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Bordered by three bodies of water, Anna Maria Island lies just south of Tampa Bay. Touching the Gulf of Mexico on its western shore and Sarasota and Anna Maria Bays on its eastern shore, the island is the northernmost in a string of barrier islands that continue in a southerly direction similar to the Florida Keys. This seven-mile long island is home to three cities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. The “Old Florida” heritage, preserved by the island’s governmental bodies through the years, affords continuity in the aesthetic beauty of the tropical scenery with only two of the island’s buildings standing more than three stories high.
The city of Anna Maria is found along the island’s northernmost shore. It’s original inhabitants were Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes, with recorded history dating back five centuries. Homesteaded in the late 1800’s, George Emerson Bean is credited with laying out its street and water systems. The first church built on the island by the creator of the Fig Newton, George Roser, still stands and serves the community. The city has approximately 1,800 permanent residents who enjoy the idyllic setting alongside the beachgoers, anglers, and seafood lovers.
Also homesteaded in the late 1800s, Holmes Beach began as the 160-acre residence of Sam and Annie Cobb. Although the Cobbs were its first residents, the community was named after its developer, Jack Holmes. Mr. Holmes is credited with creating this 600-acre community nestled in the center of Anna Maria Island at the end of WWII. Today, it’s 5,000 residents take time to relax on the county’s only public beach, wander through the eclectic shops, and dine in its great restaurants. As the island’s largest community, Holmes Beach also offers the greatest assortment of shops, antiques, restaurants and marinas.
The newer community of Bradenton Beach was incorporated in 1953 and boasts 1,500 permanent residents. In 1921, a wooden bridge provided access between Anna Maria Island and the mainland. When replaced by a newer bridge, the western portion of that original bridge was retained to provide great fishing and is now known as the Bradenton Beach Fishing Pier. The community’s quaint seaside inns, charming beach shops make Bradenton Beach a quaint seaside town. There are also a selection of varied dining opportunities, a 96-acre beach nearby, and a newly refurbished downtown through which to stroll.
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Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset to long remember on the Gulf of Mexico without ever having to leave the island. And, unlike other popular Florida cities with their theme parks and water slides, there are no lines on Anna Maria Island, except for the ones you draw in the sand.
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