Mark, that sounds great!!!
The island run is a beautiful drive and there are 3 little beach bars, one in Anna Maria, One in Bradenton Beach and another I think on Longboat Key, that are all owned by the same company. Ifyou want, I could contact them and see if they'd be willing to set something up for us on parking and the like?
I've got the information and will post it up later.
The only way to really enjoy the island cruise is nice and easy
You miss too much going fast and as you implied, the island cops have no sense of humor
Either way, this could be a great cruise weather permitting