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February 4, 2026 | Leslie Lake | Featured

City commission approves acting building official

Robert Perry has been named acting Bradenton Beach building official following Bill Palmer’s recent resignation.

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February 5, 2026 | Leslie Lake

“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out

The Cortez Village Historical Society rolled out the “It Takes a Village” initiative that promotes protecting Sarasota Bay.
    February 5, 2026 | SUN contributor

    City creates bus stop for Anna Maria Elementary student

    The Anna Maria Public Works Department installed a school bus stop for Vivian Rose Geller.
    February 5, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Commissioners debate past Gloria Dei purchase offer

    On Jan. 27, city commissioners engaged in an impromptu discussion about the currently vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property last used for church…
    February 4, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Old Wells Fargo bank building to be demolished

    Anna Maria Island businessman Jake Spooner now plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive and b…
    January 28, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Trolley grants awarded to Island, Cortez non-profits

    The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 17 non-profit organizations from Anna Maria Island and Cortez.
    January 27, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Clean Water Committee’s reusable bags arrive

    The Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee’s “Hard Pass On Plastics” free reusable bags are available at various locations in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Long…
    January 23, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    AMI Garden Club wants to spruce up beach accesses

    The Anna Maria Island Club seeks $1,000 donations to help beautify the beach access points in Holmes Beach.

      Entertainment

      Beach Nutz | Clubs | Events | Festivals | Food | Markets | Museums | Music | Parades | Theater

      Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates past and present 

      “Boat to Market” is this year’s festival theme. – FISH | Submitted

      Seafood and music festival provided weekend fun

      Octopus was among the seafood served during the festival. – Lance Roy | Sun

      The Wailers bring reggae joy and harmony to Anna Maria

      The Wailers put on a stellar show at The Center. – Joe

        Outdoors

        Birds | Coast Lines | Environment | Fishing | Parks | Reel Time

        The Cruise Port: A Cautionary Tale

        In this aerial view of Rattlesnake Key, the inserted black arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed cruise ship port. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

        “It Takes a Village” initiative connects Cortez’s working waterfront, Sarasota Bay

        The “It Takes a Village” initiative will be introduced on Saturday, Jan. 31. CVHS | Submitted

        Friends of the Pelicans founder outlines hazards to brown pelicans

        Adult brown pelicans have an eight-foot wingspan. – Friends of the Pelicans | Submitted

          Business

          Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce | Castles in the Sand | Retail | Restaurants | Bars | Real estate | Development | Tourism

          Where did my parents’ Florida go?

          Chili cook-off warms Sports Lounge crowd

          Chili cook-off winners Tim and Danielle Ladner, with General Manager Courtney McGough and her bulldog, Sadie. – Lance Roy | Sun

          Hundreds attend Slicker’s Eatery send-off party

          Bob Slicker pours Jager shots for some friends at the Slicker’s Eatery send-off party. – Leslie Lake | Sun

            Sports

            Football | Soccer

            Key Royale Golf Club scoreboard

            From left, Bruce Christenson, John Hackinson, Bob Rowley led the way during the Men’s President’s Cup tournament. – Key Royale Golf Club | Submitted

            Center Scoreboard: flag football, soccer

            Hole-in-one for MacMillan

            Bill MacMillan scored a hole-in-one at Key Royale Golf Club on Dec. 19. Using his 5-wood on Hole #3, measuring 132 yards, it was his second career hole-in-one. Bill then treated the golfers to traditional beverages. – Key Royale Golf Club | Submitted

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