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Entertainment

Entertainment, Theater

 ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ opens Island Players’ Season

Sep 22, 2026 – Joe Hendricks
July 7, 2026
By Ernie Vanderwalt

Swordfish Grill hosts Fourth of July hot dog eating contest

CORTEZ – Contestants gathered under the thatched tiki roof at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez for the restaurant’s annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, a tradition that has taken place nearly…
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June 10, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Island Players bid farewell to beloved director and actor

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players community theatre group lost a beloved director, actor and friend with the May 29 passing of Jim Thaggard at the age of 69. On June 3, the following message was pos…
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May 19, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Learn about sea turtles at weekly Turtle Talks

Sea turtle hatchlings face an uphill battle to reach adulthood with obstacles including disorientation, beach holes, predators and litter. 
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May 12, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

“The Outsider” comedically addresses politics and government

The Island Players are ending the 2025-26 community theater season on a high note with the satirical political comedy, “The Outsider.”
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May 5, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Sports Lounge continues Kentucky Derby Day tradition

BRADENTON BEACH – The Sports Lounge in Bradenton Beach hosted its fourth annual Kentucky Derby party on Saturday, May 2. The annual Kentucky Derby celebration featured a “best hat” contest and a D…
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April 16, 2026
By Leslie Lake

Annual picnic brings Cortez community together

CORTEZ – Attendees at the annual Cortez Community Picnic were treated to a picture-perfect weather day, a wide variety of homemade food and a big helping of neighborhood camaraderie. Sponsored by…
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April 15, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

Female students are the real Lucky Ducky Race for Pace winners 

 BRADENTON – The 17th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace was held on the Manatee River on Saturday, April 11, and it raised more than $210,000 for the Pace Center for Girls, Manatee organization.&…
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April 5, 2026
By Sun staff

Upcoming events include ‘The Outsider’, golf tournament, fishing tournament, Turtle Talks, beach cleanup

Events Thursday, May 7 – Sunday, May 17 The Outsider, Island Players Theatre, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 7:30 p.m. evening shows, 2 p.m. Sunday matinees, $20-$30, More info at TheIslandPlaye…
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March 31, 2026
By Joe Hendricks

AMI Moose Lodge hosts beachfront Easter egg hunt

Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 held its annual children’s Easter party on Saturday, March 28. 
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March 31, 2026
By Sun staff

Upcoming events on and around Anna Maria Island

Saturday April 4 Coquina Beach “Fun in the Sand” Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 5 Sandbar Seafood + Spirts E…
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April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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