Photo credit: www.foodandwine.com

Savoring Sustainability on Florida’s Gulf Coast

As my flight departs the vibrant skies of Florida, I take one last glance at Anna Maria Island, a place that feels both foreign and familiar. From above, it resembles a small, intricate organism, connected and self-sufficient, with its sprawling beaches radiant in the sun. This island captures the essence of independence and community.

Just two days prior, I was out on the water with veteran charter captain Jarrod McKenzie, who carefully measured the snook I caught in Bimini Bay. It was just shy of the legal size for keeping. Without hesitation, he released the shimmering fish back into the crystal-clear waters, emphasizing the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

“Every species has its own regulations,” he explained, observing the fish as it swam away. “Stricter rules often apply to the more desirable fish. It’s all grounded in science. We can harvest resources, but we must ensure they are not depleted.”

In the region along Florida’s northwestern coast, embracing sustainability isn’t optional but essential. The aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, which wreaked havoc in the Bradenton area, highlighted this urgency. Nearly $400 million in damages from last year’s storms has prompted local leaders and residents to adopt resilience-driven measures focused on eco-friendly living.

Tourists are actively encouraged to engage in this sustainable ethos. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes the initiative “Love It Like a Local.” On Anna Maria Island, the 25 mph speed limit fosters a pedestrian-friendly environment, with electric golf carts widely used for transportation. My family enjoyed navigating the island in one from our rental, and a convenient free trolley service connects key locations from dawn until dusk. Bicycles are also a prevalent mode of transport.

Moreover, the community prioritizes the protection of native plant species, such as mangroves, which provide crucial storm buffering and flood prevention. Local business owners shared their dedication to minimizing light pollution during turtle nesting season, ensuring that hatchlings do not become disoriented.

Throughout our time there, we encountered numerous creative environmental initiatives. For instance, my daughter delighted in a wild berry smoothie at Back Alley Treasures—a charming shop where Travis Keith served her drink with a pasta straw, emphasizing an innovative approach to reduce plastic waste.

The food scene in the area embodies sustainability, focusing on fresh, local ingredients, such as the catch of the day from our charter expedition. We began our fishing adventure in Cortez, a traditional fishing village exuding a timeless charm. Stacks of weathered crab traps lined the docks, and pelicans waited patiently for scraps nearby. A short distance away, Star Fish Company, a popular eatery, sat right over the water. Renowned for its grouper sandwiches and fried shrimp, this spot serves seafood caught by local fishermen just outside the restaurant.

Owner Karen Bell, who also runs A.P. Bell Fish Company, aims to preserve Cortez’s fishing legacy amidst burgeoning development pressures. “I worry about the impact on our community,” she noted, sharing her decision to close early and focus on maintaining a respectful neighborhood atmosphere, deeply rooted in her family’s long-standing ties to the area.

In addition to her restaurant endeavors, Bell has acquired multiple homes in the vicinity, offering affordable rentals to her employees. “They simply walk to work,” Captain McKenzie remarked, highlighting Bell’s commitment to sustaining Cortez as a viable fishing community.

The menu at Star Fish Company is straightforward—fried, grilled, or blackened fish—with an emphasis on freshness and simplicity. Though lines may be long, they move quickly, and we savored a delightful meal featuring hearty seafood chowder, grouper sandwiches, and shrimp po’boys while watching the fishing boats arrive.

Dining at Oyster River, located atop the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, offered another glimpse into local sustainability efforts. Historically known as the Oyster River for its bountiful oyster beds, the area now collaborates with local businesses to restore these habitats while enhancing water quality. The restaurant recycles oyster shells, contributing to the revitalization of the oyster reefs in the river.

Numerous local eateries and canneries participate in this oyster shell recycling initiative with Robinson Preserve—a 679-acre sanctuary in northwest Bradenton. Although warm waters limit edible oyster harvesting, their filtration capabilities are crucial, according to Aedan Stockdale, the preserve’s education and volunteer manager. The area is a refuge for diverse flora and fauna, featuring more than seven miles of trails, including paths constructed from recycled materials, providing a serene and natural escape.

“This land once served as farmland; it’s now restored to a thriving ecosystem for both wildlife and humans,” Stockdale reflected. “It showcases what can happen when a community genuinely invests in preserving its natural resources.”

On the land, farmers are just as vigilant about sustainability as fishermen are at sea. Gamble Creek Farms in Parrish, Florida, under the management of Will Manson, produces fresh vegetables for local restaurants, including the well-renowned Beach House Waterfront Restaurant and SALT Bar & Table. Manson guided us through his farm’s rows of romaine, kale, and microgreens, all cultivated without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides—a testament to his commitment to delivering clean, sustainable produce.

During a stroll down Pine Avenue, we discovered Poppo’s Taqueria, a local favorite emphasizing fresh, organic ingredients, free-range meats, and natural sweeteners. My husband enjoyed a Bee Sting Burrito while I savored vegetarian tacos, complemented by a Sunshine City IPA from Green Bench Brewing in St. Petersburg.

For those looking to explore beyond the island, the Gulf Islands Ferry connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island with a scenic 45-minute ride, serving as an eco-friendlier alternative to driving. In Bradenton, visitors can enjoy the seasonal Bradenton Public Market on Saturdays and the picturesque Bradenton Riverwalk, lined with public art installations alongside the river.

On our final evening, we dined at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. Offering picturesque views over Tampa Bay, we participated in the “You Catch. We Cook.” program, presenting our freshly caught trout and redfish fillets, cleaned expertly by Captain McKenzie. The addition of stone crab claws, known for their sustainable yield, added a special touch to our meal.

Chef Billy Hermenau prepared the fish—frying and blackening the trout, grilling the redfish, and serving the tender crab with a homemade dipping sauce. The table overflowed with enticing dishes.

As I gazed out from the plane one last time, Anna Maria Island reflected the intricate web of life it sustains—fishermen, farmers, chefs, and artisans all interconnected. This community shares a profound commitment to nurturing and preserving the unique qualities that make this area thrive, ensuring its beauty and bounty endure for years to come.

Source
www.foodandwine.com