5 Boating Safety Tips for Summer 2017

5 Boating Safety Tips for Summer 2017

5 Boating Safety Tips for Summer 2017With summer still in its prime, it never hurts to brush up on boating safety! Keep these boating safety tips in mind as you're enjoying your fun in the sun in summer 2017.1. Be watchful of the weather.Before you head out on the boat, always make sure to check the weather forecast. From the TV and radio forecasts to nifty phone apps, like Weather Underground and DarkSky, there is a plethora of ways to obtain an accurate forecast to ensure boating safety. Of course, if you find yourself seeing dark clouds or in roughening winds, it's best to head home. 2. Make sure you have proper safety equipment prior to departure.Your boat should be equipped with one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each passenger. In addition, you'll want to have additional throwable flotation devices such as rings and cushions. Lastly, make sure to demonstrate where the devices and life jackets are located as well as the proper way...
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Local Beaches Among Top Family Beaches in U.S.

Local Beaches Among Top Family Beaches in U.S.

Local Beaches Among Top Family Beaches in U.S.Three beaches near Palmetto, Florida were named among Reader's Digest's top family beaches to visit in the U.S. and Carribean! You're in luck when visiting our area because these top family beaches are just a short drive away. Below, you'll get the scoop on each beach as well as the amount of travel time it takes to reach your destination from Palmetto.Clearwater BeachTravel Time: 57 minutesWith it's pearly-white sand against the lucid ocean waters, what's not to love about Clearwater Beach? Take the kids to a pirate ship cruise where they can hear pirate stories, play games, go on treasure hunts and much more. You may even spot a dolphin! Speaking of dolphins, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium also boasts a one-of-a-kind experience as you'll get to meet the movie star dolphin Winter, who starred in Dolphin Tale. Sanibel IslandTravel Time: 2 hours, 3 minutesWhen you visit Sanibel Island, there's one pastime that might take over your entire day: shelling. That's right—Sanibel is...
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3 Affordable Travel Destinations Near Bradenton

3 Affordable Travel Destinations Near Bradenton

3 Affordable Travel Destinations Near BradentonAre you on a budget this summer? While there is much to see and do in the Bradenton area, there are many affordable travel destinations nearby!In fact, three cities in Florida were named among the Top 10 Most Affordable Travel Destinations in the country by AOL! Orlando ranked at No. 1 for the second consecutive year, Fort Lauderdale came in at No. 3, and Jacksonville ranked at No. 9.For a family of four, the total vacation costs for three days and nights are $2,284 in Orlando, $2,560 in Fort Lauderdale and $2,852 in Jacksonville. To find the most affordable travel destinations, AOL considered the average cost for a family of four and individuals using these four key factors: roundtrip airfare, hotel rates, car rental rates and dining.If you're on a budget and looking for an affordable getaway for you and your family, learn more about these cities near Bradenton: When in Orlando, located just a couple hours from...
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Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017

Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017

Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017From gazing at unique artwork to admiring national memorials and parks, there are several free things to do near Bradenton this summer! Whether you’re on a budget or are just searching for some fun things to do to give your wallet a break, the fun never stops near Bradenton!Visit the Cortez Historic Fishing Village.Immerse yourself in history as you enter the charming fishing village of Cortez. Traverse through Cortez's Florida Maritime Museum offering free admission every day! Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss the latest exhibit, Florida Through the Lens, which displays the work of nature photographer Richard Estabrook. This exhibit continues through July 28. In addition to the museum, you can take a stroll through charming, old fish houses!Admire the Riverwalk’s public art collection.Stroll Bradenton’s Riverwalk to view 19 pieces of public art. From acoustic sculptures to the drum yard, the public art is enjoyable...
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4 Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

4 Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

4 Tips for Staying Safe at the BeachWhether you're a seasoned beachgoer in Bradenton or traveling here for your annual vacation, staying safe at the beach should always be your top priority.Here are four simple tips to make sure you're safe at the beach this summer!1. Don't overestimate your swimming abilities.Since you know how skilled you are in swimming, it's best to keep within your abilities in order to stay safe at the beach this summer. For instance, if you're a novice swimmer, it's certainly not wise to be swimming in the deeper areas where you can't touch the bottom. Don't find yourself in trouble by overestimating your swimming abilities this summer. In addition, there are often stronger currents or rip tides in the water that are much more difficult to escape. So be sure to not attempt to swim during these conditions if you are not equipped to handle them.2. Be aware of drop-off points in the water.Make sure to identify...
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2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton Area

2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton Area

2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton AreaFourth of July weekend is here, and you don’t want to miss all that our area has to offer. Amongst the barbecues, yard games and—of course—fireworks, join in at these exciting events! Here’s the scoop on what to do July 4th weekend in Bradenton and surrounding areas.Tomorrow, you can begin the all-American weekend watching The Marauders play Florida at LECOM Park in Bradenton! Tickets are $6–$10, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a complimentary t-shirt! Once the game ends, make sure to stick around for a post-game fireworks show! Game begins at 6:30 p.m. Also tomorrow, head to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for a free Fireworks Festival complete with games, music, refreshments and fireworks, of course! The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets for this exciting event. While the event is free, parking is $5 on Regatta Island.On July 4, head to the Sarasota Bayfront for Fireworks...
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What to Bring to the Beach for Summer 2017

What to Bring to the Beach for Summer 2017

What to Bring to the Beach for Summer 2017Summer 2017 is officially here, school's out, and there's more time than ever to enjoy the sun and sand. Whether you're a local or a visitor to our beautiful beaches, it never hurts to brush up on what to bring to the beach! We hope you use this list to ensure that you don't leave the summer essentials behind for your beach day.Spare swimsuitBeach cover-up, sarong, dress, etc.Appropriate footwear: sandals, crocsLarge waterproof bag to carry the essentialsBeach caddy to carry larger items, toys, etc.Toys and floaties for the kidsSunglasses (it's great to bring extra in case you lose them in a rough wave!)SunscreenTowels or large blanketsChairsCooler packed with snacks and water bottlesReading materialNow that you know what to bring to the beach for summer 2017, here are some exciting events to look forward to during the next month: Through July 16—Garden Music Series: Don't miss this music series hosted by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens every...
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3 Best Seafood Spots in Bradenton, FL

3 Best Seafood Spots in Bradenton, FL

3 Best Seafood Spots in Bradenton, FLWhen the craving for seafood begins, there's no stopping it until you visit one of the best seafood spots in Bradenton. From fresh oysters to steamed shrimp and more, the seafood spots in Bradenton abound, so there's something for every palate!Anna Maria Oyster BarServing more than just a delicious selection of fresh oysters, Anna Maria Oyster Bar is also known for their award-winning seafood. When you enter the oyster bar, you'll be welcomed into a laid-back and inviting environment that's also perfect for families. Some of the favorite items to order are the lobster bisque, chowder and coconut shrimp. Of course the oysters are superb, too. Enjoy them raw, steamed or fried, and you can even dress them up with parmesan and garlic. The oyster bar highly recommends their Grandma Georgie's Chipotle Oysters as well. End on the rum cake while you enjoy live music!Riverhouse Reef & GrillSitutated on a pier, it's no secret that...
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Three Underrated Theme Parks Near Bradenton FL

Three Underrated Theme Parks Near Bradenton FL

3 Underrated Theme Parks Near Bradenton, FLWhile it’s no doubt that you and your family will have a magical time at Universal Studios or Disney World, there are some wonderful underrated theme parks nearby that you do not want to miss!The beauty of attending lesser-known theme parks near Bradenton is that there will likely be less lines and crowds for you to trek through. This of course means there will be more fun and more chances for you and your family to ride the roller coasters while on vacation! The best of all? These theme parks are located just a couple hours away from Bradenton making this a no-sweat day trip.Here are three underrated theme parks to visit near Bradenton.Fun Spot AmericaThe name clearly says it all with a title like Fun Spot America. While this theme park is located quite close to Universal Studios, Fun Spot America offers a completely unique experience. At this theme park, visit Gatorland to see live alligators, crocodiles...
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Sarasota’s Siesta Beach is the #1 Beach in the U.S.

Sarasota’s Siesta Beach is the #1 Beach in the U.S.

Sarasota's Siesta Beach is the #1 Beach in the U.S.Sarasota's Siesta Beach has been awarded the No. 1 beach in the country by Professor Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman! This is the second time that Siesta Beach has been acclaimed in the last seven years. It's no surprise to us here at Riviera Dunes Marina! With its glistening white sand, Siesta Beach is a beautiful beach to visit year-round! Visitors flock to the beach every year for the crystal clear waters, fantastic shelling opportunities and much more. The beach has also been renovated recently to offer more parking opportunities as well as a free trolley for beachgoers to utilize.Dr. Beach rates beaches from all over the country using 50 different criteria in order to score them for a total of 250 points. Siesta Beach scored a 238 out of 250 points! Some of the criteria included in the list are amenities, noise level, public safety, color of sand, number of sunny days and much more. The...
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