Anna Maria Island Sun

09/16/2026

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09/16/2026

Benefit planned for Henry Troupe

A benefit will be held for former Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 bartender Henry Troupe on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Bradenton Moose Lodge at 310 44th Ave. E. in Bradenton. Troupe passed away recently and the proceeds will benefit the Troupe family. The fundraising activities will include raffle baskets. Appetizers will be served and there will be live entertainment. Tickets are $20 per person. For ticket information, contact Sandy Ziros at 847-347-7732.

09/16/2026

Barb Jeffries will be Anna Maria's new city clerk.

On Oct. 1, Barb Jeffries will become the city of Anna Maria's new city clerk.

09/16/2026

"Father G." shared the story of his time at "Ground Zero" in New York City at the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Father Gerard Critch served at Ground Zero after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

09/15/2026

The first of two beach renourishment projects has begun.

Dredging crews began work Sept. 9 on a project to restore a nearly mile-long stretch of Coquina Beach with sand that was lost during Hurricane Idalia in 2023.

09/14/2026

Commissioner Diggins hosting budget-related town hall meeting

Holmes Beach City Commissioner Dan Diggins will host a town hall meeting to discuss the city's 2026-27 fiscal year budget, property taxes and the millage rate. The town hall meeting will take place at the Island Branch Library on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
According to Diggins, the open forum will give property owners a chance to ask questions, share ideas and concerns, and learn how their tax dollars are being budgeted for the coming fiscal year.
The city's 2026-27 fiscal year budget will be presented for first reading during the Wednesday, Sept. 8, commission budget hearing at 5 p.m. The proposed budget lists $17.9 million in total projected revenues and $16.6 million in projected expenses. The budget will be on display during the town hall meeting. The library is located at 5701 Marina Drive.

09/13/2026

HOLMES BEACH, 56TH STREET WATER SHUT-OFF SUNDAY EVENING

Manatee County Utilities has notified the city of Holmes Beach that the connection of the relocated county drinking water main is currently scheduled for late Sunday night, Sept. 13, into early Monday morning.

The general project area is at and around the intersection of Marina Drive and 56th Street. The overnight schedule is intended to minimize impacts on residents and businesses.

What to expect: Water service may be temporarily interrupted for up to nine hours while the connection is completed. Manatee County's contractor, Harris-McBurney, will provide affected properties with official notice at least 48 hours before the shutdown. The schedule is subject to change by Manatee County Utilities.
Once the new water main connection is complete and the existing main is removed, stormwater work within the intersection can continue. Approximately an additional week and a half of work is anticipated after Sept. 13.
The intersection will remain closed for the safety of the traveling public and work crews. Recommended routes to access nearby businesses and municipal buildings are also included.
“Thank you for your continued patience as this project moves forward,” the city notice says.

09/13/2026

Part-time freelance reporter wanted

The Anna Maria Island Sun seeks a part-time freelance reporter, or reporters, to assist with community news coverage, weekday and weekend event coverage, human-interest stories, lifestyle stories, feature stories and more. Strong writing skills, proofreading skills and factual accuracy are essential, as is the ability to take your own digital photos. Previous newspaper, magazine, television, public relations or other professional writing experience is a plus, as is familiarity with Associated Press (AP) writing style, or a willingness to learn it. If interested, please contact Joe Hendricks at [email protected]. If possible, please include a few samples of your previous written work and photographs.

09/12/2026

Skeletons will haunt Bridge Street in October.

In celebration of Halloween, several structures along Bridge Street will be decorated with skeletons during the month of October.

09/11/2026

On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, Rev. Gerard Critch, affectionately known as “Father G,” gave a 9/11-themed sermon during a special mass held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach.

On Friday, Sept. 11, Rev. Gerard Critch gave a 9/11-themed sermon during a special mass held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach.