Blog - Duncan Real Estate
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Anna Maria Island RE-OPENED!

Welcome back to all our new and returning guests! Our beautiful Anna Maria Island is re-opened and ready to welcome you again for short-term vacation rentals. After weeks of a stay at home order Governor DeSantis entered Florida into phase 1 on May 4th and lifted the vacation rental ban on May 21st for Manatee County.  The approved plan submitted by the Manatee Commission called for a safe and quick re-open under a set of safety and health protocols.

 

The Island is buzzing again with activity. Every morning “Donut Experiment” has a large group waiting for them to open so they can order their crazy flavored donuts. Sandbar and Waterfront are bustling with activity. At the pastel heaven Ginny & Jane E’s lots of people sitting outside eating breakfast and lunch like usual, but now 6’ apart! The golf carts are zipping around and lots of boating in every shape and form.

 

 

The weather has been beautiful and we see more wildlife than normal. The Turtle Patrols are checking the beaches every morning. During the shut down nests were laid even before the official May 1 turtle season.

 

Phase 2

We also just learned yesterday that Florida will move into Phase 2 of reopening Friday, June 5 after careful review of medical statistics by the Governor. Bars can now open to 50% capacity.

Anna Maria City Pier News

 

Islanders and visitors alike will be happy to hear that the Anna Maria City Pier is finally set to open June 19. This new City Pier replaces the old one that was closed in September 2017 due in part to damage the pier and pier buildings sustained during Hurricane Irma. We are SO excited! It will be a soft opening. Initially, The Pier will stay open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 8 am – 5 pm and can be enjoyed by visitors, sightseers and for fishing. Social distancing will be required just like everywhere else. The City is recommending no alcohol on The Pier, but fishermen are allowed to bring their coolers.

Summer is coming into full swing! Humidity is climbing, plants and lawn are happy about the first rains during our typical summer pattern weather. Beaches are beautiful as ever and offer enough space to comply with our new normal of social distancing.

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

For all your vacation rental needs or other island information please contact our Vacation Rental Team at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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North Shore Café on Pine Ave

The new place to be on AMI is the North Shore Café that just opened at 304 Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island.  The former little preschool known as “School for Constructive Play” received a major overhaul and Team Duncan has been waiting patiently (impatiently) it being only a block away from our office. This latest edition to the Pine Avenue eateries did not disappoint! Being family owned, you feel the love walking in! The entire family including their son is working here.

 

 

The original features, such as the fantastic terrazzo floor were kept and was completely restored and is shining! The building layout has been enhanced with bar style serving openings, the interior design is beautiful and contemporary and unlike the pre-school days where the backyard was a huge sandbox with jungle gym and fencing this area of the property is now open to the small lake. What a great sitting area to visit on one of the many beautiful days on the Island!  Enjoy the large, open space for relaxation and eating, comfortable seating right in front of the lake and also a game area with a Corn Hole game.  It really gives you the European feel as you see Corn Hole, Bocce, Kubb, Molkky, Horseshoe, Jenga and other backyard games played in parks and outdoor areas all over Europe in the summer months.

 

 

 

Some of the best coffee served here on Anna Maria is at the North Shore Café. They also serve Espresso, Specialty Teas, Smoothies – most with coconut water or almond milk base, Health Bowls with Acai and more. Light baked goods and breakfast sandwiches (the avocado toast is raved about) are available now with lunch sandwiches coming soon. The Café offers mostly healthy options, but they also have delicious croissants. You can also enjoy a selection of national and local craft beers as well as wine, mimosas, champagne and the popular spiked seltzer White Claws.

 

Don’t miss the very cool Anna Maria mural – the perfect instagram photo op!

 

If you need other dining suggestions please check out our Restaurant page or call our Vacation Team for more information on the island. You can reach us at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message

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Einreiseverbot in die USA

Ein Ferienbesuch auf Anna Maria Island gestaltet sich zur Zeit sehr schwierig, da es im Rahmen der Coronavirus-Krise zu verstärkten Einreisekontrollen und Einreisesperren in die USA kommt. Seit dem 13. März 2020 wird nur noch bestimmten Personen aus Europa die Einreise erlaubt. Zur Zeit gilt ein Einreiseverbot für Personen, die sich innerhalb eines Zeitraums von 14 Tagen vor der Einreise in die USA in Deutschland oder einem anderen Schengenstaat aufgehalten haben. Auch sind die Landgrenzen zu Mexiko und Kanada für den Personenverkehr weitgehend geschlossen.

Ausgenommen von diesem Verbot der Einreise sind

  • US-Staatsbürger
  • Personen mit ständigem legalen Aufenthalt in den USA („Greencard“-Inhaber)
  • Nahe Verwandte von US-Staatsbürgern oder Personen mit ständigem legalen Aufenthalt in den USA (Ehegatte, Elternteil, Kind oder Geschwister unter 21 Jahren)
  • Diplomaten oder Mitarbeiter internationaler Organisationen.

Diese Einreisebeschränkungen bleiben in Kraft, bis sie widerrufen werden.

Weitere Beschränkungen gelten für den Staat Florida. Governor DeSantis hat einen Stopp aller Ferienvermietungen unter einem Aufenthalt von 30 Tagen ausgerufen. Dieser endet am 30.4.2020. Es besteht außerdem ein Ausgehverbot oder “Stay-at-home” Erlass.

Hier sind sämtliche Beschränkungen, die Anna Maria Island betreffen, im Überblick:

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Doctor’s Office

The latest hot spot on Anna Maria Island is  “The Doctor’s Office”.   Housed in what was formerly the Island doctor’s office in Holmes Beach, the proprietors Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins of Beach Bistro and Eat Here added another fantastic island endeavor. Instead of achieving well-being by the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” the key to happiness at this doctor’s office is a well crafted cocktail.

The cool story behind the connection of the last practicing doctor in these rooms, Doctor Pelhem, and Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins will make you feel better already! Click here for this endearing piece of island history.

You can find innovative drinks with names like Corpse Reviver, Penicillin, Our Preferred Remedy, Dr. Feelgood, The Night Shift and General Anesthetic. We’re sure their talented bartenders can whip you up a regular Martini as well. There’s also Bubblies, Whites, Pinks, Reds, Ports and beer on draft or bottle/can. A lot of the beers are Florida beers with some from local Tampa, St Petersburg or Bradenton breweries. The place is decorated with medical influences – but honestly mostly with bottles and glasses.

If you have the munchies, choose from the small plates of deliciousness!

 

For other restaurant recommendations or island info contact our Vacation Rental Team. Give us a call at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

 

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Annual Cortez Stone Crab Festival

Cortez Stone Crab TrapsThe stone crab season started Oct 15 and Cortez fishermen are bringing in this delicious seafood to the docks over the last several weeks. This weekend at the 8th Annual Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival the crab claws will be the featured attraction.

In the 1880’s settlers came down from North Carolina and founded a small Gulf coast commercial fishing village which is now known as Cortez Fishing Village. Today Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages in Florida and home to about 5,000 people. Most of them still live off the water in different ways. The people of Cortez are quite proud of their history and preserving the legacy of this area. It is labeled on the National Register of Historic Places. To celebrate their maritime heritage several festivals are held every year.

Cortez is just a short drive from the Southern tip of Anna Maria Island. It is fun to visit anytime of the year. Restaurants with fresh fish and seafood, the village is quaint with small streets lined with cottages, homes and businesses and many with boats in the front yard. Obviously not now, but you will also see lots of crab traps stored in the yards before and after the stone crab season. You walk, bike or golf cart rather than drive and it’s the kind of neighborhood where people know and lookout for each other.

This weekend Nov 9 and 10, 2019 will be another occasion to display their fishing skills at the Stone Crab Festival that is hosted by the Swordfish Grill Restaurant. The free event is held from 10 am to 6 pm and takes place at the restaurant location at 4628 119th St W. Or come by boat and look for Marker 49!

Besides fresh seafood and beer, there are local art vendors and a kids play area.  Live music will start at 10 am on three stages at the East end of the fishing village.

If you are in Cortez, take some time and check out the “Sea Hagg”, an eclectic maritime store or the Florida Maritime Museum.

ready for Annual Cortey Stone Crab Festival

If you have any other question about the area feel free to reach out to our Vacation Rental Team. You can reach us at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

 

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Symphony on the Sand

Spend an elegant afternoon in the sand and enjoy three hours of music by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. “Symphony on the Sand” is the 7th annual event held this Saturday, Nov 9th on Coquina Beach at the South end of the island in Bradenton Beach from 4.30 to 7.30 pm.

Tickets start at $20 and there will be all sorts of delicious food and drinks available for purchase. Some of your favorite Island restaurants will be participating. It’s an amazing and unforgettable event and you can take the Trolley there easily from your Island home and not even worry about parking.

 

Here is an overview of your ticket options:

  • $125 – Ticket/Person Includes: Table Seating (at table of 10) with delicious small plates by area restaurateurs, complimentary fine wine and select beer
  • $75 – Ticket/Person – Deck Seating with 2 drink vouchers per ticket & concessionaire food purchase options
  • $50 – Ticket/Person Includes: Concert Chair with 2 drink vouchers per ticket & concessionaire food purchase options
  • $20 – Ticket/Person Includes: General Admission bring your own seating with cash bar & concessionaire food purchase options

 

The 45-piece orchestra will be under the accomplished baton of Maestro Alfred Gershfeld.  Noted local soloists, supported by a professional chorus, provide vocal talent are performing. Also, local television and Island favorites co-emcee the evening.

You will enjoy the music with the water right next to you. The breeze and the waves enhance the experience. And it’s an event for people of all ages and every generation. If you get General Admission, you can bring your own chair (and maybe a blanket too). And you will feel good to know that a portion of the proceeds benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra Youth and Outreach Programs.

Please find more details about the event or to buy tickets here.

 

For other events or any information about the island please contact our Vacation Rental Team at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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Mullet Smoke Off!

Are you ready for some of the best fish treats of the area? Don’t miss this year’s Terra Ceia Island Mullet Smoke Off and head to Seabreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop Road, 34250  this Saturday, November 2, 2019. Hundreds of other folks will too! From 11 am to 6 pm you can enjoy smoked mullet, music, drinks, local art and incredible Terra Ceia Bay views from the community dock. In addition, the now World-Famous Mullet Toss will be on again!

Terra Ceia Island has the same old Florida vibe as Anna Maria Island and is home to this local festival and community gathering held in the community Seabreeze Park right on the Bay. Volunteers gather about a week in advance and start fishing for mullet to smoke for mullet cakes and mullet spread. Deviled eggs with a dollop of mullet spread and some hot sauce on top – mmmmmmm.  The ones smoked for the mullet dinners that you can enjoy at the event were caught the days before and smoked all night in special made, giant casing from when the Skyway Bridge was built. Ask to see her – she’s Big Bertha and is something to be seen!

Local fishermen and women gather the night before to party and to smoke their fish to win the bragging rights for Best Smoked Mullet in Florida (they say Manatee County – but that just means Florida). But the most popular event of the day is always the mullet toss. Hundreds of people gather around the mullet-tossing area where you pay around $5 for three chances to toss a dead mullet into a barrel for some points, wheel barrow for more points and TOILET for most points. It’s a hoot! You better start practicing now!!!

See you there!

If you are looking for another fun event this weekend  check out “The Sandblast”,  a sand sculpting contest, that takes place on the Manatee Public Beach.

More events are found on our calendar or call Team Duncan for all other island information. You can also send us a quick message.

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Beach Yoga

Anna Maria Island has the perfect balance of relaxation and fun things to do. Why not combine two spiritual experiences to the ultimate outdoor worship in a session of Beach Yoga?

For the Yoga lovers – can you imagine the serenity of the gentle breeze on your body while you strike a Tree or a Warrior 1? You will sense the turquoise water in the background and watch the bluer than blue skies as you stretch and hold your poses.

Fortunately, there are a number of Beach Yoga opportunities all along the island. Watch for the signs along the beach. There is a spot by the BeachHouse Restaurant and across the Tortuga Inn by their wedding pavilion. You will find local gurus who offer classes oftentimes for donations only.

Not all types of Yoga are offered at Beach Yoga.

There are also several Yoga Studios that offer classes with anything from Beach Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative Yoga, Chair Yoga, Meditation, Breath Work, Yin Yoga, Basic Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, SUP Yoga as well as Arm Balances and Inversions can be found. Just call your studio of choice and inquire what they offer or have the instructor come to your Island vacation home.

Here are some studios on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Some of them also offer massage and stretch therapy, acupuncture, organic facials and if you don’t mind traveling outside the Island. Who knows – you may even find the very popular Goat Yoga!

Aluna Wellness is part of the VIP Duncan Perks and will offer something special for our guests. Just tell them Duncan Real Estate send you!

https://www.islandyogaspace.com/

http://www.thriveyogafit.com/beach-yoga-anna-maria-island/

https://www.facebook.com/starfishyoga

http://www.feelgoodyogalongboatkey.com/

https://www.saltybuddhaco.com/

 

 

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Friday Night Lights

Football season is just around the corner – yeah!!! Are you ready to see some great action and support local kids then Friday Night Lights is for you! While you are visiting Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach  – catch some great High School Football at our own Darcie Duncan‘s Alma Mater, Manatee High School. This is the zoned High school for the island kids where Darcie was a Star Softball player for the Hurricanes back in the day.

Manatee High School’s Hurricanes

Manatee High School is the oldest and largest public high school in Bradenton and their football team ‘The Hurricanes” has been State Champions 5 times 1983, 1985, 1989, 1992 and 2011. Numerous players have played Div I College football and multiple players have made it to the NFL. I don’t believe there’s another school in our area who has a more loyal fan base. Manatee usually travels very well and packs the stadium better than the hosting team – so you can imagine how we roll at home!

This Friday the home game will be a very tough one against Florida Powerhouse Lakeland HS. Game time 7:30 pm. Tickets can usually be bought at the gate at the Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium, or call the school to see if advanced tickets can be bought earlier in the day on campus so you don’t have to stand in the sometimes very long line.

Manatee County is home to a lot of great football programs and long standing rivalries, so if you don’t make it to the game this Friday, there will be plenty of other opportunities.

Click here for the 2019 season games list and keep in mind that the cheerleaders are multiple times State Winners as well. Go Canes Go!!!!!

 

 

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Summer Golfing

Are you spending any time on beautiful Anna Maria Island during the summer time and like golfing? A great way to explore the many different golf courses in the vicinity is summer golfing with the Big Summer Golf Card. If offers discounted rates that are not available to the general public for a one time fee of $60. The main season is May through October but some courses also offer special rates for April, November and December.

There plenty of participating courses in Manatee and Sarasota County to practice your swing.  Some offer a 25% or higher discount on the daily green fees and marked as “exclusive courses”.

You can pick from 10 courses on the mainland in the Manatee County area which is closest to Anna Maria Island:

Manatee Golf Courses

Just a bit longer driving time will give you access to many more golf courses in the Sarasota County area:

Others benefits include an automatic entry to the Big Money Tour with cash and other prices totaling $5000/month. A great way to compete and get to know fellow players are the area tournaments for Big Summer Golf Card holders.

Others benefits include an automatic entry to the Big Money Tour with cash and other prices totaling $5000/month. A great way to compete and get to know fellow players are the area tournaments for Big Summer Golf Card holders.

Key Royale Golf Club

If you do not like to leave the island there is the 9 hole golf course on Key Royale on the island. The Key Royale Golf Club also offers a summer membership.  It is a par 32 walking golf course for all levels of play. There is a beautifully designed clubhouse with a full bar and lunch and dinner service. Tee time are not required and organized golf events are offered year round.

If you like to stay near the Key Royale Golf course consider some of Duncan Real Estate vacation rentals. Port Royale is a beautiful 2 bedroom home with a caged pool and magnificent water views. For all other rental or sale information contact Team Duncan with our knowledgeable sales and rentals agents. You can call us at 941 779 0304 or or send us a quick message.

Contact us or call Duncan Real Estate today at 941-779-0304 to speak with our knowledgeable real estate specialists.