Opinion
August 27, 2024
Letter to the Editor: Thanks for voting
I would like to do a big “shout out” to all the islanders that showed what passion and dedication can do; how a community can rally together, put political differences aside and come together for a c…
August 27, 2024
Editorial: Fresh air
The red stripes on the American flag are intended to remind us of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces who died to enable us to – among other things – get a good education and vote.
A…
August 5, 2024
Letter to the Editor: Open letter to the governor
Dear Gov. DeSantis,
I am a lifelong Republican and a 20+ year Manatee County, Florida resident. I have always supported you and your policies – until recently.
It greatly troubled me when you appoi…
July 23, 2024
Letter to the Editor: Preserve our neighborhoods
We inadvertently became involved with city issues a decade ago. We attended almost every Holmes Beach Commission meeting and work session for several years. We have attended some Anna Maria, Manatee…
July 17, 2024
Cleanup in aisle 3
To err is human, the old axiom goes, and we Republicans proved ourselves all too human in 2020 when we put Kevin Van Ostenbridge (KVO) on the Manatee County Board of Commissioners (commission). Now…
July 17, 2024
Editorial: Common sense
The right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment. It’s a long-held Constitutional right cherished by Americans and is the foundation of a free press.
The vandals who took over the Capito…
July 17, 2024
Editorial: All’s fair in politics and party affiliation
Interim Manatee County Supervisor of Elections James Satcher thinks voters who switch their party affili ation to participate in closed primary races are engaging in “election interference.”
Satcher…
June 10, 2024
Letter to the Editor: Fond farewell
I was saddened to hear that Mayor Dan Murphy had decided not to run for reelection. But only for a minute, because I quickly realized how fortunate Anna Maria has been to have him as mayor for the pa…
June 4, 2024
Letter to the Editor: Chamber extends thanks for golf tournament aid
On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, we extend a big “thank you” to the many golfers, sponsors, prize donors, business vendors and volunteers at our 25th Annual Golf Tournament for…
June 4, 2024
Editorial: Signed palm tree agreement better late than never
The now-signed maintenance, indemnification and hold harmless agreement for the flawed Bridge Street coconut palm tree planting project lists April 1 as the project commencement date, which fittingly…









