Skip to main content

Tag: Anna Maria Island

Castles in the Sand

How not to derail your transaction

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

It’s the night before your home closing and your broker calls and says she was just notified by the lender there is a problem with the title and closing is postponed. The moving trucks on both ends of the transaction are ready to roll, your buyer’s son has already signed up for his new soccer team and everyone involved is having a breakdown.

Last-minute issues come up in almost every real estate transaction and title problems can be the most difficult to deal with. The best way to avoid the drama is to be prepared and be proactive, whether you’re the buyer, the seller or the real estate professional.

If you’re the seller and you have had any kind of county permit pulled for work performed in your home, like a new air-conditioning system or plumbing work that required a permit, make sure that the company that pulled the permit has sent a release to the county closing out an open permit. Same thing if you are having a debate with a contractor and are withholding funds; they may have put a “mechanic’s” lien on the property until they have full payment. Best to get this settled and the lien released before you go into contract with a buyer. Of course, the ultimate title issue is when one of the buyers becomes seriously impaired or passes away. Legal issues and delays will naturally follow, putting the transaction in jeopardy.

Another big derailment issue is financing. A contract for a real estate sale that involves financing will state how much money the buyer is financing and a time frame for application and approval, as well as the amount of earnest money being collected. To avoid any issues with a buyer not qualifying for a mortgage, all buyers requiring financing should be prequalified for an amount equal to the purchase price and amount of funds being borrowed.

The next big issue when working with a buyer who is financing is the property appraising. We are in such an evolving market, with sales numbers going up daily, that determining the appraised value is like trying to hit a moving target. Since appraisers can only use closed properties in their analysis and not properties for sale or under contract, it’s not surprising that appraisals come up short. Buyers need to be prepared in the event this happens to them. Having more cash ready to put down a larger down payment is generally the best thing to do, but in this market, don’t expect the seller to renegotiate the price down.

Engineer inspections are notorious for derailing a sale. Sellers have to get all their ducks in order, making sure the appliances, HVAC, roof and plumbing are in working order if that is what you represented to the buyer. And, at the time of the final walk-through, everything the buyer expects to be there under the contract should be there and working. This includes a buyer expecting the property to be broom clean. More than one transaction has fallen apart at the last minute because the dishwasher quit the night before.

Finally, if the buyer and seller have negotiated personal property to be conveyed with the sale, all parties should be clear on what they are. The more detail you can include in the original contract, the better it will be at the end. If you’re leaving two refrigerators, specify color and model; and if you’re leaving the family room furniture, try not to have your new puppy chew one of the legs the week before closing.

Many of the last-minute problems can be avoided with just a little planning. Don’t let the sales train get off the tracks – once it does, it’s pretty hard to get it back up and running.

Shorebird season scant on AMI

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Birds, Outdoors.

Shorebird nesting season on Anna Maria Island ends this month with only two least tern chicks surviving out of 30 – cats preyed on the rest, according to photographer Kathy Doddridge, a volunteer with Audubon Florida and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. The two chicks, banded for identification and tracking by Florida Audubon, were a product of the first least tern colony on the Island since May 2016. Least terns, a threatened species in Florida, laid 64 nests this year on AMI.

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

- Kathy Doddridge | Submitted

Castles in the Sand

Buying a condo on the beach is bound to change

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

How many people do you know who actually hired an engineer to inspect their purchase of a condo? I don’t mean just a building inspector to make sure the appliances, plumbing and air conditioning systems are working properly, and there are no obvious leaks from an upper unit, I mean an actual engineer. Well, get ready for the age of geotechnical engineers.

Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials using the principles of soil mechanics. In Surfside, Florida, the town sent letters to the owners of almost 40 properties that they begin safety inspections ahead of their 40-year recertification. It was stressed for those buildings on the ocean that they hire not just a structural engineer but a geotechnical engineer to analyze the foundation and subsurface soils.

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, geotechnical engineers specialize in understanding what’s beneath the ground’s surface mostly during pre-construction. However, experts can also be brought in to inspect the strength profile of the soil below an existing building to determine how much the building has settled over time.

Because of the Surfside tragedy, coastal municipalities and buyers of these properties will be taking a closer look at existing properties. Recently in Holmes Beach, a small condo building was voluntarily evacuated by the town because the balconies and stairways had cracks that required further inspection.

As a buyer of waterfront property, doing your due diligence is now more important than ever. In the frenzy of an over-heated real estate market, buyers are waiving structural inspections in order to enhance their offer. However, and I’ve said it before, this would be a very big mistake, particularly for waterfront properties on barrier islands.

Buyers are usually good at reviewing condo documents and financial records of the association they are buying into but frequently do not ask about board minutes that may include discussions regarding special assessments. To be fair, minutes from board meetings are generally only available to current owners and special assessments need only be disclosed to potential buyers once the board has voted on them. Nevertheless, an honest homeowner would indicate to a buyer who is already reviewing the association’s financials the potential of another assessment or correction of a structural problem where the funds are not yet allocated. Remember the spirit of disclosure laws, whether written or verbal, is to reveal defects in the property that could have a future effect on the value of a property.

Going forward, contracts of sale for beachfront and island properties, both single-family and condos, could contain clauses related to disclosure of any recertifications already performed or specific geotechnical testing that may have been done. Also, it’s reasonable to expect that buyers of these properties may also hire their own geotechnical engineers in addition to structural engineers and traditional home inspectors.

Twenty years ago, when I purchased a waterfront condo, I did not have a professional inspection. My husband and our friend went through the unit and determined everything looked just fine. I guess they did a good job because we’ve never had any problems with systems and certainly nothing structural. However, I look back now and wonder what were you thinking? Make sure your thinking is better than mine was; we’ve learned a lot this year, let’s put it to good use.

Red tide respiratory irritation risk remains

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Algae, Outdoors, Red tide.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide continues to pose a risk of respiratory irritation in Manatee and surrounding counties. The Florida Department of Health issued a warning that people may experience respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms, with some people who have breathing problems, such as asthma, experiencing more severe symptoms.

High levels of red tide were detected in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria on Aug. 9 according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Medium levels were detected at the Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach and low levels were detected at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge. Current forecasts are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.

Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Charlotte counties last week.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water and go inside to an air-conditioned space. Wearing masks, especially during onshore winds, is also advised.

Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Charlotte counties.

Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Florida Poison Control Centers have a toll-free 24/7 hotline for reporting illnesses, including health effects from exposure to red tide, at 1-888-232-8635.

Lauren Lewe and daughter

AMI photo brings inspiration at the worst of times

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At the age of 39, a Jacksonville, Fla. mother of two didn’t expect to ring in the new year at the Mayo Clinic undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm, but Lauren Lewe says a picture of her two young daughters on an Anna Maria Island beach helped her get through the ordeal.

Lewe began having worsening symptoms that continued to be misdiagnosed by doctors months before tests showed she had a 17mm unruptured brain aneurysm. She was admitted to the Mayo Clinic on Dec. 30, 2020 with surgery scheduled for the next day.

“When I was admitted to the hospital, my husband Jon went home to get some things for our stay,” she said. “Our oldest daughter, Finley, sent him back with a picture of her and her little sister Emery from our trip to Anna Maria Island in 2020. With pure innocence, she told him it would make me happy. That was an understatement. After seeing the picture, I remember thinking I just wanted to be able to go back there. Please, God, let me live, my family needs me.” 

Lewe daughters
The picture of her daughters that Lauren Lewe kept in her bed during her stay at Mayo Clinic. – Submitted

Lewe said the picture never left her bed the entire time, from the neuro floor to ICU and back to neuro. 

“The picture brought me so much comfort and helped me get through some of the most terrifying moments of my life,” Lewe said. “The doctor that saved my life, Dr. David Miller at Mayo Clinic, asked about it, our vacations to Anna Maria Island and our girls. He told me I would be going back there this summer. He was calm and confident and I believed him. Well, he was right. We spent a week in paradise at the end of July. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this life.”

Lewe said she began coming to the Island as a child and was excited to share the experiences with her children. The family made their first trip together in July 2018 and has been coming ever since, with no plans to stop the tradition. Lewe says a lot of the family’s favorite Island adventures involve food. Ice cream at Dips, morning golf cart rides to Ginny’s & Jane E’s for cinnamon rolls and The Donut Experiment are family favorites.

“AMI allows you to slow down, relax, enjoy quiet living and it brings out pure happiness in our entire family. It is truly a special and magical Island where memories are made. This visit may be the most special and one I’ll cherish forever because I wasn’t sure I would be here to experience it,” Lewe said.

Lewe continues to have a clean bill of health, and looks forward to many years of return visits to the place she calls “paradise.”

City buzzing about noise regulations

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – More changes are on the way for the city’s noise regulations with the proposed addition of the term “plainly audible,” a requirement to face noise-producing electronics toward the rental units and a proposition to get a financial bond or some other financial security for unpaid noise citations.

Commissioners discussed the issue of excessive noise in residential communities during a July 27 work session. Despite Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer saying the city’s current ordinance is working and is “a model ordinance” being emulated by other cities, commissioners are considering adding the current regulations to help curtail noise between houses.

One of the things already being used by police and code officers responding to noise violation complaints is “plainly audible.” Commissioners agreed that the term needs to be added to the current noise ordinance for clarification and enforcement.

Tokajer said he’s instructed officers arriving at a noise complaint to judge if the noise being heard would disturb them at night in their home. If so, he said officers can consider the noise complaint valid. Currently, officers use the plainly audible method in addition to noise meters and the seven noise standards already set out in the ordinance when responding to quiet hours noise complaints between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. A motion to use the plainly audible standard during the day failed to achieve a consensus between commissioners.

With increased enforcement, Tokajer said officers have issued more tickets in 2021 than in 2020, with 37 noise citations issued through the end of June. He said officers issued 29 citations all year in 2020.

He added that officers received 330 calls for service for noise issues in 2020 and 164 through June 30 in 2021.

Commissioners agreed to move the first reading of the amended noise ordinance to a future meeting.

Other changes being considered to the city’s noise regulations include a requirement to face a noise-producing device, such as a stereo or boom box, toward the rental unit where it is located to reduce noise to neighboring properties, and the placement of a sign reminding visitors that they’re renting in a residential neighborhood outside by pools. Both changes are under consideration to be added to the city’s vacation rental ordinance.

Commissioners also instructed staff to look into options for obtaining a bond or some other financial security instrument for unpaid noise citations. Thus far, Tokajer said all noise citations issued have been paid. Commissioners agreed they’d like to get out in front of the potential problem of unpaid fines before it becomes an issue.

Related coverage

Holmes Beach commissioner receives noise warning

Commissioners consider changes to noise ordinance

Castles in the Sand

Are we starting to see a normal market?

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Real estate | Development.

I’m starting to read in national publications that the real estate market is beginning to return to normal with more new listings hitting the market, especially in what is considered the luxury market. Well, if that’s true, no one told the homeowners and homebuyers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

But could this be a predictor of the future?

According to Realtor.com, nationally new active listings for June were 43% less than June of last year – an improvement from May of this year, when the difference was 60% from May of last year. Those numbers do show a trend in more active listings nationwide. According to Realtor.com, this change is reflected in the new listing prices going down as well in June.

In addition, Realtor.com is reporting that the number of new listings over $1 million jumped 17.5% for the week ended June 19 compared to the same week last year. By comparison, new listings priced under $350,000 were down 7.4% for the same week. Obviously, lower-end homeowners never have the same flexibility that higher-end homeowners do, especially since many of the higher-end properties are second homes.

Real estate analysts are taking the position that more houses are coming on the market particularly for high-end properties. Owners who decided not to list during the worst of the pandemic when it wasn’t practical to list their homes are now ready to move on. Also, even those homeowners who were not thinking about selling are now rethinking their decision when they see the sale prices zooming up. That said, it is still a hot market with very low interest rates for mortgages. However, per the National Association of Realtors, it is no longer a frenzy where the sky’s the limit.

So, do homeowners in Manatee County believe any of this? It sure doesn’t appear that they do. April, May, and June’s new listings are stable at 797, 787 and 784, respectively. Pending numbers are also very close with April at 1,167, May at 1,180 and June at 1,080. And, there is certainly no negative effect on the median selling price at $405,000 for April, $400,000 for May and $405,305 for June.

That said, the last three month’s new listings, pending listings and median single-family sale price appear to be leveling off. Is it buyer fatigue or are we about to see some changes? Florida has seen a large influx of new residents that started before the pandemic but has accelerated since. We are now the third-largest state in population in the country and have attracted many northeastern homeowners and businesses, alike. So, will Florida follow the national trend?

Maybe. A more normal market would be beneficial for everyone. I just don’t think we’re there yet, regardless of what may be happening in other parts of the country. Florida steps to its own drummer and has always surprised the high-end market in what is considered the more sophisticated areas of the country. But those days may be over.

You don’t need to be a prophet to know that you can’t time the stock market and you can’t time the real estate market. If it’s the right time for you to sell for reasons beyond maximizing your profit, then you must do it. If it’s the right time for you to buy, you need to find the best possible property for your family and try and make it work financially. Thankfully, none of us are Nostradamus. Where’s the fun in being him, anyway?

Red tide causes fish kills, symptoms

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Health.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide is not only killing fish in waters around the Island, but people are experiencing the trademark respiratory symptoms associated with the toxic algae.

Visitor Jackie Harling said she and her husband and daughter began having symptoms on July 20.

“We know for sure it was a red tide as the moment we opened our truck doors we all started coughing,” she said. “We loaded everything into our condo and spent the majority of the time in the condo until the next day where my husband and daughter were outside for a couple of hours and realized it was not a good situation. Even though I had been indoors most of the time, I was having trouble breathing.”

NOAA has issued a red tide respiratory warning for Manatee and surrounding counties, noting that impacts vary by location and with wind direction. Current forecasts of respiratory irritation are available at NOAA and at Mote.

Red tide-related respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, and in Sarasota, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.

Manatee County registered high levels of red tide in water samples at the Longboat Pass boat ramp and 10th Street Pier on July 19.

Levels were medium at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria on July 19 and at the Seafood Shack Restaurant on July 22.

Low levels were detected at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge in Bradenton on July 19 and very low at Key Royale in Holmes Beach on July 15.

Levels ranged from background to high concentrations in 21 samples collected from Manatee County waters. The FWC also reported high concentrations of red tide in areas of Pinellas and Sarasota counties and medium levels in areas of Hillsborough County.

Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando and Lee counties.

Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Gov. Ron DeSantis last week refused the request of conservation groups to declare a state of emergency due to ongoing red tide in and around Tampa Bay.

Five conservation groups filed a lawsuit on June 24 against the owners of Piney Point and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, claiming that the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater from the Piney Point phosphogypsum stack in Manatee County could be feeding the algae bloom. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus act as fertilizer for the toxic red tide algae.

DeSantis said the state had budgeted money to mitigate red tide, and that the tourism industry could be harmed by declaring a state of emergency.

“It would have been very irresponsible to do that,” he said, adding that the Legislature has appropriated up to $100 million to “mothball Piney Point.”

Castles in the Sand

The always-evolving real estate market

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

Not everyone wants to own a home of their own. Those of us who have always owned rather than rented understand the challenges faced in ownership, whether you’re in a single-family home or a condo. I know the feeling; there have been many days when I wished I didn’t have the responsibility of home ownership, and an interesting concept floating around the country may be right up my alley.

There are high-end rental communities being built by top single-home builders catering to individuals who do not feel they need to buy a home. This trend is increasing and appealing to a variety of people ranging from young professionals who have not been able to fight their way into the housing market to empty-nesters who are taking their equity and opting for a turn-key lifestyle.

These “build-to-rent” single-home communities are designed exclusively for rentals with high-end finishes and amenities that are geared to appeal to the luxury market. Rents in the $2,500 to $3,000 range can make sense for people with good incomes who may not be worried about accruing wealth in their homes. It’s kind of the perfect arrangement for seniors who aren’t dependent upon building equity and want a fresh high-end home to live in.

And so far, it appears this is not going away. The build-to-rent segment of the real estate market is growing. In 2020, 60,000 build-to-rent homes were constructed, and in 2021 it is expected that the number will increase to 80,000. Renting is looking better and better to a large segment of the population, allowing for a quick relocation for job or family responsibilities.

Before we go over the June sales statistics, I thought I would share yet another “best place” report recently published by Southern Living Magazine. This one is America’s best beach towns for retirement. Thankfully, Bradenton and Anna Maria Island were not on this list; however, five other Florida cities were, three of them on the west coast – Naples, which came in number one, Sarasota, Venice, Vero Beach and Stuart. And let’s give recognition to our neighbor Lakewood Ranch for being named the best-selling community in the country with 1,535 new home sales through the end of June.

Here are the June Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Closed single-family homes were up 24.3% from last year; cash sales were up 129.9%; the median sale price was $405,305, up 24.7%; the average sale price was $576,522, up 37.5% and the median time to contract was five days.

Condos closed 38.8% more this June compared to last June; cash sales were up 61%; the median sale price was $280,000, up 30.7%; the average sale price was $331,691, up 39% and the median time to contract was six days.

Available inventory continues to be low; about a six-month supply for both single-family homes and condos. Sarasota County is also experiencing higher sales prices every month and low inventory as well. Also impressive is the percentage of cash sales from last year for single-family properties, up just under 130%.

Obviously, it’s still a great seller’s market, but don’t assume the market and personal family issues can’t change on a dime, making renting very attractive to some. The real estate market continues to evolve, offering more and more lifestyle options. In an ever-changing world, it’s always nice to leave your options open.

Holmes Beach leaders start 2021-22 budget talks

Holmes Beach leaders start 2021-22 budget talks

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Budget discussions are underway in Holmes Beach and commissioners so far have only made a few minor adjustments to the proposed 2021-22 fiscal year finances.

City Treasurer Lori Hill presented the proposed $11,156,128 budget to city commissioners during a July 13 work session. In addition to the more than $11 million break-even revenue/expense budget, Hill’s proposal also included $9,306,655 estimated reserves and carryover from the previous year for a total of $20,462,782.

Some revenue, including proceeds from the half-cent sales tax, state revenue sharing, and communication tax are all estimates until final numbers are received from the state, Hill said. Until the end of the current fiscal year, Sept. 30, the $5,526,635 in unassigned reserves/general fund is also an estimate.

Commissioners voted unanimously on July 15 in a special meeting to set the maximum millage rate for the coming fiscal year at 2.25 mills, the same as the current year and in line with what Hill suggested during the budget workshop.

Millage is the tax amount charged to property owners by the city for each $1,000 of assessed property value determined by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Despite proposing the same 2.25 millage rate as the current year, Hill said the city’s ad valorem revenue would increase by 6.93% due to an increase in property values.

The 2.25 mills rate is 6.24% higher than the rollback rate of 2.1178 mills which would bring in the same amount of ad valorem revenue as the current fiscal year.

While some commissioners questioned whether or not they could potentially lower the millage rate and still meet the city’s financial goals for the 2021-22 fiscal year to give property owners a tax break, Hill said that the city cannot lower the millage rate and still receive federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Currently, she said she does not know how much funding the city could receive under the program, which will see funds distributed by state officials, or what those funds could be used for. Commissioners agreed to reassess their options in September during the two required public hearings for the budget when they hopefully will have more information on the possible amount of funding and its approved uses.

During budget discussions, commissioners reviewed areas where there are significant changes proposed, including in the police department, public works and outside agency funding.

Outside agency funding, which includes city contributions to The Center of Anna Maria Island and other nonprofit organizations on the Island, only saw a $2,500 increase from the previous year to a total of $27,500 but was a topic of some debate among commissioners. Ultimately, commissioners voted three-to-two, with Commissioners Jim Kihm and Jayne Christenson dissenting, to budget $25,000 for a contribution to The Center, one that would be guaranteed and not require commissioners’ to approve before it can be distributed to the nonprofit. The contribution is $2,500 higher than the $22,500 that has been given in previous years. The additional $2,500 in the $27,500 line item is to be distributed to other Island nonprofits at the mayor’s discretion.

The general government budget also increased by $4,000 after budget discussions at the workshop to allow for any commissioner who wants one to receive a city-issued laptop to conduct city business with instead of using their private devices.

The mayor and commission budget remained largely the same at $205,006, with $1,820 added for increases in elected officials’ stipends and $2,785 in increased computer and information technology services.

The budget for the Holmes Beach Police Department is proposed to increase by $374,105 to $3,990,311 for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Increases in the budget include the rehiring of a records clerk for the department, a position that was lost during the 2018-19 fiscal year and put off to cut costs in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years. It also includes the addition of another officer to assist in the promotion of Det. Sgt. Brian Hall to lieutenant and succession planning for the eventual retirement of Chief Bill Tokajer.

Other costs are the long-planned 911 upgrade that every law enforcement and first responder agency in Manatee County is required to participate in, the purchase of a new vehicle for the new hire officer, a new computer server, $64,000 for new tasers for officers to replace aging ones that are out of warranty and associated liability protections, $5,000 for five new bulletproof vests and $5,200 for the purchase of a new bulletproof shield. Tokajer said he hopes to recoup some of the funds for the bulletproof vest purchase via a grant.

The budget for the public works department is proposed to increase by $688,280 to $2,660,173. Planned spending in that department includes the addition of one new employee, an in-house engineer, $100,000 to repair 13 trolley stops and add two new ones, new phones and software for employees and rollover funds for lighting and landscaping at city center.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that some of the funding for the in-house engineer position is planned to be recouped in lowered professional service fees paid to outside engineering firms by the city.

The building department’s budget is proposed to come in at $821,536, an increase of $191,960 over the current fiscal year. Planned spending includes the addition of a new employee, new computer equipment and a new server and $105,000 to be paid to LaRue Planning for services to the city, not including a payment of $27,000 for the final year of the comprehensive plan review which staff from LaRue is assisting planning commissioners on. The comprehensive plan expenditure is noted under the general government budget.

The Code Compliance budget is projected to increase by $50,197 to $640,863 to account for the hiring of a new full-time employee and the purchase of a new Ford F150 vehicle. Other line items, including professional services where officers plan to spend $32,000 less than the previous year.

Holmes Beach commissioners plan to host the first of two required budget hearings where the public is invited to speak and ask questions about planned spending at 5 p.m. on Sept. 15. The final budget hearing is planned for 5 p.m. on Sept. 28. The new budget will go into effect on Oct. 1.

Copies of the proposed budget are available to the public in the lobby at Holmes Beach City Hall.

 

Related coverage

County commissioners refuse Holmes Beach funding request

Holmes Beach police get two new ATVs with COVID grant

 

Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years

Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Real estate | Development.

ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan celebrated her company’s 20th anniversary last week.

In addition to being her birthday, Tuesday, July 13, marked 20 years since the energetic redhead purchased her office building at 310 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

“I incorporated in the spring, but I bought the building on my birthday: July 13, 2001. I use today as my actual date. It makes you feel official when you own the dirt,” Duncan said when interviewed at her office on her birthday.

“When I bought this building, nobody wanted to touch Pine Avenue. I knew someday this street would blossom and I knew I could not open a business without owning the dirt. I got my mortgage at a spring training game, shaking hands with the mortgage holder. I bought the building on a handshake,” she said.

Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years
Knowing the importance of “owning the dirt,” Darcie Duncan bought her office building on Pine Avenue 20 years ago. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

At the time, Duncan already had 11 years of experience as a real estate broker.

“The industry was at a pivotal point and changing with technology and the Internet. I felt I needed to go out on my own because I was ready to change with it. I’ve sold real estate on the Island for 31 years now,” she said.

Duncan Real Estate has 20 employees, but it started as a solo act.

“I was all by myself, then I had one person come in and help and I grew from there. I had the front office and that was it.”

Duncan has learned a lot in 20 years.

“Learning to surround myself with the right people really helped my career. I had to learn about leadership and how to embrace that. I learned to treat people how I would want to be treated. You have to be a good listener and be available for your team. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. My team is awesome and I love them. I have good managers that help me manage. We work together and we collaborate. The culture of my company is teamwork,” Duncan said.

“My customers make me better too. My company is built on those relationships. I’m doing generational business and that’s something you can’t put a price tag on. I’ve also had a wonderful support system of friends and colleagues and mentors throughout my life.”

Duncan has also learned the importance of getting away from work: “I love to go fishing. That’s my passion. I love to get together with friends and get out on my boat. That’s my happy place. I’m starting to travel more by RV and seeing more of the country.”

Changing markets

Duncan has watched the Anna Maria Island real estate market evolve.

“Back when I started, the houses were not as upscale. The demands of the buyer 20 years ago are totally different than today. Back then, a 3,000-square-foot house was incredible. Today, that’s the average size for new construction. Twenty years ago, they were just ground-level block houses. Over the years we’ve seen that change because of FEMA and other factors.

“Things were simpler and more basic back then. Now it’s all the bells and whistles – the pool, high-end kitchens, home offices and yoga and wellness spaces. You just didn’t have that 20 years ago,” Duncan said.

Yet, today’s homebuyers still have a lot in common with buyers from the past.

“The buyer here on the Island still comes here for the laid-back lifestyle – and that hasn’t changed all that much, even though the price has gone up. They still want to go fishing, go to the beach, catch a sunset and visit our local establishments.”

The vacation rental industry has also changed.

“In 2001, the Island wasn’t as developed and vacation rentals weren’t weekly rentals. They were monthly rentals and snowbirds. In the summer, it was our in-state people coming to their summer homes. The vacation rental industry was nothing like it is today, and we didn’t have half as many homes to rent,” Duncan said.

Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years
Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan has evolved with the Island’s changing real estate and vacation rental markets. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Regarding the current market, Duncan said, “It’s the best it’s ever been. As far as sales, we’re on track for a record-breaking year. With rentals, we’re seeing it slow a little as normal for August through October, but it’s still busier than past years and our winter bookings are looking strong.” When asked about her success, Duncan said, “There is no secret. It’s hard work. You get up every day and you do the best you can. When something knocks you down, you get up and find a different way to deal with it. I never thought I would be sitting here today saying my company is 20 years old. I’m really proud, and I’m proud of my team.

“Honesty and integrity are big for me. You can’t write a check for that. That’s how I live, that’s how I conduct my business and that’s the culture we’ve built with this company. I also believe in my community. I live in the community I work in. I give back to my community and my community’s given back to me. I was raised on this Island and this Island’s special and important to me.”

Looking ahead, Duncan said, “I could see myself being in the business 20 years from now. To say I had 50 years under my belt would be spectacular – and learning that life/work balance will help me obtain that.”

New structural problems in Holmes Beach

Building evacuated due to structural issues

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – A four-unit building on Sixth Avenue was voluntarily evacuated on July 15 after a repairman noticed structural issues with the balconies.

Building Official Neal Schwartz said that the issues at the building at 3400 Sixth Ave. could lead to a collapse, but that they were discovered before any other damage occurred. The property owners voluntarily vacated the premises until the problem could be assessed by a structural engineer and repaired, he said.

Caution tape warns visitors to stay away from the pool deck after balconies on the building were discovered to have structural issues. – Kristin Swain | Sun

All of the balconies on the building are compromised and will have to be replaced, then the building will have to be inspected before it can be deemed safe for habitation, he said.

The building, part of the Fountain Head two-building complex, is mostly used as vacation rental units, Schwartz said. He added that while the exterior stucco is separating from the building on the south end of the property, the building at 3402 Sixth Ave. is not experiencing any issues, though he said condominium association officials plan to have it checked just to make sure.

A sign posted on the staircases to access the residential units at 3400 Sixth Ave. warn that the building is unsafe and that anyone who enters does so at their own risk. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The four-plex was constructed in 1984 according to Manatee County Property Appraiser records.

Code Compliance Officer Kim Charron said the issues with the balconies were reported to the department by a rental agent who was told by a repairman that there was something suspicious going on with the balcony at one of the units. The matter was then turned over to the city’s building department.

If Sixth Avenue sounds familiar, it’s because the north end of the street is where a balcony collapsed at a residential home in late June.

That home at 4106 Sixth Ave. is still awaiting repairs, though Schwartz said no issues have come up concerning the structure of other homes in the area with a similar build.

The Sun submitted a public records request to learn the name of the contractor who built the home and other similar structures in the area. As of press time for The Sun, the city had not released the requested records.

With structural issues at residential properties making some homeowners nervous, Schwartz said he recommends that anyone who has concerns or who spots a potential issue in their home, business or rental property contact the city’s building department for an inspection. He said it’s better to catch potential issues before they become a safety hazard.

Related coverage

 

Balcony collapses in Holmes Beach

 

Island building owners warned to investigate structural issues

 

Former Island building official last to inspect Surfside condo

Red tide reaches Manatee waters

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Outdoors, Red tide.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For the first time since red tide emerged several weeks ago in surrounding counties, Manatee County registered high levels of red tide in water samples at the Longboat Pass boat ramp on July 12, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Levels were very low at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria, at Key Royale in Holmes Beach and at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge in Bradenton on July 12. Levels ranged from background to high concentrations in 18 samples collected from Manatee County waters.

The FWC also reported high concentrations of red tide in areas of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.

Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, and in Sarasota, Pinellas and Lee counties.

Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Lee counties.

Some scientists claim that the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater from the Piney Point fertilizer plant in March and April could be feeding the algae bloom.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.

Consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Health officials also warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

Castles in the Sand

A group home by any other name

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

A group home is defined as a small number of unrelated people, in need of support, living together. This may be the long-established definition, but in today’s unprecedented real estate environment it may have taken on an expanded definition.

It would be redundant to say that real estate values on Anna Maria Island have increased to an extraordinary level during the past few years. Second-home buyers who have flocked to Anna Maria for decades are finding they can’t afford or justify the expense of purchasing a home to use for just part of the year. To fill this opening there is a new homeownership concept – or maybe just a jazzed-up version of an old concept.

Co-ownership is a new model conceived by a California company called Pacaso. The idea is to bring together co-buyers in a luxury home they would not ordinarily be able to afford, to use on a rotating basis as a second home. The process, according to them, is straightforward. Pacaso acquires private homes in upscale vacation residential areas and structures them as eight-member LLCs. Buyers then purchase an ownership interest in the home, ranging from one-eighth to one-half of true ownership of the property.

One of the selling points is, of course, a much smaller investment in the property and no responsibility for maintenance, which is managed by the company for an additional fee. They also make the point that second-home owners frequently don’t use their full homeownership up to the level they had anticipated and have tied up millions of dollars in assets that are no longer liquid.

The regions that Pacaso is active in are, not surprisingly, the high-end markets of Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale in Florida and posh areas of Colorado, California and Utah. They are investing in multi-million-dollar homes that offer amenities most second-home buyers could not afford on their own. One of the typical properties on their website in Fort Lauderdale was a $6,000,000 waterfront property with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and more than 5,000 square feet. The one-eighth ownership was $895,000 and additional fees were not indicated. This would give you part ownership that you could use for a month and a half every year. How you determine the months was also not indicated.

Even though they say that co-ownership is not fractional ownership, which has been around for a long time, some of the elements are the same, like having your name on the deed. This is entirely different from timeshares, which is buying the right to use the property but without ownership rights. And, of course, many buyers and family members do get together and purchase homes jointly and manage it themselves. But for those second-home buyers who do not have relationships that will enable them to do this, co-ownership managed by a corporation fills that gap.

So, does Anna Maria want this type of ownership on the Island? My guess is no, as residents of Napa Valley in California also don’t want it. Homeowners there have organized and made it very uncomfortable for Pacaso to operate. They are confronting potential buyers and have attempted to pass regulations to control co-ownership purchases.

Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if Pacaso or some other co-ownership company starts to buy up our multi-million-dollar properties to sell as co-ownerships. In my opinion, it would be another negative slap in the face for Anna Maria. If it happens it will be very gradual, before anyone knows what’s going on. So stay alert – the concept is really just an extravagant group home.

Reel Time: Sea trout

Reel Time: How to catch sea trout

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

Sea trout have always been a target of local anglers, mostly as a food source but rarely by fishermen seeking a trophy. Most would rather target redfish, snook and larger species like tarpon and kingfish. The average Gulf coast trout weighs in at about 2 pounds and doesn’t put much of a bend in a light fly or spinning rod. Larger trout are harder to find, are much warier, and a worthy adversary on any tackle.

In the early 80s, it wasn’t uncommon to catch an 8-pound trout during the late winter and early spring. By the mid-80s, a large trout was hard to capture on any tackle. The net ban that was enacted in 1995 gave anglers great hope for a resurgence in trout populations. The net ban helped restore trout populations, but the anticipated resurgence of trout proved uneven at best. In the last few years, catching larger trout from 4-6 pounds has been a real possibility for conventional and fly anglers who are patient.

Traditionally, the best time to target trout is during the months of March, April and May. The months of December through February can also be good options for trout as they forage for food during the lean winter season. In late summer, late outgoing tides on the full and new moons can also produce some large specimens.

Sight fishing trout requires a stealthy approach. A wading angler moving too quickly through the water or rocking an approaching boat while casting can spook trout. For any measure of success, move extremely slowly and avoid any errant sounds like a push pole hitting the boat or a rustling anchor chain that will telegraph an angler’s presence.

Flats with healthy grass beds with white sand holes and edges provide cover and forage for baitfish, shrimp and mullet, and are prime habitat for large trout. When picking a fly or plug, try to mimic the prevalent forage food. In local estuaries and the open bay, mullet may be the dominant food source, but trout are opportunists and will pursue glass minnows, shrimp, pilchards and other available food sources. The pattern varies depending on the season and water temperatures. During times of low visibility and low tides, anglers can move their efforts to the deeper edges of flats, the drop-offs into rivers and bays and the deep edges of oyster bars.

Fly leaders should be long and tapered (up to 12 feet) with no more than a 30-pound bite tippet. I prefer a premium 20-pound fluorocarbon bite tippet. While it’s possible to catch big trout on a larger tippet, I think the smaller diameter is best for the biggest and wariest trout. Your approach, even on foot, is very important. One of my favorite ways to hunt big trout is with a top water plug or popper. Plugs and noisy poppers can actually scare big trout when the sun is high, but are deadly early in the morning and just before dark. When wading, shuffle your feet and move slowly to avoid a pressure wave. Fly fishers need to be stealthy and avoid disturbing the water when lifting the line for another cast. Every advantage is necessary in the hunt for big trout.

This is a game in which anglers may have to cover a lot of water. When fishing for trout, never run the flats, looking instead for surface action, including schools of baitfish, mullet and diving seabirds. Top producing flies include the Clouser Deep Minnows, Lefty’s Deceivers and top water poppers like the Garthside Gurgler. Some of my favorite plugs are the Heddon “Zara Spook,” the MirrOlure “Top Dog” and the Rebel “Jumping Minnow.”

Now might not be “prime” time to target trout in local water, but it’s a good time to perfect your approach. Many of the trout you catch will be unwanted and undersized, so remember to handle with care and release them quickly. Release them in the water if possible and always wet your hands if you handle them. Trout might not be glamorous but they are a worthy adversary for local anglers. Always remember to check regulations before keeping any fish.