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Tag: Anna Maria Island

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

Castles in the Sand

Adjustable rate mortgages right for some

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

Less than a month ago, around the middle of July, I reported that the 30-year fixed rate mortgage loan interest rate was nearing 6%. It never went over 6%, but instead started dropping back down. As of July 15, the average 30-year fixed rate according to Forbes was 5.86% and the average 15-year fixed rate was 4.97%. It may not appear to be a big difference in interest rates, but when you convert it into actual money at the elevated prices of homes, it makes a difference.

The typical U.S. family will spend an additional $400 on their mortgage payment each month than they would have in January, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. It could be the difference between qualifying for a mortgage, not qualifying or looking for a less expensive property, either way, the average prospective homeowner is affected by the rate fluctuation and is likely watching the daily activity closely.

To help fill the gap for some borrowers, the interest rates of adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are increasing. The Mortgage Bankers Association indicated there was a 3% increase in people applying for ARMs since January.

The popularity of the adjustable rate mortgage peaked in 2009, helping to create the financial crisis. This was because ARMs carry a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages at the beginning of the loan, then they adjust at regular intervals based on one of several indexes. This allowed lenders to make loans with ultralow teaser rates to subprime borrowers who, when the rates went up, could not afford the new payment and ultimately let their houses be foreclosed.

Although ARMs certainly have their place in the real estate world, we don’t want to go back to those years. It can be a good option as fixed rates increase to help buyers qualify for a mortgage with the hope of being able to refinance at a later time if the rates go down. The risk in this is the temptation to buy too much house that will end up being too expensive down the road. This was part of the fallout of the financial crisis.

It’s also a good option for buyers who may not plan on owning the property long-term or who are confident their income will increase enough to keep up with mortgage rates as they adjust. The calculation is whether the monthly payment savings with an adjustable-rate mortgage is worth the risk of increased rates.

Don’t let someone talk you into this just because you are crazy anxious to get into a home. Understand the complications and risks associated with an ARM, do the math and avoid being enticed by pricey upgrades just because you realize you will actually qualify for them.

On July 26, the Federal Reserve has its next meeting and it is rumored that the prime rate will increase by 0.75% again this month. My guess is a couple of months from now, buyers may be wishing they can get a 6% rate.

So, we’ll wait and see what effect, if any, that has on the daily rates.

No mercy for Bridgetender, Fin

No mercy for Bridgetender, Fin

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

ANNA MARIA – Youth indoor soccer action at The Center passed the regular season midpoint last week with overwhelmingly dominant leads in the U9 and U13 leagues.

U9’s Ugly Grouper had a big 16-2 win with the strikes of Beau Sanson and Landon Leach, with a hat trick. Sanson scored 13 points in the new form of play, which includes no goalie on the pitch.

Leach also was credited with two assists, along with three critical passes leading to the goal by Silas Whitehead.

On the other side of the ball, Bridgetender Inn’s Paul ten Haaf put two strikes in the net, with an assist by Parker Suoboda. The team’s loss puts their season record at 1-3.

In more U9 action, Blalock Walters and Solid Rock Construction finished last week tied in the middle of the pack with 2-2 records. In week four play, the Solid Rock team beat Blalock Walters by two goals, 3-1.

Matthew Darak and Isaac Roadman were the scoring pair for Solid Rock. Darak put two in and Roadman had a single goal in the all-important, season-tying game.

Olivia Wyatt prevented the shutout with a solo goal in game four.

The 12-2 blowout by Progressive Cabinetry in the U13 league was a true team effort, with four of the five players scoring and three players credited with assists.

With four goals, Barrett Raina topped the week’s scoring chart. Teammates Jackson Wyatt and Alonso Valle both had hat tricks in addition to the two goals by Mattox Caseman.

Caseman and Valle each had single assists in the lopsided match-up. Progressive Cabinetry’s Ethan Angel made two critical assists in the victory.

Freckled Fin’s loss was not without a valiant effort by the entire team. Chandler McRae and Briahna Robertson each put points on the scoreboard, with an assist by Tucker McRae.

Team Shady Lady and Freckled Fin share the bottom rung of the league’s ranking going into week five of the season.

Shady Lady kept it a close game against Moss Builders, now with a 2-2 record. Moss Builders’ win came at the skillful feet of Callin Westfall, Mason Moss and Riley Karecki.

With two goals each in the game, Moss and Westfall continue to consistently score for their team. Westfall also had a recorded assist for the Moss Builders team.

Spreading out the scoring for Shady Lady, Amelia Blunkall, Braelyn Curtis, Alex Monserrate and Jesse Zaccagnino each scored one of the four team goals. Assisting with the scoring for Shady Lady was Ava Mason.

Progressive Cabinetry goes into week five undefeated. Can the team finish the week with another win against Moss Builders with just one more week left before playoffs?

 

Sun Scoreboard

July 5

Youth Indoor Soccer – Week Four

U9

Ugly Grouper (3-1-0) 16

Bridgetender Inn (1-3-0) 2

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-1-0) 3

Blalock Walters (1-3-0) 1

U13

Progressive Cabinetry (4-0-0) 12

Freckled Fin (1-3-0) 2

 

Moss Builders (2-2-0) 5

Shady Lady (1-3-0) 4

Green sea turtle released

Green sea turtle released

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

ANNA MARIA – Five months after an apparent collision with a boat left him with multiple injuries, a rehabilitated green sea turtle nicknamed “Pierre” by Mote Aquarium staff was released back into the wild on July 5.

Pierre had been found on Jan. 31 floating on the water’s surface near the Anna Maria City Pier. He had suffered multiple fractures and a large piece of his carapace – or upper shell – was damaged, but there was no neurologic damage.

“Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota was kind enough to do a CT scan for us to determine the extent of the trauma,” Mote Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital Aquarist Weston Spoon said.

Pierre had numerous fibropapilloma tumors, which were surgically removed. After a second surgery to remove a tumor on his eye in May, he continued to gain weight and eat well.

Following his successful recovery, workers from the facility released Pierre into the waters off Bayfront Park, a short distance from where he had been found.

“He was found stranded near the City Pier, so it’s best to release them near where they’re stranded,” Spoon said, adding that Pierre is expected to acclimate easily back into his watery environment.

“Studies have been done that show they will go about their lives just as before,” Spoon said.

Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital has admitted more than 650 sick and injured sea turtles since 1995.

“We aim to help all our turtle patients return to the wild and contribute to their populations for years to come,” according to the Mote website. “This matters greatly: All sea turtle species are threatened or endangered.”

While it was difficult to determine Pierre’s age, Spoon said he was a juvenile less than 10 years old. Green sea turtles have a life expectancy of up to 80 years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are far less common in the waters off Anna Maria Island than loggerheads, but both nest on area beaches from May through October.

Castles in the Sand

Homeowners consider renting in tight market

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

The majority of people in my generation and even those decades younger couldn’t wait to stop paying rent. It was drummed into our brains by our parents and grandparents that paying rent was a waste of money and you need to buy, buy, buy. Like so many other norms in real estate, that philosophy has also been somewhat upended.

An increasing number of professionals around the country who can more than afford to purchase a home and young retirees who may have just sold their family homes are reluctant to buy another one and have decided to rent instead. To make their decision just a little bit more confusing is the shortage of rentals, creating a similar market for rentals that we have been experiencing with sales, including bidding wars and offering more than the asking rental price.

They point out the increase in mortgage rates, the astronomical asking prices and the shortage of inventory to justify their decision. Instead, they are considering renting high-end rentals, way above the $2,000-a-month median national rent, with a lot of amenities, not caring about the cost-versus-owning calculation. Those calculations may have changed, and there are online calculators you can use to determine what the real cost of owning versus renting is over a period of years.

For most property owners, just the straight math of owning versus renting is in favor of renting. This is including the cost of mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance and many other homeownership-related expenses. Of course, property appreciation is not included in this calculation, but many new renters have already cashed out their equity in their previous homes and may be looking for just an easier and less expensive lifestyle and/or are willing to wait for a more normal real estate market.

Renting, of course, will give you more flexibility and freedom to make life decisions. There are no maintenance responsibilities and the burden of doing those repairs is someone else’s problem. Of course, your landlord can increase the rent at the end of your lease, there are no tax benefits to renting, you can’t make changes, pets could be a no-no and rules must be followed.

We all know the pros of owning a home, starting with the appreciation. Becoming a homeowner is the best way for average middle-class people to accrue wealth; over time, it’s a good investment and probably beats the stock market. But what really appeals to buyers about ownership is, of course, the freedom to modify your property, have a tax benefit during the years you will live in the home, have a big deduction on your equity when you sell and privacy.

Owning a home can be inconvenient. There is nothing liquid about a home if you need to sell, and there is a process, even in this favorable market. Monthly expenses can dramatically change in the face of a major repair bill or an increase in property taxes. And even though home ownership traditionally has been a good solid investment, we all saw during the financial crisis that property values can go down.

Renting has been frowned upon in the past by previous generations, but it’s getting another look from a large segment of the population, including young people who can’t afford the real estate environment we’re in and older people and professionals who can afford a home but choose not to buy at this time. Whoever you are, renting is not what it once was, so leaving the housing market and going into the rental market may not be as easy as it sounds.

Chief concerned about lifeguard shortage

Chief concerned about lifeguard shortage

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Parking spots at Cortez Beach were nearly filled last Thursday and beachgoers packed the prime areas near the water, but one location remained empty – the lifeguard stand.

The three Anna Maria Island public beaches – Manatee, Cortez and Coquina – have been subject to lifeguard staffing shortages for about the past year and a half, and weekend-only coverage at Cortez Beach has been one response to the scarcity of staff, Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman said.

“When something happens at one beach, we have to bring people from other beaches to help,” he said. “It has a domino effect.”

With six vacant lifeguard spots, Manatee County is currently running at slightly more than 70% capacity of its 21 potential positions. Westerman said that the current staff has been working overtime to make up for the shortfall in coverage.

“We have a core group of dedicated professionals right now that thrive in this job,” he said. “I’d like to keep them and get more.”

Despite staffing shortages, Westerman said with an annual average of 90-135 riptide rescues at the three beaches, Manatee County lifeguards may have prevented a corresponding number of potential deaths.

“I would call riptide rescues critical rescues,” he said. “Those are possible deaths. If someone gets caught and a lay person tries to help them, someone may drown.”

A rip current warning poster on the lifeguard stand at Cortez Beach issues the following cautions: “Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current then to shore. If you can’t escape, float or tread water. If you need help, call or wave for assistance.”

“You can’t predict riptides – you don’t know when they’ll happen,” he said. “A sea breeze could kick in and it could only take a one- to two-foot chop for it to happen.”

Manatee County is far from the only location where lifeguards are in short supply.

“There is a national shortage for lifeguards where one-third of the nation’s pools aren’t opening,” Westerman said. “The ocean is different. We can’t close the door. People still come to the beach.”

He said the requirements to become a lifeguard are more stringent than some people may think.

“I could get 12 applicants and send out invitations to test and maybe one or two of them will show up,” he said.

According to the Beach Lifeguard I or II job posting by Manatee County, the following are among the job requirements:

“Must be able to demonstrate successfully 50 meters of each of the following swim strokes in a pool: Freestyle, Breaststroke, Sidestroke and Backstroke. Must be able to run ½ mile in 3:30 minutes or less, swim 500 meters in open water in 10 minutes or less and demonstrate a non-equipment rescue of an active, panicked victim from 100 meters offshore. Must be able to demonstrate paddling a rescue board approximately 200 meters.”

“This is a physically demanding job. They (our staff) are professionals and athletes,” Westerman said. “The 500-meter swim in 10 minutes is a nationally-set standard. There’s no deviation from that.”

Candidates must also be able to acquire and maintain American Heart Association CPR certification and First Responder/EMR or First-Aid Certification within 30 days of the hire date.

“First and foremost, get in the water and swim and be honest with yourself,” Westerman advises potential candidates. “Don’t just be satisfied with 500 meters, swim 1,000. Practice back, side and breaststrokes.”

The pay range for a Beach Lifeguard I is between $17.80 and $24.75 per hour.

“There are some pay-related issues,” among others, he said. “When COVID hit, people rethought what they wanted to do with their lives and in this job, you are putting your life on the line.”

Westerman said there was a recent increase in offered pay and praised Manatee County commissioners for what he called their great support.

There is a $1 per hour incentive for those with an EMT license, and a $1 per hour incentive for Rescue Diver certification.

“Currently we have six state-certified EMTs and one state-certified paramedic on our roster,” he said. “If someone wants to become an EMT, they can be reimbursed for school.”

Lifeguards respond to water and land-borne emergencies and provide rescues to beachgoers and boaters in the surf environment as well as on shore, and provide basic emergency medical care, according to an online job posting.

“We are the only entity besides the fire and police departments where we have seconds to make a decision to save someone’s life,” Westerman said. “This is with minimal equipment. We actively watch all day for something to happen.”

There is a community-oriented aspect to the job as well.

“We want people who are comfortable talking with the public and working around tourists,” Westerman said. “My wish list would be to have qualified candidates in a line out the door.”

For more information, visit mymanatee.org/jobs.

July Fourth weekend crowds return to Anna Maria Island

July Fourth weekend crowds return to Anna Maria Island

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island was packed and traffic stretched for more than a mile to get onto the Island most of the weekend as everyone from international visitors to local Floridians flocked to AMI beaches to soak up the sun for the Fourth of July holiday.

Major holidays are always a big draw as visitors look to beat the summer heat.

“We came from Orlando. The traffic was insane, but it’s worth it to be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” said Carlos Ramirez, who was visiting Coquina Beach with his wife and four children. “It took forever to get a parking spot, and now that we have one, we’re not leaving. We brought food to grill and we’re here until the sun sets.”

Ramirez was fortunate to get a parking spot. On Monday, July 4, cars were lined up bumper to bumper, with drivers hoping a parking space would become available at the beaches.

After the sun set on Saturday night, visitors continued to flock to the Island for the return of the Sandbar Restaurant’s annual fireworks display after a sabbatical due to COVID-19.

And the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July parade both delighted beachgoers and further slowed traffic on the Island’s two main roads on Monday.

“The beaches are incredibly crowded. We barely have room to drive our ATVs because there are so many people out there,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said.

Tokajer also addressed the use of Anna Maria Elementary’s parking lot for overflow parking. The lot was free to use July 2, 3 and 4, but not without controversy.

“The school was open for parking Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but in reality it shouldn’t have been,” Tokajer said. “County Administrator Scott Hopes told Superintendent Cynthia Saunders that he would have the flashing beacon for the crosswalk installed before the July Fourth weekend and it was not. It was a dangerous situation with people crossing the road with their families carrying beach gear in an area without a proper crosswalk.”

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First indoor wins for Bridgetender, Moss

First indoor wins for Bridgetender, Moss

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

ANNA MARIA – After three weeks of youth indoor soccer play at The Center, U9’s team, Bridgetender Inn, and U13’s team, Moss Builders, finally earned their first win of the summer season.

Bridgetender’s 1-0 victory over Solid Rock Construction gives the team a 1-2 record going into the second half of the regular season. Campbell Collins’ single goal, along with the fighting offense and defense of the Bridgetender squad put the W in the record books.

Team Solid Rock never gave up and left it all on the indoor pitch.

Ugly Grouper’s win put them on top of the U9 standings along with Solid Rock Construction. Both teams play game four hoping for their third win.

Camden Rudacille and Parker Svoboda put the points on the scoreboard, with two goals for Rudacille, also credited with an assist.

Beau Sanson had four goals in Ugly Grouper’s victory, 5-3 over Blalock Walters, shares Bridgetender’s 1-2 record. Teammate Landon Leach had the additional goal and two saves, while Hadley Cook supported the scoring effort with an assist.

In the U13 league, Moss Builders made way with the Freckled Fin defense, putting a notch in the win column with a score of 8-2. A hat trick by Callin Westfall, along with four goals between Mason Moss and Riley Karecki gave team Moss Builders 7 points.

Austin Guess contributed to his team’s win with a solo goal in game three of the season. Moss is credited with two assists, with another critical assist by Westfall.

Freckled Fin’s second loss comes despite amazing efforts by the team, including goals by David Zupa and Chandler McRae. Teammate and brother Tucker McRae had an all-important assist.

Alone at the top of the charts, Progressive Cabinetry won their third game 15-4, keeping them undefeated with a 3-0 record. The other three teams share the spot for second with only one win. After June 28, only two regular season games have yet to be played until the start of playoffs.

Team Shady Lady struggled to keep the Progressive Cabinetry players out of scoring range despite all effort. Playing with heart and purpose, Shady Lady’s Jack and Jesse Zaccagnino each worked their magic, scoring a goal. Jack Zaccagnino also made an important and selfless assist.

Alex Monserrate and Sterling Holiday shared in the scoring with the Zaccagnino brothers with goals of their own. Shady Lady’s Ava Mason is credited with an assist in the valiant effort by her teammates.

Without a mercy rule, the Progressive Cabinetry crew ran away with the game, scoring 15 points in regulation play.

Four Progressive Cabinetry ballers scored four goals in the win: Ethan Angel, Barrett Raina, Mattox Caseman and Alonso Valle, who put three additional points on the scoreboard for the team’s win. Jackson Wyatt had three critical assists, along with assists by Caseman and Raina.

With playoff games in sight, any of the teams in the U9 and U13 leagues can end the season champions, despite big losses or slow starts to the season. Not a single team in either league should be counted out.

Sun Scoreboard

Tuesday, June 28

Youth Indoor Soccer – Week Three

U9

Bridgetender Inn (1-2-0) 1

Solid Rock Construction (2-1-0) 0

 

Ugly Grouper (2-1-0) 5

Blalock Walters (1-2-0) 3

U13

Moss Builders (1-2-0) 8

Freckled Fin (1-2-0) 2

 

Progressive Cabinetry (3-0-0) 15

Shady Lady (1-2-0) 4

Castles in the Sand

Mortgage interest rates rising again

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

Here’s a little perspective on the continuing increase of the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. Several months ago, I did an analysis of the average fixed-rate mortgage rates starting in 1971 recorded on Freddie Mac’s website. At the time, something told me that I should hang onto this research, however, I had no idea how much I would be referring to it during the past couple of months.

Since the Federal Reserve decided to increase interest rates in an effort to control inflation, the housing market has been substantially disrupted. Currently, the U.S. mortgage rates have reached their highest level in more than 13 years. The average interest rate for 2008 was 6.3% and we are already seeing rates at or near 6%. In June, the Federal Reserve increased rates by 0.75% points and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicates things are not likely to change soon. He hints that at the July meeting there will be another 0.75% increase. Mortgage rates don’t automatically increase when the Fed raises rates, but they are heavily influenced by it.

What we’re seeing happening around the country and in Florida is a decline in the number of sales, not a decline in sale price. Even though there is some increase in the number of new properties hitting the market, it is so marginal it doesn’t even come close to providing enough inventory to satisfy hungry buyers. In Manatee County in May, the supply of single-family homes finally exceeded one month, which is anemic when you consider that a six-month supply of available properties has traditionally been the benchmark for a healthy real estate market.

Complicating the availability versus demand ratio even further is the fact that so many homeowners refinanced their mortgages when rates were under and just over 3%. These homeowners have no incentive to sell any time soon and move on or up to another home. Even potential retirees are rethinking the benefit of selling, helping to freeze the market, not to mention the pandemic providing a new way to do business remotely, allowing employees to work from areas of the country with lower housing prices shifting the market.

Because the interest rates were so low for so long, buyers were able to purchase larger and more expensive homes. However, now with less purchasing power, young buyers are facing the reality of settling for a smaller home with fewer amenities in an area they may not really want to be. Housing costs in the country have jumped from 24% of the average household budget in the early 1970s to 27% in the late 1980s to 35% in 2019 with higher housing costs likely to come based on the increase in sale prices.

Most real estate professionals and economists don’t see prices going down. Goldman Sachs estimates housing prices will grow around 10% this year nationally and Bank of America forecasts 15%. So, it doesn’t look like the Federal Reserve’s plan to lower the heat on the housing market by increasing mortgage rates has worked; there is still a huge demand for properties. It has, however, brought a lot of pain to first time and marginal buyers.

Tony Veldkamp, the president of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee wisely says, “If the time is right for someone to purchase a home, they should not let interest rates deter them if they can afford the increase in payments. Homes can be permanent, whereas interest rates are temporary.”

I agree. The big picture is that interest rates are still low relative to other times in our history, and that’s my perspective.