Anna Maria Island ..... Then and Now

   The photo at the top left is an aerial view of Anna Maria Island in 1941.  There were very few homes on the island and the only access to the mainland was a wooden bridge built in 1922 (pictured below) connecting the Village of Cortez to the island. 
   The photo at the top right shows the island today, which is now fully developed with 2 modern bridges (at Manatee Ave and at Cortez Rd) along with many commercial businesses, homes, and rentals.

In 1911 Anna Maria Island was only accessed by the pier pictured below in which tourist boats from Tampa and surrounding areas would visit.



 

Interesting Fact: at one time there was a small airport on Holmes Beach which was later abandoned due to development in the area.