Florida vacations spots?

[Vern B]

Our kids rent a VRBO for two weeks every winter, they can walk to St Armand’s Circle from the house. Lots to do around there, great restaurants, close to Siesta Key, etc, but it is busy and traffic can get pretty bad.

We’re in Bradenton over the winter, but I’d look at Anna Maria Island. They’re a step back in time compared to some of the islands and towns that are wall to wall condos and extreme traffic.

Anna Maria doesn’t allow structures over two stories, so there’s no giant condos and similar monstrosities blocking the sun and access to the beaches. Miles of beach on Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key, all within a short drive. Tampa is within an hour, or so. Disney within a couple hours.

[Too Many Projects]

Anna Maria is more laid back, but we went out there 2 years ago in Feb to see the sunset and sat in traffic for 45 minutes to go 3 miles. With only 2 bridges and they are draw bridges that open for ships, serving those islands it was bumper to bumper cars in the evening. Once we got back across the Cortez and stopped for supper at the Marina restaurant, they said the bridge opens on a schedule and we must have got caught in the back up from that.