Sun staff writer/photographer covering the environment, tourism and Cortez.

Center reopens

Cindy Lane - July 13, 2020

The Center of Anna Maria Island reopened on Monday, July 13 after two closures due to COVID-19. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7...

Beach renourishment begins

Cindy Lane - July 12, 2020

The 5.5-mile, $17.3 million Anna Maria Island beach renourishment project is underway as of last week, beginning at 78th Street North in Holmes Beach...

Close call for sea turtle trapped in hole

Cindy Lane - July 7, 2020

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - A sea turtle trapped in a hole on the beach is lucky that Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird...

COVID-19 heavily impacting tourism

Cindy Lane - June 15, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has sickened the local tourism industry, but local officials plan to ask the state for a shot in the arm by...

Spike in COVID-19 cases follows reopenings

Cindy Lane - June 15, 2020

Manatee County had the highest spike in COVID-19 cases in a month on Thursday, June 11, with 56 new cases reported by the Florida...