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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
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Cafe on the Beach, Anna Maria Island



Outdoor seating at Cafe on the BeachOk everyone, I have a restaurant you all have to try!  The Café on the Beach is the place to be on the weekends or any day really.  On the weekends you can enjoy the famous “All You Can Eat” pancake breakfast.  Friends of mine were there recently and said, “It isn’t just pancakes.  You actually get a full breakfast!”  During the week they offer delights such as hamburgers, hotdogs and snacks for relaxing days at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach.  This is a great location to enjoy our beaches because you have a lifeguard on duty, a playground, public All you can eat breakfast at the Public Beachrestrooms, a large public parking lot and a little beach shop for Florida souvenirs.   It is also perfect if you have little kids because you unpack the car once, and you have facilities near by to keep them happy.  As a new mom I can’t wait until my little one is big enough to enjoy the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, sugar soft sand of Manatee Beach and the all you can eat pancakes that I remember from my childhood.

Just visited Cafe on the Beach for dinner and their fish and chips were great.  Right now they have all you can eat buffet’s Monday, Wednesday’s and Friday’s for dinner.  Currently they have an Italian Buffet, Taco and Fajita bar, and all you can eat fish and chips for their three night a week buffets.  We sat out outside in November surrounded by patio heaters and Mike Sales singing to the crowd.  Mike’s singing made us all get out of our seats to dance to a few oldies but goodies.

Cafe on the Beach
4000 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-778-0784

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Advanced Surfing Information for Anna Maria City

Advanced Surfing Information for Anna Maria City

I would love for everyone to think I am a cool surfer dude and all this advanced information came from my vast knowledge of surfing.  Unfortunately, I have to give credit to a surfer web site that gives more details on the characteristics of surfing just off White avenue in Anna Maria City.   WannaSurf.com…yup, the surfing on Anna Maria is a big enough deal to get discussed on surfing websites.  The website discusses surf and wave quality, tide, swell and wind characteristics, as well as any dangers.  The web site tells you the name of the contributor as well as (4) other individuals that added information and actually surfed Anna Maria Island.  Take a look, if this website does not give you the information needed, then you will just have to come to the island to experience it yourself… Also, if you are looking to get your children involved then visit our Anna Maria Island Children surfing camp.

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Sandbar Restaurant Anna Maria City

Sandbar Restaurant Anna Maria City

For many, the Sandbar restaurant is a must visit while staying on the island.  Its charming atmosphere and unique outdoor dining options right by the surf make it a standout choice. The most sought-after time to dine at the Sandbar is just before sunset, when guests can enjoy the breathtaking views while savoring their meal.

The Sandbar Restaurant combines excellent cuisine with breathtaking views. Preferred seating is available for large groups, but if you plan to dine outdoors about an hour before sunset, be prepared for a wait of over an hour. Outdoor seating options include a few tables directly on the sand, while most are on a wooden deck under an open air cathedral tin roof. Inside, there are 3 to 4 rows of seating, with one row along the West wall offering direct Gulf Front views. The restaurant also features a full bar with a smaller seating area and somewhat limited views of the Gulf.

Sandbar Restaurant Anna Maria City Menu

At the Sandbar, you’ll find a menu highlighting fresh, local, sustainable seafood, alongside salads, hamburgers, and a variety of children’s meals like chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, pasta, and seafood dishes. Personally, I’ve enjoyed their seafood salad, stuffed flounder, salmon, and specialty salad—all of which were delicious. Their Key Lime pie and Calamari are standout favorites, though I’d recommend opting for a half portion of Calamari unless you have a larger group; the full order is quite generous and could easily serve two to three people as a meal.

One local favorite thing to do is to walk the beach to the Sandbar and grab a drink or meal.  There is nothing like working off your meal by walking the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant features an outdoor entry area, but remember to wear a shirt when entering. The walk from Peppertree or White Avenue in Anna Maria City takes about 20 minutes, while it’s approximately a 35-minute stroll from La Casa Costeria on 73rd Street.

Sandbar Restaurant:
Phone: (941) 778-0444
Hours: Open daily 11am-10pm
Website: Sandbar RestaurantAccepts Reservations? No

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Cortez Kitchen Restaurant 1/2 Mile From Anna Maria Island

Cortez Kitchen Restaurant 1/2 Mile From Anna Maria Island

Cortez Kitchen is a unique “hangout” restaurant that may not be the perfect romantic setting however the seafood is very fresh.  Outdoor picnic bench seating both covered and uncovered are in close proximity to the boat docks.  So….while eating your inexpensive “rustic” lunch or dinner you can sometimes watch boats come in and out of the docks.  I have also personally witnessed lots of fork lift activity at the docks which my 4 year old friend’s son just loves.  If you are looking for an inexpensive fresh seafood lunch or dinner and you have children that will enjoy looking at water or boats then this could be the perfect fit. The grouper is fantastic and believe or not, try the Buffalo Grouper sandwich with Blue Cheese Dressing….its a knock out!  Be sure to take a look at the picture above.  The BLUE sign is a great reference point so you don’t miss the turn off of Cortez Road.  One side note is the restaurant turns more into a bar around dusk so if you are taking your family  be sure it’s at an appropriate time.  They do offer live music usually on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.  Just a great all around “old Florida” bar setting.

One last thing.  They do sell fresh raw seafood in an adjacent building, so if you need tomorrow’s seafood, kill two birds with one stone, or fish that is….

Cortez Kitchen
4528 119th Street W, Cortez, FL, 34210
(941) 798-9404

Need another rustic restaurant?  Starfish Company is just to the West a few blocks and also offers fresh seafood choices that can be cooked up at your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental.

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Beach Volleyball on Anna Maria Island

Beach Volleyball on Anna Maria Island

Some fun organized activities for your vacation include beach volleyball. While relaxing on the coastline of Anna Maria Island, beach games are a must.

Beach Volleyball Anna Maria Island

If you can assemble a team from your own friends and family, we suggest visiting Manatee public beach. Find it at the end of Manatee Avenue or route 64 in Holmes Beach.  The Manatee public beach normally has (2) volleyball courts up at all times. You can also find a great place to play Volleyball at the Coquina Public Beach Access. Find this beach at the very southern end of Anna Maria Island.

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Anna Maria Island Manatee Public Beach

Anna Maria Island Manatee Public Beach

Located in Holmes Beach, it allows for easy access since it is at the end of Manatee Avenue/SR64. This is one of three access points to the island.

The Public Beach boasts a very large FREE parking area that handles 120 parking spots however there are plenty of times that the parking is not adequate for the demand. Manatee Avenue does have additional street parking, however, be sure to mind no parking signs. There is a trolley stop at the public beach too!

Manatee Public Beach offers great amenities.  Lifeguards, showers, volleyball courts, small slides, gift shop, bathrooms, concessions, and covered eating area with picnic tables make this a great beach spot.  It’s a great place to spend an afternoon people watching, or just relaxing at the beach with family.

The public beach is officially 900 feet in width although it’s difficult for even locals to see where the park really ends since the entire island has public beaches. Within a walk to the beach is a popular restaurant called Skinny’s that serves alcoholic drinks and concessions.  Bring plenty of water and some snacks for children as the heat can quickly take its toll on active children.  For more information call Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department at (941) 742-5923.

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Anna Maria Quick Telephone References for Property Owners

Anna Maria Quick Telephone References for Property Owners

This is a list of quick references for Island Real Estate owners in Manatee county, Florida, which includes but is not limited to, Anna Maria Island, North Longboat Key, and Bradenton.

Who to call if you see…

illegal dumping… (941) 792-8811 #4969
blockages in County maintained ditches and streams … (941) 708-7522
debris in minor roadside ditches …(941) 708-7497
Water main break …(941) 792-8811 #5268 or # 5216
sewer drainage or back up problem (941) 795-3411
building without permit … (941) 749-3047 Continue reading “Anna Maria Quick Telephone References for Property Owners”

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Baseball Softball Field Anna Maria Island

Baseball Softball Field Anna Maria Island

Enjoy the baseball softball field Anna Maria Island style. Get a baseball game going at Birdie Tebbetts Field in Holmes Beach on beautiful Anna Maria Island!

Baseball Softball Field Anna Maria Island

The baseball diamond is open to the public so anyone can hit the ball around.  It’s always a good idea to stay flexible. Have an alternative plan in the case that the field is already in use.

Just South of the diamond, there’s a large open space. Play baseball or softball here too. There is a trolley stop very close to the baseball diamond. It’s located in front of the skate park, so you don’t have to drive or worry about a place to park.

Anna Maria Island boasts several large open areas and the public space in Holmes Beach is no exception. Just east of Marina Drive between 59th Street and 62nd Street there is a very large open space. This is also very close to the Island Real Estate Marina Drive location.  In this area you will find the only public baseball or softball diamond on Anna Maria Island.

In summary, enjoy a ball game in Holmes Beach at 5901 Marina Drive!

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Anna Maria Island Surfing

Anna Maria Island Surfing

Anna Maria Island surfing and wake boarding are popular pass time for locals and visitors alike.

Anna Maria Island Surfing Spots

Locals know the best surfing is off of the White Avenue beach access in the city of Anna Maria. The floor of the Gulf of Mexico offers very favorable surfing conditions.  The surf isn’t world class, but on rough days all levels of surfers can be found on the beach. White Avenue becomes a hub of activity for Anna Maria. White Avenue does have some public parking. Find spots about 4-6 minutes walking distance from the access.

Additionally you can find great surfing in Bradenton Beach. Head to the area known as three piers just north of Coquina beach. Here you’ll find a few surfing quality waves.

Additionally, If your timing is really good you may get lucky enough to take part in a children’s surfing class.  I have attached pictures of a surfing class that took part on White Avenue’s beach after about 2 straight days of above average surf in late July.  Of course wake boarding can be good fun for all ages regardless of how high the surf is.

If you are an experienced surfer this link should help a bit more….

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