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Community News, Holmes Beach

Commissioners oppose bill, hire new lobbyist

Jan 16, 2024 – SUN contributor
January 15, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
McMullen, Morgan participate in candidate forum

McMullen, Morgan participate in candidate forum

ANNA MARIA – City Commission applicants Gary McMullen and Kathleen Morgan participated in a candidate forum at city hall on Jan. 11. McMullen and Morgan hope to be appointed to fill the two vacant…
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January 9, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Florida State Seal

Florida Legislature convenes 2024 session

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature’s 2024 regular legislative session is underway and the city of Anna Maria already is opposing lawmakers’ latest attempt to preempt vacation rental regulation to…
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January 9, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach logo

Commissioners decide against allowing houseboat vacation rental

BRADENTON BEACH – During their Jan. 4 meeting, commissioners denied a request from a resident to allow a houseboat vacation rental at his dock. They also approved three police vehicle purchases, app…
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January 9, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Commission discusses redistricting, vacancy

Commissioners discuss redistricting, commission vacancy

BRADENTON BEACH – Following the vacancy left by the Dec. 28 resignation of Commissioner Jake Spooner, city commissioners discussed the course of action to fill his position at a Jan. 4 meeting. The…
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January 9, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria hosting candidates’ forum

Anna Maria hosting candidates’ forum

ANNA MARIA – Seeking to fill two vacant city commission seats, Gary McMullen and Kathleen Morgan are scheduled to participate in a candidate forum on Thursday, Jan. 11 at Anna Maria City Hall. The f…
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January 9, 2024
By Joe Hendricks
Ferry service launches Friday

Ferry service launches Friday

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service is scheduled to launch and make its first stop at the Anna Maria City Pier on Friday, Jan. 12. The first ferry trip to Bradenton Beach remains…
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January 1, 2024
By Jason Schaffer
Police chase on and off the Island ends with crash

Police chase on, off Island ends in crash

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested a man after he allegedly battered an Uber driver, stole his vehicle and crashed it into light poles. At about 12:18 a.m…
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January 1, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site

Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site

BRADENTON BEACH – Shortly after the Dec. 7 city commission approval of a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail complex on the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South, demolition began on the f…
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January 1, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Mangroves removed before protective barrier installed

Mangroves removed before protective barrier installed

ANNA MARIA – More than three weeks after the removal of mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, a required protective water barrier was placed at the site, according to neighbors. The Florida Department of Env…
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January 1, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Person of the Year: John Stevely

Person of the Year: John Stevely a force for nature

CORTEZ – Habitat preservation is thriving in Cortez due in large part to the commitment of the late John Stevely. A founding member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and an earl…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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