Anna Maria Island Holiday Information

Anna Maria Island Holidays are always a little more special when you are on vacation. It also helps if you are on a beautiful island like Anna Maria. We have lots of family friendly things to do over the holidays, and lots of fun activities for the children. We overcome the no snow with a lot of Christmas activities that make up for none of the white stuff around.

With almost every holiday there is a parade to go with it here on AMI!

Island Real Estate also provides restaurants open for each major holiday

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

January 11, 2012March 20, 2024

Bradenton Activities and Area Information along with Must Things to Do

Bradenton Activities and Area Information

Looking for something to do in the Bradenton area during your Anna Maria Island vacation? We have compiled a list of the Bradenton activities for your convenience!

Kick it old school and catch a movie at the Ruskin Drive In Theater from the comfort of your own car!
Bring the whole family to the The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (formerly South Florida Museum) and explore their amazing exhibits!
Looking to catch up on some recreational bowling? Bowlero Bowling Alley will cater to your needs.
Sit down dining is plentiful off Anna Maria Island just in Bradenton. We have a BoneFish, Applebee’s, Outback, as well as several local owned restaurants.
Give the kids some entertainment at Bradenton’s Chuckie Cheeses Restaurant.
Palma Sola Botanical Gardens has beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. Get in touch with nature!
Beautiful Lakewood Ranch has many sights, shopping, golf and other activities!
Robinson Preserve – Outdoor Park has many hiking, biking and other trails that are great for getting the family together and active!
Ice Cream for Ice Cream at Sweet Berries yum!
Ellenton Shopping Mall is a great place to pick up souvenirs for those unfortunate souls that couldn’t travel with you!

Larry

January 11, 2012January 22, 2021

Anna Maria Island Hurricane and Storm Information

We all have to deal with mother nature and some days are better than others. Tornado’s, Winter Storms, Typhoons, and yes …. Hurricanes. This page is an attempt to help visitors with Anna Maria Island Hurricane and storm information.

The below page is used by the Island Real Estate staff to inform all property owners specific plans underway due to an impending storm. The appropriate storm link below will detail specific information as well as time-lines used by our staff to inform our owners the plans underway as well as local official recommendations or on going requirements due to pending Tropical Storms or Hurricanes. Intensity as well as time before the storm arrive dictates whether a link will be provided below. For example, a TROPICAL STORM being predicted to be hitting Anna Maria Island within the next 96 hours will most likely not make our list until 24 hours prior to arrival. However, a Category 3 Hurricane that is projected to hit Anna Maria Island in 72 hours will be posted below. As usual if you have any questions please call the Island Real Estate Staff toll free at (877) 778 6066 or if you need more information visit our website. Continue reading “Anna Maria Island Hurricane and Storm Information”

Larry

January 11, 2012December 4, 2020

Public Tennis Court Information on Anna Maria

There are tennis courts just at the end of 62nd street in Holmes Beach. Actually, the courts are just down the street from the Island Real Estate office on Marina Drive. There are three public tennis courts and generally use is based on first come first serve. The fence is ample height to retain most errand tennis balls. One fabulous feature is the night lights that are activated by hitting a small button as you walk into the tennis court. At least in the past there is a switch on one of the light poles outside the court that allows you to turn on the outdoor lights if playing in the evening. If the lights are not on, look for the outdoor pole which allows you to depress a button that will turn on the lights for a preset amount of time.

The open tennis court overlooks one of several public boat docks on Anna Maria Island.

The City of Holmes Beach is in charge of the city amenities/services (941-708-5800).

Larry

January 11, 2012December 4, 2020

Family Fun, Playgrounds and Parks on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – There are several family fun activities across the island perfect for keeping the kids entertained. No matter which of the three cities you are visiting on Island, you wont have to travel far to find a play place.

Anna Maria Island has a phenomenal skate park in Holmes Beach for the child that skateboards or roller blades. The bigger kids and teenagers are the perfect age to tear it up at the skate park. Located directly next to the skate park is a nice little playground set for the little ones, and a shuffleboard court for the grown ups. If you are lucky, catch a glimpse of Anna Maria Island’s beloved pirate ship parade float Skully wag, often parked just by the skate park.

The most Northern and generally quietest playground is located in Anna Maria City at 310 North Bay Boulevard and named Anna Maria Bay Front Park. This park is gorgeously located directly on the bay side beach, so you can enjoy swimming and playing on the play ground equipment. After visiting Bay Front Park, head over to nearby Rod N Reel pier for lunch!

If you are looking for a playground right on the Gulf of Mexico, look no more. There is a fabulous playground in Holmes Beach at the Manatee Public beach. Manatee public beach offers concessions, volley ball nets, picnic areas, bathroom/changing area and tourist information.

In Bradenton Beach head over to Herb Dolan park located on the corner of Avenue A and 25th Street directly on Anna Maria Sound. This park offers a playground, basketball courts and a large field for baseball. This park is tucked into a Bradenton Beach neighborhood, and is often not crowded.

On the very southern end of the Island find Coquina beach with tons of activities including a fun Pirate ship shaped play ground, paved walking/bike paths, concessions and bathrooms.

Larry

January 11, 2012December 4, 2020

Sarasota Area Information and Things to Do

Sarasota, Florida is a great small city to visit while vacationing on Anna Maria Island. Sarasota has fantastic arts, festivals, shopping, restaurants, culture, and things to do. This page provides Sarasota area information and things to do.

Right at the top of the list is the Mable and Ringling museums found in Sarasota. All of which are fairly close to the Sarasota Airport.

If you are looking for more night life than what Anna Maria Island has to offer then Sarasota is probably your best bet. Sarasota has a fabulous night life with plenty of things to do. Sarasota is rich with arts and culture and it shows through to their restaurants, bars and night life. A great Sarasota bar is Evie’s Tavern located in downtown Sarasota.

Larry

January 11, 2012December 4, 2020

Anna Maria Island Rental Equipment Information

Anna Maria Island offers so much to do and so little time. Rent a scooter to get around easily on the island. Maybe a Golf Cart is more your speed? If you are a fish out of water then a Boat rental or Ski-Do rental is more appropriate.

Maybe too fast for your blood? Anna Maria has it all -try renting a bicycle and tour the island slow and steady. Still not satisfied…So many stories of dolphin encounters in the Gulf makes it tough to pass up a kayak rental.

Vacation renters, Anna Maria has baby rentals or miscellaneous special needs equipment rentals. You can even rent a Segway, and explore the island, or take a guided tour. The rentals companies offer lots of fun items like surries (with the fringe on top, if you like), and electric golf carts as well. There are lots of ways to get around the island. Anna Maria has toys, and necesseties, available to you, right at your fingertips.

Rent a boat with your canal front vacation home. Just 4 FUN delivers your boat and gives you instructions if necessary. Two other equipment rental companies are Fun and More rentals and Beach Bum’s. Most Anna Maria Island equipment rental companies deliver rentals for free. Beach Bum’s also offers Golf Cart rentals on Anna Maria Island. Golf Cart’s are legal on most streets of Anna Maria Island but be sure to ask more questions on which streets are not legal when renting your golf cart.

Larry

January 11, 2012August 24, 2024

Tampa and St. Petersburg Area Information

Looking for something to do in the Tampa and St Petersburg area? Our Tampa and St. Petersburg area information page will for sure help tick off your things to do while visiting Anna Maria Island. There are plenty of things to do like catch a ball game, or a concert, or plan to take a day trip to one of the theme parks, visit the Florida Aquarium, the Lowery Park Zoo, or the Dali museum. Here are a few places to get you started on planning your next Tamp/St Petersburg adventure.

Boasting the nation’s fourth largest zoo, Busch Gardens features African animals roaming free and exciting amusement park rides Kumba the renowned roller-coaster, Montu. Kids will like the Land of the Dragons and the whole family will like Hollywood Live on Ice and Dolphins of the Deep.

Another member of the Busch Gardens Amusement Park family, Adventure Island water park is right down the road from Busch Gardens. Experience thrills and spills on Key West Rapids, or splash through over 700 feet of water mines, twists, turns and a spectacular grand finale plunge into a refreshing pool.

Located Channelside in Tampa, Visit The Florida Aquarium and follow the path of a single drop of water from underground aquifer to the deep blue sea. Birds, plants ans sea creatures of all sizes, shapes and colors in their near-natural habitats.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo features rare Asian animals and a native Florida wildlife area, shaped like the Sunshine State itself. See Florida Manatees in a unique underwater habitat. The zoo’s Aquatic Center is home to one of three critical care facilities in Florida for this endangered species.

Watch a movie at the Ruskin Drive in Theater or take the family to see the Tampa Bay Lightning at the The Amalie Arena.

Larry