Anna Maria Island

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2009-07-17T14:19:03-07:00

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1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Holmes Beach Vacation Rentals

2009-07-10T12:04:26-07:00

Vacation Resort Accommodations in Holmes Beach with Huge Pool and Waterfall...

Anna Maria Island has a lot to offer when it comes to quality vacation rentals for you and your family, and Holmes Beach is no exception.

Case in point, the 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Vacation Rentals at the Blue Lagoon conveniently located in Holmes Beach.

Blue Lagoon Resort

67th St & Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island

One - 3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath Unit
Three - 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Units
One - 1 Bedroom/1.5 Bath Unit

Close to the Beach with Large Heated Pool and HUGE 10 foot Waterfall!

Rates: $900 - $1675 weekly, see below for specific rates.

This amazing accommodation, in Holmes Beach, has available... five beautiful brand new units surrounding a 'Huge Tropical Pool with Giant Waterfall'... and the 'Blue Lagoon Resort' is only a block to the white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island.

This brand new Holmes Beach vacation rental complex is beautifully finished with all the amenities,a nd with five suits, it can sleep up to 28 people.

Go to 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Blue Lagoon Vacation Rentals to learn more.

One Bedroom Holmes Beach Vacation Suite

1 Bedroom/1.5 Bath

$1150 weekly - Winter Season
$1050 weekly - Summer Season
$650 weekly - Fall Season

The Blue Lagoon Resort has just one single bedroom suite available.

Rent this brand new 1 Bedroom/1.5 Bath suite in Holmes Beach and enjoy the large tropical style swimming pool and waterfall right outside your door. There are granite coutertops, stainless appliances, and much, much more.

Sleeps up to 4 people.

This one bedroom vacation rental suite is currently available for sale, $445,000.

Two Bedroom Vacation Suite in Holmes Beach

2 Bedroom/2 Bath

$1350 weekly - Winter Season
$1150 weekly - Summer Season
$800 weekly - Fall Season

The Blue Lagoon Resort has three two bedroom suites available.

This Brand New 2 Bedroom/2 Bath vacation rental unit Holmes Beach is just over a block to the beach and of course sports a huge pool c/w waterfall. Like the one bedroom unit, the two bedroom units have granite coutertops, stainless appliances, and more.

Sleeps up to 6 people.

The two bedroom suites include king and queen beds, and a queen sleeper sofa, as well as cable TV, Internet, private laundry facilities, dishwasher, microwave and DVD.

These units are currently available for sale for $550,000.

Three Bedroom Resort Accommodation in Holmes Beach

3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath

$1675 weekly - Winter Season
$1400 weekly - Summer Season
$1200 weekly - Fall Season

This is one beautiful Holmes Beach vacation accommodation. The Blue Lagoon has just one of these premium, 3 bedroom units available.

Brand new, with 3 Bedroom/3.5 Baths, and of course you have full access to the large tropical pool & waterfall right outside your door, and the Gulf surf and white sugar sand beaches of Anna Maria just a block away.

Like the one and two bedroom suites, this three bedroom vacation rental unit includes granite coutertops and stainless appliances, and also has high ceilings, king masster c/w TV, king 2nd master with TV, queen with TV and private bath, cable, wireless Internet, dishwasher, private laundry facilites, microwave, DVD and central A/C.

This three bedroom vacation resort accommodation in paradise sleeps up to 6 people.

Visit Anna Maria Island Vacation Accommodations for more information about these winning vacation rental suites in Holmes Beach, on beautiful Anna Maria Island.

Go to 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Vacation Rentals in Holmes Beach to learn more

Best Deals in Real Estate

2009-07-08T21:43:27-07:00

Best Buys on Residencial Homes,
Revenue Homes and Investment Real Estate on Anna Maria Island...

If you are interested in the best deals and best buys in real estate on Anna Maria Island, you only need to remember one thing... Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate!

If you are interested in the best deals and best buys on Anna Maria Island homes, you only need to remember one thing... Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate!

If you are interested in the best deals and best buys on Anna Maria Island investment and revenue properties, you only need to remember one thing... Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate!

Get the picture?

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is the only place you need to go, if you're buying or selling... your residential home, revenue vacation home or investment real estat... because they serve you better!

The realtors at Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate have lived and worked on Anna Maria Island for a long time, and they know and understand the local community, economy and real estate market.

That's why you can count on them to go the extra mile in serving you!

If you are in the market for real estate on Anna Maria Island... whether it be a residencial home, investment real estate or revenue vacation rental, Beaches Real Estate knows the best properties.

And if you're selling a home or property... they have the buyers, qualified and ready to close to sale.

Visit Best Deals on Anna Maria Island Real Estate.

This is where you can find some of the best real estate buys on Anna Maria Island, in our opinion.

These may or may not be our listings, but still we are more than happy to show you the property.

When it comes to a ‘best Anna Maria Island real estate buy’, please remember this is a subjective statement and our 'best buy' may not be your 'best buy'. All the properties listed, have positively stuck out to us for one reason or another, and we feel each deserves to be listed within our 'Deals on Anna Maria Island Real Estate' pages.

Our 'Best Buys in Anna Maria Island Real Estate' have each been selected based on the following criteria:

Good investment property
Property below market value
Great price for location
House has rarely come on market

We will be updating the 'Best Buys in Anna Maria Island Real Estate' section of our website regularly, so if you are in the market for an Anna Maria Island home or property, please check back often.

If you prefer, you can send us an email with the words 'anna maria island best buy’ in the subject line, and each time a property gets added we will email you 24 hours prior to us posting it online. That way you will know about the best deals in Anna Maria Island real estate a full day before the rest of the world.

What more can we say.

Welcome to... The Best Deals in Real Estate Anna Maria Island Has To Offer!

July 4th Fireworks Celebration

2009-07-06T17:29:12-07:00

Three Fireworks Displays on Anna Maria Island...

Haha... as it turned out, there were three fireworks displays on Anna Maria Island this July 4th weekend.

As we previously reported here on this forum and on our Anna Maria Island Life blog, there were two fireworks displays planned on Anna Maria Island for the July 4th weekend festivities.

Fireworks at The Mar Vista
Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key

In response to a request from the Chiles Group to have a fireworks display at the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key on July 4, Longboat Key Fire Marshal, Lou Gagliardi, said... "We’re reviewing it."

Gagliardi explained. "They want to have a barge on the water and our concern is the fallout area for the boats and the docks." He also said the Mar Vista is on a dead end street which could cause serious traffic issues, and that the Mar Vista is on the Intracoastal Waterway... which is under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.

Mayor Fran Barford says, "there are already fireworks displays planned for July 3 at the BeachHouse in Bradenton Beach and July 4 at the Sandbar in Anna Maria." If there is a display at Mar Vista on Longboat Key, its hoped it would draw some of the crowd that comes to Anna Maria.

Either way, it sounds like the July 4th weekend will have fireworks displays. Just leave it up to the pros to keep it safe and legal!

Remember, visit the Anna Maria Island Community Forum and let us know what you think about the fireworks ban and this years fireworks plans for the 4th of July weekend.

Third Fireworks Display Added
For 4th of July Celebration on Anna Maria Island

All three Chiles Group restaurants, the Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista, hosted fireworks shows this holiday weekend with opportunities to watch from the beach or bay or enjoy a party inside before watching the show.

The celebration started the day before, July 3, with a fireworks extravaganza at the BeachHouse restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. VIP party packages are available and there will be music and dancing.

This is the 16th year for this event at the BeachHouse.

The party continued on the Fourth with a fireworks extravaganza at the Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Party packages were available with the party being held under the Sandbar event pavilion. Beach barbecue, wine and beer and party favors round out the party. The cost was $50 for adults and $25 for kids.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub, 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key, hosted its inaugural fireworks show on July 4. Co-sponsored by Mar Vista, Moore’s Stone Crab and the Longboat Observer, Sarasota Bay came alive with a fireworks display over the Intracoastal waters of Longbeach Village. Mar Vista also offered party packages and a front row seat for their show.

Only on Anna Maria Island you say!

Homes and Investment Properties For Sale

2009-07-05T20:01:00-07:00

Buying a Home or Investment Real Estate on Anna Maria Island...

If you are interested in Anna Maria Island real estate, whether it be buying a house and property on Anna Maria Island to live in, or buying an Anna Maria Island revenue property as an investment... now is a great time to be looking.

That's right. Real estate on Anna Maria Island is on the move!

Unlike the rest of the country, Anna Maria Island homes and properties are selling and prices are on the rise.

That means... now is a great time invest in that new Anna Maria Island home or investment real estate.

The real estate market on Anna Maria Island is HOT and Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is there to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

If you love the laid back 'Old Florida' lifestyle unique only to Anna Maria Island, and you've decided to move there, you will need somewhere to live. Do yourself a favor and give the good folks at 'AMI Beaches Real Estate' a call.

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is a locally owned and operated boutique real estate company that specializes exclusively in Anna Maria Island homes and investment properties.

Remember... unlike the rest of the country... the Anna Maria Island real estate market is HOT, HOT, HOT!

Much like the local weather.

Why wait?

Numerous recent articles have been written about this stunning area of seven miles of beach in the Gulf of Mexico.

The time to look for Anna Maria Island property is now!

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T11:57:03-07:00

July 4th Celebrations...

Wishing you and your families a Fun and Safe July 4th Celebration!

The staff here at Anna Maria Island Life would like to wish everyone and their famlies a happy fourth!

If you are on the Island or in the Anna Maria Island area this weekend, there will be 2 fireworks displays for your enjoyment.

There will be a Anna Maria Island fireworks display at the Sandbar and also at the Beach House.

Anna Maria Island 4th of July Parade

Also be sure and attend the annual Anna Maria Island Independence Day Parade.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers annual 4th of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. on the 4th of July at Coquina Beach and travels the entire length of Anna Maria Island (7 miles).

You're welcome to join in and be a part of the parade or just come and watch (bring your chair). There will also be an after Parade gathering at the Cafe on the Beach with music and food specials.

See you all there, and Happy July 4th!

Beaches Real Estate

2009-07-03T11:09:00-07:00

New Anna Maria Island Real Estate Team Packs a Punch...

Anna Maria Island developer and real estate investor joins forces with vacation rental accommodation specialists, and work with long time local realtors to create the ultimate Anna Maria Island real estate team.

Visit the Anna Maria Island Real Estate blog for the whole story!

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate

Located in the center of Anna Maria Island, Florida, in the community of Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate will be more than happy to find your ideal home or vacation revenue property.

Anna Maria Island Beach Real Estate is a locally owned and operated boutique style real estate company that specializes in Anna Maria Island properties only.

From beach front homes and canal homes to vacation rental revenue properties, AMI Beaches Real Estate will be happy to help you find the Anna Maria Island home or investment property that is right for you.

Anna Maria Island Real Estate Investment
and Revenue Property Specialists

One of the specialities of AMI Beaches Real Estate is real estate investment and revenue properties. Beaches Real Estate is fortunate to work with Anna Maria Island Accommodations and very successful local developer/investor Shawn Kaleta.

Anna Maria Island Accommodation is one of the largest vacation rental companies on Anna Maria Island. They currently manage over 200 properties and are experts when evaluating a home for its revenue generating ability. They bring Island knowledge and experience to the table.

Beaches Real Estate is also extremely excited to work with an extremely successful local developer and real estate investor Shawn Kaleta. Mr. Kaleta has built and sold over 100 properties on Anna Maria Island since 1999 and thoroughly understands the local real estate market in South West Florida. Mr Kaleta has been featured in numerous investment, entrepreneurial, real estate magazines and is always happy to loan advice on his real estate passion.

The real estate market in the Anna Maria Island area of Florida is Hot and AMI Beaches Real Estate will help you find the perfect home or investment property on Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island Beach Real Estate

5604B Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, Florida
Phone: 941-567-6228

Birds and Birding

2009-07-02T13:57:00-07:00

Bird Watching on Anna Maria Island...

Birdwatching, or 'birding' as its commonly referred, is the observation and study of birds with the naked eye, through binoculars or from behind a camera lens. Birding and bird watching mean the same thin, the activity of observing birds in their natural habitat.

Birdwatching means learning to identify the birds you are watching, and understand what they are doing.

Some bird species are more readily detected and identified by ear than by eye, which is why birding involves an auditory component as well as the accompanying visual display.

Why Bird Watchers Watch Birds

Birdwatchers pursue the art of birdwathching for a multitude of recreational or social reasons. Unlike ornithologists who pursue in the study of birds from a purely scientific perspective, bird watchers do it for family fun and entertainment, recreation and sport, social interaction and companionship, education, health and yes... solitude!

While bird watching is tremendous fun for the entire family and can create an emmense connection with nature, it is more, much more. Birding satisfies a primeval hunting instinct and delivers all the satisfaction of the hunt, even though the prey itself escapes unharmed.

Birding truly is the perfect sport for the 21st Century.

Birding gets you vertical, outside and walking. What could be healthier than that?

Birding brings family members together and can unite people across generations. By taking up birding, parents or grandparents can introduce their children to an interest in nature that will stay with them all their lives.

Birding is the ideal social activity. A birder need never be lonely. Nearly every community has a birding club of some sort, and because birders love to share their knowledge, newcomers are always welcome.

On the other hand, if you prefer solitude, watching birds can provide you with that as well. Birding is the ideal solitary sport. There's a special pleasure in going out alone to bird. Your mind settles down. Your senses open up, and all nature seems to become your friend.

Birding is a sport of many moods, and it serves the causes of companionship and solitude equally well.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shore Bird Protection

A number of years ago the County of Manatee and the State of Florida approached the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch about monitoring for nesting shore birds on Anna Maria Island. In the past they had documented Nesting Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Snowy Plovers and American Oyster Catchers.

Many other birds feed and rest on our shores early in the morning. AMITW has incorporated monitoring for nesting shore birds along with daily surveys of sea turtles. When nesters are located they rope off the area with the help of officials from FFWCC Shore Bird Program.

Bird Watching on Anna Maria Island is Particularly Rewarding

The entire island of Anna Maria is a bird sanctuary, and pelicans, multiple types of cranes and herons, wild parrots, sand pipers, hawks, vultures, seagulls, and crows share the island with humans.

In North America, there are over 800 species of birds. Wherever you live, you'll probably find at least 100 species that are easy to find in your area. Anna Maria Island is no exception, with over a hundred local species of birds to watch and enjoy.

Life suddenly gets more interesting when you become aware of the varied bird life all around you, and on Anna Maria Island there are an amazingly diverse selection of bird species to soothe the soul.

Pelicans and other waterfowl are prevalent in the city. The brown pelican is the most common. In adulthood it reaches a length of about 4 feet and has an impressive wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet, weighing in at about 9 pounds. Its straight bill has an enormous pouch for catching fish to feed itself and its young. During the winter, white pelicans arrive in quite large numbers.

Other species of waterfowl include, ibis, egret, heron, gull, sandpiper, skimmer and spoonbill.

Learn More About Birdwatching

Birdwatching. com is about wild birds and the sport of birding. It's for everyone who's interested in bird watching and enjoying nature. They enjoy sharing the lore of birding in a free e-newsletter about birds and birding.

If you are interested in learning more about bird watching we recommend you visit www.BirdWatching.com.

Brief History of Bird Watching

Mankind has been 'bird watching' for a very long time.

Birds have been a delight to people all over the world since the beginning of mankind. We have always stood in awe of the bird's natural beauty and their power of flight.

Historically, birds used to be considered omens by some, like the ancient Romans who believed that the flights and calls of birds could foretell the future. Today, modern science still use changes in bird populations as an indicator for the health of the environment.

It's kind of ironic really, isn't it?

Lots of Things to See and Do on Anna Maria Island

Whether its watersport or some other form of recreation, there is always lots of things to see, do and enjoy and Anna Maria Island.

Like we always say, Welcome to Paradise!

Real Estate Market Good For Buyers

2009-07-01T06:38:00-07:00

Real Estate on Anna Maria Island Heating Up...

Numerous reports (see real estate article below) and recent real estate sales are showing that real estate on Anna Maria Island is heating up. In addtion to these recent Anna Maria real estate transactions, a new Anna Maria Island realty company has opened to help home owners and investors alike find their perfect home or Anna Maria Island revenue property.

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is a boutique local realty company specializing in revenue properties.

Visit the Anna Maria Island Real Estate blog for the whole story on 'Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate'!

July 1, 2009 Sun Article

SIGNS of Life in the Real Estate Market on Anna Maria Island

By Tom Vaught | sun staff writer

One person’s good fortune may come from another’s bad luck. Those in the real estate industry say the bad news scenario right now is the fact that home prices have reached an all-time low. On the other hand, that’s the good news for real estate buyers.

According to a newsletter published online by Island Real Estate Agent Al Galletto, from Jan. 1 to May 31, the average price of a single-family home sold on the Island dropped from $817,102 in 2008 to $567,477 in 2009, and the median price of a single-family home dropped from $625,000 in 2008 to $450,000 this year.

Real estate market bad news for sellers, but great news for buyers.

Galletto’s newsletter says that property sales on the Island for the month of May were above average with 23 (11 single-family, 10 condos and two duplexes), although a little less than a year earlier, when 27 properties (14 single-family, nine condos, three duplexes and one lot) sold. His figures are based on reports through the Multi-Listing Service.

The good news for sellers is that 50 properties are under contract and the inventory of homes for sale is dropping. Galletto said the levels of inventory are the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2005, just before the last real estate boom came to an end. With those forces at work, the price of real estate just might turn upward in the near future, he said.

"Prices right now are down 30 to 40 percent, with waterfront prices down less than that," Galletto said. "I feel we’re pretty much at the bottom."

Betsy Hills Real Estate owner and broker Betsy Hills has been working on the Island for more than 30 years, and she says certain properties are selling well.

"We’ve seen a bounce in homes costing $600,000 and under," she said. "The homes that are selling are the ones that are priced competitively."

Hills said she has more contracts pending than she’s seen in a while and the financing is there. She said distressed properties, those that are selling for less than what is owed on them, are rare on the Island compared to the mainland.

"Sellers are bringing money to the closing to make up the difference, except on the Island," she said.

"I definitely think that interest is picking up," said Darcie Duncan, owner of Duncan Real Estate in Anna Maria. "Consumer confidence is coming back."

Duncan said that a lot of the people who are buying tell her that they think prices are reaching bottom.

"They think it is a golden opportunity since inventories are still high and interest rates are low," she said.

Nicole Skaggs, of A Paradise Realty, said she is twice as busy as she has been in the past.

"I am seeing investors going, ‘So what if its hasn’t bottomed out, it’s so close it doesn’t matter,’" she said. "Some of them follow the advice of Warren Buffett who says, ‘If there’s fear, be greedy.’"

Skaggs said she’s seeing more cash sales and she feels more people will start coming back to real estate as an investment.

"If you’re starting from the bottom, you should buy now, rent it out and take your vacation there for free," she said. "You can depreciate your taxes and write off your vacation because you’ll be maintaining your investment."

All in all, the real estate professionals on the Island say that if you’re planning to wait a year to purchase a home or investment, the common school of thought is that you’ll be paying more than you should by then.

"Purchasing Island property is always a win-win," Galletto said, "Now is the time to buy and we’re still a good investment."

"I feel we’re much safer than the stock market," Hills said.

"Most people who wait for the market to bottom out, get into the market when it’s too late," Duncan added.

"Real estate is cyclical and it is historical," Skaggs said, "When you look at the Rockefellers and the Carnegies, they bought property when times were bad and they emerged better than the others."

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate

From beach front homes and canal homes to vacation rentals and revenue properties, we will be there helping you through every stage of the purchase.

Unlike the rest of the country, the Anna Maria Island real estate market is HOT, HOT, HOT!

Numerous recent articles have been written about this stunning area of seven miles of beach in the Gulf of Mexico. The time to look for Anna Maria Island property is now.

If you have been thinking about moving to Anna Maria Island, live there now or in the area and are looking to buy a home of your own, or would like to invest in a revenue property in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country... give Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate a call.

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate

5604B Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, Florida

Phone: 941-567-6228

Free Yoga Classes

2009-06-30T14:30:00-07:00

Learn Yoga on the Beaches of Anna Maria Island...

Like we have said before, there is no shortage of things to do on Anna Maria Island. Now you can learn yoga for free and enjoy the island's beaches while you do!

From 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2009, there are two free yoga classes during the week, and both are on the beach.

Free Yoga on the Beach

Wednesdays @ 8:30a.m. Free Yoga on the Beach, southside of the BeachHouse Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, for more info call 941-779 6836.

Saturdays @8;30a.m. Free Yoga on the Beach near the Pine Avenue public beach access, for more info call 941-794-6723.

What could be better than free yoga lessons on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. It's healthy, fun and good for... and better way to start your day in paradise.

Just one more reason why we all love Anna Maria Island!

Selling Your Home or Revenue Property

2009-06-29T21:09:00-07:00

Buying or Selling, Anna Maria Island Real Estate is On the Move...

Whether you want to buy or sell your Anna Maria Island home or revenue property, the local Anna Maria Island real estate market is much stronger than elsewhere in the country.

Selling a Home or Investment Property on Anna Maria Island

Are you looking to sell real estate on Anna Maria Island?

Looking to sell your home or investment revenue property in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach or Anna Maria City?

If so, you picked a great time to sell.

The Anna Maria Island real estate market is stronger than almost anywhere else in the United States right now, and properties are selling... and it doesn't matter where on Anna Maria Island your home or property is located.

Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria City... properties are selling well in all three island communities.

If you you do have a home and real estate on Anna Maria Island to sell and you're looking for someone with experience and expertise that lives and works on Anna Maria Island to sell it for you... look no further than Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate.

They may be the newest real estate company on the island, but they bring a great many years of experience to the table and will serve you well. Give Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate a call today!

Oh, and if you have any questions at all about the real estate market on Anna Maria Island, or anything else to do with the sale of your home and property...

Ask the Anna Maria Island Real Estate Expert at AMI Beaches Real Estate!

Parasailing in the Gulf of Mexico

2009-06-29T19:32:00-07:00

Parasailor Get More Than They Bargained For While Parasailing the Waters Off Anna Maria Island...

Gladly not all parasailing adventures are as exciting as the one experienced by the following Chicago family while vacationing in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Fortunately it had a happy ending and noone was hurt.

As reported in the Anna Maria Island Sun earlier this week, the Calacci family got more than the usual 15-minute parasail trip when high winds kept a father and son up in the air for more than three hours.

The wind speed at the nearest weather station at Sarasota International Airport was nine miles an hour at that time, but shortly after Mike Calacci and his son, Alex, were launched into the air, winds had whipped up and whitecaps were rolling in, with the weather station recording wind gusts up to 32 miles per hour.

The parachute hung in the same place for several hours with the boat apparently anchored, according to lifeguards. A second boat attempted a rescue by attaching a rope to the vertical line and pulling it down with the force of the boat’s forward motion.

When the floating pair was within 15 feet of the water, Mike Calacci considered unhooking himself and his son from the parachute and dropping into the Gulf, he said. Fortunately, they were unable to work the latches because the wind gusted, a rope snapped, and the pair shot back up into the air.

"They almost rescued them," said son Lou Calacci, who watched from the boat.

While Alex dangled in the parachute, he grew ill and vomited. His dad tried to persuade him to close his eyes to stop the seasickness.

To pass the time and stay calm, "I tried to nap," but wasn’t able to, said the father of four. "The harness was too uncomfortable."

Down on the boat, the rest of the family watched anxiously, wishing the pair had a cell phone with them. "We sang and prayed," said mom Tina Calacci, shaking her head as she described the crew’s discussion of the "last resort" – cutting the line and setting them adrift.

When the wind finally did begin to subside, the two crewmen were able to bring the parachute and the pair safely back down to the boat.

"I don’t know when I’ve ever been happier," said a slightly shaken and sunburned Mike Calacci, adding that he intended to go back to their rental condo and lie down.

"I’m still a little seasick," said his son, Adam, holding a souvenir piece of the tow rope.

According to Fun & Sun co-owner Karen Archer, "We had it under control", adding that the company was in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the incident.

According to the Coast Guard, they did not send help because the parasail company felt comfortable that it could handle the situation, and "It was not quite a life or death situation," said Petty Officer Robert Simpson.

"I don’t know what we would have done," he said, adding that the agency was communicating with the vessel by radio in case the situation escalated.

Tips for Parasailors:

Parasail only with an established company that has a business license, insurance and a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain.
Do not parasail in winds over 18 knots, rain, fog or an approaching storm.
Do not parasail higher than 600 feet.
Do not exceed recommended passenger weight restrictions.
Ask for a safety briefing prior to your flight, including a description of the activity, equipment operation, safety procedures, hand signals and evacuation procedures during a water landing, fire or other emergency.

Keep The Trolley Free

2009-06-28T17:35:00-07:00

Save Our Trolley Campaign...

Whether you are a local resident of Anna Maria Island or simply planning a vacation stay, the 'Free Anna Maria Island Trolley' is one of the best ways to get around.

Did I say "FREE"?

Yes I did, but it might not be FREE for long unless the proposed 'Save Our Trolley Campaign' is successful.

It's been reported in The Islander that an Island-based effort to keep the trolley free is getting a test drive with Manatee County officials.

David Teitelbaum, an Island businessman, member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council and a director on the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board, has proposed a Save Our Trolley campaign. He also set out a series of creative ideas that could enable the local trolley to operate free for many years into the future.

In the mean time, its been reported that the trolley costs about $900,000 a year to operate and was originally started with grant funding. Well, according to County administrator Ed Hunzeker, that funding will not continue indefinitely. So in the budget for fiscal year 2010, which begins this October, he has recommended that riders of the trolley pay a $1 a day fare.

Teitelbaum presented his ideas briefly to the TDC on June 15. He also presented them to the Manatee County Board of Commissioners during a budget hearing on June 18. Both the board and Hunzeker seemed supportive of a test drive of the Save Our Trolley proposal.

What is the Save Our Trolley Proposal

The proposal involves a series of fundraisers to support a fare-free trolley. For the fiscal year 2010, which again begins in October, the trolley still would be subsidized in part by the county, the TDC and the three Island cities.

It's been reported that for the past two years, the TDC has contributed $26,000 to the trolley operation, the three Island cities have each contributed $8,000 and the county has contributed $50,000, which also includes grants and tax dollars.

The current SOT proposal would mean that those TDC, county and city contributions continue for another year.

In fiscal year 2011, the TDC would contribute $40,000 toward the fare-free trolley, each of the Island cities contribute $10,000 and fundraisers would generate $50,000. This would relieve the county taxpayers of some of the burden.

Fundraising Ideas

The fundraising ideas include a two-day festival to raise money for the trolley. The SOT proposal suggested calling the event the Real Florida Festival and holding activities Islandwide on a weekend in March.

A two-day festival pass would cost $5 or a family pass would cost $10, with revenues estimated at more than $60,000.

Other fundraisers might include a donation box on the trolley, the sale of naming rights and a donor recognition program.

“I think the money is here,” said Island businessman and TDC board member Ed Chiles, indicating that Island business leaders would probably donate to a SOT campaign, as would riders.

“We could put a donation box on the trolley, a lock box, and everybody who wants to put a buck in puts a buck in,” Chiles said.

At least two county commissioners have stated their support for maintaining a fare-free trolley — Carol Whitmore, an at-large member of the board and Holmes Beach resident, and John Chappie, who represents the Island and lives in Bradenton Beach.

“I’m very near and dear to the trolley,” said Whitmore, adding that data indicates that about 400,000 people ride the trolley each year and 60 percent of them are local residents.

A recent newspaper poll on found that about 52 percent of people support a fare on the trolley. A random on-the-street survey on the Island last week found six out of 10 people opposing a fare. A survey in Bradenton found nine out of 10 people supported a fare.

Hunzeker said he would recommend the SOT proposal and that the county continue its $50,000 subsidy for another year, but he stressed that whatever is put into place must “be for the long-run. It would be imprudent to take this one year at a time from the county’s perspective.”

Hunzeker also stressed that the county must be able to provide transit riders on the mainland with a rationale for free public transportation on the Island.

Holmes Beach Real Estate

2009-06-27T15:41:00-07:00

Homes and Revenue Properties For Sale in Holmes Beach...

If you are interested or looking for a residential or revenue home, or investment property in Holmes Beach, look no further than Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate.

Unlike the rest of the country, real estate on Anna Maria Island, which of course includes Holmes Beach... whether it be a home to live in or a revenue property... are selling, and they are increasing in value.

What that means to You, is that... it's a great time to be investing in real estate on Anna Maria Island!

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate may be the new kids on the block, but they bring years of Anna Maria Island real estate experience with them, and the service they provide is unequaled anywhere on Anna Maria Island.

Best Deals on Holmes Beach Homes, Revenue Properties and Investment Real Estate

Go to Best Buys on Holmes Beach Real Estate. This is where you can find some of the best real estate buys in the Holmes Beach area of Anna Maria Island.

When it comes to a ‘best buys in Holmes Beach homes and investment real estate’, remember... this is a subjective statement. One persons 'best buy' may not be your 'best buy'.

However, all the properties listed in the Best Deals on Real Estate in Holmes Beach section of the Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate website have positively stuck out for one reason or another, and we feel each deserves consideration by anyone looking to invest in real estate or a home in Holmes Beach.

All Holmes Beach Real Estate 'Best Buy' Listings Have Been Selected Based on the Following Criteria:

Good investment property
Property below market value
Great price for location
House has rarely come on market

The 'best buys in Holmes Beach' section of the Beaches website is updated regularly, so if you are in the market for a Holmes Beach home or investment property, please check back often.

If you prefer, you can even send them an email with the words 'holmes beach best buy’ in the subject line, and each time a Holmes Beach property gets added they will email you 24 hours prior to it being posted online.

That way you will always know about the best deals in Holmes Beach real estate a full day before the rest of the world does.

Holmes Beach Real Estate Questions Answered By The Experts at Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate

That's right. Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate have a number of resident island real estate experts on staff, and they are there to answer any questions you may have about real estate in general, the Holmes Beach real estate market place, a specific listing and even your own home or investment property.

Whether you are looking to buy, or sell, a home or revenue property on Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is here to serve you better.

Whether it be Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach or Anna Maria City, Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is there to help!

For more information about the Anna Maria Island real estate market and the types of homes and investment properties that are available, they also have a blog. Whatever your interest in the Anna Maria real estate market, you will find reading of interest on the Anna Maria Island Real Estate blog.

The Anna Maria Island Real Estate Blog is where you can stay up to date on the newest and most progressive real estate company on Anna Maria Island, 'AMI Beaches Real Estate', as well as where you can stay current on Anna Maria Island real estate news, articles and information of interest to anyone buying or selling a home, revenue or investment property in the Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach or Anna Maria City areas of Anna Maria Island.

Visit the Anna Maria Island Real Estate blog today to learn more, and be sure to visit Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate. Buying or selling, if you are interested in real estate, anywhere on Anna Maria Island... you will be glad you did!

Horseshoes

2009-06-27T15:31:00-07:00

Play Horseshoes at Anna Maria Island City Hall...

Everyone likes to play horseshoes.

That's right, and it's easy to do. If you would like to play a good, fun game of horseshoes, you can.

From 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2009, starting at 9 am every Wednesday and Saturday, you can join others in a friendly game of 'players pitch horseshoes' in the pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Call 941-708-6130 for more information.

There is always something to do on Anna Maria Island.

Oh, and ah... no redneck horseshoes allowed ;-)

Bradenton Beach Real Estate

2009-06-26T14:19:00-07:00

Homes and Revenue Properties For Sale in Bradenton Beach...

If you are interested or looking for a residential or revenue home, or investment property in Bradenton Beach, look no further than Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate.

Unlike the rest of the country, real estate on Anna Maria Island, which of course includes Bradenton Beach... whether it be a home to live in or a revenue property... are selling, and they are increasing in value.

What that means to You, is that... it's a great time to be investing in real estate on Anna Maria Island!

Best Deals on Bradenton Beach Homes, Revenue Properties and Investment Real Estate

Go to Best Buys on Bradent Beach Real Estate. This is where you can find some of the best real estate buys in the Bradenton Beach area of Anna Maria Island.

When it comes to a ‘best buys in Bradenton Beach homes and investment real estate’, remember... this is a subjective statement. One persons 'best buy' may not be your 'best buy'.

However, all the properties listed in the Best Deals on Real Estate in Bradent Beach section of the Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate website have positively stuck out for one reason or another, and we feel each deserves consideration by anyone looking to invest in real estate or a home in Bradenton Beach.

All Bradenton Real Estate 'Best Buy' Listings Have Been Selected Based on the Following Criteria:

Good investment property
Property below market value
Great price for location
House has rarely come on market

The 'best buys in Bradenton Beach' section of the Beaches website is updated regularly, so if you are in the market for a Bradenton Beach home or investment property, please check back often.

If you prefer, you can even send them an email with the words 'bradenton beach best buy’ in the subject line, and each time a Bradenton Beach property gets added they will email you 24 hours prior to it being posted online.

That way you will always know about the best deals in Bradenton Beach real estate a full day before the rest of the world does.

Bradenton Beach Real Estate Questions Answered By Experts

That's right. Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate have a number of resident island real estate experts on staff, and they are there to answer any questions you may have about real estate in general, the Bradenton Beach real estate market place, a specific listing and even your own home or investment property.

Whether you are looking to buy, or sell, a home or revenue property on Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is here to serve you better.

Whether it be Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach or Anna Maria City, Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate is there to help!

Two Bedroom Vacation Rentals

2009-06-25T13:41:00-07:00

Two Bedroom, Single Bath Vacation Rentals in Anna Maria...

Planning a trip to gorgeous Anna Maria Island and need a place to stay?

Anna Maria has all kinds of vacation rentals available for those visiting this Gulf Island Paradise in the Sun... and these particular 2-bedroom rental units are affordable, come with a swimming pool and are only 50 steps to the beach!

What more could you want?

Good for two friends to share, two couples or even a small family or small group of people.

Sharing makes a vacation rental like this more affordable than a cheap hotel... but with all the amenities of home and more!

Sand 'N' Sea Villas in Anna Maria

109-113 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria City

2 Bedroom/1 Bath Units

Only 50 Steps to Beach

Large Heated Pool

$1250-$1350 Weekly - Winter Season
$900 Weekly - Summer Season
$700 Weekly - Fall Season

The Sand "N" Sea Villa contains six (count them, six...) of the most adorable 2 Bedroom / 1 Bath vacation rental units in this price range. These two bedroom Anna Maria rentals surround a tropical style swimming pool, and are located just a few short steps to the beach on a dead-end street.

The Sand "N" Sea is close to the Sandbar Restaurant, Ginny & Jane E's, The White Egret, and the Free Island Trolley.

These affordable 2 bedroom home away from homes include amenities such as Cable TV, Dishwasher, Private Washer/Dryer, Grill, and a whole lot more.

Each one of these Anna Maria two bedroom vacation rentals sleeps 4-6 people, or up to 32 people in all 6 units.

Go to Six 2-Bedroom Vacation Villas for Rental in Anna Maria to learn more about each individual unit, view pictures and full description... and to register for one or more of these affordable places to stay while vacationing on Anna Maria Island.

Ballroom Dancing

2009-06-23T16:48:00-07:00

Ballroom Dancing
at the Anna Maria Island Community Center...

Ballroom Dancing

is good excersize, its healthy and an opportunity to get together and mingle with old friends and even make new ones.

Most of all, Ballroom Dancing is Fun!

From 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2009, Mondays 7p.m beginners/ 8p.m. intermediate, right here on Anna Maria Island, Anne Philips teaches ballroom dancing.

The fee to participate is $10 per single and $18 per couple for Community Center members and $12 per single and $20 per couple for non-members.

Anne's classes are held at the Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria.

Contact Anne Philips at 941-778-1908.

Real Estate Information

2009-06-22T14:15:00-07:00

Ask The Anna Maria Island Real Estate Expert...

If you are interested in buying or selling a home, revenue or investment property on Anna Maria Island and you have legitimate concerns or questions about the local Anna Maria Island real estate market, ask the experts at AMI Beaches Real Estate.

Ask an Anna Maria Island
Real Estate Expert

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate professionals have lived here on Anna Maria Island and worked in the local real estate trade for many years.

They know the area and they understand the Anna Maria Island real estate market.

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate has a number of resident experts in Anna Maria Island real estate on hand, each ready to give you their honest opinions and views on whatever real estate related questions you may have.

So, if you love the type of laid back lifestyle that only Anna Maria Island has to offer, and want to move here? Or perhaps you already live on Anna Maria Island (or in the area) and are interested in purchasing a new home?

Either way, if you have questions about the local real estate market... don't be shy, go ahead... ask an Anna Maria Island real estate Expert.

And remember, unlike the rest of the country, Anna Maria Island real estate is HOT, HOT, HOT!

Welcome to paradise!

Turtle Watch

2009-06-20T17:11:00-07:00

Contact Information for the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch...

This is just a reminder that from 05/01/2009 to 11/01/2009, it's Loggerhead Turtle nesting season.

If you are interested in saving the local turtle population and would like to participate in the annual Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Walk.

Contact the AMITW for more information about these fun and educational turtle nesting tours.

2213 Avenue B
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
www.islandturtles.com
e.mail: suzifox@tampabay.rr.com

The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch's Guided Turtle Nesting Tours are cool, and they totally help save the local turtle population.

Whether you are new to Anna Maria Island, or a seasoned Anna Maria Island vacationer, you haven't experienced Anna Maria Island until you have participated in at least one of the Turtle Watch's Guided Turtle Nesting Tours.