This week on Anna Maria Island: Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026
First responders gather Aug. 22 at Bean Point in Anna Maria following a personal watercraft incident that resulted in the death of a California man. The FWC was investigating. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield
Top Notch pet photo: Sweet Simby
The winner of The Islander’s annual Top Notch pet photo contest is Fran Pike of Bradenton, who took this photo of her cat, Simby, in May. Pike said, “He is such a sweet boy.” Next week, look for Top Notch honorable mentions. Islander Courtesy Photo
Category: 09-02-26, Community, Feature, News, Top Notch 2026
Island responders ready for Labor Day visitor surge
by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to head to Anna Maria Island for the Labor Day weekend, prompting local […]
2 HB candidates ramp up spending
by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
Two of Holmes Beach’s five political candidates were pacing the field early in campaign spending. Mayoral candidate Dan Diggins and […]
Anna Maria restricts canopies with new beach regulations
by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
The race is on to secure agreements for beach equipment rental operations in Anna Maria in 2027. City commissioners unanimously […]
HBPD makes DUI arrest
Holmes Beach police arrested Jack Thomas, 21, of Sarasota, on Aug. 21 on second-degree misdemeanor charges for allegedly driving under […]
Labor Day is Sept. 7. How will you mark the day?
Last week’s question Anna Maria is considering parking changes, including residential permits and paid parking. What do you think? Oppose […]
Ready, set …
by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
Barges, pilings and a crane are staged Aug. 28 on the former Seafood Shack restaurant parcel near the northeast corner of the Cortez Bridge, providing some of the first visible signs of construction preparations for the Florida Department of Transportation’s replacement of the drawbridge. The approximately $123 million project will replace the existing bascule bridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span and includes roadway reconstruction and other improvements along State Road 684/Cortez Road from Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach to 123rd Street West in Cortez. The DOT estimates construction will take about 1,200 days. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
Nesting notes: Share the shore
by Lisa Neff | Be the first to comment
A long holiday weekend begins Sept. 5 and carries through Sept. 7, which is Labor Day. This year, the holiday […]
Category: 09-02-26, Community, nesting, News, turtle, turtles
State investigates watercraft-related death off Anna Maria’s Bean Point
by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was investigating the death of a California man in a personal watercraft incident […]
Category: 09-02-26, Community, Featured Image, News
RoadWatch – 09-02-26
by Lisa Neff | Be the first to comment
Eyes on the road Stay informed before heading out with weekly updates on island-related roadwork, traffic impacts and free trolley […]
BBPD makes burglary arrest
Bradenton Beach police arrested Joshua Paul Gennell, 37, no known address, Aug. 26 on suspicion of burglary to an unoccupied […]
St. Pete man arrested for DUI, possession of cocaine
Holmes Beach police arrested Christopher Reisner, 27, of St. Petersburg, Aug. 20 for alleged felony of possession of cocaine. He […]
Terra Ceia preserve management plan getting update
by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
The state is proposing its first update in 17 years to the management plan for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, […]
Labor Day brings closings
by Lisa Neff | Be the first to comment
Labor Day will be observed Sept. 7. The holiday on the first Monday in September was created by the U.S. […]
Top Notch pet photo: Sweet Simby
The winner of The Islander’s annual Top Notch pet photo contest is Fran Pike of Bradenton, who took this photo of her cat, Simby, in May. Pike said, “He is such a sweet boy.” Next week, look for Top Notch honorable mentions. Islander Courtesy Photo
Last week's roundup
Merchants weigh in on Pines park plans | by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
Tops in Top Notch contest | Be the first to comment
BB CRA advances final phase of utility undergrounding | by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
A bucket list for laid-back old Florida on AMI | by Lisa Neff | Be the first to comment
As the world terns – 08-26-26 | Be the first to comment
Sod set in Holmes Beach dog park | by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
RoadWatch – 08-26-26 | by Lisa Neff | Be the first to comment
Holmes Beach arrests Bradenton man for DUI | by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
Holmes Beach, Garden Club celebrate beach access program | by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
Introducing Islander sales adviser Cindy Taylor | Be the first to comment
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Sports
Soccer, football playoffs on tap, plus golf, horseshoes
by Kevin P. Cassidy
Playoff action in the adult 5-v-5 soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria resumed Aug. 26 with the semifinals, […]
Recent Stories
Center soccer heads to semifinals, flag football winds down
25th August 2026 | Be the first to comment
Adult football winding down, plus golf at KRC, AM horseshoes
18th August 2026 | Be the first to comment
Fishing
September brings open season for popular backwater species
by Capt. Danny Stasny
As we settle into September, Anna Maria Island anglers are excited to get on the water in search of our […]
Recent Stories
Key species inshore, offshore open for harvest Sept. 1
25th August 2026 | Be the first to comment
Light winds, calm seas formulate perfect recipe for mackerel
18th August 2026 | Be the first to comment
Streetlife
Streetlife – 09-02-26
Island police reports By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice Streetlife is based on incident reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s […]
Classifieds
The Islander Classifieds: Wednesday, September. 02, 2026
ITEMS FOR SALE BLACK AND RED roll suitcases, $20 each, black handbag, carry on, $25. 941-920-2494. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All […]