Anna Maria Island is a barrier formation in Florida’s Manatee County. It was named Ana-Maria Cay in the early 16th century by Spanish explorer Ponce de León in honor of the Virgin Mary and her mother Anne. This very narrow key has seven miles of spectacular beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful surf and sand is at Bradenton Beach. The island’s eastern edge is formed by the Sarasota Bay and the Anna Maria Sound.
