Anna Maria Island in Florida consists of three separate cities, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach was homesteaded to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cobb in the year of 1896, four years after Mr. George Emerson Bean, the first resident on the island, homesteaded the city of Anna Maria. The Cobbs 160 acres included not only its own bayou but a harbor and a channel that led to the bay. Mr. John Jones was a captain that ran his boats back and forth between Tampa and Cuba and laid claim to the acreage south of Holmes Beach. As Mr. Cobb was the only government representative that lived on the Island, in 1902 the first post office became established and was run out of Mr. Cobbs home. Along with the opening of the first Post Office, Mr. Bean started the development of the Island along with the Anna Maria Beach Company. Sidewalks, homes and a water system began to take their place throughout the community. It took many years for the Island to become accessible by anything other than a boat; in 1921 the first wooden bridge was built that connected Anna Maria Island to the main lands of Florida. Developer Jack Holmes began the creation of a 600-acre community right in the center of Anna Maria Island, when WWII came to an end. It was not until 1950 when the City of Holmes Beach became incorporated.

The City of Holmes Beach is now home to nearly 5,000 residents. Whether its boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, jet skiing/water skiing or snorkeling, Holmes Beach provides ample opportunities to suit any and all of your water recreational needs. Dine on the water while watching the sunset on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico or pack a picnic!

Anna Marie Island prides itself on preserving the Old Florida charm that so many places have lost. Combined with the unique and friendly community that already resides on the Island, the City of Holmes Beach provides the perfect place to raise a family or live out the golden years!