--- title: The Islands Blog | Florida Waterfront Homes | the islands (2) description: the islands | 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. (2) --- [![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/PageLikes-2.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hot-real-estate-trends-on-floridas-suncoast-for-2016) ## [Hot Real Estate Trends on Florida’s Suncoast for 2016](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hot-real-estate-trends-on-floridas-suncoast-for-2016) December 29, 2015 It’s almost the New Year. In 2016 economic growth will continue to chug along, employment will continue to increase, and homebuyers will continue to feel confident in purchasing a new home. Here’s a closer look at the trends that will have the greatest impact on the Florida housing market. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hot-real-estate-trends-on-floridas-suncoast-for-2016) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/farmers-market.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/healthy-living-on-the-manatee-river) ## [Healthy Living on The Manatee River](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/healthy-living-on-the-manatee-river) November 13, 2015 Healthy Living includes simple weekly habits. Visiting a farmer’s market not only provides you with the freshest produce but also exercise and social activity. The Sarasota/Bradenton area has a plethora of farmers markets for fresh, healthy eating and residents of the Islands on the Manatee River ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/healthy-living-on-the-manatee-river) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/FortHammerBridge.png)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/a-23-million-bridge-really-does-change-everything) ## [A $23 Million Bridge Really Does Change Everything](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/a-23-million-bridge-really-does-change-everything) November 13, 2015 The golden shovels of dirt were tossed in March 2015 and construction is scheduled for completion in early 2017. The Fort Hamer Bridge over the Manatee River near Sarasota is quickly becoming a reality. This long-anticipated project is much more than just a two-lane bridge with paved bike lanes and ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/a-23-million-bridge-really-does-change-everything) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/FortHammerBridge-770x262.png)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/the-fort-hamer-bridge-will-create-new-opportunities-in-lakewood-ranch) ## [The Fort Hamer Bridge Will Create New Opportunities in Lakewood ...](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/the-fort-hamer-bridge-will-create-new-opportunities-in-lakewood-ranch) October 27, 2015 For residents of The Islands and Lakewood Ranch communities, the completion of the new Fort Hamer Bridge will open up new, exciting opportunities and easy access across the Manatee River. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/the-fort-hamer-bridge-will-create-new-opportunities-in-lakewood-ranch) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hub/465801/file-2533085263.png)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/the-islands-winner-of-best-boating-from-the-parade-of-homes) ## [The Islands: Winner of "Best Boating" from the Parade of Homes](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/the-islands-winner-of-best-boating-from-the-parade-of-homes) June 3, 2015 We are excited to announce that The Islands has won "Best Boating" from the Parade of Homes! The POH is a collection of beautiful, quality homes on the Gulf Coast. These luxury homes range from privately gated communities and custom golf course homes, to outstanding waterfront and beachfront ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/the-islands-winner-of-best-boating-from-the-parade-of-homes) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hub/465801/file-2642887363.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/breaking-ground-construction-begins-on-fort-hamer-bridge) ## [Breaking Ground: Construction Begins on Fort Hamer Bridge](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/breaking-ground-construction-begins-on-fort-hamer-bridge) March 20, 2015 The long awaited Fort Hamer Bridge project has officially begun! On Thursday, March 19, construction began after a ground-breaking ceremony at Fort Hamer Park. Along with the 2,318 foot-long bridge will come mainland improvements such as turn lanes and signalized intersections. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/breaking-ground-construction-begins-on-fort-hamer-bridge) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hub/465801/file-2561609813.png)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/in-the-media-manatee-county-fort-hamer-bridge-construction) ## [In the Media: Manatee County Fort Hamer Bridge Construction](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/in-the-media-manatee-county-fort-hamer-bridge-construction) March 3, 2015 Exciting things are underway in Manatee County as the dream of the Fort Hamer bridge comes closer to reality! [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/in-the-media-manatee-county-fort-hamer-bridge-construction) - [Previous](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [1](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [2](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/the-islands/page/2) - [Next](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/the-islands/page/0) ### 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