Lisa Neff

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council heard encouraging tourism numbers for March at its April 27 meeting, with high occupancy and millions in visitor spending, though researchers warned that travelers nationwide are tightening their belts.

May is National Bike Month. When’s the last time you rode a bike?

In Southwest Florida for the week ending May 3, K. brevis, the red tide organism, was observed at background concentrations offshore of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Tourism in March generated more than $6.4 million in bed tax revenue in Manatee County, up from February’s $3.9 million.

The AMITW patrol team — Lisa Picciano, Mary Kate Camara, Linda O’Neal, Bill Booher and Jeff Richmond — celebrates May 12 the posting of the first nest of the 2026 season. Islander Photo: Courtesy Danielle Kimberly

In Southwest Florida the week ending May 17, K. brevis, the red tide organism, was observed at background concentrations in Sarasota County.

The National Weather Service for the Tampa Bay area identifies our rainy season as May 25-Oct. 10.

To contact the SEO’s office, go to votemanatee.gov or call 941-741-3823.

A summary infographic shows hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. Islander Graphics: Courtesy NOAA

AMITW patrollers Jeff Richmond, left, Maureen Richmond, Mary Anne Muniz and Linda O’Neal check on a nest the week ending May 29. Islander Photo: Courtesy Terri Edwards