Bradenton Beach

Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island, Florida, is subtropical beach and nature in their prime. Bradenton Beach lies south of the city of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. In the 16th century, deSoto and Ponce de Leon were among the first western explorers to find this abundant land, which was originally inhabited by the Timucan and Caloosan Native American tribes. The first permanent white settler was George Emerson Bean who homesteaded about 160 acres in 1892. Anna Maria Island was dense with jungle and swamp, home to rattlesnakes, panthers, and wildcats. Over the years, bridges and roads were built. After World War II, a developer by the name of Holmes developed the early stages of what you see in Anna Maria Island today. He added an airstrip, which you can visit and see what Hollywood saw in the movie, "On An Island With You". Population as of 2005 is 1,561. Bradenton Beach is the resort side of Anna Maria Island. Condominiums row the beaches. However, nature is preserved and protected. Few condominiums are allowed to be above three stories. Sea turtles, birds, manatees, pine forests are among the flora and fauna found in the area. Tour the island to learn the ins and outs of ecosystems and make tangible the scenery around you. In Bradenton Beach, if you explore, various stops keep your vacation in motion. Newly improved Bridge Street, near the first bridge onto the island, has both history and modern buildings. A 96 acre Australian pine forest is an afternoon trip just off Bridge Street. Lush foliage continues to the southern tip, overlooking Sarasota Bay. An old fishing pier stands in Bradenton Beach; locals and visitors stop to calm the mind, fish, and maybe catch a bite or two. And if you want to venture off island, within a two and half hour drive is Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens.

Anna Maria Island's time is relaxed. Bradenton Beach is relaxed. The calendar of events is just as relaxed. Some of what goes on includes: Movie Night, Mardi Gras, Car Shows, Art Shows. Art is trademark for Anna Maria Island. Art galleries are around town, selling and displaying both local and famous art. Your bag, if you decide to splurge, will be filled with gifts, T-shirts, jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, fine silver, the latest in fashion and all your necessary sporting goods. Restaurants wine and dine you as you watch the setting, scarlet sun. Eat exquisite lobster and shrimp or drink heartily at a nearby pub. Choose what flavor you desire and more than likely the island has it. Blue sky, golden light pressing upon your closed eyes, clear, seemingly drinkable waters, lapping against white sand, Anna Maria Island, Florida, is rightly called sub-tropical. Surf and sound attracts visitors to parasail, kite-surf, fish, boat, golf (the only one on island is at Bradenton Beach), play tennis, swim, or let the island time and pace calm you as you lay back. Bradenton Beach is nature for your eyes, history for your ears, and beach and sea for your sensation. When you visit, be sure to feel it all.