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Cities - Community Profile
Text Box: Whether in one of the six unique municipalities or in the urban/residential areas, Greater Bradenton offers a diversity of lifestyles. From the home you choose, to the way you play, to the place you work…there is something for everyone. Here’s a sketch of the cities in the Greater Bradenton Area:
Bradenton
Text Box: Bradenton is the largest city in the Greater Bradenton Area with a 2007 population of approximately 54,409. It is also the seat of government for Manatee County. A center for finance, business, health care, and culture, Bradenton has a business friendly environment. It is a city, yet it has small town charm and appeal. In addition to an Enterprise Zone to promote business development, efforts to renovate the city’s central core area including “Old Main Street” and to develop city owned property along the Manatee River continue.
Palmetto
Text Box: Palmetto is the second largest city in the Greater Bradenton Area with a population slightly over 13,000. Located north of Bradenton across the Manatee River, it is the home of the area’s agricultural industry, primarily the growing and shipping of tomatoes. An Enterprise Zone in Palmetto offers tax benefits to new and expanding businesses. Like Bradenton, Palmetto is placing renewed emphasis on public spaces along the Manatee River and is renovating its “Old Town,” an historic and commercial district. Palmetto has one of the largest community redevelopment districts in the state. Palmetto has the historic grace of old Florida waterfront, a sense of community, and a sense of purpose.
Anna Maria
Text Box: Located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, the City of Anna Maria is a finger-like stretch of homes, beaches, dunes, and sea oats. At the mouth of Tampa Bay, it lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. A mere 1.5 square miles in size, Anna Maria has 1,800 year-round residents in a quaint, beachfront community. Widespread beach access is available both on the Gulf of Mexico and on Sarasota Bay. Two rustic, old Florida fishing piers, Anna Maria City Pier and the Rod n’ Reel Pier, are popular with anglers.
Holmes Beach
Text Box: Holmes Beach is the largest of three municipalities on the barrier island of Anna Maria and is bordered by Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Primarily a residential community with a year-round population of almost 5,000, Holmes Beach is also a popular vacation destination with numerous motels and cottages. Many other wide, accessible beaches complement the Manatee County Public Beach. Year-round events and festivals bring a strong sense of pride to the community.
Bradenton Beach
Text Box: Bradenton Beach is a small beach community at the southern tip of Anna Maria Island, with 1,500 year-round residents. A vacation destination, Bradenton Beach boasts a variety of accommodations from no-frill to luxury inns. Thirty-five percent of the town’s property is set aside for public recreation. At the southern tip of the town are two large public beaches. The historic and renovated Bridge Street is dotted with restaurants and nightlife. On Leffis Key, a restored salt-water marsh, visitors can use nature trails, boardwalks, and view Sarasota Bay from scenic overlooks.
Longboat Key
Text Box: Located south of Anna Maria Island, across the Longboat Pass, Longboat Key is primarily a luxury resort and retirement community. The Key is shared by two counties…Manatee in the north and Sarasota in the south. Longboat Key’s 7,000 year-round residents enjoy 12 miles of Gulf-front beaches. A barrier island lying between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key features a nationally known tennis resort, luxury resorts, fine dining, exclusive shops, and two private golf courses.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL * MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. BOX 321 * 222 10th Street West * Bradenton, FL 34206-0321 * Phone: +1 (1-941) 748-3411 * E-mail: Info@manateeEDC.com