McCurdy’s Comedy Club – Sarasota, Florida

If you are visiting Anna Maria Island, Longboat, Bradenton, or Sarasota then McCurdy’s could be just what you are looking for. McCurdy’s is a great comedy club that is sure to get you laughing. They bring in great comedians all year around. The night we attended was a to be announced week which is very unusual for this comedy club. The opening acts warmed up the crowd well and the club finished up the night with some improvisation which was fun and got the crowd involved.

The Sarasota comedy club has plenty of showtimes and it is always suggested to buy tickets prior to showtime by calling the box office for reservations… (941) 925 – 3869. At the time of this post McCurdy’s has show times Wednesday through Sunday with lower weekday show prices and higher rates for Friday and Saturday shows. One great option for McCurdy’s is many of the comedy shows are NON-SMOKING. In addition, they rate each show with a brief description of what kind of jokes and profanity the comedian will use. This is helpful for larger families traveling to Anna Maria Island.

Some quick rules of the comedy club… There is a two item purchase minimum per person. They of course have beer, mixed drinks, non-alcoholic drinks and offer a quick bite to eat if you need a snack. The average cost of a drink is about $8 plus tip and taxes. I would not call their food a meal so plan on grabbing a full meal before or after. All visitors of the comedy club must be at least 18 years of age.

Be careful with Google directions as it tried to take us off Tamiami to the comedy club and McCurdy’s is directly right off Tamiami only about 15 or so blocks to the South of the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

McCurdy’s Comedy Club
3333 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Fl, 34234
(941) 925-3869

Kacey V

Meet Kacey Varga – Revenue Manager for Island Real Estate Vacations. Kacey is a native of Bradenton, FL – just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island – and is an expert on all our area has to offer for visitors to our piece of paradise.

January 11, 2022July 8, 2024

Carol’s Top Ten Things to do for Free on Anna Maria Island

So much to do and so little time! There are tons of things to do on Anna Maria Island. Best yet, here is our diverse list of top ten things to do for free on Anna Maria Island. That is right, no cost to you!

Siesta Beach Drum Circle
- Every Sunday night on Siesta Beach during sunset both professional and amateur drum players get together and bring in the night to a beat. Dancers, tumblers, and jugglers move to the beat of the drum as darkness falls onto the beach. The Drum Circle is definitely something to experience.
The Ringling Museum
- Every Monday the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota has free admission to their art museum. An original cast of the Statue of David by Michelangelo is on display in the courtyard of the museum. If you enjoyed the Art Museum you can also check out the Circus Museum and the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion for a fee.
Bridge Street Pier
- In 1921 a wooden bridge was built giving access to the island that didn’t require a boat. Once the draw bridge was built in the 60’s the wooden bridge was no longer needed and was decommissioned then turned into a fishing pier. The pier makes for an excellent evening stroll leading out into the bay.
Coquina Baywalk
- Coquina Baywalk is an easy nature hike through mangrove tunnels heading towards the bay. The trail consists of shell paths and wooden walk ways, making it wheelchair and stroller friendly. There’s a spoil pile in the center giving a beautiful view of the Sarasota Bay.
Main Street Live – Bradenton (Seasonal)
- Every third Thursday of the month between 5pm and 10pm Main Street in downtown Bradenton comes to life with music, food, and drinks for Main Street Live. The street is closed during the day and a stage is built for bands to play. People line the street having a great time eating good food, drinking refreshing drinks, and listening to some great bands. The event is family friendly but you must be 21 or older to enter the bars on Main Street.
Anna Maria Island Historical Museum
- This small museum on Anna Maria Island’s north end is a great way to learn the history of the island. Not only will you learn about the origins of Anna Maria but you will also learn about the Hollywood films that were filmed here. The museum also has the old jail house which makes for a fantastic photo-op.
Red Barn Flea Market
- Red Barn Flea Market is a year-round flea market in Bradenton. Walking through the flea market is always interesting and entertaining whether you like knick-knacks or just people watching.
St Armand’s Circle
- St. Armand’s Circle is a collection of shops and restaurants surrounding a beautiful park in Sarasota. The surrounding stores carry artwork and oddities from around the world making window shopping both intriguing and inspiring.
Sarasota Marina Unconditional Surrender statue
- The famous WWII victory day picture of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square is on display at the Sarasota Marina in statue form. The statue, named “Unconditional Surrender”, stands 26 feet tall looking over the harbor and is truly a sight to behold!
The Beach!
- This one is a no-brainer. It’s got to be in the top ten things to do for free on Anna Maria Island. Right? Being on Anna Maria Island means you have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take advantage of it relax, get a tan, and build a sand castle!

Finally, if you want to review more of our top ten lists of things to do be sure to review our top ten list category and don’t forget to check out all our of wonderful Anna Maria Island Vacation rentals if you need a place to stay!

Kacey V

August 4, 2021April 24, 2024

Golf Cart Rentals on Anna Maria Island

There are plenty of ways to explore the beautiful Island of Anna Maria, including golf carts! It is nice to travel the island via a golf cart, due to limited parking at beach access points and cool trade winds – it’s always pleasant to enjoy the open gulf breezes.

Luckily, the Island has plenty of different golf cart rental options that you can rent for a few days, part of your stay, or for the whole time you are visiting Anna Maria Island. They can be especially handy when traveling with a furry friend and staying in one of our pet-friendly rentals since other modes of transportation on the island do not allow pets.

Whether you’re renting a home in Anna Maria City, or staying in a condo in Bradenton Beach, getting around with a golf cart is a snap!

Anna Maria Island Golf Cart Rental Companies

Take a look at all the lovely golf cart rental companies on AMI that are able to get you all set up with easy transportation for you’re time in paradise.

Island Real Estate does have several vacation rentals that offer a golf cart as part of the vacation rental experience. Yacht Rock Ranch is a fabulous ground level 4 bedroom home in the heart of Holmes Beach that offers a golf cart. Pirates Cove, a 7 bedroom home offers a golf cart as well.

ZoomAround
A golf cart company that promises unrivaled customer service. They boast great reviews to prove it. Call ahead of time to have your island ready vehicle waiting for you on arrival. Not only that but if you use the PROMO code “IREAMI6101” and get $35 dollars off your rental.
Phone: (833) 966-6276

Crabby Joe’s Adventure’s and Rentals
Locally owned and operated , offering 6 passenger, gas powered, large tired carts with cool key west green coloring to give you a true “ island beach buggy” feel. With one quick call, you will enjoy a contactless rental, you chose how long, with free delivery/pick up so you can have fun in the sun!
PHONE: 855-272-229-5637

Fun and More Rentals
Offering free delivery and pickup for their rentals is Fun and More Rentals in Holmes Beach. They have 4 seat, 6 seat, and 8 seat golf carts to pick from. You can do a single-day rental, a 3-day rental, or a week rental.
Phone: (941) 462-2719

Beach Bums
Beach Bums on Pine Avenue provides 4 seat golf carts, 6 seat golf carts, and 8 seat golf carts. You can rent a cart for an hour, a day, 3 days, or a whole week.
Address: 427 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Phone: (941) 778-3316

Golf Coast Carts
Located in Anna Maria City, Golf Coast Carts offers 4 seat golf cart rentals and 6 seat golf cart rentals. Their carts are able to be rented for a single day, 3 days, or a week. This company will deliver your cart and pick it up, no need to go anywhere to pick it up yourself!
Phone: (877) 778-7264

Lux Carts (represented by Beach Bums)
If you’re looking for something a little more “fancy” than your average golf cart, Check out Lux Carts! Lux Carts only does weekly rentals rather than daily or 3 day rentals. Though, they have a nice variety of different carts. There are three different 4 seat golf carts (Luxie, LuxVader, and Lux Taxi), two different 6 seat golf carts (Big Lux and DeLux), and an 8 seat golf cart (Lux Limo).
Phone: (941) 254-7775

AMI Beach Buggys
AMI Beach Buggys in Holmes Beach has 2015 Polaris GEM® electric golf carts for rent. They have 4 seat carts and 6 seat carts available. This company will also drop off, and pick up your golf cart.
Phone: (941) 773-3800
Address: 5348 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Robinhood Rentals AMI
Unlike the other golf cart rentals on Anna Maria Island, Robinhood Rentals AMI offers gas-powered golf cart rentals, rather than electric. They have 4 and 6 seat carts available that can be rented for a single day, three days, or one week.
Phone: (941) 920-1996
Address: 9802 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

AMI Golf Cart Rentals
This golf cart rental company makes getting and getting rid of your golf cart rental a breeze. Just give AMI Golf Cart Rentals a call and they will be there ASAP to pickup/drop-off a cart. They offer eclectic luxury and economic carts that can be rented for a single day, 3 days, or a full week.
Phone: (941) 212-2402

Stay On Anna Maria Island

Whether you’ve been planning your trip for months or are looking for a last-minute getaway, there is so much to see and do when you stay on Anna Maria Island, from the beautiful sugar-sand beaches to the quaint shops and restaurants you’ll never get tired of exploring all this island has to offer and with convenient transportation methods like golf carts you’ll be happy to leave the car parked in your luxury home rental.

If you have any questions about booking an Anna Maria Island beach rental or about golf cart rentals – please feel free to call the office at 877-778-6066 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable booking experts, or click “chat” in the lower right-hand corner!

Kacey V

June 28, 2021December 23, 2021

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 with the one exception of sparklers.

When caught using any type of Illegal firework you can face a $1000 fine and a year in prison.

Sparklers may be used on the beach; however, caution must take priority. Burning at 1200 degrees, they can still cause third degree burns. Sparklers may only be used one at a time, and it is illegal to bundle them together.

Anna Maria Island Fireworks are not safe for public use

Each year emergency professionals respond to calls of injury and fire due to consumer use of fireworks. Fireworks are not safe for the general public to use. Only experts at a public show, such as the Sandbar’s 4th of July display, should handle fireworks.

In addition to the safety of individuals, Anna Maria Island Wildlife and beaches are extremely vulnerable to fireworks. Fire caused by fire works can damage sand dunes. Nesting sea turtles and birds can be injured, or may even abandon nesting efforts due to fireworks.

Fireworks Facts

Each year fireworks are responsible for 20,000 fires.
In 2013 sparklers caused 41% of fireworks injuries

Fireworks Permit

Each year on Anna Maria Island the fire department will only issue two fireworks permits. One permit is currently issued to the Sandbar Restaurant. Additionally, the fire inspector will check that fireworks are properly set up.

Be Safe

If you are planning to visit Anna Maria Island beaches for 4th of July please do not light fireworks, and keep a close eye on children when attending the Sandbar Fireworks display. If you have any questions please contact West Manatee Fire Rescue at 941-761-1555. Police and Sheriffs Officers will be patrolling the beaches of Anna Maria Island during 4th of July.

Report Fireworks:

In the event of injury or emergency call 911.
Anna Maria – Manatee Sheriff Department (941) 747-3011
Holmes Beach – (941) 708-5807
Bradenton Beach – (941) 708-5804

Have a safe and fun 4th of July on Anna Maria Island.

Kacey V

May 5, 2021May 4, 2023

Anna Maria Island Sea Turtle and Shorebird Season by AMI Turtle Watch

Anna Maria Island – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch monitors the nesting activities of sea turtles and shorebirds from May 1st – October 31st. It is the mission of the AMI Turtle watch to insure a suitable habitat for people, sea turtles and shorebirds. This will directly affect and is very important information if you are renting in one of our direct Gulf Front Properties:

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Excavations

When their season is winding down, and almost all the nests have hatched AMI Turtle watch will still have some excavations. The excavation is conducted three days after hatchlings emerge, and they count empty shells, whole un-hatched eggs, and occasionally rescue a trapped hatchling and return it to the Gulf. The excavations are usually at 7:30 pm (depending on weather). If you call they may be able to show you an excavation.

Anna Maria Island Turtles Need the Dark

Nesting sea turtles depend on dark quiet beaches to reproduce successfully. Today these turtles are endangered in part because they must compete with tourists, businesses, and coastal residents to use the beach. Man-made coastal developments may result in artificial lighting on the beach that discourages female sea turtles from nesting and can disorient hatchlings. The light may cause them to wander away from the beach where they often die of dehydration, predation, or being run over as they try to cross the road.

Here Are A Few Ways You Can Help Sea Turtles:

First, Minimize lighting visible from sea turtle nesting beaches, and use Turtle Safe lighting.

Second, Avoid using flashlights or flash cameras. Lights disrupt or disorient nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings.

Third, Stepping on hatchlings is easy in the dark, so avoid nesting areas.

Fourth, Do not drive any unauthorized vehicles on the beach at night.

Fifth, Turn off or shield lights visible from nesting beaches.

If disoriented hatchlings are found away from the sea, do not put them back in the sea. Call AMITW 941 778 5638 or local law enforcement.

Pick up litter, fill in holes and never leave furniture or debris lying on the beach. As a result, this will make the beaches more enjoyable for everyone. Adopt-a-Hatchling or Adopt-a-Nest through IslandTurtles.com to help raise awareness.

Kacey V

January 21, 2021October 17, 2022

Danny’s Pizzeria – Authentic, New York Style Pizza Just off the Island

I don’t know about you, but I for one LOVE pizza! So if you’re a pizza lover like me, then you have to try Danny’s Pizzeria in Bradenton.

If you didn’t rent a car and need to stay on the Island, then try The Feast for your pizza fix. But, if you are able to make the 15 minute commute off the Island to Danny’s, it is worth it!

Danny’s is popular for their authentic New York style cheese pies. And though I have never experienced real New York pizza, I have heard from multiple people who have that Danny’s is spot on!

And it doesn’t stop at pizza, they serve Hero’s and delicious Italian cuisine. Baked Ziti, Chicken Parmesan, and even Calzones.

Danny’s is open for lunch and dinner everyday of the week.

Kacey V

September 25, 2020November 9, 2023

Scott’s Deli – The Best Sandwiches on Anna Maria Island

Scott’s Deli in Holmes Beach is the place you want to order from for the best sandwich on all of Anna Maria Island. While Publix is known for their delicious subs, Scott’s takes the cake. They have breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and will also deliver to anywhere on the Island, including the beach!

Everything at Scott’s Deli is fresh and homemade, and ingredients are locally sourced when they can be.

The menu here of course consists of great sandwiches including breakfast sandwiches, hot & cold sandwiches, and even the option to create your own sandwich with whatever bread/ meat, cheese, toppings & sauces you could want! A few of the sandwiches on the menu here include their Maple Leaf (breakfast menu), Italian, The Desoto, NY Pastrami, and many more.
Scott’s Deli also serves hot dogs (NY Hot Dog, Chicago Dog) and salads (Pasta Salad, Southwest Salad). Both of which you can also choose to create your own.

Have an event coming up and are a fan of Scott’s Deli’s delicious food? Have them cater!
Unfortunately, Scott’s is not open for dinner time (bummer). But they are open at 9am everyday, and close at 6pm Monday – Saturday. If you’re staying at the Blue Lagoon Resort, you just a few blocks away!

Scott’s Deli
6000 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-3000

Kacey V

February 11, 2020September 20, 2022

West Coast Surf Shop _ Serving Anna Maria Island Since 1964

For the ultimate Island/beach style, head on over to West Coast Surf Shop. Located in Holmes Beach, next to the Manatee Public Beach and across from Skinny’s, this shop is one of the best on the Island. At least it is in my opinion.

West Coast Surf Shop has been open since 1964. They sell clothing, sunglasses, bathing suits, surf boards, skateboard, wet suits, and much more! Featuring brands such as Roxy, Costa, O’neil, and BillaBong

Address:
3902 Gulf Dr.
Holmes Beach, Florida

Kacey V