Beach Renourishment

Barrier Island Hotels Reopen After Last Fall's Storms

Local resorts are bouncing back from last year’s hurricane season, and staycation season is the perfect time to book a room.

05/08/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Beach Bound

Lido Beach Will Reopen Nov. 2

And Anna Maria Beach and Manatee Beach have welcomed back visitors, too.

11/01/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Milton

Access to the Barrier Islands Will Close Tonight

After 7 p.m., community members will continue to be able to get off the barrier islands, but no entry will be allowed back on until after post-storm search and rescue mission is completed.

10/08/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Helene

Water Has Been Turned Off on Sarasota and Manatee County Barrier Islands Due to Hurricane Helene

Sarasota and Manatee counties have shut off water service due to storm surge impacts. Here's the list of affected locations.

09/26/2024 By Staff

Beach Bound

Siesta Key Beach, Anna Maria Island Named Best Beaches in Florida by U.S. News & World Report

Both spots were recognized for their soft sand and overall beauty.

07/17/2024 By Megan McDonald

House Warming

This Anna Maria House Is Packed With Sustainable Style

The recently finished home is dotted with cozy nooks and spaces that showcase an obsession with being outside.

02/23/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Shell Yeah

The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant Is Celebrating Its 30th Anniversary

The oceanfront restaurant will offer a series of specials inspired by its original menus from 1993.

10/20/2023 By Lauren Jackson

foxy rebirth

The Fox Mercantile Has Opened in the Former Sea Hagg Space in Cortez

Take a look at the cozy new cafe, shop and event space run by Ashley Petrone, who also owns the nearby Joie Inn.

10/11/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Mo' Mello

A Beachfront Anna Maria Hotel Gets a Retro Redo

Take a look inside the funky rooms at Mello on the Beach on Holmes Beach, which opens today.

07/18/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Home Run Home

MLB All-Star Mark Melancon's Anna Maria Island Home Has Hit the Market

For just under $11 million, the Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher's house can be yours.

04/14/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Pot of Gold

Check Out The Most Expensive Listing in Manatee County Right Now

This waterfront home on Anna Maria Island is the county's priciest yet, and it can be yours for $25 million.

03/17/2023 By Kim Doleatto

New Chapter

After 25 Years in Business, Cortez's Beloved Sea Hagg Is Closing

The all-things-nautical antique shop has been sold, and residents say things won't be the same without it.

10/27/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Oh My Cod

A New Fish and Chips Shop Has Opened on Anna Maria Island

With crunchy fish, fresh seafood, and loads of hot sandwiches, Kiwi Style Fish and Chips is the perfect post-beach stop.

10/18/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Post-Ian

Anna Maria's Wildlife Inc. Has Taken in a Flood of Animals Ravaged by Hurricane Ian

The morning after the hurricane made landfall on Florida's west coast, the center took in roughly 160 animals in need of care.

10/10/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Hurricane Ian

Here's a Look at Current Weather Conditions in Sarasota-Manatee

May we all experience the Zen of that horse at some point.

09/28/2022 By Megan McDonald

Hurricane Ian

Sarasota and Manatee Counties Will Shut Off Water to Barrier Islands Ahead of Hurricane Ian

In both counties, water will be shut off between 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 27.

09/26/2022 By Megan McDonald

Relax, Calm

Bliss Out With These Soothing Beach Shots by Photographer Gray Malin

The well-known photographer has added Sarasota-Manatee's shoreline to his collection of light-filled aerial beach shots.

09/02/2022 By Megan McDonald

National nod

The Today Show Featured an Anna Maria Inn We Love

The national morning show on NBC recently highlighted the family-owned Joie Inn for its beachy vibes and vacation destination location.

08/08/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Inn it

Check Out This Ultra-Cute Retro Inn on Anna Maria Island

We're loving the Joie Inn's look. Co-owner Ashley Petrone shares five tips on how we can bring those same vacation vibes home.

04/22/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Fishing Guide

Where to Fish in Sarasota-Manatee If You Don't Have a Boat

You can cast a rod or net from our beaches, bridges, piers and parks.

03/01/2022 By Staff