Category: The Things that Locals Know!

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The Things that Locals Know!

World’s Strongest Man Competition (2020)

What was supposed to take place in Bradenton during May, is now being held in Lakewood Ranch during November of 2020. If you were on Anna Maria Island last year, then you may have been staying when the Island was hosting the World’s Strongest Man competition. The Island was graced with contestants (including Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, who played “The Giant” on the hit show Game of Thrones) and spectators for the event that took place in Bradenton and at the Manatee County Public Beach.

Competition setup on the beach. Photo from The Islander

Now our local area will be hosting the World’s Strongest Man competition once again, though it will be much different than previous years. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic spectators this year are prohibited. Though this may be disappointing news, this does not mean you shouldn’t come and visit the area/Anna Maria Island. Check out some vacation rentals, and enjoy the competition broadcast from the comfort of your rental.

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The Things that Locals Know!

Suncoast Cuisine – Private Chef

Looking for a delicious, professionally made meal, but want to stay in the comfort of your own home or an Anna Maria Island vacation rental? Well you are in luck! Chef Melissa with Suncoast Cuisine is just who you want to get in contact with.

Suncoast Cuisine brings the restaurant to you with Chef Melissa’s amazing, up-scale style dining. Don’t worry about shopping, or preparing the ingredients, Suncoast Cusine will shop and prepare the food for you. All you need to provide is a kitchen for the chef to work her magic in. 

Suncoast Cusine menus are customizable, so even the pickiest eater will be pleased. This is perfect for a causal group dinner while on vacation, or a special occasion! This is a fantastic alternative to going out to a restaurant, which can be hectic during busy season. 

Suncoast Cuisine can be contacted by phone or email
(727) 286-1352
mdedloff@gmail.com

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The Things that Locals Know!

Anna Maria Island Vehicle and Airport Transportation

There are lots of choices for auto transportation on Anna Maria Island.  Sure you can pick up a Lyft or an Uber but using someone local that knows the area is half the fun!  The drivers listed below are local and they know Anna Maria Island.  Wouldn’t you rather spend your time traveling from the Sarasota or Tampa International Airport learning all the great things your driver can suggest you do on your visit to Anna Maria Island?

We have had some incredible feedback on the drivers below and imagine for 35-75 minutes having the time of a local to tell you about all fun things to do, places to eat, and out of the way local hot spots!

Don’t forget, professional transportation can help as well for that night out the town if traveling to Sarasota or Tampa as well.

Coastal Elite Limousine

Coastal Elite Limousine offers a fleet of Luxury Town and Country Minivans as well as Ford Expedition SUV’s.  The driver is local, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Be sure to ask his favorite places to go eat, best activities, you name it! Airport service to Tampa International Airport starts at $100 and service to Sarasota airport is $55.  These estimated do include gratuity!  For more details on rates, schedules, be sure to call (941) 348-4971.  Coastal can help with any Anna Maria Island Transportation needs.Anna Maria Island Transportation

Anna Maria Island Airport Transportation

Alan and Andrea Shields of Anna Maria Island Transportation have a host of vehicles at the ready for all your local transportation needs. They currently have a Lincoln Town Car and several Sport Utility Trucks available.  Anna Maria Island Transportation has been finalist for three years in a row for the Anna Maria Island Chamber small business of the year award.  An enormous honor to just be a finalist and certainly a strong sign the are respected in the Community for their Anna Maria Island Transportation business.  For more details on rates, schedules and information call (941) 527-5602.

Please Note: This information has been gathered as a convenience.  We cannot guarantee the rates.  Please call individual vendor for details.

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The Things that Locals Know!

Anna Maria Island and area golf courses

If Golf is your game then Anna Maria Island provides a relaxing central location to a great deal of local Golf Courses.  Anna Maria Island does have one private 9 hole executive golf course for members only however in the Summer they do allow short discounted memberships for the avid golfer.  Golf in the morning and go to the beach and visit with family in the afternoon.  What could be better?  There are Key Royale Vacation Rentals that surround the golf course or just a walk away.  Let our sponsored real estate professionals help find your golfing paradise or if a shorter stay is in order then review the vacation rentals available very near the Key Royale Club.

There are options on the mainland.  North West Bradenton has several courses, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota are all great options as well.  See our list below of golf courses worth visiting.

Anna Maria Island Golf

Buffalo Creek Golf Course
This is a public golf course
8100 Erie Road
Palmetto, Florida, 34221
(941) 776-2611

IMG Academies Golf and Country Club
This is a private golf course
4350 El Conquistador Parkway
Bradenton, FL, 34221
(941) 758-1466

Imperial Lakewoods Golf Course
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
9680 Buffalo Road
Palmetto, Fl, 34221
(941) 747-9432

The links at Greenfield Plantation
This is a public golf course
10325 Greenfield Plantation Blvd
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 747-9432

Manatee County Golf Course
This is a public golf course and closest to Anna Maria Island
6415 53rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL, 34210
(941) 792-3288

Pinebrook/Ironwood Golf Club
Executive Golf Course
4260 Ironwood Circle
Bradenton, Fl, 34209
(941) 792-3288

The River Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
6600 River Club Blvd
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 751-4211

River Run Golf Links
This is a public golf course
1801 27th Street
East Bradenton, Fl, 34208
(941) 708-6331

River Strand Golf Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
7155 Grand Estuary Trail
Bradenton, Fl, 34212
(941) 708-3617

Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour
This is a public golf course
7900 Stone Harbour Loop
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 746-2696

Terra Ceia Bay Country Club
Executive Golf Course
2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd
Palmetto, Fl, 34221
(941) 729-7663

University Park Country Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
7671 The Park Blvd
University Park, Fl, 34201
(941) 359-9999

Waterlefe Golf and River Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
1022 Fish Hook Cove
Bradenton, FL, 34202
(941) 744-9771

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The Things that Locals Know!

Anna Maria Island Newspapers

Anna Maria Island has two local newspapers for the island. Both newspapers are located in Holmes Beach but provide news to the entire island.  Anna Maria Island is fortunate to have two local papers as well as one mainland newspaper that handles Bradenton, Florida newsworthy events.

Bradenton Local news coverage

The Bradenton Herald is by far the largest newspaper as it primarily focuses on Bradenton which is the mainland just to the East of the island.  Anna Maria Island is covered within the newspaper however normally a small portion of the news since Bradenton is a much larger city than the island.

Anna Maria Island local newspapers

We have two newspapers on Anna Maria Island.  The Anna Maria Island Sun covers Anna Maria Island and is located in Holmes Beach.  They have been providing local news for decades.  The second Anna Maria island local newspaper called the  Islander covers Anna Maria Island newsworthy events.  Believe it or not, the Islander has been around even longer than the Anna Maria Island Sun.  Both newspapers are sure to attend large events and especially attend our three city local governmental meetings and a great resource for city government happenings.  After all there are three cities on the island!

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The Things that Locals Know!

Traveling Gourmet – Personal Chef Molly O’Connor

Life can get pretty hectic at times. And when life gets a bit crazy, cooking is the last thing anyone wants to do. So if you’re on Anna Maria Island and are looking to eat some absolutely PHENOMENAL food without having to do all the work, you need to get in touch with the Traveling Gourmet! This personal chef business by the talented Chef Molly O’Connor will have you wanting her to move in and cook every meal for the rest of your life.

Traveling Gourmet

This business offers chef services for all kinds of occasions like; Baby showers, BBQ’s, Cocktail Parties, Weddings, and more! O’Connor will design a menu around your taste (and budget), and then do all the difficult stuff. AKA the grocery shopping and cooking.

Traveling Gourmet also does Meal Services. Currently as of November 2019, Meal Services being offered include a Weekly Paleo Meal Service, and of course a Thanksgiving Meal Service. Both of which can be found and ordered through her website.

If you’re vacationing on Anna Maria Island, make the process of settling in a bit easier and have Molly get all of your provisions for you before your arrival. She can even have a great meal ready and waiting for you to enjoy when you arrive!

Now that’s service!!

 

Check out even more local businesses that will make your vacation stress free, like CabanUp!, and Consider It Done.

 

 

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The Things that Locals Know!

CabanUp – Making Your Beach Day Stress Free

Everyone enjoys the beach, but no one enjoys dragging around umbrellas and beach chairs. It’s just an inconvenience that makes you worn out before you even get your toes in the sand. Luckily the new company, CabanUp, provides a hassle-free day at the beach!

CabanUp

This family run business will deliver and set up 10’x10’ tents, chairs, towels, and much more! You can even add on optional beach necessities like bluetooth speakers, boogie boards, cornhole, fans, and even WiFi. CabanUp provides everything to make your time on the sugar sand beaches of Anna Maria Island a blast!

Not only do they deliver and set up everything, they even take it all down for you too! So when you’ve had enough of the beach, just leave. It’s that easy!
On most days, the set up will be completed by 10AM, and will be labeled with your name. Then all you have to do is walk up and enjoy!

So next time you’re here make the most out of your experience, and contact CabanUp!

3216 East Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, 34217
941-243-3871
Open everyday of the week from 9AM – 4:30PM

 

Looking to make you’re time on AMI even easier? Check out Consider It Done, a professional errand and personal assistance service for locals and visitors!

 

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The Things that Locals Know!

TreeUmph! Adventure Course in East Bradenton

In need of an adventure? Looking to add a bit more excitement to your vacation? If you said “Yes” to both of those questions, then TreeUmph! is definitely the activity for you. Located in East Bradenton, about 45 minutes to an hour drive from AMI, is where you’ll find this insane outdoor adventure park. TreeUmph! is 14 acres of zip lining, footbridges, hanging swings, hanging nets, and so much more!

TreeUmph!

With over 76 treetop adventure games, there is something for everyone in the group to enjoy! Everyone starts off on the Beginners course, with only the strongest reaching the Expert course. And let’s not forget about the kiddos. This place offers a children’s course for kids ages 7-11. This kids course, known as Children’s APE UP, is a 15ft tall course and includes bridges & nets, a zipline, a climbing wall, and even seesaws…IN THE TREES! How cool is that?!

This place is perfect for birthday parties, field trips, and team building with coworkers. Put your strength and agility to the test while having a blast here at TreeUmph!

21805 E State Road 70, Bradenton, Florida
941-322-2130

Check out some other great places in Bradenton. Like The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Myakka River State Park, and more!

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Realtors The Things that Locals Know!

Realtor – Ryan Sheck

Ryan Sheck, 863-581-4005 RyanLSheck@Gmail.com

There’s no place more perfect to live than the beach, and this is exactly why Ryan decided to make Anna Maria Island his home. Ryan graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. After taking many vacations to the island, he and his wife, Julie, relocated here along with their two children to take full advantage of the Gulfs gorgeous beaches, and fantastic school system Manatee County has to offer. When he’s not working, Ryan can be found boating, fishing, or enjoying a meal at one of the Island’s delicious restaurants.

Ryan’s knowledge in real estate spans building, investing, and selling. He is extremely proud to assist clients with finding their dream homes in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key. Ryan enjoys working with clients to discover a home for them that compliments their personality, and suits their needs. Don’t hesitate any longer; call him today to start your search!

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The Things that Locals Know!

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

After spending hours on the flight, the last thing you want to do is travel even longer in a car and deal with traffic. Especially Tampa traffic. Which is why I always suggest flying into the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport if you can. Unlike Tampa International Airport, the Sarasota Airport is only a 30 minute drive away from AMI. With TPA being over an hour away.

While this airport may be closer, it unfortunately does not offer as many airlines/destinations as TPA does. Unlike Tampa which has over 60 non stop flights (including international flights), Sarasota-Bradenton only has 20, with none being international. However, they do appear to be slowly adding more destinations, so hopefully one day there will be more options. As for now, if you can get a flight to this airport rather than Tampa, I would highly suggest it.