Video above via my iphone4 low resolution #2 camera on the face of the phone.
I managed to break away from my to-do list long enough to enjoy a couple of hours on Anna Maria beach Wednesday. The water was really clear despite the chop from the stiff afternoon sea breeze. There was a fairly large crowd at the Manatee Public Beach so I drove north to the Magnolia access.
My usual parking place–the dirt lot at the corner of Magnolia and Gulf Drive, across from the old IGA–is now reserved for patrons of the Sandbar restaurant. This was a real downer because I’ve been parking there since about 1978. However, Anna Maria has opened up a couple of spaces along the street for parking and I managed to snag one, though I looked with nostalgia upon the surfeit of parking spaces in the nearly empty lot across the street.
I enjoyed a relaxing swim, cooled off in the breeze, and watched the happy clouds drift by. Then I had to get back to my to-do list. I’m hoping to spend a couple of days on Anna Maria this fall, just to hang out and listen to the sounds of the surf all night.
Here’s a very short video clip of the water and beach I shot Wednesday with my Canon S5 IS point-and-shoot:
For comparison, below is a short video clip of the water on Treasure Island in Pinellas County, shot the day before with my iphone4. Note the difference in water color and clarity. I have no idea why Pinellas County beaches do not generally have the same water clarity that Anna Maria and Longboat Key have. But it is definitely worth the drive down to Anna Maria to luxuriate in the clear bright green waters.
Shallow water off Anna Maria beach, looking north toward Magnolia Ave.
Because of limited public parking and no facilities this beach on Anna Maria Island rarely gets crowded.
Getting the kids involved in "sponsoring" sea turtle nests is a great idea. They need to learn early to be good stewards of nature.
Cumulus clouds paint a picture over Anna Maria Island. Looking south towards Holmes Beach.
My "office."
Cumulonimbus clouds were quickly growing over Bradenton and menacing the island. As it turned out, they remained east of the island and blew north across the Manatee River.
This is one of the main reasons people come to Anna Maria Island during August. What else can you do when the air and water are both 90 degrees? Thank God for the sea breeze!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know how folks are doing the beach these days. I’m just as much a lover of the beach as the next Floridian, but dang its hot out there. And, as you mentioned, the water temperature is just as hot as the air temps.
Better to go early in the morning or an hour before sunset if possible.
I love the Cumulonimbus clouds photo,well honestly I love ALL the photo’s. Only been to AMI once and loved it,we only live a cpl hrs from there so you think we’d go more,the water is the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Parking was an issue,we didnt do any research so we stayed at Rod n Reel and walked to Bean Point,that was really pretty but it was Jan & very very cold. Is parking hard to find? We did visit Sandbar & liked it alot even though it was packed but again,cold and very windy. Thanks for the photo’s,they are really pretty
:)
Hi Alice, yes parking is an issue on the island. There is now some additional street parking available but it is still not enough. I recommend that us Florida residents visit the island between June and November to avoid the crowds. Also, avoid going on Friday,Saturday or Sunday when the weekenders arrive. During winter that wind really bites out on the beach!
Hey there Beachhunter. I was on Anna Maria for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was beautiful! The water was so clear – my husband and I walked out for (it seemed like) a half a mile in the shallow sandbars.
I think we were on the same side as the sandbar restaurant but maybe a bit north of that? I’m not too sure I guess! Anyway, a beautiful place to be. I can’t wait to go back.
Hi Cheryl,
The photos you posted on your blog of your trip to Anna Maria ( http://cherylsshells.blogspot.com/2010/08/1920s-gala-and-anna-maria-island.html )were taken up near the north point. You must have parked on the street somewhere around Fern? That’s about half a mile north of the Sandbar restaurant. They’ve got lots of luxurious beachfront homes up that way. I see you took some photos of them. Northern Anna Maria, where North Shore Drive wraps around the point is a very quiet neighborhood. You’ve got to be careful when you are in the water that close to the point though. When the tide is running there can be a swift current. You do some really nice work with shells. Anyone looking to purchase some beautiful and practical shell crafts should definitely visit your store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherylsshells
Thank you so much Beachhunter – for the info on Anna Maria and for the blog/shop mention. That was very kind of you!
I am really looking forward to another trip over there. The water is just to beautiful. Have a great Wednesday
Oh wow – this really made me homesick for Anna Maria. We got to spend two weeks there again this year in June (in-laws own a place there) and I believe AMI is the best beach community on the planet, with the best sand and water anywhere – thanks for the gift of the photos!
Glad you enjoyed, Steve.
I can almost picture myself there right now. The beaches on Anna Maria are my favorite. I always enjoy reading your blogs. Whenever I need a “beach fix,” I check out your videos and pictures. Sadly, we weren’t able to vacation on AMI last year. I’m hoping we can come back this fall. I miss AMI so much that my heart literally aches when I see your pictures.
Thanks Lisa. AMI will be here waiting for you…