Anna Maria Island Shelling – DIY Souvenirs

Shelling for free souvenir’s and free sunsets…

Some of the most relaxing moments in an Anna Maria Island beach rental vacation can be searching for the shells. Family in toe, it sometimes seems all too easy to get the entire group focused on a fun task that everyone can participate in. Thankfully shells don’t get you stopped in the airport security lines as you are sure to bring back the best of the best shells to help you remember a more relaxing time while vacationing on Anna Maria Island. Below are some tips regarding shelling however don’t make the scavenger hunt too serious. Remember the shells themselves are not the reward but the journey with your family to find the shells is the true once in a lifetime treasure! Also, here’s more on shelling.

Shelling for the best

You typically find the best shells after a good storm. Even better, if you visit Anna Maria Island during a re-nourishment project you are sure to find fabulous shells. Florida and Manatee county laws strictly forbid taking of live shells, shells with a living organism, starfish, Queen conchs or sand dollars. A Florida Fishing License is required to take living shells, and has a bag limit of two of any species per person per day. Collect shells in a bucket or “green” container, and be sure not to take too many. Shells, dead or alive, play a vital role in the Florida ecosystem. Perhaps limiting yourself to less than a pint sized bucket is a good ethical measure. If necessary use a mixture of 50/50 bleach and water to rinse your shells. If you are searching in water be sure to shuffle your feet to disturb resting sting rays.

Hurricane information

We have hurricane information for those planning their Anna Maria Island vacation during season. Hurricane Season is from June 1^st until November 1^st with the statistics showing us that the months of September and October offer the most intense activity.

Hurricane Information from the past

Since 1950 Anna Maria Island has not seen a hurricane make landfall within 50 miles. There are many theories regarding the many years without a strong windy season. Many say that the Tampa Bay currents “kick” hurricanes to the North. The obvious path of hurricanes generally track to the North or South of the city of Tampa and Anna Maria Island. We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance which will cover your rental fees in the case of an evacuation. If the vacation rental that you are scheduled to stay in is uninhabitable we will find a similar accommodation on Anna Maria Island. Why worry? Take a look at the historical map below…

Anna Maria Island Weather

Anna Maria Island weather is beautiful year round!

Climate: If you are looking for up to the minute weather information about Anna Maria Island you can visit any weather web site and enter our zip code of 34216 for Anna Maria City or 34217 for Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. For a link to Anna Maria weather – WEATHER

Anna Maria Island Weather

The average year around temperature of Anna Maria Island weather is a perfect 75 degrees F. The Summer is perfect for dipping into the Gulf of Mexico where many consider it to be bath water since the Gulf waters average 84-86 degrees F. The Summer average temperature on the island is 80 degrees while the Winter temperatures are a bit cooler but perfect for a strong rigorous walk along the beach. Average Anna Marie Island winter temperature is 69 degrees F. If the perfect temperatures have not convinced you then visiting will.

Average Temperatures: (High) – [Low] degrees F
JAN : 72-50 // FEB : 73 – 51 // MARCH : 77 – 56 // APRIL : 82 – 60
MAY : 87 – 65 // JUNE : 90 – 70 // JULY : 91 – 72 // AUG : 91 – 72
SEPT : 89 – 72 // OCT : 84 – 65 // NOV : 78 – 57 // DEC : 73 – 51

You can see below that rainfall can be dramatically different from month to month however for most natives of the island we do not recognize much of difference between months. The summer late afternoons are cooled down by a quick 30 – 60 minute afternoon shower. If you are considering visiting Anna Maria Island during the summer and the rainfall bothers you don’t let it. The majority of the rain occurs in the late afternoon and frankly most of the time its a nice change of pace to the strong sunny mornings found on Anna Maria.

Average Rainfall : inches
JAN 2.8 : FEB 3.0 : MAR 3.0 : APRIL : 2.0 : MAY 3.2 : JUNE 7.4
JULY 8.8 : AUG 9.6 : SEPT 8.5 : OCT 3.1 : NOV 2.0 : DEC 2.4

Anna Maria Bay Front Park – Family Fun

Bay Front Park located on the North end of the island is a quiet park that is great for a picnic with the kiddos. The Park offers calm beaches, and spectacular views of the Sky Way Bridge, and is a wonderful place for walking, fishing, and swimming! Bay Front Park features picnic tables and grills covered by pavilions, and an awesome ADA playground. After taking a dip in the water, or an afternoon of playing on the playground with the kids, take a short stroll to Two Scoops for some ice cream. Feel like walking to a restaurant from the park? There are a couple of great choices. The Waterfront Restaurant is fine dining, and just a short walk to the South. A bit closer to the North is the Rod and Reel Restaurant overlooking the water.

Directions:

if you are coming from Bradenton take Manatee Avenue West to the beach. Once you have gone over the bridge onto Anna Maria Island make a right onto Gulf Drive. Keep heading north on Gulf Drive, when you come to the stop light

View of the water from Bayfront Parks playground

in Holmes Beach make a right onto Marina Drive. You will head north on Marina Drive through Holmes Beach to The City of Anna Maria and make a right onto Pine Avenue, take Pine Avenue all the way to the stop sign, make a left onto North Bay Blvd and the park is on your right.

Park Hours are sunrise to 10PM.