Let’s Go to the Movies! The Bradenton Royal Palm Movie Theater shows ‘em all…

Every once in a while, a little rain must fall.  But when you are staying on Anna Maria Island, you still have lots to do, and lots of activities to choose from.   As we’ve mentioned before on our Top Six Things to Do on a Rainy Day blog , going to the movies can be a good way to pass the time away on a rainy afternoon, or a lazy afternoon, or any afternoon, or evening, for that matter.  Just a quick car ride across the Cortez Bridge and out 53rd Ave/SR70 will take you to the Carmike Royal Palm 20 Theater, where you can catch the latest releases on the big screen.  The Royal Palm 20 is located at 5125 26^th Street in Bradenton (map it here).  That’s right, 20 theaters playing the latest shows only a hop, skip and a jump (and about 20 minutes in the car) from the beach!   Check out their website for showtimes.  Their Super Bargain shows start at $6.00 and prices go up from there.  If you are a planner, you can head to Fandango and purchase your tickets to your favorite show online, ahead of time.  They also accept Visa and Mastercard at the ticket counter, and the concession stand. 

The last time we were there, the debate was not over which movie to see, but what to add to the popcorn!  The concession stand has a whole” Personalize your Popcorn” station.  You can add their tasty shakers o’ flavor to your classic movie snack.  They have savory and sweet flavors-including cheese!  But the winner for my crowd was our own purchase, and the old stand by- M&Ms!  It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet…and it’s always a pleasant surprise in the dark of the theater, to guess how many chocolatey treats you might grab out of the bucket!  If you make it early for your show, there’s a seating area in the lobby where you can nosh while you wait.  There is plenty of signage too, to make sure you know which direction to head to catch your flick.   The theaters are good sized, and the seats are large and comfy, with cup holders big enough for those gi-normous drinks! 

So, if you are looking for a rainy day activity, or date night fun, head in to town to catch a movie.  They are SURE to be playing something you’ll enjoy at the Royal Palm 20!  Oh yeah, did I mention they have 3-D movies as well?  Sorry, these movies are a bit more expensive but they do supply 3-D plastic glasses to enjoy the movie with, and what a thrill!

Anna Maria Island celebrates Geckofest 2010 with a display at Duffy’s Tavern!

Anyone driving around the past few months always asks me the same questions – what’s with the big creatures on all the buildings? No, they are not bugs, no they are not dinosaurs… they are part of Gecko Fest 2010! I have LOVED spotting all the Geckos and searching for new ones! Local artists and sponsors have gotten together to design and display the adorable 6 foot Geckos which have adorned businesses and county buildings since December 2009. My husband and I are definitely headed to the preview party is this Friday, April 16th at downtown riverfront Rossi Park. The Geckos will then enjoy a float ride down Manatee Ave during the Heritage Festival Parade April 24th. Each Gecko is unique and aptly named so, such as “Van Gecko” by artist Mindy Colton which sports a VanGough Starry Night motif, and “Legends of Duffy’s” by artist Annemarie Nicholas that proudly rests on our island’s beloved Duffy’s Tavern. There are over 60 Geckos offered for auction at the Gala scheduled for May 1st. Not sure what they are going for, yet I’m still going to bid on my favorite, “Freedom” by artist January Eldred – this little guy is all red white and blue!

Island Real Estate Offers Deep Discounted Thrifty Car Rental Rates

Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island is happy to announce our recent affiliation with the Thrifty Car Rental company making it possible to offer our guests a significant discount on their rental car costs.

If are looking for a rental car while vacationing with us in Anna Maria Island or in other cities, just click on the Thrifty Car Rental logo on our website to make your reservations.   You can then easily pick up your car at the airport or other locations when you arrive.

Savings can be up to 40% off  in most cases depending on travel dates.  Island Real Estate’s Corporate Code is 004C005932.  This code should be entered in the Corporate Code box to enjoy the discounts we are able to pass on to our guests and clients.

Here are some helpful rental car tips:

• Always print your confirmation when you book your reservation online.  It is always helpful to have a copy of the confirmation with you in case of any discrepancies on the rental fee.
• Check back from time to time and re-price your reservation.  Rates change often and you may be able to lower your cost by re- booking the reservation.   Don’t forget to use our discount Corporate Code 004C005932.
• Join the car rental company’s frequent renter program.  This will often save you time in line for picking up the vehicle, and may even offer special discounts.
• Check for different car classes. You may find a special offer on a minivan rather than a compact at times.  It pays to shop the car classes. When gas prices rise, you may find that a SUV rents for less than a mid-size car.

Don’t forget to book your next vacation to Anna Maria Island with us at Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island.   We are here 7 days a week for your convenience and offer everything from luxury gulf front accommodations to Old Florida style cottages from gulf front to bay and canal front and everything in between!

If you need additional information on which Airport to fly into ,etc be sure to visit our Travel to Anna Maria Island Information page.

G. T. Bray Park is a large park in Bradenton, Fl

G.T. Bray Park located in Bradenton, Fl has something for everyone.  You can walk tree rimmed paths, swing on the swing in one of the three playgrounds, swim and play in the water fountains or take your dog to the very safe enclosed dog park.

If you are looking to have a larger event while visiting Bradenton or Anna Maria Island then G.T. Bray Park could be your perfect ticket.  The Bradenton park has seven pavilions (Picnic Shelters.)  Of course sizes vary.  If you refer to the map below the numbers here correlate to those on the GT Bray park map.  (1)Cedar Hammock (2) Oak Knoll (3) Hickory Hollow (4) Meadow View (5) Woodland Grove (6) Whispering Pine (7) Bright Outlook – located adjacent to the Activity Center.  For information on availability of the picnic pavilions call (941) 742-5974.

The dog park is called happy tails and is a perfect treat for pet visitors to Anna Maria Island.  Happy Tails Canine Park is a fenced in, 3-acre off leash dog park located at the North East corner of G.T. Bray Bradenton park.  Happy Tails is just off 51st Street West. Amenities at the dog park includes one drinking fountain and free waste bags and a enclosed separate area exclusively for small, fragile, or elderly dogs.

This Bradenton park is a great place to relax or play soccer, softball or football in one of their many open fields.  Tennis and racquetball  courts are available year round.  There is a weight room available for a fee.  Skate and hockey court is also just one of the great amenities the Bradenton park has to offer.  The skate park is located at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, Fl, 34209.

Depending on the time of year you are visiting the beaches of Anna Maria Island, you can find many family friendly events for children all  year long.  The Christmas party is a must see, Santa Claus flies in on a helicopter with Batman to give the children their opportunity to tell him what they want for Christmas and have their photos taken.  The holiday celebration is perfect for families of all ages, face painting, bounce houses, games, crafts, etc.  Easter is when they have the largest Easter egg hunt I have ever seen!  The G.T. Park staff fill and lay out thousands of eggs.  Imagine three baseball outfields covered in plastic Easter

eggs!  These are just a few holiday events that the G.T. Bray park has to offer.

G.T. Bray Park
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, Florida
(941) 742-5923

Robinson Preserve Information

If your family is looking for something adventurous and would enjoy a bike-ride on newly-paved trails, a walk along the nature paths, kayaking through the paddle trails, a climb up an Observation Tower or would just prefer to enjoy the wildlife, then Robinson Preserve is the perfect way to entertain the whole family!

The Robinson Preserve is located in Northwest Bradenton, about a 10-15 min drive off Anna Maria Island. Open year-round, Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.  Free Admission and parking.  Tours only by request and usually last about 2 hours.  Make an appointment by calling ahead of time.

Bring your bathing suit if you would like to go for a swim.  The Preserve also has plenty of picnic tables across from the Visitor Center to have a meal or a little snack. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as it can be very hot, especially during summer!!

Are you bringing your dog on vacation? Bring them to Robinson Preserve! Just make sure that you bring a leash and plenty of water!

1690 99th St NW

Bradenton,FL 34209
(941)748-4501

Robinson Preserve Downloadable Trail Map, Bradenton Florida

Sweet Berries Frozen Custard & Eatery

Sweet Berries is known for the best homemade frozen custard in the area.  Sweet Berries has been voted “best in the area” every year since it has been opened! Sweet Berries boasts a family-friendly, small town atmosphere which is a very inviting and a pleasant experience.  Their food menu consists of Soups, Salads and Sandwiches which are all made daily. Prices range from $6-$10.

If you are in the mood for ice cream and have tried a few shops on Anna Maria Island then make the 10 minute ride down Manatee Avenue, State Route 64.  You won’t be sorry.  Sweet Berries Ice Cream is fantastic and worth the ride from Anna Maria.   Their specialty is a “Concretes”. Concretes are hard-packed frozen custard and absolutely delicious.  They are very similar to a blizzard and Sweet Berries claim to fame is they will hold your Concrete upside down as they hand it to you to show it is packed nice and tight.  Don’t worry, if you are looking for a simple, creamy delicious, ice cream cone Sweet Berries will fill the need.  If you are looking for a great family environment, fresh menu or/and great ice cream then SweetBerries is for you!  They do have an outdoor seating area as well as an outdoor ice cream order center.  Sweet Berries is open until 10PM and some nights until 11 PM.

Please go to the Sweet Berries website to find out more information and take a look at the menu.

Sweet Berries Frozen Custard and Eatery
4500 Manatee Ave West
Bradenton,FL 34209
(941)750-6771

If you are looking for more things to do on Anna Maria Island be sure to visit our top ten things to do lists.

Perfect Anna Maria Island Rainy day entertainment, a movie

Rainy days while at the beach can be difficult however I have fond memories as a child seeing the Star War series while on several vacations with my family.  Watching a movie is perfect evening or rainy day entertainment while staying on Anna Maria, Florida.  The Oakmont Theater is a short 15 minute drive from Anna Maria Island.  The theater has eight very nice individual theaters that play the latest releases.  The Oakmont is recently renovated and has stadium style seating that allows everyone to get a great view of the movie. 

The movie theater is located on Cortez Road West on the South side just 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island, Fl.  Of course the theater has plenty of popcorn, drinks, candy, and snacks.   If you are looking for dining before or after your movie there are plenty of choices that you will pass by on your way to the Oakmont from Anna Maria Island.

Regal Oakmont 8
4801 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, Fl, 34210
(941) 954-5768

If you need help finding a perfect Anna Maria Island Vacation rental be sure to visit Island Real Estate’s rental website.  If you are looking for a lifetime of memories on Anna Maria Island be sure to see any one of our full-time professional real estate sales associates or visit our website.  If luxury real estate is more your style then be sure to visit our exclusive luxury real estate website.

Anna Maria quick telephone references for property owners

This is a list of quick references for Island Real Estate owners in Manatee county, Florida, which includes but is not limited to, Anna Maria Island, North Longboat Key, and Bradenton. 

Who to call if you see…

illegal dumping… (941) 792-8811 #4969
blockages in County maintained ditches and streams … (941) 708-7522
debris in minor roadside ditches …(941) 708-7497
Water main break …(941) 792-8811 #5268 or # 5216
sewer drainage or back up problem (941) 795-3411
building without permit … (941) 749-3047

Anna Maria Island and surrounding area Flood information

• Never walk or drive through flood waters

When the Emergency Operations Center is activated, you can find shelter information as well as weather updates on their website.  In addition, locally, television channels will be utilized to broadcast information to the public – channels 7, 8, 9, 10, & 13.  In addition the following radio stations will offer information – FM 88.1, 100.7, 105.9, & AM 970, 1420

If your property consistently has flooding problems call the Public Works Department and they will visit your property and offer suggestions to prevent flood damage. … (941) 708-7497

For a review of the Lake Manatee water and release levels call … (941) 746-3020

Building information

If you decide to make major modifications to your home you must be concerned about the definition of “Substantial Improvement.”  If the structure is in a Special Flood Hazard area and your renovation equals or exceeds 50% of its fair market value, your property falls under substantial improvement.  If your property falls under substantial improvement your structure must be elevated to the same guidelines as new construction.  For additional information visit the FEMA website and consult your Island Real Estate Sales Associate.

Bradenton, FL Easter Egg Dash

If you have never witnessed 100’s of children running over 100′ to 36,000 Easter Eggs you should come stay on Anna Maria Island Easter Week and make the 10 minute drive out to G.T. Bray Park 9:30 AM EST on Easter Sunday.  There at G.T. Bray Park, they run an unbelievable operation where 36,000 Easter Eggs are laid out over 4 baseball fields.  They categorize children by ages to ensure the fairest of play.  This year they had 10 grand prizes.  The grand prize…a period of time in the Money booth.  Whatever you catch is yours and believe me there were not coins in the money booth.  Along with the Easter Egg dash they brought the Easter Bunny himself, a large pirate ship sure to get everyone ready for the dash, blow up play areas, as well as games where prizes are given out.  My son gained a prize for smiling and saying “please.”  If you just cannot wait until next year take a look at the video and pictures below.  It just might get you through the year but I dare you not to smile when staring at the pure elation on the children’s faces running towards the thousands of Easter Eggs. 

Link to Easter Egg Dash You Tube Video

Local Medical Centers

There are a few hospitals within a 20 minute drive of Anna Maria Island.  Blake Medical Center is the closest located at 2020 59th Street West
Bradenton,  FL,  34209
Telephone: (941)792-6611

Manatee Memorial Hospital is located in the heart of Bradenton at
206 Second Street East
Bradenton, Fl, 34208 
(941) 746-5111

Pharmacies

There are several Anna Maria Island pharmacies located directly on the island.  The two that come quickly to mind are located in the center of the island just off Manatee Avenue on East Bay Drive.  CVS offers a 1 hour photo center and both CVS and Walgreen’s offer the normal variety of miscellaneous beauty supplies, minor groceries, and beach toys.

CVS
611 Manatee Avenue
Holmes Beach, Fl, 34217
(941) 778-1411
Store #: 3953 

Walgreen’s
3248 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-0451
Store# : 1801

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