City of Bradenton Beach

• Located In: Manatee County
• Population: 1,482 (Source: U.S. Census 2000)
• Community Type: Beach residential and tourist
• Size: 5 square miles
• Government: Mayor elected by city at large and and four commissioners elected by areas or wards.
• Zip Codes: 34217-34218

Indian tribes visited Anna Maria Island more than 2,000 years before Spanish explorers mapped the area, though no evidence has been found to suggest a permanent settlement existed here. The first Europeans to visit the island arrived in 1530.

Up through the early 1920s, the area was known as Cortez Beach. The first bridge to the island was completed in 1922, making Bridge Street the center of the island community.

In the late 1920s, the editor of the Bradenton Herald began referring to the island community as Bradenton Beach. The city was incorporated in 1952.

Bradenton Beach boasts four miles of sugar sand beach. Manatee County maintains Cortez and Coquina beaches. Cortez Beach, found in the northern end of the city, offers numerous access points to residents and visitors. Coquina Beach is situated on the Gulf of Mexico at the southern tip of Anna Maria Island. Several acres of parking are available here along with picnic areas, a playground, public restrooms and a snack bar. Lifeguard supervision is offered during certain times.

• BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive
• The Bridgetender Inn, 135 Bridge St.
• Gulf Drive Café, 900 Gulf Drive
• Sharky’s Steak and Seagrill, 2519 Gulf Drive N.
• The Sun House Restaurant and Bar, 111 Gulf Drive S.

In addition to its gorgeous beaches, Bradenton Beach is home to three city parks, including:

• Katie Peirola Sunset Park, found on Gulf Drive on the beach. Visitors will find picnic tables beneath Tiki huts, beach access and a perfect spot for viewing beautiful sunsets.
• Lou Barola Park, found on 26th Street North and Avenue A. This park provides great views of Sarasota Bay as well as Tampa Bay and boasts both a children’s playground and basketball courts.
• Herb Dolan Park, found on Highland Avenue at Fourth Street North. This small, relaxing park has a children’s playground.

In 1967, a new draw bridge opened on Fifth Street North, which allowed the island side of the old wooden bridge to be converted into a fishing pier. The Bradenton Beach City Pier recently reopened following major renovation. The pier suffered structural damage during the 2004 hurricane season. The pier features a restaurant, bathhouse, public restrooms, a bait and tackle shop and a 300 foot day dock.