The Things that Locals Know!
Island locals proudly share their Island gems and inside info with you. Anna Maria Island area residents and businesses share their local insight to help you plan your island time, and enjoy all the area has to offer.
Floriday's Woodfired Grill and Bar
Just over the drawbridge sits a quirky and fun restaurant at the base of Compass Hotel, part of the Margaritaville chain. Floriday’s Woodfired Grill and Bar has wonderful water views where you can watch manatees, dolphin and sailboats as you enjoy cocktails and eats.
Floriday’s has great service no matter if you sit in the op...
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Island Driving for City Slickers
Anna Maria Island – For most folks, all it takes is crossing over the causeway for the stresses of the real world to be washed away by sunshine and salty air; others may need a reminder or two. Once you see that beautiful “Welcome to Anna Maria Island” sign, you can relax, you should relax, you paid good money to relax, you came he...
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4th of July Fireworks - Only Sparklers Allowed - Anna Maria Island Fireworks
Anna Maria Island Fireworks – You may not use fireworks on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Fireworks are not allowed on the beach for safety concerns to both people and wildlife. This rule includes all consumer fireworks, firecrackers, bottle rockets and anything that is explosive. It is illegal to light any type of firework...
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The free Anna Maria Island trolley is the Crown Jewel of AMI
The Anna Maria Island Trolley is a great way to get to your favorite places on Anna Maria Island. The best part is that it’s FREE!!! The Trolley is air conditioned and service runs from 6am to 10:30pm, with 20 minute intervals till 9pm, and then every 30 minutes till 10:30pm (this may vary depending on traffic, accidents, or ...
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Wildlife Inc. - Animal Rescue on Anna Maria Island
Wildlife Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center on Anna Maria Island has been rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals in Manatee and Sarasota County since they opened back in 1988. This animal rescue would not be around if it wasn’t for the tireless dedication of Gail and Ed Straight. This is a non-profit, volunteer run o...
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Anna Maria Island FALL weather
Grab your beach chairs, pack up a cooler and spend the day at the beach. It is eighty six degrees outside, it’s Anna Maria Island Fall weather and the average water temperature this time of year is eighty five, and the sugar sand beaches on Anna Maria Island have never been more beautiful. Pristine beaches as far as my eyes can see...
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Beach Warning Flags - Swim Safely on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island – While relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island you may notice beach warning flags. A notice of swimming conditions, You’ll see them flying from the lifeguard stands at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. These are color coded flags to warn you about different conditi...
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Respect Our Feathered Friends While Relaxing at the Beach
Anna Maria Island – Anna Maria Island birds and wildlife are very important to locals, and the success of our environment. Bird nesting season is here and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC for short, is asking beachgoers to watch out for and avoid disturbing nesting shore birds. With nests built out of sand...
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Respect Dolphins Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island – Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins may be one of our nicest finned friends, but they are still wild animals protected under law by the Marina Mammal Protection Act. Here are some do’s and don’ts for interacting with them.
Do’s
Stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins when viewing from a vessel or watercraft.
Limit t...
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