Friday, December 14, 2012

THINGS TO DO ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

 
 
THINGS TO DO
Old Florida Charm is the essence of this seven mile stretch of exquisite white sand, tropical plants and living incredible wildlife and almost guaranteed sunshine. Anna Maria is “old Florida charm”, with quaint shops, cozy cafes, low-rise houses, and fabulous dining.
Relaxing and more relaxing are the main activities you want to enjoy when visiting Anna Maria Island. There is so many things to enjoy while you are here, that you will be spoiled for choice.
Below are some of our favorite recommendations:

BEACHES
BEACHES
Discover the charm of old Florida. You get the feel for what Florida was like many years ago. Sunsets are spectacular and rival anywhere in the world. The serenity of the stretch of beach and the warm seas of the gulf are good for the mind and soul.
*Coquina Beach – Most popular beach in Bradenton Beach
*Cortez Beach – across from Coquina Beach
*Bradenton Beach – City of Bradenton Beach
*Manatee Beach – Popular Beach in Manatee County
*Holmes Beach _ Quiet stretch of Holmes Beach
*Anna Maria Beach – Remote stretch of Beach on Anna Maria Island
 

BIKE RIDING – THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE ANNA MARIA ISLAND
BIKE RIDING – THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Bike rental hourly or weekly is available on Anna Maria Island. We recommend Beach Bums rentals on Pine Avenue. You can really enjoy all the simple beach cities by bike. Narrow, winding roads, delicious cafes and bars along the way.
 

BRIDGE STREET MINITURE GOLF
BRIDGE STREET MINITURE GOLF
What to do after the beach? Miniature Golf in Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, wonderful 18 hole miniature golf course, the“Fish hole” offers entertainment for the entire family. It goes way beyond traditional miniature golf calling itself adventure golf with waterfalls, lagoons and treacherous handicaps with a little local history and fishing education mixed in. Each of the 18 holes is named after a different fish.
 

FISHING
FISHING
There is plenty of fishing to be done, from the beach, or on one of the piers or even on a deep sea charter. This area including Tampa Bay is the grouper fishing capital of the world. The back bays and canals offer low key fishing spots.
 

BRIDGE STREET MINITURE GOLF
BRIDGE STREET MINITURE GOLF
What to do after the beach? Miniature Golf in Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, wonderful 18 hole miniature golf course, the“Fish hole” offers entertainment for the entire family. It goes way beyond traditional miniature golf calling itself adventure golf with waterfalls, lagoons and treacherous handicaps with a little local history and fishing education mixed in. Each of the 18 holes is named after a different fish.
 

ISLAND ARTS/CULTURAL
ISLAND ARTS/CULTURAL
An abundance of Island arts and Gallery’s can be found on Anna Maria Island.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society on Pine Avenue tells you everything there is to know about the Island.
The Artist Guild Gallery– Promotes all forms of artistic endeavors from the artistic community on the Island. Free for all visitors.
The Famous Island Playersis found at the historical Community House in Anna Maria City.
 

KAYAK ECO-TOUR
KAYAK ECO-TOUR
Discover a kayak tour on your easily rented kayak from Beach Bums on Pine Avenue. Beach Bums can supply you with a true kayaking adventure. Another local Kayaking tour is the Robinson Preserve. You will witness unusual and rare wildlife.
Almost Heaven Kayak
Anna Maria Island
941-504-6296
Bradenton Bicycle & Kayak
5342 Gulf Dr. N
Bradenton Beach, FL
941-795-0701
Florida Water Sports
Cortez Fishing Center
Cortez, Florida
941-798-3721
Native Rentals
5342 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, FL
941-778-7757
 

PIERS
PIERS
Anna Maria hosts two piers in the warm waters of the gulf, The Rod and Reel Pier, andThe Anna Maria City Pier. One of the two things to be sure you see when visiting the historical Anna Maria Island. The Anna Maria City Pier plays host to fishing, drinking and dining. The Rod and Reel Pier is open for fishing, Manatee watching or dining at The Rod and Reel Restaurant. The fishing piers on Anna Maria Island are a must see.
 

SCUBA DIVING
SCUBA DIVING
Expand your horizons and take the plunge and try an exciting dive in the Gulf of Mexico. There is diving about 75 yards off the shore of Bradenton Beach. Contact Seatrek divers at 941-779-1506 for your diving expedition.

SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Anna Maria Islandoffers an array of shopping choices for every taste. You can find anything from clothing to antiques, fine linens, jewelry and artist’s treasures. The City of Anna Maria from both ends of Pine Street offers the latest boutiques and shopping area. Holmes Beach shops run down Marina Drive for seven blocks. Bradenton Beach is the arts and crafts shopping section on the Island. You can find many collectibles from area artists.
The nearby cities of Bradenton and Sarasota have 3 full service malls, hundreds of specialty shops and quaint shopping villages with upscale boutiques and fine dining and even a flea market.
The Ellenton Outlets – Prime outlets – Ellenton showcases luxury outlet shopping within a sand dollar’s throw of Florida Gulf Coast vacation areas. 130 designer and brand name outlet stores including Coach Factory, Saks Fifth off 5th, Ralph Luaren, all offering factory outlet discounts.
.
 

WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE
Bird watching is a daily aspect of life on Anna Maria Island. Watching a host of island birdlife is a rewarding way to spend a day. The pelicans, heron, gulls, egret, spoonbills are just a few of the variety of birds to gaze upon. Watching beautiful creatures such as Dolphins and Manatees in the gulf are an extra bonus to see.


Anna Maria Island Restaurants

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESTAURANTS
Anna Maria Island is well known for its unique food, amazing service and its exotic dining experience. The restaurants, beach cafes, bistros, pubs, breakfast and hamburger joints, all special and unique offering a variety of fares for your entire vacation stay. Many of which have live entertainment.
Here are some of our favorites:
 

Live sports bar, with friendly stuff, great food, and known as serving the best grouper sandwich on the Island
Hurricane Hanks
Live sports bar, with friendly stuff, great food, and known as serving the best grouper sandwich on the Island. Always filled with locals and it seems Island visitors always return.
 

BEACH BISTRO
Beach Bistro
Award winning bistro open nightly and serves full menu of American and regional inspired cuisine, with a gourmet twist. It has been awarded, “The best little restaurant in Florida.” Fine waterfront dining awarded top 20 restaurants in the U.S. top wine restaurants with a variety of over 300 wines. A visit to the Beach Bistro is a definite vacation memory.
 

SIGN OF THE MERMAID
Sign of the Mermaid
A comfy cottage ambiance, Simply a MUST!! Offering award winning dishes, and a casual relaxed atmosphere. This is a small unique restaurant with excellent food and superior service. It is an actual old house, mix-matched tables and an eccentric décor. Sign of the Mermaid has won National Pie Competition.
 

THE SANDBAR RESTAURANT
The Sandbar Restaurant
Located at the North end of the Island, and for years been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The Sandbar serves delicious native fresh seafood. It boasts a casual atmosphere on the beach, where you can actually sit at your table with feet in the sand. The Sandbar is known and famous for the best wedding venue on Florida.
 

THE BEACH HOUSE
The Beach House
The Beach Hose is a great family restaurant located on Bradenton Beach. The Beach house has great native seafood and a huge menu of tropical drinks. Breath taking views to watch the spectacular sunsets that Anna Maria has to offer.
 

MARVISTA
MarVista
One of the oldest surviving buildings on Longboat Key dates back to 1912. MarVista overlooks Sarasota Bay in a very quaint setting. Known for delicious food and great service, MarVista has easy access by boat, for a real glimpse of Old Florida. MarVista is a must!
 

TWO SCOOPS
Two Scoops
This adorable Ice Cream Parlor is located opposite the Anna Maria Pier. Two Scoops offers great breakfasts, super salads and sandwiches for lunch and is perfect for Ice cream and treats any time of the day!
 

THE SUN HOUSE RESTAURANT AND BAR
Bridge street bisto
Located on the second floor in Bradenton Beach offers a breathtaking sunset experience. The restaurant boasts “a special tropical shot” and a gong as the sun goes down. Delicious grilled and seafood choices along with fabulous service.
***Island Time bar and Grill
On the ground floor beneath the Bistro, Island Time offers an open lush tropical setting, tranquil gulf breezes and resort casual menu. Live entertainment, daily drink speacials and beautiful view
 

PARADISE BAGELS AND CAFÉ
Paradise Bagels and Café
Paradise Bagels and Café is a favorite for breakfast. A very quaint and cozy home cooked meal always awaits you. Fresh bagels with all toppings and sandwiches and salads, offering a dinner menu too! Located in shopping center on East Bay Drive.
 

SKINNY’S PLACE
Skinny’s Place
Truly a part of Anna Maria Island history, known for its open air and 3-generation family run ambiance. Great burgers and draft beer in frosted mugs. A truly rustic delight!
 

THE CITY PIER RESTAURANT
The City Pier Restaurant
Located at the end of city pier about 700 feet out to sea. Bill, the Owner sits on the dock and makes jewelry from rocks and shells. If y ou enjoy good food and love jewelry, the City Pier is just for you!
 

ROD AND REEL PIER
Rod and Reel Pier
The restaurant is located at the end of the historic Rod and Reel Pier at the North end of Anna Maria Island, a bar on the first floor and the restaurant upstairs. A super chef known for his seafood omelets offers delicious food. While eating simply enjoy dolphins and manatees swimming past.
 
MINNIES BEACH CAFÉ
Minnies Beach Café
A true blend of locals and visitors. A very comfortable, cozy and friendly ambiance, Minnies Beach Café offers breakfast and lunch. Daily creative specials on menu. A Great place to enjoy breakfast!
 

GINNY AND JANE E’S
Ginny and Jane E’s
Truly of the most special café’s anywhere to be found in the world. Everything in Ginny & Jane E’s is for sale. Known for their fresh bread and delicious muffins and other sweet treats. Sitting on a vintage chair with wifi through-out enjoying a homemade snack, you will see why this café is so unique.
 

ROTTEN RALPHS
Rotten Ralphs
A very laid back Island ambiance with two locations. Rotten Ralphs serving excellent breakfast choices such as crab cake Benedict, or authentic British Fish-n-chips for lunch or dinner. Rotten Ralphs has open air dining at both locations. One in Bradenton Beach and the other on South Bay Blvd in Anna Maria City.
 

WATERFRONT
Waterfront
One of our favorite restaurants of Anna Maria Island. This restaurant was once one of the original homes on the Island built in 1922. The Waterfront Restaurant combines fine food with an elegant micro-brewery and wine bar. Both front and back open air porch settings and views of Tampa Bay. Hosting wine and beer tastings on Thursday evenings. The waterfront hosts perfect atmosphere with an added culinary experience!
 

Friday, December 7, 2012

Winterfest on Anna Maria Island

 
 
 
Anna Maria Island Art League
25th Annual Winterfest 2012
Sat and Sun December 8th and 9th

25th Annual Springfest 2013
Sat and Sun March 9th and 10th

HOLMES BEACH, Florida - This year Anna Maria Island Art League's Winterfest will take place December 8th and 9th, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holmes Beach City Hall Field.

Admission and parking are free.





The public is invited to browse and purchase original artwork created by the highly regarded local, regional and national artists selected to participate in Winterfest, 2012. Art work will include paintings, glass, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, fiber arts, photography, wood and more.

In addition to original handcrafted art, the festival features the toe-tapping music of the Anna Maria String Band, Koko Ray, the Gumbo Boogie Band, StateRoad 64, The Hurricanes, The Anderson Brothers and The Bontrager Sisters. Musical styles range from Bluegrass and Swing, to Pop and Folk! A selection of food and drinks will be on sale, ranging from smoked mullet, fried green tomatoes and kettle corn to barbeque, fish tacos and more.

Also featured at the festival will be the annual AMIAL's "Young at Art" children's art exhibit and hands-on activity area where children are invited to make, free of charge, any of the art projects available. Winners of the "Young at Art Exhibit" receive prizes from
Keeton’s Office & Art Supply.

Festival attendees may also purchase prize drawing tickets at the AMIAL hospitality tent. No less than 80 valuable pieces of art work all created and donated by festival artists, will go to lucky ticket holders. Proceeds from this event benefit the AMIAL's scholarship and other art league programs.



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Trip Cancellation Insurance

 

Have you ever wondered what the travel insurance, that is offered with every reservation, includes?

We recommend you take out a comprehensive trip cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen eventualities, please see below. Please go direct to CSA Travel Protection

Protect Your Vacation

Protect your vacation with coverage for trip cancellation, interruption or delay, including:
  • Sickness, injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion
  • Being directly involved in a traffic accident
  • Involuntary termination and more
 
Protect Yourself

Cover yourself and your traveling companions for emergency expenses, including:

  • Necessary medical, surgical, or emergency dental care if you or a travel companion become sick or accidentally injured on your trip
  • Emergency transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility
  • Help to return home and more

www.solterreproperties.com

 

What is a covered event?       

Covered events will be described in your Certificate of Insurance or Insurance Policy, but generally refer to events such as a strike, severe weather or a terrorist event. As with any insurance policy, customers are strongly encouraged to read their Certificate of Insurance or Insurance Policy for details regarding their available coverage.

When can I buy coverage?       

You can always purchase the insurance, however, for there to be coverage for a specific covered event listed in the policy, such as flight cancellations due to strike or inclement weather, the plan would need to have been purchased prior to the event happening or being announced. Once the event happens or is announced, it becomes foreseeable.

What is a foreseeable event?       

Foreseeable simply means reasonably known beforehand. Once it is reasonable that people traveling to an area would know about an event, it becomes foreseeable. For example, if the airline you are flying announces that they are going on strike, the event becomes foreseeable once they make the announcement.

Is it possible to insure pre-existing medical conditions?       

Yes, CSA can accepts pre-existing medical conditions for you, your traveling companions and family members. Moreover, CSA offers its customers the flexibility to cover pre-existing conditions up to final payment. Pre-existing medical conditions are accepted with most of our plans when you meet two requirements. First, you must not be disabled from travel when you buy the insurance. Second, you must purchase the insurance prior to or within 24 hours of your final payment.

Can I use this plan to travel to Cuba?       

CSA Travel Protection plans are not valid for travel to Cuba.
Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company does not authorize any of its agents or agencies to issue travel insurance coverage in the absence of the required authorization and documentation for travel to Cuba by U.S. residents. As an agent of Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, CSA Travel Protection will not issue travel insurance for travel to Cuba.

What's available to me before, during and after my trip?       

Before and during your trip, a 24-Hour emergency hotline is available to assist you with various travel needs, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash transfers, pre-travel advice, translation services, identity theft resolution services, concierge services and more. If the unexpected occurs, our customer service representatives will assist you with any claims forms needed, as well as provide you with individualized attention. Upon receipt of your completed claims forms, a dedicated claims agent will be assigned specifically to your case upon your return.

www.solterreproperties.com

 

Can my traveling companions and I be insured on the same policy?       

Yes. However, note that some benefits are subject to policy maximums. If there are more than 10 travelers, we recommend purchasing one of our group policies.
If the total trip cost is not equally shared by travelers, you may want to consider purchasing different policies.

May I add coverage to my policy after I purchase it?       

Yes. If you purchase additional arrangements prior to your departure date, a simple phone call to customer service will allow you to add coverage. Should you need to extend the dates for your trip, you may do so by calling us prior to your scheduled return date.

What if I change my mind?       

If you purchase this plan and are not satisfied within 10 days of receipt, contact CSA Travel Protection directly to indicate your desire to cancel. If you haven't already left on your trip or filed a claim, you will receive a complete refund.

I understand I can cancel for any reason. How does that work and what percentage of my trip costs and premium will be reimbursed if I do?       

"Cancel for any reason" is an optional coverage that can be added to our Luxe plan. "Cancel for any reason" coverage is built to protect your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, such as cruise packages, tours and side trips if you must cancel. Your percentage of reimbursement will depend on how far from trip departure you are. The further you are from your departure date at time of cancellation, the higher the percentage of reimbursement.
If only certain members of your group must cancel, "trip cancellation" benefits are provided for covered reasons defined in the policy.

How does your "no out-of-pocket" service work?       

If you need medical assistance while traveling or en route to trip departure, you can call CSA's 24-hour assistance hotline to get a referral within the CSA designated provider network of 30,000 physicians and 180,000 service providers worldwide. Then when you receive treatment, you simply acknowledge that you received the one-time care, which must be under $1,000, and the physician or service provider will submit paperwork to be reimbursed directly from CSA. This allows you to receive treatment without spending your vacation dollars when the unexpected occurs. If the medical expense is more than $1,000 the standard claims process would be in place.



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Anna Maria Christmas Parade & Santa Open House December 08, 2012

Anna Maria Christmas Parade & Santa Open House December 08, 2012

 
 
http://www.solterreproperties.com



Christmas Parade & Santa Open House December 08,2012

As another holiday season rapidly approaches, the Anna Maria Island Privateers would like to invite you to participate in their 2012 Christmas Parade on December 8th, followed by our Santa Open House at Coquina Beach; where the man in red will be handing out gifts to the youngsters. This much anticipated annual event brings great joy to children and adults and to both islanders and those visiting our area.
We hope you will celebrate this special kick-off to the Holiday Festivities by joining in our parade which begins at Bayfront Park then travels south along Anna Maria Island, through the three island cities. Whether you have participated in the past or if this is your first time, we know you will enjoy the experience and spread the joy to others!

More information and online registration: CHRISTMAS PARADE

Friday, November 2, 2012

Daylight Savings Time

 
Don't forget to change your clocks back on Saturday evening
 
 
 


Rationale and original idea
The main purpose of Daylight Saving Time (called "Summer Time" in many places in the world) is to make better use of daylight. We change our clocks during the summer months to move an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. Countries have different change dates. Glide your cursor over the map to see how changing the clocks affects different latitudes.


If you live near the equator, day and night are nearly the same length (12 hours). But elsewhere on Earth, there is much more daylight in the summer than in the winter. The closer you live to the North or South Pole, the longer the period of daylight in the summer. Thus, Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time) is usually not helpful in the tropics, and countries near the equator generally do not change their clocks.
A poll conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation indicated that Americans liked Daylight Saving Time because "there is more light in the evenings / can do more in the evenings." A 1976 survey of 2.7 million citizens in New South Wales, Australia, found 68% liked daylight saving. Indeed, some say that the primary reason that Daylight Saving Time is a part of many societies is simply because people like to enjoy long summer evenings, and that reasons such as energy conservation are merely rationalizations.
According to some sources, DST saves energy. Studies done by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1975 showed that Daylight Saving Time trims the entire country's electricity usage by a small but significant amount, about one percent each day, because less electricity is used for lighting and appliances. Similarly, in New Zealand, power companies have found that power usage decreases 3.5 percent when daylight saving starts. In the first week, peak evening consumption commonly drops around five percent.
The rationale behind the 1975 study of DST-related energy savings was that energy use and the demand for electricity for lighting homes is directly related to the times when people go to bed at night and rise in the morning. In the average home, 25 percent of electricity was used for lighting and small appliances, such as TVs and stereos. A good percentage of energy consumed by lighting and appliances occurred in the evening when families were home. By moving the clock ahead one hour, the amount of electricity consumed each day decreased.
In the summer, people who rose before the sun rises used more energy in the morning than if DST were not in effect. However, although 70 percent of Americans rose before 7:00 a.m., this waste of energy from having less sunlight in the morning was more than offset by the savings of energy that results from more sunlight in the evening.
In the winter, the afternoon Daylight Saving Time advantage is offset for many people and businesses by the morning's need for more lighting. In spring and fall, the advantage is generally less than one hour. So, the rationale was that Daylight Saving Time saves energy for lighting in all seasons of the year, but it saves least during the four darkest months of winter (November, December, January, and February), when the afternoon advantage is offset by the need for lighting because of late sunrise.
In addition, less electricity was thought to be used because people are home fewer hours during the "longer" days of spring and summer. Most people plan outdoor activities in the extra daylight hours. When people are not at home, they don't turn on the appliances and lights.
Although a 1976 report by the National Bureau of Standards disputed the 1975 U.S. Department of Transportation study, and found that DST-related energy savings were insignificant, the DOT study continued to influence decisions about Daylight Saving Time.
The argument in favor of saving energy swayed Indiana, where until 2005, only about 16 percent of counties observed Daylight Saving Time. Based on the DOT study, advocates of Indiana DST estimated that the state’s residents would save over $7 million in electricity costs each year. Now that Indiana has made the switch, however, researchers have found the opposite to be the case. Scientists from the University of California, Santa Barbara, compared energy usage over the course of three years in Indiana counties that switched from year-round Standard Time to DST. They found that Indianans actually spent $8.6 million more each year because of Daylight Saving Time, and increased emissions came with a social cost of between $1.6 million and $5.3 million per year. Commentators have theorized that the energy jump is due to the increased prevalence of home air conditioning over the past 40 years, in that more daylight toward the end of a summer’s day means that people are more likely to use their air conditioners when they come home from work.
However, the Indiana research findings don’t necessarily apply elsewhere. In cooler climates, for example, energy savings may well occur.
In addition, some argue that there is a public health benefit to Daylight Saving Time, as it decreases traffic accidents. Several studies in the U.S. and Great Britain have found that the DST daylight shift reduces net traffic accidents and fatalities by close to one percent. An increase in accidents in the dark mornings is more than offset by the evening decrease in accidents.
However, recent research indicates that pedestrian fatalities from cars soar at 6:00 p.m. during the weeks after clocks are set back in the fall. Walkers are three times as likely to be hit and killed by cars right after the switch than in the month before DST ends. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, who found a 186 percent jump in the risk of being killed by a car for every mile walked, speculate that drivers go through an adjustment period when dusk arrives earlier. Although the risk drops in the morning, because there are fewer pedestrians at 6:00 a.m., the lives saved in the morning don’t offset those lost in the evening.
This research corroborates a 2001 study by researchers at the University of Michigan, which found that 65 pedestrians were killed by car crashes in the week before DST ended, and 227 pedestrians were killed in the week following the end of DST.
There may also be an economic benefit to DST, as daylight evening hours encourage people to go out and shop, potentially spurring economic growth.
 






Idea of Daylight Saving Time
The idea of daylight saving was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin (portrait at right) during his sojourn as an American delegate in Paris in 1784, in an essay, "An Economical Project." Read more about Franklin's essay.
Some of Franklin's friends, inventors of a new kind of oil lamp, were so taken by the scheme that they continued corresponding with Franklin even after he returned to America.
The idea was first advocated seriously by London builder William Willett (1857-1915) in the pamphlet, "Waste of Daylight" (1907), that proposed advancing clocks 20 minutes on each of four Sundays in April, and retarding them by the same amount on four Sundays in September. As he was taking an early morning a ride through Petts Wood, near Croydon, Willett was struck by the fact that the blinds of nearby houses were closed, even though the sun was fully risen. When questioned as to why he didn't simply get up an hour earlier, Willett replied with typical British humor, "What?" In his pamphlet "The Waste of Daylight" he wrote:
"Everyone appreciates the long, light evenings. Everyone laments their shortage as Autumn approaches; and everyone has given utterance to regret that the clear, bright light of an early morning during Spring and Summer months is so seldom seen or used."


Early British laws and lax observance
About one year after Willett began to advocate daylight saving (he spent a fortune lobbying), he attracted the attention of the authorities. Robert Pearce - later Sir Robert Pearce - introduced a bill in the House of Commons to make it compulsory to adjust the clocks. The bill was drafted in 1909 and introduced in Parliament several times, but it met with ridicule and opposition, especially from farming interests. Generally lampooned at the time, Willett died on March 4, 1915.
Following Germany's lead, Britain passed an act on May 17, 1916, and Willett's scheme of adding 80 minutes, in four separate movements was put in operation on the following Sunday, May 21, 1916. There was a storm of opposition, confusion, and prejudice. The Royal Meteorological Society insisted that Greenwich time would still be used to measure tides. The parks belonging to the Office of Works and the London County Council decided to close at dusk, which meant that they would be open an extra hour in the evening. Kew Gardens, on the other hand, ignored the daylight saving scheme and decided to close by the clock.
In Edinburgh, the confusion was even more marked, for the gun at the Castle was fired at 1:00 p.m. Summer Time, while the ball on the top of the Nelson monument on Calton Hill fell at 1:00 Greenwich Time. That arrangement was carried on for the benefit of seamen who could see it from the Firth of Forth. The time fixed for changing clocks was 2:00 a.m. on a Sunday.
There was a fair bit of opposition from the general public and from agricultural interests who wanted daylight in the morning, but Lord Balfour came forward with a unique concern:
"Supposing some unfortunate lady was confined with twins and one child was born 10 minutes before 1 o'clock. ... the time of birth of the two children would be reversed. ... Such an alteration might conceivably affect the property and titles in that House."
After World War I, Parliament passed several acts relating to Summer Time. In 1925, a law was enacted that Summer Time should begin on the day following the third Saturday in April (or one week earlier if that day was Easter Day). The date for closing of Summer Time was fixed for the day after the first Saturday in October.
The energy saving benefits of Summer Time were recognized during World War II, when clocks in Britain were put two hours ahead of GMT during the summer. This became known as Double Summer Time. During the war, clocks remained one hour ahead of GMT throughout the winter.



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Historic Bridge Steet

 
Historic Bridge Steet on Bradenton Beach
 
 

 




Up until 1921, the only way to access Anna Maria Island was by boat. That is the year that the island was connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge extending from the village of Cortez to what was then called Cortez Beach making it the center of the island community. In the late 20’s, Cortez Beach became known as Bradenton Beach.
In 1967, the current drawbridge was opened to 5th Street North ending the use of the original wooden bridge as a means to access the island. While the side of the bridge in Cortez village was removed, the Bradenton Beach side of the old wooden bridge was saved and converted into a fishing pier at the eastern end of Bridge Street. This fishing pier still stands today and is the site of a restaurant and gathering place for locals, tourists and little ones trying to catch the big one.
When the bridge moved just a few blocks away in the late sixties, some of Bridge Street’s popularity went with it. In recent years, the area has been revitalized. A strong Merchant’s Association, coupled with a widespread rejuvenation project, that included renovation of the fishing pier breathed new life into the area.
Historic Bridge Street is once again the bustling center of activity in this historic beach community. What’s now known as the Historic Old Town District is great for day trips, weekend getaways, or an entire vacation. Bridge Street offers a walkable community with spectacular water views from the both the pier and the gulf beach.




The Bridge Street Market has become a Bradenton Beach tradition. Located at 107 Bridge Street, this outdoor market is a place to find local artwork, crafts, produce, special gifts, music, and more. The market is held November-April weekly.




 
 
Bridge Street Pier
 
 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Book Now for the holidays!!!

 
Check out this cute duplex, Coral Breeze!!!
 
 



Coral Breeze is your brand new tiki paradise. This adorable 2 bedroom 2 bath duplex features everything you need for your island vacation. You may even want to book both sides of the duplex for family reunions or large gatherings where you could sleep 12 and have TWO pools and four bedrooms. There is a gate between the pool areas so you can easily manuver from one side to the other. Master bedroom features a king sized bed with an on-suit bathroom with walk out access to your tropical tiki patio and private heated pool. 2nd bedroom features 2 twin size beds and the living room has a fabulous sofa sleeper. The kitchen has brand new stainless steel appliances and has all the amenities you would have at home. You are just a 3 minute walk away from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico where you can watch many beautiful sunsets or spend the day just enjoying the sounds of the waves. See what the adorable Anna Maria Island has to offer with its unique boutiques and fantastic restaurants, either by foot or taking the free Trolley ride.