The History of Anna Maria Island...

Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile long barrier reef island on the West Coast of Florida that features unspoiled white sand beaches, crystal clear Gulf waters, and is adored by many for it's "Old Florida" charm. Today it is comprised of three different municipalities that include Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and the City of Anna Maria. Although once only accessible by boat, today there are two bridges connecting the island to the mainland of Bradenton.

Before our quaint little island became what it's known for today-a vacationers paradise-it was used primarily for fishing and hunting by the Caloosan and Timucan American Indian Tribes. It was later discovered by Spanish explorers including Ponce de Leon around 1521 and again by Hernando DeSoto around 1539.

The first permanent resident, George Emerson Bean, didn't settle until 1892 and was soon followed by John Roser. You'll still hear these names used on the island today when you visit Bean Point Beach or pay a visit to the Roser Church on Pine Avenue. The development of the island started in the early 1900s through a collective effort by George and Charles Roser, John's son who was a successful businessman. It is said that Charles' fortune and success came from selling his recipe as the creator of Fig Newtons to Nabisco. Together they formed the Anna Maria Beach Company and built-out streets, sidewalks, a working water system and this eventually led to the construction of homes. As more people inhabited the island the development continued with a school and local businesses emerging.




Wagner Realty, Anna Maria Island Office has lef their own mark on Anna Maria Island. Our broker for our office who has been with us for 20 years, designed the 'Welcome Sign' we all know and love. Below is a picture of the Broker's husband who sent a photo of the design to the Rotary Club who put his visions to life.