Quarterly Catch-Up
An Overview of Bradenton’s Recent Events
BY SHELLY WEST
It’s been a wild ride these past few months. With back-to-back hurricanes, everyone is recovering, rebuilding is immense but the community continues to come together to bring Bradenton and surrounding areas back to their former glory, if not better. Here are a few things that have happened recently in the Bradenton area.
Manatee Memorial Hospital Opens New ER at Palma Sola
Residents of western Bradenton and nearby barrier islands, recently impacted by two hurricanes, now have convenient access to emergency care with the opening of Manatee Memorial Hospital’s new freestanding ER at Palma Sola. The facility officially began operations on Tuesday, October 29.
Located at 633 75th Street West, the 10,884 sq. ft. facility offers six exam rooms, three rapid medical spaces, and full-service lab, x-ray, and ultrasound areas. Open 24/7, the ER provides emergency care for patients of all ages, with minimal wait times, and an on-site physician always available.
This new facility marks the hospital’s second freestanding ER in Manatee County, following the opening of the Bayshore Gardens location in April 2023.
Manatee Public Beach Reopens on Anna Maria Island
After nearly a month of closure, Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island reopened to visitors on October 25, becoming the first county beach
on the island to welcome the public once again— albeit with limited parking.
The closure followed Hurricane Helene’s landfall, which swept through Manatee County, leaving local beaches littered with debris and temporarily unsafe for use. Since then, county officials have prioritized the restoration of the island’s shoreline,
working diligently to clear hazards and restore access. Additional beaches on the island are expected to reopen as more debris removal efforts are completed and safety conditions are verified.
In a promising sign of recovery, the Anna Maria Island Beach Café resumed operations on October 18, inviting visitors back to enjoy its oceanfront views and relaxed atmosphere.
The reopening of Manatee Public Beach marks an important step in the county’s post-storm recovery, with hopes that more of Anna Maria Island’s beloved shores will follow suit soon.
Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Provides Bikes to Hurricane Victims
As Manatee County residents continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, one of the most urgent challenges they face is transportation. Flooding, high winds, and debris left many vehicles—cars, trucks, and motorcycles—damaged beyond repair, leaving people stranded.
On the coastal barrier islands, where the storm surge devastated numerous households, the need for reliable transportation is especially pressing. Stepping in to help, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island has donated bicycles to residents without transportation, giving them a temporary way to get around.
These bikes are just a stopgap as club officials are working toward a longer-term solution and are hoping to secure donations of used cars to support hurricane victims in the months ahead.
For now, the donated bikes offer a vital lifeline, helping residents commute, run errands, and reconnect with their daily routines while they wait for more permanent solutions. If you have a vehicle to donate, contact Bob Slicker at 941-650-2333
Gulf Islands Ferry Offers Free Rides for Anna Maria Island Residents and Workers
On Friday, November 1, the Gulf Islands Ferry resumed operations, providing free rides to Anna Maria Island residents, displaced individuals, contractors, and workers affected by recent hurricanes. The service aims to ease transportation challenges as the community recovers from the storm’s impact.
The ferry operates Thursdays through Sundays, departing from the Riverwalk Pier every hour from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Anna Maria Island, service runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with departures on the hour.
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has confirmed safe routes and docking points, ensuring smooth operations. By offering free ferry rides, the county is reaffirming its commitment to supporting displaced residents and essential workers during this recovery period.