History of Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile-long barrier reef island on the West Coast of Florida is a hidden gem of the Sunshine State that would make the perfect destination for your Florida getaway. Visitors to the AMI often want to know more about this unique destination.

About

Anna Maria Island’s history actually back to 1000 A.D. The first recorded settlements on AMI belonged to the Caloocan and Timucuan Native American Tribes, who maintained reputations as ferocious warriors, farmers, and fishermen. Their lifestyles were interrupted in 1521 by explorer Ponce De Leon, who is said to have landed on the island and named it Anna Maria Island in honor of Maria Anna, who was Queen to King Charles II of Spain. It was visited again by Hernando DeSoto around 1539.

A 3 Town Island

Anna Maria Island is divided up into three municipalities: the City of Anna Maria to the north, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach in the south. Each of these cities has its own distinct atmosphere and personality, but they’re all definitely worth visiting!

The City of Anna Maria was developed in 1892 by George Emerson Bean and his family, who gave their names to the incredible Bean Point. Moving down the island, Holmes Beach was homesteaded by Sam and Annie Cobb in 1896, and their daughter Anna Maria was the first “non-Native” child born on AMI. Bradenton Beach was not formed until 1953, largely because of the Cortez Bridge being built in 1921 and connecting the island to the mainland.

Old Florida Charm

The residents of the island all value the slower-paced life of AMI, and it creates a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of city life. You won’t see tons of high-rises and chain businesses littering AMI. Instead, there are tons of quaint vacation rentals right next to residents’ homes, local businesses whose owners greet you with a smile every time you walk in, and streets being navigated by pedestrians, cyclists, and golf cart drivers.

One thing many visitors to AMI comment on is the “Old Florida” charm. So many Florida cities have become overcrowded and industrialized over the years, but once you land on Anna Maria Island, you immediately feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

AMI is also incredibly attached to its history, allowing you to escape to a simpler time. There are several piers where you can simply watch the waves roll in while learning about how the island came to be what it is today. You can also visit the old jail on Pine Avenue or stroll up and down historic Bridge Street for an even greater sense of the origins of AMI.