Tuesday Turtle Talks on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – The Tuesday Turtle Talks begin this month at the Anna Maria Island Community Center and will continue through the summer at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers will take kids in the Center’s after school program to the beach on May 12 and May 19 at 4 p.m. to search for sea turtle and shorebird nests, with a final activity at the Center on May 26. From June through August, Tuesday Turtle Talks will move to the Annie Silver Community Center on 23rd Street one block off Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach from 10 to 11 a.m.

The talks will replace morning tours of the nesting beach and will include a presentation, handouts and Q&A time. In August, volunteers will demonstrate nest excavations on the beach, Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox said.

All summer a new event, Turtles on Bridge Street, will be featured with scavenger hunts to find turtles, free temporary turtle tattoos in Bridge Street businesses and other events.

If you would like to register your child to attend the Anna Maria Island Community Center Tuesday Turtle Talks, call 941-778-1908.

Bill Vinhage playing music live at the Bridge Street Sunday Market

Bradenton Beach – Live music this week at the Bridge Street Sunday Market is by Bill Vinhage. The weekly Bridge Street Sunday market runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday through the end of April at 111 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach on the south end of Anna Maria Island. Locals and visitors can find fresh produce, local art, chair massage, beach-style gifts, jewelry, clothes, home décor, food, fun and more. A limited amount of vendor space is still available in some categories.

Bill Vinhage is a singer-songwriter focusing on both original material as well as a very eclectic mix of acoustic oriented cover tunes. Originally from New Jersey, Bill was active in the music scene in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York before moving to Tampa Bay in 1999. He has a diverse vocal range and unique guitar style. His original material is influenced by rock, pop, jazz, country, broadway, folk as well as the AM radio stations of New York City he grew up listening to in the 60’s and 70’s.
The Bridge Street Merchants, a 501c6, host the Sunday Markets, and provide year-round shopping, dining and entertainment on the south end of the island. Other merchant events such as Market Food Challenges and Christmas on Bridge Street support various local charities.

For Sunday, consider taking the free island trolley right to Bridge Street. Car parking options include: the city lot behind the Bridge Street Bistro, up and down Bridge Street including by the city pier, City Hall (permissible on Sundays) and along the beach just south of Bridge Street. For more information on the Bridge Street Merchants, or vendor space at the Market contact Market Manager, Melissa Enders, at melissaenders76@gmail.com or (215) 906-0668 or visit www.bridgestreetmerchants.com.

Blues, Brews BBQ on Bridge Street March 29th

Bridge street in Bradenton Beach will be closed on Saturday March 29th from 11am-10pm for Blues, Brews BBQ.

Blues Brews BBQ

Live music, good food and drinks are the order of the day for this family fun event. The music lineup includes AJ & the Automatics, Lauren Mitchell Band, RJ Howson & Friends, Kara Nally Band and Kettle of Fish. A VIP Section will also be available with preferred seating under the tent. Additionally the vip tickets include the BBQ contest, alcohol, beer and a meal from Bridge Street Bistro.

The BBQ contest is amazing too! From 2-6pm local restaurants will compete to see who can make the best barbecue!

1st Annual Lighting of Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island!

Mark Saturday, November 30^th on your calendar ~ we have a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

That evening from 5pm through 10pm, we are all welcome to enjoy the first official holiday Lighting of Bridge Street. Bring your friends, family (both human and furry) to Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. The night will come alive with live holiday music by “Ted Stevens and the Doo Shots”. There will be shopping, crafts, food and a full bar available. The exact location is 107 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach….but leave the car at home! You can let loose, have a good time and shake your tail feathers by taking the free Anna Maria Island Trolley!!

What a fun way to follow up an island Thanksgiving!

This is the first of many merry holiday events on Anna Maria Island, beginning in the city of Bradenton Beach.

For more information on the host, Bridge Street Merchants, click here.

Blue Marlin Restaurant On Historic Bridge Street

The Blue Marlin Restaurant on Anna Maria Island serves only the freshest local seafood and is a great spot to catch local musicians. Located on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach the Blue Marlin offers a unique dining experience in an intimate setting. The Blue Marlin is a nautical theme restaurant with local artwork and pictures throughout the restaurant.

Owner Adam Ellis has extensive knowledge of the local seafood market and purchases fresh fish daily in the Village of Cortez which provides the exquisite entrée selection and daily specials featuring the day’s catch. If you’re not a seafood lover try their famous steak sandwich, short ribs, or roasted chicken you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re in the mood for live music after dinner than the courtyard is the spot for you. The courtyard at the Blue Marlin offers live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in a very relaxing outdoor setting featuring different live bands every week.

So the next time you’re in the mood for tasty food and live music head down to the Blue Marlin on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

Blue Marlin
121 Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

A few other choices on Bridge Street can be found on our Bridge Street information page.

Santa Clause comes to Bridge Street

Santa Clause coming to Bridge Street

It may be true that we don’t get any snow in Florida, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get into the Christmas Spirit! Santa Clause coming to Bridge Street has become an annual event in Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria Island is full of festivities throughout the Winter Season, but one of the most fun as an Islander is the Christmas celebration at Bridge Street. Hosted yearly by the Bridge Street Merchant’s Assocation, there are plenty of activities that are fun for the whole family, whether your loved ones are 9 or 90!

The day starts off with an “open house” of Bridge Street, with all the merchants offering special prices and fun gift ideas. Afterwards, the festivites really start; this year beginning at 3:00 PM, Santa Claus is coming to town, and will be around until 7:00 PM when the Cortez Yacht Club’s lighted boat parade begins. This whole event is truly spectacular, and should not be missed!

Island Wellness at Sea-renity Spa On Bridge Street

We had a great time with Amanda Escobio and her team at the Grand Opening of Sea-renity Spa in Bradenton Beach. Sea-renity focuses on Natural Health & Beauty and are located on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Sea-renity Spa offers single massage; couples massage, pedicures, full body wraps, and retail products at their new Bridge Street location. The spa can accommodate spa parties of 4 to 8 people.

Continue reading Island Wellness at Sea-renity Spa On Bridge Street

The Bridge Street Bistro In Bradenton Beach

Bridge Street Bistro Front — Bridge Street Bistro & Island Time Bar & Grill In Bradenton Beach

Two new hot spots on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach and they are in the same building. Located at 111 Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach the Bridge Street Bistro and Island Time Bar & Grill are serving it up at this 3 story facility.

Island Time Bar & Grill

The Island Time Bar & Grill is located on the first floor and opens at 11:30 am. The Island Time Bar & Grill has an open air bar with a boat theme and views of the beach across the street. The Island Time Bar & Grill offers live music Thursday – Sunday and has its own menu offering wings, burgers, fried grouper sandwiches and more.

Prices on the downstairs menu range from $8.00 – $12.00 for appetizers and sandwiches, and they offer a New England lobster Roll for $17.00. You can also order anything from the upstairs Bistro menu during regular dinner hours.

Bridge Street Bistro

The Bridge Street Bistro is located on the 3rd floor and opens at 5:30 pm. The view from the 3rd floor is breath taking, looking over the Gulf of Mexico. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined and the attire is resort casual. Your choice of dining inside or outside on the 3rd floor terrace.

Ask your server about early dinning specials, and according to Jimmy the head server the Veal Picatta is the best in Florida. Appetizer sampler platters, lobster bisque, seafood gumbo, and specialty salads from $6.95 – $10.95. Try the potato crusted grouper or the Mediterranean style Mahi-Mahi and who can pass up a Hand cut Filet Mignon or Rib Eye steak with your choice preparations from $11.95 – $25.95.

For event information ask about the banquet room on the second floor, perfect for luncheons and rehearsal dinners, the room will hold up to 60 people.

Bridge Street Bistro & Island Time Bar & Grill
111 Gulf Drive South
Bradenton Beach FL 34216
941-782-1122

Amy’s Top Ten List of Activites When Visiting Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – Amy is an Island resident and vacation specialist at Island Real Estate. Here is her list of things to do when visiting Anna Maria Island. From the beach to the attractions, there is always something fun and new to experience across Anna Maria Island’s three cities! Try out some of Amy’s suggestions, and enjoy your time spent on Anna Maria Island.

10) Go to miniature golf on Bridge Street

9 ) While on Bridge Street go to Bridge Tender for lunch

8) Walk out on the Bridge Street pier

7) Ice cream at Joe’s Eat’s and Sweet’s

6) Walk to the beach for a sunset with your ice cream

5) Kayak in Robinson’s Preserve

4) Eat or visit the Rod n’ Reel restaurant

3) Visit or have a picnic at Bay Front Park

2) Dine at the Star Fish Restaurant

1) Rent or take a boat out in the Gulf of Mexico or Tampa Bay