Florida's Gulf Islands Visitors Guide® 2008 - (Page 10) find your way to OUR world OUR LAND Florida’s Gulf Islands are tucked away on Florida’s southwest coast in Manatee County, situated south of Tampa and north of Sarasota. The two idyllic islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key are accessible by two toll-free bridges from the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. left the area in relative quiet for a few hundred years. In the late 1800s, Emerson Bean and Charles Roser, inventor of the Fig Newton, played instrumental roles in building the community that is so rich and thriving today. LAKEWOOD RANCH To the southeast of Bradenton, this 7,000-acre master-planned community offers world-class recreational facilities, from the Sarasota Polo Club to the Sarasota International Cricket Club and its very own Main Street entertainment district. Anchored by University Parkway (I-75 exit 213 east), this cultural community winds north across the Braden River above SR 64 (I-75 exit 220 east). GETTING HERE By Air Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) 6000 Airport Cir., Sarasota 941-359-5200 941-359-2770 www.srq-airport.com Located between Manatee and Sarasota counties, this international airport is served by most major airline carriers and rental car companies. Reader Response 21. See ad on page 46. OUR COMMUNITY Our destination attracts over two million annual visitors to Florida’s Gulf Islands. Manatee County is a mid-size Florida community, with 741 square miles of land, 150 miles of coastline and 311,000 residents. Our islands are home to 16,000 people. OUR SEAS Visitors to our islands are surrounded on all sides by shimmering waters. The Gulf of Mexico sits to the west, Tampa Bay hugs the north, and Sarasota Bay wraps the eastern shores. Even our mainland enjoys our waterways, with the Manatee and Braden Rivers meandering through our towns. PALMETTO Located on the north shore of the Manatee River, this quaint city is home to Palmetto Historical Park, the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and the Madira Bickel Mound State Archeological Site, an ancient Native American site. OUR ISLANDS Seven-and-a-half-mile Anna Maria Island is a nostalgic look back to a time when people and things moved slower. As a matter of fact, the maximum speed limit is just 35 miles per hour. Cross the bridge onto Longboat Key and you’re transported into a secluded barrier island with an upscale shopping center anchoring its south end. Tampa International Airport (TIA) 5503 W. Spruce St., Tampa 813-870-8700 www.tampaairport.com Located 40 miles to the north, the Tampa International Airport is served by most major airline carriers and rental car companies. Non-stop charter service is available from Canada and selected U.S. cities. OUR BEACHES More than 27 miles of white sand beaches offer amenities such as barbecue pits, concession stands, lifeguards and free parking. Anna Maria Island is home to Anna Maria Beach, Bayfront Park, Holmes Beach, Manatee County Public Beach, Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach, while Longboat Key claims Greer Park (Beer Can) Island, Conrad Beach and Whitney Beach. ELLENTON Just a short drive east from Palmetto (I-75 exit 224), Ellenton is home to Prime Outlets, with more than 130 factory direct stores, and historic Gamble Plantation, the only antebellum plantation house surviving in peninsular Florida. By Boat The Twin Dolphin Marina (941-747-8300) in downtown Bradenton is a 230-slip marina offering telephone, cable TV, electric and water services, as well as a heated pool and spa, bike rentals, restaurant and more. BRADENTON With its hip personality, downtown Bradenton combines antiques shops, restaurants and a waterfront district, plus a unique collection of bungalows transformed into art galleries. Home to its own international airport, Bradenton combines culturally advanced attractions like the South Florida Museum with down-home friends, including Snooty™, the world’s oldest manatee and the area’s official mascot. Located to the west of I-75, exits 217 and 220. VISITORS BUREAU For information on places to stay and things to do on Florida’s Gulf Islands, call 1-866-906-TIME, go to www.floridasgulfislands.com, or visit the tourist information kiosk located in Prime Outlets, just off I-75, exit 224 in Ellenton. OUR CLIMATE A warm climate year-round works wonders for island visitors. An annual average temperature of 75 degrees is complemented by blues skies, puffy clouds and spectacular sunsets. Winter visitors enjoy highs of 75 and lows of 50 while summer guests bask in highs of 90 and lows of 70. GROUND TRANSPORTATION Several taxi, limousine and shuttle services can get you to Florida’s Gulf Islands. Once here, Manatee County Area Transit buses run along 11 routes. On Anna Maria Island, the free Manatee Trolley runs the length of the island, running every 20 minutes daily. By Car Just 40 miles south of Tampa and 15 miles north of Sarasota, visitors can take Interstate 75 or Highway 41 from the north or south. From St. Petersburg, take I-275 south across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to I-75 or Highway 41 south. SR 64 (I-75 exit 220) and SR 70 (I-75 exit 217) westbound will get you to water! OUR HISTORY The area was settled by the Timucuan Indians who, according to legend, named the Manatee River for the gentle sea cows that still slowly swim along area inlets. Spanish explorers claimed the area around 1530, but eventually Happy 60th Snooty! Page 10 | 1-866-906-TIME to visit http://www.srq-airport.com http://www.tampaairport.com
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