Six Distinctive Communities

Manatee County, Florida is comprised of six distinctive and unique communities. Bradenton and Palmetto are the largest and are situated on the mainland facing each other across the Manatee River. Manatee County’s barrier islands are home to the other four communities, including Longboat Key, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.  The unincorporated portions of the County include Ellenton, Parrish, and Myakka City.  And Lakewood Ranch, while not yet a city, is one of our fastest-growing areas both as a residential mecca and a hub of business.

Anna Maria, Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach

Bordered by three bodies of water, Anna Maria Island lies just south of Tampa Bay. Touching the Gulf of Mexico on its western shore and Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Bays on its eastern shore, the island is the northernmost in a string of barrier islands that continue in a southerly direction similar to the Florida Keys. This seven-mile long island is home to three cities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. The “Old Florida” heritage, preserved by the island’s governmental bodies through the years, affords continuity in the aesthetic beauty of the tropical scenery with only two of the island’s buildings standing more than three stories high.

The city of Anna Maria is found along the island’s northernmost shore. It’s original inhabitants were Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes, with recorded history dating back five centuries. Homesteaded in the late 1800’s, George Emerson Bean is credited with laying out its street and water systems. The first church built on the island by the creator of the Fig Newton, George Roser, still stands and serves the community. The city has approximately 1,800 permanent residents who enjoy the idyllic setting alongside the beachgoers, anglers, and seafood lovers.

For more information, visit online at www.visitannamariaisland.com.

Also homesteaded in the late 1800s, Holmes Beach began as the 160-acre residence of Sam and Annie Cobb. Although the Cobbs were its first residents, the community was named after its developer, Jack Holmes. Mr. Holmes is credited with creating this 600-acre community nestled in the center of Anna Maria Island at the end of WWII. Today, it’s 5,000 residents take time to relax on the county’s only public beach, wander through the eclectic shops, and dine in its great restaurants. As the island’s largest community, Holmes Beach also offers the greatest assortment of motels, rental condominiums, and marinas.

For more information, visit online at www.holmesbeachfl.org.

The newer community of Bradenton Beach was incorporated in 1953 and boasts 1,500 permanent residents. In 1921, a wooden bridge provided access between Anna Maria Island and the mainland. When replaced by a newer bridge, the western portion of that original bridge was retained to provide great fishing and is now known as the Bradenton Beach Fishing Pier. The community’s quaint seaside inns, charming motels, and shoreline condominiums house vacationers and natives alike as the community offers a selection of waterfront dining opportunities, a 96-acre beach nearby, and a newly refurbished downtown through which to stroll.

For more information, visit online at www.cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Bradenton, Longboat Key and Palmetto

Bradenton, the largest of Manatee County’s cities, has a history that dates back to the 1840s. Originally knows as the Village of Manatee, it was later named after the sugar magnate, Joseph Braden, whose industrial entrepreneurship continues to make Bradenton a commercial mecca. For over 100 years, Tropicana Products has produced its juice products in the city, and Champs Sports, Bealls Corporation, and Wellcraft are all based in the area. Bradenton epitomizes the alluring charm of melding nostalgic beauty with modern convenience. Stretching along the southern bank of the Manatee River, this city is called home by some 50,000 residents, and extends homebuyers and renters a variety of housing options in established neighborhoods as well as newer communities. The quaint downtown district is a thriving hub where county government, industry, healthcare, and the arts are conducted. The city also plays host to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training.

For more information, visit online at www.cityofbradenton.com.

Situated just south of Anna Maria Island, bordered on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the east by Sarasota Bay, is the barrier island community of Longboat Key which is home to nearly 8,000 permanent residents. This 12-mile long island is especially popular with retirees, and second-home owners who seasonally boost the population to as many as 20,000 in the peak season. The quiet beaches of Longboat Key are also appealing to the many resort seekers who visit each year. Well after the legendary landing of Hernando DeSoto in 1539, the debut of homes on this island began in the early 1900s and some of these homes still remain today. Incorporated in 1955, the development of this community became especially active in the 60s and 70s when the first of the key’s condominiums was built. Superb shopping and dining, full-service luxury resorts and marinas, as well as championship golf and tennis have made Longboat Key one of Manatee County’s most popular destinations.

For more information, visit www.longboatkeychamber.com.

Home to some 13,000 residents, Palmetto is situated just north of Bradenton across the Manatee River. Palmetto takes pride in its presentation of one of Florida’s most notable collections of historic buildings, with more than 160 buildings listed on the National Register. One of those buildings is Carnegie Library, built in 1912, which currently houses a host of historical artifacts. Another credit to the city’s appreciation and dedication to maintaining its rich heritage is the post office that dates back to the 1880s. The county’s only agricultural museum can also be found in Palmetto, along with the County Fairgrounds. Fun and celebration abound when two of the county’s major events are held in Palmetto, the 4th of July Celebration and the 2-day long Tomato Festival. Palmetto continues to grow as new businesses are discovering the small town appeal its residents – from families to retirees – have loved about it for generations.

For more information, visit online at www.palmettofl.org.