The stuff locals wish you knew
Good to know
Short, checked answers to the questions everybody asks their first week. Every fact links to where we got it.
Arrival day & Saturday changeover4pm check in, 10am check out, and how to dodge the Saturday crunch.Bridges & trafficLive traffic links and the Cortez Bridge replacement.Don't get a parking ticketThe rules in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.Golf cart rules & insuranceCar seats, bridges, who can drive and what coverage you need.Beach safetyLifeguards, flags, the stingray shuffle and rip currents.Rental house rules cardTrash days by city, quiet hours, turtle lights. Printable.Airports & the ferrySRQ, TPA or PIE, airport rides, and the Gulf Islands Ferry.Month by monthWeather, water temps and what each month brings.Chefs & photographersIn-home chefs and beach photographers who work on AMI.Storm recovery statusCity Pier, Leffis Key, Rod & Reel and what's changed.
Looking for a photographer? See beach photographers. Need a chef at the house? See in-home chefs.
Island status: what's open
Checked Sep 30, 2026- OpenHistoric Bridge Street Pier
- OpenGulf Islands Ferry
- MovedRod & Reel (restaurant)
- MovedMote Marine at the City Pier