Flashback 2011: The year in review Part 2

The last half of 2011 featured tragedy and triumph for local residents and wildlife. From new public servants to the passing of community heroes, it was a year to remember.

JULY

        Parasail death: The June 27 death of David Sieradzki, 31, remained a mystery to investigators. The visiting Sieradzki, from Fountain Inn, S.C., was undertaking what appeared to be a typical parasailing trip all the way to the point of waving to those on the boat when he entered the water.

        Sieradzki went unresponsive shortly after the ride and emergency rescuers worked on the young man for more than 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead on the bayfront dock at Coquina Beach. It was later determined that the cause of death was drowning.

The Islander named best in state: No one probably had to tell The Islander readers that their newspaper was the best in Florida, but the rest of Florida found out on July 1 at the annual Florida Press Association awards banquet.

The Islander claimed one of three Best in Show awards, as well as an Overall Excellence award. The Islander staff also claimed four first-place honors, four second-place awards and four third-place certificates.

Severe storms threaten nests: Thunderstorms erupted over the Gulf of Mexico July 8 and drenched Anna Maria Island with rain that washed out sensitive sea turtle nests.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring members worked diligently after the storms passed, salvaging damaged nests and relocating eight others.

Missing woman’s property found: The discovery of property belonging to Sabine Musil-Buehler renewed an investigation into the 2008 missing person’s case.

Musil-Buehler went missing in November 2008 after an argument with boyfriend William Cumber. Cumber is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence, the result of a parole violation stemming from an arson conviction where Cumber set a former girlfriend’s house on fire.

        Cumber remains a person of interest in the disappearance of Musil-Buehler, who is presumed dead. Her white Pontiac was discovered the morning after her disappearance. Her clothing and what was later determined to be her blood were discovered in the trunk of her vehicle.

Investigators combed the beach area where her property was found with personnel and cadaver dogs for three days and launched a four-day excavation campaign of the area. The investigation continued for weeks, but no further evidence was discovered.

 

AUGUST

        From do good to no good: Holly Elaine Connelly built a reputation as someone who did good deeds after leading an effort to raise money for Haiti relief following the 2010 earthquake that devastated the poor island country.

        That reputation soured, however, when investigators discovered that Connelly had been stealing what they alleged was hundreds of thousands of dollars while working as a bookkeeper for Key Royale Club.

New trolley arrives just in time: The new trolley that shuttles visitors around the island for free arrived just in time, as it was announced that tourism was up by more than 6.5 in June and up over 8 percent in July.

        A bevy of beautiful Bucs: Members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleading squad visited Anna Maria Island. The women were on the shore for a swimsuit calendar shoot, but took the time to visit Village Café, on Pine Avenue, in Anna Maria, where they signed autographs and rallied support for the Buccaneers.

        Struggling sea turtle gets helping hand: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers received a pleasant surprise while excavating a recently hatched sea turtle nest early in the nesting season.

        The work had already drawn a small crowd, which grew quickly when it was discovered that a single hatchling still remained in the nest. The tiny turtle had not been able to dig past the broken shells of its brothers and sisters, but with a helping hand, was sent on its way.

Battling the heat: The steamy days of August left Islanders finding any way possible to stay cool. Air conditioners were getting a full workout and cold drinks quickly turned warm, if left out for just a few minutes.

        Through the sweat and rubber soles sticking to hot pavement, Islanders braved yet another steamy summer with a quick sense of humor. The Islander readers kept positive as thoughts of children returning to school and diminished crowds at local eateries kept spirits cheerful and upbeat.

 

SEPTEMBER

        Campaigns kick into high gear: With the Nov. 8 local elections looming, campaigns across Anna Maria cities kicked into high gear.

In Holmes Beach, a five-way race for three seats on the city commission proved to be the most contested election of the year.

In the meantime, Anna Maria Island mourned the death of former Mayor Dorothy “Dottie” Quinn McChesney who died Sept. 1.

        Flooding nothing new: Residents of Holmes Beach endured another round of street flooding following a late August storm, which dumped heavy rain across the area. Public Works Superintendent Joe Duennes said it looked worse than it actually was and that flooding of Sixth Avenue to 37th Street had been an issue since his arrival 15 years ago.

        Improved drainage alleviated some of the problems and the city continues to look at ways to improve the situation for frustrated residents located in problem areas, including a stormwater project slated to begin in the winter.

Remembering 9/11: Officials and residents alike participated in a Sept. 11, ceremony to remember those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Ceremonies were conducted across the area, including the fifth annual 9/11 Remembrance Ride on Gulf Drive, in Bradenton Beach.

        Failed homicide attempt: The Holmes Beach Police Department investigated an apparent homicide/suicide attempt Sept. 19 in the 200 block of 83rd Street. Joseph Schon, 69, shot wife Maya Schon, 66, in the back of the head and then shot himself.

        Maya was injured, but alert when police responded to the scene. She was taken to the hospital and would eventually recover from the attack. Joseph was discovered in his bedroom and was pronounced dead at the scene. A motive for the attack was never disclosed, but police said alcohol may have been a factor.

Paradise has its costs: Paying a price to live in paradise is a reality. Besides the obvious higher costs of real estate, island residents learned they were paying, on average, 7.4 percent more for the same grocery items than what can be purchased on the mainland.

        A survey of identical grocery items at the Publix on the Island compared to a Publix on Cortez Road in west Bradenton showed the increase in pricing.

The lowest difference in costs of the same items was a 1.5-percent difference in price of 8 ounces of instant coffee. The highest price was an almost 30 percent difference in the cost of a Publix loaf of bread.

 

OCTOBER

        Shark attack: The family of Charles “C.J.” Wickersham, 21, was happy to have him home earlier than expected from the hospital after a bull shark attacked Wickersham in late September. The Longboat Key resident was free-diving about 6 miles offshore with a group of friends when the shark attacked.

        After multiple surgical procedures, including a surgery that used more than 800 stitches to close his wounds, doctors proclaimed Wickersham out of danger from his wounds and potential infection. He continued to recover in the comfort of friends and family at his home.

On Oct. 2, a second shark attack occurred off Bean Point when Javier Perez, 38, who was vacationing on Anna Maria Island, was attacked by an unknown species of shark while fishing from the shore. Perez’s wound occurred around his calf muscle shortly after he dumped his chum bucket into the surf. He was discharged the following day after doctors closed what they referred to as a, “small, open flap.”

Border battle: Leaders of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach conducted an informal meeting to discuss the vacated 27th Street and associated fence dispute, as a means to avoid potential legal action.

        The dispute began in 2008 when Bradenton Beach quitclaimed the street bordering the Sandpiper Resort. Holmes Beach protested the move, but took no further action. The two cities continued to work on the issue with no clear resolution through the remainder of the year.

Don’t be crabby: Crabbers anxiously began preparations for Florida’s stone crab season, which began Oct. 5. Crabbers were allowed to sink their traps on that day, but were not allowed to harvest from those traps until Oct. 15.

        Record resort taxes: Manatee County reported record resort tax collections for the 2010-11 fiscal year, which had been set the previous year. The county recorded $6.84 million with Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key being credited with approximately 62 percent of the totals.

        Rewarding rescue: The quick actions following a September shark attack on C.J. Wickersham by his six friends undoubtedly helped to save the 21-year-old’s life.

Local mayors joined The Islander in recognizing the actions of Oceanna Beard, Connor Bystrom, Kiera Dunn, Max Gazzo, Katie Mattas and Lee White in the Holmes Beach City Hall chambers Oct. 12.

        The group of friends all acted quickly to get Wickersham into the boat following the attack, tending to the wound and ensuring emergency medical services were waiting on shore when they arrived with the wounded Wickersham.

Family and friends who attended the ceremony referred to the group of six as, “Heroes.” Elected officials agreed and acknowledged had it not been for their decisive actions on the day of the attack, the story could have been tragic.

Non-compliant rentals: Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger responded to multiple complaints that homeowners were violating city ordinances pertaining to unauthorized short-term rentals, which also was leading to trash being left out on non-pickup days.

        After inspecting 14 residences that were under complaint, the city found 10 to not be in compliance. Certified letters were issued to the property owners to bring their properties into compliance with city codes or face suspension of the city rental license or the code enforcement board.

Bohnenberger vowed to continue inspecting homes to ensure that property owners maintain compliance standards.

Honoring your honor: Former Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie was honored by Bradenton Beach commissioners with naming of a Gulf front parcel of beachfront property for Chappie. The property is now known as the John R. Chappie Gulfside Park.

        Chappie’s long service to Bradenton Beach, both as a public servant and private citizen was touted as the reason for the honor, which became official Oct. 20. Dozens of friends and colleagues attended the emotional meeting to celebrate Chappie’s honor.

Summer dollars flow: Local merchants announce a solid summer of sales throughout the area. Merchants described their summer totals as better than the previous summer season and, “better than expected.”

        The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau reported the two highest categories of summer tourism were beach going and dining out, two areas of tourism the Island has to offer in abundance. In turn, visitors to the Island did plenty of local shopping.

 

NOVEMBER

        Veteran speaker passes: World War II and Korean War veteran Ralph Bassett, of Perico Island, died Oct. 28 at his home and among friends and family who were at his side. Bassett was an annual speaker at The Islander’s Veterans Day Salute.

        Pesky flier: Outspoken Holmes Beach Commissioner Al Robinson ruffled some local feathers with a campaign flier while seeking re-election. Robinson criticized his fellow commissioners and renewed his criticism of the Holmes Beach Police Department’s budget.

        Robinson’s tactics drew quick reaction, as the police department and other candidates vying for a commission seat defended the department’s budget. Robinson was later defeated in the election.

$20,000 air duct: Everyone knows that work on a home can get expensive, but it is rare when the home itself attempts to pay for the work. That was the case when Air & Energy plumber Jerry Laliberte discovered $20,000 inside a ceiling vent of an unnamed residential property.

        Laliberte contacted Holmes Beach police. His honest actions drew high praise from officials, media and the public.

Election cycle winds down: The 2011 election cycle concluded with some incumbents retaining their seats and some new faces joining the public service ranks. Voter turnout was described as being light, but steady for an off-year election that didn’t include national elections.

        Boardwalk opens: A five-year effort to have an 800-foot boardwalk built on the shore at the Anna Maria City Pier came to fruition Nov. 7 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick led the project by securing an $859,000 grant as part of a beautification project.

        Veterans honored: The Islander’s sixth annual Veterans Day Salute was well attended by more than 100 veterans and family members.

The day turned into a double tribute as speakers honored veteran Ralph Bassett who died in late October and had been the ceremony’s longtime speaker.

        Let’s get blasted: Sandblasted that is.

        Keep Manatee Beautiful hosted the annual sandblast competition sand-sculpting contest at Manatee Public Beach. This annual contest draws elite competitors each year and coincides with America Recycles Day.

The location was moved this year to Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach, from Bradenton Beach. Organizers stated that this year’s location proved to be so popular that plans were already moving forward for the 2012 event to remain at Manatee Public Beach.

Another record setter: The magic 8-ball would have read, “Situation looks good” if predicting tourism dollars in the area. Manatee County reported record resort tax revenues of more than $7 million — a $400,000 increase over the previous fiscal year.

All bark, no bite – yet: An informal inquiry performed by The Islander to propose a local dog-friendly beach was split into thirds. One-third of those surveyed said they would support the concept, while another third said they would not.

The final 33-percent swing vote was undecided if the matter were to be officially proposed, saying they would be willing to listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

 

DECEMBER

        Crosswalk fatality: Antoinette Pruss, 65, of Sarasota, lost her life Dec. 8 while in a crosswalk in the 900 block of Gulf Drive North. A 1998 GMC Yukon, driven by Kathleen Benison of Cortez, struck and killed Pruss.

        Benison cooperated with investigators and told police that Pruss stepped into the crosswalk just as she and a passenger arrived to the crosswalk. Benison admitted that they were looking at the water, not the road, when they collided with Pruss.

Benison admitted she was distracted, but did not know why Pruss entered the crosswalk when she was already too close to the crosswalk to stop in time.

No charges have been filed in the case, but the investigation continues.

Privateers kidnap Holmes Beach mayor: The popular and charitable Anna Maria Island Privateers were at it again, as they raided Holmes Beach City Hall. The Privateers announced, in no uncertain terms, that it was they who were the real power in town and predicted the mayor’s kidnapping on Dec. 30.

        The Privateers collect ransoms and turn them into scholarships for local students, as well as supporting many community programs. This year alone, the Privateers handed out $29,000 in scholarships to local students.

Everything but baseball: It was the home of Junior League baseball teams for a few years, but today, Birdie Tebbett’s Field is used for just about everything but baseball.

        A nearby parking lot is being used as a staging area for a stormwater project, and brought to light a new debate about maintaining the field. When baseball activities came to an end a few years ago, the field was used as a much-needed, but unofficial, dog park.

A discussion is now on whether to convert the baseball field into a softball diamond to begin an adult co-ed softball league. A previous attempt by the

Anna Maria Community Center to start up a softball league collapsed under insurance concerns.

The fate of the baseball diamond remains unanswered, but in the meantime, is still costing funds to maintain.

Tourism is double-edged sword: Tourism dollars are the lifeblood that supports many Islanders, but more visitors mean more stress on local infrastructure.

        That was the point made by Holmes Beach Commission Chair David Zaccagnino to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Zaccagnino said the TDC was doing a good job of getting visitors to the island and, in turn, was putting more pressure on infrastructure. Zaccagnino wanted to know how the TDC could help.

Zaccagnino said he was speaking as a concerned citizen and not as an official representative of Holmes Beach, but wanted more information on how much TDC dollars could be diverted more to infrastructure improvements rather than just marketing.