Things will be hopping on Anna Maria Island over the Easter weekend.
Law enforcement will be boosting its presence April 7-9, when beachgoers can expect to see more uniforms, more ATVs, and even some horse patrols over the long weekend.
Manatee County sheriff’s deputies will be joined by the county’s special response team and mounted patrol units to police the beach, Randy Warren, MCSO public information officer, said March 30.
Mounted patrol units will be at the island’s largest public beach, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, noon-6 p.m. April 8-9.
“Our biggest concern is keeping the island safe and eliminating problems,” Warren said. “With all of these holiday weekends, we see an increase in people who are on the island. We see a lot of people coming in from out of county.”
Warren said parking and traffic will be issues.
“We constantly remind people to see where the designated parking areas are, pay attention to the signage and also be aware that alcohol will not be tolerated on any of the beaches anywhere where we have deputies patrolling,” Warren said.
Warren said the county has deployed marine patrol boats in greater numbers throughout the spring season and there will be a law enforcement presence on the water April 7-9.
The MCSO is contracted to provide law enforcement services in Anna Maria and for the long weekend will coordinate with Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments to handle the crowds, including the estimated 2,000 worshippers that will arrive to the Manatee Public Beach on Easter morning for the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island sunrise service.
In Bradenton Beach, the police department will have extra officers in place, confirmed Police Lt. Lenard Diaz.
“We’ll have the posse out over the weekend,” he said. “We always have extra patrols that go out. We’ll also have guys that go out on the side-by-sides and patrol all weekend during the day and the night.”
Side-by-sides are patrols by two officers on off-road vehicles that run on the beaches and along the shoreline.
Diaz advised people visiting Bradenton Beach to exercise patience as they look for parking.
“The important thing is to come out and take your time,” Diaz said. “If you don’t get a parking space, be patient until you can find one. If you are not patient I would suggest leaving, because it’s going to be backed up no matter what.”
The lieutenant also encouraged visitors to follow the rules.
Some “no-nos” on the public beaches:
- No alcohol, littering and glass containers;
- No pets;
- No drones, remotely operated vehicles or toys;
- No campfires. Grilling is allowed where grills are provided;
- No fireworks;
- No disturbing wildlife or destruction of habitat;
- No bicycles, golf carts, ATVs or other vehicles.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said March 30 that extra officers will help create a safe Easter holiday in the island’s largest city.
He said the HBPD will be working with the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island to ensure parking availability and security for the sunrise service at the Manatee Public Beach.
“We will have extra people out,” Tokajer said. “We expect that the sheriff’s office will have their mounted officers out there making sure everything runs smoothly.”
Tokajer reminded visitors to be mindful of parking laws.
In all three cities, vehicles must park with all four tires off the road and parallel park unless within a parking lot.
Diaz and Tokajer reminded people not to leave valuables in vehicles and to lock their vehicles.
Daytrippers are encouraged to carpool or utilize public transportation.
The Islander reached out to Manatee County Beach Patrol Chief Joe Westerman by phone March 30 but, as of press time, there was no response.