Mayor proposes negotiation, not war, with state legislators
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes communicating rather than waging war with state legislators over parking garages and the potential consolidation or elimination...
County commission to discuss reinstalling Confederate monument
BRADENTON – On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Manatee County Commission will discuss reinstalling a Confederate memorial monument that was removed from its downtown Bradenton...
Community News
Salem appointed to Anna Maria Commission
ANNA MARIA – Charlie Salem now serves in the Anna Maria City Commission seat recently vacated by Carol Carter.
Salem will serve the remaining months...
Confederate monument discussion cancelled
BRADENTON – The Manatee County Commission discussion on the potential restoration of a controversial Confederate monument has been removed from the commission’s Tuesday, Jan....
Entertainment
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 25
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 26
Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive,...
Outdoors
Reel Time: Scallopalooza – Welcome to the Clam Jam
On Saturday night, Feb. 11, Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) will hold its 13th annual major fundraising event, “Scallopalooza: Welcome to The Clam Jam,” at...
Reel Time: Empowering the Next Generation
You don’t have to convince an angler of the importance of a healthy grass flat or a robust stand of mangroves or persuade them...
Business
An island in the sun
I clearly remember traveling to the Caribbean islands when I was still living in the cold northeast and wondering what it would be like...
Tourist tax collections 2022
2022 tourist tax collections compared to 2021
January
Anna Maria ↓ 6%
Bradenton Beach ↑ 37%
Holmes Beach ↑ 40%
Manatee County ↑ 34%
February
Anna Maria ↓ 18%
Bradenton Beach ↑...
Sports
The Center kicks off another flag season
ANNA MARIA – The Center gridirons were buzzing last week with the start of another fun-filled flag football season. With a record number of...
Captain Ron’s Crew wins championship
ANNA MARIA – Bringing weeks of adult fun on The Center’s kickball diamond to a close, the championship game came down to a single...
Opinion
Letter to the Editor: Try ‘park and ride’
My family and I have visited Anna Maria Island for more than 30 years and we have witnessed firsthand how the place is strangling...
Letter to the Editor: Dissolution of AMI cities
The state of Florida appears to have a strong legal argument for the authorization of the founding and dissolution of cities. However, if you...