Anna Maria Island Businesses Reopen as Spring Break Crowds Arrive
Anna Maria, Fla. – According to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, more than half of the businesses on Anna Maria Island have reopened. The popular vacation destination welcomes spring break tourists despite ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. Restaurants, shops, and accommodations steadily resume operations, bringing life back to the coastal community.
Tourists arriving for the season have noted both the progress and the lingering signs of damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit the island six months ago. Visitors describe the area as busy, with businesses working hard to prepare for the influx of guests, though construction remains a noticeable presence. Some areas are still closed, and caution tape is visible in places, but many tourists are impressed with the speed of the cleanup.
The Chamber of Commerce reports significant strides in the recovery process. While the island may not yet look as it did in previous years, officials are encouraged by the return and local businesses' resilience.
Tourism Demand Surges Despite Limited Lodging
The limited availability of accommodations has led to high demand for vacation rentals, with local real estate professionals estimating that about 85% of rental properties are back in operation. The strong interest in Anna Maria Island has resulted in fully booked properties for the season, making it difficult for last-minute travelers to find openings.
With visitors filling the island’s streets, businesses are seeing an increase in foot traffic. Bicycles and golf carts are common as families enjoy the beaches and local attractions.
Construction Challenges and Community Resilience
While businesses work to serve the growing number of visitors, construction crews continue restoration efforts. A shortage of contractors has slowed the rebuilding process, making it difficult to meet the high demand for repairs. Business owners and community leaders acknowledge the delays but remain optimistic about the island’s future.
Hopes remain high that Anna Maria Island will fully recover and emerge stronger. Local leaders believe the past year's challenges will lead to improvements that make the community even more resilient.
All Manatee County beaches are open to the public, although some areas in Sarasota County, including Caspersen Beach, remain closed. Nearby Siesta Key Beach was recently recognized in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, earning the title of No. 4 beach worldwide and No. 1 in the United States.
As spring break season continues, Anna Maria Island is seeing a strong return of visitors, reinforcing its reputation as a beloved Gulf Coast destination.
