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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Speaking of spooky, look at those population numbers

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Halloween is next week, so as you’re decorating your home with spooky and creepy stuff from the Dollar Store, think about the spine-chilling increase in population right here in Manatee County.

There’s a good reason why the traffic on the roads never seems to take a break and why your favorite doctors are all of a sudden working weeks out for an appointment. So far this year, the population of Manatee County is reported as 429,125. We grew by 29,420 in three years, per the U.S. Census. In April of 2010, the population was 322,833 per the U.S. Census, an increase of over 100,000 residents in not quite 13 years. Manatee County is the 15th most populated county in Florida out of 67 counties.

The above numbers, of course, do not include the scary number of visitors and part-time residents flowing into Manatee County every year. They also do not include the many thousands of residents that will be added to the county when the large construction projects are completed.

Lake Flores, Aqua by the Bay and Peninsula Bay, all on the southwest side of the county near or on the bay are already being developed or getting ready to start. The east and southeast sides of the county are exploding with plans for new subdivisions with good access to the interstate. In addition, all this construction is coming on the heels of the construction of both a new Cortez Bridge and Anna Maria Island Bridge. Are you scared yet?

Selling a property always involves disclosing anything that can be a material change to the value of the property. This usually involves structural issues not obviously observed and even appliances and air conditioning and heating systems. And, since we’re in scary season, you will be happy to know that you don’t need to disclose if your house is haunted, or if there was a murder or death in the home.

Also, there is no obligation I could find that a homeowner must disclose construction projects near the property, even if that construction could be a nuisance. Nevertheless, everything you know should be disclosed. This is not only the right thing to do, but it will also protect you as a seller from potential future lawsuits.

At least one thing that’s not haunted this Halloween is the September sales reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes closed 46.9% more properties than in September of last year. The median sale price was $503,495, down 2.6%, and the average sale price was $661,608, up 6.0%. The median time to contract was 29 days versus 19 days last year, and the month’s supply of available properties was 2.9 versus 2.7 last year.

Condos closed 48.6% more properties. The median sale price was $350,000, up 3.9%, and the average sale price was $402,480, up 0.3%. The median time to contract was 46 days versus 15 days and the month’s supply of properties was 3.3 months versus 1.9 days last year.

One interesting statistic in the September report is that cash sales are up for both single-family homes, 38.3%, and for condos, 58.3%. I suspect this has a lot to do with the high interest rates on new mortgages.

The Association of Realtors sums up the market this way, “While closed sales registered an unusually high year-over-year growth, median prices stayed relatively stable.”

Spooky or not, those are the numbers that reflect sales transactions booked during the slow summer months. We’ll see how that changes when we get into the selling season. Happy Halloween.

Nesting News

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Outdoors, Sea turtles.

Turtle nests laid: 405 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 439 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Hatched nests: 305 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings: 23,149 (Previous record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations: 3,270

Adult disorientations: 11

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Manatees could again be classified as endangered

Manatees could again be classified as endangered

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured, Manatees, Outdoors.

MANATEE COUNTY – Following petitions from environmental groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) says that reclassifying Florida manatees from a threatened to an endangered species may be justified.

In 2017, the status of manatees was changed from endangered to threatened following signs the species was recovering. Since then, seagrass destruction related to algae blooms on Florida’s east coast has spiked manatee mortality.

“Originally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, manatees have never truly recovered,” according to a prepared statement from the Center for Biological Diversity. “The FWS announced its final rule downlisting the West Indian manatee from endangered to threatened on March 30, 2017, despite hundreds of manatees still dying each year from boat strikes, habitat loss and other causes.”

The ESA defines a threatened species as “any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.”

An endangered species is “any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range,” according to the act.

Due to the declining manatee population in recent years, two petitions were submitted to FWS by the Center for Biological Diversity, Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper, Save the Manatee Club and Frank S. Gonzalez Garcia to increase protections for the mammals.

“Pollution-fueled algae blooms sparked an ongoing mortality event that has contributed to unprecedented Florida manatee mortality approaching 2,000 deaths in 2021 and 2022 combined,” according to the Center for Biological Diversity. “This two-year record represents more than 20% of all manatees in Florida. Manatee experts predict more malnourished and starving manatees with fewer births for years to come.”

Unchecked pollution, wastewater treatment discharges, leaking septic systems, fertilizer runoff and resulting algae blooms and seagrass destruction led to the unprecedented manatee mortality event in the Indian River area in 2021-22.

As of Oct. 6, 476 known manatees died in Florida waters so far this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

One petition requested the reclassification of the West Indian manatee, including the Antillean and Florida manatee subspecies, as endangered species under the ESA. Another petition requested the Puerto Rico population of the Antillean manatee be listed as endangered. Both subspecies are currently classified under the ESA as threatened.

FWS announced on Oct. 11 that reclassifying the West Indian manatee from threatened to endangered may be justified.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed two 90-day findings on Endangered Species Act petitions to uplist the West Indian manatee and the Puerto Rican population of the Antillean manatee. Based on the Service’s review, both petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted,” according to a statement from the FWS.

“Today’s decision, known as a 90-day finding, is the first procedural step toward providing much greater protections for the imperiled species. The Fish and Wildlife Service must now conduct a thorough review of the best available science before determining whether to increase protections under the Endangered Species Act,” according to a statement from the Center for Biological Diversity.

A decision is due by Nov. 21.

The environmental groups lauded the decision to review the manatee’s status.

“This is the right call for manatees and everyone who cares about these charming creatures,” said Ragan Whitlock, a Florida-based attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I applaud the Fish and Wildlife Service for taking the next step toward increased safeguards. Manatees need every ounce of protection they can get.”

“We are pleased that the Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes the need to reevaluate its ill-timed decision to downlist the Florida manatee,” said Patrick Rose, an aquatic biologist and executive director of Save the Manatee Club. “There can be no doubt that the service needs to immediately rebuild its manatee recovery program through increased staffing and funding. While the two remaining manatee recovery staff members are doing an incredible job in the face of unprecedented environmental assaults upon the manatees and their habitat, they must have more help right now to forestall this continuing emergency.”

The ESA allows citizens to petition the FWS to add species to the list of endangered and threatened wildlife, remove species from the list, and reclassify species on the list.

“The positive response is a welcome sign of hope for both subspecies of the West Indian manatee, the Antillean manatee and the Florida manatee, to once again thrive and inspire future generations,” said Frank S. González García, a Puerto Rican engineer.

“The service has a long history of working to save the manatee from extinction since it was one of the first species listed under the 1967 precursor to the Endangered Species Act,” FWS Acting Southeast Regional Director Mike Oetker said. “We are committed to ensuring we are getting the most updated scientific information during this status review to protect and recover the species.”

Manatee tips

• Obey posted signs for manatee slow-speed zones;

• Wear polarized sunglasses to see manatees in your path;

• If you observe a manatee mating herd – several manatees gathered as males vie to mate with a female – watch from at least 100 feet away. Coming any closer might disrupt the mating or endanger you; adult manatees typically weigh more than 1,000 pounds;

• Never feed or water manatees as they will become habituated to people, which could put them at risk of injury;

• Stow trash and line when underway. Marine debris that blows overboard can become ingested by or entangled around manatees;

• Report stranded or dead manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

First wastewater pond closed at Piney Point

First wastewater pond closed at Piney Point

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Environment, Featured, Outdoors.

PALMETTO – The environmentally unstable Piney Point phosphate processing site is moving towards closure with the completion of work on the first of four wastewater collection ponds, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The work on the pond, built to contain industrial wastewater from phosphate processing operations, is substantially complete, according to FDEP. A liner has been installed on top of the pond, which is located at the top of a phosphogypsum waste stack. A new stormwater control system has been installed and grass has been planted to reduce soil erosion.

On March 25, 2021, Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC notified FDEP of a possible leak in the lining of one of the other three ponds, which is now in the process of closure. Five days later, FDEP authorized the emergency discharge of 215 million gallons of industrial wastewater from the pond into Tampa Bay to maintain the integrity of the gypsum stack and avoid a potential flood. Surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated.

From March 30 to April 9, the wastewater poured into the bay, adding an estimated 186 metric tons of nitrogen, exceeding typical annual nitrogen loads in a matter of days, according to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The nutrient exacerbated toxic cyanobacteria blooms that peaked in June, followed by a bloom of toxic red tide algae that caused fish kills, triggering the cleanup of more than 1,600 metric tons of dead fish.

On Aug. 5, 2021, FDEP filed a complaint in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County, initiating enforcement action against Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC. In the complaint, the agency requested a judgment against HRK of $50,000 a day in civil penalties for each day that it failed to remove process water at Piney Point, and $15,000 per day for failure to provide FDEP with financial assurance. The total maximum penalties for all of HRK’s violations total $119,745,000, according to the complaint.

“This action enforces compliance with the state’s environmental laws and all of HRK’s existing authorizations, orders and agreements with the department. The department is seeking the maximum allowable penalties and recovery of costs and damages under existing laws and regulations,” according to FDEP.

On Jan. 3, 2023, FDEP filed a motion for a default final judgment against HRK claiming in part that HRK failed to remove groundwater from Feb. 15, 2019 to May 15, 2022, and failed to meet groundwater standards on 18 separate occasions, equating to $270,000 in penalties. The case remains open.

On Dec. 16, 2021, FDEP issued a permit to Manatee County to build an underground injection well on Buckeye Road to receive industrial wastewater from Piney Point. The well began receiving the wastewater from the site on April 4, 2023. To date, more than 97 million gallons of wastewater have been transferred to the well.

Rotary Club wraps swimming program

Rotary Club wraps swimming program

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

BRADENTON – Members of The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island say their Learn to Swim program was another big success this year.

Thanks to fundraising efforts by the Rotary, as well as a $4,000 grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation, 82 area children were able to participate in the program this year at the Bradenton YMCA. There were four eight-day sessions, with half taking place in June and half in July at a cost of $80 per child, which was 100% covered by fundraising efforts, such as the Rotary’s annual golf tournament. The tournament was held on April 3 and raised $20,000.

The AMI Rotary says because this is Florida and children are around water more than most places in the country, it is vitally important that they can swim, but many families aren’t able to afford swimming lessons or regular access to a pool. It’s not only a way to possibly save lives, but offers a fun experience for kids who might not normally be exposed to swimming.

The program is three-pronged, with AMI Rotary providing the funds, the Manatee County Boys and Girls Club finding the children in need of the program, and the Bradenton YMCA providing the pool and instructors to give the lessons. All three organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits.

“From 2018-2020, Florida had the highest unintentional drowning death rate among children 0-9 years of age,” Rotary Club of AMI President Kathy Rylander said. “We are working hard to change the statistics. Serving over 500 local children in six years is a huge accomplishment for our club and we hope to serve hundreds more in the future.”

Reel Time: Learn how to tie your own flies

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

When I first started fly fishing, I would buy my flies from local fly shops and occasionally, guide friends would supply me with the flies I was using. Eventually, through necessity, I started tying flies and quickly found out how rewarding it was to catch a fish on a fly I had tied myself. While I tied the flies I used locally, I still ordered flies that I would take on my trips to the Bahamas. That habit changed too on a bonefishing trip a couple of years ago.

I had ordered some flies the lodge I was visiting recommended from a “reliable” source, choosing a few old classics as well as a current favorite, the Peterson Spawning Shrimp. As it turned out, the flies I ordered didn’t match my expectations. Fortunately, two friends in my party offered me some of their flies. I got bailed out on that, vowing then and there that the next trip I took I’d have a box of my own home-tied creations. Fast forward to today and it’s less than a month from my next trip. This time I’ll have the flies I have confidence in. And confidence is key!

Reel Time: Learn how to tie your own flies
The Peterson Spawning Shrimp, one of the most dependable flies for bonefish, is adaptable for a host of other saltwater species. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

In my experience, flies don’t have to be fancy to catch fish. They do have to resemble something a local species feeds on and appear natural in the water. Two of the most reliable patterns mimic baitfish and shrimp. Probably the most basic, and one of the most effective and popular flies, is the Clouser Minnow, created by Bob Clouser. This was the first fly I learned to tie and is still a favorite. Another favorite is the bend back, a streamer tied to be weedless and fished in shallow water. The bend back is also easy to tie and very effective when properly tied and presented. As mentioned, my current favorite fly, one I tied originally for bonefish and now use locally for redfish, tripletail and snook, the Peterson Spawning Shrimp, has me immersed in tying flies and I’m enjoying the process more than ever. Fly tying is like everything else, the more you do it, the better you get. As in fly casting, golf, tennis and any other endeavor, repetition is key, so it’s better to tie often instead of for long periods of time.

If you currently tie, my advice is to master a fly you have confidence in and then work to make a fly your own. I’m constantly thinking of ways to improve patterns I fish and finding my enjoyment of fly fishing enhanced by the experience.

I would strongly advise fly anglers to take up fly tying if they haven’t already. If you want to explore tying but aren’t fully committed, start with a simple but quality travel kit that you’ll be able to use even after setting up a place to tie at home. I think you’ll find that you enjoy the fly-fishing experience even more and, as a bonus, you’ll have better quality flies at a much better price. Instructions on tying every imaginable fly are available on YouTube.

Youth soccer teams hit stride

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – The Center’s youth soccer leagues completed week five of recreational sports last week with five hard-fought games. In the first game Tuesday night, The Porch narrowly defeated team AMI Coconuts 3-2, in the 8- to 10-year-old league.

It was the first win of the season for The Porch while their opponents played this week also looking for their first victory.

The Porch’s Titus Moss had two goals and an assist, while teammate Luke Willing shot one goal and passed the soccer ball to Moss on one of his successful strikes.

Goalkeeper Santiago Cantero made four saves for The Porch. Working non-stop on the other side of the pitch, Kason Price had 13 stops for AMI Coconuts.

The team’s offensive charge was led by Beau Canup and Simon Messinger, each with one goal in the match.

With Adrian Griffin Interiors off with a bye week, Isola Bella Italian Eatery matched up against the undefeated Moss Builders. Keeping their record unblemished after four games, the Moss team outscored team Isola Bella by one goal, 3-2.

Asher Patel’s hot foot scored the two goals for his team, keeping them in the game. Teammate Trinity Miller worked hard to protect the Isola Bella Italian Eatery team goal. Miller had four stops against the Moss Builders offense.

Striking hard was Gunner Maize with two goals. Parker Svoboda scored a solo goal, helping the Moss Builders team go into week six playing one game ahead of the Solid Rock Construction team.

Keeping Isola Bella to two points, Miles Moss had seven saves for the Moss squad.

Matthew Darak’s hat trick was no match for the La Creperie team. Despite tough play and eight saves by La Creperie goalie Sawyer Leibfried, the team could not make enough shots to win.

Solid Rock goalie Carson Long made eight critical stops for his team. Louis Bacon scored the only point for La Creperie, leaving the team with a 1-2-2 record.

In the 11- to 13-year-old youth soccer league, the other Solid Rock Construction team held on to second place with the 6-3 win against The Gitt Team/KW on the Water.

Luke Dellenger scored three goals in the game, while teammates Turner Worth and David Zupa shot for two goals and a single respectively.

Sharing the goalkeeping duties for Solid Rock was Jack Zaccagnino with five saves, denying The Gitt Team offense during his time at the net, and Obi Roadman with a big stop.

Despite the loss, The Gitt Team never stopped fighting for position on the field and the shot. Leading the offensive scoring was Callin Westfall with two goals.

Ryk Kesten scored a goal for his team. Austin Guess is credited with three nice saves against the Solid Rock shooters.

Also with a 6-3 final score, team Cheesecake Cutie defeated HSH Design. Cecelia Kroth scored two points for HSH. Sterling Holiday got past Cheesecake goalie Thomas Holly with a goal of his own.

Holly finished the game with four saves. Counterpart Cyrus Ryan made six stops and Jasmine Sparks had two while in goal for HSH Design.

Doing the scoring for the Cheesecake squad with single goals each were Tristan Hagey, Josiah MacDonald, Charlee Maize and Kegan McGlade.

Preston LaPensee scored two goals and made two assists for the winning team, helping the Cuties team move to a 3-0-2 record.

The Cheesecake Cuties team remains at the top of their league, with the final regular season games to be played on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

 

SUN SCOREBOARD

OCT. 10 – YOUTH SOCCER WEEK 5

 

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

 

The Porch (1-2-1) 3

AMI Coconuts (0-3-1) 2

 

 

Moss Builders (4-0-0) 3

Isola Bella Italian Eatery (1-2-2) 2

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-1-0) 3

La Creperie (2-2-1) 1

 

 

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-2-0) 6

The Gitt Team/KW on the Water (2-2-1) 3

 

 

Cheesecake Cuties (3-0-2) 6

HSH Design (0-4-1) 3

Get insurance if you can

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Even though our area has so far been spared a major hurricane hit this year, the threat is always there, as is the threat of losing your insurance. What happens if you can’t get homeowners insurance is one of those “I don’t even want to think about it” questions, but, if it happens to you, you’re in good company.

Florida and Louisiana are the two states in the country that have the most challenging homeowners insurance markets. Florida has the highest average home insurance premium in the country. They also both have state-run insurance of last resort companies that are called Citizens, and they are both trying to reform their state’s insurance obligations.

In addition, Florida is attempting to bring insurers into the state to help create more competition, driving costs down. The state’s Legislature has worked to reduce the number of lawsuits by limiting what attorneys can charge. High attorney fees were mostly blamed for driving up costs and driving out insurance companies, leaving homeowners no choice except to go to Citizens. It’s too early to know for sure what the Legislature is accomplishing, however, there is some evidence that progress is being made.

Nevertheless, the stress for homeowners is enormous, prompting some residents to consider leaving waterfront properties and properties prone to flooding. If you do find yourself in the unimaginable position of not being able to get homeowners insurance on your home or condo while carrying a mortgage, you could be in for some serious problems. Not having the ability to find insurance on your property violates your mortgage agreement. Your lender may force you into a more expensive policy, which is called lender-placed or force-placed insurance. Worse, your loan can be declared in default, risking a foreclosure if you’re not able to satisfy the mortgage.

I know this sounds dramatic and it is, however, one way is to have an advocate on your side like an insurance broker who has access to any new insurance companies coming into the state as well as an understanding of the system and may be able to offer advice. Also, Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans were created in the 1960s to make insurance available in areas that had abnormally high exposure to risk. The Florida contact numbers are 850-513-3700 and 904-296-6105.

Citizens Insurance in Florida asked the state Office of Insurance Regulation to raise its rates for property insurance by an average of 13.1%. This request was denied and replaced with a cap of not more than a 12% increase. Citizens’ higher-ups feel the approved rate increase is artificially low, resulting in potential exposure beyond its assets. This affects the private market by not being able to compete with what was designed to be the company of last resort for insurance.

As a comparison, Louisiana’s Citizens’ Property Insurance is uncapped. This means their rates are based on what’s happening in the marketplace, allowing private insurers to compete and taking some of the financial exposure of the state. In addition, Louisiana has an incentive program that provides grants to encourage insurers to write property policies in areas of the state that are most at risk.

The solution to Florida’s unraveling insurance market is obviously to attract more private companies into the state, a feat that is easier said than done. We can only hope a plan is in place before the next “big one” comes knocking on our coastline.

Reel Time: Giving back

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have spent the last 40-plus years on an island in an area celebrated as the Suncoast. As an ardent angler, I’ve explored the bays, estuaries, islands and Gulf and feel incredibly blessed for the opportunities I’ve had. Like other anglers, I share the desire to “give back,” to work to protect this incredibly rich and diverse habitat after experiencing our effects on its health over time.

When I arrived here in 1981 the waters of the Suncoast were beginning to recover from decades of unregulated dredge and fill projects, stormwater runoff, overfishing and inadequate sewage systems. Over four decades I saw bag and size limits created to protect fish stocks and watched as waters begin to recover as insults were addressed. Seagrass was growing back and there was cause for hope and celebration. Red tides and algae blooms still occurred, and nitrogen levels increased, but we seemed to be on a hopeful track.

Reel Time: Giving back
Hudson Fisher caught his first redfish in Longboat Pass with his grandfather, Michael Riter, also known as Pickle. Will his children have the same opportunity? – Submitted | Michael Riter

Unfortunately, all that was so laboriously gained over half a century has been lost in just the last six years. Seagrass beds disappeared, lyngbya blooms, late summer occurrences since the 1980s, exploded in early spring and blanketed the already stressed grass beds and left shorelines lined in anoxic milky white water. Populations of some fish species plummeted and businesses suffered.

One of the advantages anglers have living in and fishing an area over time is the ability (given your eyes and mind are open) to gain insight into the seemingly inexorable changes that occur around you over time. As I’ve worked with like-minded individuals to protect mangroves, fish stocks and the waters of our bays and Gulf, I always wondered why harmful algae blooms, a/k/a red tides, were reported by the Spaniards in the 16th and 17th centuries. There wasn’t overpopulation to throw the system off balance. The answer to that question came to me as I read the accounts of those same Spaniards, Cuban fishermen and indigenous Indians in Jack Davis’ Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Gulf, The Making of an American Sea.” In those pages, I learned about accounts relating to instances of the skies turning dark as thousands of seabirds passed overhead on a cloudless day, of fish schools so thick that it wasn’t much of an overstatement that you could walk their backs across broad stretches of the inland bays.

Suddenly it became clear to me (caveat, I’m no scientist) that the same red tides that polluters discount with “it’s natural” (like cancer’s normal is my retort) may have been nature’s way of attempting to keep the waters balanced. Before man left his scars on the ecosystem, the explosion of life was kept in check by this organism that’s triggered by excess nitrogen. It dawned on me that harmful algae blooms may function like forest fires in a natural system. Now the same marker nitrogen, produced by human activity, triggers longer and more intense outbreaks that track population growth.

Every time I’m at the beach and see young children splashing in the surf with gleeful enthusiasm and fishing the local piers I have to wonder, what kind of world will we leave these kids? My experiences, the lessons I’ve learned, and the camaraderie of friends on the Suncoast have been an incentive to give back for all we’ve been given. To be sure in these strange and uncertain times these efforts can verge on being depressing. That’s why I have to constantly remind myself of the words of the Dalai Lama, “If you work to save the world and the world is lost, no regrets.”

Making lemonade out of a lemon real estate market

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Sometimes it looks like the national real estate market and the high-interest mortgage rates are nothing but lemons. But one startup company has found a way to turn the lemons into lemonade.

Assumable mortgages are something that was not uncommon back in the more civilized real estate era. Many conventional mortgages had an assumable clause built into the mortgage, giving lenders another source of potential borrowers. Those days are long gone except for government mortgages, including VA and FHA loans, which usually still contain an assumable clause.

What is an assumable mortgage? An assumable mortgage allows sellers to transfer their mortgage loan to the buyer purchasing their home. An assumable transaction doesn’t replace an old mortgage with a new one, but instead transfers the old mortgage to the new owner. The seller is relieved of the remaining mortgage liability and the balance of the outstanding loan is subtracted from the purchase price. The buyer, of course, must come up with cash to cover the balance of the purchase price.

Roam is the name of a new real estate startup launched several weeks ago in a handful of states, including Florida, who – for a fee – will search out properties with assumable mortgages. They will handle the paperwork and work through the system and the seller’s mortgage company on behalf of both buyer and seller to facilitate the mortgage transfer and property sale. Roam’s goal is to attract lenders and investors who can place new loans for the balance of the selling price, possibly at higher rates to compensate them for holding the assumable mortgage at lower rates. It’s not for a novice but, if successful, could open more available properties for buyers.

There are always good and bad points to anything new to the marketplace. If something looks too good to be true, it may be. Some of the pros for purchasing an assumable mortgage are lower interest rates, an obvious benefit for the buyer. Having an assumable mortgage gives significantly more exposure to a seller’s property. Closing costs will be lower and no appraisal is necessary, saving more money, and the buyer is assuming less debt.

The negative side of an assumable mortgage is a larger down payment, which is fine if a buyer has a lot of home equity or cash. Buyers still need to meet the lender’s credit and income requirements, and the buyer does not have a choice of lender.

Buyers who are assuming a VA-backed mortgage won’t be entitled to another VA loan until the assumed loan is paid off. Therefore, if you are getting VA benefits you may need to wait a while to qualify for another loan.

You may also be required to carry mortgage insurance depending on the amount of loan assumed and the loan-to-value ratio.

As I pointed out, this is a balancing act and not for everyone. Assumable mortgages could work great if you’re buying from a family member. If you don’t want a federal loan and are more comfortable with a conventional mortgage, it won’t work. Sellers with an assumable mortgage who may be having a problem selling their property could benefit by using it to make their home more desirable and advantageous to buyers.

Lemons or lemonade, the yin and yang of the real estate market. Just one more thing to add to the confusion.

Pool America shuts out Slim's Place

Pool America shuts out Slim’s Place

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – With just one win, team Pool America moved from the bottom of the ranks in the adult co-ed soccer league to fourth place. The team, led by team captain Chris Klotz, took the pitch against the winless Slim’s Place squad.

Sharing the bottom of the ranks just minutes before, Pool America shut out the Slim’s Place team 7-0.

Posting nine saves in the game, Klotz helped move his team up the ladder in the keeper position. Teammate Luca Vecchio had a hat trick during 40 minutes of regulation play.

Scoring three goals against Slim’s Place goalie Steve Oelfke, Vecchio shares scoring honors with Nate Welch and Austin Nutting. Oelfke had eight total saves in the week five game.

Pool America’s Sam Parker sent a shot that bent into the net for her solo goal of the night.

Gulf Drive Café won its third game of the season, 6-1, against the Sato Real Estate team. Putting 14 saves in the statistics, Charles “Tuna” McCracken worked hard at the net for the Gulf Drive team.

Ben Sato made 10 stops in the goal across the field from McCracken. Both teams’ offenses kept the opposing goalkeepers on their toes the entire game.

On offense, the only point for Sato Real Estate came from last-minute team add-on, Lyn Clarke. Clarke’s goal was on an Amy Ivin assist. Ivin is a weekly high scorer and offensive powerhouse.

Shooting for the win, Gulf Drive Café’s team captain, Kevin Roman, scored five goals, with a single by Alejandro Aviles. Aviles provided a nice pass to Roman, resulting in one of his many points in the game.

In a nailbiter, the Ross Built Custom Homes team took the win by one goal over Gulfview Windows & Doors, 7-6. Gulfview’s captain, Keith Mahoney, scored three goals in the match along with teammate Jesus Martinez.

The two hat tricks kept the Gulfview team in the game, but the scoring efforts of the Ross Built squad eked out the victory. With two goals each, Daniel Hampton, Ethan Hampton and Greg Ross put six points on the scoreboard, while Selena Gonzalez-Salinas had a solo goal.

Gulfview’s Raul Loera is credited with six saves. Helping Ross Built capture its fourth W of the season, keeper Max Gazzo made seven huge stops against the Gulfview offense.

Team Moss Builders remains undefeated and at the top of the ranking after a three-point win over the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits squad in the final game last Thursday night.

With the final score of 7-4, Moss’ Dean Hinterstoisser’s hat trick complimented the goals by teammates Rex Kesten, James Lynch and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos.

Their strong team play is part of the reason the Moss Builders team is dominating the league after five weeks. Hinterstoisser and Urbiola Bolanos each had two assists. Lynch is noted with a single assist.

Captain Ryan Moss continues to be a force in the net as the goalkeeper for his team, with 10 saves Thursday night.

Across the field, seven saves were made by Robb Marshall for the Sandbar team. His efforts, along with two goals by Aaron Frech and Matt Staggs, helped the squad fight hard through the two halves of Island soccer.

With only two games left before adult co-ed soccer playoffs begin, the post-season match-ups are still up in the air. One game behind Moss Builders, Ross Built Custom Homes is within reach of finishing the season on top.

County commissioners vote to reduce wetland buffers

County commissioners vote to reduce wetland buffers

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Environment, Featured, Outdoors.

BRADENTON – Manatee County commissioners reduced wetland buffers in a 5-1 vote on Oct. 5, defaulting to the less restrictive state of Florida minimums from more restrictive county standards.

Buffers between sensitive wetlands and new upland development are reduced from 50 feet to 25 feet. Buffers between outflowing wetlands and new upland development are reduced from 30 feet to 15 feet.

Prior to the public comment session of the meeting, Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge gave an indication that he would not be swayed by the upcoming speakers.

“The government is being asked to provide a land buffer – that’s the taking of property rights away from the citizen,” he said. “Is the juice worth the squeeze? That’s the ultimate question here.”

His conversation then took a political turn. He said he felt the board was being targeted by “radical climate activists” because the board is comprised of Republicans, and claimed that environmental groups were using children as “political pawns.”

The remarks drew groans from the audience.

Commissioner Mike Rahn said, “I’d like to get back to stormwater questions and concerns.”

During the public comment portion of the land use meeting, more than 30 people, including representatives from the scientific community and private citizens, spoke during the four-hour public hearing. Additionally, nearly 500 public comments were emailed to commissioners prior to the meeting, most opposed to a reduction in wetland protections.

Brice Claypool, 15, represented environmental advocacy group Kids for Clean Water at the meeting.

“I’m not a political pawn,” he said. “People ask me why are you doing this? And that’s because I love our local environment. I’ve been watching terrible things happen to our environment. I fear everything I love about our community is at risk of being lost. We need to start taking care of our waters. I’ve been dismayed by this board reducing protections for our waters despite the papers and evidence to support this.”

Claypool presented an open letter to the commission signed by 100 local youth.

Colin Curtis outlined what he sees as threats to the local environment.

“I’m a fisherman and I’ve seen the demise of water quality in Manatee County,” Curtis said. “We have three things going against us in Manatee. First, It’s low elevation, which means a slow drainage of our contaminants. Having a narrow buffer zone exacerbates this process. Second we have a low tidal exchange. This is not enough to clean our rivers and estuaries of the contaminants including fertilizers that sink to the bottom. Third and most importantly are the overzealous developers, assisted by you guys. The common people of this county deserve clean water over the profits of developers.”

Glenn Compton spoke on behalf of ManaSota-88, a non-profit organization with a stated goal of protecting the public’s health and the preservation of the environment.

“We own four lots in Manatee County, they would be described as coastal wetlands,” Compton said. “We don’t feel there’s a government taking of our property, because you can’t do things like take down the mangroves or build a seawall. We feel there are rules and regulations in place that need to be followed for the benefit of the community and the environment. So we don’t believe the idea that wetland buffers is a taking of land by the government.”

Compton said that the board is expanding the role of government by encouraging development in a flood-prone area.

“You’re going to have to provide services when the storm comes,” he said. “You’ll probably have to have federal flood insurance programs that will become more numerous in Manatee County. After the storm has passed, you’re going to have to deal with post-storm assistance which will be a cost to the taxpayers. This is an expansion of government into private property rights.”

Ken Piper said the purpose of this proposal is to “continue a policy of easy development for crony capitalists.”

“This proposal subjects the county to more state control,” Piper said. “True conservatives wish to retain local control while favoring smaller government. The problem with protecting the fee simple property rights of developers is that ignores the property rights of the rest of us. The problem is you are claiming you are enhancing the property rights of the developer and you’re forgetting about the taxpayers’ investments through their property and their infrastructure.”

Chris Costello of the Sierra Club asked the board not to make this a partisan issue.

“It can’t be political, it can’t be partisan,” she said. “I refuse to believe Republicans care less. Your decision today will decrease protections. Do not make this a partisan issue, please.”

John Mast, representing the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association, spoke in favor of the amendment.

“The primary objective of changing the comprehensive plan is to streamline and smooth the efficiency of the permitting process,” Mast said. “This alteration aims to minimize duplication in government regulations, ultimately reducing the time required for permitting procedures.”

Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, spoke to the board.

“I’m here not only representing Suncoast Waterkeeper, but the 2,331 signatures we received on our Save Our Wetlands petition,” she said. “We’re eliminating protections for all viable wetlands.”

Rusty Chinnis, of Suncoast Waterkeeper and The Sun’s outdoors columnist, said more protections, not less, should be in place to protect the water.

“This is not being anti-development. Development is going to happen, but we need to consider smart development,” said Chinnis, a former builder. “Please carefully consider what you’re doing here. Everybody who comes here, who buys these homes here, come here because of the water quality. These are our waters. We shouldn’t be looking to the state. We should be looking to Manatee County and concerned, wise and informed commissioners.”

At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Jason Bearden made a motion to approve the change to the comprehensive plan. The motion was seconded by Van Ostenbridge, with a 5-1 vote in favor. Commissioner Ray Turner was absent from the Oct. 5 meeting. Commissioner George Kruse cast the lone dissenting vote.

The ordinance reads in part: “Adoption of an ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of Manatee County… amending policy herein so that the county’s wetland impact mitigation standard and its wetland buffers requirements for isolated wetlands is consistent with state standards; allowing for engineering solutions to be considered adjacent to environmentally sensitive coastal wetlands; deleting text from the above-cited objectives regarding wetlands to achieve consistency with state standards.”

The hearing was the second on the reduction of wetland buffers. The first, on Aug. 17, ended in a 6-1 vote in favor of transmitting a comprehensive plan text amendment to the state of Florida, effectively reducing Manatee County wetland buffers. Kruse was also the lone voice of dissent in that vote.

Lawmakers go silent on consolidation

Lawmakers go silent on consolidation

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Legislative Delegation did not address their plans for a consolidation study of Anna Maria Island cities as expected at an Oct. 5 meeting, the deadline they set for the three Island mayors to respond to their September request for information on the issue.

All three mayors sent their responses prior to Oct. 5 and the study was expected to be a topic of conversation at the meeting, held at Bradenton City Hall.

However, participants made no mention of the proposed state study on the consolidation of the three Island cities into a single municipal government. A September letter from Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and Rep. Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) to the mayors said that the state lawmakers expected a response before the Oct. 5 meeting from each of them on how they were working together to consolidate services, or they would go forward with demanding a consolidation study.

Each mayor responded that while they are in favor of the proposed study if its results would help reduce the burden on taxpayers, they were not in favor of consolidation.

The city of Holmes Beach was the only Island city with representation at the meeting. Attending were Mayor Judy Titsworth, Commissioner Terry Schaefer and City Attorney Erica Augello. When it was time to speak, Schaefer took to the podium to discuss the importance of home rule.

“Over the past three years alone, 81 bills have been passed by the Legislature that have critically diluted home rule,” Schaefer said. “We have had our differences with you over two home rule issues recently, however, we are encouraged by the process and sincere discussions occurring with your leadership and the Island’s three mayors. We all hope to produce the best outcome for Island residents, visitors and stakeholders and appreciate the opportunity to work with you in earnest.”

The only member of the delegation to speak to Schaefer’s comments was Boyd. He said that while he agrees with Schaefer’s statements on home rule, the place where the two differ is on the governance of land use.

During a meeting held in January, the delegation brought up the consolidation study and voted in favor of it.

They also presented a local bill to allow Manatee County to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach against the city’s land development code and local ordinances. That bill passed at the state level during the 2023 legislative session and gained Gov. Ron DeSantis’s signature despite local opposition.

Coquina Beach Market reopens after more than a year

Coquina Beach Market reopens after more than a year

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Entertainment, Markets.

BRADENTON BEACH – Coquina Beach Market vendor Christine Barrett loves her new office.

“Look at this,” she said. “My ‘office’ has the most beautiful view. What could be better than this?”

Barrett, of Five Acre Woods woodworking crafts, was at one of 80 vendor spots at the long-awaited Oct. 5 opening of the market on Coquina Beach.

“It’s been fairly busy today,” said Barrett, adding that she had been a vendor at the “old” Coquina Beach Market, located north of the current Manatee County-run market, but pulled out because of the construction at the beach.

Marketgoers perused offerings of clothing, foods, decorative items and jewelry on opening day. A ribbon-cutting will be held at the market on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.

The market will be open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Nancy Ambrose ran the market for 10 years before Manatee County took over operations in August 2022. Originally slated to open in November 2022, the market was delayed by damage from Hurricane Ian and parking lot construction.

Vendors who would like to participate in upcoming markets may visit Coquinabeachmarket.org and text name, company name, product and email address to 941-840-0789 or email the information to info@coquinabeachmarket.org.

Artists’ Guild features mouth-watering art

Artists’ Guild features mouth-watering art

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Whether it’s sweet treats on Halloween or a huge Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, autumn is a time for feasting, so it makes perfect sense that the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s (AGAMI) feature display for October would showcase some mouth-watering art that is not only pleasing to the eye, but may invoke hunger pangs as well.

The display, “Yummy for the Tummy,” features works of art in oil, acrylic, watercolor and other media that leave the observer hungry for more.

“Yummy for the Tummy” is on display in the front window of the gallery through Tuesday, Oct. 31 and all works of art are available for sale.

Artists’ Guild features mouth-watering art
‘Chocolate Covered’ by Anne Abgott is one of many works of art in the ‘Yummy for the Tummy’ featured display at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island in Holmes Beach. – Submitted

In addition to works of art from over 100 member artists, AGAMI also offers classes for beginners and professionals alike. It is not necessary to be an AGAMI member to attend classes.

The next class being offered is a drawing workshop using graphite pencils with Marge Kelly on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. The only supplies needed are pencils, paper, erasers and a desire to enhance drawing skills. Attendees will explore basic techniques for rendering a subject realistically. Time will be split between instructor demonstration and participating in a practicum with sample materials provided by the instructor. The cost is $30. Register at amiartistsguildgallery.com and click on “classes.”

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists to share experiences, and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community. The AGAMI Gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive.