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Media Contact: Gentry Baumline
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
386-677-7000
gentry@hayworthcreative.com
Year 2008
Fun in the Florida Gulf Coast Sun
Year-round surf, sand and sunshine makes Florida’s Gulf Islands a perfect playground for outdoor recreation. Locals and visitors alike easily slip into the area’s alluring life of leisure. To enjoy an astonishingly new perspective of the islands, climb aboard a sunset sail with a cool drink in your hand and permanent grin on your face. Or choose a course of action that requires very little action at all, by loafing about at some of the best public beaches in Florida. Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island Bay Front Beach, Manatee Beach, and Coquina Beach all offer the opportunity to swim, splash and soak in the peaceful waves of the Gulf of Mexico. For a more slow-paced, secluded experience, head to Longboat Key, or for action and amenities drop by Coquina Beach where you will find a full-service concession stand, barbecue pits, picnic facilities, restrooms, and lifeguards on duty.
Aquatic Diversions
For active travelers, the local waters provide a never-ending list of options for families and couples alike to make a splash. Outdoorsy types can rent kayaks or canoes to paddle the serene winding Intracoastal waterways, or to cruise along the gulf shore just beyond the gentle surf break. If you love the water, but crave a bit of speed, rent a wave runner or powerboat to cut across the waterways at a clip that strikes your fancy. The area is known for having expert outfitters who can coordinate a wide variety of outdoor excursions for groups of any size and interest. Boat lovers have a wide range of options to choose from as well, with pontoons, powerboats, sailboats and catamarans never far away. For aspiring sailors, the barrier islands of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are ideal places to learn the ropes. For those who don’t know a jib from a boom, the American Sailing Association School is located in the nearby coastal town of Palmetto.
Adventure seekers who prefer to be above it all may want to check out companies that offer breathtaking parasailing jaunts just off the coast. But if you prefer observing the wildlife instead of living it, there are also companies that specialize in fascinating dolphin and other marine wildlife tours.
Fishing Tales
From ship or shore, deck or dock, fishing Florida’s Gulf Islands is always a thrill. Whether you bring your own gear or rent it from one of the local shops, you can drop a line anytime of day. Some prefer the cool, calm hours before sunrise, while others fish the incoming tide from an hour before sunset right up until midnight. But fishing fanatics can expect plenty to brag about around the clock. The beautiful gulf waters are typically rich with Nassau grouper, mahi mahi, swordfish, and a dizzying array of other feisty fish. Venture offshore for a deep sea fishing trip or fish the flats and shallow waters that surround the lush islands. Seven area public piers make it easy for those anglers who don’t want to venture far for their fishy fun, while charters take anglers out into the Gulf.
Land Lubber Leisure
Onshore activities are as abundant on the mainland as lazy afternoons on the beach. Golfers will be thrilled to learn this sleepy beach destination is home to more than 20 gorgeous courses – 45 if you count the Sarasota area! The diverse course range provides golfers with everything from tight executive par threes to the sprawling expanse of challenging 18-hole courses. Tennis buffs can hobnob at IMG’s Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy that fostered the likes of tennis stars Monica Seles, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, and this year’s Wimbledon female champion, Maria Sharapova. The academy boasts 10 clay, 35 hard, and six indoor courts on-site, with an additional 21 courts at the nearby Bollettieri Tennis Centre. A variety of flexible programs are available for adults and families.
For those not ready to break a sweat, shopping is always an option. Anna Maria, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch are known for their specialty boutiques, offering everything from island wear and novelties to hand-made jewelry, fashions and art. Bradenton’s downtown houses numerous antique shops, while the nearby Village of the Arts features more than 40 cottage-like galleries for artists from around the world. Bargain-hunters can score big at the Prime Outlets in Ellenton, but if price is not a problem, upscale St. Armand’s Circle is the place to go for a variety of exclusive shoe, clothing, gift and other retail stores.
Having plenty of activity options to choose from can be a good thing, especially for families whose members have varying interests. And no matter what the individual preference, whether zipping around on an island scooter, reeling in a trophy fish, or bagging a bargain, one thing remains constant – the dazzling scenic backdrop of the islands.
For travel information, visitors can call toll free (800) 462-6283, direct at (941) 729-9177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com. An information kiosk is located in the Manatee Courtyard of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton (one quarter mile east of exit 224 on I-75). The kiosk is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
-Florida’s Gulf Islands-
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