Outdoors
November 14, 2022
Reel Time: Becoming a blue economy
The title of the program, “Becoming a Blue Economy” at The Center of Anna Maria Island would have been enough to attract my attention. Add the subtitle, “Sustainability Forum,” and even the…
November 7, 2022
Reel Time: Master the basics
Today’s anglers are barraged by the constantly changing “state-of-the-art” innovations in the angling world. Side scan fish finders, spot lock trolling motors and even lures with cameras might improv…
November 1, 2022
FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatees are on the move this time of year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to keep an eye out for the slow-moving mar…
November 1, 2022
Reel Time: Keep an eye out for cobia
As the waters cool in the Tampa Bay region, savvy anglers know it’s time to start looking for cobia in area waters.
These feisty game fish can grow to over 100 pounds, and 50- to 60-poun…
October 25, 2022
Reel Time: Join cleanup, win prizes
Want to get dirty and have a terrific time in the process? Meet like-minded people and go away knowing you’ve left the bay better than you found it? You have the opportunity at this year’s Su…
October 25, 2022
Erosion expected to resolve naturally
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the Island missed a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, the effects of the Sept. 28 storm included beach erosion, primarily on the north end of the Island.
The good ne…
October 25, 2022
DOH warns against feeding wild animals
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Being a small island, AMI’s wildlife and human inhabitants often cross paths, but due to people feeding animals, they are getting to be a little too comfortable with their…
October 25, 2022
Red tide numbers high south of Manatee County
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the waters off Manatee County show only background concentrations of Karenia brevis, the bacteria that causes red tide, some areas to the south are experiencing high…
October 17, 2022
Reel Time: Courtesy – An angler’s rules of the road
Fall fishing is with us and, once again, anglers will be chasing schooling fish along the Gulf beaches. This is a good time to remember the angling “rules of the road” to be sure everyone h…
October 17, 2022
Injured gator captured near Rod & Reel Pier
ANNA MARIA – An injured alligator came ashore near the Rod & Reel Pier on Oct. 8. After being trapped and removed, the gator was later euthanized due to its broken leg.
Dep. Patrick Ma…













