Anna Maria Island, Florida -- Surf, sand and sunshine... nothing says Florida better. And nothing says "island paradise" quite like Anna Maria.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, the island was discovered by local Indian tribes -- the Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes and then by Spanish explorers (including Hernando DeSoto) in the name of the Spanish Crown.
In 1892, George Emerson Bean became the first permanent resident on the Island and homesteaded much of what is now the City of Anna Maria.
The Sandbar Restaurant, which Tammie is visiting, also has a rich history that dates back nearly a century.
"The Sandbar dates back as far as 1913. In those days, Anna Maria was only accessible by boat. Many people came from Tampa, landing on the bay side and making the short hike to The Pavilion, a favored meeting place for local and tourist alike, and on whose site the Sandbar Restaurant now sits."
The hurricane of 1950 did extensive damage to the restaurant. Ownership changed several times over the next few decades. Then, in July of 1979, the Sandbar was purchased by its present owners -- the Chiles Group.
Ed Chiles, the owner, is the son of former Governor Lawton Chiles.
Tammie will be on the road for the rest of the week:
Wednesday, November 12 -- Bok Tower, 1151 Tower Blvd,
Lake Wales. For directions, click here. Hayden from Polk County describes Bok Tower as a "very historic and beautiful site."
Thursday, November 13 -- Clearwater Firehouse, 1720 Overbrook Avenue, Clearwater. 10 Connects viewer Mike says, "Clearwater Fire Station number 51 is only four years old and decorated with a tribute to other fire station 51's around the country and the world. We call it 'Area 51' and have Marvin the Martian as our mascot."
Friday, November 14 -- Reg will join me on Friday for something a little more traditional in these parts -- a fun, tasty event I'm told I just can't miss -- Ribfest in Vinoy Park.
Come down and join her at any or all of these great locations. Also, keep those ideas coming. You can email me Tammie personally at tammies@10connects.com. Or if you'd like to know more about her, check out my bio.
Also, to see a photo gallery chronicling Tammie's travels this week (she attended the Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony at Pasco-Hernando Community College Monday), click here.
