Historic Anna Maria Island City Pier



 

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The Anna Maria Island City Pier

The Anna Maria Island City Pier has been a landmark on Anna Maria Island for more than 100 years. If you have ever visited us on beautiful Anna Maria Island then you have probably visited, or at least seen, the Anna Maria Island City Pier.  

History

For more than 100 years, this wooden plank walkway has allowed visitors of all ages stroll back in history and relive that “Old Florida” charm. George “Will” Bean and Charles Roser built the original pier in 1911. Fishing boats and steamboat excursions used the pier for harbor and dockage space. The earliest of tourists filled big paddle wheel boats such as the Mistletoe and the Favorite for a chance to explore the alluring barrier island. At that time there were no bridges linking Anna Maria Island to the mainland. These boats were the only way visitors could enjoy the beautiful and unspoiled beaches of Anna Maria.

Over the Years

The Anna Maria Island City Pier has weathered many storms and hurricanes throughout the years. Restoration and repairs always followed. Eventually, the “old school” bait shop and popular restaurant took over the 776 foot pier. Because of this the Anna Maria Island City Pier became even more of a destination for locals and visitors alike. Fisherman adorned the edges of the platform. Hoping to catch their dinner they casted lines into the bay and shared warm-hearted stories about their beloved island. All were welcome at the Anna Maria Island City Pier. For decades this was life until mother nature lashed out with Hurricane Irma in 2017.

After the Storm

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After this iconic storm barreled across the State of Florida, the fate of the Anna Maria Island City Pier was left in shambles . Luck had run out. The gates were locked, and the City Pier was now in a position to be totally replaced. Flocking birds and schooling fish replaced the fishermen at the pier. The birds set up nests, and the fish found an unfamiliar refuge, on the eerily quiet pier and waters. 

The Rebuild Process

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Demolition started very carefully. One by one the planks were removed. Sadly, some planks contained inscribed family names and remembrances, making this even more personal for some. The re-building of the Anna Maria Island landmark  was underway, and visitors and Locals alike will have to wait patiently for the finished product. So, the next time you are staying in one of our AMI Locals’ waterfront or vacation properties, be sure to stroll over to the Anna Maria Island City Pier. The view is always just as beautiful and the history is just as rich no matter what phase of the project the pier is in. So, be sure to visit our list of available rentals, and remember to Vacation Like a Local!

5 Best Things to Do with Kids on Anna Maria Island



5 Best Things to Do with Kids on Anna Maria Island

Do you have a family vacation this year on Anna Maria Island and not sure what there is to do with the kids? If you are staying in one of our beach and gulf view vacation rentals, we can tell you some of the best things to do with the kids. We have compiled a small list for you to check out and see what you and your kids can do on your next family vacation!

Go to the Beach

5 Best Things to Do with Kids on Anna Maria Island

Well you are vacationing in Florida, so one of our number recommendations is to hit the beach and spend as much time as you can there. Let your kids spend as much time there creating new memories with them. Build as many sandcastles as you’d like and let the play in the beautiful, white sand. The best part of heading to the beach on Anna Maria Island is that there are sand bars that help create shallow water areas for your kids to play in. Let the kids wear their energy out on the beach for the day!

Hunt for Sea Shells

5 Best Things to Do with Kids on Anna Maria Island

When you are vacationing hunting for sea shells can be a favorite activity for everyone in the family to do. This can be a great activity for the younger ones who are just learning to walk and for even the parents. Plus, we know of a great area to head to get to the best shells. If you head over to Beer Can Island (Greer Island) you can find some of the best area for the best shells. 

Play & Enjoy Bayfront Park

We understand that your kids build up more energy than you can handle and need to run it off. Take them to Bayfront Park where they can run off that energy and where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay. This is a free park and a great new place to visit when you are on vacation. 

Go Get Donuts

5 Best Things to Do with Kids on Anna Maria Island

When on vacation you must get donuts especially at one of the most delicious places in the US! You will need to take the kids to The Donut Experience at least one time while you are on vacation to experience the made to order donuts. When you arrive though, don’t be surprised if you find a line out the door. This is a very popular place to go whether you are a local or a tourist. The process is simple and you will see many options to help you make your donuts better tasting. Just have fun and let the kids be creative. What a better way to enjoy these donuts!

Eat on the Beach

If you are looking for a new experience when it’s time to eat dinner or lunch with your family. Head over to The Sandbar Restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand. This is a locally owned restaurant that has an expansive patio with many tables over actual sand. And to make it better when you go just before sunset where you can experience a beautiful view of the sun setting over the water. They have a great kid friendly menu and no worry about the kids making a mess on the floor, it’s sand. Maybe make this your last meal while on the island. What a beautiful memory to make on your final day!

5 Best Things to Do with Kids on Anna Maria Island

While there are still many other things to do with your kids but these are just a few that we’d thought that you’d like. While staying with us in one of our vacation rentals, you will find that there is something for everyone in the family. Take pictures, make new memories and come back to the island for years to come!

4th of July Celebration – Boom, Boom, Pow



4th of July Celebration - Boom, Boom, Pow

We LOVE celebrating 4th of July just as much as the rest of the country! We just like to do it “Island Style”! This time of year brought plenty of people to our beautiful beaches to enjoy all the holiday and summer festivities.

4th of July Parade Fun

Just like every year, this 4th of July started with an awesome local parade
that spanned the entire length of the island from Coquina Beach to the City Pier. The parade route winds through Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and the City of Anna Maria and is a short stroll from all of our spectacular vacation homes. This annual parade is hosted and led by the Privateers. So, next year,
be ready to spot the pirates and their ship coming down the street followed by an array of decorated floats, cars and golf carts throwing treats and cooling down the crowd with super soakers! And, if you have ever dreamed of being more than just a spectator, be sure to sign up to participate and decorate
your own vehicle! The more the merrier!

More Fun After the Parade

After the parade was over, we grabbed ourselves a spot at the beach and caught some rays! July always brings the heat, but a dip in the crystal aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico refreshes the soul. Afterwards, we just relaxed poolside and grilled out with our friends and family. With full hearts and bellies we were sure to make our way back to beach as the sun went down. Firework displays were a plenty in the area and there was no bad spot to catch a great show! For more than 30 years The Sandbar Restaurant located at 100 Spring Avenue, on the north end of the island, has been graciously lighting up the night sky for all to enjoy. So, next July, If you are looking for an all-inclusive event, be sure to grab a ticket to their VIP Party which includes an amazing array of local foods, an open bar, and prime beach
seats for the fireworks. These tickets sell out quickly, so do not hesitate to mark your calendars for next year!

With so much sunshine and patriotic activities on the island, it’s hard not to have the time of your life. So, if you are looking for a laid back way to just enjoy the 4th of July with your family and friends be sure to visit us next summer and vacation like a local!