1944 Map of Bradenton Beach

About this map

Anna Maria Key and Longboat Key dominate this wartime coastal survey, revealing the barrier island landscape before the era of intensive high-rise development. The settlement of Bradenton Beach serves as a central hub, connected to the mainland village of Cortez via the Cortez Bridge. Further north, the small community of Ilexhurst sits near the northern tip of the key, while Longbeach occupies the northern end of Longboat Key across the Longboat Inlet. The influence of the Second World War is evident on the landscape, specifically with the presence of the Army Firing Range and the Longboat Landing Strip positioned along the narrow stretch of the southern key. This map documents a transitional period for Manatee Co, showing early residential plats like Palma Sola Park alongside established maritime markers like Light 15 and Light 16A.