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Business

Business, Castles in the Sand, Real estate | Development

Happy birthday, America

Jun 30, 2026 – Louise Bolger
June 2, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Why can’t so many buy a home?

There is a continuing dialogue in the country, in Florida and in Manatee County about the price of homes and, of course, the cost of a mortgage. In this column, in recent weeks, I’ve talked about…
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May 26, 2026
By Louise Bolger

A mortgage tutorial

Learning new things is one of life’s pleasures. You’re never too old to learn something new; and when it comes to purchasing property, you’re never too experienced to understand the nuances involved…
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May 19, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Renovations can blow your mind

Sometimes it seems like Anna Maria Island is one big renovation project. It’s going on two years now since we lived through the worst hurricane season in my memory and there continues to be ongoing r…
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May 12, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Scenic Highway group concerned about causeway signs, commercial activity 

BRADENTON – On April 8, Palma Sola Scenic Highway Byway Organization Vice Chairperson Ingrid McClellan sent a letter to several city, county and state officials alleging violations of city, county, s…
May 12, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Terri Kinder retiring as AMI Chamber president

HOLMES BEACH – Friday, May 29, will be Terri Kinder’s last day as the president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Kinder started working with the Chamber in 2011 and she became the Cha…
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May 12, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Is Florida still growing?

The state of Florida has lived through many stages, going back to cattle ranching and cattle drives in the early 1800s, and winter retreats for the northern wealthy. Every evolution in the lifetime o…
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May 11, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Body & Sol reopens in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – After sustaining major damage during Hurricane Milton in 2024, Body & Sol Spa and Wellness in Anna Maria is open again.  Wash Construction completed the renovation project on…
May 5, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Bortell’s Lounge closed for renovations

Bortell’s Lounge is closed for renovations and is expected to remain closed for at least three to five months, maybe longer. 
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May 5, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Old homes, old problems

Is it charming or is it just old? This is the age-old question homebuyers who are looking for a home with character continually ask themselves. Since our country will be celebrating its 250th birthda…
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April 29, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Time to think positive, no matter what you read

According to national real estate reporting, the sky is falling. I agree the housing market has been stuck in a rut for the past three years, which is why I’m feeling optimistic. It’s time; and based…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

The Off-Stage Ladies of the Island Players, April luncheon meeting