MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The ferry service connecting downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island is extending its service. The Gulf Islands Ferry will add Thursday departures to its schedule starting Feb. 29. The ferry will now run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. four days per week. It’s available Thursday through Sunday, barring any […]
If you're looking for an easier way to get to and from Anna Maria Island, there's one in the works — city leaders say they are making progress on the upcoming Gulf I
The city of Anna Maria is negotiating with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to bring a marine learning center to the Anna Maria City Pier.
If it comes to fruition, the center may offer live animal exhibits, interactive exhibits and education programs. Mote Marine is a Sarasota-based marine research nonprofit that operates an aquarium in Sarasota, as well as centers in Key West and Islamorada similar to the one proposed in Anna Maria.
“The community of Anna Maria has a great connection to the marine environment,” Mote Marine President & CEO Michael P. Crosby said. “The restored Anna Maria Island City Pier presents an additional location where Mote can connect folks with our marine research, how they can interact and conserve the waters around Anna Maria, and tell the long history of the community’s relationship with the marine environment.”