Beaches

The three cities on Anna Maria Island could face consolidation or simply cease to exist after the 2025 legislation session. A state-led study is examining the best options for the 7-mile stretch of land.

Anna Maria Island is currently experiencing a breathtaking display of bioluminescence along its shores.

A 2022 law allows local governments to create smoking zones and fines, enact stricter laws on butt disposal and outright bans. Cities and counties previously lacked that authority.

On this week's Florida Roundup, we discuss Florida’s new Black history standards, challenges to public beach access and the decade-long legal battle over housing kids in Florida's nursing homes.

Officials expect more rescued-filled days as tourism show no sign of stopping after the November hurricane changed much of Volusia’s 47-mile beachscape, leading to more rip current conditions.

Volusia County Beach Rescue is preparing for a busy summer for rescue attempts.

In his annual top-10 list of the country's best beaches, "Dr. Beach" Stephen Leatherman puts St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle at the top, while Caladesi Island State Park ranks No. 4.

St. Petersburg is among the cities and counties that could move forward under a new state law that allows them to ban smoking and vaping at locally controlled beaches and parks.

Beach umbrellas can turn into a wind-blown danger if not secured properly.

Caladesi Island, in Dunedin, climbed to No. 2 in Dr. Beach's national rankings — only one of two Florida beaches to make the top 10.

And a local tourism leader says the weekend's numbers might even break records.

A record 36 million people visited Florida in the first quarter of 2022.