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 […]
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 […]
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.
AM parking plan: more Qs than As
There is no shortage of questions regarding potential parking changes in Anna Maria. Mayor Mark Short and city clerk Amber […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]