Anna Maria Island History
Anna Maria Island, a barrier island on the coast of Manatee County, Florida, is roughly 7 miles long and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Longboat Pass to the south, Anna Maria Sound to the east, and Tampa Bay to the north.
The island's history dates back to the Safety Harbor culture, long before European explorers like the Narvaez and Hernando de Soto expeditions passed by in the 1500s. The first permanent settler, George Emerson Bean, arrived in 1892, and development followed with the establishment of the Anna Maria Beach Company. Notable historical events include the construction of the first bridge to the mainland in 1922 and the development of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach in the mid-20th century.
Anna Maria Island Geography
Anna Maria Island is a sanctuary for a variety of bird species and marine life, including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and numerous fish species. The island is divided into three cities: Anna Maria in the north, Holmes Beach in the center, and Bradenton Beach in the south.
Anna Maria Island Demographics
As of 2020, Anna Maria Island's population was 1,092. The majority of residents are aged 55-84 years old.
Anna Maria Island Historical Population (2010-2020)
Year Population
2010 1,475
2011 1,514
2012 1,389
2013 1,559
2014 1,223
2015 1,224
2016 1,133
2017 1,016
2018 874
2019 724
2020 1,092
2020 Demographics
Racial Composition Population
White (non-Hispanic) 1,034
Black or African-American 2
Hispanic or Latino 12
Asian 3
American Indian and Alaska Native 41
Climate
Anna Maria Island features a tropical climate with a dry winter and a humid summer. Average temperatures range from a high of 72°F in January to 92°F in July and August.
Hurricanes on Anna Maria Island
The island has experienced various hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian in 2022, which caused minimal damage, and Hurricane Irma in 2017, which destroyed the city pier. Other notable hurricanes include Elsa (2021), Hermine (2016), and Frances and Jeanne (2004).
Education on Anna Maria Island
The island hosts Anna Maria Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle and high school students attend schools in nearby Bradenton.
Transportation on Anna Maria Island
The main road is Gulf Drive, which runs the length of the island. There are two bridges to the mainland: the Cortez Bridge and the Manatee Ave. Bridge. The island also offers a free trolley service connecting to the mainland transit systems.
Anna Maria Island Economy
Tourism is a significant part of the island's economy, with many original houses converted into short-term rental units to accommodate visitors. This has led to some local controversies regarding traffic congestion, noise, and parking during peak tourist seasons.