What did Florida’s Anna Maria Island look like in 1900s and Roaring 20s? Take a look

One hundred years ago, the first bridge to Anna Maria Island was built, allowing more cars and visitors on the island than ever before.

In the last century, Manatee County’s beaches have become extremely popular. Traffic and finding parking has become an issue on the beaches, and protecting the beaches from erosion and contamination has become more important than ever.

Evelyn Hoskins, an 80-year-old Anna Maria Island resident, says the island’s first bridge brought construction and development to the island, leading to what it looks like today.

Hoskins said she feels lucky to have a home on the island.

“We’re the beach for Manatee County,” Hoskins said. “Anyone who lives in Manatee County comes here for a beach day.”

Hoskins lived in Palmetto before moving to the island 15 years ago, and her family has lived in Manatee County for about 150 years.

She believes that the best part about the beaches on the island is that the residential community preserves the beauty for generations to come.

Here are some photos from the Bradenton Herald’s archives at the Bradenton Carnegie Library and the Manatee County Public Library Digital Collections that show a glimpse of what the beaches looked like in the early 1900s.

Both residents and tourists alike come to Manatee’s beaches for its well-kept condition.

Joyce Franklin, a 35-year-old New Jersey resident, recently said it was her and her husband’s first time visiting Coquina Beach. They are traveling through Florida this week, and plan to visit as many beaches as they can along the Sun Coast.

“We are big beach goers,” she said. “I’ve been trying to rate the best beaches in Florida, and this beach is so far at the top of my list.”

A few requirements are needed for being at the top of Franklin’s list, and Coquina Beach ranked first in having the best sand, best quiet atmosphere and the best beach bar.

A few of Bradenton’s beaches could win awards for its peacefulness.

Grant Kidd, a 46-year-old Longboat Key homeowner, said that he bought property on the island because he enjoys the private, residential beaches.

“As an owner of a small business, it is so rare to have a quiet moment to myself,” Kidd said. “Being alone and by the beach gives me that moment of silence that I need before I’m ready to take off for the day.”

This story was originally published August 10, 2022 at 10:56 AM.