Dan’s Florida Condos (located within Runaway Bay Condominiums, on the sunny shores of Anna Maria Island, Florida) boasts the largest salt water pool on the island. The pool is considered one of the best amenities of our community, and is a central hub for much of the family fun and socializing. It has the added benefit of being heated, which allows comfortable enjoyment year-round.
Over the last years, and specifically the last 6 months, Runaway Bay has made considerable upgrades to the pool. This started with all new loungers and chairs deployed around the deck of the pool area. Last year all the pavers were replaced with upgraded and non-slip materials. This spring of 2023, the pool had a major overall including reseal of the pool interior and a complete overhaul of the back flow and new filter platform and pumps. As summarized by one of our owners, “The pool is now as good as new”.
Two dozen of our loungers are currently in a “re-slinging” project which will also refresh them to new. Once this project is completed, we will have access to almost 40 additional loungers’ poolside for family and guests to gather, relax, and soak up the Florida sun.
This all could not have been done with the support of the Runaway Bay Board of Directors, Operations team, and volunteers which are made up of both our onsite and remote owners throughout the globe. What a monumental transformation!
When you are ready to return to Anna Maria Island to enjoy your next family vacation getaway, we will be ready to welcome you at any one of Dans Florida Condos one or two-bedroom units. Please visit our Rates and Availabilty section of our website when you are ready to come on down for a swim!
Although some minor damage occurred, Anna Maria Island, Florida survived Hurricane Ian without suffering the widespread devastation many residents and business owners originally feared. Runaway Bay, the community which Dan’s Florida Condos operates out of had a few palms fall to the storm but were spared by any storm surge or flooding. A lot of palm fronds and vegetation came down with a few soffits with minimal damage.
As of Thursday evening Sept. 29, most of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach remained without the water and sewage services provided by Manatee County and the electrical services provided by Florida Power & Light (FPL). Power and water were restored by Sunday morning 10/2 to Runaway Bay.
Before Hurricane Ian arrived, Manatee County ordered a mandatory evacuation of Anna Maria Island two days before landfall. A drive around the Island just before sundown on Sept. 27 revealed several boarded-up buildings and homes and a mostly deserted and evacuated Island.
Hurricane Ian was one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever make landfall Florida, which left widespread destruction all along its path. Parts of central and north Florida are still under water, with significant flooding throughout Volusia County and Southwest Florida. Roads, homes, even highways are impassable, making damage assessment impossible without the use of drones to get a bird’s eye view of the damage.
Our slice of heaven on Anna Maria Island was so very lucky to have avoided a direct hit of Hurricane Ian. This weekend, with the help of a group of volunteers and owners at Runaway Bay, we cleaned up the grounds around the complex in the aftermath of Ian and we are so very fortunate to say that things are getting back to normal.
A sailboat made its way towards the Cortez bridge, luckily not damaging the structure.
Our thoughts are prayers go out to our less fortunate neighbors in the Sanibel Island and Fort Myers areas, along with all other Floridians who were impacted. We understand this is a difficult time for Floridians and travelers who had vacations ruined because of the storm. We already helped with accommodations to one displaced family and remain committed to helping support those that are experiencing hardship. We will continue working closely with travelers and Florida residents and we will do everything we can to help.
With the help of a group of volunteers and owners at Runaway Bay, we cleaned up the grounds around the complex in the aftermath of Ian and we are so very fortunate to say that things are getting back to normal.
For those with plans to visit Anna Maria Island, Dan’s Florida Condos are ready to host you.
Restaurants & Local Businesses
Shops and eateries quickly opened as power became available in each neighborhood. Some spots in Anna Maria are still being restored as it’s a bit spotty but our homes have power.
Piers
All local piers seem to be undamaged however each City Hall will carry out an inspection to ensure that the structures are safe before allowing the public on them.
Beaches
We did not experience a storm surge! No storm surge means our beaches remained pristine. Towards the north end, Bean Point, is experiencing some brown water run off from the rivers emptying out into Tampa Bay. The western Gulf Beaches are very clear and turquoise. It’s a great time to pick up some sea sponges as many were washed ashore after the storm. Bring your metal detector on your next visit. It’ll be a great time to find shark’s teeth! It’ll be a great time to find shark’s teeth!
*Please note – Dan’s Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dan’s Florida Condos.
Recently the production crew from NBC’s The Today Show, featuring Hoda and Jenna visited Anna Maria Island, Florida. They featured a story about Ashley and Dino, a couple from California who visited the island for a family vacation back in 2020. They found a simpler way of life on Anna Maria Island, consisting of no high-rise hotels, chain resturants, and fell in love with the turquoise waters. So much so, that hey decided to relocate their family of 4 as full time residents just a year later!
Ashley and Dino have a background in interior design and home remodeling. To help fund their relocation, they purchased a 4 bedroom hotel which desperately needed some TLC. Over the next year, they put in hard word and sweat to bring out the charm of their little island paradise and celebrated their grand opening in October of 2021.
Dan’s Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com) owner Dan O’Connor (wow that was a lot of Dans in a short sentence) has a story that mirrors that of Ashley and Dino. After visiting the island over a decade ago, Dan knew there was something special about Anna Maria Island. “I find joy in sharing our slice of paradise on Anna Maria Island with others, and find a special satisfaction helping other family’s create lifelong vacation memories”.
You can find more information about Ashely and Dino at www.hodaandjenna.com. Feel free to reach out to Dan’s Florida Condos if you would like to more information or would like to experience Anna Maria Island for yourself.
The wait is over! We are excited to announce our Week Stay Giveaway at Dan’s Florida Condos, in Anna Maria Island, Florida. That’s right, a vacation at Dan’s Florida Condos all to yourself, FREE! Imagine dipping your toes in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico while having some extra cash to take that special someone to a seaside dinner, or poolside Pina Coladas. With just a few clicks you could be on your way to creating lifelong memories with your friends and family and the best part… it’s on our dime.
To enter: Simply follow the steps below. The winner will be selected at random and will be announced via email on September 1st. Don’t wait, there’s no purchase necessary to enter so get in on the action today!
1 entry per person permitted but if you share with friends you will be traveling with you can increase your chances if they enter as well!
Take a look at your calendar, fill out the entry form below and let us know which week you prefer.
Want to triple your chances of winning? Like and Share our Facebook Giveaway Post. Keep the share active until the contest ends and we will drop two more entries into the contest on your behalf. Earn yet another entry if you tag the friends/family who you will be taking on your free vacation!
Start daydreaming of your getaway in Anna Maria Island!
Share our Facebook Giveaway Postto triple your chances of winning. Tag your travel partners and encourage them to enter the giveaway contests as well!
We invite you to like our Facebook Page as well, to be included in future promotions and Island News!
About Dan’s Florida Condos on Anna Maria Island, Florida:
Anna Maria Island, Florida is located on the Gulf of Mexico, just 50 minutes south of Tampa and 20 minutes from Sarasota. The island offers over seven miles of beaches to explore with award winning beachside resturants and tiki bars. Dan’s Florida Condos are located in Runaway Bay directly across the street from the beach, with private beach access and boasts the largest heated salt water pool on the island! Pair that up with tennis, shuffleboard, pickle ball, and bocce ball courts along with a beautiful fishing pier, you will not have a shortage of activities to enjoy during your stay. We offer 2br and 1br units equipped with everything from pots and pans to beach chairs and coolers to keep those drinks chilled!
Contest Fine Print:
Weekly giveaway includes a Saturday to Saturday stay
Non Transferable unless explicitly approved by Dan’s Florida Condos
Airfare and Transportation not included
Facebook or Instagram are in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Dan’s Florida Condos giveaway
If the winner’s preferred week is booked prior to the end of the contest, they will have the option to reschedule their free week within 10 days of being notified as winner
Today we are celebrating the 5th annual #BookDirect day.
The #BookDirect initiative was first organized to educate guests about the advantages of bypassing third-party channels to book directly with management companies and homeowners. Today is the 5th anniversary of this movement, which falls on a quite unique date sequence of 2/2/22! How fun!
Not only are vacation rental owners facing the same issues regarding the often-high commissions set by listing sites, but also guests themselves frequently end up paying more for the same stay.
For the past ten years I have used VRBO/HomeAway as my advertising venue for the rental of Dans Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com). I have two lovely 2br and 1br units located on Anna Maria Island (Central Gulf Coast, in Bradenton Beach, FL). Both units are located in Runaway Bay Condominium community, which offers guests top notch amenities and a friendly environment. It’s such a treat having direct beach access right across the street from our home away from home! A few years ago, VRBO/Homeaway was purchased by Expedia and immediately began changing their business profile.
The first thing was to add a “Service Fee” of 7-13% to our rates all of which was passed on to you the renter. At the same time, we could see no benefit to you in return for paying that fee. We feel as that extra money could be used to purchase a margarita while resting your feet in one of the many beach side bars of Anna Maria Island, FL.
VRBO/Homeaway began acting like any other rental Property Management Company and has continually harassed us to accept their “BIN” (Book It Now) feature, whereby they control the entire transaction, communication, etc. removing the “personal touch” of booking directly through an owner.
Additionally, they removed the option to contact us directly (phone/personal email) in order to address any questions about the unit or the Island and accommodation. Thus VRBO/HomeAway is no longer an advertising or networking venue, rather a booking site which only priority is to drive the profits for shareholders.
I am excited to participate in the #BookDirect movement by continuing to offer a “booking fee free” website at www.dansfloridacondos.com. Check out Dans Florida Condos to take advantage of a Booking fee free experience. You’ll also find additional information on Anna Maria Island, FL, Runaway Bay Condominium community, along with pictures, guest testimonials, and an updated Blog of events happening on Anna Maria Island and Dans Florida Condos.
Did you know, that the average traveler spends $237 to big box booking sites like VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb!!! They could be using that on a golf cart rental, fishing trip, or several rounds of drinks!
Six ways to Save $ By #BookDirect:
Try and #BookDirect with the owner or property manager. If you want to book one of our properties, please visit our website, call/text 773-598-9717, or email me at dan@dansfloridacondos.com.
Search on Facebook for the name and location to see if some of your favorite properties have a website or a Facebook page. From there you can contact the owner/manager and #BookDirect. You can like my page by doing a quick Facebook Search “Dans Florida Condos” or visiting facebook.com/dansfloridacondos
Search for your perfect vacation rental on any of the big box listing sites. Identify your top choices, noting the property’s name and location. Use your search engine (i.e. Google) to search for the property name and city and possibly the owner’s name to find their #BookDirect website.
Check for traveler reviews on the major websites (google business page for example). If there are a decent number of good reviews for a listing (say 10+), and the listing has been posted for at least a few months and had confirmed bookings (this information is usually included on the site), chances are it’s a safe bet. If the owner were in the habit of doing things like unjustifiably canceling reservations or wrongfully withholding security deposits, the listing would have been pulled or you would see this mentioned in reviews. (It’s important to note that the big listing sites will not remove negative reviews at the request of the owner/manager unless they violate the company’s guidelines.
Consider purchasing trip insurance from a third-party; the coverage will likely be broader — and may cost considerably less — than that “covered” by a listing site fee.
Explore alternative payment methods. The owner may be able to provide adequate information so you can use checks, bank transfers, or other methods with confidence and save an additional 3%.
If you have any questions about the changing Rental By Owner market or #BookDirect, you are welcome to reach out at any time. Please also take the time to “Like” our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dansfloridacondos.
Here’s to starting a new #BookDirect adventure together, declaring independence from greedy profit hungry Big Box listing sites, and returning to a more personal Vacation Rental By Owner experience for us all. #BookDirect
Check out this interesting roundtable by #BookDirect enthusiasts!
To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and Runaway Bay Condominium community and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Its becoming even easier for visitors of Anna Maria Island and Dans Florida Condos to make it to their destination of choice. That is because discount airline Southwest Airlines will now be adding service into Sarasota International Airport (SRQ). Southwest fans (Dan being one of them) has taken advantage of the various Southwest flight options into Tampa International Airport (TPA) for years. However, coming Valentines Day Feb 14, 2021 they will now have an even closer major airport to fly Southwest to.
Sarasota Airport is just a 25 minute trip by car/uber to Dans Florida Condos and Anna Maria Island. Pro tip: looking to ditch the rental car and have personal car service, contact Dan directly to set you up with your private chartered sedan service, offering door to door service from airport to the front steps of your vacation home away from home!
Passengers have been requesting to airport officials for many years to bring Southwest to the airport and now it is happening. It is the 10th airline that will be serving SRQ Airport.
From Steve Goldberg, Senior VP of Operations and Hospitality, Southwest Airlines- “Our customers who choose SRQ will land closer to their preferred beaches and business meetings, benefiting from our added investment in the growing region between our longtime cities of Tampa Bay and Ft. Myers. Locals who fly Southwest can also pair their preferred airline and airport, and get in the air faster, with a shorter drive to SRQ.”
“We’ll arrive in Sarasota-Bradenton as Southwest marks 25 years of serving the Sunshine State. Our customers who choose SRQ will land closer to their preferred beaches and business meetings, benefiting from our added investment in the growing region between our longtime cities of Tampa Bay and Ft. Myers,” Steve Goldberg, Southwest Airlines senior vice-president of operations and hospitality, said in a statement.
Flights are scheduled to begin on February 14, 2021. For more information visit Southwest’s website.
Initially, there will be four destinations-
Sarasota – Baltimore/Washington (BWI): three daily flights
Sarasota – Chicago Midway (MDW): two daily flights
Sarasota – Houston Hobby (HOU): one daily flight
Sarasota – Nashville (BNA): two daily flights
Current airlines served at SRQ Airport- Air Canada Allegiant Air American Airlines Delta Airlines Elite Airways Frontier Air Jet Blue Southwest Sun Country Airlines United Airlines
About SRQ Airport from the website– Everything about Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is designed for your convenience. Our spacious terminal allows you to move about smoothly and easily, without stress or hurry. Airline ticketing, baggage claim, and other services are steps away from the main concourse, and both the short and long-term parking lots are adjacent to the main terminal. Check-in lines at SRQ are much shorter than at mega-airports, and there are no long lines of planes stacked up for take-off or landing. You’ll appreciate these advantages as you fly right through our easy, convenient terminal. Whether you are arriving or departing for pleasure, business, or both, thank you for choosing us!
Human guests are not the only who take advantage of the warm weather and pet friendly accommodations at Dan’s Florida Condos. Each year furry friends from all over the country and even the world from time to time make Anna Maria Island, Florida their choice for their annual snowbird season getaway.
Every dog has its day at Runaway Bay, the community where Dans Florida Condos are located. Their owners are pretty lucky as well, spending part of the winter here on wonderful Anna Maria Island.
In February 2020, Maddie (posted below) spent five weeks at Runaway Bay with her humans, Rebecca and Jennifer, from Michigan. While there, despite some initial “smiling,” Maddie made some new friends.
Maddie taking a look out the window, in search for her fellow “Snowbird” furry friends
Angie, a beauty who belongs to Sue, a year-round resident.
Bobbi, a frisky Scottie puppy who loves big sticks and long walks with her owner
Rocky, a handsome boy who rules the roost with his New Jersey parents, Rose Marie and Tom.
Shasty, who likes to hang out by the bay with mom, Jan, from Michigan
Maddie, enjoying the screened in balcony of her Snowbird home
With any luck, they hope to return next season with their snowbird parents!
Dans Florida Condos offer 1 and 2 bedroom units, which serve as both humans and pets premiere vacation accommodations on Anna Maria Island. While we are glad to offer pet friendly accommodations, we follow and enforce our communities pet policy which limits each unit to one pet and has some size regulations. When you reach out to Dan for booking, just mention your interest in bringing your furry friend, and we will ensure we can accommodate you while being compliant with our community rules.
A special thanks to Maddie’s human parents, Rebecca and Jennifer, for contributing the pictures and commentary. Maddie is a 5-star guest and we are excited for the opportunity to reunite her with her fellow furry friends during their snowbird return in 2021.
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Dan’s Florida Condos are located within the award winning Runaway Bay community. Owners and guests not only enjoy some of the best amenities found on Anna Maria Island, FL including the largest heated salt water pool on the island, tennis courts, and fishing pier to name a few; but they also enjoy various community social events that are held on premises at the community clubhouse.
January thru March our volunteer Social Committee sponsors several social events that we hope will complement and enhance our guests winter vacation experience. ALL RENTERS, GUESTS, AND OWNERS ARE WELCOME.
These events give our guests an opportunity to meet and connect with other folks on the campus, reconnect with acquaintances from previous years, as well as meeting owners who enjoy spending the winter months in Florida.
All events held at Runaway Bay Clubhouse, unless otherwise announced.
No-host “BYOB” happy hour at the pool
Every Thursday (Begins Jan 16th)
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Please remember NO glass containers for snacks or drinks.
Inclement Weather? We will be in the clubhouse!
Bratwurst Feed
(Jan 10th; Feb 3rd; March 2nd)
Time: Dusk/Sunset
Pancake Breakfast
(Jan 24th; Feb 28th; March 27th)
Time: 8am – 9:30am
Bingo Games Night
(Jan 14th, Feb 28th, March 27th)
Games begin at 7pm – 8:30pm
Only adults 18-years and older are allowed to participate in this event.
Hot Dog Lunch (NEW EVENT for 2020)
(Jan 20th, Feb 17th, March 20th)
Time: Noon – 1pm
Watch for notifications posted on signs and bulletin boards for other special events & luncheons.
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local
establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit
of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not
receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from
these posts. These recommendations are either experienced
firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the
Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of
the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas
have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared
without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
There is a lot going on at Dans Florida Condos, and Anna Maria Island this Winter! Here are some fun things to do and experience this holiday season on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The perfect time to getaway from the cold up north. Let’s hit the beach.
Santa Visits Anna Maria City Pier Park Friday, December 13th
Santa loves sunshine and sand! Bring the entire family on Friday December 13th, and enjoy some festive holiday music while indulging in refreshments and sweets. Continue down Pine street to enjoy lights, decorations, and holiday cheer!
Merry Christmas Anna Maria Island
CHRISTMAS ON BRIDGE STREET Saturday, December 14th Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach 4:00pm – 8:00pm
(Annual Boat Parade Arrives at Pier at 7:30pm)
If you missed the Bridge Street Tree Lighting in early December, then this event is sure to spread some holiday cheer into your Beach Life. Enjoy listening to live music and holiday choirs while you meander down historic Bridge Street. Featuring caroling by the Thespian Troupe from Manatee School of the Arts.
To help you with your Christmas shopping there will be a coastal, holiday market with tons of great Christmas ornaments and decorations available for sale. Don’t miss out on the wreath raffles and silent auction!
Enjoy the delicious hot chocolate bar and other treats as you experience winter on Bridge Street. Keep your eyes out for a special appearance by Santa.
IT’S FREE! This is a free event but also a great shopping experience so be sure to bring your wallet and cross some gifts off on your Christmas list.
MOTE AQUARIUM SNOW CAMP FOR KIDS Select days from December 23, 2019 – January 3, 2019
Kids can spend some or all of their winter break at Mote Camp. Campers will explore marine life during this winter themed camp. Join Mote Aquarium for all 6 days or pick your favorite one. The Winter Camp is open to all students currently enrolled in 1st – 5th grade.
Mote Marine Aquarium Winter Break Camps, encourage participation in the water for part of the morning, weather-permitting so come prepared with towels, water gear and a change of clothes.
This year,they will offer 8 days of ‘fin’tastic fun at our Winter Break Camp! Camps are offered as single, half day camps, but register for all four days each week and receive a special discount! Member? Have your member number ready to receive that member discount. Not a member yet? Visit www.mote.org/membership to become a member before registering for camps.
Note: Camps will not run if camps do not meet minimum number. Families will be notified the week before should this happen.
Session 1: Jingle Bells & Animal Shells
Bring your shells and ring your bells! This weeks theme will focus on animals with shells, their prey and predators. Campers will explore the aquarium and mammal center to learn more about the animals with shells that call Mote home. Through interactive and STEM based activities campers will learn what it’s like to live the life of an animal with a shell. Each day will focus on a different animal so your camper can sign up for their favorite animal or come for all four days. We can’t wait to ‘shell’ebrate this winter break camp with you!
Ages: Tidal Tykes (K-2nd Grade) & Aqua Kids (3rd-5th Grade) Dates: December 23, 24, 26, & 27, 2019 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday) Times: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Check in begins at 7:45 am and Check out ends at 12:15 pm) Registration: $60 non-member / $54 member Register for all 4 days and received 10% off!
Session 2: Do you ‘sea’ what I ‘sea’?
‘Sea’ing is believing! This week, campers will learn all about how animals use colors to survive in the sea. While exploring the aquarium and mammal center, campers will get into the mindset of different animals and examine how these animals survive and thrive while living in the ocean. Campers will participate in hands-on and STEM based activities to learn about warning colors, mimicry, countershading and other camouflage techniques used by animals! Each day will focus on a different animal so your camper can sign up for their favorite animal or come for all four days. We ‘sense’ campers will really dig this camp!
Ages: Tidal Tykes (K-2nd Grade) & Aqua Kids (3rd-5th Grade) Dates: December 30, 31, 2019 & January 2, 3, 2020 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday) Times: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Check in begins at 7:45 am and Check out ends at 12:15 pm) Registration: $60 non-member / $54 member Register for all 4 days and received 10% off!
Contact for more information: Email camps@mote.org or call 941.388.4441 ext. 348
New Years Eve
December 31st, 2017
Last year, the New Year’s Fireworks atThe Beach House Restaurant were a great way to ring in the new year. We are still waiting word if they will be repeating this grand event this year. Stay tune to the comments of this blog, we’ll update details one we have them solidified!
We support The Beach House and the entire Chiles Group of restaurants in their endeavors to keep Anna Maria Island festive and safe this holiday season!
You can also enjoy New Year’s celebrations in many of the other local restaurants and bars open on the island. There’s no place better to be than Anna Maria Island on New Years Eve!
Anna Maria Island FireWorks Sunset
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local
establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit
of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not
receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from
these posts. These recommendations are either experienced
firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the
Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of
the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas
have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared
without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Dans Florida Condos, located on Anna Maria Island just 20 minutes from downtown Bradenton, FL offers snowbirds sugar sand beaches, award winning restaurants, plenty of sunshine, and close proximity to Major League Baseball Spring Training. Map: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/ourlocation
The Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Headquarters in Bradenton, Florida is known as “Pirate City.” And there’s no better place to spend a sunny Florida day in February or March! Pirate City is a great place to watch baseball spring training, Florida style: That means outdoors in the late winter and early spring sunshine amid warming temperatures. The Pittsburgh Pirate practice sessions are free and open to the public at Pirate City.
Season Tickets now on Sale
Pirates started selling season tickets on Nov 11, 2019 for the 2020 Grapefuit League games. Six-game weekend packages start at $108, while season tickets start at $245.
In January, fans can purchase single-game tickets starting at the affordable price of $23 ranging to $34 for premium seats.
In total, the Pirates will play 16 home games at LECOM park. Mark your calendar for opening day which will be on Saturday Feb 22, 2020 when they host the Minnesota Twins. To inquire on more detail, please reach out to the box office at 941-747-3031.
A little more history about Pittsburgh Pirates Spring training and their winter home, LECOM PARK
Pirate City is a unique place because of the proximity between the work-out fields and the fans. It’s also a place in which you can “feel” baseball history while you watch the beginnings of another new year of baseball.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Spring Training ballpark and minor league complex in Bradenton, Fla., has been home to the Prates since 1969.
The two complexes underwent $20 million in renovations as part of the team’s new 30-year lease with the city before the start of the 2008 Spring Training season.
The upgrades included lights and a new visitor’s clubhouse at LECOM Park and new offices, dormitories, renovations to the minor league clubhouse and a fifth practice field at the Pirate City minor league complex.
LECOM Park has benefited from numerous renovations since the turn of the century. The historic ballpark maintains the classic charm of a venue with more than nine decades of baseball history. The Spanish Mission-style façade visible from several blocks away is an iconic architectural feature recognized throughout professional baseball.
LECOM Park, which is also home to the Bradenton Marauders of the Florida State League, received the top honor of the 2018 Best of the Ballparks fan vote for High-A facilities, conducted by Ballpark Digest. The same publication has previously recognized The Friendly City’s ballfield as “Best of the Ballparks” in the Grapefruit League. LECOM Park has held the top spot among Florida Spring Training destinations since 2016.The baseball facilities at LECOM Park include two full grass fields professionally maintained year-round. Four bullpen mounds, a standalone multi-tunnel batting cage structure, home and visiting locker rooms, and an umpires’ changing area provides ample space for a wide array of baseball activities. Fixed seating can accommodate more than 7,500 fans. Standing room brings the park’s capacity to 9,000 people.
So, what are you waiting for. Plan your trip down to Bradenton Florida to visit some up close Spring Training Baseball and cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates. While you are down, make sure to get in some beach time by visiting Anna Maria Island. Dans Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com) offers you 1br and 2br units, right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. Only 20 minutes away from LECOM park, you can spend the half the day at the beach and half the day at the ballpark. What a great combo!
To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
