Anna Maria City

Off the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay coast of Florida, the city of Anna Maria shares its namesake island with Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Only a few miles from Bradenton city and Sarasota, Anna Maria Island is a step back into easy subtropical life. Ponce de Leon named the island for the queen of King Charles II. The Tamican and Caloosan Native Americans first inhabited the island until Spanish explorers, such as Ponce de Leon and Hernando deSoto, conquered it. It was not until 1892, when George Emerson Bean resided here permanently, did Anna Maria Island mark the map. He built his home on what is now Anna Maria City, near today's Rod and Reel Pier. His son George W. Bean, along with John Roser, developed the island, laying out streets and sidewalks, constructing houses and buildings, and installing a water system. John Roser built the first church, which stands today. He also created the Fig Newton and sold it to Nabisco. Hollywood noticed Anna Maria Island's charm and beauty: "On An Island With You", "Palmetto", and "Out Of Time" were shot here. As of 2005, 1,867 reside in the city of Anna Maria. Anna Maria is more of the residential end of the island. It has become custom for the entire community to pick their mail up and socialize at the only post office on island. No mail is delivered and the residents are near unanimous in that decision. Folks congregate at the Roser Memorial Community Church, a living monument visitors may stop at any time. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society educates those who want to know the history of the island beneath their feet. Anna Maria Community Center has year-round activities for locals and visitors alike. Learn Tai Chi and Yoga, burn calories at a Pilates cession, play tennis, line dance, or take a class in cutting and polishing stones; for children, there are summer and holiday camps, dance lessons, field trips to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, and there are goal-oriented programs, such as tutoring, volunteer work, and social development. But that is by no means the extent of excitement for the children, only two and a half hours away is Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. And without leaving the island, children will love the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay beaches, and various games to be played around the island. Budding young and seasoned artists display their work in galleries around every corner. The city of Anna Maria has the Island Players Inc. playhouse, which was transported from mainland. Performances run daily.

The city of Anna Maria, Florida, is a living sanctuary. Rare birds soar over beaches and in the vegetation. Bottle Nose dolphin and manatees swim in the waters. Sea turtles nest on the beach. The residents carefully uphold the protection of these creatures. Though it's hard not to constantly be vigilant of the beautiful nature around you, your eyes may want to turn to many events and shops in town. While browsing the art galleries, local crafts and jewelry, bikes and fishing sporting gear, and specialized boutiques, you should pick up a calendar and see what events there are. The Anna Maria Island Art League hosts Summer- and Winterfest. Fourth of July lights up, with a parade and fireworks. And various events, like the Bay Fest, a festival with live music, food and drinks, car show, and kids' games, happen each year, so be on the look out when you arrive to the city of Anna Maria. White sandy beaches, clear blue waters, run along the shore Anna Maria Island. Every kind of water sport imaginable awaits: wave running, wind surfing, parasailing, kayaking, shelling, snorkeling, swimming or simply basking in the sun. Fishing has many possibilities. In the city of Anna Maria, Rod and Reel Pier is a local favorite; no license required, so anyone can meander to the pier and catch a bite. Chartering a boat or sailboat is sure to be a fishing and fun experience. The island has canal systems and docks within, so as you would imagine, there are several spots to fish. Golfing can not be overstated in Florida. While the city of Anna Maria does not have a course, nearby city of Bradenton does. And major golf courses, Arnold Palmer created, are less than a few hours drive. All in all, the city of Anna Maria has not lost its touch and welcomes its visitors to this subtropical near-paradise island. Visit the art scene, comb the white sandy beaches, swim in the blue waters, learn about the wildlife. Wherever you vacation on Anna Maria Island, you'll feel the comfort of its nature and its island-time serenity.