ANNA MARIA – Tropical Storm Nestor is pushing Saturday’s Bayfest indoors from its traditional Pine Avenue location to The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave.
The free festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19, will begin at noon instead of 10 a.m., and remain open until 9 p.m.
The classic car show and arts and crafts vendors are canceled, according to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.
But “Bayfest 2.0 – Reimagined!” will still offer live music with the Trevor Bystrom Band, Memphis Rub, soulRcoaster, the Dr. Dave Band and the Karen & Jimmy Band, with Mike Sales as emcee.
A limited number of food vendors and a beer truck will be at The Center. No coolers or outside alcohol are allowed.
Parking and shuttles to and from The Center will be available at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and Roser Memorial Church, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.
The decision to relocate the festival was made because the storm could produce torrential downpours and local flooding, according to chamber officials.
Tropical storm Nestor, currently over the central Gulf of Mexico, is moving northeast at 22 mph and is expected to reach the Florida Panhandle early Saturday morning. Primary concerns along Florida’s west coast are heavy rainfall and minor to moderate coastal flooding, especially from Tampa Bay north, according to the National Weather Service’s p.m. report.
