--- title: The Islands Blog | Florida Waterfront Homes | living on the water description: living on the water | Learn more about the active community of Islands Development Group on the Manatee River by reading our blog for current news about the Florida Gulf Coast region. --- [![Logo](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=450&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) [![Logo](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=300&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) - [HOME](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) - [LOCATION](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/location) - [LIFESTYLE](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/lifestyle) - [COMMUNITY](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/community) - [RESIDENCES](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/residences) - NEWS/EVENTS - [OUR BLOG](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [PHOTO GALERY & VIDEOS](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/media-gallery) - [CONTACT US](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/contact-us) ![banner-blog](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/banner-blog.png?width=1920&height=595&name=banner-blog.png "banner-blog") # OUR BLOG [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/TheIslands-Boat-ManateeRiver.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) ## [Boating News | JUNE 2023](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) May 24, 2023 Among the many desirable features of The Islands on the Manatee River is the community's immediate access to water. Private backyard boat docks provide the ultimate boating lifestyle, including sport fishing in the Gulf and fly-fishing in the Manatee. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) [![AdobeStock_26369641](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_26369641.jpeg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/moving-to-florida) ## [THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MOVING TO FLORIDA’S GULF COAST](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/moving-to-florida) July 15, 2020 The Gulf Coast is less developed and crowded than the east coast of Florida. Because of that, you’ll experience a more easygoing pace of life and you’ll get to where you want to go more easily. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/moving-to-florida) [![islandswbridge2](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/islandswbridge2.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/luxury-amenities-enhancing-a-luxurious-lifestyle-at-the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) ## [LUXURY AMENITIES ENHANCING A LUXURIOUS LIFESTYLE AT THE ISLANDS ...](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/luxury-amenities-enhancing-a-luxurious-lifestyle-at-the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) September 26, 2018 If beautiful waterfront property surrounded by breathtaking nature preserves showcasing the essence of Florida living interests you, then The Islands on the Manatee River may be just the sanctuary you’ve been waiting for. The Islands on the Manatee River community offers beautiful custom homes by ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/luxury-amenities-enhancing-a-luxurious-lifestyle-at-the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) [![Bikes.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/Bikes.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/what-tops-florida-homebuyers-priority-list) ## [Top Amenities for Florida's Homebuyers?](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/what-tops-florida-homebuyers-priority-list) August 29, 2018 Backyard living doesn’t just mean swimming pools and patios anymore. With the growing focus on health and wellness, today’s homebuyers are demanding access to health/wellness and nature-based amenities. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/what-tops-florida-homebuyers-priority-list) [![Corindi-Pool-into-great-room (1).jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/Corindi-Pool-into-great-room%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/entertaining-is-made-easy-with-these-custom-outdoor-living-areas) ## [Entertaining is made easy with these Custom Outdoor living areas](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/entertaining-is-made-easy-with-these-custom-outdoor-living-areas) July 20, 2018 Escape in your own backyard at The Islands on the Manatee River with these breathtaking outdoor living areas. Perfect for entertaining or just kicking your feet up, these custom patio designs are a must see by our preferred builders, John Cannon Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes and Lee Wetherington ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/entertaining-is-made-easy-with-these-custom-outdoor-living-areas) [![AdobeStock_26369641](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_26369641.jpeg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/build-the-waterfront-house-of-your-dreams-when-you-retire-in-florida) ## [Build the Waterfront House of Your Dreams When You Retire in ...](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/build-the-waterfront-house-of-your-dreams-when-you-retire-in-florida) July 11, 2018 Florida is one of the best retirement locations because here you can start living the relaxing life of your dreams. At The Islands on the Manatee River, your dream home includes easy access to the best senior living that Florida has to offer. From prestigious golf and shopping across the Fort Hamer ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/build-the-waterfront-house-of-your-dreams-when-you-retire-in-florida) [![AdobeStock_37402338.jpeg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/blog-files/AdobeStock_37402338.jpeg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/7-activities-retirees-love-to-enjoy-near-sarasota-florida) ## [7 Activities Retirees Love to Enjoy near Sarasota, Florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/7-activities-retirees-love-to-enjoy-near-sarasota-florida) July 5, 2018 Lakewood Ranch offers excellent communities for retirees along with numerous options for enriching your golden years. Residents have multiple options when it comes to activities and entertainment in the area. Consider the following: [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/7-activities-retirees-love-to-enjoy-near-sarasota-florida) [![Kayak-brochure.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/Kayak-brochure.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/move-in-ready-luxury-waterfront-homes-available-in-a-community-near-lakewood-ranch) ## [Amazing Benefits of a  Luxury Waterfront Home near Lakewood Ranch](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/move-in-ready-luxury-waterfront-homes-available-in-a-community-near-lakewood-ranch) June 25, 2018 Thanks to the Fort Hamer Bridge, our new development of luxury waterfront homes are now located at an extremely convenient distance from Lakewood Ranch. Whether you work in Lakewood Ranch or simply enjoy having quick access to the many amenities of the town, the new access provided by the bridge ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/move-in-ready-luxury-waterfront-homes-available-in-a-community-near-lakewood-ranch) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/dock7915.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/advantages-of-having-a-private-dock-vs.-keeping-your-boat-in-a-marina) ## [Top 7 Advantages to Having a Private Boat Dock](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/advantages-of-having-a-private-dock-vs.-keeping-your-boat-in-a-marina) June 1, 2018 If you own a boat, having a private dock has many advantages over keeping your boat in a marina. At The Islands on the Manatee River, you can add a private dock if you’d like, and enjoy the following boating advantages: [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/advantages-of-having-a-private-dock-vs.-keeping-your-boat-in-a-marina) - [Previous](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/living-on-the-water/page/0) - [1](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [2](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/living-on-the-water/page/2) - [Next](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/living-on-the-water/page/2) ### Social Networks - - - - ### Newsletter Subscribe for New Blog Posts And Images.up to date form your inbox! ### Popular Posts ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_122890328.jpeg) [Best Places to Fish in the Bradenton Area](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/best-places-to-fish-in-the-bradenton-area) October 24, 2018 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/DSC_6898-1.jpg) [Rio Vista Estates - over 75% SOLD OUT](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/our-new-neighborhood-rio-vista-estates) May 24, 2023 ### Categories - [The Islands on the Manatee River (58)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) - [boating and golf community (32)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/boating-and-golf-community) - [Waterfront community Sarasota Florida (29)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/waterfront-community-sarasota-florida) ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/DSC_6898-1.jpg) [Rio Vista Estates - over 75% SOLD OUT](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/our-new-neighborhood-rio-vista-estates) May 24, 2023 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/TheIslands-Boat-ManateeRiver.jpg) [Boating News | JUNE 2023](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) May 24, 2023 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/The-Islands-Local-Holiday-Guide-2020-v3.jpg) [All You’ll Want For Christmas: 15 Local Holiday Events for 2020](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/all-youll-want-for-christmas-15-local-holiday-events-for-2020) December 18, 2020 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/4.png) [How To Create A More Luxurious Outdoor Florida Living Space](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/how-to-create-a-more-luxurious-outdoor-florida-living-space) November 15, 2020 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/3.png) [5 Health Benefits Of Living In A Lakewood Ranch Gated Community](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-health-benefits-of-living-in-a-lakewood-ranch-gated-community) November 1, 2020 - [REQUEST BROCHURE](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/home?scrollto=the-form-brochure) - [CONTACT US](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/contact-us) - [941.208.1213](tel:9412081213) Do you want to live in paradise? [![CLICK HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/465801/a96f345f-2300-45ec-a018-15623fa6f3e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/465801/a96f345f-2300-45ec-a018-15623fa6f3e3) [![Logo](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=738&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://liveattheislands.com) It’s a brand new day at The Islands. The new Fort Hamer Bridge brings Lakewood Ranch, I-75, Bradenton and Sarasota within minutes of our gated paradise. Expansive 1/2-acre-plus homesites allow for waterfront living in a highly sought after area. This is the lifestyle that you have always imagined, without compromise. - - - ### SITE NAVIGATION - [Home](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) - [Location](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/location) - [News/Events](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [Lifestyle](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/lifestyle) - [Community](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/community) - [Residences](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/residences) - [Contact Us](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/contact-us) ### Subscribe To Newsletter ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### LATEST NEWS ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/DSC_6898-1.jpg) [Rio Vista Estates - over 75% SOLD OUT](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/our-new-neighborhood-rio-vista-estates) 24 May, 2023 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/TheIslands-Boat-ManateeRiver.jpg) [Boating News | JUNE 2023](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) 24 May, 2023 Privacy Policy • Site Map | The Islands on The Manatee River © 2026