The Islander marks an anniversary — this issue, Vol. 31, No. 1, begins a new year.
And we’re marking the anniversary with a quiz about the earliest days of the newspaper — which launched in November 1992.
What was going on in fall 1992?
It’s probably no surprise an election took place: Democrat Bill Clinton defeated Republican George H.W. Bush in a race for the White House.
Also, Carol Moseley-Braun became the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Monica Seles defeated Martina Navratilova in the WTA Tour Championship.
Moviegoers went to the theater to see “Malcolm X,” “Aladdin” and “Bram Stroker’s Dracula.”
Rage Against the Machine released its debut album.
The Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series, defeating the Braves.
None of the above was covered in The Islander because the newspaper always has been dedicated to and focused on Anna Maria Island.
In 1992, the paper’s slogan was “The Free Voice of Anna Maria Island” but it could have been, “What happens on Anna Maria Island gets reported in The Islander.”
Now, test your memory and research skills — or make your best guesses — in our anniversary quiz about the first issue of The Islander.
— Lisa Neff
- 1. Page one of the first edition contained a story about allegations of election-related shenanigans in Anna Maria in violation of state law. Florida’s open government statute is known as:
- Sunshine Law.
- Government-in-the-Daylight Law
- Transparency Law.
- Freedom of Information Act.
- 2. In a letter to the editor published in the first issue, Holmes Beach Mayor Pat Geyer wrote, “It will be nice to have a real newspaper on Anna Maria Island.
True or false?
- 3. In an ad for Head Quarters hair salon in Holmes Beach, what was described as “the look that lasts”?
- “Full, teased and fringed.”
- “Feathered, frosted and full.”
- “Bouncy, springy, resilient curls.”
- “More than a mullet.”
- 4. The first edition contained a story about a city meeting on the island that drew a standing-room only crowd. The issue was:
- A proposed property tax increase in Bradenton Beach.
- A proposal to build a high fixed-span bridge on Manatee Avenue.
- A plan for a long pier in Holmes Beach.
- A proposal for a parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach.
- 5. In an ad in 1992, the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach was promoting its breakfast service, including chipped beef on toast.
True or false?
- 6. The first “Streetlife,” included police reports of larceny, with items stolen from two Mercedes. What was taken?
- The hood ornaments.
- Beach gear.
- Car phones.
- Purses.
- 7. The Islander announced the Anna Maria Island Art League was preparing to host a Christmas carnival in Holmes Beach.
True or false?
- 8. The earliest editions of The Islander included a recipe column from Dee Becker called “What’s Cookin’ in Dee’s Kitchen.” The ingredients for the “Better than Sex Cake” included German chocolate cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, caramel, Cool Whip and…
- Three 3 Musketeers bars.
- Two Heath bars.
- Cup of strawberries.
- Key lime zest.
- 9. A report of October 1992 property sales included a multifamily home sale in Bradenton Beach for $118,000.
True or false?
- 10. The first issue’s masthead included a quote: “Great spirits have always found opposition from mediocrities.” Who said that?
- Ernie Cagnina.
- Albert Einstein.
- Gloria Steinem.
- Katharine Graham.
Share your answers at news@islander.org or drop them at the office, 315 58th St., Unit J, Holmes Beach, to enter a drawing for an Islander T-shirt.
Check the answers
- A, and we’re still reporting on Sunshine Law issues.
- True, Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola also wrote a congratulatory letter.
- C. Bouncy curls.
- B. The megabridge.
- False. But the bistro was serving lunch.
- A. Hood ornaments.
- False. AMIAL was organizing a “festival of fine arts.”
- B. Heath bars.
- True. But the property value today is likely much higher.
- B. Einstein, of course.
