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Community News

Community News, Featured, West Manatee Fire Rescue

Fire department changing rules for vacation rentals

Jul 25, 2023 – SUN contributor
July 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
County water taxis arrive

County water taxis arrive

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s two newly-built water taxis have arrived and negotiations continue between the county and the city of Anna Maria regarding the City Pier being used as a water taxi stop…
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July 17, 2023
By SUN contributor

Group disputes county claim that drinking water remains safe

MANATEE COUNTY – A blue-green algae outbreak reported last week at Lake Manatee, the county’s primary drinking water reservoir, has prompted a local water quality watchdog group to question Manatee C…
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July 17, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
City hopes to incentivize permanent residents

City hopes to incentivize permanent residents

ANNA MARIA – City officials are exploring the possibility of using grants and other incentives to attract and retain full-time residents. City Commissioner Charlie Salem first proposed the idea du…
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July 17, 2023
By SUN contributor
Holmes Beach City Hall

Mayor seeks millage rate reduction

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth has tasked department heads to “sharpen their pencils” to reduce budget requests in order to try to lower the millage rate, giving a break to taxpayers. During a…
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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
Marina appeals Hunters Point dock ruling

Marina appeals Hunters Point dock ruling

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Marina ownership group is appealing a recent Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) governing board ruling that permits the construction of 49 residential do…
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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July 11, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Water main back in service

Water main back in service

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The water main that broke on the Manatee Avenue Bridge on June 19 is back in service, Manatee County officials say. As work ensued on the broken pipe, another pipe continued to…
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July 10, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
New mural adorns Island Branch Library

New mural adorns Island Branch Library

HOLMES BEACH – Heads are turning as people drive past the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, after the recent addition of a colorful mural that stretches the length of the west side of the lib…
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July 10, 2023
By SUN contributor
Sundown town label struck down

Sundown town label struck down

HOLMES BEACH – According to a college website dedicated to social justice, Anna Maria Island’s largest city is open to all visitors, but only during the day. The History and Social Justice website j…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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