Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island Baby Equipment Rentals

2012-02-08T11:02:31-08:00

Traveling with children can be a daunting task. Believe me, I've been there. You want to make your vacation to Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach or Anna Maria is the best ever and want to ensure the happiness of the kid(s). By the time you pull out everything to ensure that happiness, you realize you have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF!! A local Anna Maria Island baby equipment rental compay, can help you enjoy your Florida vacation to the fullest while visiting Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. They have everything you can think of to rent: baby cribs, joggers, high chairs, strollers, gates, wagons and even age appropriate toys. And the best part is, they deliver and set up for FREE! Just call 941-462-2719 or visit www.funandmorerentals.com

Bike Rental Anna Maria Island

2012-02-08T10:28:13-08:00

Getting around Anna Maria Island can get crazy, especially now when vacationers are coming in masses to visit this beautiful Florida destination. Why not enjoy this old Florida Island by bicycle and live like a local? Rent a bike while vacationing on Anna Maria Island. The Island is only 7 miles long and is made up of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. In each of these three cities there are restaurants, shops, and plenty of sand for you to enjoy and easily get to by bike. By jumping on your beach cruiser instead of in your car, you will also be doing something good for the environment and yourself! Fun and More Rentals is a local company that rents bikes (beach and baby equipment too) for your enjoyment and delivers for free where ever needed on the island. www.funandmorerentals.com Give us a call at 941-462-2719

Top Ten Things To Do When Vacationing on Anna Maria Island

2012-01-28T13:15:53-08:00

I love the family-oriented, quaint, old Florida feel of Anna Maria Island! All of these things listed can be done whether you are staying in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach. Here is a top ten list of things I enjoy doing while visiting this Florida destination.

# 1-Biking-I personally love getting the family out and about biking to explore different parts of the white sandy beach along Anna Maria Island.

#2-Ice cream-There are a few shops to choose from. My personal favorite is.....what am I saying?....They all are my favorite! Two Scoops, Dips, Holy Cow, Cafe on the Beach, Big Olaf Ice cream shop, Joe's Eats & Sweets, Tyler's (just over Cortez Bridge).........

#3-Kayaking-So much fun and the whole family can enjoy!! And go tandem, especially with your kids!

#4-Paddle Boarding-So fun and surprisingly not that hard!!

#5-Dining Out-Bike, drive, free trolley, golf cart, however you want to travel, and go enjoy a meal at some of Anna Maria Island's many restaraunts.

#6-Shopping-I love looking at the unique and souvonir shops up and down the island!

#7-Bowling-AMF Bradenton Lanes located 4208 Cortez Rd. Bradenton, FL 34210 Bowling a game or two is always fun especially on those cloudy/rainy days!

#8-DeSoto National Memorial-8300 DeSoto Memorial Hwy Bradenton, FL 34209 I always see sea creatures while exploring here!

#9-Ellington Outlet Mall-5461 Factory Shops BLVD, Ellenington, FL 34222 It is about 30 minutes away but is a fun filled day of finding deals!!

#10-BEACH-I love hanging out at the beach all day. Dolphin sitings, sand castle building, picnicking, playing beach games, and just being never gets old!

Anna Maria Island Restaurants That Serve Breakfast

2012-01-25T12:26:23-08:00

Eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. So what restaurants on Anna Maria Island can you eat breakfast? Whether you are in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach, here is a list to choose from. Several of these restaurants serve lunch and dinner too. Try them out and let us know what you think! (They are listed in no particular order.)

Restaurants on Anna Maria Island that serve Breakfast:

Island Creperie in Bradenton Beach (127 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL)

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe (Cafe on the Beach) in Holmes Beach (4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL)

Peach's Restaurant in Holmes Beach (3240 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL)

Village Cafe at Rosedale in Anna Maria (535 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL)

Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach (900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL)

Minnie's Beach Cafe in Holmes Beach (5360 Gulf Drive North, Holmes Beach,FL)

Ginny's & Jane E's Bakery Cafe in Anna Maria (9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL)

Sign of the Mermaid in Anna Maria (9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL)

Rotten Ralph's in Bradenton Beach (200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL)

The Gathering Place in Bradenton Beach (101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach, FL)

Two Scoops in Anna Maria (101 South Bay Boulevard Anna Maria, FL)

Anna Maria Island City Pier

2012-01-21T14:02:44-08:00

Anna Maria City Pier was built back in 1911 to allow visitors to come visit by ship. It still stands today and you can stroll the 678 feet and view the turquoise waters and/or Skyway Bridge in the distance. At the end of your walk, you will find there is a restaurant, a bar, and a couple of coin operated viewing machines. It is a popular fishing spot to many and is fun to walk the pier to see everyone's catch or to spy sea life in the water. Be warned that there is no railing on the pier so it can make some nervous. When visiting Anna Maria Island, you must come and walk the planks!

Anna Maria Island update

2010-08-05T14:19:43-07:00

Things are going great on Anna Maria. The horrible BP oil spill never made our beach. Our hearts goes out for all the other regions of the Gulf Coast that were effected. From peoples livelyhoods to all the wildlife and toxic consequences for the environment. As I go for my morning walks I pass over 30 turtle nests. I have included some pictures b elow so you know what they look like. The nest should not be disturbed under any circumstanes as these baby turtle have a difficult time surviving already.

I have also attached a wonderful picture of the beach from the air courtesy of Troy Morgan. Mr Morgan's company is called photos from the air and he specializes in aireal photogrphay from an airplane or helicopter.

ABC's of Baby rentals on Anna Maria Island

2010-05-20T05:38:55-07:00

Anna Maria Island baby supply rentals makes travelling with your baby, toddler or child as easy as A B C ! This almost sounds like a sesame street skit.

Here are some easy steps to do after you have picked your dates and vacation rental home on Anna Maria Island. Quick note for those who are not familar with Anna Maria Island that the Island is made up of 3 cities Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. The reason I bring this up is because we have guests ask us if we deliver to, for example, Holmes Beach, when they don't realize that Holmes Beach is a city on Anna Maria Island.

1- Vist the baby equipment rental website and choose what you need for your vacation

2 - Call the baby rental company and place your order or go online to their rental website and place an order online

3 - Your baby crib or highchair or whatever you ordered will be delieverd to your beach vacation home and set up and waiting for you upon your arrrival.

4- When on Anna Maria and you discover you need other baby rental items give FunandMoreRentals.com a call at 941-462-2719 and they will deliver your additional items within an hour or 2.

5- When you are done with your baby rental items and your vacation, just leave the rental items where they were dropped off and the rental company will automatically pick them up.

Article compliments of www.FunAndMoreRentals.com Anna Maria Island bike rental, baby rental, kayak rental and beach supply rental company.

2010-04-26T09:45:19-07:00

Save money at many local retailers on Anna Maria Island. Rent a bike at www.funandmorerentals.com , go to the Sandbar for lunch or dinner, or rent a scooter...many coupons inside www.Sunsavercoupons.com

Florida Beach, Bike and Baby Rentals

2010-04-08T16:40:14-07:00

Beach, Bike and Baby Rentals for the Florida Vacation of a Life Time...

Vacationing in Western Florida has just gotten easier.

With the help of Fun and More Rentals, you don't need to bring a thing with you.

This new and exciting Florida Beach, Bike and Baby Equipment Rental Company is locally owned and operated right here on Anna Maria Island.

Based on Anna Maria Island, it also provides vacation supply rentals to the Longboat and Siesta Key areas, and have plans for expansion into other geographic regions of Florida state.

Fun and More Vacation Rentals offers exactly what you need to have the Florida Vacation of your Dreams...

Boogie boarding to kayaking, men's women's and children's bike rentals, bocce ball to extra beds, beach coolers to beach chairs, food and snacks, spa treatments, fishing charters and a whole lot more!

Fun and More Baby, Bike and Beach Rentals provide top quality vacation equipment rental products complete with friendly, local knowledge and unsurpassed customer service.

All their vacation rental products can be delivered and picked up FREE of charge... currently, to and from anywhere on Anna Maria Island.

They even offer an 'express delivery service".. Now how is that for local service?

Florida bike and kayak rentals, beach products and supplies, recreation and sports gear, water sport and everything you need for your baby or young child.

'Fun and More Rentals' will even do your grocery shopping for you and deliver your food and stock up your fridge and cupboards if you like. That way you'll have food on hand when you arrive and will be able to begin enjoying your dream vacation in paradise from the moment you arrive!

This one of a kind Anna Maria Island based rental service is all you need to ensure you and your family will get the most out of your Florida vacation time.

Florida Bike, Baby and Beach Vacation Rentals

Fun and More Vacation Rentals is here to help you enjoy your Florida vacation to the fullest!

Forget running around town looking for bikes and paddle boards to rent, beach chairs, coolers and baby rentals for the newest member of your family.

All you have to do is sit down, and relax - it’s your vacation.

Anything and everything you'll need for you and your family to have fun and get the most from your Florida holiday vacation is just a click away... simply go to Fun and More Rentals and start planning your next Florida vacation today!

You do not have to be present for to have your vacation rental order delivered. Items are delivered to the exterior of your rental unit, except for condo unit deliveries, which will be left inside the unit, and they can be there for you when you arrive.

All you have to do is unpack your bags and head to the beach - we will even stock your fridge and cupboards with any foods and beverages of your choice!

Fun and More Vacation Supply Rentals offers FREE DELIVERY and FREE PICKUP and are proud to do so. Everything available is listed online, so you can easily browse our extensive list of great items and fun accessories for every need imaginable... and you can do it right from the comfort of your own home.

Contact Fun and More Rentals directly if you require something for your Florida vacation that is not listed on the website. "We'll do everything within our power to get it for you. Our goal is your carefree enjoyment, and we achieve that by doing what we can to enhance your stay in Paradise!"

Cheers from Anna Maria Island!

Planning an Anna Maria Island Vacation

2010-04-07T15:26:29-07:00

Enjoy an Anna Maria Island Vacation
Rental With All The Creature Comforts of Home...

If you and your family are looking for a Florida vacation experience of a life time, come to the Florida Gulf...

Come to beautiful Anna Maria Island?

Everything you and your family need, to enjoy your Florida vacation to the fullest, is right here at your disposal... on Anna Maria Island!

Vacation Rental Accommodations With a Difference

What if you and your family could go on vacation to a tropical island paradise, like Anna Maria Island, without giving up all the creature comforts of home?

That would be like the ultimate vacation experience... right?

Well, you can, and its easy to do. It's called an Anna Maria Island vacation rental!

Go to our Anna Maria Island Community Forum and tell us what you think. When visiting beautiful Anna Maria Island, why stay in a hotel, when vacation rentals provide you with all the comforts of home.

Why stay in a hotel room where you and your family will literally be living out of suitcases?

Wouldn't you and your family enjoy yourselves more staying in a rental accommodations with all the creature comforts of home?

Of course you would.

It's easy to find and book the perfect vacation rental home on Anna Maria Island.

Simply visit the Anna Maria Island Accommodations website and choose from the largest and best selection in the area. Each listing comes with all the information you'll need to make the right choice... and in many cases, for less than the cost of hotel rooms?

Now that's pretty special. For around the same price as a hotel room, you can stay in a private vacation rental that includes all the amenities of home.

The typical Anna Maria Island vacation rental home listed on the Anna Maria Island Accommodations website is finely appointed with everything you would have in your own home, and more!

Most of the rental homes listed are located right on, or within walking distance of the worlds best beach areas.

Oh, and did we forget to say.... most vacation rental homes on Anna Maria Island have luxurious pools and spas as well. That way you don't need to live on the beach to enjoy your vacation.

Anna Maria Island Accommodations offers nothing but the very best for the vacationer and family that wants to relax at home in style.

Anna Maria Island is warm, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's, and its like that pretty much daily all year round. You're going to be grateful for the ever present gulf coast breeze that assures that even the hottest days of the year are still comfortable.

Whether you choose to stay in one of the three main island communities or somewhere a little more rural, most of the vacation homes featured are close to the ocean, yet still close to world class restaurants and shopping.

And if night life is something you are interested in, Anna Maria Island has that to offer as well.

Really folks, the only thing better than spending your vacation in a clean, fully furnished, spacious and meticulously maintained vacation home on Anna Maria Island... is actually living there!

Remember, go to our Anna Maria Island Community Forum and let us know why you should stay in a hotel, when a vacation rental comes with all the comforts of home.

Visit Anna Maria Island Accommodations today, to view the best selection of vacation rental homes available anywhere on Anna Maria Island.

Driving to Anna Maria Island

2010-04-06T16:26:00-07:00

How to Get to Anna Maria Island By Vehicle...

OK, you've got vacation time coming, you've read all the great stuff about Anna Maria Island... and now you wanna experience Anna Maria Island for yourself!

So just where in the heck is it exactly, and how do I get there?

Easy, go to How Do I Get To Anna Maria Island for detailed instruction.

You'll find a full description of where Anna Maria Island is located and how to get there.

From Orlando and Tampa in the north, and from Sarasota-Bradenton, as well as Ft. Meyers, Naples, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale in the south.

Welcome to Anna Maria Island Life.

Show Me The Fish Charters

2010-04-05T15:23:53-07:00

Wanna Catch Some BIG FISH?
Then You'll Wanna Talk to Larry McGuire...

When it comes to catching BIG FISH, Mr. McGuire knows what he's talking about!

Larry is a native Floridian that comes from a family of hardcore fisherman. He grew up fishing in the Tampa Bay, Manatee River and on the flats.

Eventually he decided that offshore fishing was his true passion in life.

These days Larry fishes offshore from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys.

"Thinking like the fish, and having those instincts, I know how the fish are and how they are biting at that time of year," Larry says, "it’s the key to being successful."

Well, successful is an understatement in Larry's case.

"Being on the water constantly, I’m always trying to improve techniques. When fishing is tough, that is when I fish the best... making it happen for all my clients!"

That's what you wanna hear if you're looking for a fish charter to take you out and show you the real fish. But don't take our word for it. Go to his blog and see for yourself... those are some mighty BIG FISH!

The Show Me The Fish Charters blog is located at http://captlarrymcguire.blogspot.com.

Larry says, all are welcome. The children & ladies get help & the men, well... they get their catch!

"If you are the type who wants to battle the biggest of the fish caught, I’ll get you on them."

Now that's confidence!

Larry is also an avid photographer and sends catches to multiple media outlets. That means you and your BIG FISH just might be in one of them.

If you don’t have a picture of it, then it must have never happened!

Larry is captain of a 31 foot Morgan Sportsfish, with a new 450 HP Cummings Diesel, state of the art electronics, & a high tech radar system... one fine fishing machine, giving a fast, safe, comfortable ride.

You're going to be hearing more about Larry McGuire and the catch's he makes, right here on the Anna Maria Island Life blog.
So, if you're ready for the BIG one, then get off your butt, move away from the computer and give Captain Larry McGuire a call... you'll be glad you did!
Show Me The Fish Charters
Cell: 941-720-6475
E-mail: captlarrymcguire@gmail.com
Operating out of the Cortez Fshing Center, Bradenton, Fl.
Read what Captain Larry McGuire has to say about Fishing the Gulf in December.

Bike Longboat Key

2010-04-04T14:12:18-07:00

See Anna Maria Island and Longboat By Bike...

If you are into bicycling Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, there is a website you need to visit... Bike Longboat Key!

If you want to rent a bike on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key, there is a site for that too... Fun and More Bike Rentals.
The Bike Longboat Key website is dedicated to the bike paths and shoulders on the Islands of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.
Lets face the facts. There are not many places left in Florida to ride a bicycle safely, so Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are a real blessing to us cyclists.

Regardless, please ride safely!

Most of your peddling will still be on the road, and even in the laid back communities of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key... cars Will on occasion pull out in front of you... even on the sidewalks!

So wear your helmets and be safe!

Bike Longboat Key has maps to help you get started and they even have a video called Bicycle Anatomy for Beginners. They also have a section identifying problems areas, organized rides, a guest book and lots and lots of cool photos!

Excerpt from the website... "The Gulf of Mexico Drive, also referred to as State Road 789 or G.M.D., is the only main thoroughfare and runs north-south through the island. The Town is accessed by bascule (draw) bridges, from the south by New Pass Bridge connecting Longboat Key and Lido Key and Longboat Pass Bridge on the north connecting Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island."

"Longboat’s little know fact is that the sidewalk is actually a Bike Path laid down in 1967."

"Longboat's laws for the sidewalk is a 10mph speed limit and you must have a ding bell to warn pedestrians. For sidewalk riding, be very careful of automobiles pulling out of driveways and side roads. Most accidents occur from motorists pulling out without looking."

"Longboat Key residents take pride in the bike path that runs the length of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Longboat Key's bike paths on the shoulders attract long clusters of bikers who belong to the region's bicycle clubs."

Go here for a list of Bicycle Clubs in the Longboat Key area.

"In the summer (when there aren't as many cars on Gulf of Mexico Drive), more than 100 cyclists at once often can be seen racing up the key on Thursdays at dusk."

On Anna Maria Island, bike paths are complete, thus linking the two Island Communities together. This is thanks to the F.D.O.T. and the Island Governments of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island.
Any time of year is a great time to go biking on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.
If you would like to learn more about bicycling in this area... visit www.BikeLongboatKey.org.
Also you may want to check out a related post... Bike Your Way From Anna Maria Island to Sarasota and Back Via Longboat Keys and Siesta Keys.

The Ultimate Family Vacation Experience

2010-04-03T23:35:26-07:00

Beach Combing, the Mote Aquarium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens...

Just came across a cool blog post of a family vacation to beautiful Anna Maria Island, and as is usually the case... everyone had a great time!

This particular Anna Maria Island vacation experience was very recent, in March actually. The weather they said was not too hot, and not too cool with a little rain just one day.

Wow, how's that for March ;-)

According to the post, and judging by the ton of pictures posted, they had a great time at their vacation rental, which of course came with pool.
Being located just two blocks from the beach meant they spent a lot of their vacation time on the beach.

Isn't that what Anna Maria Island is all about, heading straight to the beach?

Well, of course not. In fact if you frequent our Anna Maria Island Life blog then you know there is no shortage of things to do while vacationing on Anna Maria Island.

A visit to the Mote Aquarium brought them face to face with some rescued dolphins, a shark tank, manatees, sea turtles and lots of jellyfish.
There were touch tanks for the youngest member of the crew and the... "beautiful jellyfish were mesmerizing."

The first touch tank, they said, had crabs, urchins, and sea snails. The second touch tank, sting rays that were so friendly!

"We have them at our science center and they often won't come too close, but these ones would come right at you!"

"They had a special sea horse area too - they basically had a hatchery where there were babies only 3 days old!"

The best part they said where the manatees.

"They were enormous, and I think they were the only animal there that I had never seen before, which was cool."

Then it was off to the historic Bridge Street area, with their shops and restaurants as well as an old fishing pier... "We saw jellyfish in the water and pelicans."

From there it was off to Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a really cool place for kids. They had a great time checking out the exotic birds.

"The next morning we rented a boat for 4 hours and took it all around Anna Maria Sound. It was such a great experience, and we just all had such fun!"

You sure can't argue with that, can you.

Like I said, they posted a ton of great pictures. It's fully accessible and if you are thinking about visiting Anna Maria Island... we recommend you check it out at:

http://gradyeric.blogspot.com/2010/03/anna-maria-island-trip-part-1.html

http://gradyeric.blogspot.com/2010/03/anna-maria-island-trip-part-2.html

So all in all it sounds like they had a great trip!

The youngest met some new family and had lots of new experiences like holding a gator, driving a boat and feeding flamingos!

... and as always he just loved the beach and pool.

Sound like they'll be back again next year, but then so would you ;-)

Anna Maria Island Photography

2010-04-02T16:59:33-07:00

Looking for a Photographer to Shoot Your Wedding or Special Event?

If so, give Billi a call,
At Memories by Billi, on Anna Maria Island.

With the 2010 Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival having come and gone, many of you may already be well into the planning stages of your dream wedding... right here on beautiful Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island after all, is one of Florida's best kept secrets and has quickly become one of the top ranked wedding locations in America today. And if the success of this years Wedding Festival is any indication, Anna Maria Island wedding vendors are about to experience their busiest season yet.

For those of you still in the planning stages, its important to understand that of all the different aspect of your wedding, the photographer and wedding pictures are something you simply do not want to leave to chance.

Photographic services are one of the most important services you will employ on this very special day.

With this in mind, you'll want to take your time in selecting a wedding photographer that is just right for you... and you'll want to book them well in advance of your wedding day.

Our currently featured Anna Maria Island Photographer is www.MemoriesByBilli.com.

If you are planning a wedding on (or near) Anna Maria Island, then you simply have to talk to Billi at Memories by Billi.

Memories By Billi

Billi is one of the finest Anna Maria Island wedding photographers available today... and she has the portfolio to prove it.

Photographic Services - The thrill of taking pictures of all things beautiful, exciting and moving, has been something I've loved for as long as I can remember.

Being able to capture the true essence and beauty of a moment enables you to tell your story and keep it alive forever... and we each have many stories to tell.

Wedding and Special Event Photographer - From your Wedding Day, or other Special Celebration or Occasion, to anything else you want to capture the true essence and beauty of with photos.

"I love them all and take great care in getting to know you and what you feel is important."

"Tell me your vision and we'll capture it on film."

Allow 'Memories by Billi' the opportunity to help you tell your story and keep it alive forever!

Go to Anna Maria Island's best wedding photographer to learn more.

If you would like to leave a comment about this post, please use the comment area provided below.

On the other hand, if you have used this Anna Maria Island Photography Service and would like to comment on that or leave a review, then please do so here.

Save on Bike Rentals

2010-04-01T00:30:00-07:00

Rent a Bicycle on Anna Maria Island...

And save $$$ when you do!
Anna Maria Island is a two wheel adventure just waiting to happen.

A subtropical island paradise off the west coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is the closest thing to the perfect bicycle tour you'll ever experience... and its right smack in the Gulf of Mexico.

A rented bicycle is the best way to see Anna Maria Island.
And with the help of Sun Saver Coupons, exclusive to Anna Maria Island... you can now save yourself a fiver on your rental!
Just visit the Sun Saver website, print out your Bike Rental Coupon and your set. You can tour Anna Maria by rented bike and save yourself a few bucks while you do.
It just doesn't get any better than that, now does it?
By bike is the most rewarding and enjoyable way to take in and explore this stylish Old Florida community.

Lugging your bicycle around with you while traveling isn't really an option you say, and even if it is, its a pain in the royal you know what.

So what do you do?
Well, there is a solution and its called Fun and More Bicycle Rentals.
Visit Fun and More Bicycle Rentals today and begin your tour of Paradise!

Fun and More Rentals is a vacation supply rental business located right on Anna Maria Island. Fun and More also serves the Longboat Key, Siesta Key and Lido Key areas on the west coast of Florida.

Fun and More Bike Rents also rent bicycles and kayaks, baby furniture and supplies, beach equipment and just about everything else you need while on vacation.

'Fun and More Rentals' can even have your rented bicycle delivered (free of charge) to any location on Anna Maria Island you choose. They can arrange for it to be there waiting for you when you arrive so you need not waste a single moment of your vacation time...
Because your bike rental will be ready for you the second you get there.

Didn't I say... it just doesn't get any better than that!
And, 'Fun and More Bike Rentals' have cycle rentals for the whole family... so what are you waiting for?
Give Fun and More Vacation Supply Rentals a call, and get out and enjoy Anna Maria Island the way you were intended you to... one with Nature!

Music, Museums, Muses and the Arts

2010-03-30T14:10:00-07:00

The Anna Maria Island Muse: Overseeing The Arts...

Anna Maria Island and area have a great array of art and culture to share with the community and visitor alike.
Here at the Anna Maria Island Life blog we try and represent that heritage by posting the galleries and organizations that make it possible.

Anna Maria Island Muses
The Greek goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences were called Muses. They were believed to inspire all artists, especially poets, philosophers, and musicians.
These Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory.

The Muses sat near the throne of Zeus, king of the gods, and sang of his greatness and of the origin of the world and its inhabitants and the glorious deeds of the great heroes. From their name words such as music, museum, mosaic are derived.

Much like the Greeks of the day, in 'this day'... Anna Maria Island too has its Muses. The following is a list of Anna Maria Island Muses (as displayed on the Island Players website).

AMI ART LEAGUE
5312 Holmes Blvd, HB, FL, 941-778-2099
www.islandartleague.org

AMICCO
CrossPointe Fellowship Church, AM, FL, 941-778-1880
www.amicco.org

AMI HISTORICAL SOCIETY
402 Pine Ave., AM, FL, 941-778-0492
www.amihs.org

ARTISTS' GUILD GALLERY
5414 Marina Drive, HB, FL, 941-778-6694
www.amiartistsguildgallery.com

GULF COAST WRITERS
Library, 5701 Marina Dr., HB, FL, 941-778-7631

ISLAND GALLERY WEST
5368 Gulf Dr., HB, FL, 941-778-6648
www.islandgallerywest.com

ISLAND PLAYERS
10009 Gulf Dr., AM, FL, 941-778-5755
www.theislandplayers.org

OFF STAGE LADIES
10009 Gulf Dr., AM, FL, 941-761-7374

THE STUDIO AT GULF AND PINE
10101 Gulf Dr., AM, FL, 941-778-1906
www.studioatgulfandpine.com

A special community thanks has to go to Cultural Connections for they have done to support the local arts.
Cultural Connections on Anna Maria Island is the "guiding light to area festivals, art, theater, history and other must-see events".
General Information: 941-778-2099.

Health and Fitness Club Disounts

2010-03-29T12:51:00-07:00

Save on Your Health and Fitness...

That's right, now you can get fit and save money too, on any short term membership at the Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center.

Simply visit the Sun Saver Coupons website at www.SunSaverCoupons.com to save 15%.

All AMI Health and Fitness Memberships Include:

Group Fitness Classes

Cardio Equipment

Circuit Training

Free Weights

Access to Personal Training

Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center is also now forming their team for the 2010 Relay for Life.

Help Support the American Cancer Society. Visit the Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center for more details and how you can win a one year membership!

Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center
5364 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-778-5446
Visit the Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center Today!
Tell them Anna Maria Island Life sent you!

City of Anna Maria and the Pine Ave Restoration Project

2010-03-28T17:08:23-07:00

Growth and Development Controversy Ripples Through Quiet Anna Maria Island Community...

It's being reported in an article at the Bradenton Herald that the "normally laid-back island community" of Anna Maria has been stirring with turmoil and controversy over the past few weeks."

The controversy is the "old debate between those who want this one-square-mile city of 1,000 on the northern end of Anna Maria Island to remain as it was when they moved here... and those who would like to see changes, especially in the commercial district along Pine Avenue."

"It boiled over two weeks ago when a legal consultant, Michael Barfield, requested under Florida Sunshine Law all the e-mails first-term City Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus had sent from city or personal computers regarding city business."

The first batch of e-mails from Stoltzfus’ home computer generated nearly nine hundred pages of documents, and more than 1,260 pages on the second. Barfield said in reading the e-mails it appeared Stoltzfus was trying to target a particular business, the Pine Avenue Restoration Project, referred to as PAR.

As noted in the article, this controversy is nothing new to the community of Anna Maria. "The difference of opinions on how much Pine Avenue should be developed goes back many years." No doubt this is a difference of opinion common to many communities across the country that are under pressure for change.
The city of Anna Maria even held a series of workshops in 2002 where the public was able to establish a vision that would be eventually be codified in the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations.

The article went on to say that, much like the Old Florida Look and Feel of Anna Maria Island as a whole, the residents at the time remarked that one of the strengths of the city was the small-town character and slow pace.

In the end, the final vision statement said the city should be a “quiet, friendly beach community which reflects its Old-Florida style through a balanced mix of single-family homes of varying sizes, with tree-line streets, landscaping, a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly network, and a defined commercial center of small shops and specialty stores serving the community.”

And to think it was all about achieving a balance for both sides of the Anna Maria development debate, and for the Anna Maria Island community as a whole.

Anyone interested in the future of the City of Anna Maria or the Pine Avenue Restoration Project will find it an interesting read, albeit a bit long.

Go to www.bradenton.com/2010/03/28/2163202/growth-controversy-ripples-through.html for the full article... Growth Controversy Ripples Through Quiet Anna Maria.

Life Is Good When You Live In Paradise!

2010-03-27T16:20:00-07:00

Visit Anna Maria Island Once and
You're Sure to Come Back... Again, and Again...

Yes, that is today's tag line and we mean every word of it!

Living here on Anna Maria Island truly is like living in paradise because Anna Maria Island is a tropical island paradise like no other.

A bold statement you say?

Well, maybe.

But then if the Anna Maria Island vacation experiences section of the Anna Maria Island blog is any indication, it is a tag line that fits well with what vacationers are saying about their time on Anna Maria Island.

Share a Piece of
Anna Maria Island With The World

Have you been to Anna Maria Island?

If so, would you like to share your Anna Maria Island experience?

Perhaps you live on the island and would like to contribute your craft and expertise on an Anna Maria Island topic of your own choosing.

We encourage you to do so. Its as easy as writing your article and submitting it to us.

Simply contact us directly and we will tell you how!
You haven't been to Anna Maria Island yet?

You don't know what you're missing!

Anna Maria Island is everything we say it is and more. The people are terrific, the climate's amazing and everything you need to enjoy a vacation of a life time is right there.

You don't even need to take anything with you, because at Fun and More Vacation Supply Rentals we have it all... from baby and beach supplies to recreation and water sport gear!
We Love Anna Maria Island
And You Will Too!

Our theme is "I Love Anna Maria Island", and if you love the island too then come to our Anna Maria Island public forum and tell us why.

If you haven't been to our tropical island paradise in the gulf, then come to our forum anyway. Read what others are saying, start a thread of your own, ask questions or simply engage in some friendly Anna Maria Island chat.

If you love Anna Maria Island as much as we do, visit www.ILoveAnnaMariaIsland.com and wear Anna Maria Island proud!

An Island Called Anna Maria

Located on the west coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay... with white sand beaches stretching for 7 miles along the gulf coastline.

Imbued with the beauty and amenities of an Island and blessed by magnificent nature and ocean scenery all around, Anna Maria Island truly is full of life!

From superb cuisine, to museums, galleries, glorious beaches and outdoor adventures, Anna Maria Island offers a truly unique and remarkable experience for anyone looking to get away from hustle and bustle of daily life.

Take some time to view the different restaurants, spas, golf courses and all the other local specialties available on Anna Maria Island.

Learn more about Anna Maria Island.

Read a comprehensive History of Anna Maria Island.

It doesn't matter whether you are interested in fishing or sailing the waters of Anna Maria, hugging a sea turtle, or having your wedding celebration barefoot in the sand... Anna Maria Island Life has something to offer every vacationer.

Help Support the
Anna Maria Island Life Network

If you are so inclined and own a website or blog, feel free to link to any of our posts and/or web pages. You can blog about us, leave comments in the comment area provided at the end of each post, or contact us directly if you would be interested in coming on board as a guest poster and writer.

If you like, we'll even publish an articles of your own about "Life on Anna Maria Island".

We encourage all the above and are always looking for input and reader participation!

Read Why Link to Anna Maria Island Life to learn more.

Welcome to Anna Maria Island Life...
We Love Anna Maria Island, and You Will Too!

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island Baby Equipment Rentals

Bike Rental Anna Maria Island

Top Ten Things To Do When Vacationing on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island Restaurants That Serve Breakfast

Anna Maria Island City Pier

Anna Maria Island update

ABC's of Baby rentals on Anna Maria Island

Florida Beach, Bike and Baby Rentals

Beach, Bike and Baby Rentals for the Florida Vacation of a Life Time...

Planning an Anna Maria Island Vacation

Enjoy an Anna Maria Island VacationRental With All The Creature Comforts of Home...

Driving to Anna Maria Island

How to Get to Anna Maria Island By Vehicle...

Show Me The Fish Charters

Wanna Catch Some BIG FISH?Then You'll Wanna Talk to Larry McGuire...

Bike Longboat Key

See Anna Maria Island and Longboat By Bike...

The Ultimate Family Vacation Experience

Beach Combing, the Mote Aquarium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens...

Anna Maria Island Photography

Looking for a Photographer to Shoot Your Wedding or Special Event?

Save on Bike Rentals

Rent a Bicycle on Anna Maria Island...

Music, Museums, Muses and the Arts

The Anna Maria Island Muse: Overseeing The Arts...

Health and Fitness Club Disounts

Save on Your Health and Fitness...

City of Anna Maria and the Pine Ave Restoration Project

Growth and Development Controversy Ripples Through Quiet Anna Maria Island Community...

Life Is Good When You Live In Paradise!

Visit Anna Maria Island Once and You're Sure to Come Back... Again, and Again...

Share a Piece ofAnna Maria Island With The World

An Island Called Anna Maria

Help Support the Anna Maria Island Life Network

Enjoy an Anna Maria Island Vacation
Rental With All The Creature Comforts of Home...

Wanna Catch Some BIG FISH?
Then You'll Wanna Talk to Larry McGuire...

Visit Anna Maria Island Once and
You're Sure to Come Back... Again, and Again...

Share a Piece of
Anna Maria Island With The World

Help Support the
Anna Maria Island Life Network