Skip to main content

Tag: Anna Maria Island

Reel Time: Planning a successful fishing trip

Reel Time: Planning a successful fishing trip

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

Planning any fishing trip can be a challenge given the peculiarities of weather and the idiosyncrasies of fish. Add a few thousand miles, a different language and an exotic species or two, and some serious planning is advisable.

Chances are you’ve been looking forward to this trip for a long time and finally, you’ll have the opportunity to do nothing but eat, fish, sleep and repeat for a week or more. More than likely, it’s taken a tremendous amount of time and money to get this opportunity so it makes good sense to develop a plan to assure that you have the best possible chance of success.

Deciding where to go and when are the first decisions you’ll make. While it’s not impossible to book your own trip, knowing the best time, tides and lodging can be daunting. In addition, juggling the details of plane reservations, transfers, accommodations and guides can increase the challenge of putting together a self-guided trip.

A knowledgeable outfitter or travel host can provide you with the experience and insider information that will allow you to immerse yourself in the experience instead of the details. Even when using an outfitter, you’ll need to do some research to assure you’ve matched your angling needs and expectations to your chosen destination. There are a lot of resources online, including some great groups on Facebook, but you’ll need to vet those sources.

On recent trips to the Bahamas and Montana, I traveled with groups hosted by Capt. Rick Grassett of Sarasota. While I’ve planned my own trips around writing assignments for years and am familiar with many of the destinations I’ve traveled to with him, having all the arrangements, including air travel, coordinated by someone else is a big asset.

When choosing an outfitter or destination host, be aware that knowing what you want from your trip and asking the right questions is important to fulfilling your expectations. Some of the best fishing is available at sites that have the least amenities. If you require a certain level of service or are traveling with non-fishers, you’ll want to research locations that offer specific conveniences as well as good fishing. While you won’t want to plan your trip based on secondhand information, you’ll find it can be helpful to talk to others who have made the trip you’re planning. Ask the outfitter or host for several references and question them carefully. Make sure they have been to the location recently and at the time of the year you plan to visit.

In foreign countries, (the Bahamas is a foreign country) you’ll be hard-pressed to replace items you forgot to pack, particularly fishing tackle. This is one case when it’s probably better to pack more than you think you’ll need, within reason! Making a packing list and checking it before your departure will pay dividends. Most destinations provide lists that you can use to make sure you don’t forget anything important. While their recommendations are a good place to start, customizing your own travel list can help ensure that you have what you need while streamlining the amount of baggage you take.

Many tropical fishing destinations are very near the equator, so anglers need to pay special attention to the sun. Long-sleeved pants and shirts with sun protection are advisable along with a high SPF waterproof sunscreen. Polarized glasses with glare guards and a fishing hat with a dark under brim are mandatory and a second pair of each should accompany you. For years I’ve used a full-face mask and gloves for sun protection. Recently, I started wearing a fishing hoodie with thumb holes that protect my face, hands and wrists. I find hoodies much more comfortable and invested in several that have bamboo (very comfortable) fibers woven in. Invest in a good pair of flats wading boots and a sling or fanny pack with a water bottle holder and you’ll be good to go.

The success or failure of any fishing adventure will vary due to conditions beyond your control but being mindful of the things you do have control over can make or break your trip. Be prepared, do your homework up front, ask good questions of knowledgeable sources and be flexible. The time and effort you expend in planning the trip will pay in dividends of tight lines and lasting memories.

COVID-19 level remains high, new vaccine coming

COVID-19 level remains high, new vaccine coming

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Health.

MANATEE COUNTY – For the tenth consecutive week, the COVID-19 Community Level remains high countywide.

COVID-19 Community Levels help individuals and communities decide which prevention actions to take based on the latest information. When the Community Level is high, health officials recommend that anyone at high risk of getting very sick wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public. Anyone having household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sick is urged to consider self-testing to detect infection before contact and consider wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people in the United States have some protection, or immunity, against COVID-19 due to vaccination, previous infection, or both. This immunity, combined with the availability of tests and treatments, has greatly reduced the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 for many people.

However, health officials warn that vaccines and previous infections may not provide adequate protection against newer strains of the virus, BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants.

At least 73.1% of Manatee County residents have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 62.9% of county residents vaccinated twice; 46.3% have chosen to get at least one booster shot.

Despite being fully vaccinated, many are still testing positive.

“My wife and I have both had all four shots, but we both tested positive in July,” said Jim Haas, who is visiting Bradenton Beach from Virginia. “We wore masks on the plane, but I wouldn’t need both hands to count how many people besides us had them on.”

Currently, masks are not required for air travel in the United States, and there are no mask mandates in the state of Florida, including schools. Recommendations by the CDC and Florida health officials should be taken seriously, but are not law.

To combat the new subvariants, the U.S. is planning a fall booster campaign with new shots amid concerns about another wave of infection. Public health officials hope the new shots will provide more durable protection against infection and mild illness.

Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, have asked the Food and Drug Administration to authorize new booster shots that target the subvariants for people 12 and older. The current vaccines are FDA approved for anyone six months of age or older.

The new shots must be approved by the FDA before they can be released to the public, and currently it is unclear whether the FDA’s independent vaccine advisory committee will meet to review more data on the shots before the agency authorizes them. As of yet, no date has been given for exactly when they will be available, but officials say when they are, they should be at local pharmacies and the process will be the same as it was for the original vaccines.

Castles in the Sand

Renovations, teardowns rampant on Island

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

I challenge you to take a ride around Anna Maria Island and find a street where there are no properties either being currently or recently renovated or torn down. I can’t guarantee you won’t find any and I won’t take that bet, but all of us who either live on the Island or visit it often know what I’m talking about.

Finding the right home in the right location is everyone’s dream. Unfortunately, in spite of increased interest rates and a slight downtick in demand, the housing market is still a three-alarm fire. So, what do buyers with cash in their pockets do when what they’re looking for just isn’t available? They buy location and plan a major renovation or a complete teardown.

However, if you’re planning on taking on this kind of project, you need not only professional help but also the ability to stay focused. It’s important not to overbuild even on an island where properties are selling at what seems to be extraordinary prices. There is a broad calculation when remodeling a home or deciding on a complete teardown. The finished home should be worth no more than three to five times whatever you paid to acquire the original property per Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D., a real estate economist at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. To quote him, “…otherwise you might develop way too much home for the neighborhood.”

Of course, building on waterfront property in the state of Florida opens up a Pandora’s box of regulations and requirements. First of all, in most of Florida and certainly here, if the cost of the improvements you’re making exceeds 50% of the market value of the existing structure preconstruction, you will be required to bring everything up to code.

Therefore, if you purchase a cottage on the beach on Anna Maria Island for $2 million and you plan on renovating it at a cost of $1.5 million, you will be required to bring it up to current codes. That means current hurricane codes for doors, windows and height as well as building materials and techniques for the roof structure like roof tie downs. All of this could make the cost of the renovation prohibitive and result in a complete teardown being more cost-effective. In addition, properties in a flood zone – all of Anna Maria Island – will need to meet FEMA’s requirements requiring that elevations have pilings of a certain depth, concrete walls and more.

Another factor supporting teardown as opposed to renovations are the hazardous materials you’re likely to find in older homes. Asbestos and lead paint were used with abandon in construction for many years and were great products until they were found to be lethal, especially to children. Getting rid of hazardous materials can be an expensive proposition since they need to be disposed of in a very specific way. I’ve been in a lot of older homes where all of the plumbing and heating systems were wrapped in asbestos; it was a nightmare to remediate and not unusual for the homeowners not to have any idea there was a problem.

Clever real estate agents are marketing properties not just in coastal areas but around the country as ripe for teardown in view of the shortage of available inventory. As in any real estate transaction, if you’re thinking of this type of purchase, doing your research and getting the correct advice is paramount.

Just for fun, pick a non-beach day and take a ride around the Island and count the number of renovations and teardowns you encounter; I doubt you’ll be surprised.

Beach market shakeup disturbing

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

I am appalled and disturbed that Manatee County abruptly ended – and without due cause or notice – Nancy Ambrose’s job running the Coquina Beach Market.

For over 10 years, she worked hard building up a business and helping many small artisans to sell their various items. As Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, Nancy Ambrose did this without any help from the county.
Now a greedy Manatee County official has taken it upon himself to steal away someone’s hard-earned business. This is wrong! There is no need required or requested for the Convention and Visitors Bureau to take this away!
I thank Nancy for her dedication and building up small businesses in the area. I detest county takeovers when it was selfish and unasked for and apparently for their profit. County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan’s comment of “no further comment on the contract termination” shows no transparency in his views. It’s just wrong!

Natalie Thrasher
Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria

Castles in the Sand

Is the country in a housing affordability crisis?

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

This pains me to say, but I’m glad I‘m not in my 30s anymore. Not because I didn’t think it was the best decade of my life, but because I would hate being in the real estate market now shopping for my first home.

Housing affordability is hitting first-time buyers the hardest. They’re getting it from all sides, high prices, low inventory, tremendous levels of inflation and interest rates that keep inching up. Back in 2020 and 2021, buying a home was more affordable due to record-low interest rates in spite of the fact that inventory was also extremely low. The big question is, will this ever happen again?

Now, however, interest rates and prices are still going up, and although there is some movement in the amount of inventory available, it is still historically low. Now that the Federal Reserve has raised rates again at the end of July to another 0.75%, everyone is watching the mortgage rates to see what happens. As of this writing, the rates went up slightly and were standing last week at an average of 5.55% for a 30-year fixed mortgage per Forbes.

Since the rates have increased, many of the first-time buyers who were doing pretty well on the affordability scale are dropping out of the market. Not only are the monthly mortgage carrying charges going up with the rates, but likely their rent is also climbing too, creating a situation where nothing is being added to their down payment nest egg.

The result of this is the share of first-time buyers is dropping every month. A year ago, their market share was about 31% per The National Association of Realtors, but this year that percentage is dropping into the mid-20% range. In addition, millennials who are between 25 and 40 years old, the age when most adults are starting to own a home and build equity in that home, are being denied that opportunity.

In addition, the favorable tax position that homeowners have is also eating into their wealth. Many of these first-time buyers also live with the fear of overpaying for a home in the real estate frenzy that’s been going on, stretching to buy that home and worrying that it could come crashing down on them. Everyone remembers the financial crisis that was largely fueled by an overheated real estate market and way too careless lending practices.

The National Association of Realtors’ housing affordability index measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home at the national and regional levels based on the most recent price and income data. The last time this was updated was in May of this year when the index fell to 102.5. This was the lowest level of affordability since the index fell to 100.5 in July 2006. Also, this was very close to the lowest level recorded in July 1990 when the index stood at 100.2.

The decline in affordability makes it especially difficult for first-time home buyers to find their way into the real estate market. There are economists who say we may never see the level of affordability we experienced in the past year or two again. This perfect storm of COVID-19, inflation, interest rates and housing shortages has put an enormous burden on this generation, and it will affect the country’s economy for many years to come. The answer is yes, we are in a housing affordability crisis right now, ask a 30-year-old.

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

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

I’ve written about tides before, but I’m constantly being reminded of the importance of understanding them to the success of any given fishing trip. Having said that, I must admit that the more I learn about fishing and the behavior of fish, the more I realize how much I don’t know.

There’s a lot of truth to the maxim, “The best time to go fishing is whenever you can,” but understanding and tracking tidal fluctuations and the way they affect feeding fish is going to improve your odds whenever you go fishing.

While there are myriad factors that influence the tides, basically it’s the gravitational pull of the moon on the Earth and its oceans that’s the prime driver. This means that the oceans on opposite sides of the Earth experience high tides as the water is pulled away from the Earth. The other object in the solar system that influences the tide is the sun, which has approximately half the influence of the moon. When the sun and the moon line up at the full and new moon, their combined influence creates the greatest “pull,” creating what is known as “spring” tides. When the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, during the moon’s first and last quarter, they interfere with each other, and we experience weak, or “neap,” tides.

In addition, the tidal ranges are greater when the moon and sun are at perigee, or closest to the Earth.

Wind is another factor that affects tides. In our area, a strong east wind can push tides lower and later, hold up a rising tide. A hard west wind can do the opposite, pushing in a rising tide and holding up a falling one. Experience will teach the angler how to benefit from the myriad tidal dynamics that affect fish and their feeding patterns.

I learned a valuable lesson about tides on trips to the Bahamas in search of bonefish. My first several trips were planned to coincide with a full or new moon to take advantage of the increased feeding activity that generally takes place during these times. Instead, I found that the bonefish I was stalking would disappear into the mangroves as the tide rose, giving me a shorter window to pursue them along the mangrove fringes. Based on that information I planned subsequent trips when “neap tides” slowed the progress and size of the tide, providing many more opportunities for sight fishing.

Recently, I found that there are areas (like the Florida Keys) where you can run east or west to find the tide you want, lower or higher.

Just the opposite is often true when I explore local waters. While I still fish whenever I have the opportunity, I target days of extreme high and low tides because I know they stimulate feeding and concentrate fish. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, you can use the tide to take advantage of the season. In the winter when the waters chill down, I like to seek out locations where a late afternoon falling tide brings warm water off the flats. The holes, slues and channels the water drains into attract gamefish and can provide some excellent action.

When fishing the flats, working from the deep water to shallow on the falling tide and in reverse on the rising tide is a very effective way to target fish. Very low tides (during “spring tides”) provide an excellent opportunity to scan the flats for channels, slues and holes on the flats where fish congregate. Armed with this knowledge, anglers can return when the flats are covered with water and benefit from that awareness. Planning your day to take advantage of these variations can make a real difference in action.

No matter what species you target, you’ll have a better chance at success if you understand and track the tides. They can tell you where to concentrate your effort and help you avoid other less productive areas. Pick up a tide chart at your local tackle shop or download one of several apps on your smartphone. Tides are no guarantee of success, but understanding them will mean you’ll have more ups than downs.

No-Swim Advisories lifted at Manatee Beaches

No-swim advisories lifted at Manatee beaches

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

MANATEE COUNTY – It’s safe to go back in the water.

The no-swim advisories that have been in place since July 26 were lifted Wednesday morning for Bayfront Park north, Manatee Beach north, Coquina Beach north and the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway. Lifting the advisories means that bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels and that the public can once again safely enter these waters.

“The flag system has nothing to do with bacteria in the water.” – Christopher Tittel, Florida Department of Health communications director

As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, the Department of Health-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric (fecal) bacteria – which can cause disease, infections or rashes – are acceptable based on EPA standards. If levels are unacceptable, a no-swim advisory is issued; the advisory is lifted once the levels read as acceptable.

According to Florida Department of Health Communications Director Christopher Tittel, the cause of the bacteria was rain and runoff that washed animal feces into the water. Recent heavy storms have churned up the sand beneath the surface; this mixed with extremely warm water is believed to aid in the elevated levels.

DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken at all four beaches on July 26 that show an elevated level of enteric bacteria.

On Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Manatee Beach there appeared to be some confusion about water safety as many beachgoers were in the water. Some cited the green flag, indicating low hazard, flying above the lifeguard station. The flag system is a warning system for rip currents or stinging marine life.

“The flag system has nothing to do with bacteria in the water,” Tittel said.

At Manatee Beach, the Department of Health advisory was posted at the base of the lifeguard station. The sign said in part, “High bacteria levels swimming not recommended.  Increased risk of illness at this time.”

Additional information about the Healthy Beaches program can be found by calling 941-714-7593, or by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.FloridaHealth.gov and selecting Beach Water Quality under the Environmental Health tab of the navigation bar.

Reel Time: You have to do your homework, son

Reel Time: You have to do your homework, son

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

For anglers who aren’t familiar with Andy and (son) Nicky Mill’s podcast, Mill House, you have a treat in store. I’ve watched the podcasts from the beginning but had recently not been following them. That was until a friend kept commenting on the excellent information he was getting that helped him be a better fisherman. That led me to the most recent episode with Capt. Randy Towe of Islamorada, a highly respected guide, multiple tournament winner, innovator and the owner of an Islamorada landmark, Islamorada Fishing Outfitters.

While Towe’s accomplishments and contributions to fly fishing were the theme of this podcast, Andy Mill steered the conversation to the legendary (and recently deceased) Key’s guide Capt. Billy Knowles, who was a mentor to Towe and the reason for the title, “You have to do your homework, son.” That phrase always followed any question Towe had for Knowles as he was learning the flats of the Upper Keys. Not a deflection, but an intentional lesson that paid dividends to Towe over the years.

I had been a sponge for the Mills’ interviews with the men and women who were the creators of the flies and techniques that introduced so many of today’s anglers to fly fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit. In the episode with Towe, I was getting an appreciation of how the Mills are both preserving the legacy of these anglers while at the same time sharing the wisdom of their success with a new generation of anglers. Nothing could have been more poignant than getting that message and then relistening to the episode with Capt. Knowles.

I was fortunate to meet and fish with Andy Mill and Capt. Bob Branham at the Cheeca Lodge’s 1998 Presidential Bonefish Tournament in Islamorada. That was a fortunate introduction, via Mill, to some of the Key’s top guides, legends themselves. During the 90s through my involvement with the Florida Outdoor Writer’s Association, I was also fortunate to meet and fish with Keys guides like Nat Ragland, Dale Perez, Jose Wejebe and Stu Apte. I also had the good fortune to meet Joan Wolf, know Lefty Kreh and interview permit legend Del Brown.

What those experiences taught me was the importance of the information those men and women possess and the fact that the Mills were now preserving that legacy in these legend’s inflections and humor, and in their own words. “Do your homework, son.” Those were the words of wisdom that Towe received from Knowles, and he explains in the episode how those words made him a success. More importantly, he eulogized Knowles as the man who made him a better angler and a better man.

Thanks to the Mills, we can still see and hear Knowles tell his life story while experiencing what impact that had in Towe’s life. That’s a wonderful life lesson that resonates far beyond the flats.

Castles in the Sand

Are we starting to turn a corner?

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

It’s a fact – the number of real estate sales around the country appears to be slowing, but the sale prices aren’t. There is no way to spin this. It’s a fact. The question is, what does it mean and where will it lead?

The June median national sales price was $416,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, sales activity continued to slow under pressure from higher mortgage costs and higher asking prices.

Locally, as we saw last week, Manatee County is also seeing a slowdown in sales, but no significant change in selling price – the median single-family home was $550,000 for the second month. June’s percentage of increase for Manatee County was 35.7% from last year, compared to the national average of 13.4%.

The demand for homes continues to exceed the unusually low levels of supply, pushing prices higher all over. High interest rates and record home prices are eliminating buyers from the market every day… not a good position for the real estate market since first-time buyers and move-up buyers are the engine of the market and the single thing that keeps it moving.

And as usual, the economists are all over the place in their opinions about the future. Some expect higher rates to slow the home price growth this year and others expect the home prices to keep rising around 5% this year per the chief economist for Fannie Mae.

I started noticing something interesting as I perused realtor.com for listing and selling prices. I took a sampling of the most recent sales as of this writing in the three cities on Anna Maria Island and Cortez. Out of the sampling of 10 closing in Anna Maria, only three properties sold at full price. Out of my sampling of 10 properties in the combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, only one sold at full price. And in Cortez, I was only able to use five property sales, but even for those sales, only one sold at full price.

This analysis is, of course, totally random and not very scientific, but it does speak to me that there may be a slight shift. I was frankly surprised – what happened to all those full price and over offers that were going on for so long? Well, maybe what happened is that the market is starting to run out of steam just a little. It would appear there is still plenty of activity and the buyers are out there and being aggressive, but with a little more of a level approach. But what about the sellers? Are they starting to think that negotiating may not be a bad thing?

At the Federal Reserve’s meeting last week, the basis point was raised 0.75% as expected. Generally, every time the Feds raise the rate, it does result in mortgage interest rates increasing. That’s not written in stone, so we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. I’ve said this many times, but mortgage rates between 5.5% and 6.5% may be a shock to the new generation of buyers, however, those of us who have bought and sold properties or have been in the real estate business for years have lived through much higher rates.

So, are we starting to see a chink in the real estate armor or is it just a little scratch? Is even the mighty Anna Maria Island showing signs of battle fatigue? Or maybe it’s just a normal readjustment of the market to where it should be – you make an offer, the seller counter offers and you meet somewhere in the middle. Those were the days.

Pelicans treated for injuries to be tracked

Pelicans treated for injuries to be tracked

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Birds, Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Pelicans know where the fish are.

Their quest for the tastiest fish, however, can bring them in contact with some life-threatening consequences as they are often hooked or entangled in fishing gear, leading to injury or death.

Staff members at a local animal rehab organization know all too well what injuries can occur to these long-billed shorebirds in their search for food.

“We see at least 50 pelicans a year with mostly fishing-type injuries,” said Krista Carpenter, a volunteer at Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc.

Entanglement can occur at many locations, but fishing piers and boat ramps are hot spots for this conflict between anglers and pelicans.

“If you hook a pelican, you can reel in the bird as gently as you can,” Carpenter said. “Cover their head with a towel to calm them and then call us.”

If a pelican is caught in a fishing line, Carpenter said that as the line gets tighter it will cut into the bird’s skin or internal organs.

Pelicans treated for injuries to be tracked
Most common pelican injuries are caused by fishhooks or entanglement in fishing gear. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Another hazard is fish bones getting caught in the birds’ throats.

Signs at local boat ramps say, “Please Don’t Feed the Birds!” because filleted carcasses and large fish bones can injure or kill seabirds by puncturing their throats.

“Pelicans are resilient,” Carpenter said. “If we can get to them quickly enough before bones get into their digestive tract, they have a good chance.”

Audubon Florida was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support a brown pelican banding study.

The banding project in the Tampa Bay region is designed to discover more about survival rates following accidental hooking and learn more about repeat entanglements for released birds.

Audubon Florida’s goal is to band 50-100 birds over the initial 12-month period of the study. An additional 75-100 successfully rehabilitated brown pelicans will also be banded prior to release.

Current project partners include Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Hooked Pelican Working Group, formed to address this problem, is a partnership between the FWC, Audubon Florida, park managers, rescuers, rehabilitators and anglers.

Solid Rock, Progressive indoor champs

Solid Rock, Progressive indoor champs

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

ANNA MARIA – After wins last Monday night by U9’s Ugly Grouper and Solid Rock Construction and U13’s Progressive Cabinetry and Moss Builders, the stage was set for the youth indoor championship games at The Center.

Solid Rock Construction faced Ugly Grouper the next night in the U9 big game. Solid as a rock, the Solid Rock team came out on top 4-2 in the championship game.

Playing strong for the Ugly Grouper offense, Landon Leach and Beau Sanson scored solo goals in the league’s final game of the season.

On the indoor pitch without key player Tess Bolognone, Solid Rock Construction’s Aidan Guess brought his striking leg into the hard-fought match-up, scoring a hat trick with three points in the record books.

Teammate Matthew Darak contributed to the championship game scoring with a single goal for Solid Rock for the big game win.

Moss Builders faced off with Progressive Cabinetry, the only undefeated team going into the playoffs, in the final game of the night and the season. After four quarters of play, U13’s Progressive Cabinetry just won over Moss Builders with the final score 4-3.

On one side of the line, Moss Builders’ Callin Westfall scored two goals, with a single by Mason Moss. Moss and Elisabeth ten Haaf each had an assist in the hard-fought loss.

Progressive Cabinetry’s championship win was not a cakewalk. The well-earned victory came at the feet of Jason Wyatt, putting a point in the record books.

Earning a hat trick of their own, Barrett Raina solidified the W with three scoring strikes.

The win not only gave Progressive Cabinetry the top accolade of the season, but it also placed the team as one of the only teams in the history of The Center sports to go undefeated and named champs.

The U6 league closed out the summer season with the players taking to the pitch against the parents, in a fun game of indoor soccer at Island’s community center Tuesday night.

 

 

Sun Scoreboard

July 18

Youth Indoor Soccer – Week Six

 

U9

Ugly Grouper (4-2-0) 5

Blalock Walters (3-3-0) 1

 

Solid Rock Construction (4-2-0) 9

Bridgetender Inn (1-5-0) 0

 

U13

 

Progressive Cabinetry (6-0-0) 10

Shady Lady (1-5-0) 3

 

Freckled Fin (3-3-0) 3

Moss Builders (2-4-0) 1

 

Youth Indoor Soccer – Championship Games

U9

 

Solid Rock Construction 4

Ugly Grouper 2

 

U13

 

Progressive Cabinetry 4

Moss Builders 3

Castles in the Sand

Cash is king in today’s real estate market

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

Are we starting to see an adjustment in the real estate market, maybe, or are only some parts of it changing? One thing that is still very strong relative to the country as a whole are the cash offers being made.

No matter how you spin the sales statistics, which we’ll get to shortly, when it comes to having the edge, buyers with all-cash offers are still the top of the heap. There is a slight downturn in cash offers both nationally and locally, however, the percentage of cash sales is still staggering.

Because of this, buyers are teaming up with family members to consolidate funds for cash offers. Many of these sales are converted to mortgages or home equity loans after closing. Of course, you need to find the cash first and there are suddenly a number of companies that are funding the cash on behalf of the buyers and then taking a fee in the form of a percentage of the cash fronted at a later time when a loan can be put on the property. Some cash offer companies buy the house on behalf of the buyer and then sell it to the buyer. Others give buyers cash to make the purchase themselves.

About 25% of home sales in June were paid in cash according to the National Association of Realtors, near the highest level since 2014. Comparing the national to the local market, the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee for June reported cash sales for single-family properties were about 39%, significantly higher than the national average. Cash condo sales for June in Manatee County were just about 55%, however, I don’t have a national “paid in cash” figure for condos.

So, let’s move on to the overall June sales statistics recorded by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes closed 22.3% fewer properties, the median sale price was $550,000, the same as last month, the percentage was up 37.5% from last year, and the average sale price was $690,524, up 19.8% from last year. The median time to contract is six days and a month’s supply of available properties is up 200% from last year, at 1.8 months. This is because there are 31.5% more new listings this June compared to last, adding to the available inventory.

Condo sales closed 23.6% fewer properties, the median sale price was $356,500, up 27.3%, and the average sale price was $441,868, up 33.2%. The median time to contract is seven days and a month’s supply of inventory is 1.5 months, up 200% from last year. In addition, there are 8.4% more new listings this month compared to June of last year, accounting for an increased monthly supply of condo inventory.

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee indicates that both Sarasota and Manatee counties are beginning to see more and more homes available for sale compared to last year. This trend will likely continue considering the record high prices and rising mortgage rates. Sellers will get serious about selling and buyers who can qualify for the higher rates will want to buy before the rates start going up again. Nevertheless, even a two-month supply of available properties is still far from the six-month inventory that was always considered a balanced market.

Cash trumps everything in real estate in every market – always has and always will. Keep an eye on the future and the possibility of a sea change to a more level real estate market.

Reel Time: Beware the rays

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

The harmful effects of sun exposure are one of the most important things for anglers to understand when they’re fishing Florida waters, especially in the late summer. The sunlight that drives the cycle of life in the Gulf and makes it possible to sight fish can be dangerous, and even life-threatening.

Sunlight is primarily composed of infrared, visible and ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light (UV) is potentially harmful and is the wavelength that causes sunburn. What we refer to as sunburn is a form of radiation burn that results from exposure to this property of light, one that penetrates the clouds you might incorrectly assume protect you. Symptoms of overexposure in humans consist of red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch and can include general fatigue and mild dizziness, leading to heat stroke and even cancer.

Maximizing your protection from UV light rays is important because the harmful effects of the sun are cumulative over your lifetime. While potentially harmful, the sun is primarily an angler’s friend. If the sun is shining, there’s a good chance the weather will allow you to be on the water. If you’re looking for fish, it assures you’ll have a better chance of finding your quarry and increases your odds of hooking up.

Many part-time fishermen and visitors from the north don’t fully appreciate the potentially harmful effects of the sun, especially in Florida and the southern regions of the northern hemisphere. The most intense exposure to the sun occurs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., prime time for exploring Florida’s fertile waters.

A full array of sun protection options is available to today’s anglers. – Submitted

Modern sunscreens are rated according to their SPF, or sun protection factor. Our skin has natural SPF depending on the amount of melanin (pigment) it contains. As a rule, the darker your complexion the more melanin you have. However, no matter what your skin color, the best solution is to avoid sun damage as much as possible by applying a high SPF sunscreen and covering the skin, vital protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Another important factor to consider, especially in Florida, is whether the sunscreen is reef safe, meaning it doesn’t contain chemicals that harm marine life.

Fortunately, there is also high-tech clothing available to anglers that is cool, breathable and contains a UPF rating. Popular brands from Patagonia and Simms offer clothing with UPF ranging from 30-50. A rating of 50 translates to approximately 97% protection. These same companies also offer gloves to protect the hands and headgear that protects the head, ears, face and neck. Hoodies are now very popular and models for fishermen even have thumb holes that can protect the hands.

There are constantly new innovations coming out that make these moisture-wicking fabrics more functional for anglers. Early face protection devices functioned to protect the skin but caused moisture from the breath to fog sunglasses. Now they are designed with breathing openings that virtually eliminate that problem.

One innovative company, TASC, has even harnessed the natural properties of bamboo to create a clothing line with an impressive list of natural properties. They blend the soft inner fibers of the bamboo with organic cotton to create a fabric that has anti-odor properties, a UPF of 50+, is moisture wicking, breathable, lightweight and chemical-free.

There really is no reason not to protect your skin from the sun with the array of sunscreens and clothing available today. Protect your skin – it’s the only one you’ll ever have, and now you can do it in style. It’s even fashionable, the cool thing to do!

Anna Maria mayor endorses Whitmore

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

I have worked with County Commissioner Carol Whitmore over the past eight years during my tenure as mayor of the city of Anna Maria. During that period of time, she has shown a keen interest in our city and our island community. She has:

  • Attended city commission meetings, listened to our commissioners and residents and shown interest in our concerns;
  • Proactively advised us of potential changes and direction from Manatee County and the state which may impact our city; and
  • Assisted us in garnering funds to make improvements to our infrastructure.

Sometimes we agree on issues while at other times we disagree. But either way, Commissioner Whitmore has always been interested in Anna Maria. I have never met or spoken with her opponent, nor has he ever taken the time to contact us, nor has he ever come to a meeting, nor has he shown the least amount of interest in some of the challenges facing the city of Anna Maria.

It has been my experience over the past eight years that most candidates who run for a county commission seat have shown interest in our city. That would include Commissioners George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and former Commissioner Betsy Benac, along with Ed Hunzeker, Matt Bower, David Zaccagnino and others. Some have lost elections while others have gone on to win, but either way, each has taken the time to show an interest in our community and understanding our challenges. Commissioner Whitmore’s opponent has never done so.

For the sake of our city and our Island community, I endorse Carol Whitmore for county commissioner. I firmly believe she is the only candidate who cares about our city and our residents.

 

Dan Murphy

Mayor, City of Anna Maria

Progressive Cabinetry still unbeatable

Progressive Cabinetry still unbeatable

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

ANNA MARIA – With only one regular season game left to play in the youth indoor soccer season at The Center of Anna Maria Island, three teams are standing out in the rankings.

After a scrimmage game due to a forfeit by the U9 Bridgetender Inn squad, team Blalock Walters shares the top of the ranks with Ugly Grouper and Solid Rock Construction.

Scoring the only goal for Bridgetender Inn, Paul ten Haaf played hard despite not having the support of all of his teammates.

Gavin Angel and Parker Svoboda had two goals in the match-up with solo goals by Evita Moyer and Camden Rudacille.

In the second U9 game of the night, Silas Whitehead shot the only goal for Ugly Grouper in their 3-1 loss against Solid Rock Construction. Two goals by Aidan Guess and a single by Mckenna Darak gave the Solid Rock team the win they needed to be in the three-way tie for first place.

The U13 league played one game on July 12, with Moss Builders hoping to beat the undefeated Progressive Cabinetry team. With the no mercy rule in place in the league, the Progressive team easily won their fifth game 9-1, despite heart-filled play by the entire Moss Builders team.

Mason Moss put Moss Builders on the scoreboard with a solo goal. Scoring on the Progressive side of the indoor pitch was a team effort as the entire roster put points up.

Barrett Raina led the scoring for the entire night with four goals. Alonso Valle also got the soccer ball past the goalie-less defense of Progressive Cabinetry.

Ethan Angel, Mattox Caseman and Wyatt Jackson each put an additional point into the record books for team Progressive Cabinetry in the last game of the night.

With the playoffs starting the week of July 18, the championship games are around the corner.

Sun Scoreboard

July 12

Youth Indoor Soccer

U9

 

Blalock Walters (3-2-0) Win by forfeit

Bridgetender Inn (1-4-0) L

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-2-0) 3

Ugly Grouper (3-2-0) 1

U13

Shady Lady (1-3-0) Game rescheduled

Freckled Fin (1-3-0)

 

Progressive Cabinetry (5-0-0) 9

Moss Builders (2-3-0) 1