News

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Top Notch Week 4: Fishing for breakfast

August 4, 2026 |

Terry Martsolf of Seminole captured this photo in March at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. He wrote, “An old friend is waiting on breakfast!” Martsolf is the fourth weekly winner in The Islander’s 2026 Top Notch photo contest. There will be two more weekly winners to claim Page 1 placement in the newspaper. All the weekly winners will be entered into the grand prize round, which offers $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertisers. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Welcome back, AME family

August 4, 2026 |

Island artist Cory Wright stands July 23 beside a mural she painted at Anna Maria Elementary School, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Featuring the school’s dolphin mascot, FIN, the mural welcomes students, faculty and staff for the 2026-27 school year. Teachers and staff returned to campus Aug. 3. Students will follow on Aug. 10. Islander Photo: Courtesy

RoadWatch – 08-05-26

August 4, 2026 | by for islander.org |

Eyes on the road Cortez Bridge and Cortez Road: Continuing through mid-August, concrete barriers are in the rights of way […]

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Top Notch Week 3: Turning and turning

July 28, 2026 |

Erica Johnson of Bradenton captured this September 2025 photo of a waterspout in Tampa Bay near the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. Johnson, who has worked on AMI for 12 years, said, “This is my favorite photo spot.” She is the third weekly winner in The Islander’s 2026 Top Notch photo contest. There will be three more winners taking Page 1 placement in the newspaper. All the weekly winners will be entered into the grand prize round, which offers $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertisers.

About those consequences

July 28, 2026 | by for islander.org |

The following letter is addressed to Manatee County commissioners regarding a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit application from Carlos […]