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Pedestrians struck while crossing street
Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach

Pedestrians struck while crossing street

May 15, 2023 – Jason Schaffer
May 15, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Non-conforming lot ordinance on hold

Non-conforming lot ordinance on hold

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission is delaying action by a month on a proposed ordinance pertaining to multiple non-conforming lots located on a single property. The commission reached th…
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May 8, 2023
By Leslie Lake
Cortezian breaks state record with backyard pumpkin

Cortezian breaks state record with backyard pumpkin

CORTEZ – What started out as a casual pastime for Cortez resident and backyard farmer Tim Caniff has turned into a serious statewide agriculture record. At 1,039 pounds, Caniff’s great pumpkin – g…
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May 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Proposed vacation rental legislation fails

Proposed vacation rental legislation fails

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature has failed in its efforts to preempt the regulation of short-term vacation rentals to the state. During the 60-day legislative session that concluded on May 5…
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May 8, 2023
By Jason Schaffer
TDC recommends funding for water taxi

TDC recommends funding for water taxi

BRADENTON – Among the many agenda items up for discussion at the April 24 Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting, the soon-to-be operational water taxi service was an issue all TDC…
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May 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Mote Marine Science, Education and Outreach Center opens

Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center opens

ANNA MARIA – The Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center on the City Pier is now open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The long-awaited Mote facility opened Friday, May 5…
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May 8, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Bradenton Beach’s paid parking efforts continue

Bradenton Beach’s paid parking efforts continue

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is moving forward with its plan to implement a paid parking program as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans to issue an RFP seeking bids from interested paid park…
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May 5, 2023
By Rodney Kwiatkowski

Fireside Chats: Chatting about Mother’s Day…and safety

Someone once said, “Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” In recognition of all mothers, for all they’ve given and sacrificed for us, West Manatee Fire Rescue District offers thre…
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May 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Vacation rental bills reach final votes

Vacation rental bills reach final votes

ANNA MARIA – Local governments, including those on Anna Maria Island, are in danger of losing their ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals at the local level. Using a contracted lobbyist…
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May 1, 2023
By SUN contributor

City seeks Seaside Gardens residents’ input

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are considering a proposal to allow property owners in Seaside Garden to raise their homes above the FEMA base flood elevation height to help save the homes from rising se…
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May 1, 2023
By Joe Hendricks
Latest Reimagining Pine Avenue bid rejected

Latest Reimagining Pine Avenue bid rejected

ANNA MARIA – The City Commission rejected the latest single bid received to install new sidewalks along both sides of Pine Avenue on April 27. The mayor and commissioners now hope to use state fun…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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