Skip to main content
July 15, 2026 | Leslie Lake | Featured

Causeway watercraft rentals remain a concern

The Palma Sola Causeway is part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)-designated scenic highway that stretches from 75th Street W. and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton to Manatee Beach in Hol…

Community News

Anna Maria | Anna Maria Island | Bradenton Beach | Cortez | Holmes Beach | Manatee County | Schools | West Manatee Fire Rescue
July 8, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

Commission suspends Second Avenue discussions, for now

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach commissioners have discontinued for the foreseeable future their discussions about altering or adjusting the flow of traffic on Second Avenue. On June 23, commissioners Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel, Terry Schaefer and Carol Whitmore agreed to suspend the Second Avenue discussions until further notice so concerned Second Avenue residents can participate in the next discussion.  To date, the commission has not approved any adjustments or alterations to the Se…
    July 8, 2026 | Leslie Lake

    Judge dismisses StayTerra lawsuits against Stewart, Warren-Kaleta

    The civil lawsuits StayTerra Vacations filed against Kiri Stewart and Jennifer Warren-Kaleta were dismissed on June 18 by 12th Judicial Circuit Judge…
    July 7, 2026 | Rodney Kwiatkowski

    Understanding the scope of vacation rentals in Manatee County

    MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County commissioners are considering imposing stricter vacation rental regulations in the unincorporated areas of Manatee Co…
    June 30, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Divided Holmes Beach Commission increases stormwater fee 

    By a 3-2 vote, the Holmes Beach City Commission approved increasing the stormwater assessment rate from $2.95 per 100 square feet of property to $4.4…
    June 30, 2026 | Leslie Lake

    Bradenton Beach Commission supports raising stormwater fee rate to $8 

    The Bradenton Beach City Commission has tentatively agreed to increase the annual stormwater fee rate rom $4.40 per 100 square feet of property to $8.
    June 22, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Anna Maria code enforcement manager reinstated 

    Code Enforcement Manager Tom Collins has returned to work after being placed on administrative leave while his workplace conduct was investigated.
    June 22, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    County Commission approves $6.18 million for beach renourishment 

    The Manatee County Commission approved the allocation of $6.18 million in tourist development tax revenues for beach renourishment.

      Entertainment

      Beach Nutz | Clubs | Events | Festivals | Food | Markets | Museums | Music | Parades | Theater

      Fourth of July parade returns to AMI 

      The Anna Maria Island Privateers hosted the Fourth of July parade. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

      Swordfish Grill hosts Fourth of July hot dog eating contest

      These were three of the eight hot dog eating contest participants. – Ernie Vanderwalt | Sun

      Island Players bid farewell to beloved director and actor

      In 2025, Valerie Lipscomb and Jim Thaggard starred in “Death by Design.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

        Outdoors

        Birds | Coast Lines | Environment | Fishing | Parks | Reel Time

        Where’s Krysta

        The politics of fishing

        Young anglers will feel the future impacts of the political decisions being made now. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

        First of two beach renourishment projects starts soon 

        Sea turtle nests at Cortez Beach have been relocated in advance of the August beach renourishment project. – Leslie Lake | Sun

          Business

          Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce | Castles in the Sand | Retail | Restaurants | Bars | Real estate | Development | Tourism

          To cut or not to cut property taxes

          Condo living for dummies

          Cortez Watersports owner optimistic about changes taking place

          Cortez Watersports rents WaveRunners, pontoon boats and kayaks. – Leslie Lake | Sun

            Sports

            Football | Soccer

            Skim competition returns to Anna Maria

            The One Love AMI Skim Competition took place in Anna Maria. – The Center | Submitted

            Team Cablish & Gentile wins chamber golf tournament

            LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air owner Karen LaPensee tossed the bright green golf balls out of the hovering helicopter and one landed in the cup. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

            Pat Carlucci discusses ‘Baseball in Paradise’

            Anna Maria Island Historical Society board member Carolyn Orshak visited with Pat Carlucci during his book signing at the museum. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

              Upcoming Events

              Photo Galleries

              Opinion