Anna Maria Island Newspapers

Anna Maria Island Newspapers are a great way to see what is going on in the community. There is nothing more fun than a small town newspaper! The island is fortunate to have two local papers and one covering Bradenton and Manatee county.

Larger Local news coverage

The Bradenton Herald is the largest local newspaper and primarily focuses on the mainland (Bradenton). Anna Maria Island is covered within the newspaper, however Bradenton normally overshadows the events on the island.

Anna Maria Island newspapers

We have two local newspapers that primarily cover Anna Maria Island. The first local newspaper is the Anna Maria Island Sun which covers island life as well as news and events. Courtesy of Island Real Estate, we will arrange for a copy of the Sun to be mailed to any address in the United States for six months, free of charge. Please send your postal mail address as well as “I want the Sun!” to Island Real Estate. The second local newspaper, the Islander also covers Anna Maria Island news, etc. Both approach news on the island with different philosophies so you choose which best suits your needs to keep abreast of island events.

The Longboat Key and News covers primarily Long Boat Key however it does cover some news on Anna Maria.

Larry

Meet Larry Chatt. Larry is the Broker/Owner of Island Real Estate – and has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in New England, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa and across Europe. He and his family have been on the island for decades and Larry has served his community in various roles with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

March 8, 2008January 22, 2021

Anna Maria Island Gulf Water Temperatures

Anna Maria Island gulf water temperatures are gorgeous. Northern visitors may even swim all year long! The Gulf of Mexico as well as the Tampa Bay offer warmer swimming temperatures amazingly early in our Spring season. On warm days you can usually see a child or even adult taking a dip in our gulf waters any month of year. However, the length of time you might want to swim in the Gulf or Bay has much to do with the month of the year.

Anna Maria Island gulf water temperatures and safety

As usual we suggest all the same common sense safety practices while swimming with children. Keep younger children in a water height that will easily allow them to get their head above water. They will also need to gather their footing quickly if they are knocked over by a large wave. Normally the Gulf is very calm and a toddler can play in the Gulf with little to no effort. If you are concerned about a toddlers swimming safety purchase some arm floater’s at anyone of the local shopping centers on Anna Maria Island or in Bradenton. Take a look below at the AVERAGE sea temperatures to give you an idea of what time of year you find swimming in the Gulf acceptable.

High                Season                 Low
85                   Spring                   77
89                   Summer                80
86                   Fall                        68
77                   Winter                   65

Larry

March 6, 2008January 22, 2021

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.

Larry