Palmetto to Long Boat Key

Spent an Afternoon with Cindy and Dan 

We planned a visit to see Cindy and Dan in Palmetto.  They gave us the grand tour and lots of information about the area. We drove out to Anna Maria Island, a quaint Barrier Island that is seven miles long in the Gulf of Mexico.  The beautiful turquoise water and the white sandy beaches are the main attraction.There are no high rise buildings or chain hotels or restaurants   It's a place where "old" Florida charm can still be found. The speed limit never exceeds 35 mph and flip flops are a way of  life here.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub has Old Florida Feel

The theme and style of the restaurant where we had lunch was an old fish camp. We chose to dine al fresco under the trees and canopy overlooking the Gulf of Mexico despite the persistent rain.

Long Boat Key / Gulf of Mexico

Residents of Long Boat Key are crying fowl about the number of peacocks on the north end of the Key.  They're pretty to look at but they have become quite a nuisance. They are loud and messy and there are too many, probably more than 100 peacocks and peahens.  The plan is to reduce their numbers by entrapment and removal but since Longboat Key is a sanctuary and they are protected, they will multiply again over time.

The Big Smooch

We drove by the 27 foot statue commemorating a famous World War II photo of a sailor and nurse kissing in Times Square at the end of the war. The original statue, named "Unconditional Surrender, was first installed in Sarasota, FL,then moved to San Diego, CA and New York City, NY.

Just a few years ago, some lady in a Mercedes crashed into the statue and it cost $125K to ship it to New Jersey for repairs, return it and reassemble it here in Sarasota.