Tag: Anna Maria Island

Good news and good news

Written by Louise Bolger on March 19, 2019. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

It’s been a while since we had positive news about how the national real estate market was trending. The little black cloud hanging over the head of the market has included a shortage of inventory, first-time buyers being priced out of the market and raising interest rates. Well, we may be seeing the black cloud starting to turn a little grey.

A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Census Bureau released homeownership figures for the fourth quarter of 2018. The level of homeownership increased to the highest level in five years from 64.2 percent to 64.8 percent. This may not seem like a significant change, but it is a positive indicator of the real estate market shifting back to ownership from renting. The U.S. Census Bureau further states that the U.S. added about 1.7 million owner households in 2018 and lost 167,000 renter households.

Economists are interpreting this as a small but positive movement in the market, in conjunction with lower interest rates and a slight leveling off of listing prices. This may be just the thing some younger and first-time buyers need to put them on the path to homeownership.

And what about interest rates, are they really a lot better? Well, it depends what you’re comparing them to. Taking a look at 2017 and 2018, it appears the low point was December 2017 when a 30-year fixed rate mortgage could be obtained for as little as 3.93 percent. After that, the rates started climbing during 2018 when in November of 2018, they reached 4.94 percent. Then rates started declining to pretty much where we are now in Florida of between 4.36 and 4.40 percent. It’s important to understand that all of the rates we’ve been experiencing during the past three years are all good and all staying below 5 percent, a number that some of us would have envied in past years.

Another interesting thing about interest rates is that all states are not created equal. Three things that have a big influence on the mortgage rates offered in individual states is the cost of doing business in the state, the amount of competition among local mortgage lenders and foreclosure regulations. A state that requires a longer and more expensive foreclosure process will surely have higher interest rates built in by lenders. And in case you’re interested, New York state currently has the highest mortgage rates and, believe it or not, California has the lowest.

However, none of these issues have as much influence on the mortgage rates offered as an individual’s credit score. The lowest rates always go to the applicants with the highest credit scores, so keeping your bills current is especially important if you’re thinking of applying for a mortgage or a refinance.

And for first-time mortgage holders, don’t be surprised if your mortgage is turned over to a “servicer” to administer the mortgage – that is, collect your escrow and pay your property taxes and possibly insurance premium on a schedule that benefits you. Also, it’s always a good idea to verify that these two payments are paid on time by the lender or the servicer before you get a notice from the county or insurance company.

For a while, homeownership was somewhat out of style, particularly after the housing bubble burst. Not only did younger buyers lose faith in homeownership, but they also couldn’t afford it and decided the homeownership lifestyle was maybe not for them. But apparently, the American Dream is alive and well. I think it just took a little nap.

More Castles in the Sand:

Are you smarter than a hedge fund manager?

House hunting – the fun and not so fun

Florida’s new foreign buyers

Nina and Pinta off Anna Maria

Written by Cindy Lane on March 17, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

Two 15th-century wooden sailing ship replicas passed Anna Maria Island today in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Nina and the Pinta left Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto this morning for their next port of call in Venice, making their way eventually to Florida’s east coast.

The wooden replicas of two of the three ships that Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain to the New World in 1492 are built by hand; the Nina was created with no power tools, and the Pinta is 80 percent handmade. The caravels were built by eighth-generation Portuguese shipwrights in Valencia, Brazil.

The replica of the third member of the exploration party, the Santa Maria, is touring separately.

The Nina and the Pinta off Anna Maria on the horizon today. - Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

Pinta replica - Cindy Lane | Sun

The Pinta off Anna Maria on the horizon today. - Cindy Lane | Sun

ACE Hardware undefeated champions

Written by Monica Simpson on March 12, 2019. Posted in Football, Sports.

In the teen 14- to 17-year old league, many of the boys who have played flag football on the Island since preschool return each season just to have fun with friends. Although each team has an adult coach on the sidelines, most teams and players go out onto the field without set plays and no longer look to their coach for guidance.

Weather delays and forfeits finally brought the top seed and undefeated Team ACE Hardware to the championship game against Team Blue Lagoon last Thursday night at the Center.

Playing with confidence and Offensive MVP Chris Snyder as the quarterback, Blue Lagoon quickly took the lead in the game with a 51-yard pass to Rutger Langley for the touchdown. The unsuccessful point after try left the score 6-0.

Blue Lagoon’s defense stopped the run of ACE Hardware’s Morgan Horesh and caused the incomplete pass of Tyler Brewer to Tuna McCracken, league Defensive MVP. On the third snap of the possession, Roman Langley sacked Brewer, voted the league’s most improved player, giving his team the football.

ACE Hardware returned the defensive favor with a three and out attempt by Blue Lagoon with speed and a flag pull by Connor Ludwig.

After seven minutes of play, the short yardage by David Daigle and first down by McCracken was not enough. Flag pulls by Jenard Dunbar and Roman Langley once again prevented the ACE Hardware score.

Each team had another possession with no luck before the spectacular flag pulls by Daigle and McCracken gave ACE Hardware two points on the stop in the Blue Lagoon end zone resulting in a safety.

With the score at 6-2, Team Ace Hardware went on offense and in five plays found the end zone to go ahead with a score of 6-8. McCracken connected with Ludwig on a bomb with three defenders, putting the football on the Blue Lagoon seven-yard line.

Lining up tight on the line of scrimmage, Horesh snuck out of the crowd to nab the touchdown pass.

The second half of the championship game started with Team ACE Hardware with the football, but Team Blue Lagoon quickly took it back with an interception by Dunbar off of the Brewer pass.

Rutger Langley was Snyder’s target on the first pass of the series. Daigle quickly got the flag pull. The next pass by Snyder bounced off the hands of Rutger Langley taking the game to third down.

Trying to take the football past the midfield line, Snyder was called for pushing against McCracken, turning the ball over on downs.

Brewer’s cousin Travis Bates made the next catch but the team could not make the first down happen, letting Team Blue Lagoon have another crack at the end zone.

A high snap to Dunbar got the pass off, but after being tipped by his receiver ACE Hardware’s Ludwig found the football in his hands and crossed the line for the pick six. The extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score at 6-14.

Blue Lagoon returned the favor with a touchdown interception by Aaryn Scalone. Going for two points, McCracken intercepted the ball in the end zone, preventing the tie.

On their next possession, an incomplete pass led to a bad snap by Roman Langley forcing a third-down play by Blue Lagoon. Bates applied the rushing pressure on the quarterback leading to another interception and touchdown by Team ACE Hardware. Brewer’s runback put the score to 12-20.

The point after the catch in the end zone by Daigle with 54 seconds left in the game solidified the win for his team, ending the season with Team ACE Hardware solidly on top of the league standings with the championship.

Related coverage

Gardner’s Progressive Cabinetry dominates

Progressive Cabinetry closes doors on Bins Be Clean

Blue Lagoon cleaned up on the field

Reel Time: Innovators – The architects of modern saltwater fly tackle

Written by Rusty Chinnis on March 12, 2019. Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

No two people are more knowledgeable about the origins of modern saltwater fly tackle than Lefty Kreh (passed in 2018) and Flip Pallot. I was fortunate a few years ago to interview these two living legends about the early days of saltwater fly fishing, and the development of the tackle we enjoy today.

The modern saltwater fly angler has a problem, just like his predecessor in the early days of the sport. Back in the late ’50s and early ’60s, when competitive anglers were discovering the remarkable variety of saltwater species from Miami to Key West, their problem was finding dependable tackle. Today’s anglers, on the other hand, are hard-pressed to keep up with all the innovations in tackle. There are literally hundreds of rods, reels, lines, and gadgets available. Exotic rod labeling systems denote rod stiffness and flex. Fly reels feature advanced sealed drag systems with space-age materials and are filled with computer designed fly lines which are available in mind-bending quantities. In short, saltwater anglers today have to figure out what to use, anglers in the ’60s had to find something to use.

Less than fifty years ago, there was essentially no specialized equipment available to the pioneers in the field. The innovations that we enjoy today are the results of their determination and love of the sport, combined with a healthy dose of competitive spirit. Flip Pallot grew up fishing the waters of South Florida from Miami, to the Florida Keys. He witnessed first hand the fabulous angling opportunities and experienced the advancement of fly tackle beginning in the late ’50s.

Lefty Kreh came to Miami in October of 1964 to run the Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament (MET). He helped the local pioneers realize the potential of fly fishing in saltwater while contributing to their awareness of casting to angling success. Both men lived, fished, and experimented with the anglers who fostered the innovations that have led to our modern tackle.

Reel Time Flip and Lefty — Lefty Kreh & Flip Pallot were best friends and are fly fishing legends. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Kreh and Pallot both agreed that the MET was the driving force behind most of the advancements. The MET was the brainstorm of the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club. The tournament was established in 1935 to promote local angling opportunities and would send pictures of prize-winning anglers to papers throughout the nation in the hopes of convincing people to move to south Florida. The MET was the only public record keeping body in its day.

Several fishing clubs, including the Tropical Anglers, the Miami Sport Fishing Club, and the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club, were composed of blue and white collar workers who competed every 6 months in three divisions: spin, plug, and fly. There were no cash prizes at the time, but winners received press and appeared on television. Most of the techniques and tackle developed in the “Hey Days,” from 1960-70, were the result of competition between these anglers. Florida Keys guides like George Hommell, Stu Apte, Jimmy Albright, Cecil Keith, and Jack Brothers, advanced their methods of locating and catching saltwater game fish using the ideas and innovations provided by the light tackle clubs, their competitions, and clinics.

Many of the local club members including Pallot, Norman Duncan, Norm Jansik, John Emory, and Chico Fernandez would come to Lefty’s house and practice casting in the street. The first rod the anglers used was a resin impregnated bamboo rod from Orvis called a “G2AF Shooting Star.” The first fiberglass rod they used (as a fly rod blank) was developed by Henry Orr, and was known as the “Spinmaster.”

Lee Cuddy was one of the most influential innovators of saltwater fly rods during the ’60s and ’70s. Kreh, Pallot and other fly anglers would frequent his rod component store, J. Lee Cuddy’s, on Coral Way in Miami. Cuddy supplied the anglers the raw materials (blanks, reel seats, guides and cork) they used to build rods. Kreh, Pallot, John Emory (who worked at the store), and other local competitive anglers in the area, would constantly build and experiment with rod designs.

Since there were no pre-made rods available, anglers had wrapping machines and would build their own rods from blanks made by US Fiberglass. Kreh and Pallot remember how they would take a blank, wrap the guides, glue the individual cork rings, turn and sand them on lathes, and head to the street to try them out. It was a common practice to make a few casts, find the rod too whippy, or a guide that trapped line, and immediately break them apart and rebuild them. By constantly experimenting with different guides, blanks, and other components, they essentially advanced the technology of rod building. Many of the spin and plug casting rods they built gave them ideas that they incorporated into fly rods. Companies like Shakespeare and Fenwick were aware of these pioneering anglers, who competed for twelve months of the year and had representatives like Ben Hardesty work closely with them, making the new innovations in rod design available to the angling public.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Release program promotes fishery recovery

Reel Time: Pothole savvy, Part 2

Reel Time: Fly fishing strategy – pothole savvy

‘Flea’ a funny, French farce

Written by Tom Vaught on March 12, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA – “A Flea in Her Ear” is a funny story written in 1907 by Frenchman Georges Feydeau and adapted by David Ives. There’s a bevy of funny situations as Raymonde, played by Nancy Denton, believes her husband, Victor, played by Daniel Coppinger, is cheating on her so she sends him a letter under a false name inviting him to meet her at Hotel Coq d’Or, a bawdy hotel.

Victor doesn’t take the bait, but he comes down to the hotel with a friend who wants to know the identity of the person who sent the letter.

This play has a number of things going on and there are more than a dozen characters who all gave great performances. But Daniel Coppinger was stellar as Victor and as Poche, the hotel bellboy who looks just like Victor. Poor Victor is mistaken for Poche and likewise Poche for Victor.

Adding to the mayhem, Mark Woodland plays Don Carlos Homenides de Histnagua, a brash Spaniard who thinks somebody is after his wife, Lucienne, played by Judy Glynn, and he threatens people with his pistol.

Camile Chandebise, Victor’s nephew played by Brannon Westfall, gets rid of his speech impediment by inserting a device in his mouth, but he loses it and spends a lot of time searching for it. Westfall was brilliant in his role and added greatly to the laughs.

There is some slamming of doors slapstick as all the characters end up at the motel and when the truth is found out, “A Flea in Her Ear” is worth the money.

This play is the first one Kelly Lynn Woodland directed at the Island Players 25 years ago. She showed her talent, if not her patience, by getting everyone in the cast on the same track.

For reservations or information, call the box office at 941-778-5755 or visit the Island Players website.

Related coverage

Expect comic mayhem at next Island Players show

Island Players: Baggage

Sunshine defendants propose settlement counteroffer

Written by Joe Hendricks on March 12, 2019. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The six defendants in the 2017 Sunshine Law lawsuit filed by the city of Bradenton Beach have made a counteroffer to the city commission’s recent settlement offer. Attorney Thomas Shults drafted the counteroffer on behalf defendants John Metz, Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, Patty Shay, Bill Vincent and Rose Vincent. The counteroffer was emailed to the parties involved at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 8. The counteroffer drafted by Shults attempts to revise a clause included in the settlement offer unanimously approved by the city commission on Feb. 28. “All defendants shall acknowledge they had concerns about the application of the Sunshine Law as it relates to the meetings at issue in this case and further acknowledge that errors were made as it relates to the Sunshine Law,” says the clause included in the city’s settlement offer.

The defendants’ counteroffer proposes that language be revised to say, “errors may have been made” instead of, “errors were made.” The counteroffer proposes the defendants collectively make a $10,000 donation the Annie Silver Community Center instead of paying the city $500 each or $3,000 collectively, as proposed in the commission’s settlement offer. The counteroffer states the city may instead designate all or some the defendants’ $10,000 to another charitable entity that benefits the city and its residents. The counteroffer encourages the city to also consider contributing an unspecified amount to the Annie Silver Community Center, which is not a city-owned or operated entity. The defendants’ counteroffer stipulates a Friday, March 15 acceptance deadline. The city’s settlement offer stipulates a Tuesday, March 19 acceptance deadline. The city’s deadline is based on witness depositions being scheduled to resume on March 20, at which time the city’s legal fees will again increase significantly. As of Feb. 28, the city’s legal fees exceeded $168,000, according to City Attorney Ricinda Perry. When contacted Friday afternoon, Perry said she reached out to Shults that afternoon to further discuss the settlement language
pertaining to the defendants’ admission of errors. Perry noted the defendants’ proposed $10,000 donation to a charitable entity would negate the $3,000 the city requested be paid to the city. Perry also said a matching donation from the city would require an additional expenditure of taxpayer dollars. On Monday morning, Perry said she and Shults planned to speak by phone later that day. The city commission must approve any settlement offer or counteroffer made by Perry and the defendants must approve any offer or counteroffer made on their behalves. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will continue proceeding toward the trial scheduled in mid-July.

Past Actions

In September 2017, the city rejected a settlement offer proposed on behalf of five of the six defendants, minus Metz, that stated: “There will not be an admission or denial of liability or fault, but a recognition that the parties agree it is in their best interests to settle the differences.” To date, the city commission has not expressed interest in a settlement that does not include an admission of errors from the defendants. The August 2017 lawsuit filed on behalf of the city of Bradenton Beach and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke seeks a judge’s ruling as to whether four Planning and Zoning Board members and two Scenic WAVES Committee members violated the Florida Sunshine Law. The lawsuit alleges the six defendants, who are now former board members, violated the Sunshine Law when they discussed parking garages and other advisory board business or foreseeable advisory board business during Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) meetings that occurred that summer. The CNOBB meetings were not conducted at city hall, were not publicly noticed by the city clerk’s office and were not considered city meetings.

Related coverage

Sunshine lawsuit depositions continue

Trial date set for Sunshine lawsuit

Commissioner deposed regarding Sunshine lawsuit

Moose Lodge loses dear friend and driving force

Written by Joe Hendricks on March 12, 2019. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Members of the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 are mourning the loss of longtime Lodge Administrator Ernie Casali Jr.

An email from the AMI Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach announcing Casali’s passing was sent to lodge members on Monday, March 4.

“It is with a sad and heavy heart that we must inform you of the passing of our Administrator Ernest Casali Jr. late Sunday afternoon,” the email said.

“Most of you know him as Ernie C., the man behind the ‘all famous’ emails. However, he will be remembered more so for all the amazing things he has done for the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188. He is the heart and soul that created our lodge that we all enjoy today. Without his vision, dedication and hard work, we would be just another spot on the map, instead of the wonderful and unique lodge that we have here.

“As we say farewell Ernie C., you will forever be in our thoughts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you did for your family, the community and all Moose members everywhere. We love you, Ernie,” the email concluded.

Casali was the driving force behind the 2015 lodge renovations that produced the second-story deck that overlooks the beach and the Gulf of Mexico.

He was master of ceremonies during the Wednesday night Queen of Hearts drawings, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Moose Lodge and the charities it supports. The Queen of Hearts drawings also produced hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes for Moose members.

Casali’s emails to lodge members covered a wide range of topics including who was eligible to participate in the Queen of Hearts drawings, where members and guests were to park and not park, and on at least one occasion, his candid thoughts on another nearby Moose Lodge.

Moose members reflect

“I’ve known Ernie for over 10 years and he was my teddy bear,” lodge member Sandra Zenzel said.

“We did a lot of tremendous things together – not only for the Moose fraternity but for the community. We would shop for food for needy families and toys for the needy kids at Christmas time and deliver them. He was one-in-a-million. He was the kindest, gentlest and most compassionate person I’ve ever known. His heart and soul were into the Moose. We want to keep his legacy going,” she said.

Zenzel said plans for a memorial service were still pending as of last week.

“Right now, the whole family and the whole staff is grieving so we don’t know when that will be. Everything will be held in the lodge,” Zenzel said.

Zenzel said Casali served as lodge administrator for 14 years.

While assisting with Thursday evening’s food service, Moose member Sherrie Snider said, “Everything Ernie did for the lodge he’s done for the people within the lodge. He personally took care of us, watched out for us and was as concerned for us and the people here as he was for the lodge. It was a personal thing for him.”

Kay Amodio is the 2018-19 Senior Regent for the Women of the Moose Anna Maria Island Chapter #1601.

“What a gentleman. What a wise businessman,” she said. “He was so loving and kind and fair. He taught me so much in the short time I’ve been Senior Regent. He built this Moose into the greatness that it is. The Moose fraternity has lost a good friend and a good brother,” she said.

While sitting at the bar, Moose member Steve (last name not given) said, “I’ve known Ernie for the last seven or eight years. You always knew where you were with Ernie. He was the biggest-hearted guy I think I ever met, but at the same time, he knew how to ensure that the line was toed. He was a very dear friend and he did wonderful things for this lodge.”

Wendy Quinn has worked at the lodge for 13 years. She took a break from her bartending duties to share her thoughts on Casali.

“This is hard. He’s been my boss for 13 years, but he was more than a boss to me. He was family. He’d help anybody out that needed help. He did so much for this lodge, it’s immeasurable. He was one of my best friends. I love him and he’ll always be in my heart,” Quinn said.

Lt. John Cosby and other off-duty members of the Bradenton Beach Police Department provide security for the Queen of Hearts drawings.

“Ernie was truly one of those nice guys,” Cosby said. “He was very caring too. And what he’s done for that Moose Lodge – he took it from a shack that was basically falling down and brought it to what it is today. It’s a destination now. Moose members are coming from all over the country.”

Are you smarter than a hedge fund manager?

Written by Louise Bolger on March 12, 2019. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

The most expensive home in U.S. history was just sold. It’s a four-story condo on Central Park South in New York City dubbed “billionaire’s bunker” and closing for $238 million. The buyer is a hedge fund manager who collects houses around the world so no surprise that the Big Apple was next on his hit list.

Those of us who live a little closer to earth will be interested in my latest three-month analysis of properties in the three cities of Anna Maria and Cortez that have sold or are listed over $1 million. This time we’re looking at November and December 2018 and January 2019. The residential closed property numbers are from the Manatee County Property Appraisers Office and the available or pending properties as of this writing are from realtor.com which reflects properties listed on the multiple listing records.

The little area of Cortez did not have any properties closing over $1 million during these months. The previous analysis was for a four-month period and showed two properties closed. The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach closed 7 properties ranging from $2,300,000 to $1,050,000. The four-month analysis previously showed there were 14 properties closed. The City of Anna Maria closed 14 $1 million or over properties ranging from $3,300,000 to $1,010,000. The previous four-month analysis reported 17 closed properties over the $1 million mark.

Although the sold properties appear to be a little lower considering we’re comparing three months to four months during the holiday season when there aren’t too many serious buyers around, I think we’re just fine.

The available properties are another story, every location is up considerably from the last analysis. Starting with Cortez, there are currently 6 over $1 million properties on the market or pending, ranging from $1,500,000 to $1,100,000, the last analysis had five.

The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have an incredible 85 properties $1 million or more currently on the market or pending. The range is from a high of $9,500,000 to $1,049,000. There is one listing which happens to be land for $7,775,000; one property over $5 million; two properties over $4 million, five properties over $3 million and 16 properties over $2 million. The balance of the properties are between $2 million and $1 million. The previous analysis had 68 properties on the market.

The City of Anna Maria is also listing more properties than during the previous analysis. As of this writing, there were 58 either available or pending properties ranging from $5,496,000 to $1,065,000. There are two over $4 million; three over $3 million and 15 over $2 million; the balance of the available properties are between $1-2 million.

Lest we forget, it’s early March and the buyers are just starting to sniff around.

When you see the listing prices of the island properties lined up in a row it’s a little mind-blowing, considering what you could buy on the island in previous years. It may not be as mind-blowing as the price tag on a home in a 1,000-foot-tall tower with a view of Central Park, but we have our own views and we’re sticking to them. Are we smarter than a hedge fund manager? You bet we are.

More Castles in the Sand:

House hunting – the fun and not so fun

Florida’s new foreign buyers

A home’s equity is sometimes subjective

No red tide in short-term local forecast

Written by Cindy Lane on March 8, 2019. Posted in Outdoors, Red tide.

Updated March 8, 2019 – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Today’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report shows no red tide predicted in Manatee County waters through at least Monday, March 11.

NOAA’s latest report predicts no respiratory irritation locally.

Statewide over the past week, background concentrations of the harmful algae were reported in one water sample offshore of Hillsborough County and one sample offshore of Lee County, while reports of respiratory irritation were limited to Lee County, according to the FWC.

Background concentrations of red tide, or Karenia brevis, have no discernable effects on people or marine life, and are an ordinary component of Gulf of Mexico waters.

FWC reported no fish kills suspected to be related to red tide over the past week.

The red tide bloom began in October 2017 in Southwest Florida. It appeared locally in August 2018, gradually diminishing over the past few weeks to normal levels.

Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, emits a neurotoxin when it blooms that is deadly to marine life. It can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or emphysema.

Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of blooms, as do nutrients from Florida’s natural phosphate and limestone deposits, Caribbean seawater brought to Florida’s west coast on the Loop Current, the Mississippi River, Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters, and fertilizer and animal waste runoff.

Tour of Homes returns

Written by SUN contributor on March 8, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – One of the biggest events of the year is just around the corner and tickets are on sale now. The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual Tour of Homes takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. This year’s tour features four of Anna Maria Island’s most elegant homes along with a stop at The Center of Anna Maria Island where attendees can shop, grab a bite to eat, tour the facility and buy raffle tickets for a chance to win this year’s tour quilt. The tour is dedicated to the memory of Island resident Ann Horne.

The Willow House – 222 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria

Simplicity, softness and grace welcome you to this new home, built last year by Moss Builders. This home features four bedrooms, four baths and two half-baths. The upper level of the home has an inviting living area complete with bedrooms, a TV room and a small kitchen. Don’t miss the beautiful tree trunk table!

The interior of the home is complete with hand-scraped, wire-brushed oak floors throughout. Most of the home is painted in Sherwin Williams “Extra White.” The kitchen and upstairs bar area were done by Progressive Cabinetry and the accent color cabinetry is called “Aegean Teal.” This color can also be found on the walls of the guest bedroom at the end of the hall. The powder bath and accent wall in the guest bedroom are painted with “Twilight Blue.” The dining room table and living room coffee table were custom-made by local fabricators. The upstairs bathroom color is “Sea Salt.” The master bedroom is painted in “Tradewinds Blue.” The exterior of the home is painted “Harbor Haze” with “Vanilla Bean” accents and dark glazed natural cypress tongue and groove.

222 Willow Avenue was designed by Beacon Home Designs with the selections and interior design done by Emily Moss. Lancaster Designs did the landscaping and Sanger Pools did the pool. It is currently for sale through Gulf Bay Realty of Anna Maria, Inc.

Photos by Jack Elka

Horne Home – 8403 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach

Purchased 31 years ago by John Horne during his tenure at the iconic Fast Eddie’s, this traditional 1960s block home sitting on Bimini Bay was completely renovated in 2017, maintaining the small island charm in the of design.

John’s parents, Ann and Lynn were riding their bikes around the island and came across the house “for sale by owner (Gus Kent.)” They told John that they had found the perfect house for him to buy on the island and in usual Momma Ann style she ended her “pitch” with “…because I’m going to live there when I get old.”

Fast forward 29 years and her wish became a reality upon the sale of their two-story home on the north end of the island. John and Amanda renovated the one-story home with an eye to their parents being able to live there for many years.

We had “imagineered” many times over various projects with the talented Mike Carter and his construction team and this project was no different. We focused on a floor plan that had no doorway thresholds and in the master bedroom, again, no shower threshold to reduce the chance of tripping.

One of our favorite features is the Brazilian pecky cypress in the walls in the living and dining areas – it added warmth and a nautical cottage feel to the house paired with the oyster shell sconces and candelabras. Enhancing the nautical feel is the mother of pearl backsplash in the kitchen. Be sure to check out the kitchen cabinet handles.

The back of the house overlooks beautiful Bimini Bay and has pavers and flowerbeds. The garden was designed and implemented by Jeff Gilchrist with much input from Lynn, Sr. who requested multiple citrus trees and lychee to compliment the famous old mango tree. This mango tree is a favorite of the old islanders. Snooks Adams was known to stop by to take samples and ensure there was a tasty crop!

This home has so many special memories of celebrations over the years: oyster stew on Christmas Eve, Momma Ann and Papa Lynn’s 60th wedding anniversary celebration, birthdays … family and friends. We hope you feel the aura of love and happiness created by Ann and Lynn.

Photos by Jack Elka

Kerschner Home – 637 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach

The owners, Greg and Kathy Kerchner, local architect Gene Aubry, and Shoreline Builders collaborated on the design of this coastal contemporary. The custom Sapele doors match both the garage doors and two garden gates. Wiederhold Creations custom made some of the woodwork. The eight aluminum balconies cannot be missed as you walk up to the home.

The two-story foyer draws your attention to the incredible perimeter overflow and infinity-edged pool and spa. Overhead in the foyer hangs a 32-pendant chandelier. The globes were hand blown in Israel. The wood artwork on the wall is Fever Tree, indigenous to Africa but grown at Selby Gardens in Sarasota. Floating black walnut stairs lead to the first living area. The 14-foot dining room table was created from a single slab of sinker cypress. This massive log was underwater for over 100 years and was created by Mother Nature and embellished by local craftsmen. The second chandelier features raindrop shaped globes as a paean to the natural beauty on display outside.

The kitchen tabletop was custom built for the owners for their previous home. Greg refinished it to coordinate with the quarter-sawn black walnut flooring throughout the home. The cypress mantle over the fireplace was also handcrafted by Greg. Be sure to take notice of the of the Camphor wood countertop in the powder room as Greg, again, designed and built it himself.

The owner’s wine collection rests in a climate-controlled room of cypress racking. A wet bar incorporates a local nautical chart as a backsplash. An expansive guest suite makes a perfect in-law suite with an oversized tub, sitting space and twin balconies. The second living level includes an exercise room and office. The master suite affords a view of the sunrise from a private balcony. The master bath features marble flooring and counters. A unique tub circulates air through its jets. Bedrooms three and four are also on this level. Both feature en-suite and private balconies.

An inviting bar awaits outside with full outdoor kitchen. A water feature graces one side yard and provides a soothing visual interest.

Photos by Jack Elka

Fangmeyer Home – 92 52nd Street, Holmes Beach

When you enter this beachfront home get ready to be swept away to the French countryside. Belle Fangmeyer designs all the charming interior. Her love of flowers and birds are ever present. As you come through the front gate be sure to see the iron sailfish artwork. This sculpture was originally a fountain in front of a bank in Tampa. You will also have an opportunity to peek over the gate at Belle’s herb garden and potting shed. Gardening is her favorite pastime. Hand-painted palm trees grace the border near the foyer ceiling, and waves greet you as you enter.

Upstairs, in the living area, is a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico. A large “birdhouse” in the kitchen makes you smile as you see the wine bottles tucked into the holes of the birdhouse. A handyman friend from North Carolina made the large arch over the kitchen stove as well as the mantle over the fireplace in the living room.

Dan and Belle’s favorite room is the small room off the living room they call the porch. The table in the center of the room is from Paris. In fact, many pieces of furniture throughout the home are antiques from Europe. You will notice a dry sink in their lounge room which came from their horse stable in North Carolina. Their Tennessee Walker horses are stabled there along with Boer goats they call their big pets. Belle and Dan have a 60-acre farm in North Carolina which also doubles as a wedding venue.

As you slowly stroll and take in the serenity of this home, notice the burst of flowers as you enter each of the three bedrooms. Sunset can be viewed from two of the up or downstairs porches. The backyard and pool offer a relaxing respite. Another impressive iron sculpture of a humpback whale and calf sits close to the 149 feet of beachfront property. An outdoor kitchen is near the pool alongside the “Margarita” room. This is another guest room with an en-suite bath. Murphy beds are enclosed along one wall. The Margarita “feel” flows into the bath with shower doors that are etched with a margarita glass and shaker of salt. Olé!

Dan and Belle purchased this 3300 sq. ft. home in 2017. The builder was Whitehead Construction in 2014.

Photos by Jack Elka

Center Bazaar

The Center Bazaar is open to all and is located at The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave in Anna Maria Island. The Bazaar will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is sponsored by Duncan Real Estate. The Bazaar will feature local vendors selling art, pottery, jewelry, and more. There will be food vendors for those looking for a quick bite during the tour. The Tropical Treasures Boutique will also be located at The Center with The Bazaar. The boutique includes crafts, art, and homemade jellies all donated to The Center. The quilt created by the Eyeland Needlers will be on display at The Center and tickets can be purchased for the raffle. The quilt is titled “Mermaid’s Garden” and is sponsored by Green Real Estate.

Tickets for the Tour of Homes are $25 each and can be purchased at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, or at each stop of the tour on the day of the event. For more information, call the Center at 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org.

Developer previews sustainable Hunters Point home

Written by Joe Hendricks on March 7, 2019. Posted in Business, Real estate | Development.

PALMETTO – Pearl Homes president Marshall Gobuty recently gave The Sun a tour of the new research and design center in Palmetto that now houses the model home for the Pearl Homes at Hunters Point development.

The ultra-energy-efficient Hunters Point community will be built on Gobuty’s 18.7-acre property in Cortez, near the Buttonwood Inlet RV Park. The cutting-edge community will feature 86 small but luxurious net-zero energy homes designed to produce more solar power than they need.

When entering the Palmetto warehouse, one is struck by how large the finished home looks in comparison to the conceptual drawings presented to Manatee County commissioners in 2017.

Due to the warehouse’s space limitations, the model home does not sit atop the two-car garage and storage area that will serve as the foundation for the elevated homes.

With approximately 480 square feet of air-conditioned interior living space, the Pearl Home offers nearly 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor usable space that also includes a wrap-around porch and a rooftop sky deck that runs the length of the house.

The kitchen/living room area includes a pull-out table that seats 12. The guest bedroom features a Murphy bed that doubles as a desk. The bathroom includes a shower and an automatically activated heated toilet seat. The master bedroom includes a queen-sized bed.

Built atop a ground-level garage that will feature an ample storage area, each Pearl Home will come equipped with solar panels, sonnen solar batteries, Google Home smart technology, smart TVs, space-saving appliances, furniture and more.

“When you buy one of these homes, it comes with everything. All you’re going to have to do is move in,” Gobuty said.

Buyers will also have the option to include a swimming pool built by Agnelli Pools and/or an elevator that goes from the garage to the sky deck.

Gobuty anticipates the research and design center opening to potential buyers in mid-March. Presales have not started yet, but more than 300 people have expressed initial interest in the Pearl Homes – and some have offered to pay for their homes sight-unseen.

Built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, a Hunters Point Pearl Home built onsite on an inland lot will cost about $400,000. Gobuty said a canal-front home with a dock might cost about $100,000 more, but that price point is still being determined.

Gobuty said some builders told him his prices are too low.

“I don’t know if they’re too low, but I want the project to work. This is not a normal, standard home. This is the most sustainable smart home that’s ever been built,” he said.

“At this stage of my life, it’s not about money,” the 57-year-old said, referring to Hunters Point as a legacy project that his kids and grandkids can be proud of.

Gobuty anticipates construction beginning in July and the new homes being occupied in early 2020. He believes many owners will use their homes as vacation rentals, at least some of the time.

The first phase of construction will not include the guest lodge included in the original plans presented to county commissioners. This is because the Florida Department of Transportation may need that part of the Hunters Point property for stormwater retention when a new fixed-span Cortez Bridge is built in the next decade or so.

Gobuty said the Hunters Point amenities will include a bistro and bar operated by Cortez businesswoman Karen Bell, a gym, a dog park and a designated dock slip for water taxi service to and from Anna Maria Island. His team is also researching the possible communal use of Tesla electric automobiles, which depends on whether liability concerns can be addressed.

“Sustainability isn’t just an energy-efficient home. It’s a community of sustainability, which means less traffic, less gas and less emissions. If we have two cars in every garage we’re not doing our job,” Gobuty said.

Solar-powered ambitions

Gary Carmack serves as Pearl Homes’ energy development expert. He said the model home now on display is powered by 16 solar panels placed atop the warehouse roof. This replicates the solar panels to be placed atop the porch overhangs for the Hunters Point homes.

Carmack said the sonnen battery can store enough electricity to power the home for two days. If more is needed during extended periods of rain or cloudy skies, electricity can be pulled from Florida Power & Light’s power grid.

“The very last thing it wants to do is take from the grid,” Carmack said.

Gobuty, the founder and former owner of the Arizona Jean Company, previously helped friends and associates design their homes, but his LEED Platinum Certified Mirabella community in west Bradenton was his first major housing development.

Pearl Homes will also soon be building the 720-unit lease-only Pearl Homes at OurLives community in Ellenton. Gobuty said the OurLives community will provide sustainable apartment-style living that costs $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom unit, $1,450 for two-bedrooms and $1,750 for three bedrooms.

“Sustainability shouldn’t just be for the wealthy,” he said.

“The Pearl Home can also be in a more affordable community and the concept is the same,” Carmack added.

In the future, Gobuty envisions net-zero energy Pearl Homes being delivered or built anywhere in the country.

“It could be anywhere because with the solar you do not need infrastructure,” he said.

He also hopes his efforts inspire more developers and builders to focus on green technology and sustainability.

Gardner’s Progressive Cabinetry dominates

Written by Monica Simpson on March 5, 2019. Posted in Archives.

Going into the fifth week of adult co-ed flag football action at The Center of Anna Maria Island, two of the three games were not played due to forfeits but the friendly rivalry between Ray Gardner and Tim Shaughnessy did not disappoint.

Missing his late pick-ups, Don Purvis and Lexi Sato, Gardner was forced to play with just four men on the field against the nearly full Lancaster Design squad. Gardner’s Progressive Cabinetry team showed it did not need the fifth player or the quarterback strength of Purvis to take the win last Thursday night.

As castmates in the annual Murder Mystery fundraiser at the Center, members of Team Progressive Cabinetry, Ray Gardner and Don Purvis, and Team Lancaster Design, Brianna Roberts, Mike Shaughnessy and Caleb Roberts, work together and have team chemistry, but on the gridiron, the individuals play hard for their respective teams.

To start the action after four minutes of play, quarterback T. Shaughnessy, brother of Brianna Roberts, found his favorite target, brother-in-law Caleb Roberts, for the first touchdown of the game. League veteran Karri Stephens caught the extra point throw in the end zone to take the early lead at 7-0.

Gardner and company quickly met the challenge with a touchdown and extra point of their own. On the second snap of the series, Ben Sato caught a short pitch but gained significant yardage for a first down.

League newcomer Connor Haughey scored the first touchdown for Progressive Cabinetry despite immense defensive pressure by B. Roberts on quarterback Gardner. Sato made the reception for the point after tying the game at 7-7.

Haughey showed his defensive ability by getting a reaching hand between the football and Stephens on the first down play. Haughey disrupted Lancaster Design’s offensive push by nabbing the C. Roberts pass intended for Shaughnessy.

The flag pull by C. Roberts prevented the pick six, but Progressive Cabinetry quickly found the end zone and put six more points on the scoreboard with a Sato touchdown catch.

Looking to tie the ball game, if not pull ahead, Lancaster Design struggled to put together plays. After a reception by Lane Burnett, two incomplete passes put the football back into the capable hands of Gardner.

With 26 seconds left on the first half clock, Haughey and Sato put the Progressive team in scoring position. Haughey took the ball after the snap and hit Zachary Holder for the touchdown and point after, advancing the score to 7-20.

Lancaster Design had another chance to score, but Sato’s speed led to a quarterback sack on the first down. The second down and last play of the half showcased the speed and agility of both the ball carrier Stephens and defender Gardner.

The second half started with Progressive Cabinetry on offense, but the Lancaster defense and non-stop effort by B. Roberts quickly gave the football back to Shaughnessy’s team.

Keeping the win within reach, C. Roberts and Shaughnessy both hit Stephens to gain big yardage. Haughey’s flag pulls temporarily kept the Lancaster Design squad out of the end zone. Stephens’ moves led him to the score, closing the Progressive lead to seven points.

Flag pulls by Jake Parsons stopped Haughey and Gardner on the first two plays of Progressive’s possession. After taking the ball to the 10-yard line, a scrambling Gardner finally found Holder at the back of the end zone for the team’s fourth touchdown of the game with less than six minutes left to play.

Unable to score, with incomplete passes by the team patriarch Mike Shaughnessy and C. Roberts, Progressive Cabinetry took over on offense for another Haughey touchdown with 47 seconds left on the clock.

Roberts closed out the game with a nice reception, ending with the final score at 13-33.

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Reel Time: Release program promotes fishery recovery

Written by Rusty Chinnis on March 5, 2019. Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

On Tuesday, Feb. 26, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), in conjunction with Duke Energy and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, released adult and juvenile redfish at Robinson Preserve in Manatee County. The redfish were donated by Duke Power and raised at its Mariculture Center in Crystal River, Fla. There are a number of releases scheduled in southwest Florida, which will include about 2,000 juvenile fish and 25 to 30 adult redfish per county, all of which will come from the Duke Energy Mariculture Center. In February, the group also released redfish in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

Additional tentative release dates and locations include Lee County, March 12 at 11 a.m.; Tropical Point Park, 3401 Tropical Point Drive, St. James City, Fla.; Collier County, March 15 at 11 a.m.; Shell Island Boat Launch, 10 Shell Island Road, Naples, Fla.; Charlotte County, March 19 at 11 a.m.; and Ponce De Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, Fla.

Brian Gorski, CCA Florida executive director, weighed in on the effort. “We’re extremely excited to release these fish now that the waters are determined to be safe,” he said. “Between these releases, encouraging anglers to catch-and-release and promoting conservation, we’re going to see this fishery improve and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

Catherine Stempien, Duke Energy Florida president, stated that “Duke Energy is committed to helping protect and preserve Florida’s natural environment.” She added, “Our Mariculture Center advances environmental stewardship throughout the state by partnering with state and local agencies and universities on restoration projects. The redfish we are donating will have long-term positive environmental impacts in the affected areas and we’re proud to play a small part in the solution to the recent red tide occurrence.”

Eric Sutton, FWC executive director, also was proud to be a partner. “We are thankful for the leadership and efforts of CCA and Duke Energy on making this redfish enhancement possible,” he said. “The efforts to help struggling fisheries in the aftermath of such an intense and devastating red tide is welcome, and anglers should do their part by adhering to the closure and respecting size and bag limits. They can go further by handling their catches responsibly and practicing catch and release after the closure is lifted. All the partners in the effort are to be commended for not only adding to depleted fish stocks but also raising awareness.”

The CCA has come a long way since it came into Florida as the FCA in the early 80s. In 1985, I joined a few local residents, including Captain Scott Moore, Captain Jim O’Neil, Pete Turner, Jim Knowles and Cindy McCartney, and met with Gulf Coast Conservation Association organizer Bruce Cartwright. That meeting of six concerned citizens led to the formation of the Manatee Chapter of the then-FCA. I attended the Manatee CCA Banquet last Thursday night at the Manatee County Convention Center, where more than 1,000 members and guests showed their support for fisheries conservation.

The exponential growth of an organization concerned with the health of our waters and fishery is a reason for optimism but points to a larger issue that can’t get lost in the media buzz of hatchery releases. If we truly want a healthy habitat and robust fishery we have to address the root of the problem. While it is often mentioned that the red tide is a natural occurrence, what you don’t hear is that the occurrence and severity of red tide are 15 times greater than it was 50 years ago. More often the natural occurrence storyline is parroted by groups, corporations and state agencies responsible for the increase of nutrients and lack of enforcement of common sense laws that help feed the red tide.

The most recent red tide event may have hopefully awakened citizens and lawmakers to the severity of the issue. A new state administration taking action is encouraging. While significant funds are becoming available to address the problem, as long as the emphasis is on mitigating and killing red tide instead of addressing point (sewage spills) and nonpoint (agricultural runoff) source pollution we’ll miss an important opportunity to begin taking effective action towards a lasting solution.

Related coverage

https://amisun.com/2019/02/26/redfish-released-for-red-tide-recovery/

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Letters to the Editor: Roser crucial to book sale

Written by SUN contributor on March 5, 2019. Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

Once again, the Friends of the Island Library are very grateful to Roser Community Church for making a space for us to have our popular book sale. A smaller space, but we had fewer books. The sale was another success, bringing in more than $3,500 to be used for future children’s and adult programs at the Library as well as our Lecture and Travel series. All books were donated.

So many thanks to the many volunteers who worked hard hauling, sorting, pricing etc. to get the book sale in shape. I have much admiration for your constant support. To the LaPensees for storing the books all year and everyone who attended the sale, we are grateful.

Please, friends, note that we have no space in the library at this time to store books and would be obliged if you would hold the books you wish to donate until July of this year.

Denise Johnson

Holmes Beach

More Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Thanks for Sun support

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Letters to the Editor: Thanks for Sun support

Written by SUN contributor on March 5, 2019. Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

On behalf of the board of directors of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival committee we want to say thank you to the AMI Sun for your continued support and sponsorship of our festival.

This year and for the past 37 years, the FISH Festival has provided the funds needed for FISH to purchase the 98-plus acre FISH Preserve and to fund its ongoing restoration. The FISH Preserve will, within the next 12-15 years, be the only undisturbed parcel of land on North Sarasota Bay. Our annual festival has allowed us to purchase the old Church of Christ, now Fishermen’s Hall, and the Cortez Firehouse. These places represent the commercial industry, culture and environment on which this village was established more than 130 years ago. A strong and proud history that continues to struggle in the “Changing Tides” of time. You (the AMI SUN) are essential to our success – we simply couldn’t do it without your support, and we thank you for your many years of loyal participation.

Jane von Hahmann

V.P. FISH Board of Directors

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Anna Maria revising beach cabana rental regulations

Island voters help decide county, state and federal primary races

Anna Maria parking study recommends permit and paid parking

Bradenton Beach hires in-house building official

Major revisions to Anna Maria cabana rental regulations to be discussed Thursday

Pines Trailer Park, Bridge Street redevelopment plans presented

Anna Maria revising beach cabana rental regulations

Island voters help decide county, state and federal primary races

Anna Maria parking study recommends permit and paid parking

Bradenton Beach hires in-house building official

Major revisions to Anna Maria cabana rental regulations to be discussed Thursday

Pines Trailer Park, Bridge Street redevelopment plans presented

Suncoast Fly Fishers hosting ladies fly fishing tournament

Remember the Sandbar

Palma Sola Bay doesn’t meet state bacteria standards

Beat the summer heat

Turtle Watch reports fatal hatchling disorientations

Salty Dawg: Sand dollars

Too many people, too few homes

Great-grandson’s mural pays tribute to Sports Lounge’s Chicago roots

Book covers and old Florida

The storm before the law

Real estate market optimism

Public comment sought for Aqua’s proposed gabion wall

Center’s summer campers learn skimboarding

Skim competition returns to Anna Maria

Team Cablish & Gentile wins chamber golf tournament

Pat Carlucci discusses ‘Baseball in Paradise’

CENTER SCOREBOARD: Reel Coastal Properties claims flag football title

Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

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The Willow House – 222 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria

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Kerschner Home – 637 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach

Fangmeyer Home – 92 52nd Street, Holmes Beach

Center Bazaar

Solar-powered ambitions