Bradenton Questions or Comments
Holiday Inn Riverfront
I came down to visit bradenton on a business trip and stayed at the Holiday Inn
Riverfront, right there in downtown bradenton. A very nice hotel, but after spending my afternoons and evenings touring the area and looking for real estate, I would recommend staying out on Anna Maria Island. There you are closer to the beach action, waterfront restaurants, and they have tons of hotels and motels to choose from.
Rich Myers, Plant City Florida
Attractions
The Gamble Plantation State Historic Site is located just over the manatee river, right in Palmetto. This is actually a state park, so rare, a nice historic review. It was one of the best homes in southwest florida, at the time. It is still located in prime real estate, and the property is worth a bundle.
Jack Benjamin, Anna Maria Island
Home Town Friday
Fox News was in the city this morning doing one of the Home Town Friday series. It was Russell Rhodes, Bill Murphy., and Dave Osterberg. doing the show outside along the downtown cityscape. They discussed the history of spanish explores coming to the area and the history of the City of Bradenton. Joseph Braden is the person that the city was named after. They had the Bradenton Little League All-Star Team on with Dave doing the weather.
Live Sky Fox did some really good flying and shooting over the city, along the Manatee River. There were tons of boats out on the river to make a nice scene. A nice tv show and great public relations for the Tampa Bay. The South Florida Museum was reviewed, the pirates exhibit, treasures, live sized mammals, Bishop Planetarium, and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. The oldest Manatee in the world resides at the Parker Manatee Aquarium. They also had a representative of the Bradenton's Women's Club, and they discussed the fund raising efforts and goals. The chef from Madison's Riverside Restaurant was on to promote the area and its fine dining experience. Everyone loves the area as the things to do in Bradenton just grows and grows.
Mark Miller, City of Bradenton Resident
Manatee Largest Employers
It might surprise you to know that the list of manatee county's largest employers includes some big names: Tropicana Products, Hoveround, Wellcraft Marine, and Donzi Marine. The Manatee County School Board is the largest non-manufacturing employer.
Tom Arnold, Wagner Realty
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Manatee County Beaches
Coquina Beach
The lovely Coquina Beach is located on the south side of the Anna Maria Barrier Island, and is filled with the little tiny coquina shells as the name suggests. Coquina Beach is quiet and relaxing, and perfect for a family picnic. This beach park has lots of barbecue pits and picnic tables for your use.
Coquina Beach is ideal for those people who prefer calm water and is a good spot for fishing. Here you get to park your vehicle under the shade of the towering Australian Pine Trees, and parking is free. You are safe as lifeguards are on guard, so even small children can play safely along the shoreline. The sand is soft and white, and the beach is just delightful.
Holmes Beach
This is a spectacular Manatee County beach. At Holmes beach you get fine swimming water, a long sandy-white shoreline, and calm gulf breezes. This is a great family friendly Florida getaway. It is one of the Manatee County Public Beaches and has plenty of free parking and wonderful concessions, including their famous pancake breakfast. You get volleyball courts and swings for the children. Holmes Beach is a great beach park for the entire family. Enjoy watching beach volleyball, shoreline walks, snorkeling in the clear water, or relaxing on the beach. It is all here at Holmes Beach.
Cortez Beach
Cortez Beach lies in the southern section of Anna Maria Island, with numerous access points available between 5th and 13th Streets. It is just about a mile or two north of Coquina Beach, down Gulf Drive. We love the free parking and expansive beach area, making it perfect ideal for long walks while watching beautiful sunsets. You are safe at Cortez Beach, with lifeguards on duty during core daylight hours. Facilities include restrooms, nice picnic tables under the pines, and beach showers. Beach goers will love this Anna Maria Island fun spot.
Beach Thoughts
Beach Picnic Near Bradenton
Question: Hello, I'm not sure if you can help but I wanted to ask a couple questions. I live about an hour from Bradenton. We would like to plan a birthday party for our son at one of the Bradenton beaches as we have a lot of family in that area. Do any of the beaches have pavilion's for such an occasion? And can they be rented or is it first come first serve. Is there a list of rules for us to prepare? e.g. alcohol or glass bottles permitted?
Any comments would be appreciated. Have a super day!
Regards, Amy S.
Answer: Hi Amy...The two places our family liked the most are the Anna Maria Island Bayfront Park and Holmes Beach. There are more tables and it is not as crowded at Anna Maria Island Bayfront Park. In addition, the fishing piers are next to the park and are a blast to walk out on. However, Holmes Beach is more of a pure beach area and a super spot for a picnic day as well. The phone numbers to each beach park are listed, so you might double check on reservations and specific rules. Perhaps try pouring your bottled drinks into those red or blue disposable 16 ounce cups, so you won't have any issues with bottles.
Have a great beach day!
