This week on Anna Maria Island: Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026
Krista Carpenter of Fran Maxon Real Estate and a volunteer with Wildlife Inc., right, voices her opinions Aug. 31 on potential parking changes as Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short listens. The exchange took place during a city parking forum at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
Photographer zooms in on rare lemon shark
by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
Drone photographer Jacob Merrifield has spent years piloting over local waters to observe marine life. But he was unprepared for […]
Gulf Islands Ferry opens Coquina Bayside stop
by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
People have a new way to reach Coquina Beach. Manatee County expanded its Gulf Islands Ferry service south on Anna […]
Nesting Notes: Predators on the beach
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring found no new sea turtle nests the week beginning Aug. 31, but […]
Category: 09-09-26, Community, nesting, Nesting notes, News, turtle, turtles
Top Notch: Honorable mentions
The Islander’s Top Notch contest concludes with honorable mentions, including Rick Bisio’s photo of a heron encounter in his yard in Bradenton Beach.
Category: 09-02-26, Community, Feature, News, Top Notch 2026
AM parking plan: more Qs than As
by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
There is no shortage of questions regarding potential parking changes in Anna Maria. Mayor Mark Short and city clerk Amber […]
Category: 09-09-26, Community, Featured Image, News
RoadWatch – 09-09-26
Eyes on the road Stay informed before heading out with weekly updates on island-related roadwork, traffic impacts and the island’s […]
Do you remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001?
Last week’s question How did you plan to mark Labor Day? Firing up the grill. 39% Other. 26% Hitting the […]
Hot advice
West Manatee Fire Rescue District Commissioner Dana Tindall, right, speaks Aug. 22 to a girl visiting Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, with her mother. Tindall and staff set up a tent near the preserve’s entrance to educate visitors about staying safe in the heat. Islander Photos: Courtesy WMFR/Reporting: Ryan Paice
Cortez Bridge staging, delays
Equipment and a crane are staged Sept. 2 near the site for the Cortez Bridge replacement project, with construction of a new high-rise fixed span expected to begin in November, about two months later than previously estimated, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Manatee County is still working on moving a water main at the site. Initial bridge construction is expected to include pile driving and construction of a temporary trestle. Traffic will shift to a temporary diversion roadway in March 2027 and onto the first portion of the new bridge in July 2028, according to a DOT timeline provided Sept. 2. The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in October 2029, with project completion anticipated in early 2030, the DOT said. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
AMCP remediation work wraps up
One more phase of construction remains to be completed before the Anna Maria City Pier can reopen. Mayor Mark Short […]
Category: 09-09-26, Community, Hurricane, Hurricanes, News
AMI Strong: 2 years after Helene, Milton
Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Helene, then Milton, devastated Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Longboat Key and many other areas along […]
Category: 09-09-26, Community, Hurricane, Hurricanes, News, Storm
Key Royale Club receives fire training
Staff members from the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach hold certificates Aug. 28 that they received after completing hands-on fire safety and extinguisher training at the West Manatee Fire Rescue’s administrative headquarters, at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. Training also took place at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy West Manatee Fire Rescue/Reporting: Ryan Paice
Marina Drive closure extended into late September
Holmes Beach hit a snag in its stormwater improvement project across Marina Drive — scheduling. Public works director Herb Raybourn […]
Top Notch: Honorable mentions
The Islander’s Top Notch contest concludes with honorable mentions, including Rick Bisio’s photo of a heron encounter in his yard in Bradenton Beach.
Last week's roundup
Top Notch pet photo: Sweet Simby | Be the first to comment
Island responders ready for Labor Day visitor surge | by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
2 HB candidates ramp up spending | by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
Anna Maria restricts canopies with new beach regulations | by Ryan Paice | Be the first to comment
As the world terns – 09-02-26 | Be the first to comment
HBPD makes DUI arrest | Be the first to comment
Labor Day is Sept. 7. How will you mark the day? | Be the first to comment
Ready, set … | by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
Nesting notes: Share the shore | by Lisa Neff | Be the first to comment
State investigates watercraft-related death off Anna Maria’s Bean Point | by Robert Anderson | Be the first to comment
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Sports
Center winds down summer sports, plus horseshoes, golf
by Kevin P. Cassidy
The summer adult 5-v-5 soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island concluded Sept. 2 with the championship game […]
Recent Stories
Soccer, football playoffs on tap, plus golf, horseshoes
1st September 2026 | Be the first to comment
Center soccer heads to semifinals, flag football winds down
25th August 2026 | Be the first to comment
Fishing
Anglers move offshore to target gag grouper in September
by Capt. Danny Stasny
With gag grouper season having opened Sept. 1, Anna Maria Island anglers are quick to get out on the water […]
Recent Stories
September brings open season for popular backwater species
1st September 2026 | Be the first to comment
Key species inshore, offshore open for harvest Sept. 1
25th August 2026 | Be the first to comment
Streetlife
Streetlife – 09-09-26
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. 09, 2026
ITEMS FOR SALE BLACK AND RED roll suitcases, $20 each, black handbag, carry on, $25. 941-920-2494. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All […]