Early Construction
During this time, John Roser built the first house of worship, Roser Memorial Community Church, in memory of his mother. Roser was the creator of the Fig Newton, which he eventually sold to Nabisco Brands. Roser Memorial Community Church still stands and attends to the spiritual needs of Islanders.
Typical of the early buildings is the present Island Playhouse, which was built on the mainland. It was transported to the Island by barge and has served the community during its long life as church, school, social and city hall.
The Magnolia Avenue School was built in the early 1900s and has since been replaced with the Anna Maria Island Elementary School, which is located in the City of Holmes Beach. The present school draws students from north Longboat Key as well as Anna Maria Island; it has a student body of just under of 400.

First Bridges
Anna Maria first appeared as a barrier island on unofficial US maps in 1848. In 1911 the Anna Maria City Pier was built. In May of 2011 this bridge celebrated its 100 Year Anniversary with a big "City Pier Centennial" festival. In 1921 the first wooden bridge was built connecting the island to the mainland in the fishing village of Cortez. The Bradenton Beach fishing pier is the western end of that original bridge.
Throughout the developmental period of the Island, local city governments have worked diligently to preserve the heritage of This "Island In The Sun", Anna Maria Island.

Demographics
Our small, 7 mile island is home to 3 cities: The southern city of Bradenton Beach with a population of 2000, the central city of Holmes Beach with a population of just over 5,000 & the northern city of Anna Maria with a population of just over 1800.
The average age on Anna Maria Island is 53 years. There are families, children, singles and retirees all living on our pristine island. The island has an elementary school and child care facilities, music and nightlife, private golf clubs and wild life preserves. The ration of males to females is nearly 50/50, with slightly more females.

Climate
The island has ideal year round temperatures. Average Air and Water Highs/Lows by month/season are listed in the image to the left.
The average annual rainfall is 55.7 in with heavy months of 7-9 inches in June, July, August & September and lightest months of 2-4 inches in January, February, March, April, May, October, November & December.
For more information about Anna Maria Island vist the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce website