First responders are beefing up coverage for Independence Day on Anna Maria Island.
They’re preparing for beach crowds, traffic congestion, summer heat and water emergencies.
The Manatee County Beach Patrol is adding lifeguards, extending emergency response coverage until 9 p.m., deploying a personal watercraft for Gulf-side patrols and stationing EMT-staffed rescue units at Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach, according to public safety communications coordinator Francesca Constantini.
Constantini said June 26 that a lifeguard also will patrol the shoreline from Manatee Public Beach to the island’s northern tip, where there are no lifeguard stations.
Beachgoers are encouraged to swim near guarded beaches, check warning flags before entering the water, stay hydrated and seek help from lifeguards.
For the July 4 holiday in 2025, beach patrol handled three water rescues and 21 medical calls, as well as reunited 14 lost children with their families and performed 587 preventative interventions.
Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said his department also will increase staffing to accommodate crowds.
Using anonymized cellphone data, the HBPD estimated about 535,800 visitors came through Holmes Beach June 28-July 12 in 2025. The busiest day was July 5, 2025, when about 48,200 visitors were recorded.
“We want people to be respectful of their neighbors, remembering that they’re vacationing in a residential neighborhood,” the chief said.
In a June 24 interview with The Islander, Tokajer reminded people that grills, alcohol and pets are prohibited on the beach. Also, fireworks, which are prohibited, can disturb nesting sea turtles and shorebirds during nesting season.
The chief also said people should keep noise down after 10 p.m.
Traffic delays can be expected throughout the holiday, especially July 4, during the Anna Maria Island Privateers Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria.
“If you’ve got somewhere to be, make sure you get off the island before the roads are closed,” Tokajer said, referring to parade precautions.
In Bradenton Beach, all available officers will be on duty throughout the holiday weekend, according to Police Chief John Cosby.
“Everybody’s working, including myself,” he said.
Cosby encouraged motorists to remain patient when dealing with congestion and parking.
The National Weather Service is forecasting afternoon highs around 90 degrees and “feels like” temperatures of 99-103 degrees.
Cosby said, “Bring your sunscreen because it’s going to be hot. Stay hydrated. That’s going to be the biggest thing.”
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which polices Anna Maria and assists in the other cities, also will expand its island patrols — deputies, motorcycle officers and members of the special response team.
MCSO Sgt. Brett Getman on June 26 said people can expect heavy traffic and also lots of pedestrians.
“Have patience,” Getman said.
