Community News
July 25, 2023
AMOB enhancements progressing
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) is getting closer to completing several improvements sought for its Bradenton Beach Pier-based restaurant operations.
On July 20, the Bradenton Bea…
July 25, 2023
Christmas in July benefits underprivileged kids
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift In raised $2,350 during Saturday’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser.
Saturday evening’s fundraising efforts included two raffles…
July 17, 2023
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…
July 17, 2023
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…
July 17, 2023
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…
July 17, 2023
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…
July 11, 2023
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…
July 11, 2023
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
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…
July 11, 2023
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…











