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Anna Maria Island

Bioluminescence dazzles AMI beachgoers
Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured

Bioluminescence dazzles AMI beachgoers

Sep 19, 2023 – Leslie Lake
September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Hurricane Idalia floods Anna Maria Island

Hurricane Idalia swamps Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Much of Anna Maria Island experienced storm surge and king tide-related flooding, but the barrier island survived Hurricane Idalia mostly unscathed. During the evening hours of…
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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…
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September 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mayors tentatively embrace consolidation study

Mayors tentatively embrace consolidation study

ANNA MARIA – The three Island mayors are united in their response to Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. Will Robinson Jr.’s ongoing efforts to consolidate city services to reduce property taxes. During the Aug…
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September 1, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Water main repairs to resume Sept. 6

Water main repairs to resume Sept. 6

HOLMES BEACH – As work resumes to repair and relocate a water main on the Anna Maria Island Bridge, lane closures and periods of one-way traffic will begin on Sept. 6. Daily lane closures can be exp…
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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…
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August 22, 2023
By Leslie Lake
AMI natives lend helping hands in Maui fires

AMI natives lend helping hands in Maui fires

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Several former Island residents are lending assistance to the fire-stricken areas in Maui, Hawaii. Fires broke out there on Aug. 8, killing more than 100 people, with many more m…
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August 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Insurance costs stall Monkey Buses

Insurance costs stall Monkey Buses

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Due to increased insurance costs, the popular Monkey Bus shuttle service on and around the Island has been suspended with the hope of resuming operations soon. Sally Dirbas and h…
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July 31, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Displaced renters reflect on their Island years

Displaced renters reflect on their Island years

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island’s evolution into a vacation rental destination and the resulting lack of affordable housing has displaced many former permanent residents who rented their homes. Alex B…
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July 11, 2023
By SUN contributor
Island population drops in all three cities

Island population drops in all three cities

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It may not come as a surprise to some long-time residents, but the population of this seven-mile stretch of paradise is dwindling. While the U.S. Census Bureau conducts 10-year…
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July 11, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Pat Copeland’s life and legacy celebrated

Pat Copeland’s life, legacy celebrated

ANNA MARIA – Pat Copeland’s celebration of life included family, friends, co-workers, tears, laughter, music, poetry and a New Orleans-style second-line march down Pine Avenue. Pat passed away on…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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