The Islander

10/25/2025

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring held its annual fundraiser Oct. 22, raising more than $30,000 with donations, a raffle, drink sales, VIP bookings, a silent auction of more than 150 goods and services and a live auction. Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach hosted the event with support from other local businesses. Bob Slicker of Slicker's Eatery served as the auctioneer. Musician Mike Sales performed. And a lot of turtle watch supporters turned out to contribute. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

10/25/2025

A demolition crew from OneFix Construction of Tampa on Oct. 24 tears down a storm-damaged home at 1201 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. The property, owned by Chris Miller, collapsed during Hurricane Milton after sustaining damage from Hurricane Helene. Islander Video: Robert Anderson

10/24/2025

🎄 Lester Family Fun Day 🎄
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 🚁 Golf Ball Drop at 2 PM

Join us for a beloved island tradition — the Lester Family Fun Day, generously sponsored each year by Chuck and Joey Lester! This festive celebration brings the community together for old-fashioned fun at old-fashioned prices with activities for all ages — especially the young and young at heart. 💛

🎶 Activities & Entertainment:
• DJ Freeze spinning favorite tunes
• Pony rides & inflatables
• Crafts & cookie decorating for kids
• Performances by the MHS Drum Line
• A special visit from Santa at 12 PM — meet him and receive a small gift! 🎅

🍔 Food Available for Purchase:
• Duffy’s burgers
• AMOB hot dogs
• Chips & soda
• Ice cream from Small Town Creamery 🍦

⛳️ Golf Ball Drop Raffle – 2 PM
Try your luck in our exciting 50/50 Golf Ball Drop Raffle! A helicopter will drop numbered golf balls, and the ball closest to the flag wins.
💲 $50 per ball or 3 for $100
🏷️ Purchase at The Center’s front desk (941) 778-1908 or online:
👉 Buy 3 Golf Balls: https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=6287&GroupID=3942131
👉 Buy 1 Golf Ball: https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=6287&GroupID=3942130

Looking for volunteers: https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0F44A8AF22A4FE3-59910865-lester

Don’t miss this day full of music, laughter, and giving back — island-style! 🌴✨

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

10/21/2025

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce brought crowds to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria on Oct. 18 to celebrate Bayfest. Were you there? 😎 Islander Photos: Lisa Neff and Robert Anderson

10/21/2025

A Cortez man was cleared of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a judge ruled that he acted in lawful self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
The case involving Kevin Armstrong, 42, stemmed from a 2024 shooting in the Sunny Shores community of Cortez.
Twelfth Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio issued an Oct. 13 ruling dismissing the charge against Armstrong, who was accused of firing a shotgun during an armed confrontation outside his home on 116th Street West.

A Cortez man was cleared of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a judge ruled that he acted in lawful self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your

10/21/2025

Anna Maria Elementary's PTO volunteers presented the annual Fall Festival on Oct. 18 at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. The late afternoon event featured a costume parade, crafting and games, a pumpkin patch and refreshments. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

10/21/2025

Explore the many uses of key limes in our amazing Key Lime Cooking Folk School class! Students will make key lime salsa, drunken key lime shrimp, and a key lime dessert shooter. This class is for ages 21+.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.floridamaritimemuseum.org/event-details/11-18-key-lime-cooking

10/21/2025

10/21/2025