Hurricane recovery

Question

We are considering a visit to AMI at the end of March. I am wondering if most shops/restaurants are open and if the beaches and local areas are accessible. Any updates on the recovery progress would be appreciated.

Answer

Great question — short answer: yes, by late March things on Anna Maria Island (AMI) are very much open and welcoming visitors, though recovery is still underway in places. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where things currently stand, what’s open, and what to expect.

Current Recovery Status (as of Early 2025)

According to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, more than half of local businesses are open again.
The island’s beaches are largely open. In fact, reporting indicates the sand has been cleaned and public access restored.
Bridge access is fully restored — all bridges to Anna Maria Island are open for normal traffic.
There is still ongoing work: not all “pier” structures are back yet. For example: the *Rod & Reel Pier* was destroyed in the storms and is not yet rebuilt. The Anna Maria City Pier lost a substantial section of its walkway.

Shops & Restaurants: What’s Open

Many of the local favorites are back. According to AnnaMaria.com, places like Slim’s Place, Bortell’s Lounge, gRub, Harry’s, The Porch, Poppo’s Taqueria, North Shore Café, Mademoiselle Paris, The Donut Experiment, and more are listed among open businesses again.
The beloved Sandbar Restaurant is reopened and operating with updates, including a walk-up service window and outdoor improvements.
That said, not all spots are fully back yet: for instance, *Body & Sol Spa & Wellness* (above Ginny & Jane E’s) remains closed as of mid-2025 while they rebuild.

The Vibe Right Now (Visitor Insight)

According to recent visitor reports on Reddit, the island is “almost 100%” recovered from a tourist’s perspective.
People who visited in March noted that though there are still minor visible signs of storm damage, it did not significantly impact their trip.
Another traveler wrote that while construction noise is present in spots, the island feels calmer, and many rentals are back.

Things to Be Mindful Of During Your Visit

The Rod & Reel Pier (a longtime island landmark) is gone for now, so don’t count on dining or walking there.
At the Anna Maria City Pier, the building still stands, but a large part of the walkway remains under repair.
You may still see construction or repair activity — debris removal and rebuilding are ongoing in certain areas.

Bottom Line & Advice for Your Trip

Visiting at the end of March sounds like a very smart choice. By that time, most of the island’s businesses, restaurants, and shops will be open, and the beaches should be in very good shape. While some iconic structures like the Rod & Reel Pier are not yet back, the core charm of AMI — its shops, cafes, and beach atmosphere — is returning strongly.

If you go, you’ll likely find a warm, “resilient” island community that’s excited to welcome guests back. Bring a spirit of adventure and a little patience for the construction remnants, and you’ll have a very rewarding visit.

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