April brings big crowds, heavy traffic

Although official numbers are not in yet, it appears that the first week of April was the busiest of the year.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local observation and tourism statistics have long pointed to mid-March as the height of tourist season, but last week, April 3-9, brought what could be the largest crowds, longest restaurant wait times, heaviest traffic and most crowded beaches of the season.

While most college spring breaks wrap up by the end of March, many elementary, middle and high schools take spring break during the first two weeks of April, bringing families from around the country to the warm, sunny shores of AMI.

“We came down from Wisconsin for a week at our time-share in Holmes Beach, the kids are loving getting to play in the sun since it’s still freezing back home,” said Nate Chambers, who is visiting with his wife and three elementary school-age children. “We love it here, and know we are coming during a very busy time of year, but we honestly don’t care. This is still the most relaxing time we will have this year. We’d love to come in November when it’s quiet and much slower paced, but the kids are in school and it’s just not possible; it’s now or never.”

SEE APRIL, PAGE 31