Manatee County Marine Rescue posts today's flag at the lifeguarded beaches (updated around 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.). We don't guess. Check the official page:

Manatee Public Beach ↗Coquina & Cortez ↗Lifeguards, stingrays & rips →

Green: low hazard
Yellow: medium hazard
Red: high hazard
Double red: water closed
Purple: dangerous marine life

What the flags mean (Manatee County) ↗

Red tide

Checking…

FWC red tide status ↗

🛰️ Live radar from the National Weather Service ↗

Good for right now

🌉 Bridges & traffic

Three ways on and off. Weekend late mornings and right after sunset back up the most.

Live traffic on Google Maps ↗FL511 cameras and incidents ↗

Cortez Bridge: FDOT is replacing it over about 1,200 days. Side streets on the Cortez side are closed and bridge construction was set to start in November 2026. source

Timeline, roadwork and tips →

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

Full island status board →

📰 What's new on the island

All news

⛔ Closed · Sep 27 to Oct 14
Olive Oil Outpost is on a short break
The Pine Avenue shop is closed September 27 to October 14. Online orders ship again from October 15.
Source: Olive Oil Outpost · Checked Sep 30, 2026 · Olive Oil Outpost
🔓 Reopening · Oct 1
The island history museum reopens in October
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum takes September off and reopens in October, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1pm through December.
Source: Anna Maria Island Historical Society · Checked Sep 30, 2026
➡️ Moved · Oct 2
Coquina Beach Market moves for the new season
The market opens its season on Friday, October 2 at a new spot along the trail south of the trolley turnaround. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10am to 2pm.
Source: Coquina Beach Market · Checked Sep 30, 2026 · More
⛔ Closed · Oct 10
Robinson Preserve closed Saturday, October 10
The whole preserve, including parking, kayak launches and trails, closes for an endurance race and reopens Sunday. Tram tours are canceled after hurricane damage, and some trails close for work in October and November.
Source: Manatee County: Robinson Preserve · Checked Sep 30, 2026 · More

Conditions change quickly on the Gulf. Always swim near a lifeguard, obey the beach flags, and in an emergency call 911.