Author: Larry

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Top Ten Things to do

Top Fitness Activities – Anna Maria Island

When visiting Anna Maria Island there are plenty of fitness activities to keep you feeling healthy during your paradise getaway. Enjoy a great vacation guilt free when you try out these Top 11 fitness activities on Anna Maria Island.

Top 11 Fitness Activities

  1. Going to the Gym: The Fitness Center at The Center of Anna Maria Island is a great place to go get your workout in. The Fitness Center consists of a Cardio Center, Weight Center, Specialty Fitness Room, and a Stretch and Mobility Room. They also offer some awesome fitness classes and are always adding new ones. Iron Yoga, Body Blast, and Tai Chi are just some of the classes done here. For none-members, classes are $15.
    – The Fitness Center at The Center of Anna Maria Island: 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria City, FL 34216
    – Phone: (941) 778-1908

2. Fit Crew: Since 2010, Fit Crew Bradenton has been offering Personal Training, Sports Specific Training, Nutritional Services, and Cross Training Group Classes. It is also the biggest non-commercial gym in Bradenton. This is a great place for challenging yourself both physically and mentally, while also forming bonds with others and forming friendships.
– Fit Crew Bradenton: 608 19th Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205
– Phone : (941) 749-0400

3. Bike riding from Anna Maria Island to the Robinson Preserve and back. I love the 11 mile bike ride, and it can easily be completed in 1 hour. Plus you always see local wildlife!
– Robinson Preserve: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 742-5923

4. Bike riding to Harry’s Continental Kitchen on Longboat Key is another decent ride. This lets you get familiar with Longboat Key and try the delicious food at Harry’s.
– Harry’s Continental Kitchen: 525 St Judes Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
– Phone: (941) 383-0777

Insider tip:  The Coquina Bike path is a great low key bike path that takes you off the streets and lets you bike on a side walk close to the Beach!

5. Paddle boarding or kayaking around the bayous and gulf side is an awesome fitness activity. Love the workout and being able to be out on the water while getting a tan! And you basically always see marine life, whether it be dolphins, rays, sea turtles, and more!

6. Playing golf at one of the many golf courses in the area. Click here to see all the Golf Courses on and near AMI.

7. Rollerblading is back baby! Rollerblading has become more popular recently, and the back streets of the Island are great for rolling around.

8. Playing tennis at the local free tennis courts, or shooting some hoops at the public Basketball Court.

9. Pure Barre: Located in Northwest Bradenton, Pure Bare offers 4 different group class formats that are concentrated on lifting & toning muscles using low impact, high intensity movements. Everyone I know that has tried out Pure Barre has loved it!
– Pure Barre: 6745 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
– Phone: (941) 792-8663

10. Activities at the Anna Maria Island Community Center are great for keeping you in shape during your stay on Anna Maria Island. There’s tennis, pickleball, and adult & youth sports.
– The Center of Anna Maria Island:  407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
– Phone: (941) 778-1908

11. Last but not least, going on a sunset beach run/walk along the water. I love taking pictures and watching the day end as I get a good run in!

Categories
Real Estate

Top Ten Questions for Anna Maria Island Lender

Choosing the right experts to help in your Anna Maria Island property search is imperative. Zoning, Coastal Construction Lines, Riparian rights, Vacation Rental regulations, insurance, property easements and the list of important considerations when purchasing Anna Maria Island property can go on and on. One of the key professionals in a successful property purchase is choosing the correct lender. Below are the top ten questions to ask when choosing your Anna Maria Island lender.

  1. How many loans do you perform on Anna Maria Island on average a month or quarter? If the answer is one or two per year then ask if they service other barrier islands like Longboat or Lido Key. If the answer is no then we would suggest you move on. One challenge with Anna Maria Island property is mainland lenders can struggle to understand land value versus improvement value. More specifically, the land is normally worth more than the home.
  2. Where is your office located? This can be another key indicator of how local the lender is. If their office is in Omaha, Nebraska you may want to look elsewhere.
  3. What are your fees, rates, and closing costs in general? Are they negotiable? A good faith estimate will be provided by the lender however good to work through fees prior to investing your time with the wrong lender.
  4. Do you perform remote closings where paperwork can be signed elsewhere? This can be key for second homes. Most lenders provide remote closing but good to check to be sure.
  5. What loan to value is required for the property? Loan to value (LTV) is the amount put down to secure the note. For example a $1,000,000 loan that has an LTV of 20% would mean the amount needed to put down to secure the note is $200,000.
  6. What type of mortgage would you suggest? What plan would you suggest for the situation? Sometimes out of the ordinary loans can create the best plan for second home buyers.
  7. Do you offer discounts for inspections, auto-payment set up or setting up specific accounts?
  8. How long will the loan approval process take? Most lenders can approve a loan in less than a week. If the lender answers significantly longer ask why?
  9. How long will it take to close the loan? Most lenders can close within 45 days. If the lender asks significantly longer ask why?
  10. Do you have any pre-penalties for paying the loan off early? There should be no penalties for paying off the loan early.

BONUS question: If you are considering condominiums as part of your purchase ask if the lender provides condo-tel loans? This is when there is an onsite staff member that assists in booking vacation rentals. While there are not many condo-hotel properties on Anna Maria Island you may find the perfect condominium that your lender of choice cannot support. If this is a concern seek more information from your real estate professional and they can let you know if this question should be posed to your potential lender.

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The Things that Locals Know!

Anna Maria Island Vehicle and Airport Transportation

There are lots of choices for auto transportation on Anna Maria Island.  Sure you can pick up a Lyft or an Uber but using someone local that knows the area is half the fun!  The drivers listed below are local and they know Anna Maria Island.  Wouldn’t you rather spend your time traveling from the Sarasota or Tampa International Airport learning all the great things your driver can suggest you do on your visit to Anna Maria Island?

We have had some incredible feedback on the drivers below and imagine for 35-75 minutes having the time of a local to tell you about all fun things to do, places to eat, and out of the way local hot spots!

Don’t forget, professional transportation can help as well for that night out the town if traveling to Sarasota or Tampa as well.

Coastal Elite Limousine

Coastal Elite Limousine offers a fleet of Luxury Town and Country Minivans as well as Ford Expedition SUV’s.  The driver is local, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Be sure to ask his favorite places to go eat, best activities, you name it! Airport service to Tampa International Airport starts at $100 and service to Sarasota airport is $55.  These estimated do include gratuity!  For more details on rates, schedules, be sure to call (941) 348-4971.  Coastal can help with any Anna Maria Island Transportation needs.Anna Maria Island Transportation

Anna Maria Island Airport Transportation

Alan and Andrea Shields of Anna Maria Island Transportation have a host of vehicles at the ready for all your local transportation needs. They currently have a Lincoln Town Car and several Sport Utility Trucks available.  Anna Maria Island Transportation has been finalist for three years in a row for the Anna Maria Island Chamber small business of the year award.  An enormous honor to just be a finalist and certainly a strong sign the are respected in the Community for their Anna Maria Island Transportation business.  For more details on rates, schedules and information call (941) 527-5602.

Please Note: This information has been gathered as a convenience.  We cannot guarantee the rates.  Please call individual vendor for details.

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The Things that Locals Know!

Anna Maria Island and area golf courses

If Golf is your game then Anna Maria Island provides a relaxing central location to a great deal of local Golf Courses.  Anna Maria Island does have one private 9 hole executive golf course for members only however in the Summer they do allow short discounted memberships for the avid golfer.  Golf in the morning and go to the beach and visit with family in the afternoon.  What could be better?  There are Key Royale Vacation Rentals that surround the golf course or just a walk away.  Let our sponsored real estate professionals help find your golfing paradise or if a shorter stay is in order then review the vacation rentals available very near the Key Royale Club.

There are options on the mainland.  North West Bradenton has several courses, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota are all great options as well.  See our list below of golf courses worth visiting.

Anna Maria Island Golf

Buffalo Creek Golf Course
This is a public golf course
8100 Erie Road
Palmetto, Florida, 34221
(941) 776-2611

IMG Academies Golf and Country Club
This is a private golf course
4350 El Conquistador Parkway
Bradenton, FL, 34221
(941) 758-1466

Imperial Lakewoods Golf Course
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
9680 Buffalo Road
Palmetto, Fl, 34221
(941) 747-9432

The links at Greenfield Plantation
This is a public golf course
10325 Greenfield Plantation Blvd
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 747-9432

Manatee County Golf Course
This is a public golf course and closest to Anna Maria Island
6415 53rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL, 34210
(941) 792-3288

Pinebrook/Ironwood Golf Club
Executive Golf Course
4260 Ironwood Circle
Bradenton, Fl, 34209
(941) 792-3288

The River Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
6600 River Club Blvd
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 751-4211

River Run Golf Links
This is a public golf course
1801 27th Street
East Bradenton, Fl, 34208
(941) 708-6331

River Strand Golf Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
7155 Grand Estuary Trail
Bradenton, Fl, 34212
(941) 708-3617

Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour
This is a public golf course
7900 Stone Harbour Loop
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 746-2696

Terra Ceia Bay Country Club
Executive Golf Course
2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd
Palmetto, Fl, 34221
(941) 729-7663

University Park Country Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
7671 The Park Blvd
University Park, Fl, 34201
(941) 359-9999

Waterlefe Golf and River Club
This is a Semi-Private Golf Course
1022 Fish Hook Cove
Bradenton, FL, 34202
(941) 744-9771

Categories
Top Ten Things to do

Anna Maria Island Top Seven Ice Cream Shops

This information page provides Anna Maria Island top ten ice cream shops.  Well summer is here once again!  Nothing is better than spending a day on the beach soaking up the warm Florida Sun, and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. One of my favorite things to do after a day at the beach, and one of the best ways to cool down during the summer heat on Anna Maria Island is to grab an ice cream treat.  So I spent the day traveling the Island in search of the best ice cream and candy treats in the area.

Continue reading “Anna Maria Island Top Seven Ice Cream Shops”
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The Things that Locals Know!

Anna Maria Island Newspapers

Anna Maria Island has two local newspapers for the island. Both newspapers are located in Holmes Beach but provide news to the entire island.  Anna Maria Island is fortunate to have two local papers as well as one mainland newspaper that handles Bradenton, Florida newsworthy events.

Bradenton Local news coverage

The Bradenton Herald is by far the largest newspaper as it primarily focuses on Bradenton which is the mainland just to the East of the island.  Anna Maria Island is covered within the newspaper however normally a small portion of the news since Bradenton is a much larger city than the island.

Anna Maria Island local newspapers

We have two newspapers on Anna Maria Island.  The Anna Maria Island Sun covers Anna Maria Island and is located in Holmes Beach.  They have been providing local news for decades.  The second Anna Maria island local newspaper called the  Islander covers Anna Maria Island newsworthy events.  Believe it or not, the Islander has been around even longer than the Anna Maria Island Sun.  Both newspapers are sure to attend large events and especially attend our three city local governmental meetings and a great resource for city government happenings.  After all there are three cities on the island!

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Top Ten Things to do

Anna Maria Island Top Ten Restaurants

Looking for tasty food while you’re on the Anna Maria Island? Well you’re in luck we have composed list of Anna Maria Island restaurants from fine dining, to beachfront restaurants, pizza, and where to get the best burger on the island. We have plenty of tasty restaurants to choose from on AMI but the ten restaurants below are a MUST VISIT!

1) Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach – Enjoy fine dining on the Gulf of Mexico with an excellent wine selection and amazing entrée’s.

6600 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-6444

2) Island Ocean Star in The City of Anna Maria – A unique dining experience on Anna Maria Island with award winning Sushi and a Hibachi Grill.

902 South Bay
Anna Maria, FL, 34216
(941) 251-6940

Continue reading “Anna Maria Island Top Ten Restaurants”
Categories
The Things that Locals Know!

Outdoor Dining on Anna Maria Island

There is nothing better than relaxing on Anna Maria Island and dining outdoors.  It is a fabulous way to enjoy our tropical weather and enjoy the great outdoors!  Anna Maria Island does boast some fabulous restaurants that offer dining with waterfront views.  Open air dining with a waterfront view is pretty spectacular.

Lots of choices below and hopefully we have wet your appetite enough to go visit a few.  Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Question pages for more information on Anna Maria Island.

Sandbar – 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria
Sandbar offers direct Gulf front Dining.  Plenty of parking located in Anna Maria City.

The Waterfront – 111 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
The restaurant offers views of the public pier from outdoor covered dining.

Anna Maria Public Pier – 100 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
The public pier offers mostly dining inside but has phenomenal Bay views.  Sorry 2020 pier was rebuilt.  Awaiting restaurant choice of City.

Bridgetender – 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
The restaurant has a small area where outside seating is offered.  The area has views across the street to the intercoastal.

Island Time Bar & Grill – 111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
Open-air setting, across the street from the Gulf and is located on a main thoroughfare with lots of people watching options.

The Beachhouse – 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach
Direct Gulf front with tons of seating, some covered and the ability to host very large parties.

Coquina Café – 2650 Gulf Drive South, Coquina Beach
Direct Gulf front dining with a bar and very large dining area with lots of televisions to enjoy a sporting event or two.

Categories
Activities Bradenton Beach Events

Bridge Street Market in Bradenton Beach

Anna Maria Bridge Street Market

Located in Bradenton Beach is the Bridge Street Market! This event takes place every Sunday in November through April, from 10AM – 3PM. It is a wonderful way to get out and see some great local vendors and their creations! Enjoy delicious food, listen to some great local musicians, and purchase some beautiful locally made jewelry, art, and more.

Bridge Street Market
107 Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach
For more information call: 215-906-0668

While you’re there, check out some of the awesome restaurants and shops located on Bridge Street, including: Bridge Street Bistro, Blue Marlin Grill, Bridge Street Bazaar, and many more!

 

 

Categories
The Things that Locals Know!

Island Mail and More of Anna Maria Island focuses on the “more”

While visiting or vacationing here on Anna Maria Island it is nice to know that you can still count on being able to take care of any mail , fax, or internet requirements you may need.  This particular Island mail store offers a wide variety of mail carrier options such as  FedEx, DHL, UPS and  USPS.  You can also log onto the Internet for a fee that is charged according to the time of usage.  Facsimiles, copies, and shipping supplies can be  found in the store as well.  They have a fairly large conference room that can be used and scheduled for a fee.  This shop has fantastic customer service.  They are very well known on Anna Maria Island for going the extra mile to ensure that your every mailing or office whim is serviced.   They ship luggage, artwork, furniture, collectibles, and various other items.  They have even shipped a few cars and kayaks!

Island Mail and More is located next to the Whistle Stop gift shop and Subway in the Island shopping plaza in Holmes Beach, Florida.

Island Mail and More
3230 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-1911
FAX (941)  779-2493