Carol Bernard - Island Real Estate Blog

October 5, 2023March 12, 2024

Anna Maria Island Fall Events

Welcome to the Anna Maria Island Fall events information page. If you’ve never been on or near Anna Maria Island during this festive time of year, you’re in for a treat. There’s a great selection of local family friendly events that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Anna Maria Island Bayfest:

Anna Maria Island’s BayFest, an annual celebration, blends community spirit and island charm. Held on the last weekend of October in Downtown Anna Maria, it features live music & food trucks. Enjoy diverse music genres and delectable food from various vendors as well as artisan crafts & Classic Cars. The Kid’s Zone offers bounce houses, inflatables, and a pirate ship. BayFest unites locals and visitors to celebrate the island’s culture and beauty.
Where: Pine Avenue, Downtown Anna Maria Island
When: October 21st
Time: 10am to 9am

Trail of Treats, Anna Maria Island FL:
Between 4pm and 6:30pm on October 31^st, many island businesses on all three island cities participate in the Trail of Treats. This is an event that gives kids (ages up to 12) the opportunity to trick or treat safely, and take part in a fun costume contest. Check in for the Trail of Treats costume contest by 3:30pm, at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, as the judging begins at 4pm. This is a super exciting event for the kids and an island favorite every year!
Where: Costume Contest will be held at the AMI Chamber of Commerce (5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217)
When: October 31st
Time: Costume Contest check in ends at 3:30pm, Trail of Treats will immediately follow until 6:30pm

Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Fall Plants & More Sale:
Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Fall Plants & More Sale on Sunday, October 22nd, from 10 am to 3 pm. Explore a wide variety of native and exotic plants, discover unique creations in pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more, and enjoy delicious food like barbecue and sweet treats. Live music will set the mood as you enjoy a delightful day of shopping for stunning, blooming plants. The park’s address is 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor or event sponsor, please don’t hesitate to contact them at 941-761-2866 or via email at palmasolabp@aol.com.

Hunsader Farm Pumpkin Festival, Bradenton FL:
Probably the most popular event with the locals this time of year is the famous Hunsader Pumpkin Festival on Hunsader Farms in Bradenton. The event has taken place every October for over 25 years and continues to draw in large crowds every time. Usually taking place from 9am – 5pm the last three weekends of October, the 14th-15th, 21st-22nd, and 28th-29th. The pumpkin festival includes activities such as: Craft shows, live music, hayrides, a petting zoo, tons of food, and so much more! Admission is $15, parking is $5, and kids 10 and under are free. (CASH ONLY)
This event is definitely worth the drive from the Island to town!
Where: 5500 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
When: Last three weekends of October (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 9am – 5pm
Tickets: $15 admission (children 10 and under are free), $5 parking fee

Sertoma Pumpkin Patch, Bradenton FL:
If you want to test out your pumpkin carving skills, check out the Sertoma Pumpkin Patch in Bradenton. They have every size of pumpkin and tons of them to pick from. The pumpkin patch proceeds go to local charities and scholarships, and is open Every day of the week!
Where: Jesse P. Miller School, 4201 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL, 34209
When: Beginning October 14th until Halloween day
Time: Monday to Friday 3pm – 8pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am – 8pm

Veterans Day Parade:
The Anna Maria City Veteran’s Day Parade will take place on Friday, November 10th at 9am.

AMI Symphony On The Sand:

Come and be a part of an unforgettable evening filled with culinary delights, world-class music, and a heartfelt salute to Veterans Day all backed by mesmerizing Gulf Coast sunset. This event is dedicated to supporting the growth of musically talented youth in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, as well as AMICCO’s community outreach programs. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and attend on the beautiful beach at Coquina Gulfside Park, situated at 2650 Gulf Drive South, Anna Maria Island.

Join in on the fun on Anna Maria Island This Halloween!!

Tip: If carving pumpkins is too much of a mess and you don’t enjoy pumpkin guts all over your table, a fun alternative is getting some seashells from Raders Reef on AMI (5508 Marina Dr # B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217) to decorate!

Carol Bernard

Learn More about Carol Bernard, Sales Support Expert at Island Real Estate in our Marina Drive office. Carol has been with the company since 1994 and has worked in early every department across our company – from rentals & reservations to sales support & more!

During her off hours, you’ll find her nose buried in a stack of reading, likely with one of her three cats curled up on her lap. She’s an avid local sports fan, often donning Buccaneer, Tampa Bay Rays, or Lightning gear when out of the office.

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

September 10, 2023March 18, 2024

AMI Creamery and Bakery

“Calories eaten on vacation don’t count”! Or at least they shouldn’t, especially with a place like AMI Creamery and Bakery as an option on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria City.

AMI Creamery and Bakery makes their gelato onsite using fresh fruits, local dairy and juices to create unique Florida inspired flavors. Fun fact; the gelato here is served a tad warmer than traditional ice cream which gives it a silky and smooth texture. By also using less cream the gelato is lighter and has less fat plus a more intense flavor. Don’t take my word for it – go try free tastes for yourself! Multiple scoops are encouraged! Try their unique nacho sundae for a fun dessert perfect for sharing (or not!). Both the Sandbar Restaurant and The Porch are close by and have yummy dessert menus, yet a stroll to AMI Creamery and Bakery after dinner may hit the spot.

Exclusive to Anna Maria Island, AMI Creamery and Bakery serves William Dean candies and truffles. YES, these are the same beautifully made treats featured in the Hunger Game Trilogy. Macarons and 36 flavors of candies/truffles are waiting for you to enjoy. Special gift packaging is available if you want to take some home.

And the pastries! We can’t forget to mention the delicious pastries AMI Creamery and Bakery offers daily. The options rotate so you may get to try a few different treats depending on how many times you stop in.

Vacation Rentals close to AMI Creamery and Bakery

Anna Maria Cottage, a quaint and cozy 3 bedroom 3 bath vacation rental close to the only a few homes to the beach!

Carol Bernard

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

January 12, 2023March 12, 2024

Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop – An Adorable Store in Holmes Beach

If you have been visiting Anna Maria Island for awhile now, then you are probably familiar with the Sand Dollar Gift Shop in Holmes Beach. The store has been there for decades and has continued to sell jewelry, clothes, home accents, and more. It is personally one of my favorite Island stores. However, recently the Sand Dollar was taken over by new owners. Well, maybe not “new”. It is actually now owned by the family that originally started the Sand Dollar back in 1960. Which is why it has been re-named to the “Original Sand Dollar”. Another great aspect to this store is that it is affordable and won’t break the bank! Seriously, they sell some of the cutest items and it is all reasonably priced (especially for the Island).

The Sand Dollar Gift Shop isn’t just for tourists gathering souvenirs to bring home, its a lifestyle shop that we all love! Jewelry, kitchen goods, clothes and vintage artwork are always rotating so you never know what you’ll find!

The Original Sand Dollar is across the street from Hurricane Hank’s on the end of the Island Shopping Center. Stop by and find out why locals and tourists love this shop so much. You can find their FaceBook page here.

Be sure to check out our summary list of places to shop on Anna Maria Island. It is chalked full of choices.

Carol Bernard

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

September 9, 2022September 9, 2022

Market Update: Property Taxes.

Tis the season, Property Tax Season that is! I wanted to provide a little information on Anna Maria Island property taxes for this newsletter. Let’s discuss the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice that is normally sent out Mid-August each year. It is critical within a few days that you check your TRIM statement, as the deadline for appealing your property tax assessment is 25 days from the date of the notice. For those that do not receive the TRIM notice real time I suggest you make arrangements to receive the TRIM notice electronically or late August sign in to ManateePAO.com to review your TRIM notice. Over the years I have appealed my property assessment twice and have found compromise with the County both times. Once using and attorney and once on my own.

Using an attorney to help is not inexpensive, the service can run $3,500 and up. In most cases an attorney is utilized when a comprehensive market price analysis of similar properties is complicated, the building is newly erected AND the potential property tax savings exceeds the attorney fees. In my case there were less than a handful of similar properties on Anna Maria Island and the market value of the property is a combination of income generation and real property value. The attorney helped the most with the process of how to appeal however I would not suggest using an attorney if you want to save your own time on the appeal. I found I did a great deal of the heavy lifting as it related to the analysis of comparing similar properties and making a case why the market value of my property was excessive.

My second appeal was much less complicated so I handled the appeal on my own. I would hazard a guess most Anna Maria Island owners can handle an appeal on their own if needed. Reminder, your property taxes are calculated by taking millage rates multiplied by your Assessed value. Millage rates are determined by local governments and are passed via public budget meetings you can attend. The below process is to determine if your assessed value has been improperly estimated and should not be confused with the total proposed property tax increase. Assessed value and property tax are apples and oranges. Here is my suggested process for determining if an appeal is even worth your time:

1. Compare your assessed value last year to this year as a percent increase.

2. Is your Anna Maria Island property Homestead?

YES, then the assessed value increase is CAPPED by the 1995 Save Our Homes act. Skip to #3

NO, ok likely you are seasonally renting your property so Homestead is not available. Skip to #4

3. Congratulations, your assessed value is normally CAPPED around 3%. The CAP DOES change from year to year based on the Consumer Price Index. Is your year to year change more than the CAP?

If the answer is YES, Skip to #5. If the answer is NO, Skip to #6.

4. Ok, your Anna Maria Island property is not homestead. The challenge now at hand is to determine what the average increase is for most other Anna Maria Island similar properties. You can do that by calling me, talking with a few friendly neighbors, or staying in tune with market appreciation on the island by reviewing our newsletters. The most important part of this analysis is to ask if your assessed value percent increase from last year is within reason?

If the answer is YES, skip to #6. If the answer is NO then move to #5.

5. Ask yourself in the last 18 months or so, have you performed renovations to your property that required a permit? For example, adding a pool, adding square footage under AC? Permits add value and hence your assessed value may increase more than the CAP or more than your neighbors increased year over year assessment. Renovations made? Considering the cost of the added PERMIT value does your assessed value increase now make sense?

If the answer is YES, Skip to #6. If the answer is NO, move to #7.

6. Move on to more productive matters like going to the beach. Filing for an appeal this year will likely not be a productive exercise.

7. So after all your analysis your TRIM notice still seems to high. Call (941) 748-8208 and with your percent increase of assessed value at hand ask for details on why the increase is so high this year.

I hope this information is of help. Here is the TRIM supplement offered by the County. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to call me or your Anna Maria Island Sales professional. We can help!

Carol Bernard

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

May 20, 2022September 9, 2022

Wind Mitigation Inspection: What Is It & Do You Need One?

A Wind mitigation inspection (also called a windstorm mitigation inspection) is when a certified inspector looks over a property for specific weather withstanding features. These features can be anything from door/window coverings to the way your roof is attached to your home and how your roof is sealed to prevent water from entering. Though a wind mitigation inspection is not required to get homeowners insurance in Florida, it can result in substantial savings on your annual premium.

This inspection can affirm whether your home has features that drastically decrease the severity of property loss from hurricane wind. All the windstorm-withstanding features the inspector looks for may seem like minor details, but they make a world of difference when a windstorm or hurricane strikes. The appropriate wind mitigation features can be the difference between your home weathering the storm and a total rebuild.

Along our Anna Maria Island coast, savings can range from a few hundred to well over $1,000. Keep in mind that the average cost for a wind mitigation inspection is about $100. Though that may seem like an investment, the inspections are typically valid for five years.

After the wind inspection is complete, the inspector will offer suggestions that could improve the sustainability of your property. You can then make changes to your property or simply submit your wind mitigation report to your insurance agent. If you think you’ve had one done, you can look over your current policy and see if you received any sort of windstorm credits. If so, you can ask for a copy of the inspection from your current carrier.
You’ll likely receive the most savings if you take the inspector’s suggestions, which will also add to the value of your home and is never a bad thing! If you do decide to make structural changes to your home, make sure you work with a licensed engineer and contractor.
Keep in mind that the wind mitigation inspection has to be current. If it’s older than five years old, it’s time for a new one!

Here is a great review of wind mitigation inspections and why they are important.

Carol Bernard

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

May 5, 2022August 22, 2022

Our Favorite Island Restaurants (Top 13)

There is no shortage of great restaurants on Anna Maria Island. And it seems each year a new establishment opens up that offers even more yummy food options for us locals and visitors to enjoy. So picking our top restaurants was quite a challenge. Check out our favorite Island restaurants, and let us know how our list compares to yours!

Beach Bistro

For a fine dining experience, Beach Bistro is the place to go. It is the only fine dining restaurant on the entire Island and is open for dinner. The restaurant has a romantic setting and sits right on the beach. Highly recommend for a date night. Just be mindful that meals here are pricier than other Island restaurants, but well worth it.

The Waterfront

Located on the North end of AMI, The Waterfront is a popular restaurant that is open for lunch & dinner. This restaurant has a great outdoor patio seating area, as well as a lovely inside dining room that has a very intimate setting. The Waterfront also offers to “cook your catch”. If you’re planning a charter with Anna Maria Charters, head over here after with your fresh catch and they will cook it up perfectly for you to enjoy.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin is located on Historic Bridge Street and offers fresh and locally caught seafood for dinner. If you enjoy live music, then you will love their “Trap Yard”, an outdoor courtyard where they feature live music on the weekends.

Sandbar Restaurant

Aside from Beach Bistro, this is the only other beach front restaurant on the list. Sandbar is great for those visiting and are not used to seeing the Gulf of Mexico. Dine with your toes in the sand and the water right in front of you. The Sandbar is open for lunch & dinner as well as a Sunday brunch.

The Feast

The Feast is another restaurant located in the heart of Holmes Beach. This popular establishment serves gourmet pizza, seafood, pasta dishes, and more! Open everyday for lunch & dinner.

Island Time Bar & Grill

This is a fun establishment you can find on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Open for lunch & dinner, Island Time Bar & Grill is an open-air bar and patio that offers cocktails, food, and live music.

Rod and Reel Pier

Located on the Northern end of Anna Maria Island is Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant. This is one of three restaurants on the island that are out on a pier over the water. Truly a must visit while staying the Island. Rod and Reel is open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Enjoy a laid back environment with tasty food, cold beer, and a view you can’t beat! You have a very good chance of seeing dolphins, sting rays, and more marine life here.

Slims Place

Slims Place in Anna Maria City has some darn good burgers. Being the Island’s #1 Sports Bar, Slims is quite popular. The service is great, and the food is even better. Great place for good bar food (nachos, burgers, tacos, etc.). Open for lunch & dinner (opens at 3pm on Mondays and Tuesdays).

Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB on the Pier)

Anna Maria Oyster Bar (also known as AMOB) is a very popular seafood restaurant establishment that has four locations in the local area, with one being on Anna Maria Island. AMOB on the Pier is located at the end of Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Overlooking the Intercoastal, this restaurant provides awesome water views. The AMOB restaurants are VERY popular with locals and visitors and is a nice casual restaurant. Dine here for lunch or dinner.

Freckled Fin

The Freckled Fin Irish Pub in Holmes Beach is a fun place to go for lunch or dinner. Here you will find items on the menu like tacos, sandwiches, wings, and more yummy bar food. Freckled Fin is extra fun on the weekends when they have live music and close late (2AM). Don’t let the “Irish Pub” part scare you, this is actually a family-friendly establishment.

Ocean Star

The Island’s only sushi place would be Ocean Star in Anna Maria City. Ocean Star is only open for dinner, and offers sushi, hibachi, and Japanese cuisine. The food is always delicious! Plus, it is on the water, so you have a lovely water view. So if you are in the mood for sushi or hibachi this is the place to go!

Bridge Tender Inn

Bridge Tender Inn is located on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Open since 1989, this restaurant is pet friendly and a great place to go to watch the game and get some grub. With 18 TV Screens in the bar/lounge, your game is guaranteed to be playing. A great aspect to the Bridge Tender Inn is their fantastic dockside bar. Here you will really feel like your living the Island life, with a boozy beverage in hand and a view of the water and boats cruising by. Open for lunch and dinner.

Duffy’s

For some delicious burgers, check out Duffy’s in Holmes Beach. This family owned and operated restaurant has been on open for 40 years, and is a laid-back, casual spot to grab a cold beer, one of their specialty burgers, and more. Highly suggest the Brie and Caramelized Onion Burger (it is out of this world).

Carol Bernard

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

March 9, 2022September 9, 2022

NEW LISTING SPOTLIGHT!

Keep up to date with NEW offerings here! Newly listed properties for Sale will be featured frequently – keep checking to see if one may be your perfect “peace” of paradise!

End of Summer 2022: 2312 Avenue C #5 in Bradenton Beach, Lay-Z Liv-N Cottages

Enjoy everything Anna Maria Island has to offer. The perfect beach condo! This 2BR/1BA ground floor unit is right next to a large community pool with a great pool view plus the beach is just across Gulf Dr. The new hurricane windows keep it very quiet inside. You’ll find everything you need for the perfect vacation getaway. Turnkey furnished (everything stays).

This has been an awesome income property. Owner keeps it booked most of the year just by word of mouth. Think what you could do if you put on website or had professional management. You can do weekly or daily rentals.

The low fees will help if you prefer to live here or use for a second home also. Check it out!

Click here for the Full Listing Information.

Carol Bernard

www.islandreal.com/blog/meet-carol-bernard/

March 8, 2022October 31, 2022

Local Utility Contacts

Utilities Contacts for Holmes Beach, Anna Maria City and Longboat Key:

MUSCD (Manatee County Utilities): 941-792-8811
Water and sewer

FPL (Florida Power and Light): 941-917-0708
www.fpl.com

SPECTRUM: 855-222-0102
Cable, Internet and phone

WASTE MANAGEMENT, trash service for Anna Maria City 941-753-7591

WASTE PRO, trash service for Holmes Beach 941-355-9600

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY 941-371-6700
Water, sewer and trash services

Carol Bernard