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.
No Pedestrians or Cyclists
It's true. The bridge is not just closed to traffic; it is closed to pedestrians and cyclists as well. There will also be only limited drawbridge access for boaters.
Yes, for the next 45 days the Cortez Bridge will be the main route to and from the island, at least for anyone not coming to Anna Maria via Longboat Key.
Though Islanders remain cautiously optimistic about having one of the main arteries to Anna Maria Island cut off, there is some concern over the proposed 45 day closure. Sure, they say the remaining construction on the $10.1 million rehabilitation project will be completed in that time... if everything goes accordingly.
"Much like bracing for a hurricane, islanders are bracing for the worst and hoping for the best" says GRACE GAGLIANO of the Bradenton Herald. "The difference being people are still encouraged to head to the island, and there's been months of preparation by officials, residents and businesses."
Emergency Services on Anna Maria Island
Emergency response was among the major concerns for residents who attended bridge closure meetings hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation and PB Americas, contract managers for the bridge project.
- Mark Edenfield, division chief of Manatee County Emergency Services, said about eight helicopters will be available for the Tampa Bay region during the bridge closure.
- Patients who are airlifted will be transported to the closest state-approved trauma or stroke center.
- In some cases Blake Medical Center will be an option to accept airlifted emergency cases.
"We're going to get you to a hospital, and if you need to get there in a hurry we're going to get you there in a hurry if we need to," Edenfield said. "Please rest assured we're doing everything we can to prepare."
Hurricane Season
With hurricane season still in full swing until Nov. 30, there is concern for getting off the island in a hurry. Greg Wilson, project administrator for PB Americas, said construction to the bridge will be concentrated on one side at a time to allow the bridge to open for a hurricane evacuation.
If a hurricane evacuation is in order, contractors Quinn Construction Inc. have confirmed they will be able to reopen one lane on the bridge with 24 hours notice.
Fire Rescue
West Manatee Fire Rescue is adding more personnel and fire trucks to service Anna Maria Island during the bridge closure. Chief Andy Price said three firefighters will be temporarily transferred to Station No. 1 in Holmes Beach during the 45 days.
In addition, a second fire engine will be housed at the station for 24 hours, and a fire engine manned with staff will be stationed in Bradenton Beach for 12 hours each day.
"We're going to beef up our staffing at the island station during the closure," Price said. "When you close the main artery coming to the island you've got to have additional people here during that time period."
Transportation To and From Anna Maria Island
Manatee County Area Transit will boost service from the mainland to Anna Maria Island by providing a free transfer route. MCAT transit manager Ralf Heseler said, "the free transfer will start at Blake Medical Center on 59th Street West and connect passengers with a trolley stop at Coquina Beach."
- The transfer will run seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. for the duration of the bridge closure.
- The bus will run on a 30-minute schedule.
"We want to encourage everyone to leave your car at home, and we will give you a good ride to the island," Heseler said.
Traffic Direction
The Bradenton Beach Police Department plans to help direct traffic at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road West.
- During the first seven days an officer will be station there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- And after the first week, an officer is expected to direct traffic from 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
"We foresee a lot of traffic," said Chief Sam Speciale.
U.S. Coast Guard's Amended Regulations
Boaters will have to follow by the U.S. Coast Guard's amended regulations.
Cortez Bridge
- The Cortez Bridge will be closed from 5:35 a.m. to 9:25 a.m., 1:35 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. and 8 p.m.-4:25 a.m.
- Also will open once an hour at the bottom of the hour.
Anna Maria Island Bridge
- The AMI Bridge will be closed from 6 a.m.-9 p.m., 2 p.m.-5 p.m. and 8 p.m.-5 a.m.
- Also will open once an hour, but at the top of the hour.
- The bridge tender can draw a single leaf on the AMI Bridge on signal for boaters except between 6 a.m.-7 p.m., and a double-leaf opening is possible with a one-hour notice.
Anna Maria Island Schools
Manatee County school buses that run routes on Anna Maria Island, and that heavily travel Cortez Road and 75th Street West, will serve a maximum of one or two schools during the bridge closure.
Kathy Braselton, director of transportation for the Manatee County School District, said adjustments to school bus schedules were implemented before the school year began in August so students wouldn't have to adjust midyear.
"We made it so the kids and drivers would already be in routine," Braselton said.
- Routes that serve the island have been pared to one or two schools to prevent possible delays. Before, each route served as many as three campuses.
- If there is heavy traffic, buses that may see a delay are those that serve Anna Maria Elementary, Sugg Middle, King Middle, Bayshore High and Manatee High.
- Anna Maria Elementary has two buses routes for students.
Principal Tom Levengood said the south route will have to be closely monitored since it has stops in Longboat Key and also serves Sugg Middle School on 59th Street West.
"If it takes longer to get through traffic it will have to leave sooner to get out here," Levengood said. "We're very hopeful as far as traffic goes."
Levengood said the tourism surge in late October and early November could slow the bus route down, and if that's the case announcements will be made on any changes.
Anna Maria Island Businesses
Sandy Mattick, owner of the Pine Avenue General Store, is optimistic her business will fare well. She said, "I have a little convenience store, I'm thinking mine might do better because people want to go off the island, I think it's going to be bad for strictly tourist businesses."
At the Bali Hai Beach Resort in Holmes Beach, manager Al Bouziane said reservations have been steady with 90 percent of clientele from last year returning. "Is tourism going to be down? I don't think so," Bouziane said. "I think daytrippers from the mainland to the island will be down." Bouziane said visitors have been notified about the bridge closure prior to making a reservation. "It doesn't seem to be a concern for them," Bouziane said. "People who stay here, once they're here on the island, they don't do a whole lot of traveling. Once they're here they want to be here."
Rocky Corby, manager of City Pier Restaurant, knows it will be difficult to reach the restaurant on South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria. "It's definitely going to be an inconvenience for everybody to come out," Corby said. "Hopefully, they'll wait in line and come out and see us. It's a beautiful island."
Bridging the Gap Fall Festivities
After nearly four months of planning, the Island’s Bridging the Gap Fall Events shedule 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.
Local Anna Maria Island business owners teamed up with art groups and community organizations to host a lineup of events during the closure to draw people to the island. The events are being marketed with the slogan "Bridging the Gap" and will run from Oct. 2-Nov. 16.
About 30 events are to be held and will include an open-air market, art walks, concerts and contests. In addition, the island on Oct. 18 will host its annual street party on Pine Avenue known as Bayfest.
"With Bridging the Gap, something will be going on almost every weekend," said Mary Ann Brockman, president of the Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce.
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.
Stay tuned to the Anna Maria Island Life blog for up to date information about the Bridge Closure, the Bridging the Gap Events, and the 2009 Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival!
More Information on the Anna Maria Island Bridge and Potential Closures
Reaction to Anna Maria Island Bridge Closure - "It is not quite the end of the world, but the Anna Maria Island community is starting to get nervous." Nervous over the Anna Maria Island bridge closure that is.
Anna Maria Island Bridge to be Closed for Repairs - The Department of Transportation is planning on closing the Anna Maria Island Bridge for 75 Days this coming spring.
Anna Maria Island Bridge Replacement Survey - If the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) were to choose a replacement bridge for the 17-foot-high Anna Maria Island Drawbridge, there’s a good chance it would be a lot taller.
Anna Maria Island Residents Question Bridge's Future - Rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Island Bridge is four months away. In the mean time, local Anna Maria Island residents want to know what the island's next bridge is going be.
65 Foot Fixed Span Bridge Proposed for Anna Maria Island - Although the planned 45-day closure (for repairs) of the Anna Maria Bridge is just around the corner, a much taller "fixed span bridge" may be in the works. Because so often boaters have to wait for the existing Anna Maria drawbridge to lift so they can pass under, a taller fixed span bridge is being discussed as a possible, more permanent solution.
More Information on the 'Bridging the Gap' Bridge Closure Fall Celebrations
Anna Maria Island Merchants, Beach Businesses, Arts Groups and Community Organizations Plan Fall Events... Merchants on Anna Maria Island, members of the local business community, groups and organizations are helping to plan 30 events between September 29th and November 16... in an effort to draw people out to the island during bridge renovations.
Bridge Closure Celebrations to Support Local Economy and Business Community - Although closing one of the only two main arteries connecting our precious little island to the mainland will undoubtedly disrupt our daily routine, we hope the impact of the bridge closure and it's required repairs won’t be catastrophic for either the island's residence or it's local business community.
Bridging the Gap as an Alternative to Closing Your Business - As the Anna Maria Island bridge closure nears, it's become clear that closing your business this fall is a bad idea. At least, that’s the message from within the Anna Maria Island’s business community as they band together to produce "Bridging the Gap," a six-week-long series of weekend events intended to both entertain as well as to draw people out to the Island despite the bridge’s closure.
Support Local Businesses During Bridge Closure - Mark Davis, chairman of the board for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, asked Anna Maria Island residence to remember their local business community. In a nut shell, he said... "Shop the Island and enjoy."
Bridging the Gap Events to Start on Bridge St - "When the Anna Maria Island Bridge closes Monday, Sept. 29, for six weeks of rehabilitation and repair, we’ll be on our own. Left with one direct link (the Cortez Bridge) to the mainland, access will be limited."
Anna Maria Islands Trolley Scavenger Hunt - As part of the "Bridging the Gap” efforts, a Scavenger Hunt using the Anna Maria Island Trolley system is planned for Saturday, October 11, from 9 am -3 pm. Over $15,000 in prizes will be given away and a portion of the proceeds will benefit an island charity or family in need.
Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival Celebration
Last year's, inaugural Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival was such a huge success that local wedding merchants are already busy making plans, for what promises to be, the best wedding festival ever. If you are planning a wedding, vow renewal or wedding related event, or you know someone who is... visit the Anna Maria Island Wedding Directory today.
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Your one stop information and resource for the Anna Maria Island region of Florida.
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