One of the greatest features of Anna Maria Island is its focus on community. Local organizations work together to preserve the island and raise awareness about issues affecting its people and environment. Shops and restaurants offer unique gifts, foods, and drinks that capture the feel of the island. Most importantly, people put in the effort to get to know their customers, including travelers from afar.
The Swordfish Grill and Hurricane Hanks are two restaurants that really shine here near our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. They both foster local community partnerships with various organizations and these restaurants pay it forward to the communities which have made them successful.
Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar
The Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar sit on the dock at 119 St. West in the small but vibrant fishing village of Cortez, just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island. Their patio on the bay lets you see birds, fish, and even dolphins or manatees swimming about. You can even dock your boat right by the restaurant.
Seafood festivals, all-you-can-eat crab legs and prime rib nights are all big hits here. They also have an extensive list of cocktails and fresh beers on tap. Weekly activities like hermit crab races and themed happy hours keep the mood energetic.
Live music several nights a week ranges from chill island reggae to upbeat rock and roll.
A major initiative at the Swordfish Grill is their annual “Giving Back” every September. This event includes a raffle, an auction run by the restaurant manager, and a great line up of local musicians. Each year, the restaurant supports a different community organization with proceeds from the event. Last year, Giving Back supported Hunger’s End, a charity that helps families in need across America with meals, groceries and living expenses.
2019 Giving Back will be held on September 12 starting at 6 p.m. They will be supporting Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. The coalition provides local education and community programming for youth to be proactive about their mental and physical wellbeing. Music this year includes Savannah Brady on the violin, acoustic singer-songwriter Tanya Sings and local legends T.C. and the Troublemakers.
It’s sure to be a great party for a great cause.
Hurricane Hanks
Back on the island, Hurricane Hanks is a local classic in the middle of Holmes Beach. The restaurant balances a low-key, relaxed vibe with festive décor. It’s a great place for a meal with family and friends or to catch whatever game you want on one of the many big screens.
The grouper filets, sandwiches, and tacos here are well-known and loved. The pub platters, signature burgers and salads are creative and abundant. The bar at Hurricane Hanks is packed with daily deals on many kinds of drinks. They also host regular tasting nights to indulge in specialty beers and liquors and support local brewers and distillers.
In the past, the restaurant has hosted such events as a happy hour fundraiser to benefit Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. This is a volunteer-driven organization that helps preserve Anna Maria Island wildlife and natural habitats. They monitor, rescue, and educate about animals like sea turtles and shorebirds.
Plan Your Vacation
Businesses supporting the community and trying to make the island a better place is one of many things that make AMI such an incredible place. Contact us today to book your stay and find out more about this charming oasis and our Anna Maria Island rentals.
For 2019, Hurricane Hanks is expected to continue their partnership with A Paradise Rentals. The two have collaborated on various community programs. You can happily spend your two hours before check-in for 2019 Giving Back at Hurricane Hanks. It’s a wonderful place that is soaked in the expressive local community of Anna Maria.
We have lovely Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals available for you for any season. Simply come on down and see all the island has to offer you and your family. We love to partner and work with local leaders to help make the island a more pleasurable and treasured place to be- for all.
