State party chairs about to gain more muscle May 21, 2007
Today: Anna Maria Island Democratic Club president Dale De Haan will lead a discussion about choosing a president in 2008. The meeting will be at noon at the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach. (Herald-Tribune)
Manatee Avenue Bridge May 19, 2007
ANNA MARIA ISLAND -- There is little margin for driver error when crossing the 50-year-old Anna Maria Island Bridge ... Some on Anna Maria Island called the proposed seven-story Anna Maria Island Bridge a likely "visual intrusion" on the landscape that could destroy acres of sea grasses, generate hazardous runoff and destroy mangroves, according to DOT records of the dispute ... building inspector and regular visitor to Anna Maria Island, watched Sunday as emergency crews pulled the wrecked Ford... (Herald-Tribune)
Manatee snapshots May 19, 2007
As Florida Department of Transportation officials consider whether to lower the 50 mph speed limit on Manatee Avenue West between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, we hope they focus on safety and not on setting a limit that will appease the speeders among us ... But surely the narrowness of the road, particularly on the Anna Maria Island Bridge, is a more important safety factor than what speeders want. (Herald-Tribune)
A bridge too hazardous May 16, 2007
Florida officials have repeatedly rejected local appeals to lower the 50 mph speed limit on Manatee Avenue between west Bradenton and Anna Maria Island ... A fatal crash on the Anna Maria Island Bridge early Sunday has revived debate about the road's safety ... Florida officials have repeatedly rejected local appeals to lower the 50 mph speed limit on Manatee Avenue between west Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. (Herald-Tribune)
Front page story incomplete in some editions May 16, 2007
Coquina Beach is on Anna Maria Island. Missed a day's news. (Herald-Tribune)
SUV plunge from bridge renews talk of replacement May 14, 2007
Authorities shut down the half-mile-long drawbridge, which connects Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, for more than seven hours as troopers investigated the crash and searched the water ... But the community is divided over the cost and need for such a span to Anna Maria Island. (Herald-Tribune)
Manatee property transfers May 13, 2007
Parrish Ranch LLC to Hanly, Robert, Lot 5B, Island Walk Condominium on Anna Maria Island, $530,000. Paul, Jane H., to Coyne, John E. III, Unit A704, The Estuaries II Condominium, $225,000. (Herald-Tribune)
Neighbors want beach restaurant to be quiet May 11, 2007
ANNA MARIA -- For years, people have gotten married on the shores of Anna Maria Island ... ANNA MARIA -- For years, people have gotten married on the shores of Anna Maria Island. (Herald-Tribune)
Horizon posts 25 percent drop in earnings during first quarter May 8, 2007
Horizon Bank was one of the Southwest Florida community banks that helped Anna Maria Island developers Steve Noriega and Robert Byrne raise millions. Noriega and Byrne filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from their creditors in July 2006, owing more than $1 million to Horizon. (Herald-Tribune)
Locating Permit Is Simple, But Landing Them Is Not May 7, 2007
COCKROACH BAY NEWS: Chuck Coleman of the Hillsborough County Department of Marine Safety reports that new markers will be placed on the Cockroach Bay channel south of Ruskin this summer. Coleman says the six new markers will extend the visible channel westward another 2,500 feet, taking it well beyond the grass flats and hopefully encouraging boaters to come in via the cut rather than slicing across the shallows to get to the boat ramp. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Authorities to target gang activity at Coquina May 2, 2007
Large crowds traditionally have gathered on holidays at Coquina, located on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island. For more than a decade, the Latino community in particular has made Coquina a hot spot on a few holidays each year: Easter Sunday, Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day. (Herald-Tribune)
Parking fees won't keep gangs away from beach Apr 29, 2007
Coquina Beach, at the south end of Anna Maria Island, is one of the best things about Manatee County, and what's nice there starts with the parking area. Note I didn't say parking lot. (Herald-Tribune)
Turtle patrols ready beaches for annual visit Apr 27, 2007
CONTACT: Wilma Katz, Coastal Wildlife Club in Charlotte and south Sarasota counties, 473-8618; Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, 778-5638; Mote Marine in Manatee and Sarasota counties, 388-4441 or e-mail. Turtle patrols ready beaches for annual visit. (Herald-Tribune)
Sarasota roofer falls to his death Apr 27, 2007
Jose Cano Mendez was pronounced dead at the home in the 800 block of North Shore Drive on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. The accident happened at about 9:10 a.m.. (Herald-Tribune)
Beach parking to be divided to thwart 'cruising' Apr 25, 2007
Cruising has become a big problem at the beach on Anna Maria Island in recent years, police say. It often allows gang members to drive around and, sometimes, challenge members of rival gangs. (Herald-Tribune)
Shooting may mean Coquina Beach fees Apr 15, 2007
ANNA MARIA ISLAND -- The days of free and unrestricted access to Coquina Beach may be coming to an end following a shooting at the popular beach on Easter Sunday ... The three victims from Arcadia survived the shootings at the Anna Maria Island public beach ... "I think this was a maximum escalation of violence that's been going on at holidays over the last few years," said Manatee Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, whose district includes Anna Maria Island. (Herald-Tribune)
City manager's civil rights violated Apr 15, 2007
Become a member of HeraldTribune. The Largo City Commission and, indeed, the entire town violated City Manager Steve Stanton's civil rights. (Herald-Tribune)
This week's column Apr 15, 2007
Coquina Beach is on Anna Maria Island. Published: April 10, 2007. (Herald-Tribune)
Gang violence allowed to fester Apr 12, 2007
I'm shocked about the gang shootings at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island ... I'm shocked about the gang shootings at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. (Herald-Tribune)
Shootings spur talk of rules for public beach Apr 11, 2007
Other security ideas included banning cruising in the Coquina Beach parking areas, redesigning the parking lot to reduce secluded areas, and providing residents of Anna Maria Island with vehicle tags that could allow them to park at a reduced rate. Restrictions on parking and entrance fees may not go far enough, said Jay Moyles, who oversees beach lifeguards as the county's chief of marine rescue. (Herald-Tribune)
Manatee Gang Gunfire Worries Local Deputies Apr 10, 2007
" Meanwhile, Bradenton Beach police detectives continued Monday to investigate the shooting that occurred on the scenic Gulf beach on the southwest shore of Anna Maria Island on Sunday afternoon. Detectives say that each Easter Sunday for the past dozen years or so, there have been gang flare-ups at the beach. "It's a wonderful Easter event," Officer Jason Higgins said in deadpan fashion. Seldom does an Easter Sunday at Coquina Beach end in gunfire, Higgins said, but there is always a street... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Sarasota angler lands hefty king off Venice Apr 6, 2007
1Jim Zacharias of the Dee-Jay II out of Parrot Cove Marina reports kingfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel and large spotted seatrout in the inshore Gulf of Mexico off Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island. Ray Markham of the Flat Back out of Terra Ceia said snook, spotted seatrout and redfish are hitting in Terra Ceia Bay, Miguel Bay and lower Tampa Bay. (Herald-Tribune)
Condo converter's debts pile up Mar 27, 2007
"Hickernell had to have a lot of courage to pay that much at that time," said Kent Davis, a former Anna Maria Island motel owner ... 1 million from eight banks and used the money to buy and refurbish 17 more motel and apartment complexes from Manasota Key to Anna Maria Island, court records show. (Herald-Tribune)
Institute Wants $15 Million For Shipshape Research Lab Mar 26, 2007
" The Suncoaster ships out 180 days a year, and covers about 150 miles of sea each day. Any more would cost too much money, Ogden said. Its smaller cousin, the 71-foot Bellows, operates mostly as a floating classroom for university students in the state. Agencies such as the Mote Marine Laboratory and the Department of Environmental Protection use the Suncoaster as their research lab. Last week, Mote Marine shipped about seven miles off Anna Maria Island to electronically tag 71 sharks to... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Hoteliers walk a fine line Mar 26, 2007
Those in Manatee County's tourism center, Anna Maria Island, are joining the homegrown Coalition Against Runaway Taxation to lobby for relief. While the first outcry came with the 2005 tax bills, Ispaso said his whopper didn't come until 2006: $32,015, up 25 percent over 2005. (Herald-Tribune)
Community banks under pressure Mar 26, 2007
Then there are Horizon Bank and Peoples Community Bank of Sarasota, which helped Anna Maria Island Developers Steve Noriega and Robert Byrne raise millions of dollars. Noriega and Byrne filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2006, owing more than $1 million to Horizon and $1. (Herald-Tribune)
Woman combs shore to find edible seaweed Mar 26, 2007
While other beachcombers turn up their noses at the clumps of seaweed that have been washing ashore along beaches from Naples to Anna Maria Island for the past few weeks, Fortner gets excited. After all, markets in Hawaii sell Gracilaria and Codium for about $5 a pound -- wet. (Herald-Tribune)
CREDITORS LEFT IN THE LURCH Mar 25, 2007
The Anna Maria Island community was supposed to consist of 15 lavish canalfront homes ... ANNA MARIA ISLAND -- In the midst of an overheated market -- where banks were hungry to make lucrative loan deals and many investors thought there was no direction except up for real estate values -- a pair of developers went to work on Manatee County's barrier islands ... All told, Noriega and Byrne borrowed $43 million, using $26 million of it to buy two dozen properties from Anna Maria Island to northern... (Herald-Tribune)
Anna Maria fears effects of tax plan Mar 20, 2007
Colin Fisher, 2, of Ottawa, plays on the west side of Anna Maria Island. Below, waves lap on the east side. (Herald-Tribune)
Smelly seaweed fouling Gulf beaches Mar 9, 2007
Clumps of seaweed the size of hay bales are undulating in Gulf waters and washing ashore from Fort Myers to Anna Maria Island ... Clumps of seaweed the size of hay bales are undulating in Gulf waters and washing ashore from Fort Myers to Anna Maria Island. (Herald-Tribune)
Anna Maria Island a Florida secret Mar 8, 2007
Anna Maria Island, is a real treat for vacationer's ... Anna Maria Island, Florida's west coast has a little hidden gem ... Anna Maria Island will take your breath away, therefore setting out to find Florida's best kept secret will be a very valuable treasure. (Suite101.com)
Ellenton native Wiggins chronicles local history Mar 7, 2007
Cathy Slusser and Jay Duke currently carry the burden of scheduling and advertising the annual events that reach from the Crosley Estate in the south, westward to Anna Maria Island, north to the city of Palmetto, Snead Island and Terra Ceia, then east to Ellenton and Parrish. There are also events at Old Manatee, DeSoto National Memorial, Family Heritage House, South Florida Museum, the Village of the Arts, Braden Castle, Cortez, Palmetto, Fogartyville and downtown Bradenton. (Herald-Tribune)
Bradenton makeovers Mar 4, 2007
How could they not when fans can gather under cloudless azure skies, with temperatures in the 80s and the sunblock in the 30s, amid the greenery of swaying palm trees just down the road from the orange groves of Mixon's Fruit Farm and nine miles from the sugar-white sand of the Gulf of Mexico beaches on Anna Maria Island. But there's a business side apparent in spring baseball that's only getting bigger. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Sales tax hike worries tourism businesses Feb 23, 2007
"We're a tourist-based economy," said Anna Maria Island restaurant owner Ed Chiles. The sales tax increase "would concern me.". (Herald-Tribune)
Trolley connection Feb 22, 2007
Manatee County Area Transit's popular trolley bus service on Anna Maria Island will expand to Longboat Key and downtown Sarasota later this year, in a move that's likely to benefit residents, tourists and businesses on both sides of the ever-blurring county line ... Manatee County Area Transit's popular trolley bus service on Anna Maria Island will expand to Longboat Key and downtown Sarasota later this year, in a move that's likely to benefit residents, tourists. (Herald-Tribune)
Stalled traffic prompts change for drawbridges Feb 21, 2007
MANATEE COUNTY New drawbridge opening times for the Anna Maria Island Bridge and Cortez Bridge begin today ... MANATEE COUNTY New drawbridge opening times for the Anna Maria Island Bridge and Cortez Bridge begin today. (Herald-Tribune)
Stadium becoming hot issue in race Feb 19, 2007
Former Washington columnist James McCartney speaks to the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club starting at noon at the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach. Lunch is $12. (Herald-Tribune)
Man jailed after nude photo is put on MySpace Feb 18, 2007
Rich, according to sheriff's reports, distributed more than 200 fliers, bearing the photo and the girl's name, at a party on Anna Maria Island last year. When the victim arrived, Rich reportedly destroyed the bulk of the fliers by burning them in a fireplace. (Herald-Tribune)
James Brown Hopes to Bring Joyful Days to Children With Cancer Feb 13, 2007
Diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer in his left shoulder at age 17, Brown's weekly trips to All Children's in St. Petersburg for treatment often included a stop on the way home to catch snook at Anna Maria Island with his father, Daryl. And during that time, he was invited on fishing excursions with the help of organizations like the Children's Dream Fund and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. (The Ledger)
Paying for protection Feb 6, 2007
Today, the County Commission is scheduled to review a proposal to spend an estimated $6 million for 231 acres on the north side of Perico, which lies between mainland Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The proposal stems from a settlement that the commission approved in 2004 to end a four-year battle with the city and the St. Joe Co. over plans for high-rise condos facing Anna Maria Sound and Tampa Bay. (Herald-Tribune)
Fashionable luncheon benefits museum programs Jan 31, 2007
Mary Ann Bot, left, Eileen Bauer and Carol Mason will model fashions from Irene's of Anna Maria Island for the Feb. 22 style show and luncheon at Bradenton Country Club ... Fashions by Irene's on Anna Maria Island will be the highlight of the annual luncheon and style show sponsored by the Service League of the South Florida Museum. (Herald-Tribune)
Pressing the flesh, with an eye on '08 Jan 21, 2007
Her schedule last week included being in the crowd at the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club, the MLK breakfast and the 25th annual Women in Power luncheon in Sarasota. Jennings said it is not 2008 that she is preparing for. (Herald-Tribune)
Marina Palms sells for $22 million Jan 20, 2007
The apartments are in close proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway and Anna Maria Island. "It's a Class B property in a Double-A location that needs a facelift," Baum stated in a release. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
A few trip packages that get you to the beach Jan 19, 2007
SPECIAL FLORIDA SECTION. Package deals put beach within reach. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Hotels, resorts and condos work to get their tourists Jan 19, 2007
David Teitelbaum, president of a small condo-hotel resort on Anna Maria Island, said that's what drove him to make a rare move: He lowered winter season rates. "If we didn't have such a high repeat and referral business, we'd be sticking the rate as high as we could," Teitelbaum said. (Herald-Tribune)
Senior Olympian's interest in sports never slackened Jan 19, 2007
Barker continued to play doubles tennis matches three times a week in his 80s and and regularly swam off Anna Maria Island or at his condominium pool. "He was very competitive his whole life," said his daughter, Donna Johnson of Lincoln, Mass. (Herald-Tribune)
Buchanan votes against Chamber; Mahoney gets brief taste of power Jan 15, 2007
USF political science professor Susan MacManus speaks to the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club at noon at the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach. For more information, call 778-9287. (Herald-Tribune)
Retired priest Frank Valentini kept busy with extended ministry Jan 5, 2007
"He used to ride the 25 miles or so from Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island and back again several days a week," Finegan said. He is survived by a nephew, the Rev. Charles J. Stollenwerk of Cleveland, and nieces Dr. Alice Petrulis of Westlake, Ohio, and Joan Masicki of Port Clinton, Ohio. (Herald-Tribune)
Condo-hotel optimism high; buyers scarce Jan 5, 2007
In all, Hickernell partnerships have bought two vacation properties on Anna Maria Island, one on Manasota Key, one on St. Pete Beach and at least four on Siesta Key. Hickernell, who specializes in conversions, said he did not want to replace mom-and-pop motels with luxury. (Herald-Tribune)
* The hottest spots on the planet for 2007 Jan 3, 2007
The number one US destination nominated by TripAdvisor's 4,000 travelers: Anna Maria, a little town on Anna Maria Island between Sarasota and St. Petersburg. A narrow strip of the whitest sand on the gulf, with no crowds or traffic, the island has a half-dozen excellent seafood restaurants, Old Florida wood cottages on the beach that can be rented at reasonable prices, and two city piers for fishing. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
