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May 12, 2026 | Leslie Lake | Featured

Commission chooses police department over sheriff’s office 

The Bradenton Beach City Commission decided to retain the Bradenton Beach Police Department and discontinue the discussions about the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office possibly serving as the city’s co…

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Anna Maria | Anna Maria Island | Bradenton Beach | Cortez | Holmes Beach | Manatee County | Schools | West Manatee Fire Rescue
May 6, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

Sheriff’s office proposal for Bradenton Beach law enforcement to be discussed, livestreamed Thursday morning

BRADENTON BEACH – On Thursday, May 7, at 10 a.m., the Bradenton Beach City Commission will conduct a special city commission meeting to discuss the $1.35 million proposal received from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to potentially provide the city’s law enforcement services beginning Oct. 1. If the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is contracted to provide the city’s law enforcement services, the Bradenton Beach Police Department would eventually be dissolved. Thursday morning’s specia…
    May 5, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Rezoning request anticipated for Gloria Dei property

    HOLMES BEACH – Preliminary discussions have occurred regarding the possible rezoning of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property for residential devel…
    May 5, 2026 | Leslie Lake

    Pines’ ownership group declines residents’ retention proposal 

    BRADENTON BEACH – An April 10 proposal submitted by the Pines Trailer Park homeowners for the long-term retention of the mobile park was declined by…
    May 5, 2026 | SUN contributor

    “Boston Rick’s” life celebrated

    By Tracy Eckert Special to The Sun ANNA MARIA ISLAND – When you think of Boston, you might immediately think of the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Tea…
    April 29, 2026 | SUN contributor

    Richard “Boston” J. Burnes Jr.

    With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard “Boston,” J. Burnes Jr., 66, of Anna Maria, Florida, on April 7, 2026. He is survived by And…
    April 28, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Majority of Bradenton Beach Police Officers oppose unionization

    On Monday, April 27, six Bradenton Beach police officers informed the mayor and city commission, in writing, that they would vote against unionizing…
    April 28, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Satos join Seymour in City Pier lease partnership 

     ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission has authorized Mayor Mark Short to negotiate the potential lease of the larger City Pier building to Bri…

      Entertainment

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      Sports Lounge continues Kentucky Derby Day tradition

      Ryan Talbert, Courtney McGough, Sandy Ziros, Sarah Santos and Tammi McCoy in the “winner’s circle” after Ziros and McCoy received their race-winning payouts. – Sports Lounge | Submitted

      Beach Nutz

      Annual picnic brings Cortez community together

      Attendees had a wide variety of food to choose from. – Leslie Lake | Sun

        Outdoors

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

        Black skimmer colony gathering in Bradenton Beach

        This black skimmer was one of more than 100 seen gathering in Bradenton Beach. – Kathy Doddridge | Submited

        The Apex of Angling: Part 2

        Mike Adno scans for tarpon on a flat in Charlotte Harbor. Fly-fishing for tarpon is a team sport. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

        Sea turtle nesting season begins

        This sea turtle model is part of AMI Turtle Watch’s educational efforts. – Leslie Lake | Sun

          Business

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

          Body & Sol reopens in Anna Maria

          Body & Sol’s reopening celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony. – Submitted

          Is Florida still growing?

          Bortell’s Lounge closed for renovations

          Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria will be closed for several months. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

            Sports

            Football | Soccer

            Pat Carlucci discusses ‘Baseball in Paradise’

            Anna Maria Island Historical Society board member Carolyn Orshak visited with Pat Carlucci during his book signing at the museum. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

            CENTER SCOREBOARD: Reel Coastal Properties claims flag football title

            Reel Coastal Properties won the The Center’s flag football championship. – The Center | Submitted

            Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

            Lori Waggoner won the Key Royale Club’s match play tournament. – KRC | Submitted

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