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March 25, 2026 | Leslie Lake | Featured

Public hearing held for proposed Longboat Pass Bridge construction

Bradenton Beach officials are concerned that FDOT’s plans to replace the existing Longboat Pass Bridge drawbridge with a higher fixed-span bridge will negatively impact traffic flow.

Community News

Anna Maria | Anna Maria Island | Bradenton Beach | Cortez | Holmes Beach | Manatee County | Schools | West Manatee Fire Rescue
March 19, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

DeSantis signs legislation that seeks to prevent proposed cruise port

BRADENTON – During Thursday’s press conference held at the Pier 22 restaurant in Bradenton, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the dredging prohibitions contained in Senate Bill 302 and the matching companion bill recently adopted by the Florida House of Representatives. During the March 19 press conference, DeSantis, FDEP Secretary Alexis Lambert, State Senator Jim Boyd and State Representative Will Robinson Jr. each said the new state law will prevent the dredging needed to construct an…
    March 17, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    West Manatee Fire Rescue officals address special election results and costs

    ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On March 10, voters in the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR) rejected the fire district’s request to levy a new millag…
    March 17, 2026 | Sun staff

    City revising condominium milestone inspection ordinance 

    The state’s milestone inspection requirements pertain to condo buildings with three or more habitable stories.
    March 17, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    City seeks proposals for potential City Pier building wall removals

    On Thursday, March 12, Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Mark Short and city staff to seek Invitation to Build proposals fro…
    March 11, 2026 | Leslie Lake

    Milestone condo inspection ordinance presented

    City commissioners approved the first reading of a city ordinance that pertains to state-mandated milestone condominium inspections.
    March 10, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Voters reject West Manatee Fire and Rescue property tax request

    West Manatee Fire and Rescue district voters rejected the fire district’s request to levy a millage rate-based property tax.
    March 10, 2026 | Leslie Lake

    City commissioners extend CRA through 2047

    Bradenton Beach city commissioners extended the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency through 2047.

      Entertainment

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

      Roser Guild hosts fundraising fashion show

      The models posed for a group photo before the fashion show started. – Lance Roy | Sun

      Island Players discover love ‘The Second Time Around’

      Samuel and Laura’s shared apartment becomes increasingly crowded as the romantic tale unfolds. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

      Parade celebrates the Island’s St. Patty’s Day spirit

      The Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade featured two camels. – Lance Roy | Sun

        Outdoors

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

        Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

        Instructor Jim Cannon introduced the casting clinic students to the fly-casting fundamentals. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

        Reel Time: Remembering Captain Zach

        Captain James “Zach” Zacharias was a staunch lover and defender of fishing and the habitat that supported it. – Facebook | Submitted

        Reel Time on The Road: Fishing the Chass

        Captain Rick Grassett admired the 33-inch snook he caught and released. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

          Business

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

          Hidden issues in your future home

          Non-commercially-rented beach cabanas still allowed in coastal conservation zones

          Non-commercially-rented beach tents and cabanas are still allowed where rented cabanas and tents are not. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

          The thaw has begun

            Sports

            Football | Soccer

            City to install guideline signs at pickleball courts

            The pickleball court at Lou Barolo Park is one of two city parks that will have signs installed with suggested court guidelines. – Leslie Lake | Sun

            CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

            CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

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