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Bean Point ‘no swim’ zone proposed
Anna Maria, Community News

Bean Point ‘no swim’ zone proposed

Aug 19, 2025 – Joe Hendricks
August 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Man accused of manslaughter now facing drug charges

Man accused of manslaughter now facing drug charge

CORTEZ – Ian Douglas, accused of manslaughter in the July 29 Baypointe Terrace shooting death of his father, Andrew “Drew” Douglas, is now facing a felony drug charge following a search of his home…
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August 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Cities losing authority to regulate artificial turf lawns

Cities losing authority to regulate artificial turf lawns

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s ability to prohibit artificial turf in front lawns and require artificial turf permits will soon be eliminated by a new state law. The law was created by the Florida Legisl…
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August 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Girl Scout’s project aids turtles, beachgoers

Girl Scout’s project aids turtles, beachgoers

HOLMES BEACH – Intended to reduce beach debris and assist sea turtle hatchlings, the new “beach toy borrow box” at the 68th Street beach access is the work of 16-year-old Girl Scout, Lakewood Ranch r…
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August 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Two water-related deaths reported off Anna Maria

Two water-related deaths reported off Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA – Two men died in separate water-related incidents off Anna Maria on Aug. 9, according to Sgt. Brett Getman, leader of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit. When con…
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August 12, 2025
By Sun staff

Sun staffers earn first place awards

Two Anna Maria Island Sun staffers brought home first place awards in the 2025 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest. Steve Borggren won first place in the Original Local Editorial Cart…
August 12, 2025
By Leslie Lake
CRA members discuss 2025-26 budget

CRA members discuss 2025-26 budget

BRADENTON BEACH – Com­munity Redevelopment Agency members discussed the proposed 2025-26 budget of $2,231,070 at a work meeting on Aug. 6 in prepara­tion for the next steps in the budget process – tw…
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August 12, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Holmes Beach clarifying dock, mooring regulations

Holmes Beach clarifying dock, mooring regulations

HOLMES BEACH – Director of Development Services Chad Minor presented planning com­missioners with a draft version of a new docking and mooring ordinance to review during their Aug. 6 meeting. When p…
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August 5, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Florida DOGE auditing Manatee County

Florida DOGE auditing Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Government Ef­ficiency (DOGE) is auditing Manatee County’s finances. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the audit during his July 24 visit to Bra­denton, during w…
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August 5, 2025
By Joe Hendricks
Anna Maria Elementary speed zone cameras installed

Anna Maria Elementary speed zone cameras installed

HOLMES BEACH – Prior to the start of the new school year on Monday, Aug. 11, new speed zone cameras have been installed near Anna Maria Elementary school. According to Police Chief Bill Tokajer, the…
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August 4, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Appeal hearing held on Bungalow Beach Resort parking

Appeal hearing held on Bungalow Beach Resort parking

BRADENTON BEACH – Attorneys for Luper Enterprises and the city of Bradenton Beach presented their opposing cases at a July 29 appeal hearing of a city commission’s deci­sion banning resort fee-based…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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