Another Hurricane Season Bites the Dust

Anna Maria Island in September...

By late September, summer has come to an end and Anna Maria Island has grown unusually quiet. In fact, in terms of entertainment and special events, September is generally one of the quietest months of the year.

September is also the peak of the hurricane season and more often than not, is one of the most active months of the year weather wise. That is why, its this time of year you'll find yourself (as one resident put it)... "watching the flowers grow, and watching the birds watching the fish". 

Anna Maria Island, although still very hot, humid and buggy, is likely to be very rainy during September. With the sea breezes from Florida’s east coast and west coast colliding along our shoreline, you get turbulence that result in spectacular thunder and lightning.

It is kind of a joke amongst the locals that if you have repeat houseguests wanting to come stay with you that you would rather didn't, simply invite them during the month of September and the weather will do your dirty work for you.

Yes, September on Anna Maria Island, a time you will not soon forget!

The best thing about September on Anna Maria Island is looking forward to October. That is when we finally get some relief from the heat. With the easing of the heat and the threat of storms lessening, Anna Maria Island begins coming to life once again with celebrations, festivals and the like.

One of the first celebrations of the season is Bayfest. Check out the 2008 Bayfest list of festivities.

Now in its ninth year, Bayfest will be held this 2009 on the weekend of October 16.

On Friday night, the kick-off party will feature live music by Anna Maria Island's own Bootleg from 7 to 10, with DJ Mike Sales.

Then on Saturday, while the live music continues throughout the day, there will be arts and crafts booths lining one entire side of Pine Avenue, with both retail and non-profit organizations represented, as well as local artists and crafts people.

One of the most interesting parts of Bayfest is the classic car show. The food court will be located on the corner of Bay Boulevard and Pine. There will be a children’s play area, DJ booth, and booths selling drinks.

Bayfest is fun for all. There is a variety of entertainment for islanders and visitors of all ages.

As September nears a close and this years Bayfest celebrations near, we give thanks that this September has been a relatively quiet one in terms of weather. In spite of some torrential rains recently, there has been a surprising number of pleasant days during what usually is a very stormy month.

Unlike Septembers past, we've not had one seawall under water yet this hurricane season. Something worth being grateful for as we quietly take in the peace and serenity, the flowers and the birds, and the sound of the surf on the shores of our beaches.

All the while waiting in anticipation, for the cooler temperatures to arrive, the risk of hurricane force winds to be put on hold until next year, and the fun celebrations to arrive that are being planned as I write this post.

Yes, September on Anna Maria Island is a somber time, a time for reflection and a time for anticipation. Now as we near a new beginning, it is a time to count our blessings and give thanks for our little paradise in the sun... Anna Maria Island!