--- title: The Islands Blog | Florida Waterfront Homes | things to do description: things to do | 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 [![ellenton-premium-outlets-07](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/ellenton-premium-outlets-07.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/fun-area-amenities-to-enjoy-near-parrish-florida) ## [Fun Area Amenities to Enjoy Near Parrish, Florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/fun-area-amenities-to-enjoy-near-parrish-florida) September 1, 2020 The Parrish area of Southwest Florida has plenty of fun activities and attractions. It's home to many fun area amenities, including the following: [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/fun-area-amenities-to-enjoy-near-parrish-florida) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/siestakey52615.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-reasons-why-people-retire-in-sarasota-florida) ## [5 Reasons why People Retire in Sarasota, Florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-reasons-why-people-retire-in-sarasota-florida) August 21, 2019 Are you looking at Florida communities and wondering where to retire? Sarasota should be at the top of your list. Sarasota is one of the Sunshine State communities that have become popular with retirees, and for good reason. This town on the state's west coast has a population of a little over ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-reasons-why-people-retire-in-sarasota-florida) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/hunsader.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/26th-annual-hunsader-farms-pumpkin-festival) ## [27th Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/26th-annual-hunsader-farms-pumpkin-festival) October 26, 2018 Having started a quarter a century ago as a laid back, bucolic event that attracted only a handful of locals, it has now grown very large and popular, visited by tens of thousands of people from all over Florida to Manatee County, over three weekends. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/26th-annual-hunsader-farms-pumpkin-festival) [![siestakey.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/siestakey.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/10-things-to-love-about-sarasota-bradenton) ## [10 Things to Love About Sarasota | Bradenton](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/10-things-to-love-about-sarasota-bradenton) October 22, 2018 Florida’s Suncoast lifestyle offers a unique combination of art, culture, and a breadth of outdoor activities that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you long for the natural beauty of the Myakka treetops, the honey tinged creativity of a perfect cocktail or the sonic delight of every Verdi ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/10-things-to-love-about-sarasota-bradenton) [![The-Ringling-Ca-d-Zan-Mansion-from-Sarasota-Bay.-Sarasota-FL1-760x490](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/The-Ringling-Ca-d-Zan-Mansion-from-Sarasota-Bay.-Sarasota-FL1-760x490.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-reasons-why-people-retire-in-southwest-florida) ## [Why You Should Retire to Southwest Florida Area](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-reasons-why-people-retire-in-southwest-florida) September 24, 2018 Warm weather, great beaches, and no state income tax -- just three reasons advisers say Florida deserves its reputation as a retirement Mecca. Sarasota-Manatee area should be at the top of your list. Sarasota is one of the Sunshine State communities that have become popular with retirees, and for ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/5-reasons-why-people-retire-in-southwest-florida) [![t-t1_the_ringling_5620_mobi.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/t-t1_the_ringling_5620_mobi.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-sarasota-florida) ## [Top 10 Things to Do in Sarasota-Manatee, Florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-sarasota-florida) September 5, 2018 Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota is home to fascinating museums, beautiful gardens, romantic restaurants, and a diverse choice of attractions, making it a fun weekend destination for couples and families. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-sarasota-florida) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/TheIslandsontheManateeRiver.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/how-the-islands-on-manatee-river-can-fit-your-needs) ## [How The Islands on the Manatee River Can Fit Your Needs](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/how-the-islands-on-manatee-river-can-fit-your-needs) August 6, 2018 If you have always dreamed of waterfront living with a view of the gorgeous Manatee River, The Islands is the place to be. Located conveniently just to the east of I-75 and immediately next to the Fort Hamer Bridge, The Islands is the perfect community for you to spend your retirement days, or to ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/how-the-islands-on-manatee-river-can-fit-your-needs) [![Siesta-Beach.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/Siesta-Beach.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/sarasotas-vibrant-culture) ## [Sarasota's Vibrant Culture](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/sarasotas-vibrant-culture) August 1, 2018 Sarasota is your slice of Florida paradise. This south-central Florida location is close to perfect. Here you can enjoy year-round events and activities, sample some of the most delicious restaurants with the freshest seafood, and you are minutes away from the world-famous, white sand Gulf beaches. ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/sarasotas-vibrant-culture) [![tampa-riverwalk](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/tampa-riverwalk.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/take-a-day-trip-5-best-places-to-visit-in-tampa) ## [Take a Day Trip: 5 Best Places to Visit in Tampa](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/take-a-day-trip-5-best-places-to-visit-in-tampa) July 16, 2018 Living at The Islands puts you into close proximity to so many things to do and places to go throughout the Lakewood Ranch and Tampa Bay area. Here are five great places to visit in The Tampa Bay area: [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/take-a-day-trip-5-best-places-to-visit-in-tampa) - [Previous](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do/page/0) - [1](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [2](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do/page/2) - [Next](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do/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