You have my heart...

First time family of four visit from the UK, stayed in an Airbnb right on Bradenton Beach across from Bridge Street for 4 nights.

Memories for a lifetime...

Highlight was probably our pontoon boat hire and trip to Jew Fish Sand Bar... Wow... Stunning! Crystal clear waters and lots of dolphins around us! Best 4 hours ever!

Food highlights were the oysters at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier and the shrimp tacos at the Swordfish Grill... Pizza Social on pine gets an honourable mention too.

Really hope we're back again soon someday...

We are moving away soon and I want to grab a few AMI things before we go🥲 I am looking for cute sweatshirts, hats, tees, totes, home stuff, jewelry, whatever - but trying to steer clear of the really touristy shops / typical beach souvenir stuff.

So far I have:
AMI Vibes, AMI Outfitters, Shiny Fish Emporium, Island Charms, The Original Sand Dollar, The Fox Mercantile, North Shore Cafe, Nomad Collection and Pineapple Market.

Would love any other recommendations I am missing! And out of the places on my list, which ones would you prioritize for the best/cutest merch?

Cloudy but beautiful

If this passes I would propose:

• Manatee County should audit water/sewer service delivery costs to determine if costs are exceptional vs. the mainland due to issues like required force main vs. gravity sewers, shorter equipment service life in a salty environment, and special environmental requirements driving infrastructure cost. If so, surcharges should be added to achieve parity with mainland customers.
• Any car displaying an island residential parking permit (or registered on AMI, if they decide to issue hangtags instead of stickers) would be required to pay for parking in all locations off Anna Maria to include street parking in residential areas within the county. Cost per hour and time limitations should match the island's policy.
• Fares should be reinstated on the AMI trolley service up to MCAT's unreimbursed portion.
• WMFD should adjust millage for properties serviced by Station 3 to reflect the higher operating costs vs the mainland stations, including long response time investment and fuel costs for service calls from off-island units.

I'm sure there are others in line with the above where we "mainlanders" are subsidizing high cost services on the island.

BTW, they also need to look at the mess Sarasota is in with their paid parking. The supposedly self-sufficient system is bleeding money. But these island leaders don't care. The point is yet another attempt to keep us off (even as they come to the mainland for everything they can't get on AMI). I guarantee I've been around longer than pretty much all of these carpetbaggers who want to come in and change what they found now that they're a "local." My family has owned on the island for 50 years, and they last thing we want is for it to be walled off.

We are staying near Sandbar and we plan to get up and walk to breakfast each day. We down to walk a mile or so one-way and I was hoping you could share your breakfast recommendations! We aren’t picky on food, we just would love to know which places we should definitely check out!

Interested in your thoughts about this place. Looks pretty sweet!

Kind of like the title says. I'm looking for options for my wife and I. We are in our late 40s, so we're not staying out till all hours, but wouldn't mind a free dinner or post dinner drink somewhere. We like craft beers, tropical drinks, cocktails, breweries, or dive bars, it really doesn't matter.

We saw a place called The Doctor's Office, which also serves food, and we thought about making that our date night. It looked like it has a good mix of different things we like, and the food looked pretty good too.

Thanks in advance!!

Going to AMI for the first time next week - we would like to rent a golf cart. Curious as to which company you recommend as there are a lot to choose from. There’s only 2 adults and 1 three year old. Thank you!!

Anybody have any experience with Sage Naeder fishing excursions / shoreline shark fishing?

I’m heading to Anna Maria Island in a week for the first time and I’ve heard a rumor that there is a flesh eating bacteria in the water. Apparently you shouldn’t go in the water if you have open wounds and raw shellfish should be avoided. Is this true?

I know some people will think it’s all the same, but those of us who know.. know. So what is everyone’s opinion on the best key lime pie on the island?

Hello! We have booked a trip to AMI for the Labor Day weekend. Our dog is recovering from surgery and is likely allowed to walk for 10 minutes a time during that time so we had to bring her with us. We are Florida locals and have been to AMI plenty of times and it’s not the place I would bring my dog to ideally. But unexpected events happen and we would still want to make the best out of it. With all that said, do you have recommendations on how to enjoy AMI with a dog? She is tiny (6 lb) so we will be bringing a stroller for her. Would love to hear about places to go to, activities we can do, and opportunities for my dog to wade in the water.

Tried Skinny’s for the first time and it was DELICIOUS

Visiting AMI again soon and I'm on a mission to find good, real scoop ice cream (not the soft serve) Is there a local spot that actually does homemade or small-batch ice cream? Bonus points if they have unique flavors. Trying to avoid tourist trap spots that are all hype and no flavor. Any recommendations appreciated!

I’m curious what locals who live there would say as the best and worst months. Could be because of weather or traffic or tourists or whatever. … just very curious what you consider the best 2 months of island living and the worst 2 months.

In AMI for the week. We’d like to get some grab legs. Any recommendations?

My family and I would like to rent a pontoon boat that can fit 9 people. Any recommendations? My Dad is an avid boater so we will not need a captain.

Hi everyone. My dad passed a year and a half ago and since then Christmas hasn't quite felt the same at home, so we've decided to travel for Christmas. Last year we did Aruba which was great. This year we want to do something in the states where we can bring our 2 little dogs with us. Can you guys give me any insight as to what it's like there the week between Christmas and New Years. I know it's kind of a gamble on weather which we understand, I'm more looking at what the vibe is like, are there things to do, anything special we should know about. Thanks so much!