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Tag: Christmas

Did FEMA leave a gift under the tree?

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

It’s Christmas, and I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying some peace of the season after the harrowing few months we all have experienced. Unfortunately, for many, we’re not done with the restoration and/or rebuilding and understanding Manatee County’s procedures and FEMA’S 50% rule is confusing, to say the least.

Manatee County defines “substantial damage” as “damage of any origin sustained by a building or structure where the cost of restoring the building or structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50%.”

They go on to say that if a building is substantially damaged or improved it must be brought into compliance with flood damage prevention regulations. This includes elevating the building to Flood Protection Elevation or Design Flood Elevation. Likewise, all electrical and mechanical equipment, bathrooms and laundry rooms must be elevated as well or removed.

They also indicate that the county, following the National Flood Insurance Program requirements, has the responsibility to determine “substantial damage” and “substantial Improvement.” If it is determined that the FEMA 50% rule applies, then the county will estimate market value by using the tax assessment value of your structure, excluding land and features.

This is a good time to point out that on the Manatee County Property Appraiser website (ManateePAO.gov) there is a new addition in red that will tell you what the FEMA value for your property is. These values are as of Jan. 1, 2024, so they are within a year old, but I can’t guarantee that this is the exact number that the county will consider.

I am no expert on FEMA’S 50% rule and a close reading of Manatee’s post-storm guidance can make your eyes glaze over. This is meant to be a guideline and hopefully I hit on some of the major points in an otherwise complex program. Do yourself a favor and don’t read it on Christmas Day.

We do have the November sales statistics available to report on from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Manatee County closed 15.5% more single family homes compared to last November. The median sale price was $430,000, down 11.5% from last year and the average sale price was $559,764, down 9.4%. The median time to contract was 45 days compared to 24 last November. New listings were up 14% and the month’s supply of available properties was 3.9 months, up 14.7%.

Manatee County condos closed 17.7% fewer properties compared to last November. The median sale price was $309,900, down 11.8% and the average sale price was $345,065, down 12.3%. The median time to contract was 53 days compared to 31 days last year, new listings were up 17.5% and the month’s supply of available properties was 6.6 months, up 50%.

Next week I’ll do a deeper dive into these numbers and what the realtor association’s opinion is. However, as you can see, with the exception of single family homes, all other segments are negatively impacted.

A few weeks ago, I went to the Manatee River holiday boat parade and was so happy and proud that this community has pulled itself together and chose to celebrate rather than dwell on the negative. It was a great turnout and the boat owners should be congratulated for lifting all of our spirits.

As a friend of mine perfectly said, “Let’s not allow the circumstances to steal our joy during this beautiful time of the year.” Have a merry Christmas!

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – From Main Street, Champaign, Illinois in 1898 to Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Florida in 2021, a fourth-generation candy maker is making candy canes the old-fashioned way.

A peek through the front window of The Fudge Factory on Bridge Street reveals a large marble slab that has been the base for handmade candy in Peter Vrinios’ family for 122 years. During the month of December, Vrinios has been making candy canes in the front of the store once a week, and the public is invited to watch.

Vrinios’ grandfather built and established a confectionary in 1898 on Main Street in Champaign, Illinois after immigrating to the United States from Greece. That confectionary not only stood the test of time churning out ice cream and candy for 120 years, but was added to the National Registry of Historic places in 1983. Though the confectionary no longer operates in Champaign, the building has not changed and now operates as a wedding venue.

In 2004, Vrinios decided the warm Florida climate was calling him, so he packed up his family’s 106-year-old marble slab candy-making table and made the move south.

“I got down here to Florida and I looked up Ben Kaminecki who was making chocolate in his chocolate factory in St. Armands,” said Vrinios. “He said he would love to have me make candy, so we started the tradition of making candy canes there.”

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street
Peter Vrinios prepares to pour the liquid candy cane on the marble table that has been in use by his family since 1898. Jason Schaffer | Sun

Kaminecki now owns the Fudge Factory in Bradenton Beach and the tradition of making candy canes by hand made its way to this location and will continue far into the future if Peter Vrinios has anything to say about it.

While making candy canes by hand may seem like your typical holiday baking project, the truth is a much different story. Shake hands with Vrinios and you will think you’re shaking hands with a man that has spent his life laying bricks, not creating sweet treats. The truth is, making candy canes the old-fashioned way is hard labor that would break down most physically fit people before the process even got started, and that process goes back a very long time.

“Candy canes go back to Biblical times,” said Vrinios. “It started with children crying and being restless in church. The priests began making peppermint sticks to hand out to children to pacify them during the services. The red was later added to represent the blood of Jesus, then the hook was added to represent the staff of Christ.”

While nobody is certain about how long the current process of hand-making candy canes dates back, Vrinios says it goes back at least to the 19th century. The basic ingredients are pretty simple: sugar, water and peppermint extract. 

The process begins with a large copper pot slowly cooking the sugar and water. When it’s ready to take off the heat is a secret Vrinios is keeping to himself, but he has it down to the second. No guesswork is involved, he just seems to know. When it’s time to come off the heat, lifting the kettle off the heat to pour onto the pre-oiled marble table is a two-person job. Still in a mostly liquid form, the master candy maker adds the peppermint extract, a process that immediately makes the air almost unbreathable. While not dangerous, it could be best described as peppermint tear gas.

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street
Peter Vrinios makes candy canes at The Fudge Factory in Bradenton Beach in a method that hasn’t changed in over a hundred years. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

There’s no time for Vrinios’ assistants to catch their breath as the candy quickly begins to harden as it cools. The candy maker uses metal putty knives to work the candy and mix in the flavoring. The candy is brown at this point; it gets its white color from being hung from a hook on the wall where it is pulled by hand for about 10 minutes. During this process, the candy looks like a blonde wig as the air is pulled out, giving it a white color. 

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street
Peter Vrinios pulls the air out of the candy, which changes the color from brown to white. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Once the candy has the proper texture and color, two large chunks are cut off and each is handed to an assistant. One assistant adds red food dye and works it in, rolling their section into a large cigar shape about 18 inches in length. The second assistant executes the same process using green food dye. While the assistants create the colored sections, Vrinios works the large white slab into a shape and size resembling a square watermelon.

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street
Dye is added to make the red and green stripes of the candy canes. -Jason Schaffer | Sun

The final stage of the candy cane-making process involves the candy maker using the side of his hand to make four shallow ridges, one on each side of the large square of candy. The green and red cigar-shaped pieces are each cut in half and added to the shallow ridges, alternating color on each ridge. This huge piece of candy is then hand-rolled on one end which gives the colors the swirl you are used to seeing as the size is pressed and rolled from about 8 inches to the quarter-inch candy cane that is the final product. Assistants cut each cane by hand then continue the final rolling to get the proper size. The signature hook is bent, then the candy canes are placed on a tray to cool.

Candy canes take center stage on Bridge Street
The final step of the traditional candy cane making process will take more than an hour and yield about 100 candy canes. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

If you would like to see this impressive process from start to finish, you still have time. Peter Vrinios and his assistants will be doing live demonstrations at The Fudge Factory on Bridge Street on Friday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m. both days. Space is limited for viewing, so get there early for the best vantage point.

Duffy’s “Toys for Tots Night” helps to fill Santa’s sack

Duffy’s ‘Toys for Tots Night’ helps to fill Santa’s sack

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – It was tough to get a parking spot and every seat was full inside and out at Duffy’s on Friday, Dec. 10 for the 6th Annual Toys for Tots Night.

There was live music by Caroline McKeon, Dave Besley, Scott Blum, Chuck Caudill and Robby Cox for the large crowd to tap their feet to and sing along with while they helped brighten the season for area children in need. 

“Because of COVID, we didn’t do the music last year, but we still took donations,” said Peggi Davenport, owner of Duffy’s. “This year’s been great, the Marines came today and picked up a big load of toys that have been coming in for the past couple of weeks.”

Caudill is an area musician and key player in getting this event started seven years ago. In addition to helping get the toys coming in each year, he gets musician friends to come to play each year, and none of them charge a fee. 

“I come in here a lot and hang out, and I noticed they were collecting for Toys for Tots,” Caudill said. “I told them they should do an event and have music in here, and they agreed. We got it started and it’s been a success every year.”

All Toys for Tots donation locations and boxes are picked up and distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps. If you see a donation location or would like to stop by Duffy’s and make a donation, you may have a few more days to do so. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off. It’s easy and will put a smile on an area child’s face this Christmas.

Anna Maria resident provides Christmas bikes

Anna Maria resident provides Christmas bikes

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

ANNA MARIA – Carl Augostini thinks every kid should have a bike, and he spends his own time and money trying to make that happen.

Each year, Augostini and Charles Wade team up to provide bikes to local kids and adults in need.

Augostini repairs and refurbishes the bikes, and Wade helps put the bikes into the hands of those who want and need them. Wade is the facilities administrator for Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria.

Anna Maria resident provides Christmas bikes
Carl Augostini refurbished 12 children’s bikes this year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

On Friday, 25 bicycles stood in Augostini’s driveway waiting to be picked up.

“We’ve got 13 adult bikes and we have 12 children’s bikes,” Augostini said.

Augostini was asked where the bikes came from.

“The junk pile. My friends and neighbors drop them off and I take them and rebuild them. I start in January, right after Christmas, and I work all year on them. I’ve got a pile of old ones now waiting to get refurbished,” he said.

When asked why he does this, Augostini said, “Because I think every kid should have a bike. And if they can’t afford it, I’m one of the guys that’s going to get them one.”

Anna Maria resident provides Christmas bikes
Carl Augostini refurbished 13 adult bikes this year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Augostini, a retired electrical engineer, said he had no particular affiliation to bicycles when he started this project several years ago. He said he met Wade about 10 years ago, when then-Mayor Mike Selby put the two men in touch with one another.

“I had a bunch of bikes and I asked Mike how I could donate them to somebody. He gave me Charles’ name. I contacted Charles and he finds a home for them each year,” Augostini said.

“The church I go to, Light of the World, is picking them up today and we’re going to have a big Christmas event in Sarasota on Saturday for the kids – and for adults who may need bicycles to get around and get to work. It’s all about giving,” Wade said.

“We’ve been doing this for 10 or 11 years. I got involved because I love helping people, giving and doing the things God allows me to do. Carl is the bike man. I watch him and tell him he’s very talented at what he does. He usually has 15 bicycles, but this year it was 25,” Wade said.

Wade said one of the Light of the World pastors told him the need for bicycles is even greater this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges the pandemic has created.

“There’s so many kids wanting bicycles whose parents lost their jobs or some other situation happened. If we can get bicycles to them, that’s a beautiful thing,” Wade said.

Augostini expressed his thanks to all who helped make this year’s bike donation possible.

“I want to thank all my neighbors and friends that drop off the bikes, and I’ve got some donations to help pay for tires and tubes, which have gone up in price, and parts that I need. A lot of the parts I take from bikes that are unrepairable. I thank all those people that have been a great help,” Augostini said.

He also thanked his wife for her neverending support of his efforts.

“My wife, Roberta, keeps me going,” Augostini said, noting he already has approximately 30 bikes to use for next year’s project.

Anna Maria resident provides Christmas bikes
This year’s fleet of refurbished bikes were displayed in Carl and Roberta Augostini’s driveway Friday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The couple’s son, Craig Augostini, and Craig’s wife, Lisa, were also on hand Friday. They live in Rochester, New York and are visiting for the holidays.

“He’s an inspiration,” Craig Augostini said of his father. “He’s something else. He’s a fantastic guy. My sister and I look to him as the greatest. We always had bikes and he taught me how to fix my bikes, mini-bikes, motorcycles and cars. I’m very mechanical, just like him.”

How to do the holidays during COVID-19

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

Anna Maria Island is a place where families from all over the country – and the world – come to relax and reunite, especially over the holidays.

But as the coronavirus pandemic is revving up into high gear once again, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control have compiled comprehensive advice for you to consider before planning to travel and host or attend holiday meals and parties in this unusual and challenging holiday season.

Travel

2020 COVID-19 cases on Anna Maria Island

Source: Florida Department of Health

Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 this year, according to the CDC. Before you decide to travel, ask:

  • Are you or anyone you will be visiting at increased risk for COVID-19 due to age or medical conditions?
  • Are cases high or increasing in your community or destination? Check CDC.gov, which reports that cases are rising in the U.S.
  • Are hospitals in your community or destination overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients? Check state and local public health department websites.
  • Do your plans include traveling by bus, train, or air, which makes staying 6 feet apart difficult, or by car, which requires rest stops and gas station stops that can expose you to COVID-19?
  • Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers?
  • During the 14 days before you travel, have you or those you are visiting had close contact with people they don’t live with?
  • Are you traveling with people who don’t live with you?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you should not travel, according to the CDC.

The CDC advises that you do not host or attend a holiday gathering if you:
  • are at increased risk due to age or health conditions,
  • have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days,
  • are showing COVID-19 symptoms,
  • have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or
  • are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.

Gatherings

The lowest-risk way to have a holiday gathering in 2020 is to schedule separate holiday celebrations simultaneously and connect by Zoom or a similar method, according to the CDC. But having meals with only the people who live in your household is also low risk, as is preparing and delivering meals for family and neighbors with no contact.

A moderately-risky option is having meals outdoors with a few family and friends, if they live in your community.

The highest-risk gatherings are indoor meals or parties with people you do not live with or near – the more people, the higher the risk.

Serving or using alcohol increases the risk by altering judgment and making it more difficult to practice safety measures.

Anyone who lives or works with people at higher risk should consider the potential risk to them before attending gatherings.

To reduce risk at a gathering:

  • Hosts and guests should strictly avoid contact with people outside of their households for 14 days before the gathering and should follow COVID-19 safety measures at home.
  • Keep gatherings short.
  • Wear masks with two or more layers, except when eating and drinking, and make sure they are worn over your nose and mouth and fit snugly along the sides of your face. Hosts should have a clean supply of disposable masks.
  • Keep a 6-foot social distance, including at tables. People from the same household should sit at their own tables.
  • Wash hands often, especially before preparing, serving or eating food. Guests should wash hands or use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or more) for at least 20 seconds when entering and leaving gatherings. Hosts should supply paper towels or single-use hand towels in restrooms instead of cloth towels and may also provide cleaning supplies that allow guests to wipe down surfaces before they use or leave the restroom.
  • Gather outdoors or open windows indoors.
  • Verbally greet people instead of shaking hands, hugging or elbow bumping.
  • Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
  • Do not use a buffet or drink station.
  • Limit people going in and out of the kitchen or gathering around the outdoor grill.
  • Limit the number of people cooking and serving food.
  • Provide single-use condiments to avoid multiple people from handling the same items.
  • Use disposable napkins, plates, cups, utensils and tablecloths.
  • Limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25 people.

If you aren’t comfortable with the level of risk involved, consider canceling or not attending the event.

If you are exposed or get sick

After any holiday event, if you feel that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, take extra precautions for 14 days. Avoid being around people, especially those at increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19, and consider getting tested. While you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, stay at home and follow safety measures. If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform the host and other guests who attended the event (hosts should keep a list of guests for contact tracing). This can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that others get tested or self-quarantine.

Churches celebrate the reason for the season

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

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, and Christians usually want to give thanks, as well as unwrap presents and feast with family. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there are six houses of worship that will be available on or near Christmas.

CrossPointe Fellowship
CrossPointe Fellowship

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 941-778-0719, will have a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-1638, will have a Holy Eucharist on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 8 a.m. and Lessons and Carols at 10:30 a.m. On Christmas Eve, there will be Family Eucharist with music at 5 p.m., carols at 10:30 p.m. and Festival Eucharist with music at 11 p.m. There will be a Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. on Christmas day.

 

Gloria Dei Lutheran ChurchGloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-1813, will host its regular 9:30 a.m. service and fellowship at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23.

 

 

 

Harvey Memorial Community Church
Harvey Memorial Community Church

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, 941-779-1912, will hold a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Roser Church in Anna Maria
Roser Church in Anna Maria

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 941-778-0414, will hold a Christmas Eve family service from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary with the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir singing. At 9 p.m., there will be a Christmas Eve candlelight service.

 

 

 

St. Bernard Catholic Church
St. Bernard Catholic Church

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-4769, has Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Christmas Day Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Anna Maria holiday carol singers

Community gathers for holiday carols in the park

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

ANNA MARIA – The city hosted a weather-modified Holiday Carols in the Park event on Friday, Dec. 14.

Despite the threat of rain, nearly 100 people showed up at City Pier Park late Friday afternoon for the second annual event.

City Commissioner Doug Copeland and city staff members dispensed ice cream-enhanced eggnog and cookies.

Anna Maria holiday carols Eggnog
City Commissioner Doug Copeland serves eggnog to Anna Maria residents Carol Conte and Michael Cusato. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Members of the Public Works Department assisted Santa Claus as he appeared through a cloud of multi-colored smoke at the far end of the park. After Mayor Dan Murphy greeted Santa, the children lined up to speak with the jolly one. Santa also got a few kisses from a small dog named Piglet.

Weather concerns led to the cancellation of the vocal and instrumental performances to be given by students from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, but Bob Carter, Barbara Murphy and Angie Blunt led the crowd assembled underneath the shade sail structure in a Christmas carol sing-along.

“I wish the weather had cooperated a little more, but this is one of those things where you go with what you’ve got. That was what we decided, and I’m glad we did. The children are enjoying it and that’s the important thing,” Murphy said of his 2 p.m. decision to proceed with the event.

The holiday event was part of the city’s continued efforts to utilize City Pier Park as a community gathering place.

“It’s a place to get together, celebrate and have a good time. We’re trying to foster a sense of community and these events bring people together in one place to chat, renew acquaintances and make new acquaintances. This is a perfect fit for the park, I can’t think of a better use. And what’s better than a sing-along?” Murphy said.

When asked if the mayor has Christmas wish for the citizens and business owners of Anna Maria, Murphy said, “Yes. I’d like for you to have a new pier.”

The construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier is slated to begin in late-January.