About the Island

In 2005, in order to minimize the risks of drowning or serious injury, the state of Florida adopted a uniform warning flag program. The state’s beach warning flag program uses flags in four colors accompanied by interpretive signs, typically found on lifeguard stands, along the beach to explain the meaning of each color. There are two AMI public beaches that have lifeguards present—Coquina Beach and Manatee County Public Beach—between 9:00… Continue Reading Warning Flags

Remember that swimming in currents and waves is much more different from swimming in a pool as the conditions can change quickly. In addition, swimming in currents and waves will cause fatigue more quickly than swimming in a pool. When swimming in the Gulf or Bay waters, keep a lookout for smooth water located between breaking waves, as this could be the presence of a rip current. According to the… Continue Reading Rip Currents/Tides

Once you’re on Anna Maria Island, you can’t go any further north than Bean Point. Named after George Emerson Bean, Anna Maria Island’s first permanent resident, Bean Point is located on a secluded stretch of beach of what was Bean’s original homesteaded property. With breathtaking views of the sunset reflecting off the calming azure waters of where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay, Bean Point is a local secret.… Continue Reading Bean Point

Anna Maria Access at the end of the streets off of Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. Favorite spot is Bean Point at the northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island. Bayfront Park is at the north end of the island on North Bay Blvd. Amenities at Bayfront include large picnic shelter with grills, children’s playground, and restrooms. Anna Maria City Pier is a popular spot for tourists and anglers at the end… Continue Reading Manatee County’s Popular Beaches

Descriptions of all the trolley stops on Anna Maria Island and cross streets of their locations. Each of the trolley stops are numbered and correspond to a star on the maps. Continue Reading Trolley Stop Locations

Part of the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) system, the Anna Maria Island Trolley is a convenient FREE service and is a great way to tour the island. The trolley runs on 20 minute intervals between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and then 30 minute intervals until 10:30 p.m. For the biking enthusiast, you can load your bike on convenient racks provided at the front of the trolley. Beginning on… Continue Reading Anna Maria Island Trolley