Larry - Island Real Estate Blog

December 9, 2008January 22, 2021

Island Mail and More of Anna Maria Island

While visiting or vacationing here on Anna Maria Island it is nice to know that you can still count on being able to take care of any mail , fax, or internet requirements you may need. This particular Island mail store offers a wide variety of mail carrier options such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and USPS. You can also log onto the Internet for a fee that is charged according to the time of usage. Facsimiles, copies, and shipping supplies can be found in the store as well. They have a fairly large conference room that can be used and scheduled for a fee. This shop has fantastic customer service. They are very well known on Anna Maria Island for going the extra mile to ensure that your every mailing or office whim is serviced. They ship luggage, artwork, furniture, collectibles, and various other items. They have even shipped a few cars and kayaks!

Island Mail and More is located next to the Whistle Stop gift shop and Subway in the Island shopping plaza in Holmes Beach, Florida.

Island Mail and More
3230 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-1911
FAX (941) 779-2493

Larry

Meet Larry Chatt. Larry is the Broker/Owner of Island Real Estate – and has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in New England, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa and across Europe. He and his family have been on the island for decades and Larry has served his community in various roles with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

November 27, 2008December 5, 2020

Top Ten Silhouettes at Sunset

I found this very difficult because there are so many beautiful sunsets on Anna Maria Island and I was there with my camera snapping away.

These are like my children and it is not easy to kick any out. They all are such creations and for that I do not take the credit. I do love sharing them with you and especially to the visitors who are here maybe only a few weeks out of the year. This allows you to catch the sunset on Anna Maria on a weekly basis. It is my hope that you will get busy on your keyboard and click on each picture to enlarge them. That way you get details to help you make your selection. I want you to comment on your favorite and I will then try to narrow it down to the top ten. I would prefer for my viewers to select your favorite sunset. I can view sunsets every night but I post them for your enjoyment and pleasure. Please select and then enjoy the sunset!!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ Whether buying or selling real estate on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas I can assist you with all of your real estate needs. Please enjoy the photos below and let me know your favorites! Want to read about the ABC’s of Anna Maria Island? Look no further.

Photo Gallery

Larry

October 26, 2008January 22, 2021

Amalie Arena Offers Wonderful Venue for Anna Maria, Florida

The Amalie Arena is the permanent host to the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey team as well as the Tampa Bay Storm football team. The arena offers Anna Maria Island residents and visitors big time entertainment. At the time of this writing, Amalie Arena is hosting many big name entertainers. Neil Diamond, Wiggles, AC/DC, Celine Dion, and Dane Cook the comedian.

The Amalie Arena has a fantastic interactive Seating diagram that allows you to see the view you can expect when choosing your seats. 130, 101, 102 and 117, 116, and 115 are first level and in the middle of the Forum.

The Arena has several ATM’s. There are two Tampa General Hospital first aid offices in the forum. Smoking is not permitted inside although there are several outside areas provided. Disabled seating can be purchased at (813) 301-6536. Amalie restricts Alcohol, food or beverages, bottles, cans, laser pointers, large banners or signs, chains, fireworks, weapons, and no video or audio recording devices. Be careful, if your camera has video recording capabilities you may be required to make a long trek back to your vehicle to deposit your camera.

There are plenty of food choices at the Forum however expect to eat for twice what you would at Mcdonalds for similar eats. Hamburgers, Chicken Nuggets, Pizza, ice cream, peanuts, cotton candy, french fries, hot dogs, just about anything you can imagine.

The Amalie website has great directions but in case you need directions from Anna Maria Island: travel along Route 64 East to RESIDENTIAL State Route 41 North (The Non-Business Route). Take 275 South and move on to I-75 North to Tampa, Florida. Off of I-75, take State Route 618 also known as Crosstown West until Exit #7. Take Exit 7 which is known as Downtown West exit and follow the exit loop. There is a parking lot to your immediate left once the exit ramp ends. Turn left on East Bell Street and Park. Parking at the time of this article is $8.

Amalie Arena
401 Channelside Drive
St. Petersburg, Fl, 33602
(813) 301-2500 For Entertainment tickets
(813) 301-6600 For Sports tickets

Visit our Tampa Bay visitor page for more information on Tampa Bay.

Larry

October 26, 2008January 22, 2021

Tampa Bay Hockey Is Great Big City Sports Entertainment

Tampa Bay Lightning offers wonderful “big city” sports entertainment for Anna Maria Island residents and visitors. Tampa, Florida entertainment starts in early October and regular season games end in Mid-April. Post season games typically last until late May, early June. The drive from Anna Maria via East of Tampa is about a 1 hour drive and West of Tampa is about 1 hour and twenty minutes.

Specific directions from Anna Maria Island are as follows: take Route 64 East to Route 41 North (The Non-Business Route). Pick up 275 South and then take I-75 North to Tampa. Take State Route 618 also known as Crosstown West until Exit #7. Take Exit 7 which is the Downtown West exit and follow the exit loop. There is a parking lot to your immediate left once the exit ramp ends. Turn left on East Bell Street and Park. Parking at the time of this article is $8. The exact address of the Amalie Arena is 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Fl, 33602.

There is plenty of food to choose at the Tampa Bay Lighteing hockey games. Westshore pizza has good pizza but I would skip the philly cheesesteak. I absolutely love Five Guys Burgers and Fries. They give you a bag of fries that is large enough to feed two big guys or a family of four. Their burgers are fantastic. Of course there are peanuts, beer, soda, pretzels, cotton candy, chicken fingers and fries, hot dogs, etc. Yes there is a place that sells salads on the first level where Five Guys Burgers and Fries can be found.

If you go to a hockey game give yourself about 1.5 hours to make the normal 7:30 PM starting games. They have lots of games with give-aways so plan accordingly if you the give away is a must have. Be ready for a late night. Normally we get back to Anna Maria Island at about 11:30 PM.

Amalie Arena
Tampa Bay Lightning
401 Channelside Drive
Tampa, Fl, 33602

Larry

October 14, 2008December 5, 2020

Anna Maria Island Rainy Day Top 5

Paradise needs to have a rainy day or two. If you are unfortunate enough to catch a rainy day while on Anna Maria Island there is still plenty to do. Most things to do on a rainy day are off the island in Bradenton, FL however it is just a short drive away. Most area attractions off Anna Maria Island can be found on Manatee Avenue or Cortez road. Below is our top five things to do while enduring a rainy day on Anna Maria.

Bowling on a Rainy Day

Just off Anna Maria Island in Bradenton you can find Bowling. Only 15 minutes from Anna Maria, FL you will find open bowling just of Cortez. Visit our Florida Bowling Blog for more information.

Oakmont Theater

Go take in the latest big screen movie. The Oakmont Theater is a newly renovated theater just of Cortez only 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island. There you will find all the normal requirements necessary to enjoy the latest blockbuster of a movie. Popcorn, reclining seats, hot dogs, candy, soda, everything you need to gain those extra 5 lbs needed to ensure you were on a true vacation.

Restaurants on Anna Maria Island

Go out to anyone of our fabulous restaurants on Anna Maria island. Obviously outdoor seating will not work well under rainy circumstances but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Whether it be a breakfast or lunch just to catch up or a 5 course meal your are sure to find plenty of choices on or off Anna Maria Island.

Read a book at the Library

Go relax and read a good book or catch up on the latest magazine gossip or news at the Holmes Beach City Library. For a small amount you can become a member of the library. Of course you only need a library card if you plan to take books, CD’s, or DVD’s home for review there. It’s absolutely free to use the 8 computers they have on site with Internet as well as use their Internet hub for your laptop. They have an amazing collection of DVD’s, VHS movies, as well as some recent publications for self help or the latest novel you have been looking to read. The children’s area has plenty of books, games, a computer for their use as well as soft plush toys to play with.

Spa Day

Pamper yourself with a spa day. Anna Maria Island enjoys many “full meal deal” spas that can accommodate your every whim. Massage, pedicure, hair, sea wraps, you name it. Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach boasts several spa choices to choose from. In addition there are several individuals that will come to your vacation rental and give you a massage in your accommodations. Perhaps on a covered beach front patio? It’s a bit tough to schedule a rainy day in paradise but you should be able to plan your spa day last minute as there are plenty of choices on Anna Maria Island.

Larry

September 28, 2008December 5, 2020

Garbage Schedule Changes for Holmes Beach, Florida Residents

Attention owners in Holmes Beach, Florida, the garbage pick up days have changed to Tuesday and Friday’s. Unfortunately, recycling continues to be on Monday’s and organic waste pickup remains on Wednesday’s. Looks like the only day Holmes Beach residents on Anna Maria Island leave their trash alone will be Thursday’s.

Due to the Manatee avenue drawbridge closing for repairs your trash, recycling, and organic waste pickup should be curbside by 6 AM. Once the bridge is open and back up running the normal pick up time of 7:30 AM should resume.

Larry

September 20, 2008December 5, 2020

China 1 has Chinese Food on Anna Maria Island

Looking for a quick bite to eat? China 1 which calls its home on Anna Maria Island in Holmes Beach is a great alternative for either take out or eat in. They have a small area where you can eat in with about 5 tables. Of course take out encompasses the majority of their business. There food is good and my son loves the orange chicken or the sesame chicken. They offer a more reasonable meal alternative for Anna Maria Island. Please note, in the high season I have run into problems as they often run out of chicken as well as other popular items. This is especially the case on weekends and as the evening goes by. Give it a try. Your favorite Chinese dish may not taste exactly the same as your favorite Chinese restaurant at home but it will be darn close!

China 1
3236 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 779-2933

If you are looking for a quick alternative to Chinese food try Tortilla Bay located in Central Holmes Beach.

Larry

September 15, 2008December 5, 2020

Perfect Anna Maria Island Rainy Day Entertainment, a Movie

Rainy days while at the beach can be difficult however I have fond memories as a child seeing the Star War series while on several vacations with my family. Watching a movie is perfect evening or rainy day entertainment while staying on Anna Maria, Florida. The Oakmont Theater is a short 15 minute drive from Anna Maria Island. The theater has eight very nice individual theaters that play the latest releases. The Oakmont is recently renovated and has stadium style seating that allows everyone to get a great view of the movie.

The movie theater is located on Cortez Road West on the South side just 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island, Fl. Of course the theater has plenty of popcorn, drinks, candy, and snacks. If you are looking for dining before or after your movie there are plenty of choices that you will pass by on your way to the Oakmont from Anna Maria Island.

Regal Oakmont 8
4801 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, Fl, 34210
(941) 954-5768

Want more rainy day entertainment ideas?

Larry

September 6, 2008December 5, 2020

Hurricane Ike Could Be an Un-Invited Guest to Anna Maria Island

September 8th, 2008, 12:00 PM – Hurricane Ike

Life is good in paradise. The current three day path has Anna Maria Island well out of the path. We will get some rain and wind but the only folks impacted by Ike will be the surfers. All is clear and this will be Island Real Estate’s last post on Ike unless conditions change severely. At this point Island Real Estate WILL NOT implement our hurricane preparation for Hurricane Ike.

September 7th, 2008, 8:00 AM – Hurricane Ike

The projected path looks more encouraging this morning. Although the projected path shows Anna Maria Island will miss a direct hit we are still concerned with the most Northern path which would place the island in harms way of a pretty significant storm surge. This morning Ike is a Cat 4 but the path continues to be pushed Southward which is good news for Anna Maria Island and worse news for Texas. Island Real Estate has not yet initiated its hurricane preparation plan for our owners. We will continue to supply more information later in the day or Monday.

September 6th, 2008, 8:00 AM – Hurricane Ike

Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc will be tracking Ike for our owners and concerned absentee owners. What has us concerned is the severity and the projected path. The 5 day path has Anna Maria Island ever so close to taking a direct hit from Hurricane Ike. Currrently Ike is a category 3 down from a category 4 and Ike is very organized. The dry air from the North is slowing it down but this also results in a more Southward direction. Each Forecast I have seen continues to push more and more to the South. The BIG trouble with the current path is that it puts Anna Maria Island to the West of the eye which is where storm surge is most significant and a category 3 is going to create 10’+ storm surge. We will keep an eye on Ike and lets hope the cone continues to be pushed South. Island Real Estate has NOT started storm preparation as of yet for our owners. We will let everyone know if and when we initiate our storm preparation.

Larry