Skip to main content

Community News

Manatee Belle joins Gulf Islands Ferry fleet
Community News

Manatee Belle joins Gulf Islands Ferry fleet

Dec 23, 2025 – Joe Hendricks
December 16, 2025
By Cindy Lane

No vacancy at Bethlehem Walk

The Virgin Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem was re-enacted in Anna Maria on Sunday evening, with Roser Church members, residents, visitors and a menagerie of farm an…
, ,
December 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria resident restores, donates Christmas bikes

Anna Maria resident restores, donates Christmas bikes

ANNA MARIA – Carl Augostini’s Christmas tradition is repairing and restoring donated bicycles to give to underprivileged youngsters. Augostini, a retired electrical engi­neer, spends many hours in t…
, ,
December 16, 2025
By Leslie Lake

Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

CORTEZ – A group of Cortez residents has mobilized in opposition to the proposed boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack property. The group, Cortez Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCCC) represents 327…
, ,
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach celebrates 75th anniversary

Holmes Beach celebrates 75th anniversary

HOLMES BEACH – The city marked its 75th anniversary with a large, well-attended outdoor celebra­tion at City Field on Dec. 5. The event was held on the recently resodded City Field grounds that one…
, ,
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

ANNA MARIA – Lester Family Fun Day helped ring in the holiday season at The Center of Anna Maria Island while raising money for The Center. The Dec. 6 event featured inflatable bounce houses, slides…
,
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
AMI Chamber celebrates Christmas tree lighting

AMI Chamber celebrates Christmas tree lighting

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s Christmas tree was lit shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday, and stands tall outside the Hancock Whitney Bank building at 5324 Gulf Drive. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Comm…
,
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

Sgt. Getman receives Deputy of the Year award

ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit is the MCSO Deputy of the Year for 2025. Getman leads the Anna Maria Unit that provides the city’s contracted la…
, ,
December 9, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Dog park users seek improvements

Dog park users seek improvements

HOLMES BEACH – Residents and dog park users shared their dog park concerns and desires during the Dec. 3 Parks and Beautifi­cation Committee meeting. The dog owners’ concerns include irrigation, gra…
,
December 2, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Augello departing as Holmes Beach city attorney

Augello departing as Holmes Beach city attorney

HOLMES BEACH – Erica Augello’s tenure as the Holmes Beach city attorney is coming to an end and a familiar face, Randy Mora, is expected to succeed her. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Mayor Judy Titsworth wil…
, ,
December 2, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Mounds of debris remain as hurricane approaches

Hurricane recovery assistance meeting next week

CORTEZ – A community meeting for residents to learn about Manatee County’s post-hurricane recovery assistance program, Lasting Manatee, is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Old Co…
, ,

Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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