BRADENTON BEACH – One year to the day that Anna Maria Island reopened for business after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Drift-In AMI will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 11.
“What a year it’s been. Despite the devastation and challenges we came together to make Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach a better place. Better, not because we disrespected the past. Better, because we embraced the future, the opportunity to rebuild and create new traditions,” according to the Drift-In Facebook page.
As part of the centennial celebration, Drift-In – which was owned in the late 1930s by legendary professional baseball player George Herman “Babe” Ruth – will display a new statute of Ruth.
Legend has it that Ruth frequented the local watering hole and went from patron to owner.
“On a sultry summer night Babe and friends danced the night away only to leave without paying the “tab.” The following day Ole’ Babe showed back up to clear things up only to be confronted by the owner of the Drift. After a few cheers, an agreement was made and the keys were handed over. Babe owned the bar for a few years as an homage to his father, George Sr., a bar owner himself,” according to the Drift-In AMI website.
At the Thursday, Oct. 16 city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie and the commissioners will be making a special proclamation for the Drift-In centennial.
The Drift-In is located at 120 Bridge St.
