[pilatesgal318]

Any information on Anna Maria Island and surrounding area that anyone could share? We are looking for a place to relocate to in the next few years and see quite a few jobs in the Sarasota/Bradenton area in my husband's field; I was wondering about beaches in the area (Anna Maria) and if they have high rises all over the place; we are trying to avoid that completely, if possible.

We would be moving from the Virgin Islands back to the states (and my husband and I are from coastal areas in Florida and NC) so we are very aware of heat, humidity, hurricanes, etc.

Thanks in advance for info!

pilatesgal

[SoFLGal]

Anna Maria is a very laid back sleepy beach town and is one of the few towns that still has the "Old Florida" feel to it. I used to live out that way when I was a kid and my father started the Islander Newspaper, which was the first newspaper for Anna Maria Island. As a kid I attended Anna Maria Elementary and have fond memories of the school.

The original old city pier the Rod & Reel that's been there since 1910, is still there. There are a few little restaurants and small beachy stores but definitely not touristy. Here's the local chamber website: The Official Guide to Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria has a free trolley that shuttles people up and down the island. It runs from Coquina Beach to the south end of Anna Maria. Anna Maria is actually known as the "wedding capital of Florida". It also has a great arts and theater community.

From May through October in Florida, sea turtles come ashore to nest. Anna Maria Island is one of the many places in Florida that sea turtles nest on the beaches. Protection of the sea turtles is an important aspect of the island culture, and information and training is available for tourists and locals in abundance. Manatees are also frequent summer visitors at Anna Maria Island, and similarly, the Manatee is held in great reverence by islanders. A subspecies of the Indian Manatee, these herbivores call Anna Maria Island their summer vacation home.

The entire island is a bird sanctuary, and pelicans, multiple types of cranes and herons, wild parrots, sand pipers, hawks, vultures, seagulls, and crows share the island with humans.

Anna Maria Island is actually comprised of three cities-Anna Maria in the north, Holmes Beach in the middle and Bradenton Beach in the south. Oh yes, and the beaches are beautiful.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Anna Maria is a very laid back sleepy beach town and is one of the few towns that still has the "Old Florida" feel to it. I used to live out that way when I was a kid and my father started the Islander Newspaper, which was the first newspaper for Anna Maria Island. As a kid I attended Anna Maria Elementary and have fond memories of the school.

The original old city pier the Rod & Reel that's been there since 1910, is still there. There are a few little restaurants and small beachy stores but definitely not touristy. Here's the local chamber website: The Official Guide to Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria has a free trolley that shuttles people up and down the island. It runs from Coquina Beach to the south end of Anna Maria. Anna Maria is actually known as the "wedding capital of Florida". It also has a great arts and theater community.

From May through October in Florida, sea turtles come ashore to nest. Anna Maria Island is one of the many places in Florida that sea turtles nest on the beaches. Protection of the sea turtles is an important aspect of the island culture, and information and training is available for tourists and locals in abundance. Manatees are also frequent summer visitors at Anna Maria Island, and similarly, the Manatee is held in great reverence by islanders. A subspecies of the Indian Manatee, these herbivores call Anna Maria Island their summer vacation home.

The entire island is a bird sanctuary, and pelicans, multiple types of cranes and herons, wild parrots, sand pipers, hawks, vultures, seagulls, and crows share the island with humans.

Anna Maria Island is actually comprised of three cities-Anna Maria in the north, Holmes Beach in the middle and Bradenton Beach in the south. Oh yes, and the beaches are beautiful.

What a lovely, picturesque, wonderfully written piece on the island by SoFLGal.

Yet again we have another portarit that shows the wonderful diversity and enchantment of Florida for those who wish to see it in all its fascinating beauty.

Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder sometimes, but unfortunately many a beholder has blocked out an appreciation of all the natural, placid imagery of flora, fauna, live and interesting creatures in Florida - some of the latter being so eloquently described here.

[gypsychic]

Anna Maria is truly beautiful, and still feels like "old Florida" thanks to the way it has been kept small scale. SoFLGal indeed has painted a beautiful portrait of it and it is no exaggeration. I personally prefer Anna Maria over Siesta Key due to it's more funky Florida feel, and less crowded beaches and lack of high rises. It also has more restaurants right on the water or beaches than Siesta. It was my birthday yesterday, and we went to the little Waterfront restaurant across from the bayfront park there - it was like a dream. If I could afford it, that is where I would live - nature at it's finest!

[pilatesgal318]

Thank you so much, SoFLGal! That is the sense I have gotten about the place from reading it...now, I will be ready for a visit soon! ModerateGuy, I appreciate your input, as well as yours, gypsychic...and, happy birthday!

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by pilatesgal318

Thank you so much, SoFLGal! That is the sense I have gotten about the place from reading it...now, I will be ready for a visit soon! ModerateGuy, I appreciate your input, as well as yours, gypsychic...and, happy birthday!

Pleasure! Enjoy the trip back home...hope you find a nice spot!