The Anna Maria Islander

4 days ago | islander.org | Bonner Joy

Holmes Beach police arrested Tampa resident Matthew Ocasio, 27, May 23 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was also charged with two third-degree felonies for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and MDMA — also known as molly — a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.

4 days ago | islander.org | Bonner Joy

Let the negotiations begin!Holmes Beach city commissioners voted 4-1 May 27 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to make a $3 million offer to purchase Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Commission Chair Dan Diggins voted “no,” having recommended a $2.7 million offer instead. The Gloria Dei congregation formed in 1959 and the building and its roof, an  island landmark, was built in 1964.

4 days ago | islander.org | Bonner Joy

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring notched another busy week with documenting the activity of nesting sea turtles as the total number of nests on the beaches surpassed 100 by May 30. AMITW’s tally for the season also includes 103 false crawls, including 60 between May 24 and May 30. False crawls are instances when a female sea turtle comes ashore to nest but abandons the effort. AMITW also reported another eight adult disorientations, bringing the total to 13.

4 days ago | islander.org | Bonner Joy

The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Welcome, Readers! The Anna Maria Islander e-Edition is free for a limited time due to the Hurricanes in 2024. Here is this weeks e-Edition

4 days ago | islander.org | Bonner Joy

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short weighed in with an email to The Islander of “good news” May 30. “Our Memorial Day event was a huge success with 300-400 people in attendance,” Short wrote. He included a thank-you to the Center of Anna Maria Island and Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra for making the event possible.