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Florida Homes Magazine Spring 2016

Florists' Review Media Group has served the global floral in study for over 124 years.

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R Recognized for its "Old Florida" charm and friendly residents, A nna Maria Island aracts those seek ing an island lifestyle from all over the U.S. and abroad. A Seven-mile strip of breathtak ing white-sand beaches line this barrier island between the turquoise Gulf of Mex ico and peninsular Florida. Local Historians can't say for certain how the island acquired its name—one theor y involves a Spanish explorer—but A nna Maria was seled in the late 19th centur y by a homesteader named George Emerson Bean. Residents and visitors came by boat until a bridge was built in the 1920s, but somehow, communities here had more success than most in Florida in keeping out big developers. Fortunately, there's lile use for a car on the island and it's more viable to use a bike, kayak, or flip-flops around the island. For your convenience, there's even a free trolley, which circles ever y 20 minutes, shuffling up and down main Gulf Drive. Here, you' ll find the most beautiful beaches in the world; from Holmes Beach, stocked with restrooms, picnic tables and even a café on the sand, to Coquina Beach, where you' ll find plenty of shaded park ing. Not far from the skyscrapers of Tampa, A nna Maria's removal from hubbub makes it a quaint town both easy to reach yet unspoiled by the concrete and chain restaurants. Instead, what A nna Maria has to offer is an abundance of natural beauty and an array of colorful shops and local restaurants lined with swaying palms. It's as if you've stepped back in time, into the Florida of decades ago, with one major difference: updated amenities. No malls to visit here, instead you' ll find a dozen delightful shops doed across the island. Indeed, the dining is as tempting as the fishing that lures so many visitors. Options range from a classic grouper sandwich on the pier to world-class, upscale dishes using only the freshest catch. e waters surrounding A nna Maria are host to an assortment of wildlife waiting to be discovered, from wild dolphins to sharp-eyed ospreys. Here, you can experience one of the most abundant ecosystems on the planet. You' ll be amazed at just how much there is to see on this lile island. 32 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE WHERE TO EAT Serving exciting, sophisticated and exquisitely prepared Floridan Cuisine, Beach Bistro is an ideal spot to enjoy fresh fare, especially at sunset. beachbistro.com WHAT TO DO To capture a quiet moment, head to Bean Point, a local secret that provides breathtaking views of the sunset on a pristine and serene beach. PLACES TO STAY Tucked away on Anna Maria Island, Cedar Cove Resor t & Cottages features a private escape amidst lush, tropical gardens and white sandy beaches. cedarcoveresor t.com ANNA MARIA ISLAND D est inat ion

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