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No swim zone implemented after Bean Point drowning
Anna Maria, Community News

No swim zone implemented after Bean Point drowning

Sep 3, 2025 – Joe Hendricks
September 1, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Island candidates qualify for fall election cycle

Island candidates qualify for fall election cycle

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The qualifying period for city commission and mayoral candidates on Anna Maria Island ended on Aug. 29 at noon and there will be only one contested city commission race in the upc…
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September 1, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Island mayors receive OPPAGA study-related letter

Island mayors receive OPPAGA study-related letter

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On Aug. 28, the three Anna Maria Island mayors received an OPPAGA-related letter from State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) and State Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton). Addressed…
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August 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Buddy Lee’s grave marker returned

Buddy Lee’s grave marker returned

BRADENTON BEACH – The hurricane-displaced grave marker for an infamous and beloved Bradenton Beach dog, Buddy Lee, was re­cently discovered on Egmont Key and returned to his former owner and “dog mom…
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August 27, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Kapok tree removed due to weather impacts

Kapok tree removed due to weather impacts

ANNA MARIA – A massive kapok tree transported and trans­planted at a residential property in the 700 block of North Shore Drive in April 2024 was recently removed and replaced due the weather conditi…
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August 26, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Haddox departs Planning and Zoning Board

Haddox departs Planning and Zoning Board

ANNA MARIA – Planning and Zon­ing Board Chairperson David Haddox vacated his advisory board seat after the board’s Aug. 20 meeting. Haddox and his wife, Marsha McAl­lister, sold their Anna Maria hom…
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August 26, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria considers approving paid parking lot

Anna Maria considers approving paid parking lot

ANNA MARIA – There may soon be a new paid public parking lot in Anna Maria for beachgoers and other visitors. On Aug. 14, the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 in favor of recommending…
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August 25, 2025
By Leslie Lake
City defends attorney, invoices

City defends attorney, invoices

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie, city commissioners and Police Chief John Cosby responded to criticism of post-hurricane invoices submitted by City Attorney Ricinda Perry at an Aug. 21 commissio…
August 25, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Former building official blamed for ‘screwed-up mess’

Former building official blamed for ‘screwed-up mess’

BRADENTON BEACH – With 85% of a building project completed under a 2024 city permit, a stop work order was issued at 106 23rd St. N. by city Building Official Bill Palmer, who said the prior permit w…
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August 25, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
General Store burglary suspect released on bond

General Store burglary suspect released on bond

ANNA MARIA – After being arrested on Aug. 18 for allegedly burglarizing the Anna Ma­ria General Store earlier that morning, 24-year-old former Holmes Beach resident Leonardo “Leo” Tilelli was release…
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August 25, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Beach cabana rental rules may change

Beach cabana rental rules may change

ANNA MARIA – No final decisions have been made, but the mayor and commissioners are considering allowing beach cabana rentals in some public beach areas and not allowing them in others. Current city…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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