bradenton marina – Riviera Dunes Marina

Free Fun in Sarasota and Bradenton

10/28/201610/28/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Free Fun in Sarasota and BradentonWhether you're vacationing here in Sarasota and Bradenton or a local to the area, knowing where to find free fun activities is always beneficial. Here are 10 free fun activities you'll enjoy in the Sarasota and Bradenton area.1. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Bayfront Park in Sarasota. In addition to the breeze you'll encounter from the Sarasota Bay, the whole family will enjoy fishing, a play fountain and a fitness walking area. Bring a picnic, and settle in for a serene afternoon at the park.2. Groove with the drum circles on the beach. Did you know that drum circles regularly gather on Siesta Key Beach and Nokomis Beach? On Sunday evenings at Siesta Key and on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Nokomis, sit back and enjoy this unique show. 3. Brush up on your skills at North Port Skate Park. If you have a skateboard, bike or inline skates, you won't want to miss our local skate park complete with...

The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

10/19/201612/07/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

The Best Freshwater Fishing in BradentonWondering where the best freshwater fishing can be found in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas? The secret's out! Benderson Park Lake is just the spot.Located off of I-75 and Cattlemen Road in the 600-acre Benderson Park, the lake has been kept a secret by local fisherman and other outdoorsmen.At Benderson Park Lake, anglers will be in heaven as they’ll discover plenty of bluegill, shellcracker, speckled perch, catfish, largemouth black bass and many other treasured species.The most lively area of the lake is the eastern side of the lake, where you’ll find that catfish, specifically, like to dwell. The best lures to use for these are Rattle Traps Tiny Trap and beetlespin lures. Fly casters will have good luck using nymphs, wooly buggers, sponge spiders and panfish poppers.Along with the plentiful freshwater fishing, guests will benefit from the park's fishing pier, picnic areas, bathrooms and a launching facility when on-site. You are also welcome to bring your non-motorized boats along for...

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island

10/13/201612/07/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria IslandDo you have plans for the weekend? Why not head to Bayfest, one of our area's best music, crafts and food festivals of the season!Now that the weather is channeling the crisper, fall temperatures (at least for now), there’s no other place you’ll want to be this Saturday, Oct. 15 than at Bayfest. You don’t want to miss this exciting, annual celebration on our beautiful Anna Maria Island. Now in its 16th year, Bayfest is back to bring you performances, delectable vendors, crafts and even a car show!Important details you’ll want to know before attending:Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.Location: 401 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island. This street will be closed for the duration of the festival.Price: FreeWho to HearFeaturing emcee Mike Sales, you’ll also get the treat of hearing from Bradenton’s favorite ensembles. Check out the schedule below.11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — KoKo Ray & The Keepers1–3 p.m. — Whiskey Blind3:30–5...

Your Hurricane Matthew Checklist

10/06/201610/06/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Your Hurricane Matthew ChecklistHurricane Matthew is well on its way, and you don't want to waste another moment before heading to the store or locating essential items in your home.Many of the local grocery stores have restocked their shelves with extra food, water and other supplies that you'll need once the storm hits Palmetto.Here's a helpful checklist to assist you when preparing for Hurricane Matthew.Food ItemsBottled Water: It's recommended that you have about 20 gallons for a family of four.Food: You'll of course want to get lots of nonperishable canned and dry food items. Consider around 20 cans of chicken, tuna, chili and soup. Peanut butter, bread, cookies, crackers and pet food are other important food items to pick up from the store.Important Items to Locatefirst aid kitcan openermedications for your family members and petsflashlights or battery-operated lanternstoiletriesbatteries (make sure you have a variety of sizes for your flashlights)plastic cutlery and paper bowls and platestrash bagsgallon-sized freezer bags to keep items dryimportant documents (insurance, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, etc.)Other Important...

Top 5 Nature Areas Near Palmetto

09/29/201609/29/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Top 5 Nature Areas Near PalmettoThe cooler weather welcomes more opportunities to get outside and explore all of the wonderful nature areas near Palmetto. So, take your bike out or throw on your hiking shoes, and let's venture through the top five nature areas near Palmetto.1. Emerson Point Reserve 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221If you're yearning for panoramic views of Anna Maria Island and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, then Emerson Point Reserve is for you. Serene with family-friendly walking trails and off-road biking trails, this nature area also offers areas to launch your kayak, canoe or paddle board. Stay for the sunset or bring a picnic lunch to complete one unforgettable visit.2. Felts Audubon Preserve4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221Avid bird watchers will be in heaven at the 27 acres of Felts Audobon Preserve. Both educational and a mesmerizing sight, the preserve's bird viewing room is perfect for the whole family. Take a couple hours to truly enjoy all that's offered at this relaxing...

New Florida Law Allows Transportation of Bahamas’ Fish

09/16/201612/07/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

New Florida Law Allows Transportation of Bahamas' FishWill you be fishing in the Bahamas soon? A new Florida law now allows fisherman to bring their fresh catches back from the Bahamas via boat while in Florida waters.The fishing exception went into effect on Sept. 13, 2016. Anglers can now retrieve dolphin, reef fish and wahoo caught in Bahama waters. The new regulation only applies to fish transported via water, not those by air. Here are some important things to keep in mind when retrieving fish from Bahama via water:Do not remove skin from the filet. This way, law enforcement will be able to identify the fish.Anglers must continue to adhere to Atlantic federal bag and vessel limits.When considering bag limits, two filets are the equivalent of one fish. Anglers must have valid Bahamian cruising and sport-fishing permits.Each passenger aboard the vessel must have a valid government passport with the latest Bahamian stamps and travel dates. Vessel travel must be continual when voyaging through state waters and equipment...

Fall Events Near Bradenton

09/15/201609/16/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun stops in Bradenton! It’s no secret that we’re lucky to have beautiful beaches and exquisite dining year-round. But did you know you’re right in the middle of some of the most exciting and unique fall events in the country? The fall season welcomes a wealth of events that you do not want to miss—and it’s all happening here in Bradenton.Nov. 11–20: ArtsHOPNow in its 10th year, join in for two weekends filled with art, music by the Island Players, local culture and more! Make sure to experience one of the three artwalks where you can peruse unique pieces of art made right here in Florida. Here are the locations of the three artwalks:Friday, Nov. 11—Holmes BeachSunday, Nov. 13—Bradenton BeachFriday, Nov. 18—Anna MariaLearn more here. Nov. 12: Symphony on the SandDig your toes into the Coquina Beach sand, and feast your ears on the lovely arrangements of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus...

5 Seafood Gems to Harvest From Your Palmetto Boat

09/02/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

5 Seafood Gems to Harvest From Your Palmetto BoatBoth a thrill to catch and a delicacy at our tables, fresh seafood is one of life’s greatest pleasures. There are several seafood gems you can harvest very easily. All you need is your Palmetto boat and access to a coast, and you have that right here in beautiful Palmetto!Here are 5 seafood gems to harvest from your boat:LobstersWhile lobsters love to hide, you can spot them if you know what to look for—just keep your eyes peeled for their long antennae!Keep in mind that each lobster must have a minimum 3-inch-long carapace, which verifies they’ve reproduced for at least one season. Make sure to check the lobster’s underbelly for a bright orange sac; this means the lobster is pregnant and off limits.Once you catch a legal lobster, preserve it on ice or in a livewell. Fresh water will drown them.Harvest Time: A mini season on the final consecutive Wednesday and Thursday...

Florida Hotel Named on Forbes’ 7 Dreamy Seaside Inns

08/24/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Florida Hotel Named on Forbes’ 7 Dreamy Seaside InnsLooking to end your summer with a bang? Just a daytrip away from Palmetto is a Florida hotel named on Forbes’ list of 7 Dreamy Seaside Inns. Royal Blues Hotel, located in Deerfield Beach, opened just two years ago, and the artsy, seaside retreat is already making a name for itself. Small-scale, yet luxurious, the Mediterranean-inspired hotel features 12 rooms with private terraces and ocean views. Peruse their art collection throughout the hotel and an aquarium located in the ceiling of their own restaurant. Of course, there’s something to be said about the glistening sandy beaches stretching for miles making for one glorious retreat to end your summer.The other six seaside inns featured on Forbes’ list are Post Ranch Inn and Shutters on the Beach in California, Hotel Esencia in Mexico, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, Castle Hill Inn in Rhode Island and Tides Beach Club in Maine.When you’re ready to...

Is Your Palmetto Boat At Risk Under a New Florida Law?

08/19/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Is Your Palmetto Boat At Risk Under a New Florida Law?A new Florida law took effect in July in order to assist county and local officials as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with maintaining Florida waterways. If Palmetto boat owners’ vessels meet certain unsatisfactory conditions, authorities are now able to issue non-criminal citations to those who allow their boats to become “at risk” of becoming in a state of disrepair.Your vessel is deemed “at risk” if it’s observed in these conditions:Your vessel is taking on or has taken on water without a means to drainYour vessel has spaces that are designed to be enclosed, but instead they are not being sealed off and remaining exposed for an extended period of timeYour vessel has broken loose or appears to be on the verge of breaking loose from its anchorYour vessel has been left unattended or stored aground and is being prevented from getting underway, is tilted from water intrusion...