Anna Maria Island

Baby, Bike and Beach Rentals

Vacation Equipment and Supply Rentals Blog...

Fun and More Rentals now has their own beach, bike and baby rentals blog at http://blog.funandmorerentals.com.

Up until now, we have been publishing all the baby supply rentals, bike rentals and beach equipment rentals information and posts to the Baby, Bike and Beach Rentals section of our Anna Maria Island Blog... the one you are visiting right now.

From this point on however, all vacation supply rental posts will be published to the new Fun and More Baby, Beach and Bike Rentals blog.

A Week Into The Bridge Closure

Anna Maria Islander's Report Mixed Experiences as a Result of Bridge Closure...

Well, its a week into the Anna Maria Island bridge closure, and according to local news reports, "though residents and businesses braced for the 45-day closure this week, organizing a community market, concert and mini golf tournament to stave off business losses, it's unclear whether this weekend's planned Bridging the Gap events have that much of a gap to bridge."

After seven days of our beloved bridge being closed to traffic for repairs, local shops, restaurants and commuters are reporting mixed traffic and business experiences.

According to businesses on Cortez Road, traffic is pretty much normal. A little better than normal actually, according to some. On the other hand, businesses in Holmes Beach are reporting mixed experiences.

According to Chef David Woolheater, of Cafe on the Beach in Holmes Beach, business at the popular eatery has been slow but steady throughout the week despite the bridge closure. It remains to be seen how the bridge closure will affect business this weekend.

When talking to local area residence, they say the drive to Anna Maria hasn't worsened since the bridge closure, and that at this point they really don't think it will.

Another Beautiful Bride, Wedding Day and Wedding on Anna Maria Island

Memories By Billi Does It Again...

Another beautiful Bride, another beautiful day and another beautiful wedding right here on gorgeous Anna Maria Island!

Congratulations Michelle & Jason ;-)

Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events for Anna Maria Island...

We don't pretend to always have the most up to date list of events and going's on for the Anna Maria Island area.... but we do post what you send us, always... we publish dedicated posts to all major events... and of course we publish what we find online and in the media.

All in all, you'll always be able to find something to do, see or experience on Anna Maria Island, simply by visiting the Entertainment and Organized Events section of our Anna Maria Island Blog.

BeachHouse Restaurant

Great Food and Great Fun: What The BeachHouse Restaurant Is All About...

It was back in 1993 that Ed Chiles found the old Harbor House. He bought it, remodeled it and changed the name to the BeachHouse... and the BeachHouse Restaurant it still is today!

Located in Bradenton Beach at the west end of Cortez Road, the Harbor House had 650 feet of beach in front of it and was a perfect setting for the huge covered deck that now stretches to reach each end of the now BeachHouse Restaurant.

The spectacular Gulf Coast view was just the beginning!

The BeachHouse Restaurant is the perfect setting for family dining. There is plenty of room for all the kids to play on the beach while you enjoy a tropical drink and great food. You can enjoy your meal inside the dining room or on the waterfront deck, your choice.

Traffic

No Problem With Anna Maria Island Traffic...

It's being reported in local media that many of the traffic problems anticipated as a result of the closure of the busiest connection to Anna Maria Island simply have not materialized. In fact CARL MARIO NUDI of the Bradenton Herald said, "If it wasn't for the extra miles one has to drive to get to the island, commuters wouldn't know the Anna Maria Bridge was closed for three days."

He also stated, "Traffic flow has been smooth since the Florida Department of Transportation closed the bridge at midnight Sunday, forcing drivers to detour from Manatee Avenue West to Cortez Road to get to their favorite island spots.

Melinda's Cafe and Catering

Catering Private Parties, Weddings, Family Gatherings and More...

Melinda's Cafe & Catering offers local Anna Maria Island catering to serve your party, wedding reception, family gathering, corporate or other special event.

Melinda's Cafe and Catering will customize your private party, gathering or event, to meet both your budget and your tastes.

Melinda's offers a wide variety of finger foods, sandwich plates, hot and cold side dishes, deserts, full service meals and buffets... plus so much more!

If you are planning a catered event in the Anna Maria Island area, give Melinda a call. She will sit down with you, one on one, and customize a spread that meets your needs.

Melinda's Cafe & Catering also offers a full crew for weddings, rehearsal dinners, barbecues, and beach weddings... everything you'll ever need in the way of a special events catering service.

Bayfest 2008

Anna Maria Bayfest Music Festival Lineup...

ANNA MARIA ISLAND BAYFEST

Once again, its time to get out your dancing shoes and rock your Island, at Bayfest 2008.

Bayfest Festivities take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City.

BAYFEST MUSICAL LINEUP

The musical lineup on the main stage at Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard includes Jimi Gee, Hwy 41, Koko Ray and the Soul Providers, the Alternators Blues Band, Kettle of Fish and the Dr. Dave Band.

The Day The Bridge Closed

Is Anna Maria Island Prepared For Bridge Closure...

Yes, the day we've all been talking about and waiting for finally arrived earlier this week... the day the Anna Maria Island Bridge closed!

Sounds like a horror movie, doesn't it? Like "The Day the Earth Stood Still"... lol.

Really though, is it all that bad? Is a 45 day bridge closure, 45 days of no vehicles on Anna Maria Island Bridge, really the "End of Days"?

Of course it's not. Let's look at the facts and some of the things the Anna Maria Island community has done to ease the pain.

Bridge the Gap Events

Bridging the Gap: Anna Maria Island Fall Event Update...

'Bridging the Gap' events kick off this week, with The Dr. Dave Band headlining the Concert in the Park on Saturday in Holmes Beach.

After nearly four months of planning, the Island’s 'Bridging the Gap' fall events schedule gets under way this week with a host of fun events that should take some of the sting out of the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

Come on out and help support the Anna Maria Island business and local community.

The 'Bridging the Gap' fall event schedule was conceived, and strategically planned, as a way to help offset, and even over come, the economic effects of closing the Anna Maria Island Bridge to traffic for 6 weeks starting this week.

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.