Skip to main content
SUN contributor

SUN contributor

March 17, 2017
Call The Sun with your story ideas at 941-778-3986, or Email
Email SUN contributor
January 30, 2022
By SUN contributor
New owners take over Beach Bistro

New owners take over Beach Bistro

HOLMES BEACH – It’s the end of an era at the Beach Bistro. The award-winning beachfront restaurant’s owners of more than 36 years, Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins, have sold the restaurant to Anna M…
January 25, 2022
By SUN contributor
Classic rock icon gets a standing ovation at The Center

Classic rock icon shares stage with local choir

ANNA MARIA – Classic rocker Lou Gramm brought the crowd at The Center of Anna Maria Island to its feet with thunderous applause during a stop on his Juke Box Hero tour. Gramm took to the stage wit…
January 25, 2022
By SUN contributor
Fines levied for Coconuts owners

Fines levied for Coconuts owners

HOLMES BEACH – Special magistrate Michael Connolly isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to renting vacation rental units for a shorter amount of time than is required by city codes. During a Ja…
January 23, 2022
By SUN contributor

County opens new COVID-19 testing site

MANATEE COUNTY – A new COVID-19 testing site is now available at the SUNZ insurance building, 1301 Eighth Ave. in downtown Bradenton. The new location offers free PCR and rapid testing at a walk-u…
January 16, 2022
By SUN contributor
Commissioners consider regulating emotional support animals

Commissioners consider defining ’emotional support animals’

HOLMES BEACH – It all started with one well-behaved goat. In late 2021, a Holmes Beach couple appeared before city commissioners after a passing boater reported their pet goat to code compliance o…
January 16, 2022
By SUN contributor
Celebrating 40 years at the Island Library

Celebrating 40 years at the Island Library

HOLMES BEACH – Though it’s been around since 1965, the Island Branch Library’s doors officially opened at its current location in 1982, making this year one to be celebrated. For the 40th annivers…
January 10, 2022
By SUN contributor
Builder and city head back to court

Builder, city head back to court

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders and local developer/builder Shawn Kaleta are no strangers to meeting each other in court. This time, Kaleta’s attorney, Michelle Grantham, has filed a suit against city le…
January 4, 2022
By SUN contributor
Sun Person of the Year: Peggy Nash

Sun Person of the Year: Peggy Nash

ANNA MARIA – If you’ve ever stepped into the Roser Guild Thrift Shop or attended one of the church’s events, you’ve likely seen Peggy Nash hard at work volunteering, taking photos or helping someone…
January 4, 2022
By SUN contributor

Holmes Beach: The Year in Review

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island’s biggest city was home to some of the Island’s biggest issues in 2021. The year began in the same manner as some previous years, with city leaders facing off in l…
December 20, 2021
By SUN contributor

LSV, golf cart talks take a turn

HOLMES BEACH – A new idea is before Holmes Beach city commissioners to help make streets safer for golf carts, low-speed vehicles, motor vehicles, bicyclists and everyone else – lowering the speed li…
December 19, 2021
By SUN contributor
Public gives input on comprehensive plan changes

Public gives input on comprehensive plan changes

HOLMES BEACH – Work on the proposed revisions to the city’s comprehensive plan are almost complete and planning commissioners are seeking input from the public on the changes they’ve come up with…
December 19, 2021
By SUN contributor
City recognizes outstanding community service

City recognizes outstanding community service

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners gave community members and staff cause to celebrate with the presentation of their annual awards and community service recognitions. During their final meeting of…
December 19, 2021
By SUN contributor
Commission splits on dress code decision

Commission splits on dress code decision

HOLMES BEACH – In trying to ease rifts among Holmes Beach commissioners, new commission Chair Carol Soustek inadvertently gave them something to argue about. Soustek presented her fellow commissio…
December 18, 2021
By SUN contributor
The Wailers jumpstart new Center concert series

The Wailers jumpstart new Center concert series

ANNA MARIA – A new concert series has kicked off at The Center of Anna Maria Island just in time for the holidays. The first show in the five-part series featured the Grammy-nominated reggae group…
December 16, 2021
By SUN contributor

Ringing in the holiday season, Island-style

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The holiday spirit was on full display Dec. 11 as crowds lined the Island’s streets to see the annual AMI Privateers Christmas parade. Led by the Privateers on the Skullywag, t…