Families have called The Center home for generations. It’s about grandparents who built this place, parents who volunteered their time, kids who grew up playing on our fields, and now their children doing the same.
We’ve been collecting stories from these incredible families, some with four and even five generations connected to The Center. Their stories remind us that The Center is more than a facility, it’s a part of what makes our island feel like home.
If you have a story to share, please send it to Jillian Ptak at development@centerami.org
Give today and help us keep The Center thriving for the next generation: Click here
I have been a part of The Community Center for 2 generations now. I moved to Anna Maria in 1992 in kindergarten, and attended the very new after school program (I think it was me, my brother, and Jeff Ambut), and played just about every sport/ extra-curricular activity offered.
I’m pretty sure my Husband (Trevor Bystrom)’s family has been a part of it from the start.
Most of my core childhood memories happened at The Community Center. I remember attending my first celebration of life for a counselor there, (I believe his name was David), who passed away from Leukemia. Not a happy memory, but a core one for sure. Lots of lessons learned under that roof. So many summer camps, field trips, sports/seasons, and friendships made there. I had some of my first responsibilities of working the concession stand or helping announce a baseball game there. Although I played pretty much every sport offered, I wasn’t good at very many. Pretty sure they needed a certain number of girls for the major leagues though, so I somehow ended up on those teams, but 
my skills and depth perception weren’t always up to par.. Sorry coaches. I’ll never forget Jolly Rancher Bill, the OG Island Van, the payphone out front or the whole original building for that matter, nor the 5+ bikes I had stolen from the center over the years 😉 A childhood full of good memories at AMICC!
Being raised on the Island by a single mother, meant the Community Center was our village. It no doubt had an integral part of my brother and I’s upbringing, and I don’t know what our childhood would have looked like without it. It was so special watching my Daughter attend summer camps and play soccer at the place where I truly grew up.
I hope The Center continues to provide a safe place for kids to go to experience new opportunities, develop lifelong friendships, and have fun! And keep that music coming
I am 4th generation and my son is 5th generation. We have been a part of the center for that long. My grandfather went to school there when it was the school house. I grew up going to the center for my brother’s soccer, baseball games. I worked the concession stand- (some will ask where that was) haha- bubble gum 25 cent I volunteered there as a teenager. My father sat on the board and I grew up knowing The Center truly was the heart of the island. From there I have always made the center my main focus for donations, time, anything they need.
I am not sure I should talk about some of my favorite memories there (learning pool), playing kick ball, but let’s just say I learned a lot growing up there. My favorite memories as a child is just how simple life was and how you didn’t run into a single person that was mean or not helpful. Watching my brother and his bud’s play on the field, my dad and then myself chipping in and decorating, cleaning up, lending a hand when needed. The laughs, the people. As a mom it came full circle watching my son play on the very same field. The Center, being led by one of my childhood friends. Who was always there the same as myself. My son is now there often and it brings tears to my eyes that the island has preserved this piece of history for generations to come.
The Center should always be a home for all kids that want to come play, pick up a sport, hang out, and check in. If you are an islander, you raise island kids and they are free range- the center lets them be just that. I hope it is always a place where we can come together as a community and laugh, cry, inspire, celebrate, help out. I love the gym and the classes and the ability to have the cafe with juices, breads, etc. It is very in line with the authenticity to inspire new businesses and give them a chance. That is what The Center is about…
I’m Kelly Hunt and my family grew up on Anna Maria Island, and The Center was a huge part of my childhood. I have so many fond memories of spending time there.. whether it was watching my brother Justin Moore play T-ball, participating in different sports like tennis and I remember taking a dance class with Nicole Wagner now (Plummer) in about 2nd grade, or simply running around the grass fields with my brother Justin Moore and sister Katie Moore and other local Islanders. Some of my earliest memories are of being at The Center, playing, learning, and making lifelong friendships.
How many generations of your family have been part of The Center? My parents raised us and now we take our son Kellan and my brother and sister take all their kids to the center for sports and community events. My family has been connected to The Center for multiple generations. From my childhood days spent playing sports and making friends to my own children experiencing the same sense of community, The Center has always been a place where our family has come together.
Some of my favorite memories include cheering for my brother during his T-ball games, working the concession stand with my mom during the games, playing sports with my 
friends, and just enjoying the simple joy of running around the fields. The Center was where I learned teamwork, made lasting friendships, and felt a true sense of belonging.
The Center has always been more than just a sports and recreation facility. It’s been a hub for the community. It provided a safe and welcoming place for us to grow, play, and connect. Over the years, it has remained a special part of our family’s story, offering opportunities to stay active, meet new people, and be part of something bigger.
But beyond just childhood memories, The Center has also been a lifeline for our community in times of need. When the recent hurricane nearly destroyed our island, The Center became a place of refuge and support. It was where people came together to collect supplies, provide food, and offer help to those who lost so much. It was a powerful reminder of how strong our community is and how The Center has always been more than just a place for sports…it’s the heart of the island, bringing people together in both good times and bad.
I hope The Center continues to be a place where kids can play freely, learn valuable life lessons through sports and activities, and create lasting friendships like I did. More than anything, I hope it remains a welcoming space where the island community can come together and support one another.
Barbara Sato
Four Generations! My parents, me, my kids, my grandkids!
My favorite memories are my 5 boys playing all kind of sports there and now my grandkids! I am most proud to see my kids and even my daughter in law coach taking after my husband who coached for many many years. I gave of my time serving on the board and am now proud to be able to give financial.
It has been the hub of our family times together!
I pray it continues to serve the children!
Josh Sato
As a kid we used to bike up there almost every day to meet our friends. That was the meet up spot before cell phones.
Some of my best friends I met here. My dad coach us growing up here. It was and still is a very big part of my life for sports and connection with other adults.
I hope that it continues to provide youth sports for kids to make friends and memories like I did as a child.
Lauren Sato
One of my favorite memories of The Center was right after Covid, when everyone was finally able to gather again. Being back at The Center, outside with friends, felt so special. The kids were smiling, laughing, and just so happy to be together.
The Center is important because it truly encompasses family values. It’s a place where you’re surrounded by like-minded people who care about community and fostering relationships. The Center genuinely gathers people together.
I hope The Center continues to foster a strong sense of traditional values and integrity for future generations. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s that classic, close-knit feeling, where neighbors look out for one another, kids play freely, and families make memories. Time spent at The Center is always time well spent and I hope generations have the same experience.
Four Generations of Community at The Center of Anna Maria Island
Our family’s connection to The Center of Anna Maria Island runs deep—four generations deep, in fact. It all began in the early 1950s, when my grandmother, Polly Archer Beaver, first came to Anna Maria Island from Wrightsville, Georgia. By the 1960s, she began going to The Center along with my mother, Jacqueline Webb, father JD Webb SR. and my sister, Paulette Webb. The Center quickly became a part of their daily lives and the heart of our growing family’s island experience.
My grandmother Polly was also deeply involved in the community beyond The Center—she became the first city clerk of Holmes Beach, setting an example of service and leadership that continues in our family to this day. My father, JD Webb Sr., contributed in his own lasting way by opening the island’s first drug store and soda fountain, which quickly became a favorite gathering spot for locals.
My brother Joe Webb and I were both born at Manatee Memorial Hospital and have lived on the island all of our lives. We grew up in The Center. From an early age, it became our playground, our classroom, and our gathering place. Joe and I both married and raised families here, and our children have carried on the tradition. My three children—JD Webb, Nicole Webb Chastain, and Ben Webb Jr.—along with Joe’s two children—Erica and Joey Webb—all spent their youth at The Center, involved in countless activities.
Now, the fifth generation is growing up with The Center, just as we did. Nicole’s children, Harper and Jase, and Ben Jr.’s son, Archer, are all part of The Center’s youth sports programs and daycare. Seeing them run around the same fields and halls that shaped our own childhoods is something truly special.
Personally, I don’t even remember my first time going to The Center—I was still a baby when my parents brought me to a community clambake there. But some of my earliest memories include playing baseball, football, and soccer on the fields. Summers were magical—spent full-time at The Center and freely roaming the island with friends made through its programs.
Some of my favorite memories are milestones celebrated at The Center. My mother’s 75th birthday was held there, filled with family and laughter. My daughter’s wedding reception was another beautiful moment shared in that same space. Now, I have the honor of serving on the board of directors and volunteering my time to give back to the place that gave so much to me.
The Center of Anna Maria Island has been more than just a community facility—it’s been a constant, grounding force in our family’s life. Socially, emotionally, and physically, it’s helped shape who we are. It’s brought us closer as a family, and it’s given us a strong sense of belonging. That was especially evident during this past year, as the community came together after the Hurricanes. The support The Center provided during those difficult times showed its true value—not just to our family, but to everyone on the island.
Looking ahead, my hope is that The Center continues to thrive for generations to come. I want it to be the place where my grandchildren and great-grandchildren learn, play, celebrate, and grow. I want it to remain a cornerstone of the community—a safe, welcoming space for every family, just like it’s always been for ours.
Yes, you are welcome to share our story and a family photo on your social media pages. We’re proud to be a part of The Center of Anna Maria Island’s legacy—and even prouder to watch that legacy continue.
We have 4 generations of our family who have been a part of the center. Our Grandparents, (Bennie & Antoinette Scanio) Our Parents (Norm and Marie Franklin), and ourselves (Dina Franklin, and Dawn (Franklin) Bates) and our kids (Tyler Brewer and Travis Bates)
It all starts with our Grandparents, Bennie and Antoinette. Our Mom had a younger brother (Benji Scanio) who passed away when he was 6 years old. At that time there was no real spot for kids to play therefore in Benji’s memory, our Grandfather along with Professional Baseball Pitcher/Manager, Fred Hutchinson worked together along with several members of the island community back then, to build the baseball field at the center.
It was the spot all age kids could hang out and parents knew they were safe. Through all the years we have attended wedding receptions, personal parties and local events at The Center. One of the most memorable and fun was back in the late 80’s/90’s on 4th of July the Anna Maria Privateers would put on a cookout. Everyone contributed donations. It included food, drink, and lots of local musicians who would perform throughout the day. It was an all-day affair. Come and go as you please. Just so much fun and back then everyone knew everyone.
The Center has always been something on Anna Maria Island that always has brought the community together and continues to do. Both of our sons, Tyler Brewer and Travis Bates, have grown up in this center playing sports from ages 4 to their present ages, 22 & 20. Through those years they have made long lasting friendships. My son Tyler Brewer is now an employee here along with his best friend he has known since 2 years old, Tuna McCracken. Now my sister and her husband (Dawn and Dusty Bates) have their granddaughter (Ariyah) playing sports here.
We hope it continues to do what it is presently doing. Providing all types of events, sports, classes, concerts, etc. that appeal to all the variety of ages in our Island Community so everyone can enjoy it.
We LOVE EVERYTHING about The Center: Dina Franklin, and Dawn (Franklin) Bates. Sisters who are born and raised on Anna Maria Island and have been fortunate to raise our families in the wonderful Island Community.
I’m a 4th generation (great grandparents, grandparents, mom, me)
Everything. I’ve been around the center my entire life. Playing sports when I was a kid to now working there, continuing to play sports in the adult leagues and going to the gym. I spend 3/4 of my life there lol, but it’s been nothing but amazing.
It’s the center stone of the community. The heart of the Island. The center brings everyone together. Hosting all sorts of events and activities. It provides comfort and support from everyone involved. (Coaches, volunteers, workers, etc)
I hope the center continues to keep the island culture alive. I hope it continues to make youth a big priority. They are the future. I hope The Center continues to be the reason the community is what is now. Without The Center that’s all gone.
My family and I have been part of The Center for 3 generations.
I have many fond memories at The Community Center as a youth myself. From all the summer camps, to Basketball games (where I had a sweet spot), T-ball (when I realized I was horrible at sports), Miss Lisa’s Dance class where I FINALLY got to really shine! BUT, my fondest memories now are those built with my own kids and husband. The community center has really defined a lot of our friendships and our kids’ lives. We have created so 
many friendships that will last a lifetime.
The Center creates a sense of home for everyone. It is not one person’s space, but a place where we can all feel like we belong. It has a feeling of community where it brings families together, young toddlers, all the way to the silver sneakers group. All ages in one place where we all love and respect each other. There are not many places that can do that. There’s something special about a place that makes you feel at home weather you have lived here your whole life or just moved into town. It’s the place to be to make friends, have fun, and create lasting memories. I wouldn’t trade this place for the world!
I hope The Center continues to live on for many more generations to come. Without The Center our island has no sense of community. It is the glue who holds us all together. I will forever be grateful for this one of a kind SPECIAL, SPECIAL place.
