Year: 2025

Legislation would eliminate property taxes

Written by Louise Bolger on December 22, 2025. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Feature.

It’s been an interesting month, but then, December usually is. Lost in the gay atmosphere of the holidays, it’s easy not to notice that business goes on as usual, and this December didn’t disappoint.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax elimination plan was back in the news and this time I read it. There are several house joint resolutions that are being considered for the 2026 ballot. All of them to some degree are aimed at abolishing property taxes on properties that are homesteaded. These are the key proposals:

• HJR 201: Eliminates non-school property taxes for homesteads entirely;

• HJR 203: Gradually phase out non-school property taxes over 10 years by increasing exemptions annually;

• HJR 205: Exempt residents 65 and over from non-school property taxes;

• HJR 207: Add a 25% homestead exemption on assessed value for non-school taxes; and

• HJR 209: Add a $100,000 exemption for insured homesteads.

The governor is in favor of eliminating all property taxes on primary homes, viewing them as paying “rent to government.” The legislative approaches favor a menu of options for voters on the ballot.

The impact of any one of these options could raise home values by 7% to 9%, which could be a boom for current owners but harder for first-time buyers and renters. Governments would need new revenue to replace lost property tax and even if school property tax is preserved, other taxes could be eliminated, impacting overall budgets.

The next step for these constitutional amendments is passing the Legislature and then being approved by Florida voters in the November 2026 general election.

The other piece of December business-as-usual is the meeting of the Federal Reserve on Dec. 10. At that meeting, rates were reduced by a quarter of a percent, which was the third straight cut this year. However, the vote was not unanimous, and the indication is that it could be the last rate cut for a while.

As usual, when the Feds cut rates, it does not always translate into lower mortgage rates, but it does give an overall feeling of stability in the country’s financial position.

So, let’s take a look at the November Manatee County sales statistics released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family homes closed 13.7% fewer homes this year compared to last year. The median sale price was $487,233, up 13.3% from last year, and the average sale price was $653,655, up 9% from last year. The median time to contract was 59 days this year compared to 45 days last year. Active listings are up 8.4% compared to last year and the month’s supply of properties is 4.2 months, up 7.7%.

Condos closed 16% more properties this year compared to last year. The median sale price was $308,000, down 0.6% this year compared to last year, and the average sale price was $332,602, down 3.6% compared to last year. The median time to contract was 74 days compared to 53 days last year and there were 3.4% more listings this year compared to last. The month’s supply of properties was 6.5 months, down 1.5%.

It’s pretty clear that the Manatee housing market is still struggling from last year’s hurricanes; so far there is no clear narrative or direction. Buyers and sellers will be faced with ups and downs in the early part of the new year and hopefully find their footing going forward.

If Florida is successful in passing almost any type of property tax relief, I agree it would be a boom to real estate. Watch what goes on in the Legislature as the new year progresses.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season enjoying celebrations with friends and family.

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Written by Sun staff on December 22, 2025. Posted in Local Guides, Special Sections.

Anna Maria Island residents and visitors can worship at their choice of five churches. Here’s where to find them.

CrossPointe Fellowship

8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

941-778-0719

Sunday service 9 a.m.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation

4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

941-778-1638

Sunday service 9:15 a.m.

Harvey Memorial Community Church

300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach

941-779-1912

Sunday service 9:15 a.m.

Roser Church

512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria

941-778-0414

Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Saint Bernard Catholic Church

248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach

941-778-4769

Masses: Saturday, 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.

CrossPointe Fellowship

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation

Harvey Memorial Community Church

Roser Memorial Community Church

St. Bernard Catholic Church

Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Christmas party

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 17, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Family fun, Holiday.

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 hosted its annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 13.

More than 80 children were signed up in advance for the holiday event that started with the children receiving gift bags as they entered the lodge.

While enjoying French toast sticks for breakfast, the youngsters received a visit from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and later searched for the 10 homemade Christmas ornaments crocheted by Moose member Janet Curran and taped to the bottom of 10 dining room chairs.

Moose member and event organizer Sandra Zenzel read aloud her favorite Christmas book, “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with the children reciting some of the more familiar lines. Zenzel said she still reads the book to her son (now in his 50s) and his family.

Just before 11 a.m., the children began singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” before Santa arrived on the beach as a passenger in a Bradenton Beach Police Department vehicle.

The children enthusiastically greeted Santa as he made his way to the gift-laden Christmas tree inside the lodge, where he was joined by Mrs. Claus. Assisted by Rudolph and some Moose volunteers, Santa and Mrs. Claus gave a wrapped gift to each child as they were called forward one at a time by name.

“Santa Claus is here with all his helpers and this is our annual Christmas party for the local kids and Moose children,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said. “There’s nothing better than making kids and families smile during the Christmas holidays.”

The dog park’s large dog area is covered by sand in some places and grass in others. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

When addressing the tree lighting ceremony crowd, Chamber President Terri Kinder was joined by Santa (Bill Romberger) and an elf (Katy Demick). - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Youngsters enjoyed the bounce houses and slides. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Holmes Beach resident and dog park advocate Renee Ferguson addressed the Parks and Beautification Committee. - City of Holmes Beach | Submitted

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 17, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – Blue Öyster Cult put on a stellar and well-received outdoor concert at The Center of Anna Maria on Dec. 10.

More than 50 years after they formed in Long Island, New York, the five-piece band led by original lead vocalists and guitarists Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser also featured longtime bandmates Richie Castellano on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Danny Miranda on bass and vocals and Jules Radino on drums.

The quintet delivered an energetic 16-song, career-spanning set that highlighted Bloom and Roeser’s songwriting skills, their still-sublime lead vocals and each band member’s musical prowess.

The show started with the piano and synthesizer driven “Dr. Music” from the band’s 1979 album, “Mirrors,” followed by “Before the Kiss, a Redcap” from their 1972 debut album and the raise-your-glass biker anthem “Golden Age of Leather” from their 1977 album, “Spectres” – during which 81-year-old Bloom helped deliver the lyrical vow: “We made a vow to give it all we had to give, we made a vow to die as we had lived.”

Bloom sang lead vocals on “That Was Me,” from the 2020 release, “The Symbol Remains” and the 78-year-old Roeser sang lead vocals on the band’s 1981 hit song, “Burnin’ For You.”

After “Cagey Cretins,” “ME 262,” “Harvest Moon,” “Hot Rails to Hell” and a beautiful rendition of “E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence),” Castillo took over the lead vocals and delivered a haunting rendition of “Tainted Blood” (also from “The Symbol Remains”) – a song that tells the tale of a vampire whose immortal love and soulmate dies after she drinks tainted blood, leaving him alone for eternity.

Lead singer/guitarist Eric Bloom played keyboards on some songs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Roeser then sang “Then Came the Last Days of May,” the tale of an ill-fated trio of young men seeking to get rich quick with an over-the-border drug run that turned deadly.

Next came the well-known crowd-pleaser “Godzilla,” followed by the instrumental piece, “Buck’s Boogie,” that served as an extended intro for the band’s most well-known song, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.”

After a quick break, the band finished the night with their classic rock and roll anthem, “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll.”

The seven-piece, Pittsburgh-based BB Steal 80’s LIVE! opened the show with an hour-long set of hits from the 70s and 80s originally performed by Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Joan Jett, Simple Minds and others, with their cover of Pittsburgh native Donny Iris’ “Ah! Leah!” as a show highlight.

BB Steal 80s Live! opened the show. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Reggae legends The Wailers will headline The Center’s first concert of 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser have led Blue Öyster Cult for more than 50 years. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult gave a stellar concert at The Center. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Jules Radino has been Blue Öyster Cult's drummer since 2004. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult fan Erik Rubietta got a copy of the setlist after the show. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Dave Lewis and Sharon Rosa are members of the Pittsburgh-based BB Steal 80s Live! - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Rick Peluso handled lead vocals on several songs performed BB Steal Live 80s! - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pittsburgh radio personality and Pittsburg Steelers PA announcer Larry Richert introduced both bands. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The crowd awaited Blue Öyster Cult's performance. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pine Avenue shines during Holiday Walk of Treasures

Pine Avenue shines during Holiday of Treasures Open House

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 17, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Holiday.

ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue was awash in holiday spirit during the Dec. 12 Holiday of Treasures Open House hosted by the Anna Maria business community, the city of Anna Maria and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

Pine Avenue was closed on Friday evening so attendees could stroll down the street to visit the participating stores, businesses and organizations – many of which passed out free holiday treats.

The AMI Historical Museum grounds at 402 Pine Ave. are the epicenter of the city’s holiday decorations that include a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, additional tree lighting throughout the museum grounds and lighted tunnel-like walkways.

Tunnels of light help illuminate the museum grounds. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Santa spent the evening outside the museum visiting with youngsters and at 6 p.m., city staff members lit the city’s tree after Santa counted down from five.

“We’re glad to have the holiday walk back. There’s a lot of people here and this is another sign of things being back to normal again after last year’s hurricanes,” Mayor Mark Short said after the tree was lit.

Museum volunteers passed out free wine and popcorn and the Parrish Community High String Quintet played Christmas music.

Down the street, a long line of people waited outside Beach Bums for the free grilled cheeseburgers and hot dogs that have become a staple of the annual holiday event.

Next door, at the Pineapple Marketplace, Reclaimed Soul booth owner/operators Samantha and Jim Heil passed out wine-based margaritas; DJ Grinch (Beach Bums employee Ryan Williams) played Christmas songs and Rock n’ Eggroll owners and market newcomers Alex and Cristy Ulate introduced attendees to their eggroll offerings.

At the Anna Maria General Store, owner Brian Seymour and his staff served free cookies and 15 gallons of eggnog spiked with five gallons of spiced rum.

At the northeast end of the street, Two Scoops Ice Cream and the Cool Beans AMI coffee shop welcomed residents and visitors alike.

The Duncan Real Estate & Vacation Rentals office at the corner of Pine Avenue and Los Cedros Drive was very busy, due in part to the free wine offered and the roasted oysters served by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan’s annual request.

After trying her first-ever oyster, Melissa Burt said, “I didn’t realize they were so good.”

“We love doing this. It’s nice to see the community out and about,” Duncan said.

The folks at Pizza Social had a streetside booth set up and across the street the Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop served free wine and cookies.

At the southwest end of Pine Avenue, Liv Baker and Riley Greenlee passed out free saltwater taffy samples at the entrance to the busy Chocolate Emporium, and Donut Experiment owners Charity and Corey Curyto passed out free samples of their freshly made and creatively frosted donuts.

The Parrish Community High String Quintet performed Christmas music. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pepper and Ruby Smargisso chatted with Santa. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

AMI Historical Society member Barb Murphy served free wine outside the museum. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Reclaimed Soul proprietors Jim and Samantha Heil served holiday margaritas. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

DJ Grinch (Ryan Williams) spun the tunes. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Rum and eggnog were served at the nicely decorated Anna Maria General Store. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop served free wine, punch and Christmas cookies. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Donut Experiment owners Charity and Corey Curyto shared frosted donut samples. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Anna Maria resident Doug Copeland waited in line at Beach Bums. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

My Beach Concierge owners Becky and Peery Heldreth attended the holiday open house. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The city’s Christmas decorations light up the museum grounds. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Island business community loses beloved ambassador

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 17, 2025. Posted in Business, Feature.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island business community lost a great friend and ambassador with the recent passing of Susanne Arbanas.

According to close friends, she was discovered deceased at her apartment in west Bradenton on Dec. 8. She was 67 years old and is survived by her 98-year-old father and Holmes Beach resident, Ron Arbanas, and her brother, Keith, who lives elsewhere.

In 2010, Arbanas opened Anna Maria Island Concierge Services and she spent several years connecting Island visitors with the various services provided by Island and Island-area businesses. Her LinkedIn page notes that she was AMI Concierge Services’ “Director of Contagious Enthusiasm.”

During her career, Arbanas also worked at the Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound in west Bradenton and previously worked as a resort host and concierge at the Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach when it opened in 2017. From 2008-10 she served as the membership coordinator for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Arbanas moved to the Island from Australia about 15 years ago. In Australia, she worked as a hotel manager and guest relations manager. Before that, she worked in Australia as an airport manager after spending 15 years as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines.

At the time of her passing, Arbanas was a longtime member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board of directors and also served as one of the Chamber’s volunteer ambassadors.

“Susanne was a huge advocate for the businesses and the Chamber,” Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “She spent a lot of time connecting chamber members with other chamber members that could be of assistance. If there was something a business owner needed, Susanne always knew someone to refer them to so they could work together. She had a huge impact on the businesses and she will be greatly missed.”

Anna Maria resident Trish Edwards and Pineapple Marketplace owner Marcia Mattick were two of Susanne’s closest friends.

Trish Edwards and Marcia Mattick were close friends with Susanne Arbanas. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“She was outgoing and always trying to promote and help the businesses out here,” Mattick said. “She was always at the Chamber events and she encouraged me, as a business owner, to go too. We tried all the new restaurants when they opened and I met a lot of businesspeople because of her. I’m going to miss her as a friend.”

Edwards said, “I met her in 2010 or 2011 when she was doing her concierge business and we became friends. She knew everybody, she was super-friendly and she liked promoting everybody on the Island who had a business. She was such a good person and she wanted all the businesses to succeed. She had great stories about living in Australia and she was fun to hang around with.”

Longtime family friend and Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster said, “Susanne was a great ambassador and a big promoter for the Island’s small businesses. She always had something positive to say. She had a lot of friends on the Island, she was big part of the community and we’re definitely going to miss her.”

“She was a wonderful spirit and always positive,” AMI Rotary Club President Jim McDaniel said.

“Susanne was a true inspiration who led by example with her enthusiasm. We should all be more like her,” Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker said.

No vacancy at Bethlehem Walk

Written by Cindy Lane on December 16, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria, Churches, Community News.

The Virgin Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem was re-enacted in Anna Maria on Sunday evening, with Roser Church members, residents, visitors and a menagerie of farm animals and pets during the annual Bethlehem Walk.

Families dressed as shepherds, angels and townsfolk journeyed down Pine Avenue into neighborhoods and past restaurants full of puzzled diners with a llama, a donkey and several goats, chickens and dogs in tow.

At each stop, Mary and Joseph asked for shelter and were told, “No vacancy,” but everyone sang carols in between destinations, and finally found shelter for the Holy Family at Roser Church, where a living nativity scene preceded a celebration with desserts and fellowship.

Owen Serra, left, and Asher Patel dressed as wise men in the Bethlehem Walk. – Cindy Lane | Sun

The Holy Family was turned away at an ice cream shop in Anna Maria. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Becky Bixler, left, and Lesley Foulk donned angel-wear for the Bethlehem Walk. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Robin Kollar and Kujo the llama participated in the Bethlehem Walk. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Even a local real estate company was unable to provide lodging for Mary and Joseph on the Bethlehem Walk. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the living nativity scene at Roser Church. – Cindy Lane | Sun

The Bethlehem Walk evening began with a beautiful sunset at Roser Church. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Roser Church Pastor Dirk Rodgers carried a goat for part of the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Owen Serra took a goat on the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Kujo the llama went on the Bethlehem journey. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Revvy the donkey journeyed with Mary and Joseph at the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Saylah Harding brought a chicken on the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Anna Maria resident restores, donates Christmas bikes

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 16, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Carl Augostini’s Christmas tradition is repairing and restoring donated bicycles to give to underprivileged youngsters.

Augostini, a retired electrical engineer, spends many hours in the garage of his Anna Maria home resurrecting the donated bikes that bring holiday joy to those who receive them.

Many of this year’s bikes were donated by Phil Fifield, who helps with the “Bike Ministry” at the Bayside Community Church in west Bradenton.

“They collect bikes from around the county and give them to people coming out of prison and to homeless people. They rarely have calls for children’s bikes so Phil gives them to me,” Augostini said on Friday, Dec. 12.

Augostini spoke while waiting for Devine Landscapes and Lawn Maintenance owner David Daniels to arrive with the pickup truck and trailer he uses to deliver the bikes to the Light of the World church in Sarasota where he is a member.

Augostini usually keeps the restored bikes in his garage, but this year’s gift-ready bikes were kept in a storage container at Custom Carts in Bradenton, owned by Kurt Didier.

“As I worked on them, he picked them up and put them in the storage container for me,” Augostini said.

“We’ve known Carl for 20 years,” Didier said. “He does repairs and works on chargers for us. We wanted to help Carl and his great cause.”

The annual bike retrieval day is a family affair and Carl’s youngest son, Craig, Craig’s wife, Lisa, Carl’s daughter, Carla, and Carla’s husband, Derek Dobbertin, help load the bikes into Daniels’ trailer. This year, they were joined by Carl’s older brother, Bill Augostini, a Columbus, Ohio resident who’s spending the winter in Florida.

“We’ve got 51 bikes and four scooters. This is a record for me,” Carl Augostini said. “All of them are for kids between the age of 12 and 2 or 3 years old.”

This year’s collection included “Paw Patrol,” “Barbie,” “Pinkalicious” and “Hello Kitty” bikes and some bikes came with helmets too.

“I love to see kids get bicycles. I want to get them off the iPads and off the phones and get out there and get that exercise and enjoy a bike ride. That’s why I do it,” Augostini said.

Last year, Augostini had to restore several bikes twice after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge soaked the bikes’ moving parts in corrosive saltwater.

“Everything went smoothly this year,” he said.

Light of the World Pastor Peter Greenidge helped Daniels retrieve the bikes.

“To see a man who is 87 years of age continuing to do this wonderful ministry of providing bicycles for the kids is awesome,” Greenidge said. “These bikes will be given away tomorrow at our Christmas Extravaganza. I want to express our gratitude to Carl for the wonderful work he’s done and the families he’s helped.”

Daniels, who spent a couple of seasons in the NFL as a receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, said, “I do this because I believe kids should have gifts at Christmastime – and one thing you must have as a kid is a bicycle, so you’re not watching the other kids riding their bikes and you don’t have one. We appreciate Carl doing this and to see the smiles on their faces when they receive these bicycles is priceless.”

Key Cup winners celebrate

Written by SUN contributor on December 16, 2025. Posted in Feature, Golf, Sports.

Reel Time: We protect what we love

Written by Rusty Chinnis on December 16, 2025. Posted in Environment, Feature, Outdoors.

Several years ago, I remember watching a tribute to the late John Lewis, the Black American politician and civil-rights leader. Lewis encouraged people to speak up and act when they see wrongs that need to be righted. While Lewis will be remembered for his bravery in the face of incredible hostility and hatred centered on human rights, his message, I believe, speaks to the threat facing local waters and the habitat that supports it.

Coastal habitats plays a pivotal role in the lives of everyone that resides and works on the Suncoast, from construction workers in Lakewood Ranch to the charter fishing guides that support their families and our passion as anglers. That’s why it’s so important that we protect these irreplaceable treasures so that future generations might have the same opportunities we’ve had.

You’ve read in this column about the pressures on our fisheries and the insults to water quality and habitat that underpin our passion and our economy. It’s critical that we support organizations like Suncoast Waterkeeper, Oyster River Ecology and Sarasota Bay Watch that are addressing these issues. Through outreach, education and advocacy these organizations defend communities against the threats to clean water and habitat. Suncoast Waterkeeper, founded by Sarasota environmental attorney Justin Bloom, has been effective in forcing municipalities from St. Petersburg to Sarasota to adhere to the laws set down in the landmark Clean Waters Act. The legislation, signed into law in 1972, establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the U.S. and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Locally the law has allowed Suncoast Waterkeeper to force municipalities to address and redress the release of wastewater that has raised nutrient levels in local waters to dangerous levels.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to save these precious resources. Sarasota County, in a settlement with Suncoast Waterkeeper, just had a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating a $210 million dollar advanced wastewater system.

We all need to do our part by voting for proposals and leaders (both locally and federally) that support habitat protection and enhancement, as well as clean water. You can check a candidate’s voting record at the non-partisan League of Conservation Voters. For someone with no voting record, it’s enlightening to explore what interests are supporting their campaigns.
Join with Suncoast Waterkeeper to help with local clean water initiatives at www.suncoast waterkeeper.org. Learn about Sarasota Bay Watch and their work at www.sarasotabaywatch.org, and to learn about restoration at scale (17 acres of oysters), visit Oyster River Ecology. If we don’t step up, who will?

What’s the future of housing?

Written by Louise Bolger on December 16, 2025. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Feature.

Everyone who owns real estate, lives in real estate, finances real estate or sells real estate is buying crystal balls for Christmas; 2026 was expected to be a steadier housing market, but so far, there are no significant signs of stability.

Realtor.com recently researched and prepared a 2026 housing forecast. They concluded that mortgage rates will average 6.3%, easing affordability pressures slightly. Home prices will rise modestly by 2.2% and existing home sales should climb to about 1.7%. None of this is earthshaking, but it is a meaningful gain from this year. Nevertheless, home sales will remain well below normal as high prices and financing costs continue to hold back demand.

At the same time, for sale inventory will continue to recover, up nearly 9% year over year. For homebuyers and sellers, this represents a shift to a more balanced market, offering breathing room and negotiating power that favors buyers.

The mortgage rate lock, which is, in effect, caused by extremely low rates during the pandemic years, has left many homeowners with a strong reason to not move even if they have the need and desire to do so. Recent data showed that four out of every five homeowners with a mortgage has a rate below 6% and many are at 3% or slightly above.

Home prices are expected to continue to climb in 2026, however, inflation is expected to outpace these gains. Essentially, this means that home prices will decline slightly after inflation is adjusted. The good news is that after higher-than-expected mortgage rates in most of 2025, the rates are finally starting to relax, especially in the second half of the year. The expectation is for rates to drop into the low 6% range.

All home buyers will benefit from lower rates and more inventory. However, it’s the first-time buyers who will benefit the most by finding an opportunity to get into their first home. The real estate market is driven by these first-time buyers since they will likely be moving up to a larger and more expensive property in the years ahead, keeping the real estate train rolling.

Realtor.com also included local market predictions in metro areas around the country. North Port/Sarasota/Bradenton are the metro areas we are part of. The prediction for us, therefore, is 2026 sales growth year over year up 0.8%, and the 2026 price growth year over year down 8.9%. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater is the next closest metro area to us. The prediction for this area is 2026 sales growth year over year down 3.1% and the 2026 price growth year over year down 3.6%. If you’re interested, you can print out all of the metro areas from the Realtor.com website.

I heard about the Realtor.com report from a television interview with Bill Pulte, who is the director of the Federal Housing and Finance Agency (FHFA) for the country. He oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan divisions. His take on this housing forecast was a lot rosier than mine was after reading it myself. I suppose that’s his job, but keep in mind that Bill Pulte owns Pulte Homes, a large nationwide developer of new homes – just saying.

Since real estate markets affect all aspects of the economy and personal lives, everyone is anxious about the new year. You can always depend on your crystal ball, but better get on Santa’s list before he runs out. It looks like there will be a rush on them before Christmas Eve.

Leffis Key Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review

Written by Leslie Lake on December 16, 2025. Posted in Feature, Outdoors, Parks.

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s Leffis Key Preserve remains closed following damage from the 2024 hurricanes and a county spokesperson said the timeline for reopening is dependent on an ongoing review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell responded to a resident’s email request for information about reopening the 21-acre preserve at 2351 Gulf Drive S., across from Coquina Beach, writing, “The county is actively working through the federal FEMA approval process to secure funding for the necessary repairs. Because these repairs were not completed under an emergency authorization, FEMA’s review timeline is longer and is still underway. We are currently finalizing the project’s scope of work and confirming the budget needed to move forward.”

Parnell wrote that the county shares in the community’s frustration over how long the process is taking.

“The county has completed many post-storm repairs across our preserves using in-house crews, but Leffis Key requires a full redesign and specialized construction, making it more complex than other projects,” he wrote.

Once FEMA provides a final determination, the county will share a timeline for reopening, according to Parnell.

In addition to the acres of trails, Leffis Key has a 26-foot-high hill where one can get a panoramic view of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.

“The hill was planted with native dune and coastal ridge plants such as sea oats, beach elder, dune sunflower, southern red cedar, green buttonwood, sea grape, gumbo limbo, Hercules’ club, Jamaica dogwood and strangler fig,” according to Manatee County’s website. “In addition, over 20,000 marsh grass plants, such as smooth cordgrass, saltwater cordgrass and salt jointgrass were installed along the banks of the tidal ponds. The plant installation was accomplished with volunteer labor that included hundreds of school children, local environmental clubs and citizens.”

Site amenities include footpaths that circle and scale the hill, benches and 1,500 linear feet of boardwalks that meander through the mangrove forest, with strategically placed viewing platforms penetrating the open water, according to the Manatee County website.

Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

Written by Leslie Lake on December 16, 2025. Posted in Community News, Cortez, Feature.

CORTEZ – A group of Cortez residents has mobilized in opposition to the proposed boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack property.

The group, Cortez Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCCC) represents 327 Cortez families. The CCCC is expressing concern about boat ramps in a residential area, citing issues including traffic and congestion, safety, environmental stress, impact on property values and noise issues.

On Sept. 5, 2024, Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the $13 million purchase of the former Seafood Shack property, consisting of seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres.

The county purchased the property on Dec. 31 from Vandyk Properties with its anticipated use as a public boating access facility, including a boat ramp, dry storage facility and marina.

The Seafood Shack restaurant and Annie’s Bait and Tackle were demolished in April. Both were compatible with the community and supported by residents, according to the CCCC.

“All residents were surveyed about the property’s redevelopment – 93% responded; 96% are firmly opposed to boat ramps,” according to the CCCC’s press release.

Neighborhood surveys showed the most desired local amenities are waterfront dining, 94%; bait and tackle shop, 71%; passive waterfront park, 66%; marina, 60%; and marine fueling station, 51%, according to the release.

The coalition was originally formed in 2005 in response to Manatee County’s previous plans to purchase the property to develop boat ramps.

“After educating county commissioners on the unique infrastructure and access challenges to the area, the commissioners voted unanimously to abandon the purchase and proposed project,” according to the press release.

Members of the CCCC plan to attend the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16 to make their voices heard. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.