The Island of Anna Maria, Manatee County, Florida, is located 40 miles south of Tampa and seven miles west of Bradenton. It can be accessed by SR 64, over the Manatee Avenue Bridge, SR 684 over the Cortez Bridge or a third bridge offers access from Longboat key to the island. Stretching 7 and a half miles from Tampa Bay south to Longboat Key Pass, Anna Maria Island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island Sound on the east and Sarasota Bay to the south. The Island is populated with friendly, easy-going inhabitants. Narrowing winding streets are framed with lush tropical growth. Anglers of all ages fish from rustic, yet sturdy piers. Magnificent white sandy beaches overlook the enchanted Gulf of Mexico. Jet skis skim over the waves, while sailboats drift along the coast. Families picnic on the bay or Gulf front parks.

The Island has four distinctive seasons: in mid-October, the summer Caribbean trade winds are blocked by the first northern cold front. Temperatures drop to the 70's overnight, as does the humidity. Days reach temperatures in the 70's and 80's with cool, crisp evenings. The trade winds typically influence the climate by mid-May, daytime temperatures are up around the 90 degree mark. Steady breezes and gentle rainstorms lead to comfortable and refreshing evenings. Another summer weather plus is watching an Anna Maria Island sunset with its colorful afterglow along the horizon.