HOLMES BEACH – The Fourth of July holiday was celebrated a little differently on Anna Maria Island this year due to COVID-19.
Without an official fireworks display and without a parade led by the Anna Maria Island Privateers, the holiday celebrations on the Island were a little quieter, a little calmer and observed differently, even by beachgoers.
At Manatee Beach, the crowds were smaller over the holiday weekend, with those choosing to come out practicing social distancing on the sand, many wearing masks or other face coverings. A staff member from the Anna Maria Island Beach Café was stationed in the breezeway at the door to the gift shop and restaurant making sure that anyone entering the business was wearing a mask or face covering. Members of the Manatee County Code Enforcement team were stationed along the beach and throughout the parking area to encourage social distancing and safe practices.
Out on the beach, groups largely kept their distance from each other, even when in the water.
And while some fireworks still lit the night sky, next year’s official July 4 celebrations promise to be bigger and better.
