--- title: The Islands Blog | Florida Waterfront Homes | waterfront homes description: waterfront homes | 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 [![Pier22.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/Pier22.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-6-dock-and-dine-restaurants-on-the-manatee-river) ## [Top 6 Dock and Dine Restaurants on The Manatee River](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-6-dock-and-dine-restaurants-on-the-manatee-river) August 1, 2020 photo: http://pier22dining.com/ Florida's coast offers white, sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, and delicious cuisine. From gourmet restaurants to casual outdoor tiki bars, you'll find food, drinks and entertainment for great dock and dine enjoyment. Take a look at six boating restaurants you ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-6-dock-and-dine-restaurants-on-the-manatee-river) [![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) [![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) [![bigstock-Girl-with-paddle-and-kayak-on--35480015](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/bigstock-Girl-with-paddle-and-kayak-on--35480015.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/best-water-activities-in-the-sarasota-and-bradenton-area) ## [Best Water Activities in the Sarasota and Bradenton Area](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/best-water-activities-in-the-sarasota-and-bradenton-area) July 23, 2018 The Sarasota area is a great place for you to escape and relax, hang out on the beach, and enjoy a peaceful vacation… or staycation! However, if you are interested in doing more than just kicking back, you are in good company. From parasailing and kayaking to fishing and boating, the number of ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/best-water-activities-in-the-sarasota-and-bradenton-area) [![LakewoodRanchKidsActivities.jpg](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/Images/LakewoodRanchKidsActivities.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-10-activities-for-your-kids-near-lakewood-ranch-florida) ## [Top 10 Activities for Your Kids to Enjoy on Florida's Gulf Coast](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-10-activities-for-your-kids-near-lakewood-ranch-florida) June 11, 2018 Summer time is upon us. Discover all of the fun things that you can do with your kids this summer. Living on the water offers more than just boating and fishing, you and your family can also enjoy these top ten area activities as well. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-10-activities-for-your-kids-near-lakewood-ranch-florida) [![](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/MeetYourNeighbors.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/friendly-neighbors-takes-on-new-meaning-on-the-manatee-river) ## [“Friendly Neighbors” Takes on New Meaning on the Manatee River](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/friendly-neighbors-takes-on-new-meaning-on-the-manatee-river) May 14, 2018 The Manatee River is a lush and peaceful waterway located near Sarasota and Bradenton on Florida’s west coast. In this pristine natural environment, many new homeowners are getting to know the locals up close and personal. The Manatee River is teeming with many diverse forms of wildlife and it ... [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/friendly-neighbors-takes-on-new-meaning-on-the-manatee-river) [![72226Novara1459B_greatroom2](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/72226Novara1459B_greatroom2.jpg)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/who-do-you-rank-as-sarasotas-top-homebuilders) ## [We've Selected only the best Custom Luxury Homebuilders in ...](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/who-do-you-rank-as-sarasotas-top-homebuilders) April 13, 2018 Selecting the right homebuilder that understands your wants and needs in a new home is one of the most important decisions during the home buying process. Fortunately, The Islands on the Manatee River has some of the best builders around. [SEE MORE](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/who-do-you-rank-as-sarasotas-top-homebuilders) [![](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) ### 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