Need suggestions for Florida
by Volker Weber
Last year we found this nice place on Anna Maria Island, south of the Tampa Bay. We were quite lucky to get a one-bedroom-apartment there, since they were booked solid with snowbirds. This year they don't seem to have a slot free so we are looking for a new spot.
We have also been to Sanibel, but that has been a lot more expensive, and it was a longer ride from Orlando. We have never been to anything north of the Tampa Bay, and I was wondering whether anybody has suggestions?
Here is what we are looking for: One bedroom, kitchenette, living room, balcony overlooking the Gulf, possibly in a small resort. Our last place had 24 units and that is a good size. We would need this in the 3rd week of January. If it is your own condo, don't hesitate to contact us. We are good guests and leave the place at least as good as it was when we arrived.
Comments
We stayed at Anna Maria Beach Cottages a year ago. They were nice and the woman, although a bit of a stickler for the rules and such, was nonetheless agreeable. It was right on the beach and up near the top of the island.
We were considering going there this year between Christmas and New Years.
However, I recently saw a news story in the NY Times about a Red Tide killing all of the marine life along the coast.
The article starts:
"Even when the beaches are free of dead fish and bad smells, it is evident: Coughing, sniffling and itchy, teary eyes confirm that red tide is out there, killing sea life by the ton and tainting the air along Florida's southwest coast for a ninth straight month."
You might want to consider goind down a bit further into the Carribean...
Scott
My parents live in Bradenton about 5 miles from the Gulf and the red tide was definately awful this year. However, in the past couple months, it has lessened. I cannot say if its 100% gone, but I know they haven't put the red flags out at the beach and folks haven't been complaining of the coughing, etc. That area is unique since it's not quite so commercial and I'm afraid I cannot think of anything similar north of Tampa. Maybe a Florida native will have suggestions.
For those of you who, like me, don't know what red tide is :
Red Tide Explained
Is this red tide recurring every year and is it getting worse ?
