Anna Maria Island | Anna Maria Island High Season

Anna Maria Island High Season is just about to get under way. As a year-round resident, who endures the high humidity and storms of summer, my respect for the wisdom of the snowbirds grows every year. From October through May, there are many days that are just about perfect. The people who come here during that period avoid a lot of discomfort and worry. They don’t have to worry about whether they are in a structure that will withstand the high winds of summer hurricanes. They don’t have to postpone a walk for fear of being struck by lightning, as often is the case in summer. The good news for those of us who stay here year-round is that the high season crowd does not fill the entire period from October through May, so we get to enjoy many days that are near perfect, without big crowds.

One sign that High Season has arrived on Anna Maria Island is that it becomes more difficult to cross the street as a pedestrian. You have to wait for a break in the traffic. If you are at a pedestrian cross walk, you have to wonder whether the cars in both directions will stop for you. I hate it when one car stops and waves to me to cross, while another car coming from the opposite direction seems to accelerate toward me. It’s confusing, and I prefer the old-fashioned situation in which pedestrians just wait for a break in the traffic. I’m sure that’s safer.

Another sign that the busy season is upon us is that it takes longer to find a parking space at Publix. Then, inside, it takes longer to get through the crowded aisles and check-out lanes. But Publix does such a good job of keeping the shelves well-stocked, and trying to open extra check-out lanes. So the overall experience is still very pleasant.

There often is a wait at restaurants during the High Season. I like to think of this as a good time to try new places, which haven’t been discovered yet.

All in all, the benefits of Anna Maria Island busy season far outweigh any of the inconveniences. Many of the seasonal residents and guests are as devoted to this island as the year-round residents. They add an interesting component to the population, and we can thank them for supporting the local businesses and cultural amenities, which we then get to enjoy, too.

And, let’s face it—it’s really not all that crowded!

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