Skip to main content

Tag: Anna Maria

Castles in the Sand

Real estate winter

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

It’s winter in southwest Florida and although we talk a lot about beach, road and Publix congestion, we really do love visitors to the Island. We, of course, would love them even more if the visitors converted to owners and not just on Anna Maria Island.

Florida and Arizona have built a real estate market catering largely to retirees, specifically baby boomer retirees. As much as we boomers want to continue influencing the culture and finances of the country, we will inevitably pass away. Not only do we have to face death we may also need to face not being able to live in our homes and migrating to family or assisted living facilities.

Now that I’ve completely ruined your day, these numbers will further depress you. According to Zillow, one in eight owner-occupied homes in the U.S., or roughly nine million residences, are set to hit the market from 2017 through 2027. In addition, Zillow calculates that by 2037 one-quarter of the U.S. homes for sale, or roughly 21 million homes, will be vacated by seniors.

This is a lot of real estate and a good percentage of these homes are in over 55 communities where at least one owner needs to meet that age criteria. These communities have been popular with baby boomers for decades. However, the concern is that the next generation of homeowners are not only looking for a different lifestyle but there aren’t even enough of them to fill the vacancies.

In theory, older homeowners are replaced by younger homeowners and the recent lack of available properties to purchase has kept many millennials stuck in rentals, so this should be a good thing. However, in the case of many of the baby boomer properties, the properties are located in areas where younger buyers don’t want to buy. Suburban living is less of a draw than for previous generations and millennials prefer cities and major metropolitan areas. In addition, even generations below the baby boomers who may be in pre-retirement years have little or no interest in living in planned, age-restricted enclaves no matter how great the weather is.

Economists worry about what the impact of unpopular large retirement communities will have on the local economy surrounding these areas. There are some market experts who suggest that a retooling of these communities to make them more attractive to families and lifting the age restrictions could be a better use of these properties down the road. Arizona and Florida are naturally in the crosshairs of potentially having an overabundance of senior housing. Thankfully for us, Florida’s east coast will be harder impacted.

Real estate markets are a balancing act. If one part of the market has a problem, another part may benefit from those problems. For example, the beautiful and exotic state of Hawaii.

Who doesn’t love Hawaii for vacations, but do you want to live there? Apparently lots of people don’t since Hawaii is experiencing the third straight year of negative migration, with the young, highly educated and well-off being the ones most likely to leave.

Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the country, and according to the Tax Foundation, the real value of $100 in Hawaii is $84.39. According to Zillow, the median list price for a house is $630,000 compared with $284,999 for the U.S. as a whole. In Hawaii, gasoline has been as high at $5.00 a gallon and a gallon of milk $7.00. Hawaiians may be going kicking and screaming from their beautiful state but they’re leaving for the same reasons residents of New York, California, Illinois and New Jersey are leaving – taxes, cost of living and public education.

Inevitably, we will see a dramatic change in the real estate market in the near future. Right now, the baby boomers still rule and will for a while.

More Castles in the Sand:

 

Is Anna Maria Island still Old Florida?

 

Happy new real estate year

 

Home ownership matters

Reel Time: Fishing bridges, piers and docks

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

You don’t have to have a boat to get to some of this winter’s best fishing. Bridges, docks and piers provide anglers who don’t have a boat or don’t want to bother with one some excellent fishing opportunities.

Besides being a convenient access point over the water, their structure provides the perfect habitat for fish. A large variety of small baitfish, crabs, barnacles and other crustaceans call these pilings home and provide gamefish a refuge and an ambush point for feeding. The bridges that span the local passes are natural corridors for fish like pompano, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and bluefish. These species migrate from the gulf to the local bays, feeding around the bridge pilings and fenders. Action on one species or another can be found year-round around local structures. That doesn’t mean that they are for shore-bound anglers only because boaters will find them a great place to fish too.

Reel Time: Fishing bridges, piers and docks
There are ways to rig your line that allow you to deal with any tidal stages you encounter while fishing from bridges. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The old saying that the best time to go fishing is any time you can is a good one to follow.  However, if you have the luxury of picking your time and tide, a morning incoming tide on bridges that span the passes is hard to beat. The second best time would be a late outgoing tide. Timing your trip to coincide with the beginning or end of the tide cycle will make it easier to deal with the often strong currents that course through the passes. That doesn’t mean you’re restricted to those times and there are ways to rig that will allow you to deal with any tidal stage. Many docks and piers don’t as strong a tidal flow but look for times when the water is moving.

When fishing the bridges, a medium weight spinning outfit is perfect. At least, depending on the species you’re targeting, a 10- to 12-pound outfit is recommended since you’ll have to hoist your catch from the water to the bridge. There are special nets available that can be lowered to help with this operation, but it is one more piece of equipment you’ll have to transport. With most catches a careful hand over hand retrieve will work just fine and your mobility will not be restricted. You can go lighter when fishing docks and piers but you’ll need to be able to control your catch when they get near the pilings.

Depending on your quarry, a few lures will suffice. Live bait is another option, but keeping it alive poses some problems. Swimming and diving plugs are effective but I prefer to shy away from treble hooks. One of the most effective lures is the jig. When the current isn’t particularly strong a jig tied directly to a 30-pound section of leader will work perfectly.

If the tide is strong, when fishing in or near passes, a weight will help get the lure down in the water column where most of the action occurs. To keep the weight from interfering with the jig, tie a section of 40-pound leader with a sliding egg sinker between two small swivels. Then add your leader and jig below. This rig can be also be used to get lures or live bait to the bottom. Another advantage of this rig is that as it is being worked across the bottom it sends up a small puff of sand that attracts predators like pompano.

Some anglers tie a short section of leader from the jig to a smaller jig of fly. One of the advantages to fishing from a bridge is the ability to easily move from one spot to another. This allows the angler to try near the pilings, on the edges of the channel, tide lines and areas where striking fish might be found.

If the action is slow or you’re exploring a bridge and pass for the first time, work both sides of the bridge. Vary your retrieve, working the lure fast and slow, exploring the water column. With obvious differences, the same applies to docks and piers.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish, two common species that frequent local bridges have sharp teeth and can cut through monofilament leaders. There are two options to protect your lure. One is to use a short strand of wire leader. The other is to use long-shanked hooks. A wire can keep fish from biting if the water is clear but you’ll lose a few rigs if you fish without it.

Whatever your fishing style, don’t pass up a trip to local bridges, piers and docks. The action can be spectacular and the effort required is far less than an outing in a boat.   Anglers should be vigilant of the traffic when fishing bridges and always remember to look behind before casting. Some good locations to target include Longboat Pass, the Rod & Reel Pier, the Bradenton Beach Pier, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Manatee and Cortez bridges.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

Reel Time: We’ll See

Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

Castles in the Sand

Is Anna Maria Island still Old Florida?

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

There’s no doubt how much Anna Maria Island has changed over the past 25 years since I found the Island. One might say it’s gone from shabby chic to polished coastal, but has it also gone from Old Florida to upscale Florida pretending to be Old Florida.

Last month the Island, or at least Holmes Beach, had another “best of” rankings bestowed on them. This time it was from Trip Advisor who picked the top seven “delightfully low-key Florida beach towns you might not know about.” Well if they didn’t know about it before they sure know about it now. Just what we need, more cars on the Island. On the other hand, for people who own property on the Island and want to generate some profit, this may be the right time if you follow a few simple rules.

There are lots of ways to get your property out there if you’re considering rentals, VRBO, Airbnb, the new Marriott Homes & Villas and of course, traditional Island real estate companies.

Starting with a great location is key and the Island has a multitude of great locations. Properties closer to the beach always rent for more but it’s hard to find anywhere on Anna Maria Island that’s undesirable.

Next is the number of bedrooms, the more the better. If there is any way to turn available space like an office or storage room into another bedroom it will make your rental more attractive. Also, remember the children and furnish the property with sturdy and well-built trendy furniture that is washable and somewhat indestructible. Leave the Chippendale in storage.

Provide big sectional sofas and seating areas for everyone to get cozy on, and also a large enough dining table for the maximum number of guests allowed. Add some beach essentials like beach chairs, beach toys, beach carts and maybe even paddleboards. If you have a pool having a floating chair with a drink holder could seal the deal. A gas grill is also appreciated by renters as are ping pong tables, bikes, games and restaurant recommendations. Towels, including beach and bedding that are not expensive but in good condition, are essential. No one likes a dingy towel. Don’t forget toilet paper, paper towels, bath soap and dishwasher soap, providing at least enough to get started if it’s a long-term rental and enough to get short-term renters through to the end.

Leaving a complimentary bottle of wine and some welcome cheese and crackers is a nice touch that people don’t forget. And don’t be afraid to decorate with some cute and beachy stuff. I read somewhere it’s a good idea to have a plaque made with the name of your rental placed in a position where renters might take a picture, free advertising when they show their vacation photos to friends.

The bottom line is to create a space that you would like to spend time in.

Trip Advisor loves the slower pace of Holmes Beach and the “Old Florida” vibe without the crowds. But we’re not alone – the other top six low-key Florida destinations include Venice, Cocoa Beach, Englewood, Daytona Beach Shores, Lauderdale By The Sea and Longboat Key. I’m not sure if Longboat Key residents would agree with the “Old Florida” characterization, but polished coastal does fit.

There’s no argument that Anna Maria Island is one of the most beautiful beachfront communities in the country and to people coming here for the first time it still epitomizes Old Florida. So, if you’re considering using your home as a rental there certainly is a thriving market. Old or upscale, it’s still the tops.

More Castles in the Sand:

Happy new real estate year

Home ownership matters

Million dollar homes and taxes

Reef project helps filter local waters

Reef project helps filter local waters

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

BRADENTON BEACH – A windy, cloudy afternoon didn’t stop the father-son team of David and David Wolff from coming out to the dock behind the Bridge Tender Inn Dec. 20 to install four mini reefs as a part of The Center’s Go Green initiative.

The four reefs were only a part of the six reefs purchased by the Bridge Tender’s owner, Fred Bartizal, who purchased two additional reefs to be placed in the water near his home.

In a statement emailed to The Sun, Bartizal said, “The Bridge Tender Inn takes great pride in going green. Everyone should be doing it; it is essential for the earth and future generations.” He added that the restaurant participates in recycling and is switching over to biodegradable napkins, straws, cutlery and to-go containers.

David Wolff Jr. carries two of the mini reefs down the dock to be installed at the Bridge Tender Inn. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The mini reefs, the brainchild of David Wolff of Ocean Habitats LLC, are made almost exclusively of sustainable materials designed to hold around 150 pounds with a lifespan of 10-15 years. The reefs are installed underneath docks, attached by floating marine ropes, and bob just underneath the surface where they provide a home for fish and other marine life. Ocean Habitat’s mini reefs can be used in salt and brackish water. They filter over 30,000 gallons of water per day and can provide a nursery home for fish and crabs, producing around 300 fish per year and 200 crabs per year.

Wolff said the idea for the reefs came out of a college research project. Once he shrunk the initial reef down to its current 24x36x24 inch size and rethought all of the materials with longevity and sustainability in mind, he developed the current mini reef and a fish crib to be used in freshwater lakes and ponds.

Though the mini reefs are available through the Ocean Habitats website, they’re also available through The Center of Anna Maria Island at a discounted price, including installation.

David Wolff Jr. secures two of the mini reefs underneath the dock at The Bridge Tender Inn. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The reefs are being made available as a part of The Center’s Go Green campaign, encouraging community members to live a more sustainable life while also supporting the nonprofit. Each reef can be purchased for $350 with $150 going to support The Center’s annual fund. Through Jan. 15, a private donor is sponsoring a donation match up to $130,000, so any reefs purchased by the deadline produces an additional $150 donation for a total of $300 back to The Center.

Center Director of Development Jim McDaniel said that as of Dec. 20, 52 mini reefs had been purchased and were planned to be installed around Anna Maria Island by the New Year. He said an additional four were in-process. The goal, he said, is to not only see what kind of positive impact these mini reefs can have on local waters but also to see how many new donors will come forward to help out The Center.

Once all of the reefs are installed, McDaniel said The Center plans to create a map of the reef locations and hopefully will be able to use the project for research purposes in the future.

For people who want a different, but still tangible, way to support The Center, there’s the Giving Reef, located in the nonprofit’s lobby. For the Giving Reef, program directors priced and placed tags with items needed, from soccer balls to new fitness equipment, on the reef. Anyone can come in, find something that they feel passionate about supporting or that fits into their budget and provide the funds to purchase that item. McDaniel said that items range from about $130 to $3,500 and are all currently included in The Center’s budget. By community members purchasing those items, those budgeted funds can go back into the annual fund for use in other areas or for saving for the future of the nonprofit.

For more information on the mini reefs and the Giving Reef, visit The Center online.

Related coverage

Mini reefs installed at Mar Vista

Displaced osprey gets a new home

Displaced osprey gets a new home

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – A displaced female osprey has a new nesting place thanks to the combined efforts of the Lake La Vista Homeowners Association and part-time resident Kay Johnson, Florida Power and Light, Volt Power and Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, a crew from Volt Power attached a custom-fabricated aluminum nesting platform to a wooden utility pole and then set the pole in place on a vacant lakefront lot on Lakeview Drive owned by the homeowners association.

Jones was on hand Thursday morning when the pole and platform were set in place.

“There was a Norfolk pine that was cut down legally across the street. There was not an active nest, so by FWC rules they’re allowed to cut it down. That displaced the osprey and the osprey has been hanging around,” Jones explained.

“Kay Johnson called me and asked me if we could do anything about it. I called my contacts at FP&L and they were able to secure a pole for us. Volt is a subcontractor of FP&L and FP&L is paying for their time today. The city has no cost in this project,” Jones said.

Volt crewmember Cole Willis said he and his co-workers install about 10 to 12 nesting platforms a year.

“Ospreys are my wife’s favorite bird, so I have a soft spot for them too,” Jones said. “And this goes back to the city wanting to be stewards of the environment and keeping our natural habitats strong. We’re glad the city could be a part of this,” Jones said.

Later that morning, Jones reported activity already taking place at the new platform.

“We hadn’t had the nest up for more than an hour and a half and we already had a mating pair there. It’s really a highlight of the year for me seeing this situation turn out so good. It feels amazing,” he said.

On Friday, Jones said the female osprey was gathering materials and building a nest. He said he was pretty sure the female osprey occupying the new platform is the same osprey displaced by the tree removal.

“The females are normally 15 to 20 percent larger than the males, so that’s definitely a female sitting up there. From what I can tell from the ground, she has the same markings as the displaced bird. And the male that’s hanging around appears to have the same markings as her mate,” Jones said.

When contacted at her other home in New York, Johnson said she and her husband, Gary, arrived at their Anna Maria home on Nov. 18 for a three-week stay. The following day they heard a loud noise that turned out to be the grinding of a tree stump.

“My heart sank. I looked up and the massive twin-trunk Norfolk pine was gone,” Johnson said via email.

The couple had watched the osprey pair nest and raise their young in that tree for at least six years.

“I heard her chirping and knew she was still around,” Johnson said.

She arranged for a pole to be installed on the homeowners association property and the association agreed to pay for the platform made by All Steel Fabricating.

“It all came together after we left for our home in Jamestown, New York,” Johnson said. “I am so appreciative of all the support I received in providing our osprey with a nest platform. I felt she would accept it quickly, but I had no idea how quickly. I told Dean our neighborhood is whole again. I can’t wait to return in January.”

Holiday Carols in the Park not dampened by rainy weather

Holiday Carols in the Park not dampened by rainy weather

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Holiday.

ANNA MARIA – Despite a steady rain, the city of Anna Maria’s Holiday Carols in the Park started with a bang, when Santa magically appeared through a cloud of orange smoke at the west end of City Pier Park.

The annual city-sponsored holiday event took place on Friday, Dec. 13 and began at 4 p.m.
After making his way to the shade sail structure to the delight of the awaiting youngsters,

Santa first joined Mayor Dan Murphy and helped announce the winners of the city’s inaugural Bright Holiday Lights holiday decorating contest.

Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes, artist and Emerson’s Studio Store owner Emerson Quillin and AMI Chamber of Commerce President Terri Kinder served as the contest judges and
visited each entry before Friday’s event.

“Hopefully next year we’ll have more entries. It was a lot of fun,” Kinder said when
the judges were introduced.

“I want to thank all of our businesses for entering, you did a fantastic job,” Murphy
said.

Santa then opened the hermetically sealed envelope and announced Duncan Real
Estate won the business category. Sales and rental agent Joey Hutchinson accepted the trophy on behalf of Duncan Real Estate, but he said most of the credit
goes to rental agent J.P. Beaubien.

“He did all the work,” Hutchinson said of the decorations gracing the real estate
office on Pine Avenue.

Harry’s Grill, Poppo’s Taqueria, Pink & Navy, Island Cabana, Vacasa, Beach Bums and Two Scoops also competed in the business category.

For their home on Gladiolus Street, Santa announced the Craft family as the winners of the residents category. Santa and the mayor then presented Larry Craft with his lighted, Christmas tree-themed trophy.

“I give the credit to my wife (Carol). She’s truly a Christmas angel, and I am her wing man. I didn’t do that much; she did most of it,” Craft told the crowd.

“Beautiful job,” Murphy said. “And thank you, everyone who entered.”

The Johnson family on Kumquat Drive, Steve Coppin and John Polking on Bayview
Place and Debbie White on North Bay Boulevard also competed in the residents’
category.

Santa then made his way over to his special chair so the children could share their
Christmas wishes with him and receive the gift bags he had for them.

Standing under an auxiliary tent and accompanied by a talented keyboardist, the
choir from the Roser Memorial Community Church performed several Christmas
carols, including “Away in the Manger,” before asking the crowd to join in a holiday
sing-along that included “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Attendees were also treated to free eggnog, Christmas cookies and other refreshments.

After performing with the choir, Lorna Smilde was among the grown-ups who paid Santa a visit. When asked what Christmas wish she shared with Santa, Smilde said, “I want
peace in this country.”

After the performance, Murphy shared with The Sun his thoughts on the festivities.

“With all this rain. I was surprised that we had the great turnout we did. It just shows
you the holiday spirit is alive and well in Anna Maria. I’m very pleased and I’m very
proud of what the city staff put together for this celebration.”

Murphy praised the crew that coordinated the Holiday Bright Lights contest and the Holiday Carols in the Park event and consisted of Haynes, City Clerk LeAnne Addy, Public Works Manager Dean Jones and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Janney.

Hutchinson and Ivin top the charts going into the playoffs

Hutchinson and Ivin top charts going into playoffs

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

The final week of the regular season for the adult soccer league at The Center of Anna Maria Island played out last week with Ross Built Construction taking the win against Vintage Beach in the first game of the night last Thursday, Dec. 5.

Second-seeded Sato Real Estate dominated the pitch against Flynn Law, who was missing key players. Top female league scorer and second overall in the league at just four goals short of first, Amy Ivin, put four goals into the record books along with an assist in the game.

Ivin started the scoring early finding the net twice in the first 10 minutes of the match up giving Sato Real Estate a 2-0 lead.

With five minutes left in the first half of the game, Ivin finds Race Aranda ready to score, advancing the point deficit for Flynn Law with the score 3-0.

Flynn Law looked to be on fire and ready for a second-half come back with a quick goal by Danny Anderson, made possible by an assist by his wife Gina Anderson, against a Sato squad that did not look quick ready for action.

The scoreboard showed a 3-1 Sato Real Estate lead with 15 minutes left in the game when D. Anderson’s corner kick met the feet of Zachary Lieb for the second Flynn Law goal of the game, moving the score to 4-2.

Aranda moved down the field past Goalie of the Year Robb Marshall, for Flynn Law, with 90 saves in the regular season. Aranda found Ivin open allowing her to score her third goal of the game.

Both Ivin and team captain Josh Sato hit the net for Sato Real Estate points and Lieb scored again for the Flynn Law team.

With the score 6-3 with very little time left in the game, Conrado Gomez hit his solo goal, giving his team, Sato Real Estate, a five-point lead.

In the final seconds of the game, Nate Talucci scored the final goal of the game for Sato Real Estate to end the game with the score 8-3.

Top seed Block Walters will face Vacasa, who clinched their first win of the season against Lancaster Design Thursday night. With the loss, Lancaster Design’s season ended.

Sato Real Estate matches up against seventh seed Moss Builders and fourth seed Ross Built Construction hits the field with Flynn Law, finishing fifth in the regular season.

League high scorer and team captain Joey Hutchinson takes his Vintage Beach team into the playoffs against sixth seed Team MuniPlan.

The semifinal round of playoff games are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. with the championship game to follow on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Related coverage

Young and old play the field at The Center

 

End of the season fun on the little field

 

Flynn versus Flynn: Battles on The Center pitch continue

Castles in the Sand

The Grinch that stole your real estate deal

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

If you’re in a home negotiation, whether you’re the buyer or seller you better watch out for the home inspection grinch. To the buyer, the grinch is a kindly and informed fellow who will uncover all of the home’s secrets and to the seller, the grinch is a nosey picky guy who when he uncovers all of your home’s secrets will tell the buyer. Whichever grinch you see he is a necessary evil to the purchase transaction.
Home inspections have become standard operating procedure for both single-family homes and condos all over the country. Generally, a seller is entitled to a home inspection within a specified number of days after both parties have signed the purchase of sale agreement and/or contract of sale. The number of days is determined by the culture of the region and the availability of inspectors in that region.
Inspectors are looking for defects in major systems like electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning. In Florida in particular, inspectors are very sensitive to mold and mildew and may use a moisture meter looking for damp areas behind walls from a plumbing leak. They will also check for water pressure in toilets, tubs and dishwashers, as well as the condition of appliances and outdated wiring.
If an inspection comes back with legitimate problems, the buyer and seller should come to an agreement and time frame for repairs. If they fail to do so, the contract is voided, the buyer gets their earnest money back and everyone walks away.
Some buyers will waive the contingency of inspection in an effort to make their offer more appealing, however, they may still have an inspection. This means that in theory if an inspector finds a problem the buyer cannot walk away from the contract and will forfeit their earnest money. But, as we all know, anything can be litigated, tying the house up in court while the buyer tries to get his money back or renegotiates a new price. The point is, be careful with a buyer who removes the inspection contingency as a strategy.
As a seller, there are a couple of ways to keep the real estate grinch away from your door. One is to have your own home inspection prior to putting your home on the market. This will give you a heads up on any problems you may not know about or may not think are serious. An inspection is also a useful tool to provide your broker with to pass on to potential buyers along with other disclosure documents. Buyers will likely still want their own inspection, but it will give them a nice warm feeling about the home and you as a seller.
Another positive to present to buyers is a gift of a home warranty that covers certain repairs to appliances, plumbing, electrical systems and heating and air conditioning units. Warranties are typically for a year and will cost about $700 for the average single-family home. According to the National Association of Realtors, only 17% of all sellers offer a home warranty as an incentive to potential buyers. Again, buyers will get a nice warm feeling about the transaction and it will also make your home stand out among others. Home warranties included in the sale should not, however, remove the home inspection from the buyer’s list of due diligence items.
Even though the inventory of homes is way down, sellers should still attempt to provide quality disclosure about their property and remedy serious issues. It’s the ethical thing to do and it’s the best way to keep the Grinch from stealing your real estate transaction.

More Castles in the Sand:

Today’s challenge for buyers

Mythical credit scores

When did $100,000 not become enough?

Castles in the Sand

Today’s challenge for buyers

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

There’s a big predicament out there all over the country for home buyers, especially first-time buyers. There’s nothing to buy and, apparently, it’s my generation’s fault.

United States homeowners are staying in their homes much longer than ever. Nationwide, homeowners are remaining in their homes typically 13 years, which is five years longer than they did in 2010, according to Redfin. This fact is keeping the housing inventory low resulting in low sales statistics month after month. Except for the early part of this year, the inventory of homes for sale is now near the lowest level in 37 years of record-keeping, according to the housing data firm CoreLogic, Inc.

You don’t have to be an economist and expert in the housing market to understand that when owners don’t trade up to a larger home for a growing family or downsize when children leave it there are availability consequences. When this happens, which is rapidly becoming a fact, it puts a cap on the number of homes available for buyers either looking to upgrade or just coming into the market.

The baby boomer generation, who are now entering their seventies, is partly to blame for the lack of inventory since many of them are staying healthier later in life, are more active and don’t see any reason to downsize. Some states make it easier for seniors to stay in their homes with generous tax benefits. In most states, once you move you lose that benefit which only encourages senior homeowners to stay put.

In Manatee County, however, there is a program for homesteaded residents that allows homeowners to move to a new home and retain some of the tax benefits of the original home. This is called portability and it gives you the ability to transfer the “Save Our Homes” cap to a new home. The “Save Our Homes” cap is the difference between your market value and assessed value. For example, if the just value of your new homestead property is more than the just value of your old homestead, you will be able to transfer your cap up to the $500,000 limit. This went into effect on January 1, 2008, and allows you two years to make the application for portability. In addition, there is no limit on the number of times you move and apply for portability.

October sales statists from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee is showing a similar trend in inventory. Here are the numbers.

Both Manatee and Sarasota counties continue the upward drift in sales prices with Manatee doing a little better. The number of closed single-family homes in Manatee County increased by 5% compared to last October. The median sale price for single-family is $325,000, up 9.1% from last year and the average is $396,342, up 7.4%. Sarasota’s single-family median sale prices increased by 5.6% to $285,000 and their average sales price increased by 12.5% to $385,131.

Condos in Manatee County closed 0.5% fewer sales, however, the median sale price increased 0.9% from last October to $192,999 and the average sale price increased 20.2% to $262,724. Sarasota’s condo median sale price decreased 5.7% to $220,352 and their average also decreased by 0.9% to $297,501.

Inventory of available properties continued to drop in Manatee County to a 3.4 months supply for single-family homes and 3.7% for condos, putting additional pressure on the market. Who knows what the inventory future holds and the effect it will have on the upcoming selling season? In the meantime, buyers are just waiting and waiting and blaming their parents and grandparents. Happy Thanksgiving!

More Castles in the Sand:

Mythical credit scores

When did $100,000 not become enough?

Are condos the future of housing?

Rod & Reel Pier closes but quickly reopens

Rod & Reel Pier closes but quickly reopens

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – The Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria reopened Saturday morning, Nov. 23, after being closed for two days to make repairs to the pier walkway.

The Rod & Reel Pier was closed on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 20, due to a portion of the pier walkway slowly collapsing and sagging toward the southeastern edge of the pier due to a broken piling.

The impacted section of the pier was cordoned off with safety tape Wednesday morning, but the pier and the pier restaurant remained open. Rod & Reel Pier manager Dave Cochran said the repairs that would include replacing the broken piling, and that would require a barge that wasn’t available until later in the week.

Wednesday night, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “The Rod & Reel Pier agreed to a voluntary shutdown this evening due to the public safety hazard. The pier walkway stringer and support collapsed on the walkway. An emergency permit to repair the pier will be issued in the morning.”

On Thursday, Murphy said the city’s primary concern was public safety. He said he was pleased that the Rod & Reel management took it upon themselves to close their pier while making the repairs.

Late Friday afternoon, Building Official Luke Curtis provided Murphy with a status update via email.

“I have given the OK for the Rod & Reel Pier to open. An inspection was performed earlier and the structure is safe. They may still be putting the final touches on the work, but it is structurally sound. David, the Rod & Reel Pier manager, said he would be opening back up in the morning,” Curtis said in his email to the mayor.

Privately-owned pier

Mario Schoenfelder owns the Rod & Reel Pier and the restaurant and bar at the end of it. The city is not responsible for the maintenance and repair of that pier or its structures, but a city-issued permit was needed for the repairs, as was the post-repair inspection by Curtis.

Schoenfelder has also long served as the pier tenant of the nearby city-owned Anna Maria City Pier. The already-aging city pier was closed in 2017 due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma.

Schoenfelder has until Dec. 13 submit to the city his final offer for a new long-term lease that would allow him to continue as the city pier’s tenant for the foreseeable future. Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in Dec. 2020.

The new city pier currently under construction is expected to open in Feb. 2020. The interior build-out of the new restaurant and bait shop buildings is expected to take place after the public is allowed to return to the main pier walkway and the T-end decking.

Related coverage

Pier design conflict being addressed

Pier issues present additional challenges

Barge strikes new Anna Maria City Pier

WMFR celebrates promotions, awards

WMFR celebrates promotions, awards

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s commissioners and staff had a lot to celebrate during the board’s Nov. 19 meeting with two new firefighters sworn in, three promotions and two Phoenix Awards handed out.

First on the agenda was the oath which was given to new hires firefighters Aaron Reese and David Stark. Reese is working to finish paramedic school in December while Stark comes to WMFR from Manatee County Emergency Management Services.

Firefighters Aaron Reese and David Stark take their oaths as West Manatee firefighters. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Firefighter Tyler MacDonald was promoted for the rank of lieutenant but was absent from the meeting. He will officially be promoted during the district’s January board meeting.

Also promoted was firefighter Clayton Lease who was promoted to the rank of firefighter third class.

More than a month after he started the job, firefighter Jay Johnson was officially promoted to the position of administrative battalion chief, serving as the right hand of new Chief Ben Rigney. Johnson’s family was on-hand to help celebrate the promotion and his father had the honor of pinning his son with his new badge.

Firefighter Clayton Lease is promoted to firefighter third class. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Two Phoenix Awards also were handed out to firefighter/paramedics Zachary Benshoff and Cameron Frazier.

WMFR gives Phoenix Awards to first responders who respond to a cardiac arrest call where the patient is brought back from the brink of death and is able to leave the hospital under their own power. Johnson and Rigney presented the awards.

Benshoff and Frazier earned this Phoenix Award after responding to a drowning call on Sept. 21 with two of their fellow firefighters, Corey Hill and Capt. Buddy Leigh.

Johnson said that when the WMFR team arrived, CPR was already being conducted by marine rescue personnel and a bystander. The WMFR paramedics took over patient care using their medic training and the district’s non-transport advanced lifesaving equipment and were able to keep the patient alive until an EMS transport unit arrive four minutes later. The patient was able to leave the hospital on Sept. 30.

Battalion Chief Jay Johnson addresses commissioners just moments after being officially promoted to administrative battalion chief. – Kristin Swain | Sun

For a patient who needs CPR, Johnson said their chances of survival drop 10% every minute without patient care. By WMFR’s paramedic trained firefighters arriving on-scene four minutes ahead of EMS, he said it increased the drowning victim’s survival rate by 40%.

“That’s huge,” Johnson said of the rescue efforts. “That’s why we’re here and we’re just so proud of you.”

Related coverage

Lawsuit filed against fire department

WMFR celebrates life with Phoenix Awards

WMFR welcomes Rigney, says goodbye to Sousa

Young and old play the field at The Center

Young and old play the field at The Center

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

From the three- to five-year-old soccer clinic to the 79-year-old Lyn Clarke, The Center has soccer for everyone. Using the little pop-up nets on the small field, the youngest players start loving the game, while the adults on the big field bring their international experiences to the league.

Youth soccer came to an end once again last week with the two championship games won by West Coast Surf Shop for the eight- to 10-year-old league and Lancaster Designs for the older kids in the 11- to 14-year-old league. Both victories came after regulation play in shootouts.

Accolades abounded for both leagues with Brylee Roberts and Luke Dellenger taking the Most Improved Player honors. The goalie of the year awards went to Alexander Teich and Travis Bates.

Protecting their ends of the pitch with impressive moves, earning them the Defensive MVP recognition were Mason Moss and Caden Quimby.

Understanding the importance of respecting the sport and the opponents winning the Sportsmanship award was Braelyn Curtis and Konnor Oelfke.

Female and Male MVP distinctions were given to Savanna Coba and Nixon Connor for the eight- to 10-year-old league, and Abbie Philpott and Thomas Philpott for the 11- to 15-year-old league.

In the adult co-ed soccer league, there is a 60-year age gap between the youngest and oldest players. Each player in the league brings their own talents and experiences to the game.

Brooke Capparelli, playing for the Blalock Walters team, helped her squad beat Ross Built Construction last Wednesday night with an assist. Capparelli, the youngest player in the league, grew up playing soccer at the Island’s community center as a youth.

On the other end of the age spectrum is Clarke, who started the season on the Vacasa team. Clarke, who will soon be 80, put his application into the Guinness World Record as the oldest active competitive soccer player.

In between, there are several players who are over the age of 50 and a growing number of players in their early- to mid-20s, including league top scorers Joey Hutchinson and Amy Ivin.

Top statistical players on the other end of the age spectrum, Damir Glavan and Greg Ross, prove why experience and smart play in the league is just as valuable as young, fast legs.

In Thursday night’s game, Glavan and Ross, playing for Ross Built Construction, had a total of five goals helping their team with the 7-1 win over Lancaster Designs.

As the play continues years down the road, it is very likely that the average age of the league will continue to get older just as new young players join the fun on the field.

Related coverage

 

End of the season fun on the little field

 

Flynn versus Flynn: Battles on The Center pitch continue

 

Vacasa and Lancaster Designs fall to MuniPlan

Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

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

“Big bonefish 12 o’clock, 60 feet mon,” our Bahamian guide Lox whispered to my partner Gerry Tipper.

Pointing his rod, Lox had him swing the tip until three big dark shapes morphed into view. When the fish were 50 feet away, Tipper placed the mantis shrimp fly in their path and waited for direction. “Strip now, strip,” Lox instructed as the fish were approaching the fly. All three bonefish rushed the fly, the smallest fish reaching and inhaling the fly first. Gerry set the hook with a quick strip strike and shifted his attention to the bow, watching as line flew from the deck while making sure there were no obstructions.

When the fish was on the reel, he set the hook again and held on as the bonefish made a blazing run for the nearby mangroves. I grabbed my camera and watched in awe as line melted from Tipper’s reel. As the bonefish closed in on the mangrove roots, Tipper palmed the reel trying to turn it. The big fish was unstoppable but as luck would have it, it only went under one mangrove before crossing a channel and going into another clump of trees. Lox pointed it out trashing on the surface 200 yards away. We managed to clear the line from the first mangrove root and poled across the channel to the other mangroves.

As we approached, I jumped from the boat and waded over to find the fish. When I spotted the big fish, it was completely wound around an arching root. I grabbed the exhausted fish and with Lox’s help managed to free it. Holding the fish, I was amazed at its weight and size. At 9 pounds, it was the biggest bonefish I had ever held. Even a small bonefish will amaze anglers with their power but a big bonefish drops jaws, including mine. After taking a few pictures we revived and prepared to release the big fish. As I was high-fiving Tipper I noticed Lox swishing the fish in the mud. When I asked what he was doing he related that covering the fish with mud before releasing it kept the scent down so the fish could recover its strength before a shark or barracuda could find it. I logged another lesson learned! The balance of that day we encountered and hooked three other fish in the 8- to 10-pound range, all of which broke us off in the mangroves. Fortunately, we managed to land several other smaller fish.

If had to pick my favorite fish to catch, it would probably be a bonefish. Tarpon are amazing targets as are redfish, little tunny and snook, but sight fishing for bonefish in the locations they inhabit and the crystal-clear waters in which they swim is incomparable. Not to mention that a well-placed fly is more often than not tracked and inhaled. On this trip, I was visiting a new (to me) lodge on South Andros with my friend Captain Rick Grassett and a group he had been bringing to the Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the past five years.

The lodge is situated near the southeast tip of what is the largest and least populated island in the Bahamas. I’ve been to the island several times but not in a long time. It was one of a few places I’ve been in a long while that had hardly changed. That went for the fishing as well. There are a few places I know where you can fish all day in solitude and never see another angler. South Andros was like that when I first visited in the late 90s and remains that way today.

The lodge was incredibly well-run by a Bahamian staff and guides, owned and managed by Bill Howard, an American expatriate from Nebraska. We stayed at the lodge for seven nights and fished six days. The day started out with a seven o’clock breakfast, although coffee was on for early risers by 5:30. We loaded up at 8 a.m. and made a five-minute ride to a nearby boat basin where boats, guides, drinks and lunches were waiting. We returned to the basin at 4 p.m. after eight hours of poling and wading the seemingly endless flats on the southern tip of the island.

At the lodge, staff had laid out libations and local hors d’oeuvres. The food at the lodge was consistently excellent and included fresh local delicacies including lobster, conch, fish and meats. Dinner was served at 7 p.m. and evenings were spent discussing the days fishing on the back veranda where cool Bahamian breezes were complemented by a sky ablaze with stars and the occasional satellite. On the rare nights when the wind abated, we watched football on a flat-screen TV from comfortable chairs and couches.

It had been a long time since I had visited the Bahamas but I’m already signed up for next year’s trip. If you’re interested in experiencing some of the world’s best fishing in a destination that’s literally in your backyard, contact Grassett at 941-350-9790 or check out his website. The lodge can be reached by emailing marsbaybonefishlodge@yahoo.com. Check out their excellent website.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Polarized glasses

Reel Time: Autres poisson

Reel Time: A home away from home

Come celebrate Thanks-Living

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment.

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach residents of all ages are invited to the Thanks-Living community gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

The community gathering will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. under the shade sail at City Pier Park in Anna Maria, at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard.

Attendees are encouraged to bring finger foods, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and a bottle of wine, an adult beverage or soft drinks to share with others.

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products for the Roser Food Pantry, and/or cash and checks for the All Island Denominations collective of churches that provides cash vouchers that assist needy Island residents and employees.

Thanks-Living will feature a blackboard upon which attendees can write what they love about the Island and Will Corr and his band will provide live entertainment.

Thanks-Living is supported by the city of Anna Maria and the Anna Maria Island Sun.

Speaker’s inspiration

Thanks-Living was inspired by “For the Love of Cities” author Peter Kageyama’s presentation at The Center this summer.

Kageyama’s presentation led to the creation of the For the Love of Anna Maria Island task force that currently consists of Anna Maria residents Carol Carter, Janet Kingan and Barbara Zdravecky and Holmes Beach resident Bruce Meyer.

“We got together and decided we needed to create some community events to bring the community together like Peter suggested. We came up with four or five ideas and Thanks-Living is the first,” Carter said.

“That was the second time I heard Peter’s lecture and I was very excited about the opportunity to bring some of his ideas to Anna Maria,” Zdravecky said.

“I think it’s important for folks who live here to have a sense of community. As the Island’s characteristics have changed from being mostly residential to now being mostly tourism we’ve lost some of the binds that hold us together. An event held the night before Thanksgiving when people’s families are here, is an opportunity for islanders to come together and break bread and have a drink and toast to the lovely island we live on,” Zdravecky said.

“I’m really grateful to my friend Will Corr, who’s playing the music that night. Will has a lot of heart in the Island. This is islanders celebrating islanders and also helping islanders who have needs,” Zdravecky said.

“We love Anna Maria, but our community is shrinking so we thought what can we do to build community?” Kingan said.

“Peter’s message was about why people love their community,” Meyer said.

Future events

The task force is contemplating future activities that include a long-table dining event on or near the new city pier when it reopens in early 2020.

The task force has discussed a “Bees and Trees” campaign that would promote the importance of bees and the flowering shrubs and bushes bees help pollinate.

“I have some friends who are beekeepers and it’s not a hard thing to put a little bee colony in your yard,” Zdravecky said.

“We also want to have a public art project and put that on or near the pier,” Meyer said.

“When Holmes Beach gets their dog park finished, we want to do some sort of dog and animal blessing there,” Carter said.

The task force doesn’t currently include a Bradenton Beach resident, but Carter said that would be a welcome addition.

“I think everybody in this country should be doing something to help someone in their community,” Zdravecky said. “That’s really what Peter’s book was about: creating opportunities for communities to come together so people get to know each other as human beings and not just as someone who lives down the street.”

Related coverage

Thanks-Living to be a gathering of community

Copeland exits public service on a high note

Copeland exits public service on a high note

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – As one of his final acts as an Anna Maria commissioner, Doug Copeland requested the adoption of a city resolution that urges federal and state legislators to support the long-delayed ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Copeland did not seek reelection in November and his time in office will officially end on Thursday, Dec. 5. The Thursday, Nov. 14 commission meeting was Copeland’s final regularly scheduled city meeting. At that meeting, City Attorney Becky Vose introduced Resolution R19-753.

“This was specifically requested by Commissioner Copeland,” Vose said.

Copeland then said, “It came to my attention that there are concurrent bills in the Florida Legislature – the House and the Senate – supporting the ERA. It’s the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote. It’s been 40 years since the ERA was first sent out to the states. Thirty-seven of them have passed it; 38 are required. Florida could and should be the state this year that could put it over the top. I’m more confident that the state of Virginia will do that this year.

“I would have a hard time if I were asked to explain to my wife, daughters and granddaughter why I have rights guaranteed in the Constitution that they don’t. I think it’s time that women are recognized with the same rights as men,” Copeland said.

The resolution notes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution must be ratified by three-fourths of the 50 states.

“Congress finally passed the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972, but then limited the time for ratification for the necessary 38 states to seven years. By 1979, only 35 states had ratified the Equal Rights Amendment. Since 1979, two more states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, but the 37 states still fall just one state short,” the resolution says.

“The time limit has run out for the 38 states,” Copeland said. “There’s legislation being proposed in Washington that would extend that time limit, so I encourage the city to pass this resolution.”

Copeland was referencing S.J. Resolution 6, which was introduced to the U.S. Senate in January.

The commission unanimously adopted resolution R19-753 and copies will be sent to the governor and the state Legislature urging them to make Florida the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

Thanks given

Before serving multiple terms as a city commissioner, Copeland served on the Planning and Zoning Board for approximately 20 years. As a commissioner, Copeland also recently represented Anna Maria Island on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC).

Copeland’s final meeting provided his peers with the opportunity to recognize his service to the city.

“Thank you for all you’ve done to help me since I’ve been the mayor,” Mayor Dan Murphy said. “You’ve made my job easy, you’ve made it rewarding and you’ve made it fun in spite of the arguments we’ve gotten into. You leave behind a tremendous legacy of contributions.”
Murphy said one of Copeland’s many contributions was the development of Gulf Front Park, the coastal preserve that extends from Oak Avenue to Magnolia Avenue. Murphy said Copeland helped secure TDC funds for that project.

“Jon Crane’s got some tough shoes to fill,” Murphy said of Copeland’s incoming successor.

Commissioner Carol Carter praised Copeland for his knowledge, his historical perspective and his understanding of city ordinances.

“Your good humor was always a credit to you too,” Carter said.

Copeland thanked Murphy for making his time as commissioner so rewarding.

“I want to thank the various commissioners for the work we’ve done. We haven’t always agreed, but after a decision was made there wasn’t backbiting and infighting. We worked together as a team. I want to thank the voters for allowing me to serve,” Copeland said.

He then thanked the city staff.

“This city is so fortunate with the staff we have. Everyone does their job, they work hard, they care about the city and are always helpful. I appreciate all the time they’ve given me, and I just wanted to say thank you,” Copeland said.

“I want to personally thank Commissioner Copeland for his service that goes back many, many years,” Commissioner Amy Tripp said.

Vose then said, “I really enjoyed working with you. It made my job easier, particularly when you were the chair. You’ve just done an incredible job. I’ve see seen a lot of city commissioners in different cities and you’re really good. I’m going to miss you.”

City Clerk LeAnne Addy said, “I want to thank Doug for being a commissioner and teaching all my staff and everyone else all that we have learned.”

Related coverage

Anna Maria voters decide fates of three charter amendments

Pier lease negotiations remain in flux

Vacation rental advertising ordinance adopted