After more than 20 years of living in Florida, I no longer look for vacation destinations that involve beaches and water views. People who have lived north for most of their lives become obsessed with the weather and beach proximity in their travel destination, but for me, it’s the last thing I consider when I travel. I figure that as long as it’s not snowing and the temperature stays above freezing, I’m fine. However, for most of the world, a beach vacation is at the top of their list, and as we all know, Anna Maria Island and the entire coastline of Florida has some of the best in the world.
Travel & Leisure Magazine did a study of the most charming small towns in Florida. Anna Maria Island came in second, and they noted that it’s the best kept secret in Florida. Really? Have you noticed the traffic filtering onto the Island from both bridges recently? No secret about that. Nevertheless, since Palm Beach Island came in number one, I figure we’re in good company with more affordable restaurants and more accessible beaches.
Just when you think we’re done with all these crazy travel rankings, inflating prices, traffic and beach blanket congestion, another one pops up. This time it’s a travel website called Holidu.com, a search and booking website for vacation rentals – again, just what we need; more rental publicity. Holidu.com declared that Coquina Beach is number four in Florida for 2021. They point out the ubiquitous aqua blue waters, picnic areas, availability of fast food and cold drinks. They forgot to mention the snail’s pace going over the Cortez Bridge and lack of parking once you get there. Our only hope is that Siesta Key, which came in number one, will draw the out-of-town crowds and keep them off our “pristine” beaches.
Now that I’ve had my little vent, we can talk about real estate. Those of us who live far west in Manatee County may think what goes on further north and east doesn’t affect us, but unfortunately it does, and in a very serious way. The most recent plan currently being evaluated by the county planning staff is for the first phase of construction of a 288-acre multiuse development at the northern entrance to the county.
Robinson Gateway in Parrish is being planned for the northeast corner of Interstate 75 and Moccasin Wallow Road. The plan is for 542 residential units, 900,000 square feet of retail space, 600,000 square feet of office space, a 1,750-seat movie theatre and 350 hotel rooms in addition to about 40 acres of open space and parks. This is on top of the North River Ranch development already under construction with 6,000 homes planned.
County planners are naturally genuinely concerned about the traffic that all of this new construction will generate. I’m concerned about the amount of traffic all of these new residents to Manatee County will generate when they discover our beautiful beaches that everyone else in the world seems to know about, our small-town vibe, unique shops and trendy restaurants.
I guess progress can’t be stopped, but it still makes me sad that our little world is rapidly changing. As far as travel, I actually welcome the change from warm sunny days to chilly gray skies; it makes me grateful for Florida weather when I return home. And that, of course, is the problem. Everyone loves warm weather and sunny skies, and will continue to seek it out.
