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Carol Bernard

Learn More about Carol Bernard, Sales Support Expert at Island Real Estate in our Marina Drive office.  Carol has been with the company since 1994 and has worked in early every department across our company - from rentals & reservations to sales support & more! During her off hours, you’ll find her nose buried in a stack of reading, likely with one of her three cats curled up on her lap. She's an avid local sports fan, often donning Buccaneer, Tampa Bay Rays, or Lightning gear when out of the office.
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Fresh Coconut Delivery On Anna Maria Island: AMICOCONUTS

Fresh Coconut Delivery On Anna Maria Island: AMICOCONUTS

Fresh Coconut Delivery Near You

Looking to elevate your next gathering with a taste of the tropics? Look no further than AMICOCONUTS! They craft refreshing, all-natural coconut drinks bursting with flavor, delivered straight to your doorstep in under an hour.

AMICOCONUTS is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to delivering the ultimate tropical drink experience right to you and your family.

Why Choose AMICOCONUTS?

  • Freshness Delivered: They use only the finest coconuts to create their delicious beverages. Unlike sugary store-bought drinks, AMICOCONUTS are packed with nature’s electrolytes and perfect for healthy hydration.
  • Convenience at Your Doorstep: No need to lug heavy coconuts or wait in line. Order online and enjoy the taste of paradise delivered directly to your home, beach, or resort.
  • Unforgettable Experiences: They are passionate about creating lasting memories. AMICOCONUTS are the perfect addition to any pool party, backyard BBQ, or summer celebration.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: AMICOCONUTS are confident you’ll love their coconut drinks. But if you’re not completely satisfied, they’ll offer a full refund – no questions asked.

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AMI Creamery and Bakery

AMI Creamery and Bakery

“Calories eaten on vacation don’t count”! Or at least they shouldn’t, especially with a place like AMI Creamery and Bakery as an option on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria City.

AMI Creamery and Bakery makes their gelato onsite using fresh fruits, local dairy and juices to create unique Florida inspired flavors. Fun fact; the gelato here is served a tad warmer than traditional ice cream which gives it a silky and smooth texture. By also using less cream the gelato is lighter and has less fat plus a more intense flavor. Don’t take my word for it – go try free tastes for yourself! Multiple scoops are encouraged! Try their unique nacho sundae for a fun dessert perfect for sharing (or not!). Both the Sandbar Restaurant and The Porch are close by and have yummy dessert menus, yet a stroll to AMI Creamery and Bakery after dinner may hit the spot.

Exclusive to Anna Maria Island, AMI Creamery and Bakery serves William Dean candies and truffles. YES, these are the same beautifully made treats featured in the Hunger Game Trilogy. Macarons and 36 flavors of candies/truffles are waiting for you to enjoy. Special gift packaging is available if you want to take some home.

And the pastries! We can’t forget to mention the delicious pastries AMI Creamery and Bakery offers daily. The options rotate so you may get to try a few different treats depending on how many times you stop in.

Vacation Rentals close to AMI Creamery and Bakery

Anna Maria Cottage, a quaint and cozy 3 bedroom 3 bath vacation rental close to the only a few homes to the beach!

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Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop – An Adorable Store in Holmes Beach

Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop – An Adorable Store in Holmes Beach

If you have been visiting Anna Maria Island for awhile now, then you are probably familiar with the Sand Dollar Gift Shop in Holmes Beach. The store has been there for decades and has continued to sell jewelry, clothes, home accents, and more. It is personally one of my favorite Island stores. However, recently the Sand Dollar was taken over by new owners. Well, maybe not “new”. It is actually now owned by the family that originally started the Sand Dollar back in 1960. Which is why it has been re-named to the “Original Sand Dollar”. Another great aspect to this store is that it is affordable and won’t break the bank! Seriously, they sell some of the cutest items and it is all reasonably priced (especially for the Island). 

The Sand Dollar Gift Shop isn’t just for tourists gathering souvenirs to bring home, its a lifestyle shop that we all love! Jewelry, kitchen goods, clothes and vintage artwork are always rotating so you never know what you’ll find! 

The Original Sand Dollar is across the street from Hurricane Hank’s on the end of the  Island Shopping Center. Stop by and find out why locals and tourists love this shop so much.  You can find their FaceBook page here. 

Be sure to check out our summary list of places to shop on Anna Maria Island.  It is chalked full of choices.

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Top FIVE Buyer Trends Post-Pandemic

Top FIVE Buyer Trends Post-Pandemic

The Real Estate Industry has not been immune to the turbulence we have all been experiencing over the past two years. One area that stands out: Buyer amenity searches. These are a direct result of lifestyle changes across the board, even here on Anna Maria Island.

Here are the Top 5 New Trends Buyers are looking for in our area:

1. A “Zoom Room” aka office space. More Americans are working from home or a hybrid version, so an extra room has become essential. A small corner for a laptop isn’t enough, a full room that allows a quiet backdrop area where Zoom meetings appear more professional than a family kitchen.

2. Home-cation Amenities. Spending more time at home means creating a space that combines cozy and luxury. “Pool” was the #1 Zillow search item in 2020. Think poolside lounge areas and outdoor green space for family games. Plus, buyers want to create a relaxing interior space, upgrading to a spa like bathtub or a rain shower.

3. Intergenerational Living: About one in six Americans currently have multigenerational households. In 2020, the share of young people moving back home reached an all time high. Duplexes are especially attractive to these families where everyone can be together under one roof yet have some individual space.

4. Gourmet Kitchens: With stay-at-home orders, many people brushed up on their culinary skills which has spawned a desire for gourmet kitchens. Need counterspace to mix that sourdough starter!

5. Smart and Safe Tech: With a desire to lessen the number of germs in the home, buyers are increasingly looking for items such as touchless appliances and faucets, self cleaning toilets and more.

Our full time professional sales agents here at Island Real Estate keep up on market changes like these. Give us a call toll free 877-778-6066 to discuss how your home can stand out for potential buyers.

Touchless appliances
Zoom Room
Multi generational family
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Market Update: Property Taxes.

Market Update: Property Taxes.

Tis the season, Property Tax Season that is! I wanted to provide a little information on Anna Maria Island property taxes for this newsletter.  Let’s discuss the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice that is normally sent out Mid-August each year.  It is critical within a few days that you check your TRIM statement, as the deadline for appealing your property tax assessment is 25 days from the date of the notice.  For those that do not receive the TRIM notice real time I suggest you make arrangements to receive the TRIM notice electronically or late August sign in to ManateePAO.com to review your TRIM notice.  Over the years I have appealed my property assessment twice and have found compromise with the County both times.  Once using and attorney and once on my own.

Using an attorney to help is not inexpensive, the service can run $3,500 and up.  In most cases an attorney is utilized when a comprehensive market price analysis of similar properties is complicated, the building is newly erected AND the potential property tax savings exceeds the attorney fees.  In my case there were less than a handful of similar properties on Anna Maria Island and the market value of the property is a combination of income generation and real property value.  The attorney helped the most with the process of how to appeal however I would not suggest using an attorney if you want to save your own time on the appeal.  I found I did a great deal of the heavy lifting as it related to the analysis of comparing similar properties and making a case why the market value of my property was excessive. 

My second appeal was much less complicated so I handled the appeal on my own.  I would hazard a guess most Anna Maria Island owners can handle an appeal on their own if needed.  Reminder, your property taxes are calculated by taking millage rates multiplied by your Assessed value.  Millage rates are determined by local governments and are passed via public budget meetings you can attend.  The below process is to determine if your assessed value has been improperly estimated and should not be confused with the total proposed property tax increase.  Assessed value and property tax are apples and oranges.  Here is my suggested process for determining if an appeal is even worth your time: 

1. Compare your assessed value last year to this year as a percent increase.

2. Is your Anna Maria Island property Homestead? 

YES, then the assessed value increase is CAPPED by the 1995 Save Our Homes act.  Skip to #3

NO, ok likely you are seasonally renting your property so Homestead is not available.  Skip to #4

3. Congratulations, your assessed value is normally CAPPED around 3%.  The CAP DOES change from year to year based on the Consumer Price Index.   Is your year to year change more than the CAP?

If the answer is YES, Skip to #5. If the answer is NO, Skip to #6. 

4. Ok, your Anna Maria Island property is not homestead.  The challenge now at hand is to determine what the average increase is for most other Anna Maria Island similar properties.  You can do that by calling me, talking with a few friendly neighbors, or staying in tune with market appreciation on the island by reviewing our newsletters.  The most important part of this analysis is to ask if your assessed value percent increase from last year is within reason? 

If the answer is YES, skip to #6.    If the answer is NO then move to #5.

5. Ask yourself in the last 18 months or so, have you performed renovations to your property that required a permit?  For example, adding a pool, adding square footage under AC?  Permits add value and hence your assessed value may increase more than the CAP or more than your neighbors increased year over year assessment.  Renovations made?  Considering the cost of the added PERMIT value does your assessed value increase now make sense? 

If the answer is YES, Skip to #6. If the answer is NO, move to #7.

6. Move on to more productive matters like going to the beach.  Filing for an appeal this year will likely not be a productive exercise.

7. So after all your analysis your TRIM notice still seems to high.  Call (941) 748-8208 and with your percent increase of assessed value at hand ask for details on why the increase is so high this year.

I hope this information is of help.  Here is the TRIM supplement offered by the County. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to call me or your Anna Maria Island Sales professional.  We can help! 

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Wind Mitigation Inspection: What Is It & Do You Need One?

Wind Mitigation Inspection: What Is It & Do You Need One?

A Wind mitigation inspection (also called a windstorm mitigation inspection) is when a certified inspector looks over a property for specific weather withstanding features. These features can be anything from door/window coverings to the way your roof is attached to your home and how your roof is sealed to prevent water from entering. Though a wind mitigation inspection is not required to get homeowners insurance in Florida, it can result in substantial savings on your annual premium.

This inspection can affirm whether your home has features that drastically decrease the severity of property loss from hurricane wind. All the windstorm-withstanding features the inspector looks for may seem like minor details, but they make a world of difference when a windstorm or hurricane strikes. The appropriate wind mitigation features can be the difference between your home weathering the storm and a total rebuild.

Along our Anna Maria Island coast, savings can range from a few hundred to well over $1,000. Keep in mind that the average cost for a wind mitigation inspection is about $100. Though that may seem like an investment, the inspections are typically valid for five years.

After the wind inspection is complete, the inspector will offer suggestions that could improve the sustainability of your property. You can then make changes to your property or simply submit your wind mitigation report to your insurance agent. If you think you’ve had one done, you can look over your current policy and see if you received any sort of windstorm credits. If so, you can ask for a copy of the inspection from your current carrier.
You’ll likely receive the most savings if you take the inspector’s suggestions, which will also add to the value of your home and is never a bad thing! If you do decide to make structural changes to your home, make sure you work with a licensed engineer and contractor.
Keep in mind that the wind mitigation inspection has to be current. If it’s older than five years old, it’s time for a new one!

Here is a great review of wind mitigation inspections and why they are important.

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Our Favorite Island Restaurants (Top 13)

Our Favorite Island Restaurants (Top 13)

There is no shortage of great restaurants on Anna Maria Island. And it seems each year a new establishment opens up that offers even more yummy food options for us locals and visitors to enjoy. So picking our top restaurants was quite a challenge. Check out our favorite Island restaurants, and let us know how our list compares to yours! 

Beach Bistro

For a fine dining experience, Beach Bistro is the place to go. It is the only fine dining restaurant on the entire Island and is open for dinner. The restaurant has a romantic setting and sits right on the beach. Highly recommend for a date night. Just be mindful that meals here are pricier than other Island restaurants, but well worth it.

The Waterfront

Located on the North  end of AMI, The Waterfront is a popular restaurant that is open for lunch & dinner. This restaurant has a great outdoor patio seating area, as well as a lovely inside dining room that has a very intimate setting.  The Waterfront also offers to “cook your catch”. If you’re planning a charter with Anna Maria Charters, head over here after with your fresh catch and they will cook it up perfectly for you to enjoy.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin is located on Historic Bridge Street and offers fresh and locally caught seafood for dinner. If you enjoy live music, then you will love their “Trap Yard”, an outdoor courtyard where they feature live music on the weekends.

Sandbar Restaurant

Aside from Beach Bistro, this is the only other beach front restaurant on the list. Sandbar is great for those visiting and are not used to seeing the Gulf of Mexico. Dine with your toes in the sand and the water right in front of you. The Sandbar is open for lunch & dinner as well as a Sunday brunch.

The Feast

The Feast is another restaurant located in the heart of Holmes Beach. This popular establishment serves gourmet pizza, seafood, pasta dishes, and more! Open everyday for lunch & dinner. 

Island Time Bar & Grill

This is a fun establishment you can find on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Open for lunch & dinner, Island Time Bar & Grill is an open-air bar and patio that offers cocktails, food, and live music. 

Rod and Reel Pier

Located on the Northern end of Anna Maria Island is Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant. This is one of three restaurants on the island that are out on a pier over the water. Truly a must visit while staying the Island. Rod and Reel is open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Enjoy a laid back environment with tasty food, cold beer, and a view you can’t beat! You have a very good chance of seeing dolphins, sting rays, and more marine life here. 

Slims Place

Slims Place in Anna Maria City has some darn good burgers. Being the Island’s #1 Sports Bar, Slims is quite popular. The service is great, and the food is even better. Great place for good bar food (nachos, burgers, tacos, etc.). Open for lunch & dinner (opens at 3pm on Mondays and Tuesdays). 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB on the Pier)

Anna Maria Oyster Bar (also known as AMOB) is a very popular seafood restaurant establishment that has four locations in the local area, with one being on Anna Maria Island. AMOB on the Pier is located at the end of Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Overlooking the Intercoastal, this restaurant provides awesome water views. The AMOB restaurants are VERY popular with locals and visitors and is a nice casual restaurant. Dine here for lunch or dinner. 

Freckled Fin

The Freckled Fin Irish Pub in Holmes Beach is a fun place to go for lunch or dinner. Here you will find items on the menu like tacos, sandwiches, wings, and more yummy bar food. Freckled Fin is extra fun on the weekends when they have live music and close late (2AM). Don’t let the “Irish Pub” part scare you, this is actually a family-friendly establishment. 

Ocean Star

The Island’s only sushi place would be Ocean Star in Anna Maria City. Ocean Star is only open for dinner, and offers sushi, hibachi, and Japanese cuisine. The food is always delicious! Plus, it is on the water, so you have a lovely water view. So if you are in the mood for sushi or hibachi this is the place to go! 

Bridge Tender Inn

Bridge Tender Inn is located on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Open since 1989, this restaurant is pet friendly and a great place to go to watch the game and get some grub. With 18 TV Screens in the bar/lounge, your game is guaranteed to be playing. A great aspect to the Bridge Tender Inn is their fantastic dockside bar. Here you will really feel like your living the Island life, with a boozy beverage in hand and a view of the water and boats cruising by. Open for lunch and dinner. 

Duffy’s

For some delicious burgers, check out Duffy’s in Holmes Beach. This family owned and operated restaurant has been on open for 40 years, and is a laid-back, casual spot to grab a cold beer, one of their specialty burgers, and more. Highly suggest the Brie and Caramelized Onion Burger (it is out of this world). 

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NEW LISTING SPOTLIGHT!

NEW LISTING SPOTLIGHT!

Keep up to date with NEW offerings here! Newly listed properties for Sale will be featured frequently – keep checking to see if one may be your perfect “peace” of paradise!

End of Summer 2022:  2312 Avenue C #5 in Bradenton Beach, Lay-Z Liv-N Cottages

Enjoy everything Anna Maria Island has to offer. The perfect beach condo! This 2BR/1BA ground floor unit is right next to a large community pool with a great pool view plus the beach is just across Gulf Dr. The new hurricane windows keep it very quiet inside. You’ll find everything you need for the perfect vacation getaway. Turnkey furnished (everything stays). 

This has been an awesome income property. Owner keeps it booked most of the year just by word of mouth. Think what you could do if you put on website or had professional management. You can do weekly or daily rentals.

The low fees will help if you prefer to live here or use for a second home also. Check it out!

Click here for the Full Listing Information.

Cute Complex
Heated Pool
So close to the beach
Cozy Interior
Beautiful sand and warm water
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Local Utility Contacts

Local Utility Contacts

Utilities Contacts for Holmes Beach, Anna Maria City and Longboat Key:

MUSCD (Manatee County Utilities): 941-792-8811
Water and sewer

FPL (Florida Power and Light): 941-917-0708
www.fpl.com

SPECTRUM: 855-222-0102
Cable, Internet and phone

WASTE MANAGEMENT, trash service for Anna Maria City 941-753-7591

WASTE PRO, trash service for Holmes Beach 941-355-9600

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY 941-371-6700
Water, sewer and trash services

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