Anna Maria is a small city located on the west coast of Florida in Manatee County. It is bordered by the cities of Bradenton, Holmes Beach, and Longboat Key as well as the towns of Palmetto and Cortez.
Bradenton is located just south of Anna Maria and is home to the South Florida Museum, which features an extensive collection of natural history exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs for visitors. The city also has a variety of shopping centers and restaurants along its historic downtown district.
Holmes Beach is a small city located to the east of Anna Maria. It was once known as “the smallest beach town in America” due to its size but has since grown into a popular tourist destination with plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. From fishing charters and parasailing to kayaking and dolphin watching there are plenty of outdoor activities available here.
Longboat Key lies just north of Anna Maria and boasts some stunning beaches along its coastline. Along with swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities visitors can also take advantage of boat rentals or guided eco-tours in search of local wildlife like manatees or dolphins.
Palmetto is located directly east from Anna Maria across the Manatee River. Here visitors can explore historical sites such as Gamble Plantation Historic State Park or take part in recreational activities like golfing or kayaking at Emerson Point Preserve.
Finally, Cortez lies just south from Anna Maria across Sarasota Bay where one can find quaint seafood restaurants serving up local delicacies such as stone crab claws or grouper sandwiches. There are also several charter boat companies offering fishing excursions out into the Gulf Of Mexico where anglers can catch their own dinner!
Population of Anna Maria, Florida
Anna Maria is a city located on the west coast of Florida in Manatee County. As of the 2020 census, the population was recorded as 1,814 people. The city is made up of a diverse community that is comprised of many different ethnicities, backgrounds and ages.
The majority of Anna Maria’s population is white with a median age of 63 years old. In comparison, the median age for Manatee County is 43 years old. The majority of residents are married couples who own their homes and have lived in Anna Maria for an average of 19 years. The largest age group in Anna Maria is 65-74 year olds which make up 31% of the population followed by those aged 75 and over at 28%.
In addition to its elderly population, Anna Maria has a sizable Hispanic/Latino community which makes up 12% of its total population with most identifying as Mexican or Puerto Rican. Other minority groups include African Americans (3%), Asians (2%) and Native Americans (1%).
Anna Maria’s economy relies heavily on tourism which provides employment opportunities for many local residents. The area also has several small businesses such as boat rentals, charter fishing companies and restaurants that draw visitors from near and far to its sandy white beaches.
Overall, Anna Maria offers its residents a laid back lifestyle with plenty to do both indoors and out throughout the year making it an attractive destination for young families as well retirees alike!
Schools and Education in Anna Maria, Florida
Anna Maria is home to several schools that serve the educational needs of its residents. The Anna Maria Elementary School is the only K-8 school in the city and offers students a variety of classes from math and science to music and art. The school has been recognized for its excellent academic performance, with students consistently scoring higher than the state average on standardized tests. Check collegesanduniversitiesinusa for Florida colleges and universities.
For high school students, there are several options in the area such as Bayshore High School and Manatee High School. Both schools offer a wide range of classes and activities including sports teams, art and music programs, as well as advanced placement courses.
In addition to public schools, Anna Maria also offers several private institutions such as St. Stephens Episcopal School which provides kindergarten through eighth grade education with a focus on Christian values. Other private schools include The Island Montessori Academy which offers pre-kindergarten through sixth grade classes, and Manatee Preparatory Academy which provides grades 7-12 with an emphasis on college preparation.
The city also has two post secondary institutions: The University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee Campus offering undergraduate degrees in business, health sciences, nursing and more; and Manatee Technical College providing career training programs in areas such as healthcare, hospitality management and computer technology.
Anna Maria’s educational system is dedicated to providing quality learning opportunities for all students no matter their age or background so that they can pursue their goals for a successful future!
Places of Interest in Anna Maria, Florida
Anna Maria is home to a number of attractions that make it a great destination for visitors year round. The area’s beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, while the nearby bay offers excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Nature lovers will also appreciate the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring Program which offers educational programs and opportunities to participate in turtle nesting patrols.
The historic Anna Maria City Pier is another popular attraction with its iconic view of the Gulf of Mexico and its popular eateries. Visitors can also take a stroll through Pine Avenue which boasts a variety of restaurants and shopping options ranging from souvenir shops to boutiques.
The city also has several parks that offer recreational activities such as volleyball courts, playgrounds, bike paths and more! The Palma Sola Bay Park is one such example with its expansive grassy areas and picnic pavilions perfect for an afternoon picnic or BBQ.
For those looking for some culture, Anna Maria also has several art galleries such as the Studio at Gulf & Pine showcasing local artists’ work as well as regular art classes.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Anna Maria has something to offer everyone!