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Outdoors, Sea turtles

Where’s Winnie?

Nov 1, 2025 – Leslie Lake
October 14, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Water quality tests in bay require further evaluation

Water quality tests in bay require further evaluation

PALMA SOLA BAY – The month-long pause in horseback riding in Palma Sola Bay and along its north­ern shoreline ended on Oct. 6 and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) has released the results of i…
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October 14, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Suncoast Waterkeeper to sue for pollution of Sarasota Bay

Suncoast Waterkeeper to sue for pollution of Sarasota Bay

SARASOTA – Suncoast Waterkeeper filed a formal Notice of Intent to Sue U.S. Recycling Company on Oct. 3 for alleged ongoing violations of the federal Clean Water Act at its industrial facility locate…
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October 14, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Rules change regarding derelict vessels

Rules change regarding derelict vessels

“Derelict” boats in local waters have been a problem that I’ve been questioned about over the years. Being on the water myself for almost four decades, it’s been disheartening to see the numbers of…
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October 14, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Stone crab harvesting begins this week

Stone crab harvesting begins this week

CORTEZ – The stone crab harvest begins on Oct. 15, when traps can legally be pulled from the water. Commercial crabbers handle the bulk of the annual harvest, but for those recreational fishers who…
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October 9, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Trails, bridges being completed at FISH Preserve

Trails, bridges being completed at FISH Preserve

Trails and bridges to connect the east and west sides of the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve are nearing completion. Land­scape architect Allen Garner, who completed much of…
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October 6, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Volunteers clean up Egmont Key

Volunteers clean up Egmont Key

Egmont Key, located just north of Anna Maria at the mouth of Tampa Bay, has a rich and diverse history. For centuries, it was a landmark for native peoples and Spanish explorers on Florida’s Gulf coa…
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October 6, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Turtle Watch Wednesday set for Oct. 22

Turtle Watch Wednesday set for Oct. 22

HOLMES BEACH – The Sixth Annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraising event for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will be on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Hurricane…
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September 28, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Fishing and other lessons

Fishing and other lessons

Lately it seems I’m constantly reminded how our experiences growing up mold us into the kind of people we become. The lack of respect for the environment that sustains us emphasizes just how importan…
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September 28, 2025
By Leslie Lake
Sea turtles break nesting record

Sea turtles break nesting record

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is reporting a record number of sea turtle nests this year, beating 2019’s record of 543 by one nest. The crop of hatchlin…
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September 22, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
An anniversary of resilience

An anniversary of resilience

When Hurricane Helene struck the Anna Maria Island com­munities on Sept. 26, 2024, it brought with it a storm surge and level of destruction that the area hasn’t witnessed since 1921 when the Tampa B…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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