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Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some
Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured

Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some

May 4, 2020 – Joe Hendricks
May 4, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
More details emerge on COVID-19 nursing home deaths

More details emerge on COVID-19 nursing home deaths

MANATEE COUNTY – The Braden River Rehabilitation Center and the Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center rank among the highest in Florida in COVID-19 deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilitie…
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April 30, 2020
By SUN contributor

What to expect on Monday at the beaches

Manatee County officials today announced details to manage crowds amidst several ongoing construction projects on Anna Maria Island ahead of public beaches opening on Monday. “There are multiple c…
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April 30, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Governor's reopening plan allows sit-down dining, but not bars or vacation rentals

DeSantis: Restaurants, retail can open; vacation rentals cannot

TALLAHASSEE – Vacation rentals must remain shuttered while restaurants and retail stores can partially open under phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new plan to reopen Florida’s economy. Set forth in…
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April 28, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County beaches reopening Monday

Manatee County beaches reopening Monday

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County’s public beaches will reopen Monday morning. During today’s emergency county commission meeting, Manatee County Commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of reopening the…
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April 27, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Pier lease bids to be discussed at special meeting

Pier lease bids to be discussed at special meeting

ANNA MARIA – The details contained in the two pier lease bid proposals opened in early April are expected to be made public at a special city commission meeting on Wednesday, May 6 at 2 p.m. Thad…
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April 27, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

Building moratorium expires this week

ANNA MARIA – The 60-day emergency building moratorium enacted on March 4 will expire on Wednesday, May 6. The Anna Maria City Commission reached this decision with a 3-2 vote during the commission…
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April 25, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Two long-term care facilities in Manatee County reported more than 100 COVID-19 cases

Two long-term care facilities in Manatee County report more than 100 COVID-19 cases

MANATEE COUNTY – Two nursing homes in Manatee County owned by the same company accounted for more than 100 reported COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, April 21, according to Dr. Jennifer Bencie. Bencie…
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April 24, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
Manatee County increases COVID-19 testing capacities

Manatee County increases COVID-19 testing capacities

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County residents now have access to six COVID-19 test sites and more test kits are now available. On Tuesday, county commissioners authorized County Administrator Cheri Co…
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April 22, 2020
By Joe Hendricks
County officials trying to address testing shortages

County officials trying to address testing shortages

MANATEE COUNTY – County officials and the Manatee County Health Department are trying to address a critical shortage of (COVID-19) specimen collection kits. On Tuesday, Manatee County Commissioner…
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April 22, 2020
By Joe Hendricks

COVID-19 claims former county commissioner

MANATEE COUNTY – Former County Commissioner Gwendolyn Brown passed away last week due to COVID-19. Brown was Manatee County’s first black county commissioner and the county’s first black commissio…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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