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June 22, 2026 | Leslie Lake | Featured

Seafood Shack property to be used as Cortez Bridge construction staging area 

The construction company contracted by FDOT to build the new Cortez Bridge wants to use the former Seafood Shack property as a staging area.

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June 15, 2026 | Leslie Lake

Cortez Bridge construction expected to begin in September 

CORTEZ – The long-awaited construction of the new Cortez Bridge is anticipated to start near the beginning of September, according to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesperson Ethan Purvis.  “The current work activities near the bridge are related to Manatee County Utilities’ underground water main crossing, which is to be completed prior to bridge construction,” Purvis wrote in a June 10 email to The Sun.  In that Manatee County project, sewer and water pipes are bein…
    June 15, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Diggins and Zaccagnino seek Holmes Beach mayor’s seat

    Dan Diggins and David Zaccagnino are running in the Holmes Beach mayor’s race and Carol Whitmore, Mark Hebden and John Azzata are running for the two…
    June 15, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Second Avenue debate continues 

    The potential redirection or restriction of Second Avenue traffic was discussed again during the June 9 Holmes Beach City Commission meeting.
    June 15, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Anna Maria Commission approves Waste Pro agreement

    Effective July 1, Waste Pro will replace Waste Management as the city of Anna Maria’s collector of trash, recycling and yard waste.
    June 14, 2026 | Rodney Kwiatkowski

    The reunion every firefighter hopes for

    BRADENTON – Five days after fighting for his life following a near-drowning incident at a northwest Bradenton vacation rental home, 7-year-old Lucas…
    June 10, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    AMI friends say farewell to Joey Lester

    The Island lost a dear friend with the recent passing of JoAnn “Joey” Lester. 
    June 10, 2026 | Joe Hendricks

    Anna Maria code enforcement manager placed on administrative leave

    ANNA MARIA – Code Enforcement Manager Tom Collins was recently placed on paid administrative leave and an investigation was initiated regarding his a…

      Entertainment

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      Island Players bid farewell to beloved director and actor

      In 2025, Valerie Lipscomb and Jim Thaggard starred in “Death by Design.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

      Beach Nutz

      Learn about sea turtles at weekly Turtle Talks

      Turtle Watch volunteer Peggy Welch discussed sea turtle nesting habits. – Leslie Lake | Sun

        Outdoors

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

        Courtesy: It’s only common sense

        A school of tarpon moves along the beaches of Anna Maria.- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

        Game-changing trolling motors

        The new Power-Pole Move PV features a digital readout right on the housing and indicator lights on the head to provide anglers with all the information they need with a glance allowing them to concentrate on catching fish. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

        Profiles In Conservation: John Kolojeski

        John Kolojeski listened to scientists from the Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay estuary programs speak during the Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee’s partner workshop in April. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

          Business

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

          We’re in hurricane season – better read your insurance policy

          Gloria Dei rezoning application submitted 

          The draft concept plan submitted to the city indicates 11 potential residential lots. – Grimes Galvano | Submitted

          Does your family have a pot of gold?

            Sports

            Football | Soccer

            Skim competition returns to Anna Maria

            The One Love AMI Skim Competition took place in Anna Maria. – The Center | Submitted

            Team Cablish & Gentile wins chamber golf tournament

            LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air owner Karen LaPensee tossed the bright green golf balls out of the hovering helicopter and one landed in the cup. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

            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

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