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Desoto parade

I’m driving in on April 26, will the parade make it impossible to get over to Anna Maria? Any streets open?

Driving to Anna Maria Island on April 26 from Bradenton will be affected by the Desoto Parade, but it won’t make it impossible to get there. Most of the closures are localized around downtown Bradenton along the parade route.

Here’s what you need to know and plan for:

  • The main streets in downtown Bradenton where the parade takes place—typically 10th Avenue and surrounding blocks—will be closed for several hours. Expect congestion and limited access in this area.
  • I-75 southbound is unaffected and remains the fastest bypass route for traffic heading to the island.
  • Surface streets that run parallel to the parade route may have detours or one-way restrictions, so using a GPS navigation app like Google Maps or Waze is highly recommended for real-time routing.
  • The Anna Maria Island bridges (Bradenton Beach Bridge and Longboat Key Bridge) will still be accessible, though traffic may be heavier than usual. Plan for a possible 15–30 minute delay if arriving during parade hours.
  • If timing allows, consider driving before the parade starts in the morning or after it ends in the afternoon to avoid the heaviest traffic.

In short, the parade will not block all access to Anna Maria Island, but careful planning and using I-75 and the bridges rather than downtown streets will save time and reduce stress.

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