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Charter review begins in Anna Maria
Anna Maria, Community News, Featured

Charter review begins in Anna Maria

Feb 5, 2024 – Joe Hendricks
January 29, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Magnolia Inn demolished for hotel project

Magnolia Inn demolished for hotel project

BRADENTON BEACH – The third of four buildings has come down to clear the way for a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail complex at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South. On Jan. 26, de…
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January 29, 2024
By SUN contributor

County commissioners reject library board applicants

MANATEE COUNTY – Despite having candidates to fill seven vacancies on the nine-seat county Library Advisory Board, county commissioners declined to make any appointments or reappoint two candidates t…
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January 23, 2024
By SUN contributor
WMFR hands out annual district awards

WMFR hands out annual district awards

MANATEE COUNTY – Commissioners and staff at West Manatee Fire Rescue kicked off the new year on a festive note as the district presented its annual awards, recognizing the contributions to the depart…
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January 23, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Commission approves ward redistricting

Commission approves ward redistricting

BRADENTON BEACH – Two residents have expressed interest in filling the vacancy left by the Dec. 28 resignation of City Commissioner Jake Spooner. Spooner, a commissioner since 2015 from Ward 1, resi…
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January 23, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach hires new building official

Bradenton Beach hires new building official

BRADENTON BEACH – A new building official has been hired following the Dec. 15 retirement of Steve Gilbert. Commissioners approved a contract for Darin Cushing on Jan. 18 as city building official f…
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January 23, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Crime decreases in Anna Maria

Crime decreases in Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Crime in the city of Anna Maria decreased overall by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to Lt. John Belt from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. On Jan. 11, Belt provided the may…
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January 22, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Island cities decline to join financial disclosure lawsuit

Island cities decline to join financial disclosure lawsuit

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A Florida law firm plans to file a lawsuit challenging the recently expanded Form 6 financial disclo­sure requirements that now also apply to elected city officials. Anna Maria…
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January 16, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Restaurant demolished to make way for hotel project

Restaurant demolished to make way for hotel project

BRADENTON BEACH – Demolition began Saturday on 101 Bridge St., the second of four buildings slated to be torn down to make way for a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail project. Developer Shawn…
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January 16, 2024
By SUN contributor
Holmes Beach logo

Commissioners oppose bill, hire new lobbyist

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are hoping to reinforce their position in the battle against state politicians infringing on the city’s home rule. During a Jan. 11 meeting, commissioners agreed to draft…
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January 16, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Boat operator cited for running illegal service

Boat operator cited for running illegal service

CORTEZ – A U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez law enforcement crew cited what they said was an illegal uninspected small passenger vessel-for-hire operating on Anna Maria Sound on Jan. 3. According to…
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April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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