Prepare for crowds. Easter weekend brings thousands to Anna Maria, Bradenton beaches
If you’re planning on hitting the beach for Easter weekend, expect a crowd and more traffic than usual.
The Manatee County Government said Thursday that thousands of beachgoers are expected to travel to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton beaches over the weekend.
Prepare for heavy traffic on island roads as well as the Manatee Avenue and Cortez Avenue bridges, according to the county’s news release.
Because of the large number of people, law enforcement patrols will be increased.
“With tens of thousands of residents and visitors enjoying Manatee County’s world-famous white sands and refreshing Gulf waters additional law enforcement and first responders will be stationed on Anna Maria Island to keep their time at the beach safe,” the county said.
Also, more public port-a-potties will be placed near public beaches and maintained daily throughout the weekend. Trash will also be removed from public beach areas more often.
Alcohol and pets are prohibited on public beaches, the county said as a reminder. The Palma Sola Causeway Park, on the other hand, is a pet-friendly alternative.
Where to park
Beachgoers should be mindful that even after battling the traffic to the beach, public parking lots will most likely be at capacity.
Barricades will be placed along Gulf Drive in several locations to assist with traffic control and to help prevent illegal parking.
“Drivers cannot save parking spaces for other vehicles, double park, or park in undesignated lots or spaces,” the county said.
Buses and shuttles
Throughout the holiday week, MCAT will run its hourly bus service to the beach and along Manatee Avenue (Route 3) and Cortez Road (Route 6).
“Remember, the bus is still free here in Manatee,” Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) Division Manager Jason Harris said in the release. “And it’s a great way to get to and from the beach.”
Riders heading to the beach are recommended to get on the bus at the Desoto Station and ride on Route 6, or to park and ride the Route 3 bus from the Beach Way Plaza at Manatee Avenue and 75th Street.
The Anna Maria Trolley will run every 20 minutes, transporting visitors from Coquina Beach to the Anna Maria Pier, the release said.
This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
