15, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    BRIDGE STREET – I visit several times a year and am surprised at the Bridge St. controversy. Ms. Suhre says there are 7 bars on Bridge St. yet I only find 2 stand alone bars. These have been there many years and are patronized by locals and tourists alike as well as the rich and not so rich. Bridge Street is a beautiful, safe street and popular with tourists such as myself.
    Tourists love to walk Bridge St. for its 8 fun shops (one with a coffee and wine bar), 3 fine dining restaurants (which serve alcohol), pier and restaurant, French-style Bistro, and a spa.
    I guess I’m saying, don’t try to give Bridge St. a bad rep. It has the ambianace of a Tropical Island. The owners of all the businesses there take pride in their establishments and keep the area safe and fun for all.
    In conclusion, as my mom would say, “if you don’t like it, don’t go!”

    Reply
23. mjk says:

    February 29, 2012 at 1:36 am

    Ball field/dog park. What a shame! The field was donated for kids,but they have to pay a fee and have insurance? Meanwhile dogs play for free? Why can’t they find someone to donate a dog park and not make it a public issue?

    Reply
24. jean baylee says:

    April 4, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    The New Fort Lauderdale West. We all loved the west coast of Florida for its laid-back way of life and family atmosphere. Now it’s as busy, or perhaps more so, than the east coast of Florida. Thank you Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

    Reply
25. susan begat says:

    April 9, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    As a Bradenton native who has enjoyed walking on The City Pier since the 1950’s, I was profoundly saddened to see the results of the latest dredging project at the base of the pier – a project that destroyed a huge amount of sea life, including coquinas, sea roaches, fiddler crabs, sea weed, and much more. Large marine animals – like turtles, dolphins, snook, etc – are part of a long food chain that begins at the shore. When people wonder why each year there are fewer shiners and other larger fish around the City Pier , they should look no farther than the dredged sand plopped on the shores inhabitants like a giant fist. Remembering the former richness of the Anna Maria shoreline as I do, I am convinced that so-called “restoration” projects have done much more permanent damage to the sea life in the Gulf of Mexico than the BP oil spill ever will, but officials smile at that white sand and don’t even have to pay a fine.

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