July 4th Celebration

Dear Guests,

I can't believe July is already here! This weekend offers several major events. On Saturday July 3rd our parade will begin at 10:00 a.m at the south end of the island (at Coquina Beach) and will travel north ending on Pine Avenue. The "Beach House Restuarant" (200 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach) will host their 17th annual "fireworks extravaganza" commencing shortly after dark Saturday night. Then Sunday July 4th their sister restaurant "The Sandbar" will also have a fireworks display shortly after dark.

If you are arriving on Saturday please be prepared for some traffic, not only from the parade during the day but also everyone coming to the Island to view the fireworks!

Please enjoy your holiday. We hope that it is safe AND fun.

Sincerely,
Marianne

OIL UPDATE, WE'RE STILL FREE & CLEAR!

Our hearts go out to the fisherman & residents of Louisiana... We hope that this horrific mess gets cleaned up, though it will take way too long for sure!

Our beach & waters are still unaffected,thank goodness. It took 45 days to reach the shores of Pensacola (which is the western most tip of Florida). This is still hundreds of miles away from us. So, when you hear there are "oil balls" floating near the beaches in Florida, know that they are NOWHERE NEAR US!

Sincerely,
Marianne

OIL STILL HAS NO IMPACT ON AMI

As another week goes by we are still monitoring the horrific oil crisis in the Gulf. It is still hundreds of miles away from us & our beach waters are as clear & beautiful as always.

Egmont Key, just off the tip of our island is a state-protected bird sanctuary. It is THE chosen sanctuary for the many birds that are being relocated due to the oil in Louisiana....

This should come as some relief to those that are vacationing here this summer.... If wildlife is being brought here to escape the effects of the oil, please come & enjoy the sanctuary they now will be calling home.

Cheers & "oil-free" beach wishes, Marianne Norman-Ellis