Nesting News

BRADENTON - The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) discussed the status of the new water ferry service and the possibility of adding a third ferry on April 15. The Gulf Islands Ferry service began in January with two boats stopping at the Bradenton Beach Pier, the Anna...

BRADENTON - A visit to Manatee County could soon cost tourists more, as the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted unanimously to recommend raising the county’s tourism tax from 5% to 6% at its April 15 meeting. The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee County Commission, which...

ANNA MARIA - Research Data Services’ Anne Wittine presented her upbeat state of tourism report to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on April 15. Wittine’s report featured the latest available statistics related to the tourism industry in Manatee County from February 2024 compared to February 2023. Total...

LONGBOAT KEY – The mayors of the three Anna Maria Island cities and Longboat Key are considering making a joint application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to obtain local control over mangrove regulations. The discussion took place at the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials...

LONGBOAT KEY – Members of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials (BIEO) discussed the proposed new Longboat Pass Bridge on April 17. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One has initiated a project development and environment study for SR 789 (Gulf Drive/Gulf of Mexico Drive) from...

BRADENTON BEACH – After city officials put a halt to what they said was the unpermitted operation of a new bar at the Bradenton Beach Marina in March, building official Darin Cushing said the proper approval process is now underway. On March 25, the Marina Facebook page announced...

BRADENTON – Kelly Hunt grew up on Anna Maria Island and her Island-inspired creative designs appear on a line of beach towels now sold at 68 Bealls Florida stores statewide. Hunt now lives in Bradenton with her husband, Courtland, and their son Kellan, and her parents, Scott and...

Tarpon season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in local waters. While I’ve encountered tarpon occasionally most every month of the year, April through July is the time ardent anglers turn their sights to these beautiful fish. Their arrival in numbers worth pursuing...

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Charles “Chuck” Lester’s legacy of philanthropy and friendship is being remembered on Anna Maria Island following his passing on April 19 at the age of 92. “I have nothing but great feelings for Chuck. I have such admiration and respect for a life well-lived,”...

MANATEE COUNTY – County voters will ultimately determine whether former Chief of Staff Scott Farrington or recent gubernatorial appointee James Satcher serves as Manatee County’s next supervisor of elections. Farrington and Satcher are expected to square off in the Republican primary election that concludes on Aug. 20. If no...

HOLMES BEACH – Two cars drove into two neighboring businesses on two separate days last week, followed by a crash into a crosswalk signal and pedestrian barrier at the nearby intersection of Marina and Gulf drives. Six people were injured in the accidents, none reported as critical. The first...

ANNA MARIA – Three games into the 8- to 10-year-old youth soccer league at The Center, team Solid Rock Construction is undefeated with three wins. Meanwhile, the Shady Lady Horticultural Services team comes close each week but still looks for their first victory. Just under the Solid Rock...