Community Corner

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

Be sure to catch The Roser Guild Thrift Shop opens Sept. 9 on the Anna Maria Patch calendar

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

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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

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🗓 Events Nearby

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🗞 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

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!

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