Anna Maria Island

Bridge Street Market

Bridge Street Market in Bradenton Beach Returns For Bridging the Gap Opening Weekend...

After nearly four months of hectic, intense planning, the Island’s Bridging the Gap fall schedule of events gets under way this week with a host of fun events, each designed to bring people to Anna Maria Island despite the bridge closure.

The popular Bridge Street Market in Bradenton Beach returns on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local vendors will offer fresh produce and flowers, flower arrangements and plants, arts and crafts, T-shirts and clothing, jewelry and much, much more.

For more information about this weekends Bridge Street Market, call Nancy Ambrose at 518-4431.

Learn more about Bridging the Gap: Anna Maria Island's Fall Event Lin-up.

Bridging the Gap Karaoke

Anna Maria Island Karaoke Contest...

Come on out and sing for the Bridging the Gap Festival of Fall Events on Anna Maria Island. It kicks off this Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Elks Lodge, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton at 7 p.m..

Bridge Closure a Boon For Cortez

Cortez Expecting Increase in Business Due to AMI Bridge Closure...

Anna Maria Island bridge closure could be a boon for local Cortez bussinesses.

Tim Gallagher was busy putting out furniture in front of his Cortez Road shop this morning, hoping an increase in traffic from the closing of the Anna Maria Island bridge will mean more customers.  "I think people are holding off a bit to see what traffic is like," Gallagher said. "But I know there will be exposure, I just have to wait and see."

Skimboard Bash

Skimboard Competition
Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island...

Come on out for the Skim Board Bash, in support of the Anna Maria Island community and Bridging the Gap.

Gulf spray will be flying at the Beach House in Bradenton Beach on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as the West Coast Surf Shop skim board competion takes place in support of the Anna Maria Island community.

The competition, also being sponsored by The Sun newspaper, is an annual event, that each year draws hundreds of curious spectators who delight in the aerial artistry of these skimboard riders. It’s always a great show and wonderful family entertainment.

Proceeds from this years skimboard competition will benefit red tide research at Mote Marine Laboratory.

Sun House Restaurant

Incredible Food and Sweeping View of the Gulf of Mexico While You Dine...

Just like it says on their website, "Upon entering The Sun House Restaurant your breath will be taken away by a sweeping view of the Gulf of Mexico."

Sunset is a special time, and at The Sun House Restaurant 'sunset' takes on a meaning of its own. 

"In order to pay our respects to the sun (hence our name) we acknowledge the end of the day with a ceremony... Ring the gong and sing a song!" If you do, You'll be given a complimentary 'green flash shooter'? 

The Sun House Restaurant's great food, stellar service and unique atmosphere will create an island dining experience that will have you returning again, again and again.

Concerts in the Grove

Dr. Dave Band at Concerts in the Grove...

Mixon Fruit Farms Presents the Billy Rice Band

CONCERTS IN THE GROVE

We have concerts--rain or shine--in our beautiful pavilion on the fourth Thursday of every month. Food, beer and wine are available for purchase. No coolers, please.

Dr. Dave Band
Thursday, October 23, 6-9 PM
Concert is FREE! Parking is 5 bucks!

The Dr. Dave Band is Alternative Country Rock, New Country, & Classic Rock Or in other words: High Energy "CountryGrassRock"

Mini Golf Tournament

Fish Hole Holds Mini Golf Tourney in Bradenton Beach...

Anna Maria Island kicks off its event-heavy "Bridging the Gap Festival" this week in an effort to bring people to the island while the Anna Maria Bridge is closed for repairs.

The Fish Hole is holding a Mini Golf Tournament on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach in support of Anna Maria Island's Bridging the Gap Festivities.

Great prizes are lined up for the Gap’s miniature golf tournament set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Fish Hole on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

• The first place finisher will receive $200 cash, Costa del Mar sunglasses, Sanuk sandals and a trophy.
• Second place finisher gets $100 cash and Sanuk sandals.
• Third place prize is a $50 gift certificate to Bridge Street Bazaar.

Registration for the Fish Hole Mini Golf Tourney is $20 and includes two rounds and lunch.

You can either pre-register by calling The Fish Hole on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach at 778-3388, or register the day of the tournament.

Learn more about Bridging the Gap: Anna Maria Island's Fall Event Lin-up.

Bridge Closure Celebrations to Support Local Economy and Business Community

Bridge the Gap to Anna Maria Island...

It's time to Bridge the Gap and over come the negative effects of the inevitable closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

Like it said in a recent Sun Editorial...

"When we all wake up this Monday morning and get ready for work or school or simply the day ahead, there will be at least one thing significantly different about the Island. No, our clocks won’t have to be reset, and there won’t be a Gulf-full of red tide to avoid. This Monday, we all begin 45 days of living with a closed Anna Maria Island Bridge."

AMI Bridge in Need of Repair and Eventual Replacement

There is no question our beloved bridge, that for so long has been our main arterial connection to mainland Florida and the rest of this great country of ours, is in need of refitting and repair. Some day it will surely need to be replaced.

Knowing this however, doesn't fully prepare us for what lies ahead.

Island Players Playhouse

Alone Together Again...

The Island Players Present - "Alone Together Again".

May 14, 2009 - May 24, 2009, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM 
 
Alone Together Again - A Middle-aged couple's children have finally left the nest and they are finally alone - but not for long. All three sons return after some hard knocks in the real world. The parents have a hard but joyous time pushing them out again.
 
Contact: 941-778-5755
islandplayers@earthlink.net
http://www.theislandplayers.org

Island Players Playhouse

Sylvia...

Island Players Playhouse Presents - "Sylvia"

March 19, 2009 - April 15, 2009, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM 
 
Sylvia - Greg's career is winding down and his wife's career is offering more opportunites. Greg brings home a dog he found in a park "Sylvia". To Kate,Sylvia becomes a rival for the affections of her husband. Kate & Greg learn to compromise and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.

General Admission $15
 
Contact: 941-778-5755
islandplayers@earthlink.net
http://www.theislandplayers.org