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Passion for Fashion

The premier fashion show “Passion for Fashion” on April 11, 2019 was a successful event at the Center of Anna Maria Island. This first showcase of spring and summer styles from the local boutiques on Pine Avenue is a fundraiser for the center’s programs that will receive all the proceeds. Tickets were $40 to participate to support this important part of our community that serves so many.

The event featured an elegant luncheon, a silent auction, honoring of local businessmen Ed Chiles and Mike Thrasher and the guest speaker Barbara Zdravecky that gave a talk about her passion for women in business and female empowerment.

 

 

Center Stage took the fashion show itself with models wearing the latest fashion wear from Pine Ave boutiques Bella By The Sea and Pink&Navy. With the owners Jo-Ann Lefner and Amy Fleece being co-chairs of the event plus several models being owners along other Pine Ave business female success was very well presented. Darcie Duncan of Duncan Real Estate showed 3  different looks on the cat walk that also features beach hats and bags. Jo-Ann from Bella By The Sea stressed that not only bold colors like yellows are popular, also being comfortable makes jumpsuits, jogging style pants and wrinkle-free sundresses a favorite choice this season. Amy Fleece from Pink&Navy narrated her model styles that showed off cute swim style choices for the little ones as well as men beach wear. Live steel drum music accompanied the experience.

Darcie Duncan (2nd right)

 

The silent auctions featured several handmade bags and fun get togethers like a shopping party for 20 at Bella By The Sea or Pink&Navy, Wine and Cheese pairing lesson from Olive Oil Outpost,  a luncheon hosted at the Shiny Fish Emporium and a makeover at a Salon.  The beautiful orchid decor at the tables was also available for purchase to support the Center’s programs.

Delicious cookies from the Pine Ave store “Hometown Dessert” were served as sweet endings of a great event. In addition each attendee received a swag bag of samples from several Pine Ave businesses.

 

 

Anna Maria Center Fashion Show

 

 

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Golf carts or LSV?

Traditional golf cartsHave you seen all the funky, little vehicles on Anna Maria Island? But are they golf carts or LSV (light speed vehicles)?
Traditional golf carts that are found on golf courses are really the minority of vehicles you see cruising on the island. They are not allowed on any street that has a 35 mph or higher speed limit including State Road 64 (Manatee Ave),  State Road 789 (East Bay Drive), Gulf Drive (north of SR 64), Palm Drive, Marina Drive. However, they may cross the main streets but are also banned from sidewalks, bicycle paths and multi-use paths. All of the traditional golf carts in the city of Holmes Beach are privately owned.

They have in common with the popular LSV that they both need seat belts and must be operated by a licensed driver.

 

Light speed vehicles travel at faster speeds and in addition need to be equipped with headlights, mirrors and a windscreen and have to be licensed and insured. They are fully street legal.

All rental places on the island offer this kind of transportation. They come in all shapes and colors and look like a lot of fun! If you are staying with Duncan Vacation Rentals take advantage of our Duncan V.I.P. Perks! The island shop “Beach Bums” offers a large, meticulously maintained, rental fleet of bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, surreys, beach supplies, electric golf carts, and electric bikes! Click here for their website. Enjoy 10% off any rental item with your Duncan guest promo code.

Beach Bums Rental Vehicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tennis Anyone?

Anna Maria Island supports an active lifestyle with inviting blue skies almost all year around. The beaches are great for relaxing but also good for exercising. Besides swimming in the Gulf of Mexico stroll at an easy pace and pick up shells on your way or power walk along the shores. You can watch people playing frisbee, beach ball, spike ball or a round of beach volleyball at the Manatee Public Beach. There is beach Yoga offered or bike along the multi use trail by Coquina Beach.

Many homes and condo complexes offer community pools but how about tennis, anyone?

There are free public courts in Holmes Beach by 62nd St or try the hard courts at the Center on Magnolia Ave for a daily or longer membership cover.

Even better is staying at one of Duncan Vacation Rentals condos that offer tennis courts or pickle ball as a great additional amenity. There are three complexes in total.

Water;s Edge on Anna Maria IslandWater’s Edge

With the beach steps away and the rest of Anna Maria Island easily accessible by car or trolley, you have no shortage of ways to enjoy your next Florida vacation in this Gulf front resort.
The large pool is located between the two Water Edge buildings. You can swim in the heated pool and gaze out over the Gulf! There are loungers to soak up the sun. The tennis courts are just across the street.

Stay at Water’s Edge 205 S or Water’s Edge 110 N and don’t forget your racket!

 

 

Playa Encantada TennisPlaya Encantada

Right next door is “Playa Encantada”. This supreme Anna Maria Island Gulf front complex offers direct access to one of the best beaches on the Florida West Coast. Elevator, heated pool and hot tub, meeting room and covered parking are some of the features amenities. The tennis courts are across the street next to the rest of the condos on the East side of Gulf Drive.

Book Playa Encantada 214 or Playa Encantada 116! The later one is for the tennis enthusiast and offers first row seating right!

 

 

Nautilus Tennis CourtsNautilus

The Nautilus complex is a sought-after beach resort that has plenty to offer. Don’t miss any of the stunning sunsets that the island is famous for! Lounge around the pool area and meet new friends! Nautilus 104 and Nautilus 117 are ground level and have direct access to the heated community pool via a side door from the condo. Be active – walk the beach, take a swim or pick up the tennis racket.  The tennis courts are located street side.

Book now! 

 

 

If you need more information on these Duncan Vacation Rentals on Anna Maria Island or others in our rental program please contact Team Duncan. You can contact us at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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Super Bowl LII on Anna Maria Island

We look forward to having you as a guest and spending this Super Bowl LII weekend on Anna Maria Island. We wanted to share with you some of our favorite places to watch the big event this Sunday!

The Anna Maria Princess is the only paddle wheel boat sailing the waters of AMI and Longboat Key. Measuring about 80 feet from bow to stern, the boat was built in 2002 and was extensively refurbished prior to its inaugural Sarasota Bay cruise in 2018. They are offering a cruise where you can watch the first half at sea and the second half at port for $32, click here for the link to their website.

“Slim’s Place” is a great spot to watch the game if you are looking for the sports bar environment with great wings and pool tables. They are located just around the corner from us on the North end. Click here for the link to their website.

Duffy’s Tavern: an Anna Maria island staple. Cheap cold beer and amazing burgers. This cash only tavern is the perfect spot to watch the game for the whole family, click here for their website.

A German restaurant that is used to watching another kind of football, this Sunday they will be showing the American version. Make sure you try the schnitzel at the “Old Hamburg Schnitzelhouse”, click here for their website.

A new small bar tucked away behind Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach. They are hosting a party for the big game with burgers and dogs, $2 Busch cans and $4 fireball, see the event here.

A great spot on Bridge Street is the “Bridge Tender Inn”! Watch the game and walk down to watch the sunset at half time. Click here for their website.

An Irish pub where you can get some amazing food and a tall pint in one sitting. “Freckled Fin” is a sure spot for the game with indoor and outdoor seating, click here for their website.

Image result for super bowl picture

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Holiday Restaurants

Be merry and don’t do dishes when enjoying some open restaurants during the holidays. Christmas and New Year’s have become popular times for beach visitors and island restaurants are awaiting holiday guests. Below the list of places that invite you to spend family time:

 

 

 

 

Island Restaurants

Anna Maria Island Beach Café (Open ALL Holidays)
4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-778-0784

Bridge Tender Inn (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
941-778-4849

Sandbar (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
(941) 778-0444

Rod N Reel (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/ Day)
875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
941-778-1885

Waterfront (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
941-778-1515

Waterline (Open Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/ Day)
5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Fl 34217
941-238-6262

Off  the Island

Bonefish Grill (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
7456 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
941-795-8020

Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
2106 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207
941-755-7712

Columbia Restaurant (Open ALL Holidays)
 411 Saint Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-3987

Harry’s Continental Kitchen (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
525 St Judes Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-383-0777

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant (Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
760 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-383-2391

Outback Steakhouse (Open ALL Holidays)
 4402 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
941-792-1898

Pier 22 (Open ALL Holidays)
1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-8087

 

If you need any more suggestions for your holiday stay please contact our experienced Vacation Rental Team at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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Egmont Key

Egmont Key is another beautiful island in the Gulf of Mexico and Anna Maria Island’s neighbor to the North. Situated at the mouth of Tampa Bay the key is close to the Tampa Port Shipping Channel. For over 70 years, Egmont Key has been the location of a pilot station serving ship traffic into and out of the port of Tampa. It can only be reached by boat or ferry. There are several private charter and snorkeling tours offered as well as the Egmont Ferry.

History of Egmont Key

Earl of Egmont

The island comes with a lot of history given the back and forth of ownership over Florida. It was first surveyed by Spanish explorers in 1757. However, Spain had given up Florida to the British in 1763 in the first Treaty of Paris at the end of the French and Indian War. The island was named by Britain after John Perceval, the 2. Earl of Egmont. He was a British politician, political pamphleteer, and genealogist who served as First Lord of the Admiralty.

Britain divided the territory into East Florida and West Florida and the 2 Floridas remained loyal to the crown throughout the American Revolutionary War. Spain participated in this war as an ally of France.  In 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and returned all of Florida back to Spanish control. The United States Army started leading increasingly frequent incursions into Spanish territory. Over time Florida had become a burden to Spain, which could not afford to send settlers or garrisons. Madrid therefore decided to cede the territory to the United States through the Florida Purchase Treaty, which took effect in 1821. Florida become a US territory.

 

In 1847, concerns with hazardous navigation at the mouth of Tampa Bay led to the construction of the first lighthouse.  A severe hurricane, also called The Great Gale of 1848, made landfall in the Tampa Bay area and swamped the island. The lighthouse was mostly destroyed. The lighthouse keeper was able to save himself in a rowboat tied to a palm tree. He resigned after the storm had passed. In 1858, the lighthouse was replaced. It is still in operation and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard as a navigation aid.

Egmont Key also played a part at the end of the Third Seminole War. The US Army used it to detain Seminole prisoners. During the Civil War the island was occupied by Confederate and Union Troops. Defense considerations during the Spanish–American War led to the construction of Fort Dade on Egmont Key in 1899.  The Fort was completed in 1906 and the island remained a military reservation for years. Egmont Key had been the property of the U.S. Department of Defense until 1974. The U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took over.

Egmont Key Wildlife Refuge and State Park

Since 1978 the 1.6 mile long key is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was turned over to the State of Florida in 1989 and became a state park. The entire 328 acres of Egmont Key are protected by state and federal laws. The Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is located at the South end of island.  It is a nesting ground for shorebirds and sea turtles. There is also the gopher tortoise preserve. The Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade are part of the park area of the island. The lighthouse is the oldest structure in the Tampa Bay area and about 87 ft high. It is not open for visitors but there is a small museum next to it. The State Park is open 365 days from 8 am to sunset. Activities consists of touring the historic sites and trails, enjoy swimming, shelling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

Renourishment Project

In order to protect what is left of the Fort Egmont Key’s beaches are in need of renourishment. A $10 million dredging project is slated to begin this December 2018. It is scheduled to be complete in about 5 months in time for turtle season. The sand will not be the high-quality white beach that is used for renourishment of Anna Maria Island but sand dredged from the Tampa Harbor Egmont and Mullet Key channel cuts. The sand will be placed in the middle of the West side of the island that faces the Gulf of Mexico.

 

 

 

If you like more information on day trips or other activities while spending time on Anna Maria Island please contact Team Duncan. We can be reached at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

 

 

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Sandcastle Contest

Sandcastle ContestAlthough there is hardly anything better than spending time on the beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island check out the sandcastle contest on Siesta Key. If you are looking for a special outdoor plan for this weekend head towards Sarasota and explore the annual sand sculpting festival on the barrier island just to the South of us.

The International Sand Sculpting Festival is starting today and lasting through Monday, Nov 12th. In its 9th year there will be twenty four master sand sculptures to compete for the 1st place on the Siesta Key Public Beach. A new solo competition will also be introduced.  Artists have only 24 hours to create their master piece of sand which will be displayed for 4 consecutive days in the beach outdoor gallery. Daily tickets will be sold and over 50 000 attendees are expected.

 

There will be more than just sand! This open air festival also features live music, a large village of shopping and food vendors. Check out the sand sculpting lessons and the amateur sculpting competition. Have fun in the party tent on Saturday and Sunday night and admire the sculptures lit through a fabulous light display.

Anna Maria Island also features a sandcastle contest which is usually held in November. It was postponed this year to an undetermined date.

Find out about more events or call our knowledgeable Duncan Vacation rental team for more information at 941 779 0304.

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Historic Pine Avenue Shops

Historic Pine Ave with Roser Church

The half mile stretch that runs from the Gulf of Mexico to Tampa Bay is home to about 25+ Pine Avenue shops and businesses. It comes with a lot of history. The first island settler George Emerson Bean called the island his home in 1892 and started developing streets, sidewalks and installing a water system. In 1911 the Anna Maria City Pier at the end of Pine Avenue was built to ferry island day visitors from nearby Tampa. Bean’s contemporary John Roser built the first church on Pine Avenue in 1913.  Shortly after came a school that lead to the beginning of an island community. A jail was built just down the street from the church in 1927 for the drunk and disorderly visitors. The roof was lost a long time ago and it now serves as popular photo op. It is part of the historic museum complex which displays many highly interesting island memorabilia.

In 1921 the first wooden bridge was built connecting the island to the mainland passing the fishing village of Cortez. Part of the original bridge is now used as the Bradenton Beach Pier. With the help of a bridge more people visited the beach and the new island era began.  Skip close to 100 years and the face of the island has changed a lot. The entire land has been developed and about 8500 residents call the barrier island their permanent home. There are families, children, singles and retirees all living here together. Let’s not forget how Anna Maria Island has become a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered this slice of paradise.

 

Shopping Pine Avenue

Pine Avenue Shops

With the steady flow of visitors many new shops and businesses opened up along Pine Avenue. Since many of them use environmentally-friendly practices it is also called “The Greenest Little Main Street in America”. There is even a community garden that features several edible boxed gardens located outside certain Pine Avenue destinations. Each box has an information card and a scannable QR code. Local landscape designer Michael Miller helped installing the garden which goal is to encourage people to learn more about, see and eat exotic-sounding vegetables like Okinawa spinach, edible hibiscus or moringa.  There are eateries like The Donut Experiement, Poppa’s Taqueria, Burns Pizza, Hometown Dessert to name a few. The General store, Olive Oil Outpost, Spice Merchant are other great stores to find unusual food items. Several boutiques and artsy stores like Bella by the Sea, The Island Cabana, Shiny Fish Emporium, Pink&Navy, Emerson Studio and Tide and Moon make a stroll interesting.  BeachBums is a quirky rental store that offers beach merchandise and rental equipment like bikes, golf carts and surreys. Technically not on Pine Ave but situated at the end of Pine Avenue stood the Anna Maria City Pier for more than 100 years. Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused severe damage and the pier had to be torn down with plans to be rebuilt and completed in 2019.

Duncan Real Estate is also located on the historic stretch with the address 310 Pine Avenue.

Pine Avenue Events

 

Trick-or-Treaters at Duncan Real Estate

Pine Avenue is a popular street for festivals and has seen its share of a lot of fun over the years. The Easter Parade is the first event of the year. It features a large than life size bunny that leads the group of kids from the SandBar Restaurant to fun, games and Easter bonnet contest to Pine Ave.

A Saturday in May was reserved for “Food and Wine on Pine” for several years until is was discontinued in 2017. It was all about celebration of food and wine found all over the island from about 20 of the area’s finest restaurants plus music, art and kids activity area.

Bayfest is a staple and the most anticipated island event. Since its inauguration in 2000 the all-day street festival has lots to offer. The classic car show always draws a big crowd starting as early as 10 am. The family friendly atmosphere features arts, crafts, music, food and a kids zone.

 

 

Holiday Walk 2017 Realtors Martha Jones, April Green

The Trail of Treats celebrates Halloween for the little ones. Businesses are welcoming Trick-or-Treaters in the afternoon hours on October 31.

Another larger street celebration is the Christmas Walk in December. Pine Avenue becomes a pedestrian zone and businesses open their doors to showcase their products and offer snacks, treats and winter themed goodies.

The yearly 4th of July, Veterans and Christmas parades also run along Pine Avenue with crows lining the street.

 

 

 

Vacation Rentals close to Pine Avenue

 

Duncan Real Estate Office

Duncan Real Estate has a convenient location along historic Pine Avenue. We opened our doors in 2001 and offer real estate and vacation rentals. If you like to stay close to this area of Anna Maria Island consider one of the following Duncan Real Estate vacation rentals:

AMI Du Soleil
207 Spring Ave, Anna Maria

Bodacious Oasis
514 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria

Haupia House
315 Hardin Ave, Anna Maria

 

Manatee Cottage
149 Crescent Dr, Anna Maria

Sea Mist
512 Magnolia Street, Anna Maria

For these or other Duncan Vacation Rentals on Anna Maria Island please contact our local team at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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Bayfest 2018

The Bayfest 2018 was held Saturday, Oct 20th and opened the festival season on the Anna Maria Island. The event is sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. As usually, large crowds started filling Pine Avenue as early as 10 am. Despite summer like temperatures the day was another success. Duncan Real Estate tradition is giving out fans that were in high demand again this year. 500 fans went in less than 1 hour.

 

Bayfest 2018

Lindsey Leech, Martha Jones and Darcie Duncan of Duncan Real Estate

With a full program lots of entertainment was offered.  The Bill Mergens Memorial Auto show is a classic car show named after the show’s late organizer. It displayed more than 100 vehicles that were lining on the West part of Pine Avenue. Visitors admired the different models with owners close by to answer any questions. Many vendors lined the street and offered their merchandise like arts and crafts. Non-profit organizations gave out information and support options. The Kid’s Zone with a bounce house, slides and games is always a big success and the kid friendly activities offers by the Roser Memorial Community Church. Little ones enjoyed arts, coloring and face painting. Food and music are other highlights.

Car Show Bayfest 2018

Duncan Real Estate Office

 

Despite a serious problem with red tide this summer it was great to see thousands of people coming out and enjoying the day along Pine Avenue. According to Chamber President Terri Kinder some of the proceeds will go to Island workers who suffered as the Island economy was hit by the lack of business from the red tide.

If you missed all the fun this time put this event on your calendar for next year. Bayfest is usually held the third Saturday in October. Here the full program that was offered:

Bayfest 2018 Program

Please call Team Duncan at 941 779 0304 to learn more about other festivals this season or send us a quick message.

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National Night Out on Anna Maria Island

The Holmes Beach Police Department invited to their National Night Out on Anna Maria Island and lots of people came and enjoyed the outdoor activities on a warm fall evening.

This national event began in 1984 and started simply with neighbors turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their houses. It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada and has evolved into much larger festivities. The National Night Out 2016 had a participation of 38 million residents in 16,000 communities across the United States. Most communities celebrate the first Tuesday in August. Texas and Florida shifted the date to the first Tuesday in October due to the warmer climate. The event was created to increase awareness about police programs in communities like drug prevention, town or neighborhood watch and other crime reducing  efforts. It is supposed to build neighborhood camaraderie.

 

This October 2, 2018 many island organizations, companies and the Holmes Beach Police Department put a great outreach program together. It was bigger than last year and took place at the City Field North of the Holmes Beach City hall. The festivities lasted from 4-8 pm and included a number of activities like slides, skill games, free food, bike and toy giveaways. Many island shops offered hot dogs, tacos, popcorn, snow cones, ice cream and barbecue items.

 

 

“DUNCAN DUNKINGS”

Duncan Real Estate sponsored the dunk tank that featured the police chief, the mayor of Holmes Beach and most popular with the island kids some teachers of the local Anna Maria Elementary School. Lines were long for the educator dunkings!

Sounds like a great time! See you next year!

If you like more information about upcoming events join our newsletter or contact Team Duncan at 941 779 0304!

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