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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Parks members set sights on former bank property

Parks committee members set sights on former bank property

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

HOLMES BEACH – Members of the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee are working on a proposal which, if approved by city commissioners, could create an acre of green space at the city’s commercial center.

A recent business casualty in the area, the permanent closure of the city’s Wells Fargo branch, has given parks committee members the idea of turning the old bank property into a city park. Unfortunately for the city, the project could carry a hefty price tag.

After briefly discussing the possibility of acquiring the vacant property during their March meeting, member Alec Graham said that he’d done some research into obtaining the property and turning it into a city park. He estimates the cost of demolition for the current building to be about $500,000. He suggested city leaders could use part or all of the estimated $1.8 million expected from federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase the property. After sending his suggestions to Mayor Judy Titsworth, Graham said he hadn’t yet received a reply.

City Commissioner Carol Soustek, the commission’s liaison to the parks committee, said that she understands that the land, located at a prime intersection on the Island, is very valuable and doesn’t believe that it will be for sale long. She added that while the city’s leaders are looking at making land acquisitions, most of those are for greenspace and preservation of wetlands that can be primarily left in as-is condition without the need for construction or demolition. In contrast, Soustek said the Wells Fargo property would be “a massive undertaking” for the city.

“It’s not undoable,” she said, “but it’s a dream you have to work on.”

The Wells Fargo bank property, 5327 Gulf Drive, is for sale through JLL, a realty company, for $2.4 million. The 1.66-acre site is situated on two parcels with a two-story bank building and 71 parking spaces, some of which are rented to the adjacent marina and Waterline resort. The property is zoned C3 for high-density commercial use.

Parks members meet on Wednesday, May 5 at 10 a.m. Holmes Beach City Hall for their final meeting before their customary summer break.

Castles in the Sand

Are we in a boom or a bust?

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

Happy tax day! Well, maybe not, since tax day has been extended another month. With so much going on in the world and in the country, it’s easy to forget about some things that are traditional and ingrained in our psyche, like April 15 being the most dreaded day on the calendar.

Until a few years ago, April 15 represented a real benefit to homeowners with mortgages. Mortgage interest on primary homes and secondary homes has always been a staple of the real estate industry. Buy a home, take out a mortgage and deduct the interest at the end of the year. However, because of a change in the tax code, deducting mortgage interest may not be as attractive now to homeowners with an increase in the standard deduction and a cap on the deductible amount of mortgage interest.

Believe me, this is not a reason not to purchase a home and take out a mortgage. Mortgage rates are historically low, even if they have ticked up in the last two months. But finding a home to purchase right now will be a challenge with or without a mortgage.

Today’s real estate market is making history every day, breaking records on sales prices and eating up every single property that comes on the market. Are we in a boom, or are we getting ready for a bust? Typically, you could ask five different economists and get five different answers, but most of them now will say that longer-term trends are at play that should keep the housing market hot.

Why is this? For one thing, even with the pandemic on the brink of being over, COVID has forced the workforce to rethink where they live and why they live there. People who moved last year weren’t just thinking of a temporary place to escape during the pandemic, but a real re-evaluation of their lives, and that’s not going to change.

Millennials are also a big influence in the future real estate markets. They are chomping at the bit to buy a home, start families and settle down in a community. But unless their grandparents’ generation finally sells their forever homes, there will be no forever for this generation.

Countries around the globe that are experiencing the same type of housing market have the same worries about the same type of bubble. However, the consensus is that the buying is being driven by real demand rather than speculation, with families looking to upgrade to larger properties in suburban areas as they work more from home.

What’s going on now is the inverse of the previous housing boom in the mid-2000s. At that time, lending standards were downgraded, allowing buyers to purchase properties beyond their means using risky mortgage products.

According to the National Association of Realtors, between 2006 and 2014, about 9.3 million households went through foreclosure, gave up their home to a lender or sold as a distress sale. We are nowhere near that type of activity; in fact, mortgage qualification standards are at the highest they have been in most of our memories. The biggest threat to the housing market now is mortgage rates going up substantially and a serious lack of inventory, which will slow down sales considerably.

At least for this year, you can put off the only thing besides death where you have no choice. As for me, I’m facing it dead on and paying up on April 15, but that’s me – why spend another month thinking about the inevitable? Stay safe.

County to close vaccine appointments, site

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

MANATEE COUNTY – If you’ve been waiting to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the county-run Tom Bennett Park vaccination site, your chances to get that first shot are about to be limited.

In an April 7 press release, county officials announced that with vaccine doses becoming available through local pharmacies and doctors’ offices, they’re closing the standby waiting pool for vaccine appointments. The final patients still in the waiting pool who respond to the automated phone call, text and email sent on behalf of Manatee County will be scheduled for first vaccine appointments April 13-15 at Tom Bennett Park.

Registration for the standby waiting pool will be closed at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 12.

If you miss your opportunity to get an appointment for your first vaccination through Manatee County, officials will be hosting a first-come-first-served vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 21. Anyone receiving a first vaccine dose during the April 21 event will receive their second dose on May 19.

For anyone who’s already had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through Manatee County, the second dose vaccination site at the Manatee County Public Safety Center will remain open through the end of the day April 30. After that, the remaining second doses will be administered at Tom Bennett Park.

For more information on receiving a second vaccine dose through Manatee County, or to download a consent form, visit the second dose site online.

To receive a second dose at one of the Manatee County sites, patients must show their card showing the first dose of the vaccine, valid photo identification and a completed copy of the vaccine consent form available to download online.

For more information on receiving a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through Manatee County, visit the COVID-19 vaccine website or call 311.

All Florida residents aged 18 and older are eligible to receive a vaccine through Manatee County.

County officials will continue to monitor the demand for first dose administration at the Tom Bennett Park site through the end of the month to determine if that site needs to remain open for COVID-19 vaccination first doses.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for ages 16 and older, with parent or guardian permission for those under 18, through area CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie locations.

For a vaccine appointment at CVS, visit the pharmacy online.

Appointments at area Publix locations open at 7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Appointments booked on Wednesdays are for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Appointments booked on Mondays and Fridays are for the Moderna vaccine. For more information, visit them online.

For appointments through Walgreens locations, visit the pharmacy’s website.

To book an appointment at a local Walmart pharmacy, visit their COVID-19 vaccine webpage.

Appointments at Winn-Dixie locations can be booked online.

Related coverage

 

Manatee County offers vaccine registration to those 18 or older

 

More people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine

 

Here’s where to get vaccines in Manatee County

Worshippers brave cold sunrise service

Worshippers brave cold Easter sunrise service

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

HOLMES BEACH – More than a thousand people braved chilly temperatures at Manatee Beach to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at the 56th Annual Easter Sunrise Service.

The annual event was organized by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island and performed by members of Roser Memorial Church, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Harvey Memorial Church and CrossPointe Fellowship.

Russell Brier and Morgan Lawson provided music for the service with help from Chuck Caudill.

Worshippers brave cold sunrise service
Rev. Edward Moss, from CrossPointe Fellowship, delivered the sermon, “The Relevance of the Resurrection.” – Tom Vaught | Sun

Last year, the Kiwanis Club canceled the service due to the COVID-19 pandemic and attendees this year were urged to observe social distancing as they found a place to sit. There was an advisory in the program telling them they assumed liability for their actions and held the organizers harmless.

After the service, Kiwanis member Dave Miner was enthusiastic, saying the turnout was larger than expected and may have been a record.

Record or not, some saw it as a return toward normalcy that was shattered by the coronavirus more than a year ago.

Castles in the Sand

No inventory, no sales?

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

Remember last March – the week the country shut down – and you raced to the supermarket to stock up on food and toilet paper? My biggest shock was going to Publix on March 17 and seeing about a quarter of the usual supply of fresh meat in the store’s coolers and empty shelves for paper products. I thought, “This is America; where is all the food?” and realized then that life can turn on a dime, or, in this case, on a virus.

Thankfully, we’re almost out of the COVID crisis, but the fallout from this past year will go on for some time, changing lifestyles, work habits and in particular, the real estate market. By now everyone knows that the COVID year has been abnormally good for the housing market. The combination of the ability to work remotely, record-low mortgage rates and the desire for individuals and families to move into less densely populated areas has flooded the market with buyers racing to find a new home.

In addition, working remotely was largely available to higher-income workers who generally make up the majority of homebuyers. Unfortunately, lower-income workers who may not be able to do their jobs remotely have suffered, as well as young millennials who have become priced out of buying their first home.

Florida has benefited from the migration from other states this year – particularly people moving from the northeast who were hit badly by the virus and have endured strict lockdowns. Also, the Florida Realtors Association has recently reported their agents across Florida are seeing a higher number of new clients from California looking for a less expensive lifestyle with the benefit of the good weather they’re accustomed to. Orlando is seeing a flood of buyers from California as well as Miami attracting venture capitalists and finance companies.

The downside of all of this activity is, of course, the lack of inventory. As reported last week, the supply of single-family homes in Manatee County at the end of February was below one month at .09 compared to February 2020, which was 3.4 months, down 73.5% from last year. The National Association of Realtors reports the inventory level nationally was down 29.5% from last February, therefore, Manatee County is way down compared to the national level. The number of sales in Manatee County in February was up by 12.8% compared to the national number of 9.1%, proving that our inventory is being gobbled up as soon as homes hit the market.

Thrown into this potpourri of housing shortage and pent-up buyers is the fact that the mortgage rates have ticked up. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has risen to 3.09% recently from 2.65% earlier this year, according to Freddie Mac. In addition, they anticipate it is likely to head higher still. Nevertheless, most economists feel this is just a blip in what will continue to be a great housing market that can tolerate an uptick in rates, which will likely remain historically low.

In addition, economists project that Americans have saved during the pandemic – as well as improving their credit positions – and are sitting on a nice pile of cash. As more segments of the economy keep opening and the economy improves, more buyers will be in a strong position to purchase homes even with slightly higher mortgage rates.

I personally never want to see empty shelves in supermarkets again, but I would also like to see an improvement in our level of inventory. As previously stated, prices will go up and sales will go down unless we can convince homeowners across the country that now is the time to list. Stay safe.

Reel Time: Zen and fishing

Reel Time: Zen and fishing

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

It dawned on me recently as I was wading a local flat that I was experiencing what I have written about over the past few years, namely the common ground that angling and Zen share.

Zen’s focus on “a state of calm attentiveness in which one’s actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort” mirrors the way my fishing has evolved. It’s taken a long time, but rather than trying to reason where fish might be, I often find it more effective to spend less time searching and more time observing. Over the years I’ve written about staking out holes on the flats and letting the fish come to you. More and more I’m reminded that this is an effective way to locate and approach fish. It also leads to a more relaxing experience. It’s astonishing what clues you pick up when you slow down and become attentive. Wherever you might be.

It was actually one day on a North Georgia mountain stream that I had an epiphany. It required that I didn’t have a fly rod with me. Over the years I’ve fished Dukes Creek, a trophy trout stream that runs through Smithgall Woods State Park and is managed by the state of Georgia. Fishing is only allowed three days a week, but the park is also an excellent place to bike. During a recent trip, I was biking on a day when anglers weren’t on the water. Several times I parked the bike near the stream and just sat next to a tree and observed. It only took about five minutes for the section of stream I was sitting by, seemingly devoid of fish when I arrived, to suddenly come alive. On a fishing day, I would have probably waded into the stream slowly but not mindfully. Then and there I resolved to change my fishing procedure both in Georgia and in my home waters around Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.

Now when I’m wading or poling a flat, I’m making the experience more about just observing than catching fish. The interesting part is that it often leads to catching more fish. Whether you’re in a boat or wading, standing in place motionlessly where you have a good view of the flat is essential. It’s critical to make as little noise as possible, so don’t shuffle your feet or rock the boat. Fish in shallow water react to motion and pressure waves many anglers are not even aware they’re making. I like to anchor well away from an area I intend to fish and wade within casting range where I can also observe life on the flat. When fishing from a boat I like to drift or pole within range and anchor the boat from the stern so I can set up on the bow. In both cases, I station myself over a dark area where I’m not as obvious. When you’re fishing from a boat you’ll have a higher profile so it’s even more important to be mindful of any motion that might alert your prey to your presence. Keep casts low and be prepared to make a roll cast to any “unannounced visitors” that inevitably sneak up on you.

Call it what you will, but try slowing down and taking the time to observe an area before moving on. There are no sure things of course and often it may feel it’s a case of knowing where the fish aren’t. Even fishless days, mindfully observed, can lead to success on subsequent outings. As a bonus, even on a tough day, you’ll be more relaxed and insightful.

Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Entertainment, Photo Galleries.

Things were different on Anna Maria (then pronounced Mar-EYE-ah) Island in the old days. Within the lifetimes of our eldest residents, there was no bridge leading to the Island, and people took a ferry across the Intracoastal Waterway. Even earlier, they arrived at the Anna Maria City Pier by steamship from Tampa. Ladies’ swimsuits included hats. Roads were made of seashells.

But some things remain the same, like the surf, the sand, the sun, and the postcard sentiment, “Wish you were here.”

Romie Hall seeks some shade on Anna Maria Island circa 1947-48, posted by her daughter, Toni Herdman, on the “Florida, See it Like a Native” Facebook page.

Romie Hall seeks some shade on Anna Maria Island circa 1947-48, posted by her daughter, Toni Herdman, on the “Florida, See it Like a Native” Facebook page.

Anna Maria Beach walk from Tampa Bay to Gulf of Mexico, postmarked March 30, 1912

Anna Maria Beach walk from Tampa Bay to Gulf of Mexico, postmarked March 30, 1912

Gulfside bath house, Anna Maria Beach

Gulfside bath house, Anna Maria Beach

Commercial fishermen, Anna Maria Island

Commercial fishermen, Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Pier, Anna Maria

Anna Maria Pier, Anna Maria

Mira-Mar Pavilion, Bradenton Beach

Mira-Mar Pavilion, Bradenton Beach

Anna Maria Island Bridge, Bradenton Beach

Anna Maria Island Bridge, Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach business district

Bradenton Beach business district

Anna Maria Beach surf bathing

Anna Maria Beach surf bathing

Manatee Beach, Holmes Beach

Manatee Beach, Holmes Beach

Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

Anna Maria City Pier

Anna Maria City Pier

Rod and Reel Motel, Anna Maria

Rod and Reel Motel, Anna Maria

Roser Church, Anna Maria

Roser Church, Anna Maria

Air-conditioned jail, Anna Maria, Florida

Air-conditioned jail, Anna Maria, Florida

Air view, Anna Maria, Florida

Air view, Anna Maria, Florida

A Fisherman's Paradise on Anna Maria Island, Florida

A Fisherman's Paradise on Anna Maria Island, Florida

Visit Charlie the pelican, Anna Maria, Florida

Visit Charlie the pelican, Anna Maria, Florida

New bridge from Cortez to Bradenton Beach

New bridge from Cortez to Bradenton Beach

Our mail man, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Our mail man, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Popular fun on the beach, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Popular fun on the beach, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Tropical view, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Tropical view, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Two hours catch trolling, near dock, Anna Maria Beach, Florida

Two hours catch trolling, near dock, Anna Maria Beach, Florida

Anna Maria Beach is the greatest fishing resort on the Gulf Coast

Anna Maria Beach is the greatest fishing resort on the Gulf Coast

Mackerel fishing in Gulf waters, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Mackerel fishing in Gulf waters, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Island Bank, Holmes Beach

Island Bank, Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach Yacht Club, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Holmes Beach Yacht Club, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Fishing pier, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Fishing pier, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Fishermen's Pier, Bradenton Beach, Florida

Fishermen's Pier, Bradenton Beach, Florida

Excursion steamer Favorite at Anna Maria Key, Fla.

Excursion steamer Favorite at Anna Maria Key, Fla.

Basket picnic under the palms, Anna Maria Beach

Basket picnic under the palms, Anna Maria Beach

Bradenton Beach Tourist Guide cover

Bradenton Beach Tourist Guide cover

The Holmes Beach airstrip was located in the present-day city field.

The Holmes Beach airstrip was located in the present-day city field.

Some postcards donated to the Manatee County Historical Records Library by Rev. Herbert Loomis and in the private collection of Keith Otzen.

Reel Time: The promise of spring

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

Spring is here, I can feel it, even if the fish haven’t given a clear signal yet. The Tree of Gold next door is in full bloom and I recently heard the first whippoorwill trilling in the pre-dawn darkness. These have proven to be sure signs of spring and are welcome harbingers to local anglers.

Although the calendar says it’s the first day of spring, I know that another cold snap could be lurking just around the corner. Experience has shown me that fish have their own internal calendar, governed more by the angle of the sun and the length of the day than the temperature and the predictions of the weatherman. Savvy anglers know that when water temperatures hover in the 70s, fish come out of their winter haunts, even when it feels like winter one day and spring the next.Reel Time: The promise of spring

The Tampa Bay shipping channel is one of the first places schools of baitfish and pelagic predators show up in the spring. This is the time of the year to start looking for snook to appear in the surf and for the wheeling, diving sea birds that feast on schools of baitfish gathering off local beaches in their seasonal, primal ritual of renewal. Seasoned anglers know from experience that schools of bonito, Spanish mackerel, cobia and kingfish won’t be far behind.

In the bay, trout, redfish, and snook will be roaming the flats in search of pilchards, shrimp and glass minnows to replenish themselves from their winter fast. Spring is the time when anglers have a host of piscatorial choices and some of the best conditions to pursue them.

Of course, it can all seem just an illusion as another front riles the Gulf, sending chill winds and muddy water into the bay, forcing us to put on sweatshirts. It’s a sort of swing time and the kind of weather that plays with the emotions of the winter-weary. Yet hope springs eternal, and we know from experience that it won’t be long before our intuitions are confirmed. That’s why it’s time to be prepared, with flies tied and tackle organized for that day when it’s no longer a question of when it will happen, but what species we’ll fish for!

I like this time of year, even if it can be exasperating. One day the flats and Gulf can be barren and the next the action can be red hot. That’s why it’s so important to be ready for just about anything. Having a rig on board that can handle a big cobia or kingfish makes good sense and having wire at hand in case the toothy kings make an appearance can make the difference between frustration and success. It’s a game of search and discover, and the anglers who are persistent will eventually be rewarded. If bait isn’t showing, try fishing the areas they’re attracted to. Many times I’ve worked a topwater plug or fly over structure and found fish where there was no outward sign of their presence.

In the bay, work the areas of the flats that hold fish during the season, particularly the seams adjacent to sand areas and the potholes. Pay particular attention to the deep grass that’s often present at the end of a hole and work your casts into the area by casting short and then progressing right over the hole. I think topwater plugs and flies are particularly effective when you’re hunting for fish and can be an invaluable aid in finding action.

Whatever your fishing style or whether you like fishing the Gulf or bays, take advantage of this swing time and eventually you’ll be rewarded with the promise of spring.

Castles in the Sand

Priced out of single-family homes? Try a condo

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

It’s wild out there, and if you read my column last week, you’ll understand just how wild it is. The value of homes on Anna Maria Island is soaring, and it’s not uncommon to see listings not just over $1 million but also $2 million, $3 million and $4 million. Last week, I even reported $5 million and $6 million sales or listings on the Island.

So, what’s a person to do? Most of the high-end properties are single-family with some high-end condos mixed in, but maybe the way to get on the Island near the water in a more affordable price range is to take condo living more seriously.

In the waterfront areas that I report on, Cortez and the three cities on Anna Maria Island, there are several condo communities, some with excellent waterfront, water view or water access with close proximity to the beach. Condos generally are priced lower than single-family homes in these areas and may give you a greater bang for your buck. But the real question is, are you a condo person?

I’ve written about condo living before, but at this point in time, it seems to be even more important to buyers who are priced out of single-family homes. It’s not that complicated and, in many respects, more advantageous to own a condo – especially if it’s a second home.

First of all, if you have never owned or lived in a condo association, you have a lot of research to do, starting with a lack of privacy. Not everyone is comfortable with someone living over their heads or on the other side of a common wall. Getting your newspaper in the morning could be embarrassing if you’re not appropriately dressed and it’s time for Fido down the hall to go for his morning walk. And, while we’re on the subject of pets, how do you feel about pets in close proximity to where you live? There are condos that have pet restrictions including no pets, small pets or a cap on the number of pets – something else to research.

Condo ownership is very much like communal living. A board of directors makes a lot of decisions that could affect your lifestyle and finances. Not that you can’t have a say in the operations of the association, but, as in most communal situations, the majority rules. There are rules and regulations that may or may not be a problem for you. For example, your teenage grandchildren visiting and using the pool after hours or hosting parties may guarantee you a letter from the association.

Of course, the advantages – especially for part-time residents – is walking out your front door and not worrying who’s cutting the lawn and cleaning the pool for several months. Association fees will cover all maintenance and repairs in regular condos; townhouse condo owners could be responsible for a larger share of the expenses. In addition, insurance and the all-important flood insurance for the association are paid for in the maintenance fees, therefore, you only need to carry a homeowner’s policy for your individual unit.

Life is always a compromise, and if you can’t find what you want within your price range in a single-family home, consider looking at condos even if you never thought you were a condo person. Granted, you have to assume you will have limited control, but if you can adopt a “live and let live” psychology you will be just fine and eventually learn to love the freedom. Stay safe.

Commissioners consider changes to noise ordinance

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

HOLMES BEACH – Noise is news once again in this community.

The subject was broached by Commissioner Kim Rash, who said he feels the city’s current noise ordinance and reliance on readings from a noise meter don’t reflect the issues that residents are having, particularly those with homes near large vacation rental properties.

“I think the staff and the Chief are doing well with it but more is needed to combat noise issues,” Rash said.

In addition to the noise meter and the seven standards that police and code compliance officers can use to identify a noise violation, Rash suggested city leaders adopt a “plainly audible” standard to the noise ordinance. Using a plainly audible standard, if officers could hear noise from a long distance from the source of the noise, a length that would have to be determined by commissioners, the noise would be considered in violation of the city’s ordinance and a noise violation citation could be issued to the offender.

He also asked police Chief Bill Tokajer to consider a way for people reporting potential noise violations to remain anonymous.

Commissioner Jayne Christenson agreed with Rash, saying that people who call police with noise complaints are sometimes retaliated against by the subjects of the complaint.

Tokajer said that adding a plainly audible standard to the noise ordinance may not get the results that people worried about noise are expecting – more noise citations.

“I think our ordinance is well-written,” he said, adding that when making changes, commissioners need to make sure that they do not overreach to infringe on private property rights and that the changes are legally defensible if the matter should go to court. Tokajer said one of Rash’s suggestions, to lower the start of quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m., was, in his opinion, overreaching.

In the past year, he said officers have responded to 330 noise complaints and issued 25 citations, 23 of which were paid. During nighttime hours after 10 p.m., the maximum allowable level for noise is 55 decibels.

As to allowing people to report potential noise violations anonymously, Tokajer said there is a bill going before the Florida Legislature that wouldn’t allow officers to respond to an anonymous complaint. Also, if a complaint goes before a judge, he said the judge needs to hear from someone harmed or aggrieved by the noise, not a responding officer.

Once officers respond to a noise complaint and make contact with the people causing the noise, whether there’s a violation or not, his officers do not have to go back the same night.

Attorney Erica Augello said that “plainly audible” is very suggestible and is considered in some courts to be unconstitutional. If commissioners agree to add it to the noise ordinance, she said it would need to be very carefully and clearly defined with parameters and standards clearly set out, along with a very clear definition of noise.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said she would work with city staff on drafting a more stringent noise ordinance for commissioners to consider for adoption. She said commissioners should manage their expectations though, because even if they approve a stricter noise ordinance, it might not hold up in court.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that with a combined community of residents and vacation renters with large homes and small lots, there’s no way to avoid noise in residential neighborhoods. She suggested holding another stakeholder meeting on noise to see if there are any suggestions from community members on what can be done to address concerns and help improve everyone’s experience in the community.

“The residents just want to be able to live and sleep in their homes,” resident Richard Motzer said.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’s not against strengthening the noise ordinance, but she doesn’t want to adopt a law that isn’t enforceable.

“I cannot eliminate noise,” she said. “I can try to contain it to make it less horrible.”

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he feels like noise isn’t a city-wide problem but is confined to certain areas which may need to be addressed.

Christenson said the average age of Holmes Beach residents is 64.

“We are an older community and we want our peace and quiet,” she said.

Once attorneys and city staff have a chance to discuss what changes could potentially be made to the noise ordinance, it will come back before commissioners for discussion at a future work session.

Related coverage

 

Noise problems for 68th Street residents

 

Commissioner proposes unique solution to noise

Reel Time: The importance of tides

Reel Time: The importance of tides

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

Having a good working knowledge of the tides in your area will greatly increase your angling odds. While I always like to follow the axiom, “The best time to go fishing is whenever you can,” understanding and being able to track tidal fluctuations is invaluable. Let’s start with a quick primer.

While there are numerous factors that influence the tides, it’s the gravitational pull of the moon on the water that has the greatest effect. The moon also affects the Earth’s mass. This means that the oceans on opposite sides of the Earth experience high tides as the Earth is pulled away from the water.

The other object in the solar system that influences the tide is the sun, which has approximately one-half the influence of the moon. When the sun and the moon line up at the full and new moon, their combined influence creates a greater pull, and we experience strong, or “spring,” tides. When the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, during the moon’s first and last quarter, they interfere with each other and we experience weak, or “neap,” tides. In addition, the tidal ranges are greater when the moon and sun are at perigee, or closest to the Earth. Experience will teach the angler how to benefit from the myriad tidal factors that produce good fishing.

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

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

When fishing the flats, working from the deep water to shallow on the falling tide and in reverse on the rising tide is a very effective way to target fish. Very low tides (during “spring tides”) provide an excellent opportunity to scan the flats for channels, slues and holes on the flats where fish congregate. Armed with this knowledge, anglers can return when the flats are covered with water and benefit from that awareness. Tide charts are valuable because the tide can be varying heights depending on whether you’re fishing in the Gulf or far up a bay.

Planning your day to take advantage of these variations can make a real difference in action. No matter what species you target, you’ll have a better chance at success if you understand and track the tides. They can tell you where to concentrate your effort and help you avoid other less productive areas. Pick up a tide chart at your local tackle shop or download one of a number of excellent apps on your smartphone.

More people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Health.

MANATEE COUNTY – More people are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Manatee County at more distribution sites, but there are also more requirements, depending on your situation.

County officials have opened registration through the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County for people age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions to receive the vaccine. To be eligible, vaccine recipients must first have a physician fill out a determination of extreme vulnerability form with the Department of Health’s logo on it. The form can be downloaded online. To learn what medical conditions qualify, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online.More people are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

To make an appointment at the health department, call 941-242-6646. Vaccine appointments are being made from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Department of Health at 410 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton. When arriving for an appointment, recipients need a signed copy of the determination of extreme vulnerability form, if applicable, documentation showing proof of Florida residency and a completed vaccination consent form, which can be found online. Second vaccine appointments will be scheduled when the first vaccine is given.

Thanks to a new executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis, seniors age 60 and older are now eligible to receive a vaccination through state, county and private pharmacy distribution sites.

To sign up for a vaccine through Manatee County at the Tom Bennett Park or Public Safety Center sites, visit the county’s vaccine website. Though anyone 60 and older can register with the county, county officials stated in a March 12 press release that the county will continue prioritizing vaccine distribution to those age 65 and older. Once the demand for vaccines lessens with that age group, they’ll move on to registrants age 60 and older.

Anyone age 60 or older with underlying medical conditions and a signed form from their doctor, sworn law enforcement officers age 50 and older, frontline healthcare workers, K-12 and preschool teachers and firefighters age 50 and older can also sign up for a vaccine from private pharmacies including Publix locations, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie.

Publix is opening registration for vaccine doses at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays online. With two types of vaccines available, anyone signing up for an appointment on Monday or Friday will receive a Moderna two-dose vaccine. People who sign up on Wednesday will receive the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.

CVS locations in Bradenton and Holmes Beach, as well as other nearby areas, are offering vaccinations. To view availability and book an appointment, visit the pharmacy online.

Walgreens is offering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at select locations. To book an appointment, visit the pharmacy website.

Select Walmart pharmacy locations also are offering vaccine appointments to eligible individuals. Visit Walmart’s website to see availability and book an appointment.

Vaccine appointments are available through Winn-Dixie at all Bradenton locations and in Palmetto. To book an appointment with Winn-Dixie, visit the grocer’s vaccine website.

While Publix has certain times when appointments become available, all other pharmacy locations release available appointment times as more vaccines become available to them.

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Castles in the Sand

And the million-dollar beat goes on

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

Well, here we are again; three more months have passed as we fight our way through the biggest pandemic in more than a century, but Anna Maria Island’s real estate market hasn’t blinked.

The price point on the Island and in little Cortez is holding steady and even growing, especially in the over $1 million range, but how did we get here? Before we analyze the $1 million and over sales and listings for the next three months, let’s review what has happened in the state of Florida this year.

The real estate market all over the country is booming, but Florida in particular is doing great, with thousands of people moving into the state every week. Apparently, U-Haul is the authority on migration trends in the country, and according to their 2020 report, Florida is number three in the country for one-way U-Haul rentals. This is in addition to many airlines adding direct flights to Florida during the winter. Practically every day, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport reports either another airline flying out of Sarasota or added flights to existing schedules.

Although we have one of the largest senior populations, the Florida death rate from the virus is in the middle of the country’s rates, and well below California and New York – two other states with large populations, but fewer seniors. This plus having the state mostly or partially open during this time is encouraging people to relocate.

In addition, business migration to Florida, particularly in the finance industry, is increasing because of taxes, weather and the ability of people to work remotely. The state reports that 35 large businesses have moved to Florida since the pandemic began. All of this has increased home sales 20% statewide in the last six months of 2020 while raising the median sales price by 14.4%.

So, let’s take a look at the $1 million and over sales and current listings as of this writing in Cortez and the three cities on Anna Maria Island for November, December and January. Closed sales are from the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website and those currently on the market or pending are from realtor.com.

Cortez closed two sales, one at $2,500,000 and one at $1,215,000; in the last comparison, Cortez also closed two properties in this price range. The city of Anna Maria closed 41 properties, one over $4 million, two over $3 million, 15 over $2 million with the balance $1 million or over. Last time, Anna Maria closed 42 sales. The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach closed 39 properties, one over $6 million, one over $4 million, one over $3 million, 12 over $2 million and the balance $1 million or over. Last time, there were 40 sales.

On the market or pending as of this writing in Cortez, there are three properties over $1 million; the last time there were eight. The city of Anna Maria has 31 available or pending; one over $6 million, four over $4 million, seven over $3 million, five over $2 million and the balance over $1 million. Last time, Anna Maria had 42 in this category. The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have 81 properties on the market or pending, three over $5 million, two over $4 million, six over $3 million, 20 over $2 million and the balance $1 million or over. Last time, there were 70 properties.

Two other impressive numbers are that almost half of the properties listed on realtor.com for Cortez and the Island are pending. In fact, in the city of Anna Maria, there were only two properties below $1 million and both were pending.

See you in three months for another update. Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Stay safe.

Here’s where to get vaccines in Manatee County

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – After weeks of waiting, seniors and others qualified to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are finally about to see some relief as more shots make their way to the county.

The county-run vaccination site at Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road, Bradenton, has 5,100 first doses for seniors this week, according to Manatee County Public Safety Director Jacob Saur. With 4,500 more doses arriving at a state-run vaccination site coming online today at the county’s Public Safety Center at 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton, a total of 9,600 first-dose vaccine appointments for seniors are scheduled.

With both vaccination sites running, Saur says he hopes to reduce the county’s vaccine standby pool from 90,000 to near zero by the end of March.

At the state-run site, Saur said the plan is to give 1,000 first doses per day, five days a week for four weeks followed by four weeks of second doses.

All the appointments at the county- and state-run sites are filled at random from those registered in the county’s standby waiting pool. Recipients can expect to receive a text from 88911 or a call from 941-742-4300 to confirm their appointment. Recipients who do not confirm their appointment within two hours will be put back in the waiting pool.

Thanks to changes in the qualifications to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in the state of Florida, more people are now eligible to receive shots. Florida residents 65 and older continue to be qualified to receive the shot and are joined by residents and staff at long-term care facilities, frontline healthcare workers who have direct patient contact, law enforcement officers and firefighters age 50 and older, daycare workers, and pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers. Teachers age 50 and older can get their COVID-19 vaccinations through the state-run site while teachers younger than 50 can get them from retail pharmacy locations.

Anyone with an underlying condition that makes them susceptible to the novel coronavirus also is eligible to receive the vaccine from retail pharmacy locations with a letter of authorization from their doctor on this form.

Currently, only seniors 65 and older, first responders and healthcare workers are eligible to receive the vaccine at the Manatee County site. To register for those standby waiting pools, call 311 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or register online.

Everyone else who is deemed eligible by the state to receive the first dose of the vaccine can register online for appointments at local CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie locations.

To register online for an appointment at an area CVS location, visit the company’s COVID-19 information webpage.

Publix locations are releasing appointment times to the public online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 a.m. To register for one of these appointments, visit the company online.

For appointments at Walgreens locations, visit their COVID-19 page.

Appointments at Walmart are available here.

Appointments at local Winn-Dixie locations can be scheduled online here.

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Training a new generation of environmental scientists

Training a new generation of environmental scientists

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

ANNA MARIA – The community scientist program at The Center of Anna Maria Island is getting off to a great start thanks to some help from students at Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium staff.

A volunteer takes a reading testing water temperature and pH levels. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Small groups of Eckerd College students are coming each Saturday morning to The Center to train with staff from Mote on the equipment they’ll be using. Part of the training involves how to take the water samples and video needed to observe the effects of the mini reefs from Ocean Habitats installed as a part of a fundraiser for the nonprofit. These students are the first of the community volunteers being trained to study the effects of the mini reefs on the local waters and marine life. Students will travel around the Island to the mini reef sites to conduct water testing and video the condition of the reefs. This also helps keep track of all of the reefs and observe any maintenance issues requiring attention. Community scientists will test the water for the presence of harmful algae blooms such as karenia brevis – red tide – keep track of water temperature and pH levels, and study the organisms making the mini reefs their home.

Once the program is better established, The Center’s Director of Development, Jim McDaniel, says he hopes to open it up to Island resident volunteers and others in the community.

The program is the brainchild of McDaniel, who said he hopes to expand it in the future while also providing an important resource in the fight to mitigate the effects of red tide, which can cause fish kills, skin irritation and breathing problems.

Currently, there are 166 mini reefs installed in the waters around Anna Maria Island and west Bradenton as a result of The Center’s partnership with Ocean Habitats.

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