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SUN contributor

SUN contributor

March 17, 2017
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October 2, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Kids want wetlands preserved

Dear Manatee County Commissioners, We are kids who live in Manatee County and the surrounding areas. We love our community and our environment. We are sunset watchers. We are kayakers of mangrove sw…
October 2, 2023
By SUN contributor

Guest Editorial: Wild AMI depends on us

Anna Maria Island provides more than pristine water and white sand beaches for residents and visitors. As one of Florida’s west coast barrier Islands, it is ecologically diverse and an important habi…
September 26, 2023
By SUN contributor
Commissioner Kruse hosts Island talk

Commissioner Kruse hosts Island talk

HOLMES BEACH – Only 18 people came out to the Island Branch Library on a stormy Wednesday night to hear what Manatee County Commissioner-at-large George Kruse had to say, but the conversation continu…
September 24, 2023
By SUN contributor

The importance of socializing your child early

By Pam Bertrand As the director at School For Constructive Play, my 30ish years in early childhood education have produced many parent questions. Some questions are asked in a panic, “She touched…
September 19, 2023
By SUN contributor

Holmes Beach Commissioners approve budget first reading

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s new budget and millage rate has received unanimous support from commissioners during an initial public hearing and vote. Despite Commissioner Terry Schaefer’s absence, city…
September 12, 2023
By SUN contributor
Hurricane floods local gas station tanks

Hurricane floods local gas station tanks

HOLMES BEACH – Customers who purchased gas at Jessie’s Island Store immediately following Hurricane Idalia may have received a surprise they weren’t counting on – floodwater in their vehicle’s gas ta…
September 12, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Garage would ruin appeal of Manatee Beach

This is in response to the Aug. 23 edition of the Anna Maria Island Sun, “Beach parking garage fight continues.” I just want to add my voice in support of the comments made by Holmes Beach Police Ch…
September 4, 2023
By SUN contributor
No election, charter commission in Holmes Beach

No election, charter commission in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – There will be no changes on the city commission dais this year. Commissioners Pat Morton, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek are all automatically re-elected for another two-year term…
September 1, 2023
By SUN contributor

Island consolidation back on table

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The threat of consolidation of the three Island cities isn’t over. Members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation have warned Island mayors that they’re getting ready to sta…
August 29, 2023
By SUN contributor

Tracking Hurricane Idalia

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 5 p.m. UPDATE: MANATEE COUNTY – Hurricane Idalia has been upgraded to a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour. The storm is anticipated to continue…
August 23, 2023
By SUN contributor
WMFR moves forward with vacation rental inspections

WMFR moves forward with vacation rental inspections

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s board and staff are moving forward with beginning an annual inspection program for vacation rentals in the district that will reclassify the properties as comme…
August 23, 2023
By SUN contributor
Beach parking garage fight continues

Beach parking garage fight continues

MANATEE COUNTY – In the aftermath of a Manatee County Commission work session discussing the building of a parking garage at Manatee Beach, city and county officials continue to make their thoughts k…
August 21, 2023
By SUN contributor
August 21, 2023
By SUN contributor
August 15, 2023
By SUN contributor
County moves forward with beach garage design

County moves forward with beach garage design

MANATEE COUNTY – Parking garage plans for Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach are moving forward despite pushback from Anna Maria Island residents and one commissioner. During an Aug. 14 work session, cou…