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Tag: Anna Maria Island events

Events

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Entertainment, Events.

Events

Thursday, April 24

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange and Anna Maria Island Historical Society Pat Copeland Scholarship Awards, Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members, $10 for prospective members.

Friday, April 25

Arbor Day tree plantings:

  • Bradenton Beach at Bridge Street west roundabout and Gulf Drive; ribbon cutting of sabal palm, native shrubs and ground cover. 10 a.m.
  • Holmes Beach at 34th and Sixth Avenues; planting of Jamaican caper tree or fiddlewood. 11 a.m.
  • Anna Maria at Villa Rosa Park, South Bay Boulevard; planting of green buttonwood. Noon.
  • Annie Silver Community Center at 103 23rd N. Bradenton Beach; planting of mahogany tree, sabal palm and silver buttonwood; meet your county forester with hot dogs, brats and refreshments. 12:30-1 p.m.

Saturday, April 26

Reel for Rotary fishing tournament. Benefit for disaster relief efforts in Cortez village, support of “Learn to Swim” program and programs at Anna Maria Elementary School. Registration at ianglertournament.com.

Events calendar

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tuesday, Dec. 14

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 15

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party, Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring St., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8315413

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange, Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Bradenton Beach, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for non-members. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

CrossPointe Fellowship Christmas Concert, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 16

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Island Library Book Club, “The Midnight Library,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m. Reserve online 

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

AMI Chamber business card exchange, Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, 5 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members. Reserve online

Shutter Stroll, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 5:15 p.m. Register online

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10-11 a.m. Register online

Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Master Gardener Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Reserve online 

Families Flock Together: Ornament Making, Robinson Preserve, screened pavilion, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m., $5. Reserve online 

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Seeing Stars, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m. Reserve online 

Sunday, Dec. 19

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church Christmas Cantata, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register online or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 20

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Hanging of the Greens, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 21

Winter Solstice Sunrise Paddle, Robinson Preserve, north entrance, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 a.m. Reserve online 

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations are welcome.

Santa visits story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online 

Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online 

Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 22

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve

Saturday, Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Sunday, Dec. 26

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register online or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 27

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 28

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations are welcome.

Wonder Walk, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to coral.bass@mymanatee.org.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online

Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 29

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 1

Happy New Year!

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Shamrock Shiver sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, Cortez Beach between Fourth St. South and 12th St. South, Bradenton Beach, noon. All proceeds benefit The Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Parenting Matters Charities.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 2

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register online or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Tuesday, Jan. 4

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Reserve online 

Strong man competition, holidays cause traffic concerns

Strong man competition, holidays cause traffic concerns

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Community News, Holmes Beach.

LONGBOAT KEY – When officials met for the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting June 18, the topic of discussion turned toward traffic related to holidays and special events.

The previous weekend saw three of the four days of The World’s Strongest Man Competition held on Anna Maria Island with one day at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and two days, including the finals, at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach.

During the day of competition at Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said things went smoothly, both with traffic and crowd control, though he said there was some traffic congestion due to the competition. He said that the Bradenton Beach Police Department provided two officers in addition to the security hired by the event coordinators. In the future, he said it would be appreciated if more advance warning was given to the Island city leaders before large events such as the strong man competition were held.

Commissioner Carol Soustek, representing Holmes Beach, agreed. She said the competition was way more popular with fans than city leaders had anticipated and that parking was a major issue during the two days the competition was held in Holmes Beach. She said more planning would be needed for the next time something like that was held on the Island.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he felt the event was very successful.

“It actually went pretty good,” he said of the event, adding that there was one minor fight that officers broke up and just over 100 parking tickets written over the two-day period.

On Saturday, June 15, he said there were 16 law enforcement officials on-hand, including nine from HBPD, three from Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and four mounted sheriff’s officers. On Sunday he said there were 15 law enforcement officials present for the finals of the competition. Over the two-day period, he said there were around 34,000 cars counted coming onto the Island at Manatee Avenue.

During the event, he said event coordinators were overwhelmed by the crowds that came out to see the athletes compete, saying that this was the largest crowd to attend one of their events.

Though there were no tickets handed out for the event, leaving officials with no real way to count the number of attendees, Tokajer said he estimates that 5,000 to 10,000 people attended the two days of competition in Holmes Beach.

For the future, he suggested that event coordinators designate off-site parking for attendees to cut down on the amount of traffic and confusion with finding parking spaces that he observed during the strong man competition. He also suggested having additional food vendors to help meet the needs of such a large crowd.

At the BIEO meeting, Chappie also brought up a need to discuss the ongoing traffic issues related to holiday weekends on the Island. Over the recent Memorial Day weekend, he said Bradenton Beach police officers experienced issues with crowd control at the beaches and with illegal parking. Soustek said Holmes Beach officers had similar experiences and suggested the Island cities try to work with Manatee County officials to find a balance between celebrating the holidays and special events on the Island with locals and visitors and experiencing overcrowding situations.

Chappie agreed as well as Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. Chappie said a meeting had been scheduled with law enforcement leaders and Manatee County officials to discuss how traffic and crowds related to holidays and special events could be better handled in the future.

Related coverage

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Holiday crowds, traffic overwhelming