CENTER NOTES

Bingo returns

Bingo will be held at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Friday, March 10 from 6-8 p.m. Cards and blotters are $1 each.

Beach clean-up

Beach clean-up days are Saturdays, March 11, April 1 and May 6 from 9-11 a.m. Meet at The Center and walk to the Gulf to clean up beaches from Magnolia to White avenues. Trash bags, gloves, water and a light snack will be provided. For more information, email customerservice@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

In celebration of National Reading Month, local author Deannie Sebring will read her self-published book, “Skip & Deanie’s Flying Bike Trip: Anna Maria Island,” on Monday, March 13 from 1-2 p.m. as part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library free book program. Get your child’s first free book, “The Little Engine That Could,” when you register. The program is open to all children up to

Manatee County’s 5% tourist tax is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in January and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in February. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

5 years of age who live on the Island. Refreshments will be served. For more information, email culture@ centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Sip and craft

Unleash your creativity at Sip and Craft with MaryKate on Wednesday, March 15 from 6-8 p.m.

Join MaryKate in crafting at least eight greeting cards to send to friends and family. No artistic skill is needed. Bring your own beverage. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Register by March 7. For more information, email culture@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

January 2023 tourist tax collections

approximate change from January 2022 Anna Maria 11% Bradenton Beach 3% Holmes Beach 24% Manatee County Total* 21%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)