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Anna Maria Islands Cortez Beach, A Much-Welcomed Upgrade
Published Feb 4, 2019
Travelers from around the world flock to the sugar sand beaches of Anna Maria Island for sun, and fun. Guests of Dans Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com) situated right in the middle of the action on Anna Maria Island, benefit by not only updated vacation rentals and the beautiful grounds of the Runaway Bay community, but also exclusive access to private beach access of the Gulf of Mexico.
While a private beach is the envy of many, some families enjoy the energy and activity of one of the many public beaches that Anna Maria has to offer. Cortez Beach has been a main attraction for not only travelers, but also local Floridians for what seems forever. This lovely island attraction will soon be getting Lifeguard Towers to aid in safety awareness and water accident prevention of the beaches.
In total, there will be 3 new lifeguard, staffed by six new lifeguards. The towers will be positioned within proximity to three of the newly completed erosion control structures and will be operated 365 days a year. These structures and the water around them are popular among surfers, but also serve as a walkway extending about 75 yards into the water which provide great views of the beach and fishing enthusiasts.
The upgrades won’t stop at Cortez Beach. The County of Manatee, where Anna Maria Island and Dans Florida Condos are located will also be rebuilding the rest of the public beach lifeguard stands throughout Anna Maria Island. Some of the stands are nearly 30 years old and experienced termite issues which fueled the need to bring them up to date. In addition, the stands are “lifeguard-friendly” meaning their design helps prevent glare and increased air-flow with solar-powered exhaust fans.
Cortez Beach History:
The waterfront which is now known as Cortez beach, was originally named Hunters Point in the 1880s. It was utilized as one of the main fishing villages within the city of Bradenton Beach. Today much of the landscape remains as it was in these early years of habitation on Bradenton Beach. You will find a barrier of sand dunes with sea grass, palm trees and other local vegetation blocking the parking lot from the beach views.
Location:
Location: Cortez Beach is located just off Cortez Road. This 2000 feet (over 6.5 football fields long) stretch of waterfront boasts some of the purest sugar sand beaches and crystal-clear waters in the world. You won’t find any high-rise buildings here, and there is more than ample parking for even the busiest of holiday beach traffic.
Eats:
There aren’t any restaurants or food stands on Cortez beach, however if you take a walk down the shore you will arrive at Coquina Beach. Here you will discover a beachside restaurant which offers brunch and lunch options. Showers, water fountains, changing stations, grills and picnic benches can also be utilized here before returning to Cortez Beach.
Parking:
Free, yes, I said free! Parking is free along Gulf Drive south anywhere between 5th Street to 13th street. You’ll find entrances to the parking on the west side of the street along the beach.
Cortez Beach will adopt the same hours as Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
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