HomeOpinionEditorialAll the news that's...

All the news that’s fit to print

Not so long ago, this was considered the off season here on the Island. The pace of life was slower. The crush of tourists less crushing. The flow of news often drying up to a trickle.

Not so much anymore.

Just take a look at the headlines. There we find that one Island city is suing its own planning commission for alleged Sunshine Law violations. That may be a first.

Also we see that the controversial Aqua by the Bay project was rejected by county planners. Apparently, the proposal’s 145-foot waterfront skyscrapers were harder to sneak through the process than developers thought.

However, other news makes us particularly proud.

Last week, the Florida Press Association named this little publication the best weekly newspaper of its size in the state. The top newspaper designation was awarded at the trade group’s annual media conference, held this year at the Naples Ritz-Carlton.

Overall, The Sun received 14 awards in the FPA’s Better Weekly Newspaper Contest, including the first-place finish in the Overall General Excellence category for medium-sized weeklies.

One of the contest judges commented, “The paper is chock full of everything … solid, comprehensive coverage of the community … well designed … fun and engaging treatment of every page. I would subscribe to this paper in a heartbeat. Nice work.”

The credit for such honors goes, of course, to The Sun’s wonderfully talented staff. It’s a team effort every week in putting the whole thing together to make a newspaper.

It’s also nice to be recognized by one’s peers. We will do our best to live up to this honor.

Most Popular

More from Author

Government calendar

Anna Maria 10005 Gulf Drive For information, call 941-708-6130 Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact...

Editorial: Strange changes

Anna Maria Island beachgoers lost their beloved fishing pier at Manatee...

TDC considers adding third ferry boat

BRADENTON - The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) discussed the status of the new water ferry service and the possibility of adding a third ferry on April 15. The Gulf Islands Ferry service began in January with two boats stopping at the Bradenton Beach Pier, the Anna...

TDC recommends raising tourist tax

BRADENTON - A visit to Manatee County could soon cost tourists more, as the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted unanimously to recommend raising the county’s tourism tax from 5% to 6% at its April 15 meeting. The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee County Commission, which...

Tourism numbers rise

ANNA MARIA - Research Data Services’ Anne Wittine presented her upbeat state of tourism report to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on April 15. Wittine’s report featured the latest available statistics related to the tourism industry in Manatee County from February 2024 compared to February 2023. Total...

Mayors propose to regulate mangroves

LONGBOAT KEY – The mayors of the three Anna Maria Island cities and Longboat Key are considering making a joint application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to obtain local control over mangrove regulations. The discussion took place at the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials...

Officials discuss state plan to replace Longboat Pass Bridge

LONGBOAT KEY – Members of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials (BIEO) discussed the proposed new Longboat Pass Bridge on April 17. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One has initiated a project development and environment study for SR 789 (Gulf Drive/Gulf of Mexico Drive) from...

Marina bar remains closed

BRADENTON BEACH – After city officials put a halt to what they said was the unpermitted operation of a new bar at the Bradenton Beach Marina in March, building official Darin Cushing said the proper approval process is now underway. On March 25, the Marina Facebook page announced...

Local designer featured at Bealls Florida

BRADENTON – Kelly Hunt grew up on Anna Maria Island and her Island-inspired creative designs appear on a line of beach towels now sold at 68 Bealls Florida stores statewide. Hunt now lives in Bradenton with her husband, Courtland, and their son Kellan, and her parents, Scott and...

Tarpon primer: Part One

Tarpon season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in local waters. While I’ve encountered tarpon occasionally most every month of the year, April through July is the time ardent anglers turn their sights to these beautiful fish. Their arrival in numbers worth pursuing...

Anna Maria Island community remembers philanthropist

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Charles “Chuck” Lester’s legacy of philanthropy and friendship is being remembered on Anna Maria Island following his passing on April 19 at the age of 92. “I have nothing but great feelings for Chuck. I have such admiration and respect for a life well-lived,”...

Farrington resigns, seeks supervisor of elections job

MANATEE COUNTY – County voters will ultimately determine whether former Chief of Staff Scott Farrington or recent gubernatorial appointee James Satcher serves as Manatee County’s next supervisor of elections. Farrington and Satcher are expected to square off in the Republican primary election that concludes on Aug. 20. If no...

Three crashes damage two businesses, one crosswalk signal

HOLMES BEACH – Two cars drove into two neighboring businesses on two separate days last week, followed by a crash into a crosswalk signal and pedestrian barrier at the nearby intersection of Marina and Gulf drives. Six people were injured in the accidents, none reported as critical. The first...

Intuitive Foundation team gives it their all

ANNA MARIA – Three games into the 8- to 10-year-old youth soccer league at The Center, team Solid Rock Construction is undefeated with three wins. Meanwhile, the Shady Lady Horticultural Services team comes close each week but still looks for their first victory. Just under the Solid Rock...