Anna Maria is part of the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Former Tampa Mayor Madison Post (1818-1867) named the island for his wife Maria and his sister-in-law Anna.

[7] A popular legend, however, states that Ponce de Leon named the island for Maria Anna von der Pfalz-Neuburg, the queen of Charles II of Spain, the sponsor of his expedition.

"[8] In 1893, George Emerson Bean built a home near the present day Rod & Reel Pier.

[1] Two years later in 1895 he filed a homesteaded claim of 160 acres (0.65 km2) on the north part of Anna Maria Island.

[9] After George Bean's death in 1898, the land went to his son, George Wilhelm Bean, who partnered with Charles Roser, a wealthy real estate developer from St. Petersburg, to form the Anna Maria Beach Company to develop the area.

[2] Sometime during 1927, a jail would be built as a form of containment for bar patrons who were rowdy and was used until 1940 when a fire would burn down its roof and cells.

Anna Maria would hold a special election that was described as being "non-official" on April 2, 1963, to confirm Bradenton's decision.

Bradenton is 11 miles (18 km) to the east via Florida State Road 64 from Holmes Beach.

[3] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters.