- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 23 No. 7
November 23, 2022
Island lights up the holidays
CINDY LANE | SUN
The Bradenton Beach tree lighting ceremony on Bridge Street on Saturday kicked off the holiday season on Anna Maria Island.
Holiday merriment takes over Bridge Street Planned holiday events include a street party, boat parade and the annual Christmas on Bridge Street celebration. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Merchants and city officials launched the Season of Lights and Spirit light display that will continue to shine through the New Year and that’s not the only holiday event happening on Bridge Street. The holiday festivities began on Nov. 19
with the Light Up Bridge Street tree lighting ceremony and continue with a street party, boat parade and outdoor movie. The tree lighting ceremony included a special appearance by Santa Claus. Longtime Island resident and former city commissioner Ed Straight had the honor of flipping the switch to light the 32-foot big tree for the first time this season.
STREET PARTY AND BOAT PARADE
Coinciding with the annual Holiday Boat Parade is a festive street party taking place on and around Bridge SEE BRIDGE STREET, PAGE 34
the holidays with an Egyptian side dish. 29 SPICE UP
Page 31 Anna Maria Island, Florida
Red tide affects Manatee County waters BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County has issued an alert for the presence of red tide in local waters. Based on samples taken Nov. 7, a red tide bloom in varying degrees was shown at Bayfront Park, Coquina Beach South, Longboat Pass/Coquina Boat Ramp and Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) red tide status map on Nov. 17 showed a range in concentrations from very
low at Rod & Reel Pier to medium at Longboat Pass. Red tide is a type of algal bloom caused by high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air, according to the health department. People should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies. Those in coastal areas can experience eye, nose and throat irritation during a SEE RED TIDE, PAGE 26
AMI CHAMBER presents
business awards. 18 CELEBRATING THANKS-LIVING on AMI. 8
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