The following is the text of a news report from the Bradenton Herald:
(ANNA MARIE ISLAND, Fla.) — A large barge being towed offshore along Anna Maria Island broke loose and became stranded early Tuesday morning at Cortez Beach, according to Charlie Hunsicker, the county's director of parks and natural resources.
Tugboats are en route to pull the barge, which was on its way to Key West, from the shore, he said.
The barge is not affiliated with the company Manatee County hired to do its beach renourishment project, which was completed recently, Hunsicker said.
