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Trash, recycling collection days changing soon
Anna Maria, Community News

Trash, recycling collection days changing soon

Sep 30, 2025 – Joe Hendricks
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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September 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Sun to host Holmes Beach candidate forum

Sun to host Holmes Beach candidate forum

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Sun will host a Holmes Beach city commission candidate forum at Holmes Beach City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-7:30 p.m., and the public is invited. The fo…
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September 17, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
No millage increase for Holmes Beach property owners

No millage increase for Holmes Beach property owners

HOLMES BEACH – The mayor and city commissioners are maintaining the current 1.99 millage rate rather than increasing it to the maximum 2.1812 millage rate tentatively adopted by a 3-2 vote in late Ju…
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September 17, 2025
By Leslie Lake
BB Attorney Performance

Commissioners to give Perry more time to respond to allegations

BRADENTON BEACH – City Attorney Ricinda Perry maintained at a Sept. 16 work meeting that she was not provided proper notice or adequate time to prepare a response to allegations that she had named Dr…
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September 16, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Bean Point property owners can swim in ‘no swim’ zone

Mayor vetoes Bean Point ‘no swim’ zone ordinance

Story updated 9/20/25 ANNA MARIA – On Sept. 15, Mayor Mark Short vetoed the Bean Point ‘no swim’ zone emergency ordinance unanimously adopted by city commissioners on Sept. 11 that would have allowe…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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