We can’t think a better way to celebrate the 4th of July than spending a day on an Anna Maria Island beach with your friends and family. So here’s our exclusive AMI Locals insider guide to the what-where-and-when!
Get an Early Start
First off, and this is important… if you plan on a beach day, get here early! Of course, parking can be tricky, and traffic tends to back up easily on Anna Maria Island, with only a few main roads to get around with. And this is just one reason why we recommend staying with us at an AMI Locals luxury vacation rental home. Perhaps a home with a rooftop deck for prime fireworks views? Such as Seaside Escape, or Ocean Breeze.
Cheer on the Parade! Celebrate America!
The Anna Maria Island Privateers Annual 4th of July Parade kicks off at 10am at Coquina Beach Park! The parade runs the length of the Island, all the way to City Pier Park. And remember to bring your sunscreen, beach chairs, drinks and snacks.
Next, get yourself to the 4th of July Celebration at City Pier Park! It starts at 12pm. The City of Anna Maria invites all to celebrate America on July 4th, 2023. With free hot dogs, chips and patriotic music… So you’ll be feeling red, white, and blue in no time!
Relax on the Beach
Baby-powder soft sand, crystal clear water… we LOVE our beaches!
Then, spend a little time at one of Anna Maria Island’s famous beaches. Bayfront Park, Bean Point, Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach or any one of the beautiful stretches of sand on our amazing 7-mile paradise. Grab your friends and go get some sunshine.
Enjoy the show!
Finally, end the evening with dinner and a bang! Head on over to Bradenton to Pier 22 restaurant. They are hosting a wonderful Dinner & Fireworks event that you can’t miss. The fun begins at 7:00 pm where you’ll enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, plus the table you’re sitting at is yours for the night. In addition to the dinner, you’ll be able to view the fireworks around 9:30 pm. Be sure to make your reservations today to take advantage of this amazing event!
Usually you can also see the fireworks from just about any spot on Anna Maria Island! So grab a sparkler and celebrate America’s Independence!
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
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
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 Hazard
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
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
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 Flag
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 Whiteor quarted Flag
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 Flag
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
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!
When temperatures in the rest of the United States dip below freezing it’s easy to stare out the window and dream about being someplace sunny. AMI Locals can help you make that dream come true. Escape Winter and Come to AMI!
Anna Maria Island Florida is famous for its beaches and incredible sunsets. During the winter months the Island comes alive with art fairs, farmer’s markets, and people visiting from all over the world. The weather is typically a balmy 70 to 80 degrees. And we usually have very little rain. So, that makes us a perfect destination for some fun in the sun!
The quaint shops on Pine Avenue
What to do on AMI
You can try your luck with a fishin’ pole on the Rod N Reel Pier or Bradenton Beach Pier, or rent a bike and cruise the Island looking for an adventure. Visit the Old Anna Maria Jail and then wander down Pine Avenue, or maybe you’ll see a friendly manatee or dolphin swimming in the water! Then stop for a quick bite at a fun local place like Ginny’s and Jan E’s before heading to the glorious beach for the afternoon. You can also book a horseback ride on the beach, go parasailing, or rent a golf cart and ride around in style. Sunset cruises and dolphin excursions are also available from local companies on the Island!
Nearby airports
Family-friendly activities abound on Anna Maria Island!
What will make you really fall in love with AMI is our laid-back and relaxing mindset and vibe. Island Time is a very real thing, and once you’re on it you will never want to go back!
AMI Locals is a newer and rapidly growing company. And we feature only the best luxury vacation rental homes available on Anna Maria Island in Florida. Let AMI Locals help you plan your perfect beach getaway today! Give us a call or check out our available homes online, we can’t wait to see you here!
