Community Corner

🌱 How bad are turtle hatchling disorientations on Anna Maria Island now?

Make time for The Roser Guild Thrift Shop opens Sept. 9 on the Anna Maria Patch calendar

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What's up Anna Maria! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How bad are turtle hatchling disorientations on Anna Maria Island now?
  • What Coquina Beach repairs mean for your access and storm protection.
  • Why Anna Maria's new stormwater fee plan is on hold for a year

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

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 91 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Humid with a t-storm or two, temps: high: 88, low: 78.
  • Saturday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 86 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Nesting notes: Disorientations continue (islander.org) — Sea turtle nesting on Anna Maria Island has already produced nearly 16,000 hatchlings this season, but disorientations from artificial lights remain a serious concern, especially in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Anna Maria currently has the lowest disorientation rate, yet residents and visitors across the island are urged to keep lights turtle-friendly and report any disoriented hatchlings to the 24-hour hotline as the final 75 nests hatch.
   

2. Coquina Beach Storm Damage Repair Project (mysuncoast.com) — Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is undergoing 24/7 sand renourishment this week, replacing 60,000 cubic yards lost to Hurricane Idalia and temporarily closing some beach access points. Funded mostly by federal and state dollars plus tourism taxes, this work is the first step before a much larger $32 million beach restoration from Holmes Beach to Longboat Pass starting in November.
   

3. Anna Maria's new stormwater fee calculation method delayed (amisun.com) — If you own property in Anna Maria, your stormwater assessment will stay at $4 per 100 square feet for the 2026-27 fiscal year because a new fee formula has been delayed. City officials say consultant concerns forced them to pause the change, but they still hope to adopt a method that better reflects impervious surface coverage next year.
   

4. Barb Jeffries named Anna Maria City Clerk (amisun.com) — Anna Maria residents will see a new face in a key City Hall role as Barb Jeffries becomes city clerk on Oct. 1, while current clerk Amber LaRowe moves up to the city's first administrator position. Commissioners praised Jeffries' experience and community focus, and staff roles are being reshuffled to support the transition and city operations.
   

5. City Pier repairs, renovations entering final phase (amisun.com) — Work on Anna Maria's City Pier is entering its final phase after commissioners approved a $436,192 contract to finish repairs and upgrades at the T-end buildings. The project will ready the pier for the new PIERadise restaurant, bait shop, and shared open-air seating, with the partners hoping to welcome diners and visitors as soon as November.
   

📸 Around Anna Maria

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Anna Maria

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Anna Maria Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Anna Maria PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Honeywell International, Inc. posted a job opening for Welder - Level 3 (Night Shift) in Palmetto. Apply here.
  • Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Palmetto. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Anna Maria here.

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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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