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Castles in the Sand

Back to the real world – part two

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

Last week we talked about the real-world problem of Florida homeowner’s insurance. As pointed out, new legislation that attempts to eliminate assignment of claims and thus protect against frivolous lawsuits has been signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The hope is this will encourage new insurance carriers to do business in Florida and retain the existing companies.

This week we’re continuing to bring the real world back, this time, however, it’s for condo owners. Condo homeowners who may have been happily dozing last year could have missed the new Florida condo owner’s requirements, so let’s have a review.

In May, the governor signed a law in response to the 2021 tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida that killed 98 people. Under the new law, structural inspections are required of condo buildings three stories or higher over 30 years old, or 25 years old if within 3 miles of the coast. There are an estimated 2 million residents in the state of Florida who reside in more than 912,000 condominium units that are 30 years old or older and a lot more who are within 3 miles of the coast, including all of Anna Maria Island and most of the Manatee County coastline.

The recertification inspections must be performed by Dec. 31, 2024 by certified inspectors and paid for by the condo associations. The results of the inspections must be turned over to condo owners, condo associations and local municipalities. If the inspections reveal major structural problems, law enforcement agencies and condo associations will determine how to move forward with condo residents, who, of course, have to pay for the inspections and the repairs.

Even if structural repairs aren’t needed immediately, the bill has other major provisions involving reserve requirements that for sure will become a financial headache for condo associations that have put off repairs. Well, now is the time to pay the price for those bad decisions because, under the new law, condos can no longer waive reserves for building components deemed critical to structural soundness. This provision is called the Structural Integrity Reserve Study.

In addition, some condo associations will have to make up reserves waived in prior years and provide new reserves not previously required for certain structural issues. In the past, Florida legislation did not require condo associations to fully fund their reserve studies, giving condo owners and boards a great deal of flexibility. Now, however, the new law requires associations to keep their structural integrity reserves fully funded based on the reserve study or face possible legal action. Obviously, condo associations need to choose their licensed Florida inspectors carefully since what their study shows after their inspection is very difficult to have changed.

As insurance rates go up, Florida condo residents are struggling to comply with these new regulations in the face of a pullback in the real estate market because of increased mortgage interest rates. Higher condo fees that will result after the inspections and reserve mandates will hit long-time condo residents, many of them seniors on fixed incomes.

In spite of insurance issues, recertifications and hurricanes, U.S. citizens still want to move to Florida. According to the Census Bureau, between July 2021 and July 2022, Florida was the top state out of 10 with incoming domestic population migration at 318,855, followed by Texas at 230,961. The rest of the top 10 didn’t even break 100,000.

We may be faced with real-world problems but I doubt that it would make anyone leave. It will smooth out eventually, resulting in stronger building regulations, a good thing for the future of Florida real estate.

Suzi Fox honored at celebration of life

Suzi Fox honored at celebration of life

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At the celebration of Suzi Fox’s life, local dignitaries, family and friends painted a picture of a dedicated advocate for Island turtles, a fun-loving and funny friend, and a caring mother, sister and grandmother.

Fox, longtime executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, died on Sept. 30 after a fall.

More than 150 people attended the event at the Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday to pay tribute to Fox.

Nanci Banman, Fox’s sister, described Suzi as a force to be reckoned with.

“If you met her, it was like you’ve known her all your life,” Banman said.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said it was clear that Fox loved the turtles, the seabirds and the community.

“She believed strongly in what she was doing,” he said.

Turtle Watch board member Diane McCausey said Suzi would be humbled by the turnout.

“The board is working hard with the county and the FWC,” McCausey said. “Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch will continue to grow. It won’t be the same, but we will make her proud.”

Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Natural Resources Department, worked with Fox since 1992.

“The turtles that were born on this beach will return again and again,” Hunsicker said. “Think of that continuity and the role Suzi played.”

Hunsicker presented an environmental award from the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association to Fox’s sisters, Kendra Fox and Nanci Banman, and her son, Dereck Norfleet.

“Suzi was very well known across the state of Florida,” Norfleet said, describing her as determined and fearless, and issuing a request to her friends and family: “I ask you all today when you see a beautiful sunset, have a delicious a cup of coffee, hear a good Steely Dan song, think about putting ketchup on steak (don’t do it), walk along the beach and see sea turtle tracks of nests, see something the color periwinkle, her favorite, take the path less traveled, that you think of Suzi and smile.”

Reel Time: Empowering the Next Generation

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

You don’t have to convince an angler of the importance of a healthy grass flat or a robust stand of mangroves or persuade them that we’re losing this precious resource at an alarming rate.

Anglers like Capt. Justin Moore, who is on the water over 200 days a year, sees the changes firsthand. Moore has been guiding on Manatee County waters for 24 years. He learned his trade under the tutelage of his father, Capt. Scott Moore, and worries that his son, Jas, will not have some of the opportunities he’s had. That’s why it’s important to empower the next generation of anglers who don’t have a vote but will inherit this landscape. Fortunately, there are a couple of high-profile programs on Anna Maria Island that are doing just that.

The Center of Anna Maria Island engages children in activities that teach sustainability and give them an understanding of the responsibility we all have to be stewards of our paradise. Through curricular units that include recycling, composting, gardening (on their property) and natural nutrition, they make these connections between responsibilities and action.

Bishop Museum and Mote Marine facilitators teach Anna Maria’s young citizens to understand the environment around them and develop a love for its creatures and the environment that supports them and us.

Clean water units are shared annually with students through The Center’s Earth Echo program. Participants in the curricular units collect water samples and analyze them, helping them focus on the importance of clean water. The program was developed after famed oceanographer Philippe Cousteau’s visit to The Center three years ago when he guided those in attendance to “zip tie themselves to the mangroves to protect them!”

This past year, Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) announced it would be home to the world’s first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science. The academy, which focuses on marine sciences, conservation and the arts, is a collaboration between the School District of Manatee County and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF).

Harvey has devoted his talent, time and resources to protecting oceans, fish populations and reef systems through the development of the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University and the GHOF. Those institutions have educated the next generation of environmentalists and made contributions to protecting fish resources and biodiversity in the world’s oceans.

The program will benefit students from other schools as well with field trips and summer camps, and will eventually expand to all elementary schools in the district as well as to complementary programs at King Middle and Manatee High.

Programs like this need to be expanded to give the next generation of anglers and Island residents the tools they will need to protect these endangered marine resources. In the meantime, we the voters need to step up for those who don’t have a vote, empowering them so they have a fighting chance to succeed where we have failed.

Reel Time: Empowering the Next Generation
Fourteen-year-old Brice Claypoole is a fierce defender of the environment but doesn’t have a vote. That is up to us! – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

In the words of 14-year-old Brice Claypoole, “Vote for politicians who put our future over the deep-pocketed interests who pay them in campaign donations. And spread the word! Inform others on how to properly trim mangroves on their property and the dangers these trees face. Our paradise is in peril, and it takes everyone to stand up to developers and uninformed homeowners to realize the great benefits these trees offer. On behalf of my generation and those of the future, thank you.”

The Center kicks off another flag season

The Center kicks off another flag season

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center gridirons were buzzing last week with the start of another fun-filled flag football season. With a record number of youth players, topping more than 150 kids between the ages of 4 and 13, the fields were illuminated both Monday and Tuesday night to kick off the season with jamboree scrimmage games.

The new season welcomes back Tyler Bekkerus to The Center after more than 10 years since his departure. His much-awaited return brings back the spirit

of when the adult flag league was first co-created by Bekkerus as The Center’s former assistant athletic director.

As the new recreation director, Bekkerus kept the games running on time and settled into his new role as the adults took to the field for the first time this season on Jan. 12.

In the first game of the night, team Luxury Services dominated the football field against team Gulf Drive Café. Playing four on five, Gulf Drive struggled to stay in the game, but fought to the very end.

Rusher Jasmine Muldoon made two receptions and was credited with a single sack. Muldoon’s constant pressure on the Gulf Drive QBs caused a sack and helped her team capture their first win of the season.

With six passing touchdowns, teammate Tim Holly found the endzone four times for 24 points and Sequiel Marintez made two TD receptions for 12 points.

Marintez’s big game included one interception and three points in extra-point conversions.

In addition to Marintez’s interception, Luxury’s quarterback, Chase Richardson, made three interceptions while playing on defense, including running an interception on Gulf Drive’s extra point attempt into the endzone for two points.

Offensively, Jonathan Soultatos and Dustin Tomacho bolstered their team’s efforts with extra points. Soultatos made five important catches in the game with a single reception by Tomacho.

On the other side of the football, Gulf Drive Café’s Jacob Freda scored two touchdowns and made eight receptions in the season opener.

Credited with one scoring pass, Steven Pavina made seven catches on offense and one interception playing defense for Gulf Drive.

Adding to the team’s scoring, Gabriel Derosia put a point on the scoreboard with an extra point.

Despite the score differential, team Gulf Drive Café made its mark on the field, setting the tone for the rest of the season.

 

Sun Scoreboard

Jan. 13

Adult Flag Football – Week 1

Luxury Services (1-0-0) 51

Gulf Drive Café (0-1-0) 19

Moss Builders (1-0-0) 49

Ugly Grouper (0-1-0) 0

The Banks Home Lending Team (1-0-0) 22

Solid Rock Construction (0-1-0) 19

The Briley Mortgage Team (1-0-0) 37

The Sandbar (0-1-0) 33

State representatives rock Island residents

State representatives rock Island residents

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Uncategorized.

MANATEE COUNTY – Members of the local state legislative delegation are making plans to permanently change the face of Anna Maria Island, beginning with a parking garage and potentially ending with the dissolution of the three Island cities.

During a Jan. 12 legislative delegation meeting, Rep. Will Robinson Jr. brought up beach access, specifically beach access and parking in Holmes Beach. Robinson, a Republican, proposed introducing a bill during the upcoming state legislative session to pre-empt Holmes Beach city leaders’ decision to ban parking garages and allow a four-story parking garage to be built on the Manatee County-owned parcel at Manatee Beach. His fellow Republican members of the delegation, Rep. Tommy Gregory, Rep. Mike Beltran, Sen. Jim Boyd and Sen. Joe Gruters, voted unanimously in favor of the proposal and putting the bill forth for consideration at the state level.

Contact Manatee County state representatives

Rep. Will Robinson Jr.

District office: (941) 708-4968

Capitol office: (850) 717-5071

Email: Will.Robinson@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Mike Beltran

District office: (813) 653-7097

Capitol office: (850) 717-5070

Email: Mike.Beltran@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Tommy Gregory

District office: (941) 893-5434

Capitol office: (850) 717-5072

Email: Tommy.Gregory@myfloridahouse.gov

Sen. Jim Boyd

District office: (941) 742-6445

Capitol office: (850) 487-5020

Email: boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Joe Gruters

District office:  (941) 378-6309

Capitol office: (850) 487-5022

Email: gruters.joe.web@flsenate.gov

If the proposed bill makes it through all of the levels of state government, including passing votes through committees and the Senate, and gains the approval of Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would allow county commissioners to subvert local governments and issue their own building permits for construction on county-owned property regardless of in which municipality the property is located. It also would allow for the construction of a parking garage in excess of the city of Holmes Beach’s building height restrictions, which limits structures to three stories tall.

Rep. Will Robinson Jr.
Rep. Will Robinson Jr.

“I thought it was incumbent for the Legislature to step in and pre-empt that authority to allow a four-story parking garage if the county commission so votes and funds that parking garage to be built,” Robinson said. “It is fundamental for anyone to be able to visit our public beach and, in my view, parking spaces have been strategically taken away over the last few years under the guise of COVID to not allow folks to access the beach. Folks are getting frustrated – they can’t park, they can’t access the beach, they’re turning around and they’re going back home. And, to me, there’s nothing more important than to allow a person, a taxpayer, who pays for that beach, by the way, to visit that beach.”

Currently, the majority of beach renourishment funding comes from state-funded renourishment programs and the county resort tax, paid by visitors, not local tax dollars.

Dissolving Island cities?

The group also agreed to look into the possibility of engaging The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to do a study to see how feasible it would be to dissolve the three city governments on the Island. If that were to happen, Robinson said it would remove the city governments in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, replacing them with Manatee County commissioners and administration. He said it could be a good tax break for residents who would no longer have to pay city taxes.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth issued a statement in reply to the legislative delegation discussions.

Holmes Beach mayor Judy Titsworth
Mayor Judy Titsworth

“I am disappointed at the position that Will has taken regarding pre-empting city ordinances to construct a parking garage in a coastal community when the city currently and historically has always exceeded the number of parking spaces required for state-funded beach renourishment and interlocal agreements with the county,” Titsworth said. “As a mayor in his district, I would have appreciated Mr. Robinson to have, in the very least, given notice prior to getting out of his lane in making such a bold move. At this point in time I shouldn’t be surprised about anything that comes from this district. I do not feel Mr. Robinson needed the support of the local delegation to move on this bill but next time he moves on a bill that will affect the lives of our city residents, I hope that he would first reach out to the representatives of the city so he can become better informed. A four-story parking garage at the entrance to our city is not in keeping with the historical character of our quaint city. For this to happen, the potential gutting of our height restrictions would also be in play. These restrictions are in our city charter. This undoubtedly is what led to the next proposal by the representative which is the consideration of the consolidation and/or dissolution of the three Island cities.”

“I believe that is probably the biggest overstep and attack on home rule yet,” she continued. “Holmes Beach has been incorporated for over 70 years. We are a vibrant and prosperous city. Our population continues to grow. Our city is responsible for the majority of the contributions to the tourist development tax in the county and has contributed over $30 million since its inception. We continue to improve roads, sidewalks and storm infrastructure and continue to make public safety a number one goal. We have a very strong commission and numerous appointed boards. All board positions are readily filled by residents who desire to give their time to civic duty. The city of Holmes Beach is proud of not only retaining its residents but providing a tourism experience that is a top vacation destination. Property values continue to soar and our city has investors from all over the world. For a representative to single out Anna Maria Island to study dissolving our city chartered governments is a wake-up for all cities of this state. Because of this, I do not believe this will receive the legislative act that this representative is seeking.”

Robinson said that he feels “very confident” in the proposed legislation and that he feels it will pass during the state legislative session beginning Monday, April 10.

Center notes

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Classes, Entertainment, Events.

Enhance your balance skills

Lara Malone is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island for a balance workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 25. The class takes place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will focus on muscles and body alignment for stable and confident movement. The class is open to all ages with a cost of $35 for members or $45 for non-members to participate. Registration by calling 941-778-1908 or using The Center’s Member Me+ app is required by Jan. 19.

Help clean local beaches

All members of the Anna Maria Island community are invited to come out to The Center Saturday, Jan. 14 to help clean up area beaches. Participants in the cleanup will gather at The Center at 9 a.m. and walk together to the Gulf of Mexico to pick up litter and other trash from Magnolia to White Avenue. The nonprofit’s staff will provide trashbags, gloves, water and a light snack. Additional cleanups are scheduled from 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 11, March 11, April 1 and May 6. No advance registration is necessary.

Play bingo at The Center

Everyone is invited to come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island Friday, Jan. 13 to meet new friends and have fun playing bingo. The classic game will be played from 6-8 p.m. with players competing to win gift cards from local restaurants. Bingo cards are 10 for $10 and blotters are $1 each. Beer, wine and other refreshments will be available for purchase with a donation. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Bishop hosts an Island workshop series

A new kind of workshop is coming this spring to The Center as The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature hosts a new series for children, families and adults. The series kicks off with a discussion on “What is a Museum” on Jan. 18 from 6-7 p.m. for children and families and Jan. 19 from 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. for adults. Future workshops for adults include “The Scientific Process” Feb. 2, “Paleontology and Fossils” Feb. 16, “Manatees and Their Environment” March 2, “Our Solar System” March 23, “Capturing Science” March 30, “How We Build” April 6 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptations” April 20. Workshops for children and families include “Manatees and Their Environment” Feb. 1, “The Scientific Process” Feb. 15, “Our Solar System” March 1, “Paleontology and Fossils” March 22, “Capturing Science” April 5, “How We Build” April 19 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptation” May 3. No registration is required and the programs are all free to the community. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Learn to play canasta

For anyone who’s ever wanted to learn to play canasta, a new six-week class is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island. Every Tuesday, Jan. 17 through Feb. 21, players will gather from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to learn American canasta. Opponents will be placed into foursomes and split into two teams to try their hand at the classic card game. The cost is $90 for members or $100 for non-members to participate. Registration is requested by Thursday, Jan. 12 by calling 941-778-1908.

Learn to play American mah-jongg

The Center of Anna Maria Island will be host to a new gaming series where participants will learn how to play the ancient game of mah-jongg Classes take place on Tuesdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. until noon. All students are required to attend the introductory session on Jan. 17 to participate in additional classes. The cost to attend is $100 per member or $110 for non-members. Registration is requested by Thursday, Jan. 12 by calling 941-778-1908.

Center hosts holiday day camp

To honor the contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and help parents who might not have the day off, The Center’s staff is hosting a day camp for youth on Monday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this camp, students will participate in a community service project, cleaning the sand at Coquina Beach, followed by a picnic lunch. Campers also will make a craft inspired by King and participate in an educational program about his life and its impact on the nation. The cost is $55 per child and registration is required by Jan. 12. Parents can register their children online at www.centerami.org or by calling 941-778-1908.

Travel with Senior Adventures

Go on an adventure or two this month with Senior Adventures. The group is planning a trip on Thursday, Jan. 19 to the Siesta Key Rum Distillery followed by a lunch at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar. The van leaves The Center of Anna Maria Island for this trip at 9 a.m. with a return planned around 2 p.m. The second January trip is planned to travel to St. Armand’s Circle on Thursday, Jan. 26 to shop and have dinner at the Columbia Restaurant. The group plans to depart from The Center at 3:30 p.m., returning around 9 p.m. The fee for van transportation for each trip is $5 and trips are limited to 14 people. Pre-registration is advised but not required. To reserve your spot, call The Center at 941-778-1908.

Practice adaptive yoga for Parkinson’s

Movement and exercise may help mitigate some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease and The Center is hosting an adaptive yoga class to help those in the community suffering from neuromuscular conditions. The class is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26 from 1-2 p.m. and is open to the community. Registration by calling 941-778-1908 is requested by Thursday, Jan. 19.

Reel Time: The secret to fly casting

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

Everything we learn to do in life is learned by repetition. The act of repeating an action over and over actually trains neurons in the brain to fire together, eventually creating neural pathways that, in time, allow us to act without thinking about it.

Consider learning to ride a bike. Did anyone just get on their bike and effortlessly ride? I know I didn’t. It required falling and getting up repeatedly. Now I get on a bike and ride without even thinking about how to balance, steer or anything else that allows me to stay upright. Teaching fly casting reminds me of those things I now take for granted, like riding my bike, driving my car and fly casting. It’s also shown me why it’s harder for people who have been fly fishing for a long time to master the fundamentals (physics) than for some initiates. Those same pathways that assure success also store bad habits that have been developed over time. This first became apparent to me when I gave lessons to someone who had been fly casting for a long time but who had ingrained bad techniques. When I showed them how to properly move the rod tip in a straight line to form a “tight” wind penetrating loop they understood the concept immediately. The eye-opener for student and teacher was when they tried to repeat the proper casting stroke and their ingrained bad habits overpowered their new understanding.

Reel Time: The secret to fly casting
Joan Wulff demonstrates one of her unique, and effective techniques for mastering the casting stroke. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

This isn’t necessarily bad news for long-time casters but does require them to “retrain” their brain. The same applies to proficient casters who are learning to cast with their non-dominant hand. Try this and you’ll see what I mean instantly. If you’re a right-handed caster, putting the rod in the left hand is like handing it to someone whose mind knows the cast, but has a body that doesn’t cooperate. The good news is that by learning the fundamentals of the cast and practicing them repeatedly, anyone can become an excellent fly caster with time.

Although we’ve established that practice is the key to mastering the cast, there’s another “secret” to supercharging your progress – the frequency of the repetition and establishing a habit. Create a realistic practice schedule that you can stick to. It’s much more effective to practice every day for a few minutes than to practice once a week for hours. Start by practicing at least four to five times a week for 10 minutes. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be overemphasized. There are lots of resources on the internet to help you perfect your cast and lessons with a caster trained by Fly Fishers International can be invaluable. Some of the best videos I’ve found online feature master casters and instructors like Joan Wulff and Lefty Kreh. Orvis also has excellent resources. Locally, anglers have a great resource in AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria Island. They have complete outfits for beginners and rods and reels that will appeal to the most discriminating fly fisher. Visit them and try different outfits to see what fits your style and your pocketbook. Learning and apply- ing the fundamentals of fly casting and practicing them often will help you avoid learning bad habits or help you overcome them. It’s the secret to fly fishing and a path to an exciting fishing future.

Castles in the Sand

Back to the real world

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

We’re well into January, so it’s time to get back to the real world and one of the real world’s less exciting topics is homeowner’s insurance. Most of us want to go kicking and screaming away from the topic of insurance, especially in Florida which has the highest insurance premium rates in the country, but with the new year, we have some new legislation likely putting you in a much better mood.

Last month, the governor signed legislation to prevent the state’s property insurance market from collapsing under a tidal wave of lawsuits. Not only does this significantly help the state’s budget, but it may also help every homeowner’s budget in Florida as well.

Previously, Florida law has allowed policyholders who want to avoid dealing directly with their insurance companies to assign their claim benefits to contractors who work with trial lawyers. The contractors would often inflate fees, resulting in rejections by insurance companies. Then the attorneys would sue insurers to obtain what they say are legitimate charges, put- ting the insurers in the position to pay the attorneys’ costs if they lose a case. This resulted in insurers being inundated with frivolous lawsuits and passing this cost on to their customers to cover legal costs and risks. Florida insurers had more than 100,000 lawsuits last year, compared to the other 49 states totaling only 24,700.

Many insurance companies have failed and left the state recently and others are also leaving the market because they can’t obtain reinsurance. The new legislation eliminates the assignment of benefits and the requirement that insurers pay plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees if they lose. It also sets up a $1 billion state reinsurance fund to help insurers. The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the “insurer of last resort,” will also benefit from the legislation. Homeowners with Citizens policies will be required to accept private coverage from an insurer that offers premiums within 20% of their current Citizens policy. Overall, it could take a while, but the legislation could result in more private companies entering the Florida market with competitive rates benefiting homeowners.

None of this new legislation, however, will help homeowners who are going to war with both their homeowner’s insurance company and their flood insurance carriers in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Floods and the resulting insurance claims are not as clear-cut as they may sound. The definition of flood damage as opposed to wind damage can be interpreted differently by different insurers. This is already resulting in litigation from homeowners who say their carriers aren’t honoring their claims and the insurance carriers saying they aren’t legally obligated to cover the claims.

Trying to distinguish between flood and hurricane damage is more of a challenge than homeowners ever expected. Homeowners are stuck in the middle while insurance companies try and parse what exactly their responsibility is. Measuring how high water rose on the walls of an existing house is one thing but what if the house was built on a slab and it’s gone? Was it the flood or was it the wind?

The fact that just over 40% of the Florida homes in the two coastal counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian are covered by flood policies doesn’t make it any easier for anyone since these homeowners may be looking to their homeowner’s insurance carriers for compensation. I guarantee a lot of this will end up in court and no one will be happy with the outcome.

Remember when living on the coast in Florida felt like you weren’t actually living in the real world? Well, the real world has invaded us, and its name is insurance.

Castles in the Sand

Fear is in the air

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

Welcome to a new real estate year. Unfortunately, the new year looks a lot like the old year.

With interest rates and inventory levels fluctuating, a general feeling of confusion is spreading among both buyers and sellers – you might even call it fear.

The November Manatee County sales statistics are below average and confirm what most of us know – that sales are down and prices have also been trending down in recent months. However, the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee stated, “median sale prices continue to show year-over-year increases, while other factors point towards more typical market conditions.” In other words, selling prices are up compared to last year and more properties are available for sale which indicates a more normal market.

By the way, these numbers came out on Dec. 21, the day I was boarding a ship in Fort Lauderdale for a holiday cruise. Therefore, I apologize for the late reporting.

Nevertheless, the numbers don’t lie, but they do tell us that Florida in general is still in one of the better real estate sales positions in the country. In fact, per Redfin.com, an online brokerage, reports that out of the top 10 relocation choices, the state of Florida has captured five of them. They are #3 Miami; #5 Tampa; #7 Cape Coral; #8 North Port-Sarasota and #10 Orlando. The other five are in Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Dallas, in that order.

So where is everyone relocating from? It’s likely you’ll find familiar names in this list, as all big American cities are all bleeding population. The number one city people are leaving is San Francisco and they go down in this order: Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Seattle and Philadelphia.

Redfin says that nearly 25% of the properties searched on their site are from cities where the person doesn’t currently live. This is up roughly 10% from 5 years ago.

Let’s see what happened in Manatee County for the month of November reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes closed 35.6% fewer properties compared to last year. The median selling price was $506,655, up 12.5% from last year, and the average selling price was $636,674, up 7.3% from last year. Median time to contract was 29 days, compared to 6 days last year, and active listings are way up at 246.2%, translating into a 3 months’ supply of properties.

Condos closed 36.4% fewer properties compared to last year. The median selling price was $358,108, up 19.4% compared to last year, and the average selling price was $391,320, up 14.3% from last year. Median time to contract was 18 days, compared to 9 days last year, and active listings were also way up at 266.7%, translating into a 2.7 months’ supply of properties.

Interestingly, cash transactions are down from last year for both single-family by 45.6% and condos by 23.2%. Likely a reflection of the economy in general.

Predictions for the new year are all over the place. Part of the reason no one can figure it out is the speed of last year’s mortgage rate increases gave everyone whiplash. And the Federal Reserve chairman has virtually promised more to come during his December speech raising the prime rate by 0.5%. The sad thing is most prospective buyers can still qualify for loans even at the higher rates but are afraid to buy in such an unpredictable market.

Real estate is still a good investment and Florida is one of the best markets in the country. So, don’t let fear rule you in the new year, do your due diligence and make informed decisions. Welcome to 2023.

Reel Time: Cold water strategy

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

When winter weather comes to southwest Florida, as it finally did recently, anglers need to alter their strategy to meet the changing conditions. Cold fronts traditionally drop water temperatures, cloud local waters and produce shifting cold winds. What we experienced in the last two weeks was an extreme version of the variable conditions Florida natives are used to. Before this major front, we had an unusually long spell of “stable” weather which itself can produce lackluster fishing. Fortunately, strong fronts yield to periods of calm and often balmy weather just as we’re experiencing now.

While weather conditions have always varied significantly, this first strong front was last this season. The sudden drop in temperatures put fish off for a few days but reports from Capt. Justin Moore and Capt. Rick Grassett indicated a return to consistent action as fish came back to feed over warming grass flats. Knowing the way different species respond to the chilling waters gives anglers an advantage. While winter fishing can be challenging, excellent action is available and persistence really pays dividends when the thermometer begins to plunge.

Reel Time: Cold water strategy
Stephen Smith, from Rumson, New Jersey, caught this bluefish in Sarasota Bay prior to an approaching cold front. – Submitted | Capt. Rick Grassett

The most sought-after species, snook, redfish and trout, respond differently to the cold but will all concentrate in areas where the surrounding waters are more temperate. Snook are most sensitive to the changing water temperature and migrate to rivers, canals and basins with deep water. There are several strategies to employ when fishing for all species, especially snook. Look for areas with dark bottom that absorb the heat of the sun warming surrounding waters, creating a magnet for the sensitive linesiders. Shallow bays and bayous that heat up quickly on sunny days and flush warm water on late afternoon outgoing tides can be particularly productive. Even the seawalls that line residential areas can warm the water and attract fish on cold days. It doesn’t take much of a temperature difference to concentrate them.

When fishing a particular flat, canal or basin, pay attention to areas that receive the most sun during the day. Explore water that is protected from cold north winds. The wind stirs the water, keeping it from absorbing the sun’s rays and warmth. Sun exposure, depth, protection from the wind and the color of the bottom all figure into the equation. Find these conditions and you’ll be in an area that is more desirable to fish.

When the weather prevents the sun from warming the water, look for deep areas that harbor fish. Channels, holes under big boats in canals and boat basins are all potential refuges for fish during cold weather. These areas warm more slowly, but they also cool more slowly.

All local species are affected by the cold water to some degree but many, like trout and redfish, have a higher tolerance. One strategy to employ, even under temperate conditions, is to slow your retrieve and keep close to the bottom. Top water can still be effective in the winter for species like bluefish, but anglers should slow their retrieve with plugs and poppers.

Some species actually thrive in cold water. A good example is sheepshead and black drum. Often shunned by anglers, both are hard fighting, challenging to hook and excellent to eat. Look for them around structure, particularly bridge and dock pilings where they feed on small crabs, shrimp and barnacles. Winter weather and cooler temperatures can also stimulate species like pompano, bluefish and mangrove snapper.

Use your senses, experiment, be persistent and you can experience some very good fishing during our cooler winter months.

Castles in the Sand

Building for rent, not sale

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

The American dream of single-family home ownership, according to certain builders and financial wizards who are paid to know these things, is on the decline. Well, maybe not a decline but certainly a shake-up in the way single-family home living is viewed.

If you haven’t heard of SFRs, which is short for single-family home rentals, don’t feel uninformed since I too just stumbled on it myself. Apparently, while almost everyone was consumed by the escalating single-family home market, the SFR snuck in and is now a hot area in the real estate market. So hot, in fact, that entire communities are being built by enterprising builders comprised of all single-family homes strictly for rent.

The National Association of Home Builders indicate that the $4.4 trillion SFR market is one of the fastest-growing sectors in real estate. They go on to say that single-family built-for-rent homes account for 11% of all single-family home construction in the housing market. This market share is way more than the 3% that was typical over the last several decades.

The demand for single-family rental homes fills a gap on several different levels. With interest rates going up and the price of homes going up, buyers are having a much more difficult time finding a home. So here comes brand new single-family home communities of smart homes with amenities and upgraded fixtures without any of the home ownership hassle. This has a lot of appeal to remote workers who may be transitory and may be more interested in holding on to their cash while still living in a home. Not to mention seniors who have sold their larger properties to cash in on their equity and don’t want to make another financial commitment.

This trend is happening even though rents on single-family homes have risen 10.2% year-over-year through September 2022 due to inflation, per CoreLogic’s single-family rent index. The most recent information is that the median rental cost for a three-bedroom, single-family, detached home is $1,900 per month nationally. Compare this to mortgage payments on a comparable home that have increased 50% since the beginning of the year. Buyers are doing the math and have determined that renting is a lot more cost-effective than owning in today’s market with interest rates double what they were two years ago.

There are a handful of companies around the country that are constructing built-for-rent communities and quite a bit of information is available on the internet about these companies and their homes. In Florida, I did find a few built-to-rent communities in Palmetto, Plant City and Wesley Chapel near Tampa, but so far Florida has not caught the built-to-rent bug on a grand scale.

We all know the benefits of owning your own home – building equity, pride of ownership, freedom to do what you want with your property and the consistency of neighborhoods not always guaranteed in rental communities. However, despite this, buyers are sitting out buying and waiting for what they think will be a single-family correction to the market. Investing their down payment money in high-interest savings accounts and waiting to see if the dust settles on the housing market has become a real development.

Real estate is always dynamic and hard to predict. Every buyer’s family and financial situation is unique so if SFRs works for you this might be the time to dive in. However, you may think interest rates are high, but historically under 7%, where they are now, is a good rate so if that’s the only thing stopping you from buying, think about it. Happy New Year!

Stand up for mangroves

Reel Time: Stand up for mangroves

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in First Place, Special Sections.

Readers of this column are familiar with the rampant illegal mangrove trimming in Manatee County and the efforts of Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) to address them. That frustration led to SCWK Executive Director Abbey Tyrna contacting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) expressing the group’s frustration and giving specific examples of policy failures. I’m printing that letter here because I couldn’t say it better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Place
Environmental
2023

 

 

 

 

 

Dec. 22, 2022

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Compliance Assurance Program, S.W. District

RE:  Professional Mangrove Trimmer Accountability for Multiple Mangrove Trimming Violations in Manatee County

Dear FDEP District Staff,

Recently, there has been a ramping up of citizens’ complaints relating to mangrove trimming permit violations in Manatee County. In addition to the outstanding complaints at Long Bar Pointe, 223 41st Street N.E., and 10218 46th Ave. W. in Bradenton, there have been new complaints filed at 521 Broadway St. in Longboat Key and Mount Vernon Condominiums on Cortez Road at 27°27’11.0″N 82°39’22.0″W. Suncoast Waterkeeper has a substantial interest in mangrove regulation and enforcement in Sarasota Bay and beyond. Mangroves in Manatee County particularly concern Suncoast Waterkeeper, our members and the communities that rely on these precious coastal resources. Unlike neighboring Sarasota County, where approximately 80% of the natural shoreline and mangrove coverage has been hardened and removed, Manatee still retains significant and ecologically important mangrove coverage. We believe that the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act violations are commonplace.

In an effort to curb violations, Suncoast Waterkeeper investigated whether the mangrove trimmer at Aqua was licensed under state law to perform the work conducted in February 2022.  Unfortunately, the search did not yield the desired results because the department does not keep a database of all licensed mangrove trimmers. While in most professions, if a licensed professional breaks the law performing their job, their license is questioned, scrutinized and there is a formal process to hold the individual accountable for their poor job performance. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Florida, and we believe that a lack of accountability for the licensed professional will lead to more mangrove loss. Moreover, undertaking regulated actions without an appropriate license should, like other regulated occupations, have consequences for the individual trimming or removing mangroves in violation of the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.

We fear that the lack of penalties for these numerous illegal actions will send a message to licensed professionals and their clients that mangroves can be illegally altered and removed without consequences. There are no better examples of this than FDEP’s recent findings from its inspection at 10218 46th Ave. W. in Bradenton and Long Bar Pointe.  Both properties have had previous enforcement cases. The property at 10218 46th Ave. W. had an enforcement case in 2013 for the same violation. In 2013, no penalties were enacted and the case was closed nearly two years later when a follow-up inspection concluded that the mangroves had recovered on their own. Without consequences, the homeowner once again hired a tree trimming service to alter the mangroves on her property illegally. This aggressive trimming is known to harm these protected tree species and was the impetus for the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.

Long Bar Pointe also had an enforcement case in 2021 and closed without penalties in April of this year. Unfortunately, the second aggressive trimming event reported in January 2022 has led to a significant amount of tree debris in the estuary contributing to a localized harmful algal bloom in the spring. According to Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dr. Dave Tomasko, “That portion of the bay has much more macroalgae than most of the rest of our bay, and a preliminary nitrogen loading estimate suggests that a localized nitrogen load [coming from the mangrove trimming debris] is likely playing a role in the problems we see in that part of the bay.” The summary letter issued to the FDEP by Long Bar Pointe on Oct. 7, 2022 noted that the mangrove trimmers did not know they were supposed to remove the debris from the water. According to that same letter, penalties are forthcoming. However, there have been no updates on Oculus since Oct. 7. Meanwhile, Sarasota Bay continues to be negatively impacted by decomposing mangrove material, and communities scarred by illegal trimming and removal are increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes and suffer a reduction in overall resilience.

Finally, the complaint filed on Oct. 14, 2022 for the property at 223 41st St. N.E. in Bradenton has no complaint or inspection report logged. Can you please provide us with a file or link to a complete set of documents in DEP’s possession related to 2022 trimming at Long Bar/Aqua, 223 41st St. N.E., and 10218 46th Ave. W.? We are not sure if there are other documents related to the trimming, investigating and penalties of these filed complaints.

We want to see the regulatory framework accomplish environmental protection in Manatee County and elsewhere. We hope that enforcement actions and penalties will be strong enough to incentivize future compliance with Florida law. We also want to see licensed and unlicensed trimmers who break the law held accountable for their actions.

We encourage DEP to consider this and all other pertinent information. We recommend that you follow through on appropriate actions to protect our local waterways and the integrity of our environmental laws and regulations.

Thank you,

Abbey Tyrna, Executive Director & Waterkeeper 

Rusty Chinnis, Board Chair                    

Justin Bloom, Founder & Board Vice-Chair

The damage to mangroves is a loss for every citizen in Manatee County, whether they are fishermen, restauranteurs, builders, realtors, homeowners or developers. These plants clean the water, protect every species that swims and feeds in local waters and are critical to protecting property from storm events like Ian. Get involved, call your commissioners and state representatives and demand accountability. If we don’t do it, no one else will. Happy Holidays.

Reel Time: Suncoast Waterkeepers lead post-Ian cleanup

Reel Time: Suncoast Waterkeepers lead post-Ian cleanup

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

Hurricane Ian left a wake of debris in a wide swath of waterways across the state. One particularly hard-hit area on the Suncoast was Lemon Bay at the southern end of the watershed monitored by Suncoast Waterkeeper. That’s why board members and volunteers from Suncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Suncoast Aqua Ventures, Sarasota Bay Watch, Lemon Bay Conservancy and the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program on Dec. 11 to conduct a waterway cleanup in the canals of Ainger Creek, a major tributary of Lemon Bay. Holiday Estates, one of the many communities devastated by the storm, was built on a series of these canals that drain into Lemon Bay.

“We love the volunteers that supported this community and our local waters. Together we made a real difference,” said Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper and the organizer of the event. “While we didn’t collect all the debris, our efforts to remove debris from our waterways was a positive one.”

I was particularly struck by the spirit of determination and camaraderie displayed by community members that day as I explored the area. Five weeks after the storm tore through their neighborhood, energy and determination were on full display as boats drug debris, including whole roofs, to ramps where others cut the debris into manageable pieces and placed it on massive piles. The immense amount of debris left from Ian throughout southwest Florida has been the subject of national headlines. There are many areas of the state where debris removal might take years, a poignant reminder why the mission of Suncoast Waterkeeper is so urgent. But from the canals of Ainger Creek, volunteers from Suncoast Waterkeeper and partners were able to help remove over 50 cubic yards of debris that day with kayaks and jon boats. Whatever could not be picked up was geotagged and will be sent to Charlotte County government for future removal by professionals.

“The number of people who showed up to help (over 50) touched our hearts. Hurricane Ian has taken so much from this community. It is wonderful to know that people care,” said Carol Powell, president of Holiday Estates Corporation.

If you would like to join in the effort to keep Suncoast waters sustainable for this and future generations, you can join Suncoast Waterkeeper, donate and have your contribution matched by the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. Watch a video of the cleanup online.

Captain Ron’s crew wins championship

Captain Ron’s Crew wins championship

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports.

ANNA MARIA – Bringing weeks of adult fun on The Center’s kickball diamond to a close, the championship game came down to a single run with team Captain Ron’s coming out on top in a close win against team Paddy Wagon. The team, sponsored by Solid Rock Construction, won the season- ender 18-17.

With a total of nine runs between them, Evelyn Long, Keith Mahoney and Ryan Moss topped the charts for the championship team with three runs each. Paddy Wagon’s Luca Vecchio crossed the plate three times for his team.

Adding to Vecchio’s runs, eight other Paddy Wagon runners ran home. Marissa Barfield, Timo Vecchio, Isaiah Lambert, Justin Cox, Dhaval Patel and Karri Stephens each contributed to Paddy Wagon’s scoring efforts with two runs.

Putting single points on the scoreboard for the Paddy squad were Jane Dederle and Karlee Bailey. The Paddy opponents, Mike Svoboda, Katy Roadman, Aaron Guess, Brian Rauelerson and Natalie Worth, each had single runs in the season-ender, while teammates Zack Long and James Roadman both made it home twice for team Captain Ron’s Crew.

The 35 total runs scored in the adult kickball championship game exemplified the fun the four teams had each week. New friendships were made; old friendships were strengthened.

Rocking to the tunes of the 70s and 80s, the Crew, with an average age of over 40, played all season against teams made up of players born in the 90s and 2000s. The players, friends and family that played and attended the games all season, showing their support of The Center, helped to make the league a fun success.

Adult and youth sports continue in January 2023 with flag football action under the lights of The Center’s gridiron.

Sun Scoreboard
Dec. 12
Adult kickball – Championship game

Captain Ron’s Crew 18

Paddy Wagon 17

Castles in the Sand

Do you need a mortgage button?

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

The tradition of a mortgage button is a little scrimshaw button mounted atop a stairway’s newel post, as a symbol the mortgage was paid off. This is something I saw for the first time on Nantucket Island where my uncle and his wife retired many years ago. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated with the concept of a mortgage button. Now, however, paying off your mortgage may not be as impressive as in times gone by for every homeowner.

In today’s world, there are many forms of retirement, or not retiring at all. Because of Zoom, inflation and interest rates, many individuals who would have retired even 10 years ago are postponing retiring. If your choice is to retire, are you planning to pay off your home’s mortgage with other assets or will you keep your mortgage in place? Retiring with your home “free and clear” was a goal of previous generations and many homeowners still strive for this, but financial managers may want to have a further discussion about the real benefits.

Even if you decide to give up work or work part-time, many have calculated that carrying a mortgage is a better choice. This is especially true if you have a low-rate mortgage because of either owning your home only a few years or, like many people, having refinanced your existing mortgage when rates were ultra-low. According to the Federal Reserve, nearly 58% of those ages 65-74 had mortgages or home-equity lines of credit on a primary residence in 2019. This is up 22% from 1989 based on available statistics.

Even if you can afford to pay off your mortgage before retiring, does it make sense to deplete your cash or investments for this use? A financial advisor will look at all of your income and assets and make a recommendation designed specifically for you, including safe, low-risk investments.

In addition, your tax consultant needs to be in the loop since tax ramifications must be considered. Although the 2017 tax overhaul significantly raised the standard deduction, there are still homeowners who will benefit from a home mortgage interest deduction.

Finally, keeping a low-rate mortgage frees up equity that you otherwise would not have access to. After retirement or switching to part-time work, your family income is obviously reduced, which would make it difficult to qualify for a new mort-

gage or home equity loan should you need it for a health emergency or other reason. Or just having the money available for a new car, dream vacation or to help out a family member may be enough of a reason not to pay off your mortgage.

Paying off your mortgage and retiring with no debt certainly gives you peace of mind, and that’s something to be proud of and a reason to get a mortgage button. The mortgage button can also be called a brag button indicating there is no lien on the property. Part of the mortgage button’s myth or fact is also another little-known aspect that the mortgage, when paid off, is stored in the newel post at the base of the home’s stairway before the mortgage button is installed.

Historians have debated the truth about the mortgage button for over a century. As for me, it’s a great story, true or not, and a special memory from my first trip to a magical island. Happy holidays!