Cheers! The Drift is back

Opening day arrives April 4 for the Drift-In AMI in Bradenton Beach. Hurricanes forced its closure last fall. Then came a long struggle to recover from the damages. The bar opened at 7 a.m. to a line of customers. Islander Photo: Courtesy Elayne Armaniaco

A full cast of island characters, including members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, cheer from the new tiki hut at the April 4 reopening of Drift-In AMI.

Derek Williams and Bradenton Beach resident Elayne Armaniaco smile for a selfie during an April 4 grand reopening of the Drift-In bar in Bradenton Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers join the party.