Summer hits Anna Maria Island!

With 90 plus degree weather the summer is in full swing on Anna Maria Island with locals and vacationers hitting the beach. Here are some beach tips so everybody stays safe and has a blast.

Beach flag warning system

Before swimming check out the beach flags on the county beaches on the island to learn about the water conditions. Florida has a uniform beach flag system that uses 4 colors to inform beachgoers. Life guards are monitoring the conditions throughout the day and will communicate with the firefighters in the two Manatee County firefighters that also display the flags. Red — Swim with extreme caution due to strong currents or rough surf Yellow — Swim with caution due to strong currents or rough surf Green — Swimming allowed, calm conditions Purple — Presence of marine pests such as jellyfish, sharks, stingrays or red tide The Double Red flag indicates that the water closed to the public. Also, don’t forget the “stingray shuffle” to avoid the unpleasant experience of getting stung by the sharp tail of a stingray. They tend to hide in the shallow water close to the waterline. If you shuffle the sand while entering they will quickly disappear.  

Florida Sun

Don’t underestimate the UV rays even on a cloudier day. Florida’s sun is extremely strong and sunscreen is a must. Applying high SPF about 20 minutes before you go to the beach is best and don’t forget to reapply. Consider cover ups like hats and other UV protective gear and bring umbrellas or a sun tent. All our Duncan vacation rental guests enjoy a 10% discount at BeachBums, a local beach rental shop. Sun burns are extremely painful and can ruin the rest of the vacation. Also, stay hydrated when enjoying the beach. The heat is intense and can cause a heat stroke. It can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F or higher for example by prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.

Lightning

The Tampa Bay area is referred to as the “Lightning Capital of the World”. If measured by the average number of days with thunderstorm activity it should be more accurately called the “Lightning Capital of North Americaâ€�. The safest and most obvious place to be in a thunderstorm is indoors. Also, a car is good place to be because the lightning will travel around the surface of the vehicle and then go to ground. This occurs because the vehicle acts like a Faraday cage. The summer weather pattern pushes clouds from the East to the West and daily afternoon thunderstorms along the Gulf of Mexico coast are the norm. Be prepared and check the radar if you are planning any outdoor activities.  

Beach Fishing

Did you know? Fishing directly off the beaches on Anna Maria Island requires a saltwater fishing license. Try the app Fish/Hunt Florida to take care of your license application. The fee is $17 per year. If you like to safe the money and skip the license consider fishing off the piers on the island that are covered by a blanket license. Also, anyone under 16 or people eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance or medicaid are exempt. Florida residents over 65 don’t need a license either. Another fun experience is coming up with Florida Lobster season by the end of July. Some of the critters make their way all the way up to this area but the Keys are the best known for their rock lobsters. There is a separate license for lobstering. If you need any other information while on the island don’t hesitate to contact the Duncan Real Estate Rental team. Please call at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message here.