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BRADENTON

Located on the west coast of Florida, just south of Tampa Bay, the Bradenton area is esily accessible via I-75 and I-275 and two major international airports. With year-round sunshine and water temperatures averaging 80 degrees, Bradenton is a beautiful choice for getting away from it all in a tropical paradise. Nearby, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island offer superb beaches, fascinating nature trails and inland estuaries.The warm bays around the islands are known as "the nursery" because of the large population of bottlenose dolphins that live and bring up their young in the warm gulf waters.. There are also manatees to be seen in the rivers and coastal areas.

The exclusive 12-mile barrier island of Longboat Key is a beautiful sub-tropical resort area, and has long been a favorite of visitors craving relaxation and rejuvenation along one of the most picturesqe expanses of beach in the world. On the northern tip of the island, overlooking Sarasota Bay in what remains the historic village of Longboat Key, are some funky seaside restaurants that make an ideal hangout for dolphin-watching.

Stretching 7 1/2 miles along pristine sugar white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Anna Maria Island is a perfect retreat for those who truly want to get away from it all and discover the charm of old Florida. Divided in three sections, each with its own style and ambience, Anna Maria is the most laid back, and was developed in the 1900s by Charles Roser, developer of the Fig Newton who made his fortune when he sold the recipe to Nabisco. The turn of the century fishing piers are an excellent place to drop a line. Bradenton Bech is located at the southern end of the island and features quaint shops and terrific restaurants. Coquina Beach is a 96-acre public park overlooking the Gulf and a walk through Leffis key's pristine shallow water preserve affords excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife in their native habitat.

Naturally there are innumerable opportunities for water sports of all kinds, top-notch golf and tennis as well. You can eevn train at the world famous Nick Bolletieri Tennis Acadamy by the day or week if you'd like to improve your tennis skills.

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