Anna Maria Island, Florida is southwest of Tampa by approximately 20 miles. It nestles on the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico just below the inlet for Tampa Bay and across the mainland from Bradenton and Cortez. There is access to the island from 3 bridges: The Anna Maria Island Bridge at Bradenton, The Cortez Bridge and the Longboat Pass span from the south. According to the year 2000 census, the island has approximately 8,500 year-round residents but this figure mushrooms during the tourist seasons. Anna Maria Island is divided among three cities: The cities on Anna Maria Island are homogeneous and you may drive from one to another not knowing you have crossed city lines. Housing looks alike, commercial areas look much the same, roadways seamlessly mesh and the beaches are ...well ...sandy. It seems that the residents of this small island (less than 5 miles long) and the city governments all agree that the island's composition should remain the same and various and sundry building codes have prevented heavy or even modest development of the island. You'll not find a tall building anywhere. In fact, if it weren't for spotting newer model cars on the roads you might think you had transported back into the 1950's, 60's or 70's.
That's not a bad thing, though, as those policies have preserved plenty of beach access areas and fishing spots for visitors and residents alike. Since we all come to islands like these for the pleasures of sand and surf, it's surely nice to be able to get to enjoy it. All three cities have major parks on the beach and access points throughout. Many boat ramps supply access to the bay for the water sports and fishing there.
The City of Anna Maria is a quaint little village occupying the northernmost portion of the island. A relaxing lunch or dinner at one of the fine restaurants on Anna Maria Bay Boulevard overlooking the bayside waters followed by a walk on the Anna Maria City Pier is an enjoyable experience. It's quiet, calm and peaceful here with nature's scenery everywhere.
The City of Holmes Beach, by far the largest in population and size, lies in the center of Anna Maria Island. Consisting mostly of residential houses and condos, its commercial areas provide for most of the shopping on the island. For most, there is seldom a need to head to the mainland.
The City of Bradenton Beach covers the southernmost portion of the island. Historic Bridge Street has many nice little shops and restaurants and is a great place to find souvenirs. The Bradenton Beach City Pier is at the end of the street. You can fish, eat in an indoor/outdoor setting or sit in the swing at the end of the pier. Life doesn't get much better than this.
Visitors to Anna Maria Island can tour many southwest Florida and Tampa area cities by car. St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the small barrier islands off the coast there are 30 min. to 1 hour's drive. Bradenton is just across the bridge and heading south takes one to Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key and Sarasota within an hour. This area can be accessed by air travel from the Sarasota International Airport or the Tampa International Airport.
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