Anna Maria Island Shelling – DIY Souvenirs

Anna Maria Island Shelling – DIY Souvenirs

Shelling for free souvenir’s and free sunsets…

Some of the most relaxing moments in an Anna Maria Island beach rental vacation can be searching for the shells. Family in toe, it sometimes seems all too easy to get the entire group focused on a fun task that everyone can participate in. Thankfully shells don’t get you stopped in the airport security lines as you are sure to bring back the best of the best shells to help you remember a more relaxing time while vacationing on Anna Maria Island.  Below are some tips regarding shelling however don’t make the scavenger hunt too serious.  Remember the shells themselves are not the reward but the journey with your family to find the shells is the true once in a lifetime treasure! Also, here’s more on shelling.

Shelling for the best

You typically find the best Anna Maria Island shelling after a good storm. Even better, if you visit Anna Maria Island during a re-nourishment project you are sure to find fabulous shells. Florida and Manatee county laws strictly forbid taking of live shells, shells with a living organism, starfish, Queen conchs or sand dollars. A Florida Fishing License is required to take living shells, and has a bag limit of two of any species per person per day. Collect shells in a bucket or “green” container, and be sure not to take too many. Shells, dead or alive, play a vital role in the Florida ecosystem. Perhaps limiting yourself to less than a pint sized bucket is a good ethical measure. Be sure to visit our blog post on the best way to clean Anna Maria Island shells.  It is fantastic information and not to be missed.  If you are Anna Maria Island shelling in water be sure to shuffle your feet to disturb resting sting rays.

Island Real Estate Vacations Dog Policy

Island Real Estate Vacations Dog Policy

ISLAND REAL ESTATE VACATIONS (IREV) welcomes your loving pup at our registered Dog Friendly Vacation Rentals! Please see the rules listed below.

RULE #1 – Only well-behaved DOGS allowed! Sorry, cats or other pets are not approved!
RULE #2 – Only certain breeds of dogs are allowed and must be approved before checking-in.
RULE #3 – Our Pet Friendly Properties are restricted to either 1 or 2 dogs depending on listed restrictions for each dog friendly property.
RULE #4 – Approved dogs weigh less than 25 lbs or more than 25 lbs. Dogs over 75 lbs are NOT permitted.
RULE #5 – You must notify IREV you are traveling with a dog. A $250 non-refundable pet fee is required per dog. If unauthorized dog is found during stay, guest subject to immediate eviction with no refund of monies paid and will be responsible for damages as well as extra cleaning fees.
RULE #6 – Your dog must be housebroken and well-behaved. The registered guest will be responsible for any damages as well as additional cleaning or treatment needs due to fleas, “accidents” or excessive pet hair.

Dogs permitted in rental home only as arranged in advance. Addition of any other pet is prohibited without prior approval. You are solely responsible for any damaged or personal injury caused by your dog.

To bring your dog(s), guest(s) must agree to the following terms:

  • Guests agree to keep their dog under control at all times.
  • Guests agree to promptly report any damage caused by dog(s).
  • Guests agree to pay any costs for damage done by dog(s) which exceeds the pet fee per dog or is not covered under an additional damage insurance policy.
  • If damages are not reported but are found by Island Real Estate Vacations, it will be documented, and necessary replacement or repair costs will be charged to guest(s) credit card on file.
  • Guests agree that their dog is housebroken.
  • All dogs must be up to date on rabies vaccinations and all other vaccinations.
  • Guests agree that dog(s) will not be washed in the bathtubs or showers inside the unit. This must be done in the outside shower if provided or with hose.
  • Guests agree to adhere to local ordinances, leash laws and licensing requirements. Dogs are NOT allowed on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.
  • Guests agree to clean up after their dog(s) & dispose of their pet(s’) waste promptly. Any cleanup of dog refuse outside will result in additional cleaning fee of a minimum of $50.
  • Guests agree to review and repair any yard damage created by visiting dog(s) such as but not limited to digging.
  • Guests agree to keep dog(s) from being noisy or aggressive, and from causing any annoyance or discomfort to others. Guests will remedy any complaints immediately. Guest acknowledges local ordinance restrict noise and excessive noise by pet and may result in fines from local municipality. Guest responsible for said fines.
  • Island Real Estate Vacations, LLC, and/or the Property Owner are not responsible for guests’ dog(s). Guests agree to pay agents promptly for any damage, loss or expense caused by their dog(s).
  • No personal pet beds or other such items should be put in the washer or dryer!
  • Repairs to screening on the porch will be assessed at labor charges for rescreening if your dog(s) break through the screen for any reason.
  • Guest to clean all excess dog hair and remove from the inside of the unit prior to departure.
  • “Vicious or Dangerous Dogs” trained for dog fighting or with any tendency or disposition to attack any dog other domestic animals or humans without provocation, are not permitted at any time. Any dog with a recorded history of biting is strictly prohibited.

A note on Florida dog bite laws from a Tampa Bay personal injury lawyer:

In Florida, a dog owner is responsible for damages resulting from their dog biting or attacking someone. There is no need to prove negligence by the owner of the dog, explains Erik Abrahamson, Florida dog bite lawyer. The only thing that has to be proven is that the dog owner owns the dog and that their dog bit the victim. This is why Florida’s dog bite law is referred to as strict liability law, meaning that there is no requirement that the owner is shown to be negligent or have knowledge the dog was previously dangerous.

There are certain defenses that may eliminate or reduce responsibility for the dog owner, and they include the victim trespassing, the victim provoking the dog, and potentially the placement of a sign warning of a “Bad Dog”. However, in the case of young victims 6 years old or younger the sign defense doesn’t apply.

Rule of Thumb: If your dog is the type that might bite or attack, put up warning signs, keep your dog restrained, and don’t let strangers onto your property unless your dog is away. Also, if you own your house or rent your house or vacation home, make sure that you have homeowners or renters insurance which covers your dog.

Island Real Estate Vacations Cancellation Policy

Island Real Estate Vacations Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy
Island Real Estate Vacations, LLC charges a $250.00 cancellation fee for all cancelled reservations. If a vacation reservation is cancelled outside of 90 days from arrival, all but $250 deposited will be refunded. If the vacation rental contract is cancelled within 90 days of arrival, all deposited funds will be retained by Island Real Estate Vacations, LLC. However, if Island Real Estate Vacations, LLC is able to re-rent the vacation property for the same dates AND for the rental rate originally contracted, a full refund will be provided, less the $250 cancellation fee. If the vacation rental is partially re-rented, the new rental amount for the original dates contracted will be refunded, less the $250 cancellation fee. In summary, eligible refunds will be determined based on the difference between the contracted amount for dates reserved and the re-rented price, less the $250 cancellation fee. There will be no refund if the vacation property is not able to be re-rented. Island Real Estate Vacations does not make any guarantees that any vacation property will be re-rented for what was contracted originally.

Trip Cancellation Insurance
We recommend you take out a comprehensive trip cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen eventualities. For details of the Island Real Estate Vacations trip cancellation insurance program please see the Trip Cancellation Insurance informational page for Red Sky.

Hold Harmless
Subject to Island Real Estate Vacations Cancellation Policy herein, it is expressly agreed that Island Real Estate Vacations will not be held responsible and will not issue a refund for any reservations that are canceled, prevented, restricted or interfered with by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation, earthquake, fire, flood, Act of God, hurricane, red tide, storms, wars, civil or military disturbances, environmental hazards, or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of Island Real Estate Vacations. In the event you attempt to cancel your reservation, arrive late, depart early, or otherwise alter your reservation as a result of any of the foregoing, you will be subject to Island Real Estate Vacations Cancellation Policy as detailed herein. Trip Cancellation insurance as noted above can be a solution to help mitigate the risk for some of the issues listed. All prices are subject to 12% sales and resort tax.

Island Real Estate Vacation Rental UPDATES

Island Real Estate Vacation Rental UPDATES

Thanks for visiting Island Real Estate. This is our attempt to keep potential Vacation Rental Owners and Guests updated with our progress to add properties to our program. We are reserving properties!

UPDATE to ALL! We are excited to announce Kacey Varga is BACK! If you want to catch up you can email her at Kacey@IslandReal.com or give her a call at 941 345-1287 on her direct line. So very lucky to have her come back to Island Real Estate!

GUESTS: – Your response has been overwhelming! Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement as well as your willingness to use Island Real Estate again. We believe we are 1 short week away from having vacation rental properties on our website. We are targeting March 13th.

OWNERS: – Thank you for your inquiries as well as your patience. We have the details of our program completed and are ready to share! Just call or email us and we would be happy to go over our program. (941) 778-6066. Our website is progressing and hope to have vacation rental properties on our vacation rental page in a few weeks. Thank you!

Pharmacies on Anna Maria Island

Pharmacies on Anna Maria Island

Both Anna Maria Island pharmacies are in the central portion of Holmes Beach. You’ll find Walgreens at the corner of Gulf Drive and East Bay Boulevard. CVS is at the corner of Manatee Avenue and East Bay Boulevard. CVS also offers a one-hour photo center. Both CVS and Walgreen’s offer the normal variety of miscellaneous beauty supplies, minor groceries, and beach toys.

CVS
611 Manatee Avenue
Holmes Beach, Fl, 34217
(941) 778-1411
Store #: 3953

Walgreen’s
3248 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-0451
Store# : 1801

Mandatory Electronic System Travel Authorization for Foreign Travelers

Mandatory Electronic System Travel Authorization for Foreign Travelers

In 2008 Congress enacted legislation to expand the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The new law required that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) develop an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to gather biographic information from nationals of the soon-to-be 34 VWP countries traveling to the U.S. in advance of their visit.

ESTA is mandatory for all VWP travelers beginning January 12, 2009. Information required through ESTA mirrors the data travelers already submit through the I-94W paper form currently filled out upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry; however, it simplifies the process by allowing visitors to complete the form online prior to arrival.

Question and Answers about the program

Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria – CLOSED as of 2019

Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria – CLOSED as of 2019

Open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner the Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria offers a unique dining experience.

Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria – Closed as of 2019

Sign of the Mermaid is located in the city Anna Maria on Gulf drive. The restaurant is in a quaint house renovated to accommodate dining guests.  Built in 1912 this restaurant is an old home. Creaking floors, artwork, and fabulous antiques are just a few of the items that define the decor of this unusual home.

The food

Meal at the Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria tend to be larger. They offer seafood, pasta, chicken, lamb, steaks, wonderful appetizers, and out of this world desserts. For breakfast try out the Eggs Andrea. A delicious spin on a traditional Benedict. The dinner menu also has tons of classic favorites with a unique twist. Additionally, in season we recommend reservations, and the atmosphere accommodates children. Sign of the Mermaid has mixed reviews mostly due to the age of the restaurant and the decor. If you prefer the journey to a dining experience we would suggest Sign of the Mermaid.

Sign of the Mermaid – CLOSED
9707 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, FL, 34216
(941) 778-9399

Need more choices of Anna Maria City restaurants and fine dining.  No fear, Island Real Estate is here.  Take a look at our Top Ten Anna Maria Island restaurant information page.

Duffy’s Tavern Has Great Hamburgers and Cold Beer

Duffy’s Tavern Has Great Hamburgers and Cold Beer

Holmes Beach – Duffy’s Tavern is an Anna Maria Island landmark and has been since it first opened in 1958. Family owned and operated, “Miss Duffy” and her 5 daughters proudly serve their “world famous burgers and the coldest beer this side of heaven” from a two-story cracker shack located across the street from the Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island, Florida. In March of 2003, Duffy’s relocated across the street from the Holmes Beach City Hall and skate park. Now with air conditioning and a fireplace, it is a great place to hang out where you are never too hot or cold and can mingle with the locals. You can still expect the same service and quality in both the beers and the burgers. Everything comes with chips, never fries.

Duffy’s has fabulous cheeseburgers and try one with everything on it.  There is a bar as well as spots to sit down.  They have an outdoor eating area under roof as well as one out the back which is not under roof.  The regular dining area can be opened up with garage door size screens to let the breeze in on balmy breeze days.  On cold days they get the fireplace roaring and it offers a nice cozy eating spot.  Walk up to the bar and put in your order and Duffy’s will bring the food out when ready.  Plenty of cold beverages at Duffy’s, beer, soda all with Televisions behind the bar to watch your favorite sports team.

Duffy’s hours as of this posting:

Monday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Tuesday
Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
No credit cards, CASH only!

Duffy’s
5808 Marina Dr,
Holmes Beach, Fl 34217 – Anna Maria Island
Phone (941)  778-2501

Harrington House Bed & Breakfast

Harrington House Bed & Breakfast

 UNFORTUNATELY, THE HARRINGTON HOUSE PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN 2020

While searching for your perfect Anna Maria Island property, it’s nice to have a “home base” to relax and enjoy everything our special paradise has to offer. The Harrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfast offers island hospitality and comfort in order to help you decide which AMI place is “the one” for you! When you’re making your reservation, make sure to tell them you are working with an Island Real Estate Sales Professional for VIP treatment!

The Harrington House is a fantastic direct Gulf Front Bed and Breakfast located on Anna Maria Island.  They offer nightly accommodations and they provide a perfect get away from the busy life.  Each morning you will be awakened by the smell of in house chef made breakfast, breads and coffee. Each bedroom has a charm all of its own, it’s best to speak to one of the very knowledgeable staff to determine which room would best meet your expectations.

Harrington House Breakfast

They also serve breakfast by appointment only for locals and visitors alike.  Sit outside and listen to the Gulf of Mexico while you enjoy one of several specialty breakfasts.   You can also dine inside in the dining area with direct views of the Gulf of Mexico.  Either way, the breakfast is fantastic and the views are free.  If you have a special occasion be sure to stay at Harrington House or at least visit them for breakfast but please be sure to call ahead. Reservations are always required and seating is limited.

One last note, Harrington House will also host a tea party, wedding, or wedding reception so be sure to call them if you have a need for a special group outing.

Harrington House
5626 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-5444