Larry - Island Real Estate Blog

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023

Altitude trampoline park is the perfect “day” get-a-way from Anna Maria Island

Altitude is a Trampoline Park just off Anna Maria Island in mainland Bradenton, Florida. It is a short 20-25 minute drive along Cortez. It is a large facility that is perfect for young and old children.

The park has more trampoline’s than one could imagine. Lots of trampoline games, like slamming basketballs, jumping and hitting buttons, jumping into a large air bag, old school dodge ball with trampolines, and even an interactive electronic trampoline area.

They have a small concession area along with tables for parents to sit at. They will provide special socks the trampoline goers will wear. Parents, put on your gym clothes and get a great work out!

Altitude Trampoline park is located at

Cortez Road West Bradenton, Florida 34207

For information on rates and open hours visit the Altitude Trampoline Park website.

For other great day trips off Anna Maria Island be sure to visit our day trip information page for more ideas.

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

September 15, 2023August 23, 2024

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? There is another movie theater within 20-25 minute drive to Anna Maria Island. The AMC 20. More selection but just a little further of a drive then compared to the Oakmont.

Larry

September 5, 2023March 12, 2024

Attending the 2024 Florida Extreme Cup

The Florida Extreme Cup is a premier youth soccer tournament held in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The tournament is open to teams from U9 to U19, and it attracts over 100 teams from around the country. The tournament is played at the Premier Sports Campus, which is a world-class facility with 23 fields.

In addition to great soccer, the Florida Extreme Cup also offers a variety of other activities for players and families. There is a vendor village with food, drinks, and merchandise, as well as a skills challenge and a free kick competition. The tournament also hosts a coaches clinic and a player combine.

If you’re looking for accommodations during the tournament, look no further than Island Real Estate Vacations! We offer a wide variety of properties to choose from, including condos, villas, and beach houses. All of their properties are fully furnished and equipped, with a variety of amenities, such as pools, hot tubs, and balconies.

To book with us, simply visit our website or call the office. They will be happy to help you find the perfect property for your needs.

If you need to practice some soccer before the big match and staying on Anna Maria Island then the GT Bray park in Bradenton may be a good fit or the public park in Holmes Beach.

Larry

August 8, 2023March 12, 2024

Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop on Anna Maria Island

Holy Cow Ice Cream shop fits the bill on several different levels. The shop is located in Holmes Beach on East Bay Drive and surrounded by lots of various shop. The largest of which is Ace Hardware. The reason we say Holy Cow has it all is because it is a gift shop and ice cream shop all in one.

Let’s start with the most important part, ICE CREAM. They offer hard scoop ice cream as well as soft serve. Lots of variations of dessert. Milkshakes, cones, candy, lots of choices.

If you want to walk off a little of that dessert be sure to walk around the shop. They have small gifts, candy, trinkets, lots of choices. While you are at it, check out some of the nearby shops.

Holy Cow can be found in the East Bay drive shopping market located just off State Route 64.

If you are looking for some Vacation Rentals within a walk away. Check out Palm Isle Village. Here is one of several Palm Isle Village vacation rentals as well as Casa Sierra.

Larry

August 2, 2023March 12, 2024

Major PGA at Concessions Golf Club

In December, the Lakewood Ranch area will be graced by some of professional golf’s all-time stars, namely Ernie Els, Darren Clarke, and Jim Furyk, as they participate in the new World Champions Cup, the PGA at Concessions Golf Club.

The competition will revolve around three teams: Team USA, Team Europe, and Team International. This exciting event is set to take place over three days, specifically on December 7th, 9th, and 10th. Each day will feature eight matches, with all nine holes showcasing team formats and singles.

Points will be awarded for every hole won, not just for the overall matches. This means there will be no “close outs” where the match ends prematurely due to one player leading by more than the remaining holes. Every hole will be crucial, irrespective of a team or player’s position on the scoreboard.

The three legendary golfers, Els, Clarke, and Furyk, will serve as captains for Team International, Team Europe, and Team USA, respectively. Furthermore, all three captains will also participate as players. Each team will be complemented by five other skilled players.

For golf enthusiasts and viewers, the event will be televised on both ESPN and ABC, ensuring a broad audience can witness the thrilling matches and cheer on their favorite teams and players.

If you’d like to learn more, visit their website here WorldChampionsCup.com

Looking for accommodations during the event? Island Real Estate Vacations has you covered. Check out our rental inventory where you can find lovely homes, condo units, and great resorts. Or give us a call!

Larry

July 21, 2023March 11, 2024

Columbia Restaurant on St. Armand’s Circle, Sarasota

The Columbia restaurant is mainstay in Sarasota as well as Tampa. If you are looking for fine dining with some shopping before or after, the Columbia on St. Armand’s circle is a great choice. They serve elegant dinners and lunches all year around. Located on St. Armand’s circle the restaurant makes for a great day trip from Anna Maria Island. Grab a lunch at the Columbia, walk around and go Shopping on St. Armand’s circle and pick up an ice cream as a mid afternoon snack. Be sure to try their fantastic cuban bread along with their fantastic salad.

The Columbia restaurant originally started in the Tampa area and you can find the Columbia in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and several other Florida locations. As soon as you walk up to the restaurant you feel a positive vibe. There is limited seating outside of about 25-30 seats with at least 100 inside. The elegant restaurant has a large interior bar and the exterior is made to feel like an extension of the interior.’ Continue reading “Columbia Restaurant on St. Armand’s Circle, Sarasota”

Larry

July 5, 2023June 4, 2024

Hurricane Season Information

“Hurricane Season” is from June 1st until November 1st, with the statistics showing that the months of September and October are when hurricanes are most active. Per NOAA, 2023 is looking to be uneventful as compared to previous years. However, anyone who visits our beautiful island during Hurricane Season should always check the weather leading up to their vacation and during their stay if concerned. Travel Insurance is also available in the case of a mandatory evacuation that interrupts 50% or more of your stay. Our team also provides updates on our website for any Hurricane nearing Anna Maria Island. Other than being hurricane season there are perks to traveling to Anna Maria Island this time of year:

Lowest vacation rental prices of the entire year – Search Rentals
Lowest crowds on beaches and in shops/restaurants
Lowest amount of traffic coming and going

Luckily, Anna Maria Island has been spared for the most part from a direct hit by any major hurricane, with the most recent scares being IRMA and IAN. Many say that this is because the Tampa Bay currents “kick” hurricanes to the North or South of our area. Also the warm water, that feed storms, is more shallow off the coast of Anna Maria Island than the surrounding areas.

Larry

April 15, 2023March 12, 2024

Oma’s Restaurant Bradenton Beach – Pizza and Italian Classics

Oma’s restaurant Bradenton Beach is run by the Mannino family, and has been on Anna Maria Island since 1982. The owners origin is from Sicily so you may find the tomato sauce a little sweet. They serve beer and wine as well as normal beverages. Their claim to fame is pizza and Italian so give it a try if you have the time. Patience is the key at Oma’s as the meals and service can take a bit longer than usual.

They serve the normal Italian meals; ziti, chicken parmesan, spaghetti, meatballs, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. In the past few years their prices have become average for the island. However a pizza can be very economical for a larger family. If you are in the mood for Pizza and Italian this is one of the better choices on Anna Maria Island. See their web site below where they offer their menu without prices.

Additionally, Oma’s does deliver on the island. This is great for a lazy lunch or dinner in your Anna Maria Island beach rental.

If you decide to dine in, there is also a lovely patio area. You can almost make out a sunset from the patio, and definitely enjoy gulf breezes. Oma’s has many booth seats indoors for a comfortable and relaxing spot to eat.

Want another great choice for pizza? Try The Feast! Better yet, check out our Pizza and Italian information page that provides a list of Anna Maria Island Pizza choices.

Oma Pizza and Italian Restaurant
201 Gulf Drive North
Bradenton Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-0771
(941) 778-0772

Larry

March 19, 2023July 30, 2024

Local Easter Events & Church Services

If your vacation overlaps Easter Sunday this year, or this is your first Easter being an Anna Maria Island resident, no worries! There are plenty of local Easter events on and off the island to get yourself and the kiddos out of the house and in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s a church service, or some Easter Bunny fun, there is something to do for everyone.

Easter Egg Hunts:

A classic Easter tradition, and certainly the kids favorite, is of course the Easter egg hunt! Luckily one of the best local egg hunts for children 10 and under takes place right here on Anna Maria Island the Saturday before Easter, thanks to the Sandbar Restaurant. The Annual Sandbar Egg Hunt is a favorite for everyone involved and is probably the most well-known activity taking place on the island for Easter year after year. After the egg hunt fun, there is typically a parade right after lead by the Easter Bunny himself down Pine Avenue.
Where: Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
When: The Saturday before Easter Sunday
Time: Event typically begins at 9am
Who: Children 10 and under

Easter Events – Worship Services:

Anna Maria Island offers a multitude of Easter services for you to choose from, Including a Easter Sunday sunrise service on the beach! Visit our Anna Maria Island Church information page for more information on any specific churches below.

Kiwanis Club’s 49th Annual Sunset Service on the Beach:
Come worship on the beach Easter Sunday.
Where: Manatee County Public Beach.
When: Easter Sunday
Time: Typically 6:30am

CrossPointe Fellowship (Baptist Church)
CrossPointe offers a service on Good Friday, and a Easter Sunday service.
Where: 8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
When: Good Friday AND Easter Sunday
Time: 7pm Friday / 10:30am Sunday

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation
The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation offers a service on Maundy Thursday which includes foot washing, stripping of the altar and the vigil in the garden. They also have services on Good Friday, and three Easter Sunday.
Where: 4408 Gulf Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
When: Thursday, Friday, AND Sunday
Time: 7pm Thursday / noon Friday / 7:30am, 9am, AND 11am Sunday

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church offers services Maundy Thursday, two on Good Friday, and two Easter Sunday including a fellowship brunch in between.
Where: 6608 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
When: Thursday, Friday, AND Sunday
Time: 7pm Thursday / noon AND 7pm Friday / 8am service, 9am brunch, 10:30am service

Harvey Memorial Community Church
Harvey Memorial Community Church will be holding their regular Easter Sunday service.
Where: 300 Church St N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
When: Sunday only
Time: 9:30am

Roser Memorial Community Church
Roser Memorial Community Church offers services the Thursday before Easter in celebration of the Last Supper, Good Friday, and two services Easter Sunday.
Where: 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
When: Thursday, Friday, AND Sunday
Time: 7pm Thursday / noon Friday / 9am and 11am Sunday

St. Bernard’s Catholic Church
St. Bernard’s Catholic Church will be holding a mass on Palm Sunday, Holy Week mass the following Wednesday, Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper Thursday. There will be no morning Mass on Good Friday, but there will be a Blessing of Easter Baskets at 10 a.m. and an Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. On Easter Sunday, there will be Masses at 8am and two masses at 10am, one Mass in the church and one in the Parish Hall. Kids will be able to hunt for Easter eggs after the 10am Masses.
Where: 248 S Harbor Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
When: Palm Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, AND Sunday
Time: Usually 8am and 10am Palm Sunday / 8:30am Wednesday / 7pm Thursday / 9:45pm Friday / 8am and 10am Sunday

No matter where you are, near or far, have a wonderful Easter from everyone at Island Real Estate

Larry