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Pier progressing as planned

Pier progressing as planned

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

ANNA MARIA – The construction of the new city pier remains on schedule, and the city has identified $74,000 in anticipated savings regarding the construction of the pier-based restaurant and bait shop buildings.

On Aug. 1, Mayor Dan Murphy sent a pier status update to Monica Luff. Luff is the executive assistant to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The CVB is affiliated with the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) that makes funding recommendations to the Manatee County Commission regarding the use of the county’s 5 percent tourist tax revenues.

In 2018, the TDC and the County Commission supported the city’s request for $1.5 million in tourist tax revenues for the estimated $5 million pier project. The county commission also approved an additional $333,000 in surplus beach concession revenues. The city now seeks an additional $435,000 in tourist tax revenues and that request will be heard by county commissioners on Aug. 20.

The city seeks the additional county funds to help offset the funding shortfall created when Federal Emergency Management Agency reduced the federal funding the city was to receive due to damage the old pier sustained during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Status update

“Below is the status of the pier as of today,” Murphy wrote the following in his most recent status update:

  • The bent frames (piles, supports and stringers) for the pier walkway are complete and covered temporarily with plywood so that workers have access to the T-end;
  • The concrete top platform base for the T-end is complete;
  • The conduits carrying the utilities are partially in place, and a portion is being rearranged to meet code;
  • The electrical lines for the lighting are being installed this week and will be completed next week;
  • Light post installation on the walkway will begin.

“Beginning Aug. 12, and through the rest of August the following steps are scheduled, weather permitting,” Murphy wrote the following:

  • The small boat landing will be framed;
  • The Ipe decking will be placed on the walkway;
  • The Ipe fascia around the T-end will be installed;
  • The open issue of the fire line to be resolved.

“The pier platform is on schedule for substantial completion by the first week of September. Construction of the restaurant and bait shop is scheduled to begin Sept. 1. We remain on schedule for substantial completion of the restaurant and bait shop building shell by late December,” Murphy’s update concluded.

Cost savings

On July 25, Murphy and the City Commission discussed the cost savings for the construction of the pier buildings.

Murphy said Frank Agnelli’s original bid for his Mason Martin Builders to construct the new pier buildings was $1,041,000. The contract approved by the commission later that night is for $967,000

Murphy noted the commission recently supported Agnelli’s recommendation to use HardiePlank siding instead of Kebony siding on the new buildings, which saves the city $18,000.

Murphy said subsequent discussions with Agnelli and representatives from the i+iconSoutheast construction firm that is building the main pier structure and walkway produced $56,000 in additional savings.

Murphy said the bulk of that $56,000 is the result of a change in Agnelli’s construction deployment plan that originally called for him to rent a barge for a significant period of time. Instead, Murphy and Agnelli worked out an arrangement to transport the construction materials on a barge provided by i+iconSoutheast.

Murphy said that $56,000 also includes savings produced by the sales tax exemption the city receives when purchasing its construction materials directly.

“We’re comfortable with the price. Mr. Agnelli’s comfortable with it,” Murphy said of the contract he sought commission authorization to sign.

“We have a good agreement here,” he added.

Commission Chair Brian Seymour said he appreciated the mayor’s efforts to reduce the Mason Martin Builders’ contract by 7 percent.

“Great job,” Seymour said.

Participating by phone, Commissioner Amy Tripp agreed and she too thanked Murphy. The commission then unanimously authorized Murphy to enter into a contract with Mason Martin Builders.

Related coverage:

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Pier lease talks gain momentum

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

Center of Anna Maria Island

Center ends year on a high note

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fiscal year ended with cause for celebration. After years of financial struggles, the nonprofit ended another year in the black with $91,479.35 in the bank.

The Center’s fiscal year ended June 30. The end of year financials show net ordinary income from programs and fundraising at $166,222 before $99,743 in capital expenses and $25,000 in capital income from the surplus concession stand fund overseen by Manatee County commissioners, ending the year with $91,479.

For the entire fiscal year, July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, the financials show $1,057,445 in total revenue and $965,965 in total expenses.

Program revenue, before $293,844 in direct expenses, ended the year with $600,938, coming in at 10% over budget. Included in this category are membership fees, Island Fitness membership fees, registration fees, sponsorship donations, merchandise sales and donations from the three Island cities.

Program income, including income from camps, personal training, CrossFit and other specialty programming came in at $307,094.

Fundraising revenue ended the year at $431,507 with $110,817 in direct costs to end the year with $320,690 in income. Changes to the fundraising category for the 2018-19 fiscal year include moving the funds received from the three Island cities, budgeted at $46,000, from the fundraising column to the programs that the cities designated the funds for. Also noted are $130,000 in donations that were budgeted for and not received. Fundraising revenue came in at 14.2% less than the $502,715 budgeted.

The Center’s board of directors hopes to increase fundraising revenue in the 2019-20 fiscal year with the addition of new Director of Development Jim McDaniel. The board is expected to confirm the hiring of a new operations director and event coordinator.

Though the fiscal year ended more than a month ago, the end of year financial statements and a new budget have yet to be reviewed and confirmed by board members. Due to the summer months, the board has not met in two months because a quorum could not be reached. The budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which began July 1, and the 2018-19 end of year financials are expected to be discussed at an August board meeting. To view The Center’s financials, visit www.centerami.org.

Related coverage:

Anna Maria provides ongoing Center support

McDaniel joins Center team

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Former City Commissioner Eugene “Gene” Aubry has filed a complaint with the United States Justice Department regarding the commission’s 2018 decision to not install handrails on the new city pier currently under construction.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division received Aubry’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint on July 29.

Atop the copy of the complaint form sent to Mayor Dan Murphy is a handwritten note that says, “Mayor – For your info,” followed by Aubry’s initials. The complaint lists Aubry’s Palmetto address.

In his handwritten response to the question asking who’s being discriminated against, Aubry wrote, “All future visitors.”

In response to who has discriminated, Aubry wrote, “The mayor and entire city council.”

As for when the alleged discrimination occurred, Aubry wrote, “Present. Under construction.”

He described the discriminatory act as “Refusal to install handrails on pier.”

Chapter 6.4 of the United States Access Board’s ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) says, “Most fishing piers and platforms are fixed structures and must comply with the accessible route requirements in ADAAG. Railings are not required. However, where railings are provided, at least 25 percent of the railings must be 34 inches maximum above the ground or deck surface in order not to interfere with fishing by individuals with disabilities.”

The original pier, built in 1911, had railings that were removed decades ago. Aubry served as a commissioner from 2010 to 2013. During that time, the pier did not have railings.

When demolished in 2018, the pier did not have railings. Instead, it had wooden toe rail curbing that ran the length of the pier walkway and T-end platform. The design for the new pier calls for higher toe rail curbing.

In his complaint, Aubry checked “yes” as to whether efforts were made to resolve this complaint through an internal grievance procedure. As for the grievance status, Aubry wrote: “Was presented to city council by E. Aubry with no response.”

As to whether the complainant intends to file with another agency or court. Aubry checked “Yes” and wrote, “If ADA does not respond.”

In the additional answers space, Aubry wrote: “At the end of the pier, the city will be constructing a restaurant, bait shop, retail and bathrooms – all to be accessed over pier that has no handrails over the water. Where the handicapped (is) concerned, especially the blind, this is a major problem and should not be allowed.”

Aubry’s complaint ends with his suggestion that the engraved planks removed from the old pier be used to build railings on the new pier.

Previous discussion

In February, Aubry made his pitch for pier railings. He told the commission he’s been an architect for 60-plus years and he referenced the ADA but did not claim the new pier would be non-compliant without handrails.

“The original pier had railings on it. The fact that we’re not building handrails is personally beyond my imagination. It has to do with safety and liability,” he said then.

In March 2018, Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission discussed whether to include railings on the new pier. Murphy told the commission he received several emails on that topic and public opinion was evenly divided.

City resident and Anna Maria Preservation Trust founder Sissy Quinn told the commission she preferred no railings because that maintains the look pier visitors have become accustomed to over the past 30 years.

The commission voted 5-0 to not include railings. The commission felt the increased height of the toe rail curbing would provide adequate protection for those using strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.

Additional comments

When asked about the complaint, Murphy said he does not expect it to impact the construction of the new pier as planned.

He noted the new pier is designed to maintain its historic use as a place where boats can be docked and said, “Boat docks don’t have to have railings.”

When contacted, Aubry said he never expressed concerns about pier railings while in office because there was no talk then of repairing or replacing the pier.

Aubry said city code requires a railing around a deck that’s more than 18 inches off the ground and he questions why that same standard isn’t applied to a structure built six to eight feet over the water.

Aubry could not cite a specific state or federal law or regulation that requires pier railings, but he fears the commission’s decision exposes the city to potential liability and litigation.

“A toe rail will not keep you from falling off the pier,” Aubry said. “It’s like Disney World out there and adults today do not take control of their kids.”

The ADA website notes that it cannot investigate or litigate every complaint and it can take three months to complete a review.

Related coverage:

Pier lease talks gain momentum

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

Mason Martin Builders selected to build pier restaurant and bait shop

‘SoulJourn’ shakes up Roser services

‘SoulJourn’ shakes up Roser services

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment.

ANNA MARIA – The pastoral staff at Roser Memorial Community Church is shaking things up, first with the addition of new Praise and Worship Leader Derrick Williams and second with the addition of a new contemporary service on Sunday evenings beginning Oct. 6.

SoulJourn, a casual contemporary service, will be held Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 6, though a preview of the new service will be held in place of the regular 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Sept. 15.

“We’re very excited,” Rev. Neil Crowell said of the new worship service. “This is something that we’ve worked on for two and a half years. I think it’s just a blessing to have Derrick here.”

Williams joins Roser part-time. In addition to his new position, he’s also the host, creative director and musical director of the weekly music television show “The Gospel Voice” on The Christian Television Network and performs on Sunday’s Soulful Supper. He currently holds the title of Best of the Bay winner for Best Vocalist, Pianist, Singer/Songwriter and Jazz Ensemble.

Williams, who lives in Brandon with his wife Julie and daughter Jordan, said that of all the opportunities offered to him, he felt led through prayer by the Lord to come to Roser and help lead the new worship service.

“I prayed a lot about this,” he said, adding that his wife helped him explore the option of working at Roser and supports his decision. “I’ve learned to listen to my wife.”

“I come from the Baptist south where there was a church on every block,” he said, adding that as a preacher’s son he was brought up both in the church and surrounded by musicians. After joining the military, he said he returned and became a family man. Previously, he’s also been a teacher at a Catholic school, award-winning musician and performer. Williams said he’s been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years. One of his favorite ways to teach and to entertain is through his love of music and his talent of playing the piano, something he hopes to bring to the new Roser service with the help of some talented vocalists and musicians in the community.

The music for the service will be led by Williams while the teachings will be done by Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef and associate pastor Crowell.

“Roser has done a spectacular job through the years of celebrating traditional worship and we do a really good job of it and it’s a ministry that reaches a lot of people but we’re aware that a contemporary style of worship would attract a whole ‘nother group of people that we’re not reaching. And so, we wanted to offer that new style at the same time that we’re keeping what has worked so well for us,” O’Keef said. “A lot of churches have made the mistake of abandoning their traditional and going all contemporary. We don’t want to do that. We want to do both. We want to offer both and we want to celebrate both styles. The new style of worship will certainly be dramatically different. One of the things, of course, is the style of music. That’s one of the major differences.”

In addition to well-known hymns, Williams said people can also expect to hear gospel, funk, acoustic, jazz, rock and other types of music. He’s really hoping for horn players to join the musicians at Roser. He said he’s really looking for local musicians who want to come share their gifts with the community.

“I think what we can promise folks who come is a really powerful music experience and a really powerful biblical experience,” O’Keef said. “We’re not going to make the mistake that some churches have made of dumbing down the faith. We want our service to be very biblical and one that is also very contemporary in terms of how we experience God’s presence. I think that’ll be really good stuff.”

Roser is looking for volunteers for the new service including musicians, vocalists and anyone willing to work behind the scenes, such as a stage manager. In a talk with The Sun, Williams said he’s open to anyone who wants to share their gifts with the community, including actors, dancers and other individuals. For more information, call 941-778-0414, email info@roserchurch.com or visit www.roserchurch.com/souljourn. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

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

The first playoff game of the youth indoor soccer season was last Thursday night, with the winner of the game going on to the semifinal round.

The Long-Roadman family team, along with Emma Raulerson, fought the good fight against Team Cloud Pest Control on the indoor arena at The Center for the final playoff spot.

Team Solid Rock Construction had a strong defensive force well into the first six minutes of play with Stella Long and cousin Eli Roadman on the court.

Cyrus Ryan proved to be a force to be reckoned with on offense for Cloud Pest Control, scoring his first goal near the seventh minute of the game.

With the score 1-0, Long tried to tie up the game 12 minutes into the match-up only to have her shot go just to the right of the post.

Isabella Roadman took her own shot for Team Solid Rock Construction. Ryan made the block to prevent the score.

Isabella made another beautiful scoring attempt that went off the post, as players and spectators gasped in anticipation and disappointment.

Cyrus’ sister, Calla, scored the second goal for Cloud with less than four minutes in the first half, advancing the score to 2-0.

Three minutes into the second half of play, Braelyn Curtis took a hard shot that went off of the foot of a Solid Rock player for an own goal giving Team Cloud Pest Control a three-point lead.

The three-line penalty against Team Cloud Pest Control gave the soccer ball to Solid Rock, which showed great passing on the hard indoor pitch.

Ryan made a shot that went just wide in the 26th minute of play. Cloud’s free-kick a few minutes later was met by a wall of Solid Rock players to prevent their opponent’s fourth goal.

All alone right in front of the net was C. Ryan, who received a beautiful pass from his teammate, giving Cloud Pest Control a 4-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the game.

Isaac Roadman played a fierce second half in front of the goal.

Another great stop by Isaac Roadman was followed by a fantastic goal by Cloud’s Brady Thompson to finish the scoring for his team with a total of five goals.

The Cloud Pest Control crew, including Josiah Hunsader, Riley Koehler and Owen Purcell solidly won their place in the next round of play.

All of the Solid Rock Construction cousins, including Carson Long, finished the season playing strong, learning new skills and having fun at The Center.

Related coverage:

Summer sports heat up at The Center

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Castles in the Sand

It’s all about the kitchen

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

You may not want to do a kitchen renovation in August, but August is the perfect time to start planning one. Sitting on the patio with your iPad or on the beach with a home decorating magazine is an easy way to start planning that new kitchen. Add a cool coconut drink and you’ll soon forget that it’s 95 degrees.

Kitchen trends change almost as fast as fashion trends. What’s in now will undoubtedly be out in three years. It’s impossible to keep up and most of us don’t even try, but if you’re one of those who must have the latest, here’s where you should be looking:

In spite of the fact that we’re told white kitchen cabinets are out, according to Houzz, it’s still the most popular color at 43% of remodels. Second place is wood cabinets at 25%, followed by gray at 11%.

The trendy colors are now bold – deep blue, red and, ready for this, black. Now over 30 years ago when my sister-in-law was choosing kitchen cabinets for their new home, she picked black. She was always a trendy gal, but at the time I had never seen black kitchen cabinets before and was definitely taken aback. Little did I know she was decades ahead of her time. Today’s black is designed to provide a quiet soulful balance in the kitchen, combining cabinets, matte black appliances and black backsplashes.

Completely the opposite of black, a color that is also new and trending is mint green. Certainly, in my opinion, mint green is a better choice for beach living if you must give up white. Finally, two-tone cabinets, different color uppers and lowers are so in. I expect they’ll be out soon. Nevertheless it is a nice look. If you can’t bear to give up your white cabinets, you can make them trendy with dark lower cabinets.

As far as countertops, stone is and probably always will be the choice of most homeowners. Granite lost its first-place position a long time ago, replaced by quartz, but the trend now is to use concrete counters and natural stone. Backsplashes are also being invaded by natural stone with edges. I wonder how you keep that clean, with it installed right up to the ceiling?

The most popular cabinet style, according to Houzz, is holding with the ubiquitous shaker cabinets chosen by 57% of homeowners. Open shelving instead of all upper cabinets are also trending. They create a more uncluttered feeling, especially with an interesting backsplash. But if you do have upper cabinets, they must go to the ceiling.

And high tech is all over new kitchens – appliances that talk to you and your iPhone and charging stations are a must just as are hoodless ventilation systems. Thankfully rose color hardware and appliances are gone after their 15 minutes of fame.

So is doing an expensive kitchen renovation worth it in dollars? Maybe or maybe not, depending on what you do. Eighty percent of buyers place a nice kitchen in their list of the top three most important spaces in a home. Nationally, the average cost of a kitchen renovation is $35,000 but you could spend three times that.

Most kitchen renovations do add value to a home but most will also not be fully reimbursed in actual dollars. The benefit of a nice kitchen, however, will be in reduced selling time, which is generally reflected in actual dollar savings. Don’t forget, if you’re renovating before putting your home on the market, minor renovations can make a huge difference in appearance and get you the bigger bang for your buck.

It’s easy to dream about your dream kitchen during a hazy summer afternoon, just don’t let the heat and coconut drink give you delusions of grandeur, especially if you’re thinking black cabinets.

More Castles in the Sand:

Calming waters

The condo dance

The suburbs and the millennials

Center of Anna Maria Island

Summer sports heat up at The Center

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

The Center summer sports returns to the gridiron with adult co-ed flag football. With the teams mixing up the rosters and new faces in the league, the games leading to the final championship game are sure to heat up the field.

In the first game of the night last Thursday, Team Ugly Grouper’s captain Matthew Manger saw his team take a beating on the field against a veteran squad.

Team captain Ray Gardner, for Moss Builders, threw for two touchdowns and made a touchdown of his own along with eight receptions.

Mike Gillum and Chad Woods each had touchdown catches to add to the duo of touchdowns by Jon Moss and Lexi Sato.

Game two also ended in a runaway game with underdogs Team Hashmark Sports the victors. With each team playing with four on the field, due to the absence of key player Brianna Roberts for Lancaster Designs.

Karri Stephens, receiver for Lancaster Design, was the lone scorer with two touchdowns.

Hashmark Sports creator and team captain Tim Holly scored a touchdown in the game with teammates Chase Richardson, Matthew Briley and Corey Banks each finding the end zone twice.

The final game put Progressive Cabinetry against Gulfview Windows and Doors. In the closest game of the night, Progressive took the win against team captain Ryan Moss and his squad.

Brandin Holcomb, Dina Calvary and Jordan DeMers each scored touchdowns for Gulfview Windows and Doors. Connor Haughey, Brandon Kull, Vincent Paraspolo and Jaret Rojas took the football to the end zone for Progressive Cabinetry in their victory.

Youth indoor soccer action continued with action in the gym at both the intermediate and advanced levels.

In the intermediate league, Moss Builders took the win against Ugly Grouper with goals for Moss by Dylan Sato, Mason Moss and three by Jackson Titen.

The Zaccagnino siblings, Jack and Jesse, each found the net with two goals by Jesse.

Solid Rock Construction denied Cloud Pest Control a goal. Cousins Isabella Roadman and Carson Long each made a goal for their team.

In the two games at the advanced level, G&G Yardscaping and Ugly Grouper each took the W.

Dalton Fox scored the only goal for AMI Locals, while Hudson Green, Ryan Joseph, and Connor Samblis got the soccer ball past the AMI Locals defense for their team.

AMI Locals had the doubleheader of the night, taking on Ugly Grouper in the last game of the evening. With fresh legs, Angelina Albrecht, Jackson Long, Jayden Sparks and Will Wright each scored a point in the week’s final game.

Related coverage

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

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

The world of digital photography and videography continues to evolve, and anglers have never had more options to explore. Whether you’re capturing a picture or a video clip to remind you of your catch, to share with friends and family or to post on social media, digital cameras allow us to capture images of our catches, making a catch and release all that much more rewarding.

Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smartphones also come with software or apps that let you enhance the image, crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images via e-mail or as a text straight from a phone, download them, edit, and print them out to frame and display.

Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image:

  • Before ever leaving the dock, be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, memory cards with enough space to record your images, a clean lens and a cleaning cloth.
  • There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with a catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.
  • Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.
  • Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed, and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.
  • Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Most cameras and many phones have the option of putting a grid on the screen.
  • Preset your exposure and check it as lighting conditions change.
  • For most shots, I set my camera to aperture (F8) priority.
  • When trying to catch a jumping fish make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras can capture up to 10 frames a second, so set the camera for a rapid burst.
  • Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. A camera’s light meter averages light over the scene, so an angler’s face, especially if shaded by a cap, will often be dark and lack detail. Make sure you expose your shots with fill flash.
  • Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.
  • When possible, use a polarizing filter during the daylight hours. It helps cut the glare on the water and saturate colors.
  • If you have photo editing software, like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. This can sometimes eliminate the need for fill flash, if the contrast isn’t too great, and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one-stop) underexposed, one slightly (one-stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of Smart Phones can take amazing images, but they have their limitations (lack of a polarizing filter).

If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Taking the time to capture the moments of life pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.

For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging or go to www.bhphoto.com. Software demos (Check out Lightroom CC 2019) can be downloaded online.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Success – opportunity meets preparedness

Reel Time: Line and leaders

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

Castles in the Sand

Calming waters

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

It’s the end of July, and most of the country is hot, really hot. But if you live near the water as we do, it doesn’t seem so bad. Imagine living in a landlocked state and it’s 95 degrees day after day. Aside from keeping cool, living near the water has many other benefits, according to a book called “Blue Mind.”

Sitting on a beach has always been one of my favorite things to do and I have been fortunate enough my entire life to have quick access to wonderful beaches. It gives me a sense of well being and just staring at the water puts me in a mildly meditative state, a blue mind.

This is exactly what Wallace Nichols a marine biologist talks about in his book “Blue Mind.” He says that merely being close to a body of water, sea, river, ocean or lake can promote mental health and happiness. Further, water lowers stress and anxiety, lowers heart and breathing rate and improves creativity. Sometimes even dreaming or daydreaming about a beautiful beach and crystal water can calm down anxiety.

Nichols’s theory would explain the popularity of Anna Maria Island and the accompanying increase in real estate values. Coastal Living Magazine had a recent list of the happiest seaside towns in the country. Anna Maria came in fifth and the only picture the magazine used in their piece was one of Anna Maria’s iconic cottages on Pine Avenue.

Now it’s time to take a look at the June Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family homes closed 2.2% fewer properties, however, the median sale price was up 5% to $315,000 and the average sale price was $397,987, which is 8.8% higher than last June. The median percentage of original list price to the final sale price was 96%, about the same as last year. The median time to sell was 102 days this June. Last year it was 90 days and the month’s supply of properties is 3.6 months compared to 4.1 last June.

Condos closed 12.2% fewer properties this June compared to last. Like single-family homes, the median sale price for condos was also up by 3.9% to $199,000. The average sale price was also up 1.6% to $236,307. The median percentage of original list price to the final sale price was 95%, up 1.3 percent from last year. The median time to sell was 101 days this year compared to 111 days last year and the month’s supply of properties is 4.1 months, the same as last June.

With the exception of fewer closings, June’s numbers are all in the green for both single-family and condos. If you have a smaller supply of properties to sell, chances are you will have fewer closings – the good and bad of a great real estate market. In addition, the median percentage of listing to sale price is a good indicator of the health of the market. When you’re getting close to 100% of listing to sale, you know things are good.

This time of year, it’s not easy to find a state that is naturally cool, believe me, I’ve tried. It’s also not easy to find a place where people are not over-connected and over-stimulated, creating a red mind the opposite of a blue mind.

However, we have it right here on Anna Maria and the surrounding areas. Is it worth the extra money for a home on or near the water? Just ask anyone who has one. “Blue Mind,” a perfect name for a cottage on the beach.

More Castles in the Sand:

The condo dance

The suburbs and the millennials

Are you as smart as a private equity firm?

Copeland will not seek reelection

Copeland will not seek re-election

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

ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Doug Copeland will not next seek re-election in the upcoming city elections that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Copeland made this announcement from the dais toward the end of the Thursday, July 25, City Commission meeting.

“Candidate qualifying is the middle of next month, and at this time I’d like to announce that I will not be seeking re-election. I would like to encourage some of our very talented citizens to seek that seat,” Copeland said.

Copeland’s surprise announcement produced a brief period of silence as his fellow commissioners and others in the room processed the news.

While giving his commissioner’s report a few minutes later, commission chair Brian Seymour turned to Copeland and said, “After that bombshell, thank you for your service. You’ve obviously made this decision and you served the city so well for so many years.”

Seymour said he was shocked but happy that Copeland made a decision he feels is right for him at this time.

“Same here, Doug,” Commissioner Carol Carter added.

In addition to serving multiple terms as a city commissioner, Copeland also represents Anna Maria Island on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Before becoming a commissioner, Copeland spent two decades as a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Carter and Dale Woodland’s current two-year terms also expire in November. Both said they will seek re-election.

Qualifying info

Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 19 and close at noon on Friday, Aug. 30. Those seeking office must pay a qualifying fee and submit the signatures of 10 registered city voters. They must also sign a candidate’s residency affidavit stating they have been a city resident for at least two years.

For more information, visit www.votemanatee.com, call 941-741-3823 or e-mail info@votemanatee.com.

Pier lease talks gain momentum

Pier lease talks gain momentum

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

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and current city pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder recently reviewed a draft document that includes several potential options for the lease of the new pier.

The construction of the pier walkway and T-end platform are to be completed by the end of August. The new restaurant and bait shop buildings at the new pier’s T-end are expected to open to the public by year’s end.

Schoenfelder’s current pier lease expires in December 2020 and he has expressed interest in entering into a new long-term lease.

The recently developed draft document is not a formal and binding agreement. It merely reflects some of the terms, conditions and options to be considered by the city and Schoenfelder.

The draft lease document presents three options regarding which portions of the new pier could be leased to Schoenfelder or another pier tenant.

Option one is to lease the T-end restaurant, bait shop, bathrooms and breezeway only. Option two is for the entire T-end of the pier, not including the pier walkway and boat landing. Option three is for the entire pier.

Parking option one proposes the city provide adequate marked parking based upon an approved number of seats. Option two proposes the pier tenant lease adequate parking from the city and/or private sources.

The draft lease language states the leased premises will be used solely to operate a restaurant and bait, tackle and gift shop that also serves snacks and beverages.

The lease terms require the tenant’s business operations to be seven days a week 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the tenant having the option to extend, but not decrease, the hours of operation. The proposed lease language states that the tenant shall serve breakfast, lunch and dinner unless otherwise specified by the city.

The proposed lease language states all open areas of the pier, including the breezeway and bathrooms, shall be accessible to the public at all times.

Lease terms

The proposed lease term options include a 10-year lease with two five-year extensions or a seven-year lease with two seven-year extensions.

The draft language proposes the pier tenant contribute $250,000 toward the city’s construction of the new buildings that will house the restaurant, bait shop and restrooms. The language also proposes that the tenant is responsible for interior build-out of those buildings at the tenant’s expense.

“All improvements made to the premises shall become the property of the landlord upon installation,” the draft lease language says.

Maintenance

Pier maintenance options include the tenant being responsible for all maintenance of pier premises, or the city being responsible for all maintenance of premises – except for the maintenance of the operational fixtures purchased by the tenant to operate their businesses.

The lease language proposes the tenant pay an unspecified amount per quarter toward the maintenance of the pier, the approach area and the parking lot.

The draft language includes options for either the tenant or the city to insure the pier and pay the annual property taxes.

The possible lease options include an absolute net lease where the tenant pays the maintenance, insurance, tax, improvements and is responsible for all expenses of the facility rented; a triple net lease where the tenant pays for maintenance, insurance and taxes; a double net lease where the tenant pays the taxes and the insurance or a modified net lease where the tenant pays the taxes only.

The language proposes the tenant pay an unspecified, monthly base rent that includes an annual 3% increase – or a base rent that increases or decreases each year based on the Consumer Price Index.

Another option would be a percentage-based rent that requires the tenant to the pay the city 8% of the total revenues generated by the pier-based business operations.

The proposed lease language requires the tenant to maintain a blanket saltwater fishing license that allows anyone to fish from the pier, including those who do not hold their own fishing licenses.

Related coverage

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

Mason Martin Builders selected to build pier restaurant and bait shop

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

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

As the temperature of the summer heats up, so does the action on the indoor soccer court at The Center on Anna Maria Island.

With more than half of the games played in the season, the dominant teams in both the Intermediate and Advanced leagues have risen to the top, but the season is still young and the championship is any single team’s to win.

Last Tuesday night Cloud Pest Control and Island Vacation Properties faced off, with Cloud eeking out the win, and both teams have very similar mid-season records in the Intermediate league.

Cyrus Ryan was credited with a hat trick, scoring all three goals for Cloud Pest Control. Clancy Cusack and Kason Davis scored a single goal each for Island Vacation Properties.

In the second game of the night during Intermediate league action, Moss Builders once again dominated, beating Solid Rock Construction with a score of 3-0. Dylan Sato scored two goals and Jackson Titen had a solo goal for the Moss Builders squad.

The last two match-ups of the night saw the Advanced league teams go head-to-head. Team Ugly Grouper struggled against both of their opponents in the back-to-back games.

Team AMI Locals won their game against Ugly Grouper, ending with the game score of 5-1. Will Wright scored the single goal for Team Ugly Grouper.

Evan Talucci hit the net twice for AMI Locals, with teammate Savana Coba scoring a hat trick of her own.

Victor Albrecht scored the lone goal in the final game of the night for Ugly Grouper. Top-ranked G&G Yardscaping played with a tremendous amount of teamwork, with assists by Katie Stembridge, Ryan Joseph, Cale Rudacille and Connor Samblis.

Each of the G&G players with assists also scored goals, with Samblis credited with three goals in the game, clinching the win with a score of 6-1.

With one more week of regular-season indoor soccer play on the schedule, the youth players continue to play hard toward the championship game on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.

Related coverage

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Hayward Cup champions crowned

Jiffy Lube dominates on the pitch

Castles in the Sand

The condo dance

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

Every dance has specific dance steps. Even though some dancers may look like they’re just winging it, they’re at least the ones that you keep looking at. Living in a condo requires learning a multiple of dance steps, so if you’re not good at condo dancing, you may need to rethink your purchase.

Condo living is great. It frees you of all the day to day maintenance issues that a house requires – exterior painting and pool cleaning are done, the lawn is mowed and roof repairs are a thing of the past. But all of these services come with a price in both money and control.

The first dance steps you need to learn are those in the condo maintenance fees or homeowner association fees dance. These fees are established in order to pay for all of the services and expenses the condo association is responsible for. Owners pay either a monthly or quarterly fee that goes into the association’s funds and is allocated to specific reserves.

As soon as you are in contract for a condo property, the condo fees are disclosed to you. You, in turn, need to disclose these fees to your lender if you are applying for a mortgage. Condo fees are calculated by lenders right along with principal, interest, taxes and insurance in order to qualify for financing.

Condos with high fees can kill a deal if the potential buyer does not qualify for a mortgage because of the fees. This can be a tricky calculation for condos that are new construction since it’s not uncommon for the developer to lowball common charges in order to sell units, which means that marginal buyers may not get their financing if the fees are adjusted upward prior to closing.

The second dance that has very complicated steps is the giving up control to the condo boards and management company dance. If you’re one of those people who needs to dot every “I” and question every rule, you may have a hard time learning this dance.

There’s a fair amount of freedom you give up to live in a condo. For instance, if you liked skinny dipping in your single-family home pool you better start buying a bunch of bathing suits or, if your neighbors on the other side of your common wall have their grandchildren over every Sunday to watch football, either you join the party or go out for the day. Condo living is nothing if not a compromise.

There is, however, a way to gain some control and that’s by volunteering to join the condo board. Based on how the condo documents are drawn up, condo board members have a lot of power. They can change rules, choose contractors to do jobs and move money around. There certainly are decisions the boards cannot make without a vote of the residents, so learning what decisions condo boards can and cannot make is important before going forward.

If you don’t join the board yourself, make sure you vote for board members that you feel are qualified and ethical. In addition, condo boards that have good management companies to advise and guide them are better run.

Successful condo living is a “live and let live” concept. Minor infractions of rules should be overlooked and flexibility will make your living experience rewarding. If you want a carefree lifestyle and the ability to lock your door and leave, like so many people in Florida do, condo living is a perfect fit. But first you need to learn the condo dance and how to dance like a pro.

More Castles in the Sand:

The suburbs and the millennials

Are you as smart as a private equity firm?

Real independence

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

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

This summer’s indoor soccer action at The Center includes two skill levels and age group divisions: Intermediate (five- to nine-year-old) and Advanced (10- to 14-year-old).

In the first game of the third week of play, the intermediate teams of Moss Builders and Island Vacation Properties faced each other in 40 minutes of rapid-fire action.

Dylan Sato started the play for Moss Builders. Immediately, Maddie Kimmons showed what a defensive powerhouse she is for Island Vacation Properties.

Sato brother Brandon made a nice reaching attempt to stop the soccer ball, but just could not quite get to it.

Six minutes into the game, Moss Builder’s Jackson Titen made a nice shot attempt. Teammate Mason Moss hit a rocket shot that was stopped by Kimmons, playing by the net.

Sato made a shot attempt that went just right of the post seven minutes later.

Island Vacation Properties made a great run down the field before being stopped by Moss.

With three minutes left on the scoreboard, Moss made another shot attempt, finding Kimmons away from the goal.

Despite what looked to be domination on the field by Moss Builders, the first half of play ended with the score 0-0.

Island Vacation Properties started the second half play. Camden Rudacille made a nice pass down the line. Kimmons was caught off guard allowing the first Moss Builders’ goal.

Implementing the three-line rule, teammates are required to touch a long pass before it crosses the third critical line down the court.

After a near own-goal by Moss Builders, Brandon Sato shot the Moss team’s second goal of the game. Moss followed two minutes later with another ball in the net, pushing the score to 3-0.

The Moss Builders team put its fourth goal on the board less than three minutes later.

Miles Moss worked with his team on the court allowing big brother Mason a clear shot over everyone’s heads for the team’s fifth goal.

Mason Moss hit another perfect shot for the final point of the match with a little more than four minutes left in the game, to end with the score 6-0.

Related coverage

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

Hayward Cup champions crowned

Jiffy Lube dominates on the pitch

Castles in the Sand

The suburbs and the millennials

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

For several years, I wrote about how the millennials were moving into the cities. They didn’t want anything to do with the suburbs and their parents’ lifestyle. Well, in the space of two weeks I discovered that everything old is new again.

In the 1950’s families, including mine, were moving from the city to the suburbs, buying up new homes in what were once potato fields and family farms. This migration from the cities to the suburbs happened because of the demand for housing after World War II when the veterans could finally settle down and start their families.

When the grandchildren of those families grew up, they said, “No way,” and vowed not to return to the mundane lifestyle of backyard barbeques and Little League. But don’t ever say never since the millennials, many of whom are in their late 30s, are coming back with families in tow, only this time instead of moving to the suburbs outside of major Northern cities, they’re coming south. This reversal has a lot to do with the mobility of jobs and the growth of the South, which is benefitting from the real estate slow down and taxes of the Northeast.

Recently, a very extensive piece in the Wall Street Journal studied the reversal from city to suburban life. It reported that the growth rates of the suburbs are far outpacing metropolitan areas and the South is winning the race. This supports what I wrote about last week regarding investors buying up first-time buyer properties, hurting millennials who suddenly want to buy houses and raise families.

Some of the hot Sun Belt areas with good job opportunities that are benefitting from this influx of young families are Frisco, Texas, Nolensville, Tennessee, Scottsdale, Georgia and our very own Lakewood Ranch.

As fate will have it, the same day I read the story about the city to suburban reversal there was a report in the Bradenton Herald about 3,000 new homes that will be built in Lakewood Ranch. After a little research, I discovered a couple of interesting things about Lakewood Ranch that we who live surrounded by water probably haven’t paid attention to.

First of all, 74 percent of Lakewood Ranch residents are either between the ages of 25 – 44 or over 65. I also read that Massachusetts General Hospital is opening a Brain Health Initiative that will be based in Lakewood Ranch, kind of an achievement for the Bradenton area. Also, the median age in Lakewood Ranch is 49.4 compared to Anna Maria Island’s 64.3. There are not too many millennials with families moving here. Finally, Lakewood Ranch is 31,000 acres and 29 square miles with a population of over 11,000.

The reason I’m telling you this is two-fold. First of all, to keep everyone aware of changes in real estate trends both locally and nationally and second to help us sun and sand worshippers appreciate what’s going on east of our shoreline. We’re all part of the same region, so what happens in Lakewood Ranch can have a serious impact on us – traffic, parking, success of restaurants and shops just to name a few. The millennials may prefer to live in Lakewood Ranch, but for them visiting Anna Maria Island is one of the reasons they came here.

Well, once again, millennials are picking up where baby boomers left off. Now it’s their turn to influence all aspects of life in the country. Everything old is new again.

More Castles in the Sand:

Are you as smart as a private equity firm?

Real independence

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