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NEW FLIGHTS TO SARASOTA-BRADENTON AIRPORT (SRQ)

With Low Fares to High Demand Destinations

The Sarasota/Bradenton International airport is one of my favourite airports. It is convenient, only 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals-601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217, but that’s only one reason I love SRQ. This airport is so inviting with its friendly and welcoming staff. It is small, modern, clean, with comfortable seating and Free strong/super fast wi-fi. The airport is easy to navigate which for me completely takes away the dread associated with large airports. The baggage area is easy to find and the car rentals are in the same area. These last two are both very favourable considerations, especially if your vacation leave is only one week. Less time spent travelling, means more time spent enjoying the reason that you are here, your vacation.

So what’s not to love about SRQ? Some travellers complain that there are very few airlines that fly into SRQ and those airlines that do, require a transfer or stopover along the way. The limited number of restaurants and stores and their early closing hours, with some not open on the weekends. Another complaint is that there are not enough low budget airlines to book flights with.

Well, flying into the Sarasota/Bradenton airport (SRQ) just got easier as well as less expensive. Frontier Airline recently announced they will be offering direct, non-stop flights from Atlanta beginning December 10, 2018. Flights between Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will be offered three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. As an added bonus to this already great news, Frontier is offering special introductory fares as low as $39 each way!

This is the latest in a series of new destinations offered via budget airlines. Earlier this year, SRQ and Frontier announced new non-stop flights to Cleveland and to Philadelphia. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Frontier Airlines will provide the service to Cleveland and Philadelphia beginning in December. The flights to Philadelphia International Airport begin on December 10, 2018 with flights offered Mondays and Fridays. In April of this year, Allegiant launched its first Sarasota routes, flying to Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

Since the addition of Allegiant and Frontier to the airport this year, traffic numbers are increasing. According to airport authorities July saw a 30 percent increase in passenger traffic, with a 23 percent increase in June, and a 16 percent increase in May. So, what will SRQ do to keep up with this increased traffic flow? The airport authority has authorized the expenditure of $228,501, plus a 10 percent contingency, to install 148 more feet of baggage belt in three locations in the terminal. Also, airport officials are beginning to think about overflow parking this winter and the long-term possibility of adding a parking garage. With the growth of SRQ airport bringing in increased revenue to area businesses I’m sure we will be hearing news of many improvements over the next few years.

Recent Yelp Reviews —

What a great airport! I always think the small ones have the best customer service, since they’re not nearly as busy as the large ones. This airport is super clean & that includes the bathrooms – which is always a plus! The women’s restrooms come with an additional shelf for your purse or bag – which is ALWAYS appreciated :)There’s a small selection of places to eat/drink past security. But it’s sufficient and does include a Starbucks! Gates have lots of charging stations in the seating area so you aren’t searching for a place to plug in (or have to sit on the floor in the corner). Ride-sharing is clearly labeled so if you need an Uber or Lyft it won’t be complicated to find where to go. And there are plenty of people waiting to pick you up so you won’t wait forever in the heat. Overall, I love flying in here – stress free & clean!

It’s got everything you need for a tiny airport – 1 coffee shop & a restaurant before security and the same on the other side.  As someone who use to fly every week for 5 years, this little airport is growing but still super easy to get in and out of.  Only way to make it better would be the parking shuttles frequency but so long as it isn’t raining ya a very easy walk. Overall very clean and friendly airport

Very small airport yet so simple. Time frame from entrance to boarding gate was about 40 minutes. Air mall is practically non existant. There is a Starbucks and one bar which included very little seating. Overall it went smoothly

Tiny airport, no lounges, very limited eating and drinking options, but very helpful staff from check-in to boarding.

This is a great airport, easy in and out. Now parking is even better since the addition of the covered area.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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WHEN A FIVE STAR REVIEW ON HOMEAWAY IS NOT ENOUGH THERE IS TRIPADVISOR-THANK YOU EVAN

Beautiful Condo Right on the Beach

 Left on Aug 30, 2018 for a stay in Aug 2018 

My family and I stayed at this condo and it was amazing. From the moment you walk in for the first time, you are taken back by the beauty this unit has to offer. Everything from the floor to the paint on the walls has been renovated and updated. It was so enjoyable to visit this condo.

This condo offers the best views on the beach with an outside deck and a master overlooking the ocean. The unit itself had everything you needed to have a great time on the beach and to just relax and enjoy being on island time. The condo is also close to so many things to do on the island, plenty of places to eat, shop and do adventures, walking distance. There is also a free bus trolley which will drive you around the island so you never have to worry about anything and getting home safe.

The best part of this place are the owners, Terry is very easy to work with and super accommodating. He told us the best places to eat, where the locals go! And gave us everything we needed to have the perfect vacation. Couldn’t say enough good things about this place, definitely will be making a return trip and highly recommend anyone wanting the perfect get away to book this unit.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

My Response:

Hi Evan,

Thank you for the awesome review and thank you again for being our guests. It has been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to having you as our guests again on Anna Maria Island.

Sincerely,

Terry, Sandy & Family

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GET READY FOR ANNA MARIA ISLAND’S 18th Annual BAYFEST

If your vacation with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals-601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 includes an October visit this is definitely something you will want to attend. An all day street festival with live music, crafts, food/beverages, kids zone … something for everyone! Guaranteed fun for all ages!

Haven’t booked your fall vacation yet? It’s not too late find us online at Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals. Reserve your spot today for your perfect beach vacation on beautiful Anna Maria Island.

BAYFEST Presented by: AMI Chamber of Commerce

When: Saturday October 20, 2018

Time: 10 am to 9 pm

Location: Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

Ticket Price: FREE

The AMI Chamber of Commerce has a full, fun filled day planned:

There will be a CLASSIC CAR SHOW  from 10AM-3PM with over 100 classic, antique, custom, muscle cars and street rods on display.

Enjoy listening to Emcee, Mike Sales 10AM – 9PM and a great line up of live music —

Memphis Rub 10:30AM – 11:30AM

Renegade  12 NOON – 1:30PM

soulRcoaster  2PM – 4PM

Karen & Jimmy Band  4:30PM – 6:30PM

Dr. Dave Band  7PM – 9PM

There will be blocks of Arts and Crafts Vendors showcasing their unique one-of-a -kind items as well as a Kids Zone. Your kids will enjoy the bounce house and other fun inflatables as well as the Privateers pirate ship.

Lots of tasty food options from some of Anna Maria finest restaurants —

Churrolicious, Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen, The Feast, Gran Arepa, Hurricane Hanks

Subz n Grubz, T & L BBQ, The Waterfront Restaurant, Anna Maria Island Privateers

You will also find a great variety of Refreshments and Snacks —

Hahn’s Kettle Corn, Kona Ice – shaved ice     Tropi-Coco – fresh coconut water, coconut smoothie, virgin piña colada, Sherry Berry Lemonade – fresh squeezed lemonade, soda and water. And of course, my favourite – Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream

Adult drinks – Beer, Wine, Rum Runners, Margaritas, Rum and Coke’s

Please Note: No coolers or outside alcohol will be permitted

There are several means of transportation to Bayfest.

The simplest way is to take the Free Island Trolley which eliminates your driving and parking worries. The Trolley runs from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, approximately every 20 minutes with a stop on Gulf Drive, to the right as you walk out of your condo. Hop on the Northbound Trolley to Pine Avenue and you’re there.

If you choose to drive, follow Gulf Drive North all the way to Pine Avenue, which is approximately a 15 minute drive from your condo. There is some neighborhood street parking available, but please read the signs CAREFULLY. Make sure they indicate that parking is permitted and if you are lucky enough to find a spot, be sure you park with all four tires off the roadway and sidewalks, and with the direction of traffic.

You can also park offsite at Crosspointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Drive on the north end of Holmes Beach. There will be a free dedicated trolley shuttling people directly from the church to the City Pier at the end of Pine Avenue.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND, 70th SEASON ISLAND PLAYERS, SEPTEMBER 2018 – May 2019 

The Island Players community theatre is one of the many gems and a must visit while you vacation with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217. It is a beautifully maintained little theatre with lots of history. The building was originally a family home in Palmetto and was relocated to its present site. You will find comfortable seating, lots of leg room and viewing with no obstructions. The staff and volunteers from the box office to the stage manager and actors clearly love what they do and it shows. Island Players offers great talent while giving you, the audience, a most enjoyable theatre experience.

The Island Players group will be kicking off its 70th season with Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest” with performances from September 20 to September 30. The Unexpected Gift, is a detective and murder fiction, a compelling tale that is sure to entertain. Filled with mystery and suspense it begins with a stranger lost in the fog who seeks refuge in a nearby house. He finds a dead man and his wife standing over him with a smoking gun. The woman’s confession is not convincing, but the unexpected guest decides to help. Police clues create a tangled web of lies revealing family secrets and chilling motives, a Pandora’s Box of loves, jealousies and hates. Just when the murder seems solved, the real murderer turns out to be the greatest mystery of all.

Don’t miss this tantalizing presentation filled with suspicions and intrigues.

Here is a complete list of the 2018/2019 Island Players schedule:

September 20 – September 30, 2018 THE UNEXPECTED GUEST

by Agatha Christie, Directed by Heiko Knipfelberg

November 8 – November 18, 2018 BAGGAGE by Sam Bobrick

Directed by James Thaggard

January 10 – January 27, 2019 I HATE HAMLET by Paul Rudnick,

Directed by Preston Boyd

March 7 – March 24, 2019 A FLEA IN HER EAR by Geroges Feydeau

Directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland

May 2 – May 12, 2019 PRESENT LAUGHTER by Noel Coward,

Directed by Mike Lusk

You don’t have to choose just one of the above performances, season tickets are available!

The Island Players Theatre —

Founded in 1949, The Island Players, Inc. is an organization dedicated to providing artistic experiences for the communities of Anna Maria Island through the presentation of stage productions. It is the oldest community theatre in Manatee County.

The Island Players Theatre is located in the Old Community House, a historic building on the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue (the northern end of Anna Maria Island) in the city of Anna Maria.

There are 137 seats in the theatre in tiered rows (stadium seating). There are 4 chairs on the right side of the theatre and 2 chairs on the “fireplace” side, giving a total seating capacity of 143.

Tickets are $20 (US) per performance for season’s five primary plays.

Food and beverages not allowed in the theatre.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Box Office or by phone – (941) 778-5755

Box office is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida (Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue).

The box office is open 10 days before opening night Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and on performance nights as “Will Call” only, one hour before curtain.

Regular show performances are: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees @ 2:00 pm

For additional information visit their website — theislandplayers.org

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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THANK YOU TO THE STALCUP FAMILY FOR THEIR AWESOME REVIEW

Perfect! Could not beat the beach views and condo!!!!

Wow! What a great time. The condo has recently been updated and renovated. It was in perfect shape when we arrived. Terry is a great host and very accommodating. The condo had everything for our vacation, beautiful views right on the beach, walking distance to anything you need, the island trolley literally stops at the condo and it’s free! There are a restaurants literally on the beach where you stay so you are able to get food and drinks, you can’t beat this condo. Definitely will be returning to this unit in the future! Submitted: Aug 31, 2018 | Stayed: August 2018

My Response:

Hi Evan,

Thank you for the awesome review and thank you again for being our guests. It has been a pleasure working with you and we hope you will keep us in mind for your future travel plans we would feel fortunate to have you as our guests again.

Sincerely, Terry, Sandy & Family

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

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LABOUR DAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2018 FIREWORKS – ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Labor Day is right around the corner and you and your family members staying on fabulous Anna Maria Island won’t want to miss the fireworks show hosted by the Sandbar Restaurant.

We are all familiar with the whizzes and whoops as fireworks screech up into the night sky. For firework lovers there is nothing more exciting than a spectacular firework display at the Sandbar Restaurant with plenty of affects and an array of colour.

The Sandbar had complaints and displeased attendees after a disappointing Firework show on July 4th of this year. According to the Sandbar events operation manager, Jim Harwood, the team Creative Pyrotechnics, hired by the Sandbar lacked experienced staff and fireworks. The same company have offered to do it right on Labour Day and everyone is hopeful that it will be every bit as good as the Sandbar’s years past fireworks displays.

Bring a blanket, beach towel or beach chairs and enjoy the show for free from the sand. Seating at the restaurant is first come, first served.

There are several ways to travel from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 to the Sandbar. There is the free Island trolley service with a trolley stop right out front of your door on Gulf Drive. You can consider the Island Beach Monkeys, the monkey bus which is a tip only service. If you choose to drive to the Sandbar please keep in mind that parking is limited, making it my last choice of transportation.

Whatever your means of transportation, come out and enjoy a waterfront breeze while marveling at the fantastic bursts of color. What a great way to celebrate the “unofficial end of summer” at this free community fireworks celebration.

Sponsored by: The Sandbar Restaurant

Location: 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria

When: Monday, September 3, 2018

Time: After sunset – approximately 8:30 pm

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog.

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND RED TIDE UPDATE

Sandy and I walked the beach from the Moose Lodge to the Manatee Public Beach and back today, we walked for about 90 minutes and then sat on the beach for another hour. Was there a smell of red tide in the air? Yes. Was it a very slight smell? Yes. Did we cough once? No. Is the water a brown colour along the shoreline? Yes. Is it horrible? No. What did we witness? People enjoying the beach. Families with children enjoying the beach. Kids playing in the water and on the beach. People sunning themselves and sleeping on the beach. Jet skies and boats in the Gulf. Did we see one person regardless of age or gender covering their mouth and nose with anything? Not a chance. There were no news agencies on the beach looking for the biggest pile of dead fish and reporting from the scene because we did not see one dead fish in the water or on the beach. We did see a few dead crabs and one dead stingray. I guess good news is no news because they are no where to be found. We had to come up from the beach at 3:00pm because the rain moved in or we would still be out there now. Fortunately all these people and their families did not get the memo the world is coming to an end or they would have missed a beautiful day at the beach.

    The the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

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Anna Maria Island Destinations on a Budget

One of the largely unsung gems of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island proves a treat for return visitors and new adventurers alike. Characterized by its beloved beaches, the island itself is also home to Pine Avenue, where retail venues, renowned eateries, and art galleries alike await your indulgence. No matter how long you plan on visiting this Floridian escape, there’s a wide variety of activities available to those traveler’s on a budget. Historic landmarks, sandy beaches, and staples of the social scene make nearly every corner of Anna Maria Island a must-see destination.

World-class beaches:

There’s no quicker distance to happiness on a budget around Anna Maria Island than the beaches. Check out Bean Point, a beach of white sands a gradual grade into clear waters. Especially during seasonally warm months, taking a dip in Bean Point waters proves an excellent decision. Though difficult to locate, the beach at Beach Point is well worth the investment, if only for the palm trees, clear skies, and gentle oceanic breezes.

Then there’s the Anna Maria Beach, a public, waterfront location that allows fishing. Make the acquaintance of soft, white sands on the island, where you’ll discover the true definition of a laid-back atmosphere. For even more easy recreation, check out the local Manatee Beach, the site of both a playground for young children, and public grilling facilities!

Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum:

Set in a jailhouse circa the 1920s, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum provides the perfect immersion into life in the last century. Check out the local history of the region, together with a wonderful series of permanent displays that inform locals and visitors alike as to the life gone by.

Before the building served as a museum, it was first an icehouse, then a garage, and after that a sea turtle hatchery. The title of museum was next added to its decorated portfolio, where today visitors can learn about everything that makes the region unforgettable, and historically significant. Learn about the island’s first settlers, as well as the location’s decorated fishing and athletics history. Peruse newspaper archives and encounter firsthand accounts of past families.

Pine Avenue:

Immerse yourself in the social scene of Pine Avenue, where retail outlets, recognized eateries, and diversified businesses all await your attention. Experience the delectable creations of Anna Maria Donuts, before taking home a special product from the Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost.

If you’re looking for an edge while on vacation, stop on by the Flip Flop Shop and Candy Stop, the wonderful blend of sugar and beach supplies. And if you’re in the mood to bring something special home with you, check out the special products at Tide and Moon Jewelry. Many are easily affordable, and all are world-class. Whether it’s the Spice Merchants of Anna Maria, or Poppo’s Taqueria, take a stroll down Pine Avenue, for a recreational experience you can share with family and friends.

Bayfront Park:

For some complimentary recreation, stop by Anna Maria’s Bayfront Park, a wide open space near the coast that features a playground for youth of all sizes, as well as amenities for your next social function! With picnic tables, grilling facilities, public pavilions, restrooms, and more, Bayfront Park is the perfect excuse to get outside, whenever you’re in the region. Familiarize your feet with silky white sands, only steps from cool waters.

There’s also a boat ramp nearby, for those individuals and families who want to explore the local vicinity from unprecedented angles. The beach is also open for swimming, which means you have the perfect excuse to beat the heat, especially during warm summer months! Clear skies, coastal breezes and friendly locals all add to the list of reasons why you need to check out Bayfront Park for yourself, the ideal attraction to visit on a budget.

Anna Maria Island Beach Café:

When you have to come off the beach while frequenting Anna Maria Island, it’s high time to check out Anna Maria Island Beach Café. This uniquely casual dining atmosphere allows you to experience fine cuisine on a budget, whether you’re inside or relaxing on the front patio. You can even relax on the local sands while you wait for your food to arrive!

Stop by every Friday, when you take on their all you can eat fish fry! And if you’re in the mood to sample a local favorite, check out their all you can eat pancakes and sausage, easily their favorite menu item. Play in the sand with the kids while you wait for the waiter, at a location beloved by locals for its food and its prices alike. Whether it’s the half-pound cheeseburgers, the made-to-order omelets, or the fish platters, the Anna Maria Island Beach Café is the place to be when the sun sets.

Coquina Baywalk:

This series of off-the-beaten-path trails and recreational opportunities is exactly what every true adventurer seeks on Anna Maria Island. It’s largely untapped wilderness, allowing you the chance to explore the region at your own pace. Take advantage of uninterrupted views of the bay, from largely hidden observational platforms delicately tucked away amid the trees.

Even though the trail network is less than a mile long in total length, it’s well worth your time and investment. As far as budget attractions on Anna Maria Island are concerned, the Coquina Baywalk exists among those sights and sounds that are both free, and priceless.

Budget Anna Maria Island Attractions Set to Impress:

Whether it’s the picture-perfect beaches or the recreational opportunities afforded exclusively to local visitors, there’s so much to do and to explore in island paradise, even if you’re on the strictest budget. So long as you’re fine with experiencing some of the world’s greatest outdoor venues, you can fashion lifelong memories at Anna Maria Island, without spending more than you’re comfortable with! Your budget has no impact on the quality of your memories, so long as you adhere to our suggested portfolio of world-class attractions in the Florida Gulf Coast!

Source: John Gallagher

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A TASTE OF ABSINTHE — ART SHOW — THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

You are invited to A Taste of Absinthe tomorrow, Friday August 17, 2018 at the Anna Maria Island Art League Gallery. The Doctor’s Office is hosting an evening event featuring: Sips from The Doctor’s Office amazing absinthe fountain!

Dating back to the 19th century, the affectionate name given to the absinthe drink was The Green Fairy. Absinthe is a lost spirit with a rich history that is being rediscovered. Absinthe has long been associated with fun and sharing and Picasso, Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde and many other artists loved to consume it. Absinthe was so popular as part of the 19th century French culture that the wine industry worried about their loss of market share to absinthe. They created fake news and as a concession to winemakers it was made illegal through most of the 20th century. Absinthe became rehabilitated around 2000 as scientists downplayed the dangers of wormwood and liquor marketers could recognize a great marketing opportunity when they saw it.

Absinthe is best served from an absinthe fountain. Today, absinthe fountains are appearing again, appealing to both veteran absinthe connoisseurs and to folks who have just discovered the charm of the Green Fairy.The fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all perform the same function. Although, much more than just a decorative fountain, a true connoisseur will tell you that they help to unlock the beauty, power, effects and true taste of great absinthe. The fountain delivers a steady drizzle of ice-cold water into glasses of absinthe that are placed under the taps. Small slotted absinthe spoons containing sugar cubes are balanced on top of the glasses. The water from the tiny taps drip water over the sugar diluting the alcohol-rich drink and activating the botanicals in the absinthe. As the sugared water drips into the clear green absinthe it creates a swirling cloud bespeckled with twinkling crystals from the dissolving sugar. Centuries of absinthe protagonists swear to the presence of a green fairy dancing in the swirling, sparkling cloud. Many people have never tried absinthe, much less seen a real absinthe fountain.

Join the Doctor’s Office and Anna Maria Island Art Gallery and share The Green Fairy while enjoying a unique experience of art and lifestyle. The whole experience is novel and one that I’m sure Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals guests will find most entertaining.

When: Friday, August 17, 2018 Where: Art League Gallery 5312 Holmes Blvd. Holmes Beach, FL Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Artwork by Anne Abgott A display of the accomplished works by Anne Abgott, world-renowned artist and best-selling author of Daring Color. Anne is a Canadian-born artist who maintains her studio here in Cortez, Florida. Sculptures by Woody Candish A showing of two secret works by the Island’s most memorable and favorite Island Son sculptor. These pieces have never been displayed before and both are part of Sean Murphy’s private “Woody Collection”.

The Doctor’s Office will treat attendees to bourbon punch, beer, wine, light bites and teacup servings from the amazing Green Fairy absinthe fountain. Donations for the Island Art League will be encouraged.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced. The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals. *source The Doctor’s Office

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VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM/PLANETARIUM/MANATEE AQUARIUM 

There are lots of things to do in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, a visit to the South Florida Museum is a must. A great indoor activity that appeals to all ages, it is a perfect place to spend the afternoon. Founded in 1947, the museum is one of the largest in the area boasting the biggest selection of natural and cultural history on Florida’s gulf coast. Have you ever wondered why there were no dinosaurs in Florida? Learn about Florida’s environment and first inhabitants exploring the exhibits. The museum has life-sized casts of Ice Age mammals, a vast collection of fossils and offers educational programs promoting scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida. With permanent exhibits and constantly changing temporary exhibits you will see evidence of Florida’s earliest marine mammal inhabitants and archaeological materials.

The South Florida Museum recently introduced a new phone application called Pathways, allowing museum visitors to explore exhibits in all new ways. The app which took seven years to develop, weaves exhibits and objects together to tell interactive stories. The app makes it easy to navigate the South Florida Museum with personalized programs and the adventures provided can be customized to just about any subject. The staff plan to release a new Pathways tour on the public version of the app at least every two months. A massive library of tours covering geology, history, anthropology and others will be built over time.

Pathways is available in the Apple and Google Play stores by searching for “Pathways SFM.”

Another part of the museum is a fully functioning planetarium, The Bishop Planetarium. The planetarium offers a huge schedule of events including shows for small children. We thoroughly enjoyed our show and suggest that you check the schedule when you arrive for show times and programs. The planetarium features an astronomy educational facility with a multimedia theatre for films, lectures, live and digital art performances. The theatre offers guests unidirectional stadium style seating and the Digistar 5, one of the most advanced projection systems in the world which gives a phenomenal experience. The system allows for exploration of Earth through the use of 200 continually updated satellite datasets of our planet’s land, ocean, atmosphere and climate.

When you are finished wandering through the museum exhibits and have watched the astronomical adventures under the Planetarium dome, head over to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Aquarium and say hello to the endangered resident Florida manatees. The aquarium holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. Manatees are slow moving creatures so you will have plenty of opportunity to watch them swim and see them feed. The facility offers above and below water viewing and can meet the manatees in the huge rehabilitation facility. The main pool offers both deep and shallow water, which allows the manatees to engage in a wider variety of natural social behaviour and maintain natural feeding behaviors. The medical pool can be used to isolate a manatee and lower the water level which makes veterinary exams and procedures easier to accomplish and less stressful for the animal. After many years of frequenting Anna Maria Island, we have learned Manatees are frequently injured around the coast of Florida and this medical pool provides a temporary home and care for those sick and injured until they are healthy enough to be returned to the wild. You will find an exhibit area within the facility with lots of information to learn about manatees, and Manatee Care Specialists at the facility provide presentations about manatee habitat, nutrition and physiology. To date the Museum has cared for 36 rehabilitating manatees since 1998, including 3 being cared for at this time.

South Florida Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm

Located at 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

For information and tickets call 941-746-4131 or visit southfloridamuseum.org.

TripAdvisor Reviews:

Variety of a Sights and Educational Too! Took our 10 year old grandson who was captivated the entire time. Learned a lot and had fun too! Would recommend it to adults, and families of all ages.

Wonderful Experience. Rainy day in Florida, what better than to visit a museum with the visiting grandchildren. Turned out to be a pretty good place. The kids enjoyed walking around seeing all the different things. The planetarium was really nice and I think they actually learned something. I loved the visiting manatees, but sad to remember this was were Snooty died. But than again it was a really fun day.

Manatee Show and Astronomy-Excellent shows with price of one small admission. There is a beautiful manatee educational presentation. These manatees have been rescued, and are currently being rehabbed to return to Florida waters. It is not a “show”, it is do much more!!! There is a wonderful museum which houses and showcases Native American artifacts here in Florida. And then, enter the theater and be part of an amazing star and planets show. You will love it! This is in a wonderful downtown location,easy free parking. Stroll the waterfront, shops and cafes close by. A one stop destination for everyone in the family.

Wonderful teacher led planetarium shows, manatees fun too. We had a great day at the South Florida Museum. For me, the Planetarium shows were the best part, particularly the ones that were described as “live.” Howard, the scientist who conducted the live shows and introduced/explained the pre-recorded ones, is absolutely amazing. I’m not even particularly interested in astronomy and science, but he had me totally engaged with the easy ways he presented complicated scientific information and theories, and he let audience members ask questions. There are planetarium shows throughout the day, and your general admission includes as many as you want to attend. We went to 3 of them, and each was different and interesting. The manatee presentation was also interesting, even for someone from Florida who has seen multiple manatee exhibits and visited several viewing centers with educational information. The museum’s actual exhibits are a mixed bag, depending on what your interests are. Some were about Florida pre-history & early natives, some were about nature, and others were just plain old nostalgia … like a small collection of old cameras, a Model T Ford car, and a collection of interesting sea shells. Most were typical exhibits with objects behind glass or behind ropes, with signs providing the information. There are a few interactive exhibits scattered in each area, but for the most part, the exhibits are hands off. There’s a nice little gift shop with typical museum gift shop offerings, mixed with some touristy/souvenir products. There’s no restaurant or cafe, but there are a couple of places to eat within a block or two walk. Overall, this museum is a great way to spend the large part of a hot, sticky summer day, rain or shine, and it’s likely to have something everyone will enjoy… from young children to grandma and grandpa.Look at their website for parking instructions. There are some 3-hour-limited spaces right in front of the museum, but we used a parking garage about 2 blocks away that offered parking for up to 10 hours, at just 50 cents per hour. BUT… you’ll need quarters to feed the meters … no credit cards and no garage attendant.

Outstanding natural and cultural museum! I must admit that while it was on our list of possibilities when visiting Bradenton/Anna Maria Island, we probably would not have gone to the museum if it had not been raining at the beaches. When we finished at the museum we were so glad it had been raining! This is a fantastic museum. So much information about local nature, flora/fauna, and history. The prehistoric history exhibits are particularly interesting. You can almost feel the anxiety of the boy in the prehistoric hunters diorama as he drops his spear and alerts the giant bison that the early men are hunting. We learned a lot about manatees in the aquarium, but the planetarium shows were most informative of all. Well worth a visit.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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GOOD NEWS ON 2018 HURRICANE SEASON AS STORM NUMBERS DECREASE

June 1st – November 30th marks hurricane season in Florida. The peak of storm activity is August, September and October, but the expected conclusion is the weekend of Labour Day (September 3). The chances of a hurricane touching down in the US are rare and we usually have plenty of notice, but their path can be unpredictable. How powerful will it be? Will it become a Hurricane? If so, when and when will it make landfall? These are the questions we ask when there is mention of a storm or threatening hurricane.

We received some great news yesterday when the lead weather forecasting agency in the country lowered its predictions for the storm season. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) there is a 60 percent chance that the rest of the storm season will be below normal and the NOAA now predicts between zero and two major storms this year. It should be noted that an average season, the actual chance of a hurricane are relatively low anyway. NOAA expects between 9 and 13 named storms with 4 to 7 of them reaching hurricane level. This number includes the four named storms that have already formed this year leaving 0-2 possibly becoming major hurricanes. A storm that reaches hurricane status is one where winds are at least 74mph. A major hurricane is one that reaches category three which comes with winds of at least 111mph.

There are several reasons for these lower predictions. One of the big reasons is the anticipated El Nino which is the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Nino Also creates high pressure aloft and lower surface pressure in the Pacific. Conditions where hurricanes typically develop off the African coast have also not been as conducive for the development of storms. Another reason for a less likely chance of major storms is that hurricanes need warm water (27 C/80 F or more) to grow and with cooler than average water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, non-conducive wind patterns and warmer Pacific Ocean waters are creating a hostile environment for hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean basins. NOAA’s lead seasonal forecaster, Gerry Bell, said surface water temperatures in the Atlantic haven’t been this chilly since the early 1990s.

As we know, storms are unpredictable so when weather forecasters predict the possibility of a storm turning into a hurricane hitting the western Gulf of Mexico in a week or two, don’t immediately panic and cancel your trip. Tropical storms are notorious for changing their travel routes. If you immediately cancel, and the storm diminishes or changes direction and leaves our area unscathed, you will not only be disappointed that your dream vacation was cancelled and assuming you have insurance you might not receive reimbursement from your insurer. When planning your family vacation with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 we highly recommend cancellation/interruption insurance in case our area is directly threatened. Please ask us about cancellation insurance, we are happy to help.

This recent seasonal forecast provided us good information and is useful as a general guide. Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals will remain on hurricane alert and keep you updated as the season progresses. If you don’t see an update, remember, no news is good news!

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced. The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO KAEYLA COFFMAN AND FAMILY FOR THEIR AWESOME REVIEW

Our PERFECT Summer Vacation Every Year!!!

Terry & Sandy have always went above and beyond to make our stay amazing. I’ve been staying with them since I was a teenager and I now have a husband and family of my own staying in the same unit and location I always have. There is no better place in Florida than to be in a vacation rental that is just like home. I can’t thank you Terry & Sandy enough for opening your homes with my family to share the love of the island with us as well. Each and every year the memories created are once in a lifetime and I am forever thankful for your condos! See you next year! Submitted: Aug 10, 2018 | Stayed: July 2018 My Response:

Hi Kaeyla,

Thank you for the awesome review and thank you for being our guests again. I have lost track of how many times you and your extended family have been our guests and our summers would never be complete without out you as our guests on Anna Maria Island.

Sincerely, Terry, Sandy & Family

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

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UPDATES ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND NEWS

Red tide – Most everyone is talking about it and there is some good news for those on Anna Maria Island.

Mote Marine Laboratory reported that as of 3 p.m. August 7th, conditions had improved at Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach, two popular public beaches on Anna Maria Island. At Manatee Beach, Mote reported the water was dark in colour and that beachgoers were reporting lessened amounts of respiratory irritation, but there was no red drift and only some dead fish on the beach.

  The south end of the Island at Coquina Beach the conditions had improved considerably with no signs of dead fish that were seen on Monday. There was almost no smell and the water appeared clear. Some families ventured onto the beach with their coolers and umbrellas some even slashing in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Tuesday morning canals on Holmes Beach still saw an accumulation of dead fish, while the conditions on the Gulf side were much improved. Volunteers were seen cleaning the beaches removing dead fish and disposing of them.

  Red tide conditions were also better yesterday at the Rod and Reel Pier in the city of Anna Maria than they had been the previous day. There was lots of activity on the pier with diners and visitors fishing or enjoying the sunny day. Our friend who lives in Bradenton Beach was among those fishing and when we spoke to him last evening he told us he didn’t catch anything, but was happy to just cast his line into the water.

Sea Turtles – As you walk along the shore line on Anna Maria you will see areas marked off where sea turtles have nested. Nesting season runs from May 1 to October 31 and this year a new record has been set with 507 nests being laid so far. So has red tide affected the hatchlings? According to executive director of Anna Maria Turtle Watch, Suzi Fox, because the hatchlings are surface swimmers they have done well. Fox says they race straight out to the weed line, often passing the red tide. It seems turtle disorientation is more of a concern. The hatchlings follow the light from the moon leading them to the water. Non-friendly exterior lights from along the beach disorient the hatchlings causing them to crawl inland rather than toward the sea.

When the hatchlings become disoriented they run around and lose the energy they need to swim. Especially during red tide these hatchlings need their energy to swim past the red tide. 

Anna Maria City Pier Construction – If you have been following our previous blogs regarding about the Anna Maria City pier, closing in September 2017 due to damage cause from Hurricane Irma, the demolition in July of this year then you will be happy to know another piece of the pier puzzle is complete. All federal permits are in place as the city has received the approved Army Corps of Engineers permit needed to build a new city pier. Next is the bid proposals from construction companies interested in building the new pier.

When the reconstruction work is completed, the new pier and structures should look pretty much identical to the old. The new will include a 12-foot-wide by 683-foot-long pier with a 58-foot-long by 111-foot-wide T-head which will be home to a restaurant as well as a bait and tackle shop.

The projected date for construction for completion of the new pier is expected to be late 2020.

*A special thank you to our current guests from the UK Pat and Ginette O’Higgins for the daily red tide updates and photos*

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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FLORIDA RED TIDE – WHAT IS IT & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Red tide is the result of a harmful algal bloom which generally occurs in late summer or early fall. Fortunately, Anna Maria Island does not often see severe outbreaks as the blooms occur in the South Western Gulf of Mexico and don’t always make their way into our region.

In most of the cases in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico the species is called Karenia Brevis or K. Brevis as it’s commonly known. The microscopic organism exists offshore throughout the year and It only becomes a problem when the algae blooms at high concentrations.

Red tide is not something new, records show red tide in Florida for decades.

Some people believe that pollution has made the situation worse, but there is no direct link. Florida red tides develop 10-40 miles offshore, away from man-made nutrient sources and were observed in the mid-1900s before the coastlines were heavily developed. The wind, currents, and weather are factors in transporting red tide inshore. Once red tides are inshore the blooms can grow using man-made nutrients. Some believe that harmful algae in the water discharged from Lake Okeechobee (a freshwater lake located in SW Florida) might have caused or worsened the situation, but scientists say that this is not true.

Florida red tide can discolor water a red or brown hue, but the water can also remain its normal color during a bloom.

Red tides can last as little as a few weeks or longer and can subside and then reoccur. Dissipation depends on many factors including, sunlight, nutrients, water temperature and water currents.

The Florida red tide organism produce toxins that can affect a variety of marine animals. The accumulation and persistence of brevetoxins in these marine animals and environments such as seagrass and sediment can eventually lead to the transfer of these toxins to larger animals, including sea turtles, birds and marine mammals.

Karenia Brevis can only survive in marine waters, but when waves crash onshore, the cells break open allowing the breveto cells produced to become airborne. When the K. Brevis is present and winds blow onshore some people experience tearing eyes, sneezing, runny noses, coughing or scratchy throats. Offshore winds usually keep respiratory effects experienced by those on the shore to a minimum. The Florida Department of Health advises people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas.

Swimming during a Florida red tide is safe for most people. For some people, it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If you experience irritation, get out of the water and thoroughly wash off.

During a red tide it is safe to eat local finfish as long as the fish are filleted before eaten. Although toxins may accumulate in the guts of fish, these areas are disposed of when the fish are filleted. Shellfish bought in store or served in restaurants are safe to eat during a bloom because the shellfish are tested monitored by the government for safety. Any illegally harvested and unregulated shellfish are particularly dangerous and should never be consumed. The Florida red tide toxin can not be seen or tasted and cooking or freezing does not destroy the toxin.

The harmful effects of a red tide are caused when the organism dies and toxins are released. Control of Florida red tides by killing the red tide organism and eliminating toxins in the water while not harming the environment is a complex issue. Presently there is no practical or acceptable way to do this.

Florida red tide is a natural phenomenon, but it can be an unwelcome and inconvenient occurrence for vacationers. There are lots of things to do other than going to the beach. Here are a few suggestions:

-Shop local boutiques — Bridge Street on Bradenton Beach or Pine Avenue on Anna Maria

-Kayaking, Paddle boarding, jet skiing in Intercostal waterways not affected

-Visit Aquariums — Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota or South Florida Museum, Bradenton

-Art galleries on Anna Maria Island — Artists Guild Gallery, Studio at Gulf & Pine, Island Gallery West

-Walk, bike or bird watch at a nearby preserve — Robinson Preserve, Perico Preserve

-Rent or charter a boat

-Horseback riding

-golf, mini put, adventure and obstacle courses that are outside the reach of the airborne toxins

Any questions or for additional information please call us Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals

Links & Sources: 

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com

Mote Marine Laboratory Inc — mote.org

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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FILL YOUR GLASS WITH SUMMER FUN AT EAT HERE RESTAURANT 

Looking for a great place to dine on Anna Maria Island?

One of our favourite restaurants on the Island is Eat Here located at 5315 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

  Eat Here is changing things up with a new summer dining menu. Offering refreshing summer dining options with smaller portions along with a smaller price. Almost everything on their menu will have a lighter cost option. Some summertime tastes to try, Vichysoisse, chilled beet, watermelon and feta salads, along with other preparations.

The menu isn’t the only change, Eat Here is taking a page from one of it’s sister restaurants, Beach Bistro’s “Sure is Hot” attitude adjustment program. When you step into Eat Here’s cool interior and announce that it “Sure Is Hot” the first glass is on them. What a fun way to celebrate the heat of the summer.

Yes it’s hot outside, but it’s cool at Eat Here. 

You sure won’t hear anyone from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 complain about the Florida heat, we love the heat! We especially love the summertime warm temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico and the high nighttime temperatures on Anna Maria Island are nice too!

    TripAdvisor Reviews—

Always Great! We love this place and they always accomodate our family of 9. We have come here for several years and the service and food are always excellent!!

Delicious! Good food. Clean, fast service. Very nice waitress. We had grill cheese and pizza. Prices were reasonable

Good Food-The name caught out attention and the food and service were wonderful. They have different sizes of servings and the food comes to you when it is ready but they will tell you that.

Excellent! Small dining room that packs a powerful punch into a great meal! Loved the pot roast meal as well as the seafood options.

Good Stuff! Found this place on YELP and decided to give it a try. We opted for outside dining since is was a nice evening. Nice menu selection and glad to report they have gluten free items! Everyone was very helpful and food was great! Would definitely go again!

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUNSETS & THE BEST RESTAURANTS TO WATCH THEM

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Day length: 13 hours, 33 minutes

Anna Maria Island Sunset time 8:24:26 pm

Anna Maria Island is known for its beaches, restaurants and breathtaking sunsets. With beach accesses all along the west coast of this seven mile Island, you can choose to watch the sunset from just about anywhere.

If you want to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset here are our favourite restaurants offering the best views:

Beach House — 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach — the Beach House Restaurant is about a three minute walk from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217, right on the water’s edge with spectacular Gulf of Mexico views. There’s indoor seating, but we always opt to sit outdoors to maximize the sunset view. It’s casual dining under palm trees on the beach at its best. A full bar is available with happy hour from 3 – 6 Monday – Friday. Their tropical drinks mix well the beautiful tropical atmosphere. The menu offers a selection of Florida fine dining. The Beach House is a great place to relax, enjoy good food and celebrate the view.

  Gulf Drive Cafe/Kokonut Tiki Hut — 900 Gulf Dive North, Bradenton Beach — Amazing ambiance on the beach at sunset. If you are looking for a place you can walk to by way of the beach and see the sunset this is it! You can seat yourself right out in the beach as the sun is setting while enjoying the delicious food.

While both offer great sunsets and casual dining the Kokonut Hut offers a simpler Tiki Bar atmosphere with drinks/food that match. Here you can sit back, relax while listening to nightly live music and enjoying the magnificent Island views.

  Moose Lodge —110 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach —This is a members only lodge on Bradenton Beach. A recently renovated facility right on the beautiful white sand beach.

The dining area has a large wall of glass windows look out at the Gulf of Mexico. There is outdoor seating and the beach is only a few steps away. The rooftop deck is an amazing spot to watch the sunset.

You will find fantastic prices, lots of food and beverage options plus awesome daily specials. (Note: this is a cash only establishment)

You can drop in to inquire about membership. Or, if planning ahead you can go online to apply for a membership. 

Rod & Reel Pier — 875 N Shore Drive, Anna Maria — Located on the North end of Anna Maria Island on the Tampa Bay side with a perfect view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The Rod and Reel is a small, quaint restaurant that sits out on the end of a pier. I think it can be best described as, a quaint Floridian restaurant with a salty personality.

Due to its popularity you might have to wait for a table, but the wait is worth it. As you wait, relax and enjoy Island time. The food here is great and the sunsets do not get any better.

  Sandbar — 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria — There is nothing better than enjoying your favorite refreshing cocktail as you look out at the pristine beach with the sunset as your backdrop. With an extensive menu, serving fresh seafood to mouth-watering desserts, The Sandbar offers a fantastic atmosphere for your special evening. Located on the northwest side of the Island, directly on the Gulf of Mexico, the restaurant features dining either indoors or on an outdoor deck with some of the tables perched directly on the sand. Of course, for the best view of the sunset, an outdoor table is recommended. Come sunset time this is the spot where all eyes are on the horizon as diners and staff wait in anticipation for the ritual of the ringing of the bell. The second the sun sets the bell rings followed with a loud applause. A fantastic place!

  We know the sun sets every single day, but how often do we have the opportunity or take the opportunity to watch it. When we are on vacation and free from daily obligations we usually make time for sunsets.

A sunset offers something special…you can’t buy one, we can’t fit one into our busy schedule and we can’t enjoy one in the comfort of our homes. Watching the sunset is an experience, a gift we give ourselves. It has the force to make us stop, appreciate our surroundings and enjoy watching the literal passing of time as the sun sinks below the horizon. It only takes about three minutes for the sun to disappear after it touches the horizon, but the image will remain forever.

Book your next vacation with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals and give yourself the gift of an Anna Maria Island sunset.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

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LIGHT & SOUND SHOW—THE VOLUMES PROJECT—THE RINGLING SARASOTA, FL

Ezra Masch is a sculptor, musician as well as a visual artist from Philadelphia, currently based in New York City. He holds an MFA in Studio Arts from the University of Texas, as well as a BFA in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design. He teaches at Moore College of Art and Design and is a member of the Tiger Strikes Astroid gallery. His work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions in many sites across the United States.

The Ringling presents —

The special installation VOLUMES Sunday, August 12 – Sunday, September 9, 2018 in the Mondo Gallery (just across the Museum of Art courtyard) view light and sound by the contemporary artist Ezra Masch. *VOLUMES harnesses the speed of light to reveal the volume of sound and space. This immersive audio and visual installation project will feature a three- dimensional grid of LED lights that will fill the interior of the Ringling’s Monda gallery with an iridescent glow.

  Contact microphones will be wired from a basic drum set to custom mixers that will divide the audio into multiple ranges of volume. Dimensions of height, length, and width will then be used to map coordinates of tone and amplitude within the grid of lights. Essentially Masch has created a symbiotic relationship between light and sound, one cannot see the piece unless they can hear it and vice versa. With over fifty percussionists scheduled to play VOLUMES, these musicians will be able to experiment with the visual patterns and forms generated in the lights as they perform. Volume and pitch will determine the number of lights that flicker, so each drummer will have to play the light as much as they play the physical drum set.

Although both light and sound are perceived through different sensory receptors, VOLUMES intertwines light, sound, and space in such a way that they become inseparable to anyone who experiences it. Consequently it combines auditory and visual signals so precisely that the audience will eventually begin to see sound. Only the drummer can control the intensity of what the audience experiences by what he or she decides to play. The musician is in control and the space is essentially sculpted live before you by the percussionist.

Seeking to cultivate a new way of understanding and translating the volume of sound to the volume of space Masch has become a sculptor of both light and sound by creating a piece that lies somewhere in between an entirely new instrument and a visual art sculpture. Masch blends elements of sound, light, performance, and engineering into a unique sensory experience that reimagines the traditional notions of stationary sculpture and time based performance art.*

The Volumes Project a combination of Instrument, Sculpture, Installation and Performance — Come out to the exhibition in the Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art open Tuesday-Sunday 11 :00am-12:00pm and 3:00-4:00pm to watch nearly 60 live performances. Participants will include local Sarasota talent with other performers from around the country ranging in age from 12-82 years old.

  *With the special installation VOLUMES on view in the Monda Gallery, Sunday, August 12, 2018 through Sunday, September 9, 2018 the Ringling is also presenting four special evening performances highlighting influential and versatile percussionists selected by Masch himself. The performers include, Taylor Gordon, Brian Blade, Greg Fox, and Antonio Sánchez.  Each drummer will  play the light as much as they play the physical drum set, combining auditory and visual signals so precisely that the audience will eventually be able to see sound.

Please note: These special performances will not have seating. Attendees are encouraged to walk around or sit on the floor while enjoying the performance. Portable gallery stools will be available if needed.

VOLUMES: Special Performances

Thursday Evenings, Aug 16 through Sept 6

7:30 & 8:30 PM

► Thursday, Aug. 16th | Taylor Gordon AKA The Pocket Queen

Taylor Gordon began playing drums at 2 and joined her New Orleans church band at 7. At 14, she became a member of the High School drumline, and steel drum and jazz bands. She took up the marimba and other percussion instruments. She was accepted into the prestigious Berkley College of Music on a full scholarship for her superior skills on drums. She has also performed with several influential music artists such as Stevie Wonder, Musiq Soulchild and many more. She also performed at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime show with Beyoncé.

►Thursday, Aug. 23rd | Brian Blade

Brian Blade is an American jazz drummer, composer, session musician, and singer-songwriter. In 1997, Blade formed The Fellowship Band with pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Chris Thomas, saxophonists Myron Walden and Melvin Butler, guitarist Jeff Parker, pedal steel guitarist Dave Easley and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. The band released its debut album, Brian Blade Fellowship, in 1998, Perceptual in 2000, Season of Changes in 2008 and Landmarks in 2014.

►Thursday, Aug. 30th | Greg Fox

Greg Fox is a multi-instrumentalist, interdisciplinary artist, and teacher born and based in New York City. A versatile and prolific creative, Fox studied percussion with Guy Licata, Thurman Barker, Marvin “Bugalu” Smith, has a B.A. in Integrated Arts from Bard College, and has toured, recorded and released numerous records with Liturgy, Guardian Alien, ZS, Ex Eye, Skeletons, Teeth Mountain, Dan Deacon, Colin Stetson, Ben Frost, and many more.

► Thursday, Sept. 6th | Antonio Sánchez

Antonio Sánchez is a Mexican jazz drummer. In 2014, his popularity increased when he composed an original film score for the film Birdman, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The soundtrack album was released on October 14, 2014. The score earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score and BAFTA Award for Best Film Music; he won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Score and Satellite Award for Best Original Score.

Tickets for all performances may be purchased online or by calling 941-360-7399.

Contact microphones will be wired from a basic drum set to custom mixers that will divide the audio into multiple ranges of volume. Dimensions of height, length, and width will then be used to map coordinates of tone and amplitude within the grid of  lights. Essentially Masch has created a symbiotic relationship between light and sound, one cannot see the piece unless they can hear it and vice versa. With over sixty percussionists scheduled to play VOLUMES, these musicians will be able to experiment with the visual patterns and forms generated in the lights as they perform. Volume and pitch will determine the number of lights that flicker, so each drummer will have to play the light as much as they play the physical drum set.

VOLUMES intertwines light, sound, and space in such a way that they become inseparable to anyone who experiences it. Consequently it combines auditory and visual signals so precisely that the audience will eventually begin to see sound. Only the drummer can control the intensity of what the audience experiences by what he or she decides to play. The musician is in control and the space is essentially sculpted live before you by the percussionist. *

For additional information/purchase tickets contact The Ringling @ 941-359-5700 or visit their website — theringling.org

Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 highly recommend our guests visit The Ringling. A tour of the museum with a stroll around the beautiful surrounding property is visit worthy.

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Note: Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

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*source 7/18 — theringling.org

The post LIGHT & SOUND SHOW—THE VOLUMES PROJECT—THE RINGLING SARASOTA, FL appeared first on AnnaMariaIslandCondoRentals.com.

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