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FDEP educates officials on mangroves
Environment, Outdoors

FDEP educates officials on mangroves

Jun 25, 2024 – SUN contributor
June 19, 2024
By Leslie Lake

Loggerhead, least tern nests weather heavy rains

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Both loggerhead sea turtle and least tern nests fared well during last week’s heavy rains, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. “The storm was pr…
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June 19, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Sea Turtle Conservancy to release turtle

Sea Turtle Conservancy to release turtle

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Sea Turtle Conservancy plans to release a satellite-tagged loggerhead sea turtle after it nests on Anna Maria Island as part of the annual Tour de Turtles event. The release…
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June 17, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Coast Guard investigates tour boat striking bridge

Coast Guard investigates tour boat striking bridge

LONGBOAT PASS – What began as a leisurely sunset boat ride turned into a frightening experience for a family of tourists on June 9. In a lengthy Facebook post, Georgia resident Stephanie Bridges wro…
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June 11, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Brigadoon

Brigadoon

The legend of Brigadoon is the story of a mythical village in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a tale of a place that became enchanted long ago and has remained unchanged and invisible to the outside wor…
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June 11, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Least tern numbers increasing

Least tern numbers increasing

BRADENTON BEACH – A colony of least terns is continuing to grow and now has 36 birds with 20 of those sitting on eggs in the sand. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring has been wa…
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June 4, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Vote water

Vote water

Readers of this column are well aware of the critical state of our coastal waters in Manatee County and beyond. The Dapis (lyngbya) blooms that have persisted from 2020 to this year have brought the…
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May 28, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

FWC announces 2024 Lionfish Challenge

If you’re a diver, you’ve seen first-hand how lionfish invade the reefs and threaten the balance that sustains many offshore species. You’ve probably also heard of the Lionfish Challenge, an opportun…
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May 28, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Least tern colony thriving on beach

Least tern colony thriving on beach

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reports that a colony of least terns on the beach is thriving. As of May 24, there are 15 birds on nests and 29 individuals…
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May 21, 2024
By Leslie Lake
Turtle, bird nesting seasons in full swing

Turtle, bird nesting seasons in full swing

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Kristen Mazzarella said the past week has been a strong one for local sea turtles and shorebirds. “There was a great increase in the…
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May 21, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Carpe diem

Carpe diem

The sound wasn’t exactly deafening but it enveloped me as I stepped out of the car at the boat ramp. Located on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell, an impoundment of the Savannah River, the fore…
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April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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