If you're still indoors on Black Friday, you are either unwell from too much Thanksgiving turkey, or you hate shopping. Everyone else is out in search of a bargain at the many malls and shopping outlets around the Anna Maria and Bradenton area.
One outlet in Ellenton took some interesting steps this year - opening at midnight and encouraging shoppers to come dressed in their pyjamas!
Take a look at this news excerpt from ABC news. Were you one of the midnight shoppers?
Friday 28 November 2008
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Here's the 511 for travelers
Here is some important news for Thanksgiving travelers from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) which encourages drivers to plan for holiday travel by using its free 511 Travel Information System before getting on the road.
The 511 system provides free, real-time travel information that can save drivers time and money by helping them avoid congestion on all Florida interstate highways, toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike and many metropolitan roadways.
Drivers can also plan trips before getting on the road by creating up to 10 personalized travel routes on http://www.fl511.com/, the website accompanying the service. The site allows users to access and hear roadway updates on their specified routes immediately when calling 511. By creating alternate travel routes, travelers can hear information on other roads if their primary travel route is congested.
The time-saving system is a resource from FDOT that helps manage congestion, reduce emissions and increase safety. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), knowing of congestion or delays helps prevent accidents.
If you are on the roads this week, then be a smart traveler and call 511 before you set off.
The 511 system provides free, real-time travel information that can save drivers time and money by helping them avoid congestion on all Florida interstate highways, toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike and many metropolitan roadways.
Drivers can also plan trips before getting on the road by creating up to 10 personalized travel routes on http://www.fl511.com/, the website accompanying the service. The site allows users to access and hear roadway updates on their specified routes immediately when calling 511. By creating alternate travel routes, travelers can hear information on other roads if their primary travel route is congested.
The time-saving system is a resource from FDOT that helps manage congestion, reduce emissions and increase safety. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), knowing of congestion or delays helps prevent accidents.
If you are on the roads this week, then be a smart traveler and call 511 before you set off.
Monday 24 November 2008
Florida Aquarium up there with the best
Hello fellow Florida travelers,
Did you know that ForbesTraveler.com, one of the most prestigious travel websites for world travelers, has recently named The Florida Aquarium among the top dozen US aquariums?
According to the site, The Florida Aquarium was included for its 'diverse guest programs including Dive with the Sharks, Penguins: Backstage Pass and Explore A Shore, the outdoor water fun zone for children'.
This is the fourth such honor the aquarium has received in as many years. Coastal Living and TripAdvisor.com ranked Tampa's aquarium in its top 10 aquariums in America and Parents Magazine ranked it in their top five "family-friendly aquariums in the country".
Thom Stork, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, likes the trend. "We are constantly striving to improve our guest experience," says Stork. "With the addition of our new gallery, Ocean Commotion, we feel we have added to the ways people can enjoy the wonder of our aquatic world."
See for yourself the wonders of the deep, check out the aquarium's website here
Did you know that ForbesTraveler.com, one of the most prestigious travel websites for world travelers, has recently named The Florida Aquarium among the top dozen US aquariums?
According to the site, The Florida Aquarium was included for its 'diverse guest programs including Dive with the Sharks, Penguins: Backstage Pass and Explore A Shore, the outdoor water fun zone for children'.
This is the fourth such honor the aquarium has received in as many years. Coastal Living and TripAdvisor.com ranked Tampa's aquarium in its top 10 aquariums in America and Parents Magazine ranked it in their top five "family-friendly aquariums in the country".
Thom Stork, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, likes the trend. "We are constantly striving to improve our guest experience," says Stork. "With the addition of our new gallery, Ocean Commotion, we feel we have added to the ways people can enjoy the wonder of our aquatic world."
See for yourself the wonders of the deep, check out the aquarium's website here
Thursday 20 November 2008
Anna Maria recession proof?
Despite almost everything working against us, the figures released by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau show tourism on Anna Maria Island during October climbed nearly 15 per cent compared with the same month last year.
Even with the Anna Maria Island Bridge closed for the month, occupation rates on the island rose from 40.9 percent in October 2007 to 46.6 percent for October 2008, a 14.1 percent rise.
A recent national news story claimed that, according to government figures, Americans have reduced their discretionary spending dramatically because of the economy. Consumer spending dropped 2.8 percent in October, the largest decline in history.
It seems there are some things we just cannot give up - and Anna Maria Island is one of them!
If you haven't come to stay with us yet, visit annamaria.com for the best in island accomodation.
Even with the Anna Maria Island Bridge closed for the month, occupation rates on the island rose from 40.9 percent in October 2007 to 46.6 percent for October 2008, a 14.1 percent rise.
A recent national news story claimed that, according to government figures, Americans have reduced their discretionary spending dramatically because of the economy. Consumer spending dropped 2.8 percent in October, the largest decline in history.
It seems there are some things we just cannot give up - and Anna Maria Island is one of them!
If you haven't come to stay with us yet, visit annamaria.com for the best in island accomodation.
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Hidden doors no more
Heaven forbid you do, but should you ever have occasion to visit city hall on your visit to Anna Maria Island, that particular task is about to become a whole lot easier.
At present there is a sign on the door to the entrance that faces Gulf Drive which advises you to use another (unspecified) entrance. The door to the side of the building facing Pine Avenue says it's for employees only. The east side entrance provides access to the Sheriff's Office, and most of the time, deputies are out in the city, so that entrance is locked.
"People really wander around up there before they find the entrance," Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick said.
But change is afoot. Soon the Pine Avenue parking lot will be open to callers and an entrance placed leading directly from it.
"We have an address on Gulf Drive, and we should have an entrance on Gulf Drive," Mayor Fran Barford said. "As it is now, people can’t find our entrance off Spring Avenue, and if they do get into one of our parking lots, they can’t find the entrance to the building." Not for much longer Fran...
At present there is a sign on the door to the entrance that faces Gulf Drive which advises you to use another (unspecified) entrance. The door to the side of the building facing Pine Avenue says it's for employees only. The east side entrance provides access to the Sheriff's Office, and most of the time, deputies are out in the city, so that entrance is locked.
"People really wander around up there before they find the entrance," Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick said.
But change is afoot. Soon the Pine Avenue parking lot will be open to callers and an entrance placed leading directly from it.
"We have an address on Gulf Drive, and we should have an entrance on Gulf Drive," Mayor Fran Barford said. "As it is now, people can’t find our entrance off Spring Avenue, and if they do get into one of our parking lots, they can’t find the entrance to the building." Not for much longer Fran...
Monday 17 November 2008
Head for the beaches!
Trust a survey to tell us something we already know - like when people come to Anna Maria Island, they want to head straight for the beaches. Well, d'uh...
A study by Research Data Services Inc conducted for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau between March and August, found 96.4 per cent of visitors interviewed said the principle activity during their stay was enjoying the island's beaches, while their second favorite activity was dining out. So people come here to enjoy the beaches in the day, then dine out at night? Hmmm, interesting...
Perhaps more surprisingly, a huge 38.9 per cent said the Anna Maria City Pier was their second favored attraction to visit, following St Armands Circle, which had a 58.9 per cent approval rating. Perhaps even more surprisingly, the Rod & Reel Pier came in as the third most favored attraction to visit, with 38.7 per cent of those surveyed saying they enjoyed the private pier in Tampa Bay just north of the Anna Maria City Pier. Maybe those fishing tales are starting to work.
The study reported 246,800 visitors came to the area during the six-month period, with Florida the most common point of origin. Between March and May, 26.4 per cent of visitors came from a Florida location, while 34.5 per cent of visitors between May and August came from Florida. European visitors accounted for 15.2 per cent of visitors during the winter months and 16.2 per cent during the summer period.
In terms of spending, visitors had a total economic impact of $223 million in the area between March and August, the study said.
Among the respondents between March and May, 59 per cent said they did not consider another location to visit, while 44 per cent had the same answer during the summer months. An average of 33 percent said it was their first visit to the area and 83.5 percent said they planned a return trip.
More than 66 percent of visitors said they received information about the Island from the Internet, while 27.5 per cent said they heard about the Island in a recommendation from friends and relatives.
Well, we're telling you straight, if you don't come to Anna Maria Island, you must be 100 per cent crazy!
A study by Research Data Services Inc conducted for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau between March and August, found 96.4 per cent of visitors interviewed said the principle activity during their stay was enjoying the island's beaches, while their second favorite activity was dining out. So people come here to enjoy the beaches in the day, then dine out at night? Hmmm, interesting...
Perhaps more surprisingly, a huge 38.9 per cent said the Anna Maria City Pier was their second favored attraction to visit, following St Armands Circle, which had a 58.9 per cent approval rating. Perhaps even more surprisingly, the Rod & Reel Pier came in as the third most favored attraction to visit, with 38.7 per cent of those surveyed saying they enjoyed the private pier in Tampa Bay just north of the Anna Maria City Pier. Maybe those fishing tales are starting to work.
The study reported 246,800 visitors came to the area during the six-month period, with Florida the most common point of origin. Between March and May, 26.4 per cent of visitors came from a Florida location, while 34.5 per cent of visitors between May and August came from Florida. European visitors accounted for 15.2 per cent of visitors during the winter months and 16.2 per cent during the summer period.
In terms of spending, visitors had a total economic impact of $223 million in the area between March and August, the study said.
Among the respondents between March and May, 59 per cent said they did not consider another location to visit, while 44 per cent had the same answer during the summer months. An average of 33 percent said it was their first visit to the area and 83.5 percent said they planned a return trip.
More than 66 percent of visitors said they received information about the Island from the Internet, while 27.5 per cent said they heard about the Island in a recommendation from friends and relatives.
Well, we're telling you straight, if you don't come to Anna Maria Island, you must be 100 per cent crazy!
Friday 14 November 2008
Want to see what we're talking about?
If you want to know why Anna Maria Island is so popular with tourists from all over the world year after year, check out this YouTube video produced by the good folks at VisitFlorida. It offers just a brief look at all the attractions Anna Maria has to offer - but don't just take our word for it, come visit yourself.
For the best in Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, click over to annamaria.com and make a reservation today. You won't regret it.
For the best in Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, click over to annamaria.com and make a reservation today. You won't regret it.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Special day on Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island is not just popular with regular holidaymakers, who bring their families year after year to enjoy its safe waters, clean beaches and wonderful weather, there is another niche market who choose our island over any other.
Anna Maria has long been a top destination for happy couples wanting to get married and spend their special somewhere, well, special.
To help those undecided take the final step, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Strolling Wedding Festival to showcase and market ceremony and reception sites and vendors on the island. The event, which will be held January 25, 2009, will feature at least 40 bridal vendors among 12 locations.
As last year, the free island trolley will be available to shuttle couples to merchants, and there will also be a complimentary limousine service for that extra touch of class.
The event will be held from 11am to 6pm. Advance tickets are $7 a person, a $10 per person the day of the event.
This from the AMI Chamber website: 'The registration fee along with visiting at least nine out of the 12 location sites automatically enters you into the prize drawings. There is over $15,000 in prizes including a wedding package which includes many of the amenities for a wedding. Examples of the prizes include dinner gift certificates, spa services, beach or wedding portraits, limo rentals, floral arrangements, music or DJ services, jewelry, island business gift certificates, complimentary resort stays, water sport certificates, sailing certificates and much, much more.
'Upon check in each attendant will receive a complimentary wedding festival tote (to collect information in throughout the day), an island map to all the vendor sites and a schedule of activities and events going on throughout the day. At 5pm everyone will meet at the Sandbar Restaurant for the Sunset celebration where visitors can view a mock wedding after which the prizes will be awarded.'
For more information or to pre-register, call (941) 778-1541 or click on this link
Anna Maria has long been a top destination for happy couples wanting to get married and spend their special somewhere, well, special.
To help those undecided take the final step, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Strolling Wedding Festival to showcase and market ceremony and reception sites and vendors on the island. The event, which will be held January 25, 2009, will feature at least 40 bridal vendors among 12 locations.
As last year, the free island trolley will be available to shuttle couples to merchants, and there will also be a complimentary limousine service for that extra touch of class.
The event will be held from 11am to 6pm. Advance tickets are $7 a person, a $10 per person the day of the event.
This from the AMI Chamber website: 'The registration fee along with visiting at least nine out of the 12 location sites automatically enters you into the prize drawings. There is over $15,000 in prizes including a wedding package which includes many of the amenities for a wedding. Examples of the prizes include dinner gift certificates, spa services, beach or wedding portraits, limo rentals, floral arrangements, music or DJ services, jewelry, island business gift certificates, complimentary resort stays, water sport certificates, sailing certificates and much, much more.
'Upon check in each attendant will receive a complimentary wedding festival tote (to collect information in throughout the day), an island map to all the vendor sites and a schedule of activities and events going on throughout the day. At 5pm everyone will meet at the Sandbar Restaurant for the Sunset celebration where visitors can view a mock wedding after which the prizes will be awarded.'
For more information or to pre-register, call (941) 778-1541 or click on this link
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Fears for missing woman
Anna Maria Island is in the news as police step up their search for Sabine Musil-Buehler, the co-owner of Haley’s Motel in Holmes Beach, who was officially reported missing on November 6. Friends and family on Anna Maria Island say they last saw the 49-year-old on election day.
Musil-Buehler was first reported missing by her husband — from whom she was separated — business partner and friend, Tom Buehler.
Buehler and Musil-Buehler have been married for 14 years. They have been separated for six years even though they continued living together recently, he said. They own Haley’s Motel on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.
Buehler reported his wife missing Thursday morning after he received a 3:30am call from authorities, when deputies made a traffic stop on her car — a white 2000 Pontiac Sunfire — saying three men were in the car.
Deputies stopped Robert Corona, 38, of Bradenton, driving her car. Corona told deputies he had been partying with Musil-Buehler all night and he had lost track of her.
Musil-Buehler was first reported missing by her husband — from whom she was separated — business partner and friend, Tom Buehler.
Buehler and Musil-Buehler have been married for 14 years. They have been separated for six years even though they continued living together recently, he said. They own Haley’s Motel on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.
Buehler reported his wife missing Thursday morning after he received a 3:30am call from authorities, when deputies made a traffic stop on her car — a white 2000 Pontiac Sunfire — saying three men were in the car.
Deputies stopped Robert Corona, 38, of Bradenton, driving her car. Corona told deputies he had been partying with Musil-Buehler all night and he had lost track of her.
Monday 10 November 2008
Bridging the gap
Hello there. Those of you who have been to Anna Maria Island before will have travelled over one of the bridges connecting our beautiful island to the mainland of Florida. If you came here recently you will also have noticed the repairs going on to Anna Maria Bridge as part of a $10.1million renovation and repair project.
Well, after pre-construction estimates said the bridge would need to close for 45 days it was re-opened Thursday, six days ahead of schedule.
FDOT representative Audrey Clarke, speaking to ABC7 news, said: "The bridge is 51 years old. This is basically just regular maintenance. We know that this is a tourist season and the tourists are starting to come back into the area, so it provides access to the business owners, to the visitors, and to residents who live in the area. You don't want to hit tourist season with that thing closed, that was for sure."
You're not wrong there Audrey, but thanks for making our lives, and those who are coming to vist Anna Maria, that much easier.
Well, after pre-construction estimates said the bridge would need to close for 45 days it was re-opened Thursday, six days ahead of schedule.
FDOT representative Audrey Clarke, speaking to ABC7 news, said: "The bridge is 51 years old. This is basically just regular maintenance. We know that this is a tourist season and the tourists are starting to come back into the area, so it provides access to the business owners, to the visitors, and to residents who live in the area. You don't want to hit tourist season with that thing closed, that was for sure."
You're not wrong there Audrey, but thanks for making our lives, and those who are coming to vist Anna Maria, that much easier.
Friday 7 November 2008
Vacation staying, says America
Hello travel fans, welcome to our new travel guide. It will concentrate on Anna Maria, where I work, but I'll be adding all sorts of goodies here from now on, so make sure you check back regularly and keep up to date with all that's going on in the world of travel.
The credit crunch and global financial troubles might be biting, but it seems the world still needs a break and according to research done by Apple Vacations. Sandy Babin, Vice President of Marketing, Apple Vacations said: "Consumers will be able to keep their vacation plans for 2009 without giving up the things they love."
That's right, so why not get your new year off to the perfect start with a break in sunny Florida? Check out the prices on Annamaria.com and come join us in paradise.
Happy trails...
The credit crunch and global financial troubles might be biting, but it seems the world still needs a break and according to research done by Apple Vacations. Sandy Babin, Vice President of Marketing, Apple Vacations said: "Consumers will be able to keep their vacation plans for 2009 without giving up the things they love."
That's right, so why not get your new year off to the perfect start with a break in sunny Florida? Check out the prices on Annamaria.com and come join us in paradise.
Happy trails...
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