Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Businesses.
Big news for Florida’s Gulf Coast — and especially for our backyard. According to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Anna Maria Island has been named the #2 Best Family Beach Vacation in the United States for 2026, cementing its place as one of the premier destinations in the country for unforgettable […]
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
Florida’s Suncoast is known for beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, and a thriving live music scene. From laid-back island tiki bars to downtown Bradenton venues and waterfront stages in Cortez, there are dozens of places where you can enjoy talented local and touring musicians throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for sunset acoustic sets, reggae on […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Businesses.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has announced exciting news for its members and the local business community. The chamber has selected Sande Caplin & Associates as the new website host and digital collaborator for its official website. The partnership marks an important step forward as the chamber continues to expand its digital presence […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Businesses.
If you’ve ever stayed on Anna Maria Island, you know there’s “close to the beach”… and then there’s right there. At AMI Island Getaway, it’s not a marketing slogan — it’s measurable. The owners recently counted 125 steps from their front gate to where the actual sand begins. Not the parking lot. Not the walkway. […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in SRQ Scoop.
Construction on a long-anticipated replacement for the aging Cortez Bridge is expected to begin this summer, marking a major infrastructure milestone for western Manatee County and the Anna Maria Island corridor. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the project will deliver a new, high-level fixed-span bridge connecting the historic fishing village of Cortez […]
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in SRQ Scoop.
The Anna Maria Island Sun is entering a new era, marked by a change in ownership, the appointment of a new editor, and the launch of a newly redesigned website aimed at strengthening the paper’s digital presence and community connection. A longtime fixture in the Anna Maria Island community, The Sun has served residents, visitors, […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Great Reading.
Under the glow of a full moon and the soothing rhythm of Gulf waves, the beaches of Anna Maria Island achieved a heart-warming conservation milestone this year. A breathtaking 30,613 baby sea turtles emerged from the sand and scurried toward the sea, guided by moonlight and beach-side volunteers. According to the team at Anna Maria […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Events.
The island’s most anticipated fall celebration is back! Bayfest 2025 returns to beautiful Anna Maria Island on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for a full day of live music, delicious local food, family activities, and artisan shopping—all set against the stunning backdrop of Bayfront Park with views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Hosted […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Businesses.
Hometown Desserts, nestled at 507 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, Florida, is a charming bakery and dessert shop beloved by locals and visitors alike. Serving from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and on Saturday until 5 PM, this sweet destination brings smiles with custom cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more. At the heart of […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Great Reading.
Keep Manatee Beautiful is gearing up for its largest-ever coastal restoration project and is seeking 300 volunteers to help plant 12,000 sea oats on Saturday, July 26, starting at 7 a.m. at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. This massive sea oat planting effort is part of a year-round initiative to protect and strengthen the […]
Written by Suncoast Post Staff on . Posted in Events.
Mark your calendars—Bayfest is back!The 24th Annual Bayfest returns to Anna Maria Island on Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing with it a full day of family-friendly fun, delicious food, live music, and vibrant island spirit. Hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, this free annual event is a favorite among locals and visitors […]