September 24, 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
August 21, 2023
August 15, 2023
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…
July 31, 2023
Pool, yard rentals prohibited
HOLMES BEACH – A new website invites owners to place portions of their property for rent at an hourly rate, but city officials say that’s not an allowable use for residential properties in Anna Maria…
July 25, 2023
Fire department changing rules for vacation rentals
MANATEE COUNTY – Property owners located in West Manatee Fire Rescue’s district recently received some mail they likely weren’t expecting from the fire department.
District leaders sent out a letter…
July 25, 2023
Testing shows drinking water free of toxins
MANATEE COUNTY – County officials say that new tests confirm the drinking water coming from Lake Manatee is safe.
In a July 18 press release, more than a week after attention was first drawn to the…

















