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.
Hometown Desserts is a Real Treat!
Hometown Desserts started in 2007 as a home-based business baking goodies using recipes owner Cindy learned from watching her mother and grandmother in their Southern kitchen. Fast forward to 2012-present and Anna Maria is lucky to have this delicious local bakery for all our special occasions (Wednesday is a special occasion, righ...
Read more
Florida Beach Condition Warning Flag System
Anna Maria Island’s main attraction is our beautiful beaches. Water as far as the eye can see, with both the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay hugging our precious home. The best thing we can do in the water is be safe! Florida has a beach flag warning system that uses colored flags to explain the current conditions at any public ...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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 ...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
