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Mark Your Calendars for Fun Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July This Year

This weekend leads into the biggest summer holiday, the Fourth of July this coming week. We know that temperatures might be rising, but that is no reason not to have a blast this holiday. We have compiled a great list of ideas for how to celebrate the Fourth of July around Anna Maria Island, whether you are here just for a short vacay or live here all year round.

Remember that with turtle hatching season and the impacts of fireworks on the island’s ecosystem, there are no shows planned on the island. There is a lot of debris, and rash that these shows leave in their wake which impacts the wildlife and caused the decision to not have these events on the island. That said, there are amazing events close by to fill that need.

Bradenton Marauders – to host a fun family evening of baseball and fireworks on July 3rd. This game starts at 6:30 pm and a fireworks display will take place after the game. LECOM Park is located at 1611 9th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Get more ticketing information and times at the team website. The first 1,500 fans to arrive for the July 3rd game will get a free t-shirt!

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Our manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and otters are ready to meet you 365 days a year at Mote Aquarium, located just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach. Visitors can explore touch pools, hands-on exhibits, and windows into the science and conservation of Mote Marine Laboratory.

July 4th Independence Day Parade – 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, on Anna Maria Island from Coquina Beach (North Entrance) to City Pier Park in Anna Maria. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will be livening things up again this year – come out young and old for one of the best Fourth of July traditions on the Island.

Fireworks

Kayak Rental – get out on the water, and explore Anna Maria’s beautiful emerald coastline and abundant wildlife in one of Beach Bum’s kayaks.

Fireworks on the Lake Driven by Lamborghini Sarasota – Fireworks on the Lake are coming back with a bang! All are invited to a sparkling celebration at Nathan Benderson Park on Monday, July 3 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

4th of July Fireworks on the Manatee River – Downtown Bradenton offers a unique urban spin on the night’s festivities. Spend your day shopping, dining, and enjoying the arts and culture downtown. Afterward, venture over to the award-winning Riverwalk to enjoy the fireworks display over the Manatee River at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket and chairs, snacks, and a camera! July 4, 2023, from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular – This event will be Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Sarasota Bayfront Park, 1 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, at 9 p.m. Races and holiday festivities will attract thousands of people to the City of Sarasota.

We hope you have amazing plans for the weekend and the Fourth of July. Whether fireworks over the water or celebrations with friends, this holiday is sure to be memorable. Stay safe, and enjoy this amazing paradise we all call home.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

Five Reasons You Need to Vacation on Anna Maria Island this Year

We know that people have a lot of vacation places to choose from across the country. Of course, all staff and residents of Anna Maria Island believe this is the best choice for a laid-back and memory-making vacation. We have compiled a list of five wonderful reasons why visiting Anna Maria Island needs to be on your vacation list for this year.

Low Rise Buildings to Enjoy the Views

There are three communities: Bradenton Beach on the island’s southern end, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Anna Maria on the northern end. The total number of full-time residents tallies up to fewer than 9,000, and most structures are shorter than 37 feet. Anything taller was built before the law prohibiting high-rises. Why is architecture important? You can get the best views and easier access to the local beaches. The buildings give a small-town feel where you can kick back and enjoy the wonderful locations around the island in a true old-Florida feel.

Beach Quality

Anna Maria Island prides itself on its amazing beaches and takes great strides to keep these natural resources in the best condition possible for current residents and all visitors. No alcohol is permitted on beaches, bicycles are not out on the beach, pets are not allowed on the beaches, and they do have a plethora of stingrays, jellyfish, and even turtles during various parts of the year that all try to ensure are not disturbed. You are not going to see the overcrowded and degrading beaches you might see elsewhere in this paradise location.

Anna Maria Island

No Drive Throughs This Vacation

Drive-through restaurants are not allowed on the island. There are two fast-food joints: a sub shop, and a pizzeria, but most are amazing family-owned restaurants and lodging options and give visitors a much more personal vacation than you get in bigger resort towns. Fresh seafood, and other wonderful homemade food options, are peppered throughout the island’s landscape.

Active Lifestyle Vacation

Active and outdoor activities prevail here on the island. We might not have large casinos, nightclubs, or other amenities that bigger tourist locations boast, but we have an active, outdoor lineup of fun for as many days as you like to stay. Whether you want to spend the day at the beach or pick an adrenaline-fueled option like cycling, zip lining, or paddling, there’s plenty to do along this salty stretch of paradise.

Active Lifestyle

Family Friendly

With severe age differences in all of your traveling members, the pressure is on you to make sure that everyone loves the vacation. Low-rise buildings make access easy for all ages. The fun outdoor activities are a hit with all the kids and adults alike. What about some retail therapy to finish things off at the boutiques and other unique shops on Anna Maria Island? The restaurants won’t be the same old thing, and you are sure to find something for everyone. We even have a free island trolley service to help tote everyone around to enjoy their time on the island.

Anna Maria Island should be on everyone’s vacation must-visit list, from the scenery to the quaint shopping options. Every visitor will leave with wonderful memories, great pictures, and the desire to return to this amazing town with breathtaking ocean views. We look forward to seeing you here on Anna Maria Island soon.

Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos and Unsplash

Best Breakfasts near Anna Maria Island

You’ve booked your dream beach vacation rental or maybe you’ve finally settled into your home in paradise. Now to find your go-to restaurants! There’s something on this list for everyone so check it out to see where the next breakfast/brunch on AMI you should try! Here’s a guide to just some of the best breakfast on Anna Maria Island or within walking distance!

The Donut Experiment

210C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria FL 34216

Create your own vision of the perfect doughnut and they make it happen! They start with a delicious, fresh-made cake donut and then you pick from our huge selection of icings and toppings made-to-order. Great fun and great flavors!

Restaurants

Peach’s

3240 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Their breakfast and lunch menus cater to health conscious individuals and comfort food seekers alike. For over 20 years, Peach’s has been proudly serving generations of families and friends in Sarasota and Manatee counties!

Slicker’s Eatery

12012 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34210

Just a short walk over the Cortez bridge is THE place to go for weekend brunch. Slicker’s is a casual foodie eatery with brunches of fun. From their Bloody Mary Bar with premium toppings to their creative Mimosa Flights to their famous “Brunchuterie Board” you will want to stop by our make a reservation on their website for a weekend morning feast!

Ginny and Jane E’s

9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL, 34216

An island staple for more than 15 years with an eclectic mix of café, bakery, and store. Here, you can grab a giant cinnamon roll, breakfast sandwich, borrow a book to read from the café library, or peruse the funky gift shop.

Breakfast

Cortez Cafe

12108 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215

A hearty, affordable breakfast in the fishing village of Cortez. A great place to feast where the locals eat. Their extensive menu has everything from diner favorites to Greek specialities.

Minnie’s

5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Family-friendly breakfast and lunch restaurant on Gulf Drive with delicious home cooked meals and baked goods. This cozy, family-owned business since the 1990’s is an island staple that never disappoints!

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

If you want to start your morning beachside and full – check out Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe located “Where Manatee Avenue Meets the Gulf”! Famous for their “ALL U CAN EAT” Pancakes & Sausage on the beach, but they offer much more.

Whether you stop at one of these or one of the other great breakfast spots in the Anna Maria Island area, you can’t go wrong with starting your day in paradise! Give us a call and we’ll get your perfect vacation started: (800) 237-2252

Photos courtesy of Pexels

Visit Downtown Bradenton

Whether you’re coming in from a Tampa or St Pete flight, traveling back in from spending the day in Sarasota, or just wanting to venture off the 7-miles of Anna Maria Island for the day… Downtown Bradenton has something to offer everyone in the family! From a family day to a date night to an afternoon jaunt, Downtown Bradenton is welcoming, walkable, and wonderful.

Farmer’s Market

Home of the extensive Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market – a place where the community meets to enjoy fresh produce, local art, upbeat music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities.

Every Saturday, from October through May from 9am – 2pm, the Bradenton Farmers’ Market hosts over eighty vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Right on Bradenton’s Old Main Street, you can’t miss it.

Downtown Bradenton

Downtown Bars and Restaurants

Old Main Street is a tree-lined retail district of cafes and restaurants running three blocks north from Manatee Avenue to the Manatee River, where it meets the Bradenton Riverwalk. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a lively bar scene, fun dinner, or just to grab a beer with a view! The options are truly endless and there are so many wonderful spots, just stroll the street and stop in where you’re interested! Parking is free on weekends, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Sunsets in Bradenton

Museums

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Featuring The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe and a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit! With frequents events, specials, and visiting exhibits — it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy (or sunburnt) day of your vacation!

Bradenton Riverwalk

A must-do on a beautiful weather day with the family is to stroll Bradenton’s Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile park that features day docks, an amphitheater, performance areas and pavilion, a skateboard park, an interactive splash pad, and much more. Learn more about other fun activities taking place in downtown Bradenton.

Historic

Baseball at LECOM Park

Just a few blocks away from Main Street in Downtown Bradenton is a treasure of our area, LECOM Park! The Spring Training ballpark of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The stadium also hosts Minor League Baseball games for the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates’ Single-A affiliate in the Florida State League. Built in 1923, it is the oldest stadium still used for spring training, but it has received so many great upgrades and additions in recent years. Take us out to the ballgame!

Photos Courtesy of Unsplash and Pixabay

Planning Spring Break on Anna Maria Island

Spring Break: The time to turn off the early alarms, put away the textbooks, and get a good dose of Vitamin D. Spring Break on Anna Maria Island is almost here so we have a few tips and tricks to plan your family’s best beach vacation yet!

A good thing to note about our quaint 7-mile island of Anna Maria is it’s typically not a party type of Spring Break tropical destination. Things move slower and places close earlier, really making the emphasis a relaxing getaway with plenty of fun for groups of all ages.

Spring Break

Coquina Beach is one of the most popular spots for families with children, as it has shallow water that makes it safe for kids to swim in. The beach also features picnic tables and grills if you want to make a day out of your trip to the shoreline. There is also everything you may need for a beach day at the Manatee Public Beach. If you’re driving, plan for some traffic so get here early to snag a coveted parking spot! If you’re staying at one of our vacation rentals, you’re in luck! Everywhere on the island is walkable, bike-able, or you can take our free trolley!

Springtime weather on Anna Maria Island tends to be warm and sunny. During the day, temperatures typically range from about 70°F to 85°F, with occasional highs over 90°F.

Nighttime temperatures can sometimes to dip down into the 50s or 60s, so you might want to bring a light sweater if you’re planning on spending time outdoors at night.

April is also the start of the rainy season in Florida, so you might experience some rain during your spring break vacation. Luckily, those showers are usually short-lived and don’t last more than a few hours at a time.

Spring Break

If you’re wanting to add some adventure to your laidback vacation – try some local water sports! Popular options include parasailing, jet skis, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing. Make the most of our beautiful waters! Be sure to book early!

Speaking of booking early, we have so many great eateries and small businesses here on AMI. From ice cream shops to souvenir stores to restaurants and more. If you want to go out and grab a drink or a great meal, our expert tip is to make reservations where you can or arrive for early mealtimes. There are plenty of awesome options!

If you’re looking for a spot on Anna Maria, in Sarasota, or nearby in Bradenton – there are still some options available! Peruse our rentals page or reach out to our team and we can help you get set up. Our local experts can also recommend and help you get set up with a great local rentals, restaurants, or services!

Just a thirty-minute drive from Sarasota, Anna Maria Island’s soft sand beaches and warm waters make it the perfect spot for some relaxing beach time. So whether you want to go swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoy breathtaking sunsets, there’s something for everyone on this island paradise. The recipe for a Spring Break you won’t forget. Let’s make it happen.

Photos from Pexels.com

Best Dinner-Date Spots for this Valentine’s Day near AMI

Here are some of our favorite Anna Maria Island restaurants that accept reservations or offer shorter call-ahead waits, just in time for Valentine’s Day this month!

Slicker’s Eatery

If you’re looking for craft cocktails, eclectic chef-driven menus, and casual vibes… Slicker’s is the place for your date night. Fresh, friendly, and fun.

Call ahead or check out their website to make an easy online reservation.

restaurant

Beach Bistro

The best place for an elegant fine dining experience and a beautiful sunset. It’s an award-winning, world-class dining experience sure to make your special celebration a lifelong memory. Snag a reservation here.

88Live Piano Bar

88 Live Piano Bar venue features the musicians, vocalists, and special events. Enjoy a cocktail or something from their Italian kitchen. They have an affordable and classy VIP Room you can reserve and wow your date with!

restaurant

Bradenton Village of the Arts

In the Village of the Arts (VOTA) in Bradenton you can find everything from award-winning restaurants to cafes and bakeries. Many of their restaurants take reservations: Check it out here.

Shore LBK

Located at the Waterline Marina Resort on AMI, The Chateau brings you their interpretation of the American gusto to French-inspired dishes. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Isola Bella Italian

Isola Bella prides themselves on serving authentic Italian cuisine. The old Family recipes and the deep knowledge of our tradition will offer you a genuine Italian dining experience. You can make reservations through OpenTable!

restaurant

The Feast

The Feast is a casual fine dining restaurant located in the city of Holmes Beach. They specialize in fresh seafood, steaks, salads, pastas, and pizzas. To make Reservations, call (941)778-5092

Chart House

If you’re looking for something a little fancier for a nice dinner out or celebrating, make a reservation at Chart House. Located on gorgeous Longboat Key, Chart House is practically a vacation spot in and of itself. Reserve a table on their website.

Photos from Pexels.com

Moving to the Florida Gulf Coast in 2023

Why wouldn’t you want to live near “The Friendly City” (Bradenton) in “The Sunshine State” (Florida)? We couldn’t dream up a better location to live than here in paradise. Buying a home in Florida in 2023 is not only an investment in your well-being, but for your future. Especially if you decide to invest in a home on the Gulf Coast in the Anna Maria Island – Bradenton – Ellenton – Sarasota areas!

Moving to Florida

The truth is, the demand for Florida homes remains one of the highest in the nation. With Florida’s desirable weather, lower income taxes, & low property taxes, it’s hard to argue it’s a great place to live. From its stable economy and hot housing market to its top universities and family-friendly attractions, it’s no wonder Florida has grown by an astonishing 14.6% since 2010.

However, there are also key benefits to buying property in Florida in 2022. With it’s rising prices, it’s also an extremely stable investment – people will always want to move to Florida, so snag your piece of paradise while you can! And our expert team at A Paradise can make your Florida home dreams come true.

Moving

Florida’s economy is on rise with no end in sight. The job market is flourishing, the tourism is always steady, and the allure of Florida is solid. With no personal income tax, it’s a fantastic place to move or start a business. In fact, Florida is projected to see GDP growth of 2.8% throughout 2023.

If you’re thinking about moving your family to Florida – the closeness to globally renowned attractions, theme parks, and living in a top vacation spot is enough! Yet there are also top-rated state universities and great public schools here in Manatee and Sarasota counties!

Of course, it’s no news that Florida is THE top place to retire. Sandy beaches, great community, awesome golf courses and museums, there’s no doubt it would be the ideal place to spend your relaxing retirement days.

Housing Market

We know the housing market can seem overwhelming and unattainable, but we assure you that our team can help make the process less intimidating. We have wonderful properties and great plots of land here in the Gulf Coast area that we would love to introduce you to. We are always here to help, and excited to welcome you to our paradise family!

Photos Courtesy of Visit A Paradise Website

It’s That Time of Year: TOYS FOR TOTS!

It’s our most favorite time of year – the holiday season! It’s the greatest time for beautiful weather in paradise, fun with loved ones, festive spirit, and giving back!

We’re excited to partner with Toys for Tots in providing a tangible sign of hope and joy to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Through donations of new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots you are helping to bless a child right here in our own beloved community. Both of our offices (on Anna Maria and in Ellenton) are Toys for Tots collection centers. Stop by our A Paradise Realty office to drop off a toy or mark your calendar for our upcoming Holiday Open House supporting Toys for Tots on Friday December 2nd!

All donated toys go back to the children that live in the community where the donation occurred. Anna Maria Island draws in much of its income from tourism-related activities, and the workers within this industry sometimes struggle financially in the offseason. When you donate to Toys for Tots, you’re not only providing joy to children over the holidays, but you’re also easing the stress and pressure of financially overburdened parents who would otherwise not be able to provide gifts for their children.

toys for tots

If you are looking to donate, stop by our A Paradise Realty office during our Holiday Open House on Friday, December 2nd between 5 – 7 pm. Bring your unwrapped toy and join us for a wine tasting and tapas, live Holiday Music by Tanya McCormick and Appetizers from Slicker’s Eatery, and much more fun with our community! Donations are accepted as well if you can’t make it out to shop for a toy, bring a donation and our elves will shop for you.

Can’t make the event? Don’t worry, you can stop by our office at any time this season to drop off a toy and we would love to Thank You in person! Every donation of a toy will be picked up and distributed through several community agencies and civic organizations right here in our own hometown.

A Paradise drop-off locations:

A Paradise Realty – AMI
5201 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

A Paradise Realty – Ellenton
945 25th Dr E #10, Ellenton, FL 34222

toys for tots

Your kindness is the gift that keeps on giving, and we’re grateful to be a part of the holiday magic.

Happy Holidays from our A Paradise family to yours!

Photos from Unsplash.com and Sharon Hoatland (the flyer)

The Ultimate Hurricane Season Checklist

This hurricane season has certainly kept us on our toes to say the very least. While we are especially grateful for our safety and the strength of this area, it’s always important to take the time to prepare for the next potential storm. While we’re on the tail-end of hurricane season here in Florida, we’ve compiled some lists to make sure we stay ready for whatever comes next.

While preparing your home to protect against hurricane damage is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages. It’s also something that our trusted maintenance and property management teams would love to help you with.

Things to check at your property:

  • Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house and keep shrubbery trimmed.
  • Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with a fire-resistant material which is lighter and won’t cause as much harm.
  • Install storm shutters to protect your windows from breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.
  • Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one inch long.
  • Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and, during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors.
  • Always make sure your roof is in tip-top shape to protect from wind and debris.
  • If you live in a mobile home, make sure you know how to secure it against high winds and be sure to review your mobile home insurance policy.
  • If you have a boat on a trailer, know how to anchor the trailer to the ground or house—and review your boat insurance policy.
Hurricane

Things to store in your at-home hurricane kit:

  • Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Whistle
  • Cash
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic bags
  • Cleaning materials
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if your kit contains canned food)
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
  • Change of clothes and blanket

Things to pick up to make a Hurricane cocktail (optional):

  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 2 ounces dark rum
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce orange juice
  • 1/2 ounce passion fruit puree
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grenadine

Add the light and dark rums, lime and orange juices, passion fruit puree, simple syrup and grenadine into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a large Hurricane glass over fresh ice.
Garnish as desired.

Hurricane

We had to throw in that cocktail recipe at the end for our legal and responsible-drinking readers because in the midst of hurricane season, things can get stressful! You deserve to relax. Whether that’s sipping a delicious Hurricane cocktail, walking our beautiful beaches, or booking a staycation, we hope you get everything settled and find some peace of mind here in paradise. We are grateful to share it with you!

Photos from Pexels.com

4th Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Mark your calendars! It’s almost time for our favorite charity event of the year: Turtle Watch Wednesday. Our neighbors and partners at Hurricane Hank’s will be hosting this important event with us for the 4th year in a row — Hoping to increase impact, raise funds, and gather our wonderful community for a truly worthy local cause, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring. Their important work helps ensure the safety of our local sea turtles, and continued education about these vital parts of our ecosystem. 

There is always delicious food, great drinks, awesome music, a 50/50 raffle and auction items you will love. Of course, we will have our signature YETI Cooler filled with Cheer. Bob Slicker from Slicker’s Eatery will be hosting the large live auction where all proceeds go to the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring organization. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to spend some time with many people from the Island community, all for a good cause.

Attendance is free and all are welcome:

Wednesday, September 28th 2022  from 4-6pm at Hurricane Hanks (5346 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, Fl.  34217).

Turtle Watch

The first 75 guests will be greeted by one of the A Paradise team with a drink ticket for a complimentary wine or beer of their choice. Hurricane Hanks will offer 25% off appetizers. 

There are also limited VIP tickets available so act fast to snag one for a really great upgrade before they run out! These special VIP tickets get you a reserved seat inside Hurricane Hanks, a swag bag filled with local goodies, a FREE Drink ticket, Turtle Watch t-shirt, coupons, surprises and more just for $75 each. Contact Barbara for reservations.

Phone: 404-275-9422

Email: snqqpy24@aol.com

A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals and Hurricane Hanks are delighted to partner with some other great local sponsors including CabanUp, Florida Underwater Sports, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals, Mike Sales Entertainment, and The Sun Newspaper! Plus, lots of great raffle items through the generosity from other friends and partners. All to ensure this local-favorite event is bigger, better, and more impactful than ever. We can’t wait to see you there!

Photos from Visit A Paradise Realty

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