HBPD receives radio grant

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer gave city commissioners good news during a March 14 commission meeting – his department received a $268,000 grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to reimburse the city for the purchase of new radios for the department. The radios were purchased in 2022 to replace the aging units officers were using. Tokajer said the new radios have GPS to alert officers to one of their colleagues’ positions, along with other advanced technology to help keep police safe while patrolling the streets.

All invited to Easter sunrise service

At 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 9, Kiwanis of Anna Maria Island will celebrate the 58th anniversary of the Sunrise Service at Manatee Beach. The crowd normally numbers 1,200-2,000 people. There is ample parking and the Manatee County trolley will be up and running at 6 a.m. The Anna Maria Beach Café will also open at 6:30 a.m. if you need that cup of java. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on and dress for the weather. Representatives from Island churches include Father Matthew Grunfeld, of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, who will deliver the

Burns reappointed to Planning and Zoning Board

Longtime Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board member John Burns has been appointed to serve another term. The city commission reappointed Burns on March 16.

invocation; Rev. Stephen King, of Harvey Memorial, who will deliver scriptures; Rev. Dirk Rodgers, of Roser Church, who will deliver the sermon; Douglas King, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, who will deliver the benediction and Matthew Nowicki, director of faith formation at St. Bernard Catholic Church, who will deliver the offertory. Inspirational Easter music for singing along will be provided. All are welcome to join in. The offertory collected will be divided among the participating churches and the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria for their SCF Key Club Scholarship program.