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Detour to Paradise

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The islander staff invites you to join us on a Detour to Paradise as we ride out the closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge through Nov. 13.

The bridge is closed. Traffic, depending on the hour, may be slow-moving on and off the other bridges at Cortez Road and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach and on Gulf Drive to Longboat Key.

But hey, this is an Island on the Gulf of Mexico, a place of good vibes and good times.

So, during the shutdown, put yourself on Island-time. Relax. Don’t worry. Be happy.

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21

Wednesday, Oct. 15: Looking for a jolly good time? Visit the Jolly Roger at the Ooh La La! Old World Bistro in Holmes Beach and try a Detour to Paradise special: Aldo’s all-you-can eat spaghetti — with extra meatballs for DOT personnel.

Thursday, Oct. 16: Chase away the evening with a daiquiri on the deck at the Sandbar in Anna Maria. Be sure to arrive before the bell rings to mark the sunset.

Friday, Oct. 17: Looking for the finest pale ale? The richest porter? The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria is widely known on the Island as the place for beer and wine.

Saturday, Oct. 18: Bayfest, raising money for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship program, takes place on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 19: Take a kayak into Sarasota Bay near Leffis Key and see how many dolphins you can count.

Monday, Oct. 20: Just looking? Take a walk through your neighborhood for “for rent” and “for sale” signs. Of course it’s OK to look. Your new American dream might be around the corner.

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Have you ever seen someone eating ice cream and frowning? Perhaps it is physically impossible not to smile while licking chocolate-mint chip. Stop in your favorite ice cream shop — with the number on the Island there’s likely to be one nearby — for a scoop, or two.

For a complete listing of events this week, turn to The islander calendar.