Fire & Stone owners move toward reopening
After years of sitting shuttered, Fire & Stone Pizza might be getting closer to firing up its ovens. Owners Radka […]
HB seeks help to retain boat ramp access
Holmes Beach is bringing out the big guns to address concerns of over-commercialization at Kingfish Boat Ramp. Mayor Judy Titsworth […]
Anna Maria OKs $436K for pier T-end construction
A contractor has been chosen to close out the rebuild for the Anna Maria City Pier. City commissioners unanimously voted […]
LWV hosts HB candidate forum
Fall weather is drawing near and election season is heating up the scene in Holmes Beach. Three city commission candidates […]
Photographer zooms in on rare lemon shark
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
People have a new way to reach Coquina Beach. Manatee County expanded its Gulf Islands Ferry service south on Anna […]
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.
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
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
Anna Maria restricts canopies with new beach regulations
The race is on to secure agreements for beach equipment rental operations in Anna Maria in 2027. City commissioners unanimously […]