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Tampa Bay Marine selected to build City Pier walkway
Anna Maria, Community News

Tampa Bay Marine selected to build City Pier walkway

Oct 6, 2025 – Joe Hendricks
September 30, 2025
By Leslie Lake
City approves structure as non-compliant use

City approves structure as non-compliant use

BRADENTON BEACH – Following discussions that spanned several city commission meetings, commissioners tentatively approved a separate but attached structure at 106 23rd St. N. as a non-compliant use a…
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September 29, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
County's pier ferry landing concept meets city resistance

County’s pier ferry landing concept meets city resistance

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commissioners strongly oppose Manatee County’s latest concept for the installation of a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the soon-to-be-built Anna Maria City Pier…
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September 29, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
New signs address Bean Point swimming risks

New signs address Bean Point swimming risks

ANNA MARIA – The “No Swim­ming, Dangerous Currents” signs recently installed at Bean Point have been replaced by new signs that say, “Warning. Dangerous Currents. Swim at Your Own Risk. No Lifeguards…
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September 29, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach candidates participate in candidate forum

Holmes Beach candidates participate in candidate forum

HOLMES BEACH – City Commission candidates Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek partici­pated in a candidate forum hosted by The Anna Maria Island Sun on Sept. 24. Oelfke, Sc…
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September 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Court ruling allows openly carried guns in public places

Court ruling allows openly carried guns in public places

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A recent court ruling now allows rifles, shotguns, holstered sidearms and other firearms to be openly carried in public throughout Florida, with certain exceptions, prompting wide…
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September 23, 2025
By SUN contributor
Holmes Beach commissioner reflects on hurricane damage, recovery

Holmes Beach commissioner reflects on hurricane damage, recovery

One year after Hurricane Helene struck Anna Maria Island, longtime Holmes Beach resident and City Commissioner Carol Soustek shares her thoughts on the damage and displacement that she, her home, her…
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September 23, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
2024 hurricanes revisited; two piers remain closed

2024 hurricanes revisited; two piers remain closed

ANNA MARIA – One year ago, Hurricanes Helene and Milton inundated Anna Maria Island, destroying two iconic piers, leaving only the Bradenton Beach pier standing. On Sept. 26, Helene inflicted signif…
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September 23, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Bradenton Beach resident prepared after 2024 storms

Bradenton Beach resident prepared after 2024 storms

BRADENTON BEACH – Thirty two-year Gulf Drive resident Lynne Budzinski did not leave her home during the 2024 hurricanes, but this year she is well-prepared to do so if necessary. Budzinski, who has…
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September 19, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Perry retires as Bradenton Beach city attorney

Perry retires as Bradenton Beach city attorney

BRADENTON BEACH – Ricinda Perry’s 21-year tenure as Bradenton Beach city attorney came to an end on Sept. 18 when she announced her immediate retirement at a city commission meeting. She made the an…
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September 18, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
City officials appreciate county joining SB 180 lawsuit

City officials appreciate county joining SB 180 lawsuit

HOLMES BEACH – The city is not joining the Senate Bill 180 lawsuit but city officials appreciate the Manatee County Commission’s recent decision to do so. On Sept. 2, county commis­sioners voted 6-1…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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