This popular tourist island on the Gulf Coast is closed as it recovers from hurricane

Anna Maria Island is still closed and cannot be accessed, Holmes Beach Police said Friday.

The island, popular with tourists for weekend getaways, is expected to open Saturday morning, police said.

Manatee County officials announced Friday morning that water service is being restored to Anna Maria Island and parts of Longboat Key with a precautionary boil water advisory in effect for the cities.

“Please boil all water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth until further notice,” the announcement said.

Parts of Anna Maria Island were hit hard by Hurricane Milton.

A landmark restaurant, the Rod and Reel Pier, was destroyed by the storm. The popular seafood restaurant opened in 1947 on the island’s northern end.

Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile barrier island off Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is about a four-hour drive from Miami.

You won’t find chain restaurants, towering condos and mega hotels — buildings are no taller than three stories — and the preferred transportation are bikes, golf carts or a free trolley.