As beachgoers gear up for a sun-filled Fourth of July, law enforcement and emergency responders on Anna Maria Island are preparing for a demanding long weekend.
Law enforcement agencies will join forces to manage crowds, traffic and beach activity across the island during the holiday weekend that begins Friday, July 4, with the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Independence Day Parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and head north to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.
“We’re expecting high traffic and large crowds,” said Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby. “Everyone’s welcome but we ask for patience — especially when it comes to parking.”
Cosby said June 18 that his department will coordinate with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which polices Anna Maria, and the Holmes Beach Police Department to ensure full coverage.
To reinforce staffing levels, Cosby asked city commissioners to declare a local state of emergency during a June 5 meeting, which they did.
“I have canceled all days off,” Cosby said of the police department staff. “So every member of the department is working those three days, including myself, and will be out there.”
He said the MCSO will back up the BBPD in the island’s southernmost city, which has two public beaches — Coquina and Cortez.
Cosby encouraged people to plan for crowds and congestion.
“Be patient. Plan ahead. It’s going to be busy,” he said. “And don’t park illegally.”
The chief also reminded people that fireworks are not permitted.
“If it flies or goes boom, it’s illegal,” Cosby said.
Environmental concerns, particularly the protection of nesting wildlife, are part of the reason behind the ban.
“We have black skimmers,” Cosby said. “They nest here, they are a protected species and they are the type of bird that comes back to the same place to nest every year. So no loud noises allowed.”
Holmes Beach police Chief Bill Tokajer said the department will have additional officers on duty.
“This is one of our busiest weekends and it’s also turtle nesting season,” Tokajer said June 18. “There are no approved fireworks shows on the island and private fireworks are prohibited.”
Novelty items like sparklers and smoke devices are allowed but not explosive or aerial fireworks.
“Come with the idea of having a family-friendly atmosphere,” Tokajer said. “We want them to realize that if they are vacationing in our city, that they are vacationing in a residential area and, although we want them to have a good time, to keep the noise to a respectable level.”
He encouraged motorists to use the city’s online parking map, available at holmesbeachfl.org, to find public spaces.
In Anna Maria, the MCSO operates a substation and serves as the city’s law enforcement agency.
The MCSO, for holidays, usually increases the number of deputies on patrol, as well as assigns special response units.
The county’s mounted patrols will be at Coquina Beach and the marine unit will patrol coastal waters.
Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski with the West Manatee Fire Rescue encouraged fire safety, water safety and heat awareness.
“We are always reminding people to be safe after they have lit fireworks … to soak them in water for up to 10 minutes before they discard them and to keep a good distance from homes and wooded areas,” Kwiatkowski said.
He also said, “It’s getting to be that time of year again, at its hottest. We are reminding people to stay hydrated … and their pets.”