🌱 How will the new $123M Cortez Bridge change your island drive?

Hey hey Anna Maria! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Anna Maria PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

• Town Square University Park — (941) 277-5048

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

In today's newsletter:

• How will the new $123M Cortez Bridge change your island drive?
• Looking for work, rentals, or services around Anna Maria Island? Start here.

Also on today's calendar: Acoustic Favorites, Bill Dundas and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 79 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: Windy, temps: high: 91, low: 78.
• Thursday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• End of an era: $123M Cortez Bridge replacement begins this month (mysuncoast.com) — Access to Anna Maria Island is about to change dramatically as FDOT begins a four-year, $123 million project to replace the aging Cortez drawbridge with a higher fixed-span bridge. Residents, workers, and visitors can expect years of construction but, ultimately, fewer traffic backups, safer bike and pedestrian access, and a more reliable route between Cortez and the island.
   

• The Islander Classifieds: Wednesday, September. 16, 2026 (islander.org) — If you live on or near Anna Maria Island, this week's classifieds are packed with practical leads, from vacation rentals and airport shuttles to cleaning, home repair, and fishing charters. You'll also find local job openings at The Islander, business opportunities in Holmes Beach, and services tailored to island homeowners, renters, and visitors.
   

📸 Around Anna Maria

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Anna Maria

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday September 17
• The Roser Guild Thrift Shop opens Sept. 9 →
  Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday September 22
• Acoustic Favorites, Bill Dundas →
  Harry's Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria
  3:00 pm
Thursday September 24
• The Roser Guild Thrift Shop opens Sept. 9 →
  Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
  9:00 am
Tuesday September 29
• Acoustic Favorites, Bill Dundas →
  Harry's Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria
  3:00 pm

📣 Anna Maria Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday September 15
• Joe Wood →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  7:00 pm
Wednesday September 16
• Ribbon Cutting Event - Island Real Estate Sales & Vacation Rentals →
  Island Real Estate Sales & Vacation Rentals, 6101 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach
  3:00 pm
• Rock & Roll Trivia with Steve Arvey →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  7:00 pm
Thursday September 17
• Meet the Directors - Business Card Exchange at the Freckled Fin →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  5:00 pm
Friday September 18
• Lisa & The All Terrain Band →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  8:00 pm
Sunday September 20
• NFL SUNDAY TICKET @ FRECKLED FIN →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  8:00 pm
Monday September 21
• Karaoke @ The Fin! →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  7:30 pm
• Karaoke with Fitz →
  Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
  7:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

🗞 Nearby News

Bradenton Beach

• Bradenton Beach police officer injured after being hit by suspected drunk driver: BBPD (fox13news.com)
• Congratulations, Bucs Fans! (joebucsfan.com)

Bradenton

• 10115 Day Lily Court, Bradenton, FL 34211 (golfcoursehome.com)
• 'Like family.' Downtown Bradenton breakfast restaurant announces closure (bradenton.com)

Sarasota

• 14-Time Felon Faces Drug Charges After Search Of Sarasota Home: Police (patch.com)

Ok Anna Maria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook