Anna Maria is celebrating 100 years of providing exquisite beaches and aqua water to beachgoers and visitors. The celebration started on Memorial Day and will probably go on for several months and rightly so since the Island is something to be celebrated.
Down through the years when I interviewed new business owners or friends who moved to Anna Maria Island, I always asked how they found it. Many of them came as children to visit grandparents and always vowed to return. One drove over the Manatee Avenue bridge because she was early to visit a relative in Bradenton and couldn’t believe what she found, buying a Gulf-front piece of property the same day on a credit card. And one of my favorite stories was when a couple on vacation in their RV drove over the Cortez Bridge and turned right instead of left. They too bought a home the same day and opened a business.
My personal story happened in 1995 when I was visiting a friend in Bradenton and was taken to Anna Maria for dinner. That was the first of many visits to the Island, including the one that sent us home to sell our house. In January of 1997, my husband and I rented a beach house on the Gulf side of North Shore Drive. It turned out to be one of the best vacations I ever had and I knew then this is where I wanted to be.
To say Anna Maria Island has changed since those years would be a vast understatement and the thing that has changed the most is real estate construction and values. May sales statistics released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee is showing our market is still moving forward.
Single-family closed properties were up 17.2% compared to May of last year. The median sale price for single-family homes was down 6.4% to $515,000 and the average selling price for single-family properties was also down by 4.1% to $686,015. The median time to contract was 32 days, compared to six days last year. Pending inventory was up by 31.8% and the month’s supply of available properties was 2.7 months, compared to last year at 1.2 months.
Condo sales were up 5% when compared to May of last year. The median sale price was up 3.4% to $382,645 and the average sale price was also up by 37.3% to $606,255. The median time to contract was 37 days, compared to 6 days last year, and pending inventory was up 8.9%. The month’s supply of available properties was 3.4 months, compared to one month last year.
Condo sales had the edge this month in both sales and selling price, which in this market could change in a heartbeat. That said, the market is starting to settle down, as stated by the press release issued by the Realtor Association.
“Sarasota-Manatee housing market begins to stabilize but remains a seller’s market,” the press release said.
The summer months have always been the slow time in Island real estate, but don’t bet on that to continue when we’re in a seller’s market.
Anna Maria Island is so much more than its beaches; it’s a lifestyle I fear is slowly eroding just like the beach sand. If there is anything that can be done to slow this progression, I don’t know what it is. I only hope that our little paradise isn’t lost in the name of progress.
In life, sometimes it’s just luck that makes the life-changing decisions we make look genius. In real estate, the importance of the old adage, “location, location, location” is only surpassed by timing – and you can’t plan timing.
The summer of 2020 started the pandemic buying spree and combined with interest rates dropping to 3% it was all-out insanity. Nationally, the median number of days on the market in 2019 pre-pandemic was 30 to 40. In 2020 that number started to drop into the 20s and into the teens in 2021-22.
Florida in general has experienced a longer number of days to get properties into contract. Specifically, Manatee County, as of the last set of statistics released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, reports that single-family homes took 28 days to get into contract as opposed to 5 days last year. Most of this is a reflection of the low inventory available, slightly higher than last year but still historically low.
Buyers who were lucky enough to buy when mortgage rates were low and homes were still available will benefit from that decision for decades, affecting every other aspect of their life choices. Those buyers who missed the market blame themselves for taking their eye off the ball and not acting faster or not taking a risk. Some of this may be true, but frankly, no one during those years really knew what was going to happen. The entire population of the country was frozen in place both literally and figuratively, making decision-making difficult, especially for first-time and marginal buyers.
Similarly, the run-up to the financial crisis and the bursting of the housing bubble in 2008 was unpredictable. Buyers and investors were buying anything and everything for overinflated prices. When the bubble exploded, the value of their properties declined so much it took a decade for some of it to come back.
An economics professor at the University of Georgia presented this hypothetical I recently read. A buyer who purchased a house in June of 2020 for $300,000 – about the median for homes at the time – with a 20% down payment and a 3% mortgage rate would pay about $89,000 in interest over the first 15 years of a 30-year loan. By comparison, someone who bought at the same price in June of 2022 with a 6% mortgage rate would pay about $190,000 in interest over 15 years. Two years made an enormous difference.
But this is now and even if you feel you didn’t act three years ago, you can act now. Economists have always believed that homeownership is an important generator of wealth. They focus on moving forward, especially for young first-time buyers who have years ahead of them to create wealth. Americans have more faith in real estate that in any other investment. A recent Gallup survey indicated that 34% of Americans rated real estate the best long-term investment, down from 41% in 2021 and 45% in 2022.
The lesson here is that buying a home is a more important decision than when you buy that home. You have to be in it to win it, you have to be in it to create a family home, and you have to be in it to create the biggest generator of wealth this country has ever consistently had. Timing is important, but action is long-term.
ANNA MARIA – Beloved Anna Maria resident, newspaper reporter and Island historian Pat Copeland passed away on Tuesday, June 13, at the age of 76.
She passed away at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton from complications associated with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory challenges she faced in recent years.
In 2000, Pat joined the newly-formed Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper as a reporter and copy editor. As a Sun reporter, Pat spent many years covering the city of Holmes Beach, the Holmes Beach City Commission and West Manatee Fire Rescue. As the copy editor, she proofread and corrected almost every story that ran in The Sun during her tenure, which ended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AMI Sun Publisher Mike Field said, “Pat was the first person I hired for The Sun’s news department when Maggie and I began planning in 1999 to start a weekly community newspaper on the Island. Looking back, that hire was one of the single most important things I ever did as owner and publisher of the paper. Pat’s knowledge of local history and her experience covering Island news brought instant credibility to the upstart Sun.
“Pat knew absolutely everybody and had a deserved reputation for treating the subjects of her stories with respect and honesty. Her accuracy in reporting and attention to detail were phenomenal. She almost never made a mistake. As an editor, she helped many young reporters by deftly catching errors in their copy long before the stories ever made it into print. If you needed to know who to talk to on any given assignment, Pat was the person you asked.
“Personally, I will always remember the wry sense of humor she had, one that often left me in stitches and helped diffuse the mounting pressures of approaching deadlines. It was a pleasure to have worked with Pat Copeland and an even greater one simply to have known her. She will be missed,” he said.
An Island life
Pat was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, just east of Dayton. Her husband of more than 50 years, Doug, hails from the same area. They met while they were both teaching English and language arts at a middle school in Dayton, Ohio.
“We had classrooms next to each other. That’s where we met,” Doug said.
After their first year together, Pat and Doug left their teaching jobs, moved to Celina, Ohio and for a year ran a fishing camp on Grand Lake. At the time, Doug’s parents lived on North Shore Drive in Anna Maria, where in 1972, Doug’s dad presided over Pat and Doug’s wedding during their visit to Florida.
Pat and Doug Copeland were married in Anna Maria and enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage on the Island. – Copeland family | Submitted
When Pat and Doug moved to Bradenton Beach in 1973, Pat went to work at Trader Jack’s and Doug later joined the staff as a bartender.
In 1974, they bought their home in Anna Maria, where Pat would live for the rest of her life.
“Back then, the Island was still a resident-based community. Probably 99% of the people that worked at Trader Jack’s lived on the Island, back when affordable annual rentals were always available. That’s gone away,” Doug said.
Pat left Trader Jack’s in January 1978 when she was pregnant with their first daughter, Layla Copeland.
Island Historian
After giving birth to Layla in 1978 and to Anna Maria Copeland in 1980, Pat spent some time as a stay-at-home mom. In 1981, she became a stringer for the Island Herald. Over the years, she picked up additional freelance duties with several other publications including The Bradenton Herald, Camp-orama magazine and The Weekender. In 1987, she became the editor of the Anna Maria Islander Press, where she also served as a reporter.
When the Islander Press closed, Pat bought all the bound newspaper copies, clip files and other files to prevent them from potentially being destroyed. Anna Maria Mayor Ray Simches put Pat and Island historian and author Carolyne Norwood in touch with each other and in 1990 the two co-founded the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and guided the development of the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum.
Carolyne Norwood and Pat Copeland co-founded the Anna Maria Island Historical Society in 1990. – Submitted
“The first year, they rented the old vet’s office on Crescent Avenue and Ed Chiles paid the rent and the utilities,” Doug said.
A year later, the Historical Society moved to the museum’s current location on Pine Avenue.
“History is important. For the Island, there was no better history than the old newspapers. Pat wrote the Island’s history every week,” Doug said of the news stories that can still be read at the museum.
When asked what Pat loved about being a reporter, Doug said, “The interaction with people. She was honest, had integrity and felt she could present an accurate sense of what was happening on the Island.”
In the 1980s, the Copeland family took a pair of month-long summer camping trips in a Volkswagen bus with family friend and well-known
Little League baseball coach Lou Fiorentino. After Lou died, Pat, Doug and others started an annual fundraiser in Lou’s name to raise money to send Island kids to off-Island summer camps, which they did from 1998 to 2014.
When asked how Pat will be remembered, Doug said, “She was a great wife and mother. Honest, ethical and loved by many. I’ll miss her. She was always willing to have a good time.”
Mother Extraordinaire
“She was a great mom. She welcomed everyone in our house. I could show up with anybody and say, ‘Mom they’re having dinner with us,’ and she’d say, ‘OK, no problem,’ ” Layla said.
“Pat’s philosophy was she’d rather have the girls here with their friends than have them out somewhere else not knowing who they’re with or what they’re doing. That’s a pretty good philosophy,” Doug added.
“The 1960s helped shape my mom’s consciousness and who she was. She was part of the hippie era, adamantly opposed to the Vietnam War. She protested for her beliefs, but she also never lost sight of the American soldiers who were her neighbors, classmates and friends. The music of the 1960s was the soundtrack to our childhood and she shared her love of music, writers and poetry with us,” Layla said.
When asked what she learned from her mom, Layla said, “I learned how to cook, how to sew, how to be a mother and how to be a wife. She gave me my best friend, my sister. When mom’s breathing got bad and it was hard for her to talk, we’d text with her every day.
Pat Copeland showed her whimsical side during a childhood bike ride with her daughter Layla. – Copeland family | Submitted
“She was always really funny, really silly and she always made you laugh. She was really generous and always thinking of others. She loved watching our kids draw and play in the pool. When she could no longer go outside, she’d open the window and sit there to watch them play and still be a part of it. We always had a Sunday or Saturday dinner here. In this family, food is love and she was a great cook,” Layla said.
“We always ate together. Both girls became great cooks because they grew up thinking food was important,” Doug said.
Family was of the utmost importance to Pat Copeland. – Copeland family | Submitted
“When I was 14, I decided I was going to be a vegetarian and my sister later joined me,” Layla said. “Mom taught herself how to cook vegetarian food and she cooked two meals every night: one for her and dad and one for my sister and I. Every day, until we went to college, she packed us a gourmet lunch to take to school. She took the best care of us,” Layla said.
In 2014, the Copeland family traveled to Italy together. – Copeland family | Submitted
Anna Maria Copeland lives in Rockville, Maryland. When asked about her mom, she said, “There was so much about my mom that was wonderful. She always uplifted people. Like a lot of parents, she told Layla and I that we could be and do anything, but she really meant it. Whenever I expressed a doubt about my abilities or qualifications, she would gently explain why whatever I was worrying about wouldn’t stop me from doing the thing I wanted to do if I truly wanted to do it. I saw her do this for other people as well. She had a special way of helping people believe in themselves. Another thing that was truly special about my mom was her open heart. She had love and kindness for anyone who needed it. She welcomed so many people into our home and lives and enriched all of us in the process.
“When my daughter Lily was born, I was surprised by how natural and easy it felt to be a mother. Later, I had the realization that it was easy because I had the best example to follow. I learned how to cook and bake and sew from her. I learned how to navigate the world with an open heart. I learned patience. I will miss her love and understanding. I will miss watching her and Lily goof off together. I will miss sitting up late together talking about life. I will miss cooking and eating together.
“I want people to know how special my mother was. She was funny and smart. She loved rock-n-roll and acting silly. She was kind and thoughtful and creative. She wasn’t afraid to be different and she helped others feel comfortable in spite of their differences,” Anna Maria said.
Anna Hayden and her sister, Pat Copeland, got “framed” in this photo. – Copeland family | Submitted
Pat’s sister, Anna Hayden, said, “Pat had such a positive influence on my life. She opened my eyes to the world and always encouraged me with my art and photography. To see that she also had such a positive impact on her community makes me so very proud to be her sister.”
Community icon
In 2017, Pat was named the city of Anna Maria’s Citizen of the Year. Last week, the flags at the museum, City Pier Park, City Hall and the City Hall annex were flown at half-staff in Pat’s honor.
In 2017, former Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford presented Pat Copeland with the city of Anna Maria’s Citizen of the Year award. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “The loss of Pat Copeland is a heavy loss for our Island community. Pat blazed a trail that is now her legacy. She was the woman who brought to life the images and tales from our Island’s past. Knowing our history is a key ingredient for a community to remain relevant and instill a sense of pride in its citizens. Pat made us all aware that we are ‘Anna Marians,’ ” he said.
The City Pier Park flags flew at half-staff in Pat Copeland’s honor. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Historical Society Vice President Barbara Murphy said, “The Historical Society has lost a devoted friend. Pat and Carolyne Norwood not only had a passion for the Island history, but the vision and determination to preserve it for generations to come. A year ago, the Historical Society’s annual scholarship awards were named after Pat. Thank you, Pat, for your contribution to preserving our rich Island history.”
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said, “Pat was an original. She had a deep connection to the Island and was a talented writer. She will be truly missed. We are fortunate to have the years that she invested in her historical work that helped preserve the Island’s treasures.”
Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston said, “Pat was a beautiful person. Her smile was contagious. She absolutely loved her family, community, her job and her friends. She was an excellent writer; one I could always trust. Her perseverance towards the history of Anna Maria Island will allow Pat’s memory to live on forever.”
The Copeland family sometimes gathered at Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach. – Copeland family | Submitted
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “She always gave the police department a fair shot. She reported everything fairly and she mentored other reporters to do the same. She was always a pleasure to speak with. I will miss her.”
Retired WMFR Fire Chief Andy Price said, “As a reporter, she would always ask questions so she could understand the issue – and not just enough to write a story. What she reported was accurate and it told the right story because she understood what was going on. When Pat wrote an article, it was accurate to the T. Pat was one of the best journalists I’ve ever dealt with. Pat was a wonderful person and it showed in her reporting.”
Former Holmes Beach Mayor and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, “I met Pat when I first got into Island politics in 1991. Throughout the years we became friends and we still communicated after she left the paper. She was a wonderful person and she had a passion for the Historical Society. I’m happy I got to know her and Doug.”
Pat and Doug Copeland served as “The Bowling Police” during one of the annual O’Connor Bowling Challenge tournaments.- Copeland family | Submitted
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “Pat was a wonderful lady who really loved the Island community. She was a real giver and she was always there for the community.”
Island resident and business owner Ed Chiles said, “Pat was dedicated to the history and the character of the Island. She was indefatigable, always working on it and never not involved. She was a great citizen of the Island. She will be missed but she will not be forgotten.”
Bradenton resident and longtime family friend Jean Couser said, “I’ve known Pat since the 70s, when she and I were waitresses at Trader Jack’s. Pat and Doug were schoolteachers who escaped the cold for something new, but I don’t think Pat ever strayed very far from educating people, even if she didn’t do it in a classroom. Her family was so important to her and she and Doug created a purposeful life together. They raised two smart, talented women and Pat had a big influence on how successful those girls are.
Pat and Doug Copeland dressed as Lois Lane and Superman for Halloween. – Copeland family | Submitted
“Pat’s talents went way beyond writing. She sewed Halloween costumes and knitted baby blankets. She surrounded herself with creative people and the parties she and Doug hosted were never dull. In many ways, I think Pat was the spirit of Anna Maria. She was always doing research for Historical Society, doing a story for The Sun or collecting books for her Little Free Library. She really loved the community.”
Pat Copeland had the first Little Free Library in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
AMI Historical Society board chairperson Liz Hager said, “We’re going to miss her. I loved working with Pat and Doug. Doug is a good friend of the museum too. I hope what they did for and on Anna Maria Island for so many years is appreciated. They named their daughter Anna Maria. That shows quite a bit of loyalty to the Island.
“When Pat could no longer stay on as president of the board, I was recruited to take it over. I loved going to talk to her and learning from her. During COVID, she’d leave a chair for me outside on the lawn and she would open the window and she’d stay inside and we could chat that way and have her bring me up to date on all the things that still needed to be done for the museum. My husband, Dennis, and I enjoyed going out to dinner with Pat and Doug. They were great connoisseurs of restaurants in the area. We had dinner together in April,” Hager said.
Bradenton resident Carrie Price was close friends with Layla and Anna while growing up on the Island.
“I was a frequent guest at their house for dinner. I probably ate there 150 times. Pat was a big part of my time on Island. She was so welcoming to me and always a great host. I was just one of many people who frequented their house for dinner and their company. Pat was very warm and inviting. She was a wonderful mom. She was so dedicated to the girls and she ran a very organized household. I have a lot of respect for that now that I have my own kids. She was a great reporter and she was so dedicated to everything she did,” Carrie said.
The Sun staff is remembering Pat Copeland fondly after the news of her passing last week.
Pat was the first reporter hired to staff the Anna Maria Island Sun. Publisher Mike Field remembers hiring her while sitting on paint buckets in the newspaper’s brand-new office.
Pat was working for the Bystander at the time and was a colleague of Tom Vaught, who was writing for the Island Free Press.
“Competition was not Pat’s style, nor mine,” he said. “We met each other in February 1993 at Holmes Beach City Hall. I did not truly know what to expect. Pat volunteered her knowledge of the Island and local city politics. I knew I could trust her with her wealth of Island background expertise.”
The Island Free Press folded and Vaught joined the Bradenton Herald team.
“One evening, Pat called me informing me about her leap to a new Island paper, the Anna Maria Island Sun. She asked me to consider a change along with her. I went to this newly created paper’s co-founding publisher and owner, Mike Field, and became a reporter along with Pat.”
Retired since 2020, Vaught remembers Copeland, then a copy editor, teasing him for his mistakes, like a sibling.
“We never doubted each other’s talents,” he said.
Copeland never aspired to work in a big city, he said. She wanted to cover the Island where she and her husband, Doug, raised their two daughters, and she did.
“She was the queen of Island journalism,” he said, “and above all, a good friend.”
Shown here with West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Commissioner Randy Cooper, Pat Copeland covered the WMFR meetings for many years. – Submitted
Staff writer and Digital Editor Kristin Swain recalls Copeland taking her under her wing and helping her establish her career on Anna Maria Island and in the news industry.
“By the time I arrived in the area fulltime in 2014, Pat was already established as a long-time Island legend,” she said. “Pat was one of the first people that I have been privileged to know on the Island. She was one of the nicest, most genuine and welcoming people I’ve ever known. Pat was one of those rare people who is impossible to forget and one that I will always be grateful to have had the privilege of knowing.”
Copeland worked diligently to help make her community a better place through her work with The Sun, her volunteerism, her work with the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and other organizations, Swain said.
“Though she’s no longer with us, her legacy in this community will endure for many, many years to come. Her community spirit will continue to radiate through the city of Anna Maria and the Island as a whole,” she said. “My sincerest condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone whose lives she touched. Pat left a little bit of her light with everyone she met. That light will continue to shine.”
Sun Editor Cindy Lane recalls Copeland often breaking from her office demeanor with quick-on-the-uptake jokes, followed by her trademark smile and deep, hearty laugh.
Her coverage of the city of Holmes Beach earned her a reputation of accuracy and trustworthiness, and she covered the arts community and historical stories with enthusiasm, she said.
A model of organization, she archived every edition of The Sun at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, which she co-founded with Carolyne Norwood.
With her trademark spiral-bound calendar filled out each year in advance with reminders of upcoming events, she never missed a story, and as the “newsroom mom,” never let another reporter miss one of theirs, Lane recalled.
Widely known and appreciated for being detail-oriented as a reporter, Copeland was also an exacting copy editor with an institutional memory that saved everyone on the staff from embarrassment at one time or another. Once, a new reporter mentioned Lawton Chiles in a story without noting that he was a former Florida governor, and Pat caught the omission in time.
“Pat always made sure all the ‘i’s were dotted and all the ‘t’s were crossed,” Lane said. “She set an admirable example and a high bar for The Sun to follow.”
“As the Sun’s longtime copy editor, Pat Copeland caught and corrected many typos and mistakes I made when writing my weekly news stories, thus sparing me the embarrassment of seeing my errors in print,” Sun correspondent Joe Hendricks said.
Each Monday, Pat would go to The Sun office, print out every page of the paper and with her red marker notate all the corrections she’d then make using the computer software used to lay out the paper, he recalled.
“Working closely with editor and publisher Mike Field, Pat’s keen eye and attention to detail made The Sun a better paper, and she made me a better reporter with her historical perspective, factual knowledge, journalistic insights and corrective actions.”
In 2013, Pat took a brief leave of absence and went to Maryland to help care for her first grandchild, Lily.
“At the time, my duties with The Sun were limited to those of a part-time freelance correspondent. During Pat’s time away, I covered her Holmes Beach beat that included city commission meetings and other governmental matters. That assignment led to me later being assigned to cover the cities and city governments of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria, which I still cover today,” Hendricks said.
“In 2017, I was honored to write about Pat being named the city of Anna Maria’s Citizen of the Year – an award she earned for the community spirit she embodied and the tireless work she did with the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.
I was also fortunate to become friends with Pat, her husband, Doug, and the Copeland family. Pat will be forever appreciated and greatly missed. Thanks, Pat for all you did for me, The Sun and the Anna Maria Island community. The Island is a better place because of you and a lesser place without you.”
ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge is on the market with a $7.2 million asking price.
Pat Bucko is serving as the broker for Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose.
According to Bucko’s online listing, the purchase includes the land, the 2,850-square-foot building, the business and a 4COP dual liquor license that allows for consumption on premises and package liquor sales.
According to the listing, “Bortell’s Lounge first opened its doors in 1977 and has been an Anna Maria institution ever since. What makes Bortell’s legendary is the long history with the locals and vacationers that have created lifelong memories and friendships over the past 46 years.
“The current owner purchased the building and business in 2015 knowing it was going to need an extensive remodel and in 2018 he closed the doors and began the process. After three years of planning, engineering, construction and blood, sweat and beers, Bortell’s reopened in 2021,” the listing notes.
Steve Rose reopened his renovated Bortell’s Lounge in 2021. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When contacted by The Sun, Rose shared his thoughts on selling Bortell’s.
“It’s just time. I always knew I was buying it to do a renovation and I’ve achieved what I wanted to do. I’ve got some other projects I want to do and it’s the right time to move on. I’ve got a couple things in the hopper that I’m excited about but nothing under contract yet,” he said.
“Bortell’s is for sale but people shouldn’t worry. It was a bar for 40 years when I bought it and I developed it in a way that I believe it will stay a bar for 40 more years. I can’t imagine anybody buying it and doing anything other than that. I’m not expecting a quick sale. We’re still pouring drinks six days a week and we’re firing up the pizza ovens and bringing pizza back beginning on Tuesday (June 13),” Rose said.
“Owning Bortell’s has truly been a dream come true for me. It’s helped me check so many things off my personal bucket list that I had to update my list. I moved to the Island and bought a dive bar. It’s like something from a Jimmy Buffett song. I did not get to this place alone. I owe thanks to everyone who has and does work for me, as well as a huge list of vendors, contractors and sub-contractors, as well as a few people that were just at the right place and time to help us out,” Rose said.
In certain parts of the world, the marketplace is designed for negotiation. Don’t ever offer full price and don’t ever accept the first negotiation are two commonly employed strategies. It’s a culture that was pretty common in this country in generations past. Now it’s rare to purchase a car, an appliance or bike for your child and not pay the asking price.
Even purchasing a home during the past several years has almost lost the art of negotiation with values going crazy and offers being accepted at or well over full price. With the market stabilizing, buyers and sellers are starting to negotiate offers again, but there are other areas in the process of home buying where savings can be achieved. It never hurts to ask.
So, as a buyer or seller, you negotiated the accepted price of a home, but don’t think you’re done. I bet there are a few things you never thought of. They say a good negotiation is when both parties to the transaction come away thinking they left something on the table. Every property comes with stuff. It may be stuff that the buyer wants and the seller can’t take with them, making this a good starting place for negotiations.
Furniture is always negotiable even if the seller was planning on taking it. Furniture is expensive to move and, unless there are some valuable pieces, it may not make sense to hire a mover or shipper to relocate it. This is the time when the buyer can evaluate whether the furnishings have value and negotiate an offer to purchase. Not having to furnish a home can mean really big savings. Many homes in Florida come “turnkey” furnished and this can be a financial asset, especially for a second home purchase.
Everyone reading this lives on or near the water. What floats on the water? Boats. If the seller owns a boat and is moving to Colorado, it’s possible to take it off their hands, especially if the buyer was planning on buying one. This is a win-win for all parties. It’s the same with cars. Shipping a car that might be a few years old may not be cost-effective for a seller and buyers may be looking for another vehicle for their second home or their upcoming teenager’s driver’s license.
There are other ways to reduce expenses when purchasing a property, including negotiating with moving companies that are starting to see a reduction in activity. Try three different moving companies and see what the spread is. Moving companies also have other services like packing and unpacking which, if you ask, you can sometimes get a nice upgrade for not much more money.
As we know, mortgage rates have been fluctuating. Don’t be shy about negotiating origination fees, underwriting and loan application fees. Even the rate can be negotiated, just make sure the lender isn’t adding fees in the form of points to a negotiated interest rate. According to Freddie Mac, between 2010 and 2021, borrowers who applied with two different lenders reduced their mortgage rate by an average of 0.10%.
Sellers generally pay the broker commission on the sale of a property. Remember that realtor commissions are not regulated and can be negotiated as well. That said, I generally don’t like sellers negotiating realtor commissions since I think it can hurt the marketability of the property.
Good negotiating is an art. If you develop the skill to think creatively, you’ll be surprised how much money you can save. My mother grew up in the never pay full-price generation. Sometimes this was embarrassing, but most of the time she was right.
ANNA MARIA – More than 500 people gathered Monday morning at City Pier Park for a Memorial Day remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Navy veteran Carl Pearman and his wife, Irene, attend the Memorial Day commemoration each year.
“I’m a proud Navy veteran,” Carl said. “I served from the late 1950s between the Korean War and Vietnam. We come every year. It’s important to honor these people.”
The annual ceremony, replete with tradition and patriotic music, was coupled with a recognition of the centennial anniversary of the City of Anna Maria.
A U.S. Marine Honor Guard presents the colors at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy welcomed the crowd and introduced officials from the City of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach who were in attendance, including former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and his wife, Denise, and former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore.
Additional dignitaries introduced by Murphy were Commissioners Mark Short, Robert Kingan, Jon Crane and Deanie Sebring, as well as Manatee County School Board Chair Dave “Watchdog” Miner and former Commissioner Dale Woodland, who Murphy said was instrumental in purchasing City Pier Park.
Veterans are called up to the stage by branch of military service to be recognized at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Bishop Michael Garrison of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida gave the invocation.
“We gather today to remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Garrison said. “This is not just the first day of the summer season, but a painful remembrance for those who lost family members.”
A U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard presented the colors in front of the stage and an Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) trumpeter played Taps followed by the orchestra playing the National Anthem.
Pearman was one of dozens of veterans who were called to the front of the stage by their branch of service and given flags and applause for their service.
Spouses and significant others who lost loved ones in the military service were presented with yellow roses by City of Anna Maria staff and volunteers.
Following a performance of patriotic music by AMICCO, who wrapped up with God Bless America, attendees were invited to sing along. The orchestra and chorus were conducted by Maestro Leonard Murphy.
Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the holiday originated following the Civil War and became a federal holiday in 1971 in remembrance of all who died in service to the U.S.
100th anniversary
Murphy introduced the 100th Anniversary celebration of Anna Maria at the close of the Memorial Day ceremony.
“One hundred years ago on what was a little sandspit, our city was founded,” Murphy said, noting the first mayor of the city was Mitch Davis.
“Resiliency is the legacy of this community we should be protecting it,” Murphy said to applause.
A history of Anna Maria was presented by Master of Ceremonies Tom Aposporos.
Aposporos, a longtime Anna Maria resident, read anecdotes from 1923 newspaper articles.
“In 1923, the local paper said the citizens of Anna Maria felt things weren’t being done fast enough,” he said. “A committee of interested parties met at the next town meeting.”
Aposporos read part of a poem by two-time city commissioner Frances Livingston.
“Depending on where people are from, they pronounce the name of our city differently,” he said. “I’ve heard Anna Mariar and Anna Maria with a long ‘I’. So here is a poem about that.”
“ ‘The sunshine is hot, life is much freer, for all the tourists of Anna Maria’,” he quoted from the poem, adding, “No matter what you call it, we’re just lucky to be here.”
ANNA MARIA – City Commission Chair Mark Short doesn’t want Anna Maria’s parks, beaches and rights of way to be commercialized in a manner similar to what’s currently taking place along the Palma Sola Causeway.
During the commission’s May 25 meeting, Short noted there are now multiple commercial entities offering horseback rides, personal watercraft rentals and more along the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64. Short also expressed concerns about commercial activity occurring in city-owned rights of way.
“I don’t want this to become another Manatee Avenue,” he said.
Short said during his preliminary research of the city’s code of ordinances he didn’t find any prohibitions pertaining to commercial activities taking place in conservation zones, parks, beaches and other city-owned properties, and is not aware of any city regulation that prohibits such activity.
Short said he doesn’t want the city to prohibit short-term right-of-way uses during city-permitted special events. He also said he doesn’t want to prohibit commercial activities at The Center of Anna Maria Island, which is owned by the city, or the commercial activities already approved by the city on the City Pier.
He recommended asking City Planner Ashely Austen and City Attorney Becky Vose to draft a city ordinance that would prohibit commercial activities in public spaces. He then sought input from other commissioners.
Commissioner Mark Short wants to regulate commercial activity in public spaces. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Jon Crane agreed that the city’s rights of way should be protected, but he’s not sure a new ordinance is needed.
Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Short if there are currently any commercial activities taking place on city property that he’s concerned about. Short said there are, but he didn’t name any specific activities.
Commissioner Robert Kingan noted there are already businesses operating in Anna Maria that rent, deliver and retrieve beach cabanas, beach chairs and other beach supplies. Kingan said there are also restaurants that deliver to beach patrons.
Short said he wasn’t aware of the cabana rentals taking place in Anna Maria.
Salem noted the city already has an ordinance in place that prohibits beaching personal watercraft at Anna Maria’s public beaches and parks.
Crane said he’d like to see some additional analysis from city staff but he didn’t share Short’s desire for a prohibitive ordinance.
Mayor Dan Murphy agreed that some staff analysis would be a good starting point and he asked what specifically the commission wants analyzed. Crane said he’d like to know whether the city has the right to prohibit commercial activities in public spaces.
Murphy said that’s a legal question to pose to the city attorney. Murphy said the city attorney could analyze what the city can and can’t regulate before requesting any additional analysis from the city planner.
“I like that approach. Find out what we can and can’t do,” Short said.
Murphy said he would ask the city attorney to provide her legal insights at a future meeting.
ANNA MARIA – The city-owned portion of Gulf Drive will not be included in a corridor study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
On May 25, the Anna Maria City Commission unanimously agreed to opt out of the state-funded study of the Gulf Drive corridor and its coinciding rights of way.
The city owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria. The state owns the portions of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 located in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.
FDOT engineer/design manager Craig Fox introduced the study to Island officials during the May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting. During that meeting, it was noted that Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested and will participate in the FDOT study that’s scheduled to begin in August and be completed within two years at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.
The study will identify areas along Gulf Drive that could be improved in terms of safety and drainage. The improvements could include implementing complete street standards pertaining to sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.
Fox said the participating cities can use the completed study results to pursue state and federal funds to implement the street and right-of-way improvements identified in the study.
During the Anna Maria City Commission’s May 11 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy briefed the commissioners on the proposed FDOT study and asked them to review the study document before making a decision on May 25.
Murphy noted the state, in the 1970s, turned over to the city the ownership of the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria. Since then, the city has maintained, studied and improved those rights of way and the city-owned street that extends from the Anna Maria/Holmes Beach border to the Coconut Avenue intersection.
During the May 25 meeting, Murphy noted the 46-page study document includes language pertaining to drainage and land acquisition. Murphy said he needed to provide FDOT with the commission’s decision by the end of the month.
Commissioner Robert Kingan said he didn’t see the need for the city to participate in the study of an area that’s already been subjected to extensive drainage engineering and improvements. He also noted the city is currently planning safety and drainage improvements along Pine Avenue and he doesn’t want the FDOT study to detract from those efforts. Kingan said the FDOT study could possibly be more detrimental than helpful.
Commission Chair Mark Short agreed and noted the study mentions drainage and complete streets. He pointed out that Gulf Drive gets wider when you enter Anna Maria and there’s already a wide multi-use trail alongside a portion of the city-owned road.
Short shared Kingan’s concerns that FDOT’s study recommendations may not be what’s right or best for the city.
“I’m not fond of this project either,” Short said.
Kingan made the motion to opt out of the study and the commission voted 4-0 in support of doing so, with Commissioner Deanie Sebring absent.
“I will notify FDOT tomorrow morning,” Murphy said.
ANNA MARIA – The beauty of the Island as a community is the strong sense of volunteerism and giving back. Three young men who grew up in the Island community exemplified the best qualities that locals know and love, coaching 8- to 10-year-old team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control to ultimate season victory last Tuesday night at The Center.
Head Coach Tyler Brewer, along with assistant coaches Charles “Tuna” McCracken and Javier Rivera, skillfully and compassionately coached 11 little soccer players, getting them through the regular season and first round of playoffs. The three coaches also helped their players in gaining confidence with each game.
With all skill levels on the team, the three graduates of Anna Maria Elementary School and lifelong friends found the strengths of each player and worked with them to hone their personal soccer skills. Ultimately, the individual players came together as a unified team by the end of the regular season.
After amazing semifinal action last Monday night with the top two teams being on the losing side of the stat sheet, teams Cheesecake Cutie and Sato Real Estate sat out during the big championship game last week.
Despite the shutout, the Island Real Estate team, led by the experienced soccer skills of Keith Mahoney, fought hard during all 40 minutes of regulation play. Miles Moss, goalkeeper for Island Real Estate, had 10 amazing stops in the game.
The determined Westfall squad was just too much for their opponent’s offense and defense. Throughout the season, Landon Chatt, Gabriel Foley, Preston LaPensee, Chandler LaPensee, Owen Mahoney, Kellan Oelfke, Asher Patel, Jordy Perez, Colton Sullivan and Julian Whipple-Anderson, along with Moss, all fought hard and had an amazing season under their coach’s direction and leadership.
On the winning side of the field, Brewer’s players showed up for the game ready to win. Keeper Kason Price had 10 big stops to help secure his team’s victory.
Wesley Bekkerus and Callin Westfall put points on the scoreboard for team Westfall with their solid shots against the Island Real Estate defense. Scoring when it mattered while keeping calm heads under pressure became the key to success for the 8- to 10-year-old champs.
Winning the big game, Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control earned the 8- to 10-year-old league soccer championship title. Top row, left to right, Jordan Tobey, Mia Ross, Assistant Coach Javier Rivera, Kason Price, Jordan Steele, Coach Tyler Brewer, Parker Svoboda, Assistant Coach Charles McCracken, Maggie Niedzwick and Madeline Kimmons. Bottom row, from left, Callin Westfall, Ruby Kesten and Wesley Bekkerus. Polea Vacek is not pictured. – Monica Simpson | Sun
In teen soccer action, the number one seed Gulf Drive Café easily moved on to the final round of the playoffs against Shady Lady Horticultural Services. Also going forward to the final game of the season, HSH Designs took their place by winning against Moss Builders in overtime penalty kicks.
Leaving it all on the field, team HSH Designs just could not make the shots to win the game against team Gulf Drive Café.
The hot foot of Luke Dellenger helped to secure the championship win for his team with a hat trick. Protecting the net, Gulf Drive’s goalkeeper Cyrus Ryan made five important stops. Teammate Kegan McGlade made an additional save.
Opponent goalie Chase Castagna prevented seven goals for HSH Designs. Helping keep the team in pink in the game, Cecelia Kroth scored the lone goal for her team.
Teammates Braelyn Curtis, Sterling Holiday, Riley Karecki, Sophia Kerr, Krosby Lamison, Kirra Quimby, Briahna Robertson, Brittney Robertson and Brett Shortridge all did their part to get the HSH squad to the final game of the season.
In the final game of the spring soccer season at The Center, the adult co-eds played a thrilling game last Thursday night. The rain in the first half could not dampen the high emotions on the field and sidelines.
It was a big win at The Center for team Pool America, taking home the championship cup. Top row, left to right, Eduardo Schlueter, Sam Parker, Lucas Wilson, Jamie Hutchison and Dean Hinterstoisser. Bottom row, from left, Nate Welch, Chris Klotz, Maxim Panchenko and Robb Marshall. Not pictured
After two halves of play, team Pool America topped the Vintage Beach team by one goal.
Team captain Dean Hinterstoisser was prevented from scoring but is credited with an assist. Chris Klotz and Nate Welch made three total goals. Teammate Sam Parker sailed a beautiful shot over the head of the Vintage Beach keeper in the big game, raising the volume of the Pool America team’s and supporting spectators’ cheers.
Pool America’s goalie Robb Marshall did his part to secure the win with seven saves against a strong Vintage Beach offense.
Making the stops for team Vintage Beach, PJ Smargisso stopped eight shots from the team deemed the “Germans” in the season with strong representation from various parts of the country.
Danny Free had the hot foot for Vintage with a hat trick of his own, along with an assist by team captain Joey Hutchinson. The three goals just were not enough.
With the sound of the final whistle, team Pool America captured the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup to end another season of Center soccer on Anna Maria Island.
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute and the city’s Centennial Symphony celebration will take place back-to-back at City Pier Park on Memorial Day.
The city-sponsored festivities on Monday, May 29 will begin with the Patriotic Symphony Salute at 10 a.m., followed by the Centennial Symphony celebration at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the Memorial Day Salute will honor those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as the spouses and significant others who also made their own sacrifices. The Memorial Day ceremony will feature the Anna Maria Island Concert Orchestra performing patriotic music and the theme songs for each branch of the United States military.
The Centennial Symphony celebration will pay tribute to Anna Maria’s 100th year as an officially chartered Florida city. Longtime Island resident Tom Aposporos will serve as the centennial celebration’s master of ceremonies. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is providing him with historical information to share about the official founding of the city and the city’s first mayor, Mitch Davis.
The orchestra will perform some of the songs that were popular in 1923 when the city was chartered.
The Anna Maria Post Office, date unknown. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Anna Maria City Pier in 1924. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Manatee riverboat served passengers at the Anna Maria City Pier circa 1911. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
A couple strolls the beach with a shotgun and umbrella circa 1910-1915. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
A circa 1915 beach cottage. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Anna Maria Island Center, circa 1980, was the precursor to The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Anna Maria city office in 1963. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The centennial celebration will pay tribute to Anna Maria’s first mayor, Mitch Davis. - Submitted | City of Anna Maria
Memorial Day and the city of Anna Maria’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated at City Pier Park. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The city commission will decide whether the Anna Maria-owned portion of Gulf Drive will be included in a $1.5 million Island-wide Gulf Drive corridor study.
The commission is expected to make its decision on Thursday, May 25.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Engineer/Design Manager Craig Fox presented the proposed study during the May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting held at Anna Maria City Hall.
FDOT will fund the Gulf Drive corridor study, which is expected to begin in November and take a maximum of two years to complete. Fox said the study area will extend along the entire portion of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 in Bradenton Beach, from the Longboat Pass Bridge to the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach border.
In Holmes Beach, the study will continue along East Bay Drive to the Manatee Avenue intersection. The study area continues from the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection and along Gulf Drive through Holmes Beach to the Gulf Drive/Palm Drive intersection. The study then continues along Gulf Drive to the Holmes Beach/Anna Maria border. The study area in Holmes Beach will not include Marina Drive or the portion of Gulf Drive between Walgreens and the West Coast Surf Shop. The Anna Maria commission is to decide if the study continues along Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue.
Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Director David Hutchinson said the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested the study and FDOT decided to include the Anna Maria portion of Gulf Drive as well.
Fox said the cities can use the study results to pursue state and federal funds to implement the potential street and right-of-way improvements identified in the study.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy reminded Cox that the city, not the state, owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria and has owned it since the state turned over ownership and maintenance of that road in the early 1970s. Murphy said the city has already studied and improved the city’s portion of the road.
Murphy asked Cox if the city can opt out of the study. Cox said the city can.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the goal is to come up with a consistent design that meets FDOT’s basic complete street standards which include sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.
“This complete streets study is clearly about safety and mobility, and having this information so funding can hopefully follow to move forward and do something,” Chappie said.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins asked why Marina Drive is not included in the study area. He was told safety and drainage improvements have already been made there.
Commission briefed
During the May 15 city commission meeting, Murphy briefed the commissioners about the proposed study. He said he received the latest version of FDOT’s 46-page scope of services document the previous evening and would send it to them. Murphy asked the commissioners to review the proposed study for further discussion and decision-making on Thursday, May 25.
The FDOT document is titled “Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Studies Barrier Island Complete Streets Improvements.” It lists two main project objectives – implementing recommendations made in the previously completed Barrier Island Traffic Study and reducing flooding along the Gulf Drive/SR 789 corridor.
Murphy told the commission he’s not a big fan of these types of studies and he’s seen three or four studies done on the Island in the past that have not yet resulted in any significant follow-up action.
In 2014-15, the three Island cities and Manatee County partnered on a $125,000 Island-wide Urban Land Institute study which to date has not produced any significant study-related actions.
Murphy referenced the Sarasota-Manatee Barrier Island Traffic Study initiated in 2016 and completed in 2020 that recommends extending the Manatee Avenue right turn lane near the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection, which has not happened yet.
According to the traffic study-related phase 2 report dated 2018 and posted at the MPO website, FDOT plans to include the Manatee Avenue right turn lane extension as part of the future Anna Maria Bridge replacement project that currently has no announced start date.
When contacted after he reviewed the FDOT plans, Murphy said, “It’s up to our city commission to decide if the city wants this to go forward. I have thought all along that it was odd for FDOT to come into a city and do a study without first at least discussing what is being studied and why. I am comfortable that we now have it under control and the commission will make that decision Thursday night.”
ANNA MARIA – With all three soccer leagues winding down at The Center, the championship games are in sight for the youth and adult Island ballers.
Last Tuesday night the number one and two seed teams in the 8- to 10-year-old league had a bye week as their reward for finishing the regular season on top. The Cheesecake Cutie team finished number one with 15 points in the season and a 5-1-0 record.
The Sato Real Estate squad came in a close second with 12 points and four wins in the six-game regular season.
Four scorers put up the points for team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control last week to put the team into the next round of playoffs. Wesley Bekkerus, Madeline Kimmons, Maggie Niedzwick and Callin Westfall each made a goal against AMI Coconuts goalkeeper Andre Harwood.
The Westfall offense kept Harwood on his toes during the first-round playoff game, making 10 saves in the match. In the opposite goal, Westfall is credited with a save, along with teammate Kason Price’s seven stops.
Scoring the lone goal for AMI Coconuts, TJ Hagey and his teammates could not get past their opponents’ defense and find the net.
Westfall’s Lawn Care took on Sato Real Estate Monday in the first youth semifinal game. In the second game this past Monday, Cheesecake Cutie played team Island Real Estate, the winner of the second quarterfinal game last week.
In post-regulation time penalty kicks, Island Real Estate secured the second semifinal slot, winning against Solid Rock Construction.
Before the PKs, each team scored a single goal. Solid Rock’s Matthew Darak and Island Real Estate’s Preston LaPensee took the teams to a kickoff to determine who played the Cheesecake squad.
With seven and eight saves respectively, goalies Isaac Roadman, for Solid Rock Construction, and Miles Moss, for Island Real Estate, helped secure the overtime play.
Solid Rock Construction’s Elijah Roadman made the only PK for his team. Under the pressure of overtime play, Owen Mahoney and Jordy Perez each made their penalty kicks, helping to secure Island Real Estate’s place in the semifinals.
The winners of the league go head-to-head on May 23 at 6 p.m. in the final game of the season.
The 11- to 13-year-old teams finished their regular season games last week with Gulf Drive Café defeating Shady Lady Horticultural Services 4-3 and HSH Designs winning over Moss Builders 5-2.
Monday night the Gulf Drive team was scheduled to play team Shady Lady in the semifinals. The other semifinal matchup put HSH Designs against Moss Builders to determine the championship game scheduled for May 23 at 7 p.m.
Adult co-ed soccer semifinal play last Thursday night saw the second seed Pool America winning by one goal against the eighth seed Moss Builders.
In the second game of the night, Vintage Beach, ranked seventh, beat the third seed Sandbar Seafood & Spirits 6-3.
The Paul “Ace” Hayward championship game is scheduled for Thursday night at The Center to end another season of soccer on the Island.
According to Lawrence Yen, whom I quote frequently, “It’s a unique market condition.”
Coming from the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, this is saying something considering all of the other unique markets we’ve lived through. This particular unique market is the continuation of a lack of inventory even though sales are down in most areas of the country including many parts of Florida, as well as ours.
The problem is that a large portion of homeowners in the country don’t want to sell. This group may actually want to sell and move on to a larger family home or retire to a smaller home, but they feel they are locked into very low-rate mortgages. The “golden handcuffs” homeowners find themselves locked into are keeping the supply of homes for sale unusually low.
The lack of properties is not the first time this has happened. The sub-prime mortgage crisis slowed things down, as did COVID-19 when buyers rushed to snap up larger homes when remote work and school necessitated more family space.
So, what happens when supplies go down or at least don’t go significantly up? Supply and demand kicks in and prices go up. A healthy housing market is traditionally described as having four to six months’ supply of homes. Right now, Manatee County is at 2.7 months for single-family homes.
However, builders are getting a boost from the lack of resales and are starting to build again now that the supply chain is improving. And home improvement contractors are also benefiting since those homeowners who are staying put are expanding and remodeling.
According to the mortgage data firm Black Knight, as of March 31, nearly two-thirds of primary mortgages had an interest rate below 4%. In addition, about 73% of primary mortgages have fixed rates for 30 years; these mortgages are “golden” and something homeowners won’t easily give up. Current mortgage rates are approximately in the mid-6% range and have fortunately been steady for a while.
The April sales statistics for Manatee County were released at the end of last week so it’s time to report what the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee published.
Single-family homes in Manatee County hit a record median sale price of $570,000, 10.7% more than in April last year. This surpasses the previous record for median home prices, meaning so far, our local market continues to be strong relative to the country as a whole. Here’s the rest of the story.
Single-family homes closed with 4.3% fewer properties from April of last year. The median sales price was $570,000, up 10.7% from last April, and the average sale price was $735,779, up 0.9%. The median time to contract was 28 days versus five days last year. New pending sales were up 30.2% and the month’s supply of properties was 2.7 months.
Condos closed 15.8% fewer properties from April of last year. The median sales price was $380,795, up 8.8%, and the average sale price was $452,160, up 12.9%. The median time to contract was 27 days versus five days last year. New pending sales were up 4% and the month’s supply of properties was 3.5 months.
One of the advantageous side effects of this unique market is the fact that in spite of inflation and job layoffs, the housing market and housing prices may stay strong nationally. Not great news for marginal buyers or first-time buyers, but buyers with equity from a previous home and income to cover the additional mortgage rates will keep things afloat.
Unique can be a good or a bad thing; either way, we’re still struggling with a lack of inventory.
ANNA MARIA – The adult co-ed recreational soccer playoff games kicked off last Thursday night at the Island’s community center. After seven weeks of exciting soccer play, eight teams battled it out in four action-packed matches.
To start the night at The Center, first-seed Duncan Real Estate took the field as the team to beat, losing only one game in the regular season. Their opponent, the last-place Moss Builders team, had nothing to lose and a seat in the semifinals to gain with the win.
With friends and family cheering on both sides, the underdogs Moss Builders ended the first half of play with a two-goal lead against the Duncan squad.
The Duncan team struggled to click as a team in the game. Moving the ball down the field was an effort against a motivated Moss Builder defense.
After nearly two halves of play in the heat of the early evening, the game was tied with only minutes left in the game.
Duncan Real Estate goalkeeper, Charles “Tuna” McCracken, uncharacteristically let two soccer balls past him with an absent defense at the end of the game. McCracken finished with seven saves, letting five go.
McCracken’s Moss Builders’ counterpart David Moss had eight big stops to help his team to victory.
The hard strikes of Adam Bujarski and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos, each with two goals in the quarterfinal game, helped the Moss team advance in the playoffs. Teammate Cemal Duzgun scored a solo goal in the match.
Duzgun and Pedro Gonzalez are credited with assists in the goal scoring for Moss Builders.
Despite the defeat, the Duncan Real Estate team put three points on the scoreboard. Team captain Kevin Roman scored his last two goals of the season and Erica Nielsen had a nice goal for Duncan. The offensive efforts, including assists by Tyler Brewer and Murat Akay, just were not enough to give their team a W.
Moss Builders moves on in the playoffs, facing Pool America at on Thursday night, May 18, at 7 p.m. at The Center. Pool America beat Gulfview Windows & Doors after a tie in regulation play.
After eight PK shots, Pool America came out on top, with goals by Nate Welch, Eduardo Schlueter and Jamie Hutchison. Dean Hinterstoisser, as the third shooter for Pool America, surprisingly missed his shot.
Keith Mahoney, shooting for Gulfview, was the only one of the four shooters for his team to make the shot.
Goalkeepers Mark Long, for Gulfview Windows & Doors, and Pool America’s Robb Marshall, both made critical stops for their teams with six and seven saves, respectively.
In other adult soccer semifinal playoff action, the Sandbar team faces the Vintage Beach squad in the semifinals at 8 p.m. this week. Vintage Beach defeated Sato Real Estate by one goal, while the Solid Rock Construction team lost to Sandbar Seafood & Spirits with a final score of 5-3.
This week in youth soccer, the 8- to 10-year-olds started league playoff action on the small pitch. The 11- to 13-year-old league finished their regular season games on Tuesday and will start playoff play next week.
As the summer heat approaches, spring soccer at The Center starts coming to a close with championship play in the coming weeks.
