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Nobody loves lovebugs but other lovebugs
Anna Maria Island, Community News

Nobody loves lovebugs but other lovebugs

Apr 29, 2024 – Jason Schaffer
April 29, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Kapok tree relocated to Anna Maria

Kapok tree relocated to Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – A large kapok tree now graces a residential construction site along the 700 block of North Shore Drive. The new beachfront home is being built by Ross Built Custom Homes with Max Gazz…
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April 22, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
TDC considers adding third ferry boat

TDC considers adding third ferry boat

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) discussed the status of the new water ferry service and the possibility of adding a third ferry on April 15. The Gulf Islands Ferry s…
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April 22, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Mayors propose to regulate mangroves

Mayors propose to regulate mangroves

LONGBOAT KEY – The mayors of the three Anna Maria Island cities and Longboat Key are considering making a joint application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to obtain loca…
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April 22, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Officials discuss state plan to replace Longboat Pass Bridge

Officials discuss state plan to replace Longboat Pass Bridge

LONGBOAT KEY – Members of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials (BIEO) discussed the proposed new Longboat Pass Bridge on April 17. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Distri…
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April 22, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Anna Maria Island community remembers philanthropist

Anna Maria Island community remembers philanthropist

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Charles “Chuck” Lester’s legacy of philanthropy and friendship is being remembered on Anna Maria Island following his passing on April 19 at the age of 92. “I have nothing but gr…
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April 22, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Farrington resigns, seeks supervisor of elections job

Farrington resigns, seeks supervisor of elections job

MANATEE COUNTY – County voters will ultimately determine whether former Chief of Staff Scott Farrington or recent gubernatorial appointee James Satcher serves as Manatee County’s next supervisor of e…
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April 22, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Three crashes damage two businesses, one crosswalk signal

Three crashes damage two businesses, one crosswalk signal

HOLMES BEACH – Two cars drove into two neighboring businesses on two separate days last week, followed by a crash into a crosswalk signal and pedestrian barrier at the nearby intersection of Marina a…
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April 22, 2024
By SUN contributor

Fire district plans rate hike

MANATEE COUNTY – Property owners in West Manatee Fire Rescue’s district will notice a change on their tax bills this fall if commissioners vote to pass a proposed rate increase. At an April 16 budge…
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April 15, 2024
By SUN contributor
Locals join hands to fight big government

Locals join hands to fight big government

HOLMES BEACH – A grassroots movement to bring awareness to Florida legislators’ efforts to consolidate or eliminate the three Anna Maria Island cities drew about 300 people to its first event, a peac…
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April 15, 2024
By Leslie Lake
State seeks contempt ruling in net camp case

State seeks contempt ruling in net camp case

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is continuing to tenaciously pursue the enforcement of a 2019 judgment against Raymond “Junior” Guthrie to remove his net camp off t…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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