MLB Spring Training and an AMI Beach Vacation



So if you’re anything like us, you can’t wait for the day that baseball players report for MLB Spring Training. Finally, we can enjoy the sunshine, hot dogs and cold beer, and BASEBALL! And Florida is lucky enough to host the Grapefruit League, so there are plenty of teams and stadiums within a very short road trip of Anna Maria Island. Then why not enjoy a relaxing Anna Maria Beach Vacation along with an MLB Spring Training game? Let AMI Locals show you how.

National Anthem before an Orioles Spring Training Game at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.

Play ball! Spring Training begins in February.

Beginning in February, there are many Major League Baseball teams that come to Florida to play baseball in the mild Winter and warm Spring days that we enjoy here; such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees. We here at AMI Locals are ready to be your guide to planning a grand slam vacation!

First, take a look at the Grapefruit League Spring Training schedule and available tickets. Second, find your favorite MLB team and choose a game (or several!) that you’d like to attend. With this in mind, get your cheering section together and book one of our fabulous AMI Locals luxury vacation rental homes for your adventure. After all, we have a wide variety of homes available for any size group. Such as Just Beachy with 6 bedrooms, or Island Life with 3 bedrooms, all the way up to our 9 bedroom beauty Island Sol! When you are combining a beach vacation with a Spring Training game in the same trip, it’s bound to be a home run of fun!

Our view from the bleacher seats at LECOM park in Bradenton.

Nearby Bradenton and Sarasota MLB Spring Training Stadiums

For example, Anna Maria Island is within a very short distance of two Spring Training fields. The Pittsburgh Pirates play at nearby LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton, an easy 20-minute drive from AMI. So be sure to head out for the game early and stop by one of our favorite breweries!
Additionally, The Baltimore Orioles’ Spring Training home is at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. So it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon there! Afterwards, why not explore downtown Sarasota’s Main Street for shopping and happy hour while you are in the neighborhood?

  • LECOM Park – 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
  • Ed Smith Stadium – 2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237

Tampa area MLB Spring Training Stadiums to visit

Then, about an hour away, you have the Bronx Bombers, The New York Yankees spending their Spring Training time at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Also, The Philadelphia Phillies play at Spectrum Field in Clearwater,  The Toronto Blue Jays at Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin, and The Detroit Tigers at Publix Field in Lakeland.

  • Steinbrenner Field – 1 Steinbrenner Dr, Tampa, FL 33614
  • Spectrum Field – 601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765
  • Dunedin Stadium – 373 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
  • Publix Field – 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
Representin’ the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and the NY Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Baseball and friends – what a great way to spend a day!

Teams worth traveling a little further to see – The BoSox and beyond

Next up on the tour, the Tampa Bay Rays play at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, about an hour and 15 minutes away. Our hometown Rays are always fun to watch! Unfortunately this year, the MLB Spring Training for our Tampa Bay Rays will be at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex due to too much damage from Hurricane Ian to our home stadium.

  • Charlotte Sports Park – 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
  • Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – 700 S Victory Way, Orlando, FL 34747

Then, you’ll hear Sweet Caroline playing when the Boston Red Sox win at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, and the Minnesota Twins also take the field at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, about a 2 hour drive south of Anna Maria Island.

  • JetBlue Park – 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
  • Hammond Stadium – 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Visit Orlando to see ATL

Finally, the Atlanta Braves play at Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, just outside of Orlando, about 2 ½ – 3 hours from Anna Maria Island.

  • Champion Stadium – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, 700 S Victory Way, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Watching the Orioles play at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Night games are also a great way to enjoy your beach days and then an MLB Spring Training game!

Directions and destinations from Anna Maria Island to MLB Spring Training stadiums

To get from Anna Maria Island to these ballparks, you’ll first cross the Manatee Avenue Bridge. Then you will continue eastward on Manatee Avenue – and now you need to choose your destination: Bradenton/Sarasota, Tampa area, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, or the Orlando area.
Before you leave the Island, search by the chosen ballpark’s address that we have provided above. Our favorite is Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions and time estimates.

So, whatcha waiting for? Pack your bathing suits and baseball gloves, buy your tickets, and call your AMI Locals to book your vacation rental home. Since the peanuts and Cracker Jack will be at the stadium, there’s no need to bring that from home! Batter up!

Let’s Learn about Beach Flag Warnings



The beach flag warning system is meant to protect all of us from potentially dangerous situations and elements. 

It’s not only smart but fun to learn about beach safety. We all want to get out in the beautiful beach water as quickly and often as possible, but we also need to stay safe! When you are staying at one our our AMI Locals Beachfront Properties this information can be especially useful, but really it is just great information to know.

Let’s check on the meaning of each flag:  

Green Flag – Low Hazard 

Green Beach Flag - All clear

A green flag means that the threat of danger is low, and you should be safe when heading out into the water. However, the green flag does not mean that we should throw caution to the wind. We still need to exercise safety in the water and watch children and weak swimmers closely. There is never a reason to take chances. Better safe than sorry. 

Yellow Flag – Medium Hazard 

Yellow Beach Flag - Extra Caution

The yellow flag does means that there is a potential for danger, though not life-threatening. We must use extra caution when we see the yellow flag. Ocean conditions could be more rough than usual with moderate surf and/or currents! Anyone swimming or enjoying the water should be extra aware. Again, children and weak swimmers may be more vulnerable when the yellow flag is out. When possible, stay near a lifeguard station or sit out on the beach and enjoy fun on the side until the water calms.  

One Red Flag – High HazardA red flag on a pole on a beach

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HIGH ALERT! One red flag means business! It is a sign of dangerous currents, high surf or both. The red flag is the most serious among the beach warning flags, and everyone is strongly discouraged to enter the water.  

Two Red Flags – Closed to Public 

Double Red Beach Flag - STOP

Two red flags means – STOP – the beach and water are closed to the public because of extremely dangerous conditions. Do not attempt to swim or enter the water when there are two red flags under any circumstances!  

Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life 

Purple Beach Flag - Dangerous Marine Life

The purple flag indicates that there is dangerous marine life out on the water or beach. This could mean stingrays, jellyfish, sea snakes, or other marine life. Anything except sharks – If a shark is in the water, then a red flag or double red flag will be hoisted. Not taking any chances with those guys!  

Red over Yellow FlagA flag on a pole

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Lifeguard on duty! The is a welcome flag. The red over yellow flag does not mean something is inherently dangerous. It is saying, hey you are in good hands. The red over yellow flag signifies a recommended swimming area that has lifeguard supervision. 

If available at your beach, we always recommend swimming within red over yellow flag areas. 

Black and White or quarted FlagA flag on a beach

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The black and white or Quartered Flag sometimes used in pairs and spaced apart, indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is being used by those with surfboards and other non-powered watercraft. They are just to make sure beach goers are aware of this and stay safe from the hazard of collision with any type of watercraft. 

The Black Ball FlagA yellow tent on a beach

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Opposite of the black and white, quarted flag the black ball flag prohibits the use of Surfboards and other non-powered watercraft where this flag flies.  

There are multiple national and regional variations, but the majority of signs are universal. Jump in and enjoy – but as always, be cautious!  

Rip Tides – Currents  

Waves crashing on a beach

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Rip tides and currents can catch you off guard, sweep you out into deep waters very quickly and cause you to lose control. Rip tides can be very powerful especially when there is larger surf, and even if you are a very strong swimmer there is still a possibility you can be pulled out by these harsh currents. Areas near Bays, river mouths, estuaries or piers are usually the most dangerous areas for rip tides and currents to arise.  

If you do get caught in a rip current, the RNLI advice is to: 

– Stay calm, and try not to panic 

– If you are able to stand, wade rather than swim 

– If you have a board, keep hold of it as it will help you float 

– Raise your hand and shout for help 

– Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the rip, then make your way to shore. 

Everyone should learn how to stay safe in the surf, sand, and sun. The beach and the ocean hide many hazards. Make sure to be aware of these visual signs that can be spotted on your favorite beaches.  

Now that you know the drill, get out there and enjoy our island!

Celebrate the 4th of July on AMI

July 4th on AMI

Independence Day is on its way and there is no better place to stay than with AMI Locals. Celebrate with Parades, Food, Fireworks and Beach Vibes!

A few of our AMI Locals favorite recommendations for delicious food to start and finish the day :

1. Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Shop

A fun, funky, Bakery/café serving breakfast and lunch, in a relaxed, atmosphere with loads of crazy fun things to look at and/or purchase.  Try the giant cinnamon rolls to get your weekend off to a great start.
Located at 9807 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria Island, FL 34216  941.778.3170

2. The Sandbar Restaurant

A beautiful beachfront seafood restaurant serving classic dishes that will be sure to satisfy any appetite. The Sandbar is located on the north end of Anna Maria Island and has been a favorite of locals for decades. Dine with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand on the waterfront deck or enjoy inside dining. The Sandbar offers a gulf to table, farm to fork, and pasture to plate award winning menu. Specials vary weekly -100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216   941.778.0444  
* Fireworks just after sunset over the Gulf have been canceled this year to protect nesting turtles!

3. The Beach House Restaurant

On the beach, amazing views and delicious food. The Beach House will not disappoint. The Beach House Restaurant is located on the Bradenton Beach end of AMI and a second option for toes in the sand and beach vibe dining.  Seafood is their specialty offering some of the worlds best Oysters, Shrimp and Fish; but don’t worry you can also order up amazing New York Strip and many other delicious selections as well – 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217  941.779.2222
* Fireworks just after sunset over the Gulf have been CANCELED to help protect sea turtle nesting!

JULY 3rd – Parade Time!

The July 3 parade will begin at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m., proceed through Holmes Beach and end near City Pier Park in Anna Maria at approx. 11:30. The parade is a fantastic event by the Privateers held annually and loved by all.

Looking for a place to lay your head after a fun-filled day?

 www.AMIlocals.com has availability with spectacular properties and a wonderful team to assist you with property needs.  Here are just a few examples:

Surfer’s Dream

Welcome to Surfer’s Dream, a beautiful new construction home perfectly located just a short walk off beach! This 4 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home, plus loft, is absolutely amazing.

The Ritz

This gorgeous and unique home will leave you breathless, and with plenty of space and privacy for a single-family, multi-family, or large group of friends and/or family combined – everything you could want in a luxury beach vacation rental home is found here at The Ritz.
This home features 7 bedrooms, with 6 King beds, a Full over Full bunk bed, and a Queen sleeper sofa bed.

Island Paradise

Island Paradise is a beautiful beachfront condo with absolutely, incredible views. It makes you feel like you are living right on top of the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico! The property has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.

For more information check out  www.amilocals.com  – take a look around and give us a call when you find your dream home away from home. We will get you all set up for the vacation of a lifetime.

We are so excited to hear from you and share our Independence Day here on Anna Maria Island.

This Weekend is the De Soto Parade



A big event is returning to the Bradenton-Anna Maria Island area! After being cancelled last year due to COVID, the De Soto Parade is making a much-anticipated 2021 comeback on Saturday, April 24th.

As a heads up to our Anna Maria Island visitors who will be arriving to check in this day – traffic will be more tricky than usual! Manatee Avenue will be CLOSED late afternoon (4pm-ish) for a large section headed west toward the island, so you will need to use an alternative route if you are driving during this time.

Map of alternative route to AMI

This map outlines a little work-around! If you are coming from the highway or from US 41 and going out Manatee Avenue, instead try this:

From Manatee Avenue headed WEST, turn LEFT onto Tamiami Trail US 41.
Continue SOUTH until 44th Ave W, and turn RIGHT
Continue heading WEST until 59th Ave, then turn RIGHT
Go NORTH until you come again to Manatee Avenue, where you will turn LEFT
Then continue WEST and you will arrive on Anna Maria Island!

We hope this helps! Just pack a little extra patience, and build in the time to go around the parade route. Or, stop and enjoy the parade with the locals!! If you have any questions, please text our awesome AMI Locals Guest Services team at 941-226-8442

*IF YOU GO to the De Soto Parade

Details: 7 p.m. April 24. Free to attend.

Route: Parade begins at Manatee High School, travels west on Ninth Avenue West, north on 39th Street West and then east on Manatee Avenue West, ending at Ninth Street West.

Info: desotohq.com/parade.

How to Identify Scam Vacation Rental Listings



How to identify scam vacation rental listings? We recently have been alerted to the growing issue of copycat scam listings of some of our rental properties, being posted on unverified websites.  Often, we are unaware of these duplicated fraudulent listings until it is too late and unknowing guests show up to check in to a property that they have not legitimately rented through AMI Locals.

Unfortunately, in cases like this we are unable to do anything to help.  Since the booking was not taken by our AMI Locals reservation team, we have no notification of the reservation, or any of the funds you may have paid to secure the property.

How to Identify Scam Vacation Rental Listings

If you are searching online for a vacation rental property on Anna Maria Island, start with verified travel booking sites and listings.  Such as our amilocals.com website, or Vrbo.com, Airbnb.com, Booking.com, Expedia.com, for instance.

Here are some other tips for spotting these fake listings:

• If it seems “Too Good to be True”!
•  If there are no reviews
•  If the listing was recently created, usually within a few weeks
•  Google search the name on the listing of the company that manages the property
•  If the contact information is not connected to the management company in any way, be especially wary of booking through this channel
•  Trust your gut! If your instincts are telling you that something seems fishy, it probably is!
•  If the “host” requests payment in an unusual form, such as Venmo or PayPal, or cash

And if you are unsure of any part of the booking process, please do not hesitate to reach out and call AMI Locals at 941-757-8226.  We appreciate your assistance with identifying fraudulent websites so we are able to report them and have them taken down.

Eating Healthy While on Vacation

luxury chef's kitchen at Winding Waves

Easy and fun tips for eating healthy while on vacation! Life is all about balance. At least, that’s what we are told ever since we were kids.

But if you are anything like us here in the AMI Locals office, we tend to eat whatever we please while we are on vacation… figuring we will just go on a diet when we get back home. However, swimsuit season is all year round in Florida! So we asked our friend and expert Personal Chef Sarah Subrize of Cook.Bake.Nourish for some advice.

Eating healthy while on vacation at Winding Waves!

Q: We tend to go overboard and eat whatever we like, instead of eating healthy while on vacation. Can you share some tips on making better choices at restaurants?

Tip #1: Before you go out to eat, if you are feeling incredibly hungry, be sure to have a healthy snack that’s rich in fiber, healthy fats, or protein and it’s ideal if you can snack on a combination of the three. You know the saying of do not go grocery shopping while you’re hungry? Well, the same applies to you when you go out to eat, go to a party, or any social gathering around food. It is so easy to entertain the “eat everything in sight” mentality when you’re incredibly hungry and when we usually do this it ends up not even being that enjoyable and we never tend to feel satisfied.

Tip #2: Look at your day as a whole and pick where you want your indulgences. If you want a few cocktails poolside during the day but know you are going out to a restaurant later, perhaps choose a veggie loaded balanced meal at the restaurant, or if you’ve eaten well during the day get that meal you’ve really been wanting on the menu.

Tip #3: Aim for 1 veggie heavy meal per day when eating out. When I am away on vacation, I look at my day and try to aim for at least 1 veggie heavy meal per day. This could be a produce-packed omelet, a big loaded salad with a protein like grilled chicken, or a plate full of grilled veggies with a protein.

Tip #4: Think in terms of adding in the good vs cutting out the bad. When eating out try ordering a side of veggies with your meal or adding in a salad (only if that’s what you enjoy – never force yourself just because its considered “healthier”.) Eating additional vegetables can help you get in the fiber your digestive system needs to help with fullness, which helps keep your blood sugars stable. This helps you not overindulge later.

Tip #5: Opt for cooking methods that include steaming, broiling, baking, roasting, over frying.

Tip #6: Talk to your server. Ask your server about how the food is prepared, sometimes a simple dish such as chicken and vegetables can have many hidden oils, salt, and sauces. Restaurants in general tend to use more of all of those to boost flavor. Most of the time in amounts you would not expect/don’t know about. Having this simple conversation and knowledge will allow you to ask for adjustments about how you want the meal to be prepared. You’ll be able to ask for some items on the side, so you have more control over your meal.

Tip #7: Have a ‘when in Rome’ mentality when on vacation. Seek out what the locals eat. Ask around to what the best places are and if you are looking for a more health focused restaurants ask your neighbors or whoever around if they have any good suggestions. People are so friendly in this area, they will for sure share their go to spots. I always gravitate towards restaurants I know get their foods from local farms and have freshly caught local fish coming in, too and the locals will know those details better than anyone.

Tip #8: Eat what you want but be mindful of your portions. It is easy to overeat at restaurants especially when we are out with a group. It adds up with an app, entrée, drinks, and desserts. Overstuffing never feels good.  Eat until you’re full but not stuffed. Ask for a box when they bring out your meal. Once we feel full and ask for a box, its easy to eat a bunch more bites just because it is sitting in front of us before the server gets a chance to bring back the box. Getting your box first allows you to box up your meal when you are ready, so you do not feel overstuffed.

Tip #9: Savor what you are eating and slow down to enjoy it. Overall, my biggest tip and this might be the most important – when it comes to vacation it is important to enjoy yourself and not put too much stress on anything—go ahead, indulge, and enjoy. Just remember to SAVOR what you are eating by slowing down and remember that portion size counts. Take the guilt out of your choices. Because if we allow ourselves to fully enjoy something, we will more likely be fully satisfied and not go back for something else. I think in general if you try and take away the packaged, processed foods in your house and fill your meals with colorful veggies and real ingredients for most of your meals you are doing well even if you indulge at restaurants.  

Eating healthy while on vacation, plus wine! At Winding Waves.

Q: Can you share some ideas for healthy travel snacks to throw in the car/travel bag?

It is easy to go for something greasy or extra sweet when you are super hungry. Avoid making quick choices by being prepared and packing some healthy, filling snacks for the journey. This will help you make nutritious choices when you’re in a pinch.

There are a couple of key things I look for when packing my travel snack bag including foods that are portable, require no refrigeration, going to keep me hydrated, and are satisfying.

This can be as easy as a handful of almonds/trail mix, fruit like an apple and nut butter, or a bag of raw veggies and hummus.

· Packing hummus and veg is a classic snack combo for good reason. Crisp raw veggies are loaded with filling fiber, hydrating water, healthy nutrients phytochemicals, while hummus provides more fiber, satiating protein, and fat. All particularly important things so you aren’t starving once you get to your destination or stop at a rest stop/airport shop and then reach for anything you can get your hands on. Although most stops nowadays have great choices.

· I like to pack some fruit and a nut butter packet. I always pack the heartier fruits like apples they can still last even if they are thrown around in my bag. And nut butter packets make it so easy to keep the snacks less messy which is essential with traveling.

· I also try to plan and make a homemade snack. Something like a chia pudding, bliss balls, or vegetable fritters if I can pack an ice pack with them in my bag. I like to keep these in a sealed glass container to keep them fresh and avoid them getting crushed in my bag. If you have time to prep a bit before traveling, there are a ton of great recipes that are loaded with nutrients to keep you fueled while you’re in the car or on the plane.

· And as always making sure you drink water and staying hydrated is always important!

Eating healthy while on vacation - AMI Locals

Q: What sort of meals are you able to provide at our AMI Locals beach houses? What are some of your customer favorites?

This all depends on what each client wants and how much they want. It also depends if I am doing a meal prep situation which involves me preparing a much of meals/ items for them to enjoy later or if I am cooking in home and serving the meals. I customize the menus to fit each individual/ family or friend group. A bachelorette weekend will look different than a family vacay full of kids.

Overall, for breakfasts my meal prep clients love having a frittata on hand, individual chia puddings and/or I also set up yogurt parfait bars with homemade granola and fresh fruit. My sweet potato and veggie hash bowls that they can heat up with some fresh eggs on top is always a hit too. Breakfast items are also great for snacks, but my clients also love all sorts of things they can take to the beach with them or snack on poolside especially dips with crudité, vegetable fritters with spreads and delicious bliss balls (strawberry shortcake is probably my most requested flavor).

For lunch and dinner, it all depends on what each individual wants and likes and is looking for during their vacation stay. I make everything from starters, salads, pastas, grains & hearty veg mains, pure proteins. My meal service is focused on local, seasonal and health supportive cooking, but still cook classic dishes as well as sweats/treats. Everything is just as delicious as it is nutritious. My clients love when I set up a taco bar with all the delicious toppings. It is something pretty much everyone loves and stocking the fridge with plenty of options makes it easier for everyone so they can pick and choose what they want. Grilled lemon, herb and garlic chicken and/ or shrimp skewers, chimichurri steak and my citrus salsa verde salmon are also always big hits. I love to include different sauces and dressings to the meals I provide, as well because meals can be repurposed and customized for the whole family. I have a sample menu here that shows a few options, but all menus look different. Oh, and homemade ice cream (dairy free or dairy full) in the freezer is always loved, as well. And the kids always love an ice cream sundae bar.

Q: What is your favorite Florida seafood dish?

I love to take advantage of Florida’s local seafood. One of my favorite seafood dishes to make (and eat) is blackened local snapper with a mango salsa. A little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet. In season, Florida mangoes are one of my favorite things. Mixed with a little jalapeno, lime zest and a spritz of lime juice is so good! Honestly, when foods are eaten as local and seasonal as possible, not much needs to be done to it to make it delicious!

Thank you for sharing your expert tips & tricks for eating healthy while on vacation with AMI Locals and our guests, Sarah!

We appreciate your taking the time to chat with us, and we definitely will keep these in mind on our next vacation (or even our next trip to Publix!)
Check out our AMI Locals luxury vacation home listings for availability, and of course, to check out all the amazing kitchens you could be enjoying this Thanksgiving and Christmas season with your family!

>> Check out Cook.Bake.Nourish for recipes and more information about Chef Sarah Subrize

Best Florida beaches to visit for Labor Day weekend



Where are the Best Florida beaches to visit for Labor Day weekend? Thinking of a little getaway for the long weekend? One of the safest way to travel in this Covid time is a road trip to a private beach house!

The best beaches in Florida await you on Anna Maria Island for Labor Day weekend. Less crowded than Miami, Clearwater, and St. Pete, and with tons more charm and small town feel. There are also 7 miles of pristine white powder soft sand and crystal clear turquiose water for you to explore.

Why not stay within walking distance to the beach, in a private luxury beach house? AMI Locals offers only the best vacation rental homes in the best locations on the best island in Florida!

Surfer's Dream - Vacation Rental Anna Maria Island FL

For a family and friends staycation, you should check out Surfer’s Dream! 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms plus a bonus loft area that the kiddos will go crazy over! Pillow forts and late-night ghost stories for the win! Which also means the adults can enjoy happy hour in the large, open plan kitchen in peace and quiet.

AMI Locals has vacation rental homes of all different shapes and sizes, to accommodate any group! We hope to see your smiling faces (underneath your masks) soon!

Call our reservations specialists today at 941-757-8226 and let us help book you into your dream vacation – all safe and socially distanced as you choose to be.

Anna Maria Island Corporate Retreats



Planning a corporate retreat? With all that is going on in the world regarding Covid, we know it is going to be difficult to plan corporate retreats like we used to in the good ol’ days. Ballrooms and large conferences may unfortunately to be a thing of the past for the forseeable future. We have an awesome solution! Book an Anna Maria Island Corporate Retreat in one of our many private multi-bedroom luxury homes!

AMI Locals Corporate Retreats – Luxury island properties with meeting spaces that offer warmth and security of a large beach home.

Anna Maria Island, Florida is a prime location for executive and corporate retreats, meetings and team-building activities. Anna Maria offers miles upon miles of pristine, sugar white beaches as well as nature preserves and state parks. Our large homes are located either directly on the beach or within a block from the beach. What a perfect location to combine the fun of outdoor activities and the relaxation of a real vacation with enough space for serious corporate meetings!

Why Anna Maria Island, Florida?

The state of Florida offers many locations for corporate retreats, so why choose Anna Maria? The reason is simple; Anna Maria is conveniently located between two larger cities, Tampa and Sarasota. Although easily accessible, it is more secluded and removed from all the unwanted distractions found at urban convention sites. Anna Maria Island also offers superb award-winning restaurants and the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Fun Facts About Corporate Retreats with AMI Locals

• Adventure – 300 Days of Sunshine, water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, fishing, and sunset catamaran tours!
• Nature – State parks offering hiking and horseback riding, untouched nature preserves to witness the local beautiful wildlife, dolphin/manatee watching.
• Access – TPA International Airport features many major airlines with direct flights throughout the US and connecting flights nationwide. There is also nearby SRQ airport located 30 minutes south in Sarasota, FL.

In addition to our unparalleled natural setting – a backdrop of the aqua blue waters and sugar white beaches – our homes demonstrate a commitment to excellence by inspecting, upgrading and renovating them before required. This, in addition to the large indoor and outdoor spaces our homes have to offer, are just a few reasons why AMI Locals homes are one of the best corporate retreat locations in the the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

AMI Locals specializes in providing a unique environment in which you can effectively combine business and pleasure – and unlike large convention resorts, AMI Locals brings together large meeting spaces with the warmth and intimacy of a large beach home.

Why Use AMI Locals?

Multiple 7+ Bedroom homes offering up to 3,500 square feet of lodging and gathering space.
• Private heated pools and spas.
• Gourmet kitchens and outdoor BBQ grills (with provided propane).
• Homes can accommodate a large number of guests.
• Several side-by-side homes available to accomodate larger groups.
• Concierge available for organizing team-building activities and other special requests.

Corporate Amenities

• In-home catering companies can be recommended.
• Free High-Speed Wi-Fi throughout all homes.
• Additional tables and chairs can be arranged for an additional charge.
• Discounted Golf Carts, Bicycles, and Beach Equipment rentals, upon request.

Make it less of a required meeting and more of a luxury business retreat!

Contact AMI Locals today to arrange your next corporate retreat!
941-757-8226 • reservations@amilocals.com

Best Beaches in the World



Where are the Best Beaches in the World? According to a new post by Travel Addicts, Bean Point Beach on Anna Maria Island is one of the World’s Best Beaches!

So, our secret is out. But we’ve been saying for years that Anna Maria Island is home to the best beaches in the United States and one of the best beaches in the World. Our 7-mile long stretch of powder-soft white sandy beaches is one of the best beach vacation destinations you can choose to visit. Better yet, the beautifully clear turquoise waters and quiet beach town atmosphere are all available to you without even having to leave the country!

First, let’s take a look at Bean Point Beach.

Best Beaches in the World - Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island Florida

Located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point Beach is breathtakingly beautiful. It is also one of the more peaceful beach spots to watch a sunset, as crowds tend to favor the more easily accessible Manatee Public Beach. Bean Point Beach is a great spot for walking. You can observe the Florida wildlife such as birds and fish, dolphins, and more. Breathe in the fresh salty air and exhale all of your stress and worries.

AMI Locals properties that are located within a very close walking distance to Bean Point Beach include: Bean Point Bungalow, Grande Haven, Coastal Queen, Beach Escape, and Bay View Beauty.

Next, let’s explore Manatee Public Beach!

Best Beaches in the World, Manatee Public Beach Anna Maria Island Florida

Manatee Public Beach is another great location where your family can see the sunset on the island! With plenty of parking, the AMI Beach Café, and amenties such as the public bathrooms onsite, it is one of the most convenient and usually more busy beach destinations on Anna Maria Island. It’s a beautiful and family-friendly place to gather and enjoy the sun and sand!

AMI Locals properties that are located within a very close walking distance to Manatee Public Beach include: The Islands West Resort Villas, Beach View Retreat, The Coconut Cottages, Sandy Pointe, and Gulf Pearl.

Finally, let’s visit Coquina Beach!

Best Beaches in the World, Coquina Beach Anna Maria Island Florida

Located on the southernmost point of Anna Maria Island, Coquina Beach features parking, public amenities, walking trails, and great views of the Longboat Pass drawbridge. The waves kick up a bit more at this beach, and the breeze is so nice! Coquina Beach Market happens here during season, too, so you can browse our local artists’ work and souvenirs.

AMI Locals properties that are located within a very close walking distance to Coquina Beach include: Sea Forever, Ocean Breeze, As Far as the Eye Can Sea, The Surof House, Beach to Bay, Crystal Waves Oasis, and Salt Life.

Thanks again to our friends at Travel Addicts!

Check out their great collection of articles and travel tips, and be sure to check out our available AMI Locals Anna Maria Island luxury vacation rental homes for your next getaway!

We can’t wait to travel again!

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Things we can’t wait to do when it’s ok to travel again…

We don’t know about you, but the time spent at home with our loved ones has been wonderful… but… we can’t wait to travel again! The beaches of Anna Maria Island especially are calling our name. So, here are the things we most look forward to visiting in the near future!

Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

We can’t wait to…

  1. Spend a beach day in the warm Florida sunshine at Manatee Public Beach, beginning with all-you-can-eat pancakes at AMI Beach Cafe!
  2. Stroll down Pine Avenue and shop in person instead of just Amazon shopping online. We are great at spending money either way (whoops!) but we love the warm ambiance of the city and saying hello to the local shopkeepers.
  3. Enjoy a Sazerac with our friends at The Doctor’s Office. It’s not often you find the perfect cocktail, but this one is pretty darn close.
  4. Play a round of miniature golf at The Fish Hole on Bridge Street. And then walk over and check out the new Daiquiri Deck.
  5. Get our hair cut at Acqua Aveda!!! And also our nails, massages, facials…
  6. Just sit on the beach at Bean Point.
  7. Wave at the adorable manatees and grab a beer at Rod ‘n Reel Pier!
  8. Hike the mangrove trails of Leffis Key Preserve.
  9. Sit on the patio at Wicked Cantina and watch the sunset with a big group of pals, chips & salsa, and a margarita. Yum.
  10. Get out on the water with Egmont Key Adventures. Sunset cruises, Dolphin watching, maybe even go fishing!
Anna Maria Island Florida Vacations

We can’t wait to do all of these things, and to welcome new visitors back to our beautiful Anna Maria Island.

So please stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands, and we hope to see you all soon on the beach! When you’re looking to book your summer vacation, give AMI Locals a call!