The Bradenton area, which connects to Anna Maria Island, sees about 3.2 million visitors each year. Today, Anna Maria Island is home to around 8,500 residents. Interesting fact, Roser was also credited as the creator of the Fig Newton which made him most of his fortune that he used to invest in Florida real estate.Īs they continued to develop the island, more and more people flocked to the area, especially after the first bridge was built in 1922 that connected Anna Maria Island to the mainland of Florida. Together they created the Anna Maria Beach Company which paved the path for new residents on the island. After his death, his son George Wilhelm Bean partnered with Charles Roser to further develop the island. He set up his home on what is known today as Bean Point and lived there until he passed in 1898. But before Anna Maria Island was named it was originally native land belonging to the Tocobaga, Seminole, and Calusa tribes until around 1539 when Spanish explorers including Hernando de Soto began to colonize the area.Īlthough many people had visited and stayed on the island temporarily, George Emerson Bean became the first permanent resident in 1892.

But first… a bit of history!Īnna Maria Island received its name from Madison Post, a former mayor of Tampa who decided to name the island after his sister-in-law Anna and his wife Maria. In this Florida travel guide, we’ll cover a number of things to do on Anna Maria Island, places to eat, and of course, the best beaches. Since visiting Sarasota for many years and now living here, we have started spending more time exploring nearby spots and revisiting our favorites such as Anna Maria Island. 5.6 The Chateau Anna Maria Fun Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

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