Larry - Island Real Estate Blog

October 29, 2014November 20, 2020

Anna Maria, The Community Fig Newtons Built

Anna Maria – As you wander down the beach, watching the waves dance to a brief kiss on the sand, imagine the fierce spirit it took to develop this tropical paradise from then to now. It helps to eat a Fig Newton while you are pondering, because….

In 1891 a Philadelphia baker, Charles Roser invented and then patented the machine which inserted fig paste into a thick pastry dough. Kennedy Biscuit Company purchased the Roser recipe and started mass production in 1891. The product was named Newton after the small town of Newton, Massachusetts. When Kennedy merged with the New York Biscuit Company to form NABISCO, they trademarked Fig Newtons.

Around that same time, George Emerson Bean had homesteaded the northern 160 acres of Anna Maria Island in 1892.

With his financial windfall from the sale of his recipe and patent on the machine to make Fig Newtons, Charles and his wife moved to St. Petersburg, where he started a real estate development company. Charles had a sharp business mind and realized the opportunities that this little oasis provided. He partnered with Beans’ son, George Wilhelm Bean, after he inherited his fathers homestead in 1898 and the Anna Maria Beach Company was born.

They laid out the street maps, built sidewalks and a water system and began selling lots. At this time the only access to the island was by boat, so Roser built a 678 foot long pier to accommodate the ferries that would bring residents and day trippers to the Anna Maria Beach Company. Next he built the Roser Memorial Church in homage to his beloved mother. It was the first church on the island and has continued to grow and flourish over the 101 years it has been in existence! Roser also had a real estate business office built right at the end of Pine Avenue to catch the eye of everyone stepping off the pier to enjoy the island. It was a dream to own a piece of this paradise back then and it still is. For more interesting information on Anna Maria Island, check out the AMI Historical Society.

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

October 6, 2014December 11, 2020

New Street Lights, Turtles – Anna Maria Island Turtles Are a Little Safer

Anna Maria Island – New Street Lights Turtles on Anna Maria Island.

New Street Lights Turtles

Locals are happy! Sea turtles on Anna Maria Island are important to locals. We are serious about protecting our hard-shelled friends on their journey to the Gulf. In fact, they are getting a very promising present from Florida Power and Light, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Transportation. These companies have put together an idea to protect and help these sea turtles get safely to the water with a plan to install turtle-friendly street lights along the coastal roadways. You can learn all about this at the Islanders website.

In addition to the efforts made by these organizations, visitors and locals can help sea turtles too! During nesting season, May-October, be sure to keep exterior lights off. Alternatively, if you live near the beach, you can install turtle friendly lights.

Larry

October 6, 2014January 22, 2021

Everybody Loves an Anna Maria Island Parade

Anna Maria Island – A small town Anna Maria Island parade is just what is needed to bring together the locals and vacationers. When you forget your cares for a few hours, and become friends with anyone who sits next to you. You strike up a conversation about the pristine Anna Maria Island beaches, or even about the vacation rental they are staying in for their beach holiday while you wait for the first sounds of fanfare to hit your ears.

There is a simple thrill you get when you see the colorful floats, hear the music, to grab as many beads/candy as possible and also seeing the joy of children’s faces when someone in the parade looks their way before tossing something just for them! Even seeing someone on one of the floats you recognize will make you stand up and cheer. If you are a local or frequent visitor to Anna Maria Island you will see many businesses you know or have used in these parades. Maybe even one year you yourself will be on one of the floats handing out joy!

It seems Anna Maria Island has a parade for just about everything. Here is a list of some of the bigger parades you will see for different times throughout the year:

Christmas Parade – usually the 2^nd week of December
Lighted Boat Christmas Parade – also usually the 2^nd week of December
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – usually the Sunday right before or after March 17^th
July 4^th Parade – always on July 4^th no matter what day of the week that is.

The parade route usually runs north from Coquina Beach on south Anna Maria Island, to the Anna Maria City Pier at the end of Pine Avenue using Marina Drive. Depending on how many floats participate will make the difference of where the parade starts. Island Real Estate always makes sure we have a presence, and everyone on the float is someone who works in the office and/or their families. We love the chance to get out in the community, and bring our beach guests a little extra happiness during their Anna Maria vacation.

Next time you plan your beach vacation on Anna Maria Island with Island Real Estate make sure to ask your Reservationist if there may be a parade during your stay! If there is make sure to set that day aside to come join in the festivities on Anna Maria Island. Look forward to seeing you soon with your lawn chair next to mine, and I may even share the goodies I collect.

Larry

September 11, 2014December 11, 2020

The Galleries of Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – Anna Maria Island is not only a place to take in the natural beauty, but the man made beauty as well. No need to go to a big city to view many different local artists. A few names you may have even heard of such as Emerson, Sue Lynn Cotton or Barbara Hines. You can either go to one of many local galleries, or gift shops on the island to find local work. Some of our local artists can even be found in many of our vacation rentals. Take a stroll through one of the galleries, and see if you recognize anything.

Here are the local galleries for you all to enjoy. Please click on the names below which will take you to their web site for phone numbers, hours and what collections are available for viewing throughout the year:

Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island – 5414 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Anna Maria Island Art League – 5312 Holmes Boulevard Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Anna Maria Island Historical Society – 402 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

Island Gallery West – 5368 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Studio at Gulf and Pine – Corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

Artspace Anna Maria – 101 South Bay Boulevard Anna Maria, FL 34216

Emerson Studio Store – 317 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

Some of these galleries will allow traveling artists to display/sell some of their pieces as well. If you have some great pieces, and will be on the island for a while, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Sometimes you just need to slow the pace, enjoy life around you, and even experience it through someone else’s eyes. This is not hard to do when visiting the many fabulous galleries around Anna Maria Island.

Larry

August 4, 2014November 20, 2020

Apply Sunscreen at Least 20 Minutes Early!

Anna Maria Island – Yes you heard us, don’t apply sunscreen right as you’re getting out on to the beach, but at least 20 minutes before you plan to soak up some sun. The reason for doing this is quite simple, you want the sunscreen to absorb into your skin rather than just sitting on top of your skin. This will ensure that you’re actually protected against the suns harmful UV rays. This is especially necessary if you’re planning on grabbing a tube and going into the water at the beach, or the pool at home. If you don’t plan on going into the water you’re not out of the clear. Florida is, of course, very hot and humid, which may, and probably will, cause some sweating which does not mix well with freshly put on sunscreen. If you don’t let your sunscreen set into your skin and you go into the water, don’t be surprised if you get sun burnt and turn into a lobster.

Larry

July 31, 2014January 25, 2022

Beach Combing Anna Maria Island

Shells found during recent renourishment

Anna Maria Island – A wide variety of seashells, and beach combing goodies can be found along Anna Maria Island beaches. The best beach combing is during low tide, after a storm or strong high tides. A special delight for the hobby beachcomber is a renourishment of the island beaches when the sand is getting pumped onto shore to rebuild the eroded coastline. This year’s project was no exception. Just remember living shells are better to be placed back in the water. There are state laws in place to protect the live organism and the harvest of the Bahama Starfish and just the possession of a live Queen Conch is prohibited altogether.

To identify your treasures visit this website of the Bailey-Matthew Shell Museum and you will find a detailed description of all Southwestern Florida shells.

A common misconception is the sand dollar. It is a living animal that is related to sea urchins. Check out this fascinating video about a moving sand dollar and you will realize they are indeed living creatures.

If you are planning your next island vacation consider staying at this Gulf front cottage on the North end of the island and be the first on the beach to start collecting your free souvenirs or practice this little tongue twister “she sells seashells at the seashore” in the meantime.

Larry

July 30, 2014November 20, 2020

Breakfast on Anna Maria Island – The Donut Experiment

The Donut Experiment is an amazing spot for donuts and coffee! When choosing breakfast on Anna Maria Island there is definitely no shortage of options. But there is only one place where gourmet donuts are baked fresh daily and topped with your choice of crushed M&M’s, Fruity Pebbles, Oreos and so much more.

The Donut Experiment

Located at 210 Pine Avenue, The Donuts Experiment is a staple of the breakfast community coming out with new and more creative recipes every day.

AMI Donuts is the brain child of Shawn and Cecilia Wompola. Shawn formerly a police officer and Cecilia, a retail buyer for QVC, vacationed to Anna Maria. They dreamed of one day making it their home. Their only complaint while vacationing here was the lack of good doughnuts on the island. What could be more obvious? Now, a year and a half later, you can stroll down Pine Avenue and be lured by that tantalizing smell of fresh, tasty doughnuts. The Wompolas will welcome you in the door of Anna Maria Doughnuts with a big smile and such a creative array of sumptuous treats like the Golden Grahams S’more donut or the all new the sriracha donut.

So next time you find yourself in need of a delicious pick me up, stop in and try some of the one of a kind recipes like Key Lime or the Cinnamon Sugar (personal favorites of Shawn and Celia) or the Maple Bacon (my

favorite) I can assure you won’t be disappointed.

Larry

July 22, 2014July 22, 2020

The Spectacular Desoto Parade

Bradenton – One of the largest parades in the South that attracts over 200,000 people every year, is Bradenton’s famous Desoto Parade. To give a little background, In the early 1500’s, Conquistador, Hernando De Soto, and his army of soldiers walked the grounds of Bradenton, making local and national history. In the first few months of every year over 150 beautifully lighted and decorated floats are driven through the streets of the city. If you’re staying with us during this time, it is a highly suggested event to take part in with the entire family. Definitely come out to enjoy some tailgating, music, candy, beads, and various merchant carts on this exciting evening.

However, IMPORTANT to note, if you do plan on coming I highly suggest getting there at least an hour early to set up some chairs and get situated (This event gets EXTREMELY crowded and busy, so make sure to keep an eye on your children). This is a very fun parade, which is patrolled the entire time with an abundance of police officers and deputies to keep everyone safe, so don’t hesitate on bringing you’re entire family/friends to this entertaining time.

For more info head to the Desoto Parade website! And keep an eye on our Event Calendar for more information!

Larry

July 15, 2014November 20, 2020

Bradenton Marauders Baseball, a Taste of the Big Leagues.

Bradenton – The Bradenton Marauders are an outstanding affiliate baseball team of the Pittsburgh Pirates, they are also one of the only two minor league affiliates owned and operated by a major league club. If you talk to the locals, you’ll know how big of a deal this team is to Bradenton.

The Marauders might as well be classified as a major league team in this area because with the press and turn outs they get at their games, its quite impressive. Over the years and new players, the team has only gotten better and better making their baseball games a fun way to spend the afternoon or evening. Plus the Marauders are always hosting fun events! You even get to interact with the players, which is pretty cool if you ask me. While you’re here definitely take the family to one of their games just in town and have fun at the McKechnie Field.

Have some drinks and food, and just enjoying the all American sport of baseball. Click HERE for the Marauders Team Schedule.

Larry