MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Anna Maria Island businesses are feeling the pinch this holiday season.

What You Need To Know • Anna Maria Island businesses are hoping to get more foot traffic during holiday events • One business, "The Fudge Factory ," hosts its annual candy cane making presentation — this year hoping to bring in more money • It begins at 6 p.m. and is held every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 20.

One local shop owner is hoping some Christmas spirit will help turn things around.

Making fudge is like a science — but for Benjamin Kaminecki, it’s an art form he has been mastering for decades.

“I love it. It’s my passion,” he said.

He is the owner of The Fudge Factory in Bradenton Beach. It’s in a sweet spot of town, right next to Bridge Street Pier and other shops.

His num

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