REAL ESTATE

from Anna Maria Island Sun July 14, 2021

CALENDAR

22 THE SUN REAL ESTATE

A group home by any other name

Agroup home is defined as a small number of unrelated people, in need of support, living together. This may be the long-established definition, but in today’s unprecedented real estate environment it may have taken on an expanded definition.

It would be redundant to say that real estate values on Anna Maria Island have increased to an extraordinary level during the past few years. Second-home buyers who have flocked to Anna Maria for decades are finding they can’t afford or justify the expense of purchasing a home to use for just part of the year. To fill this opening there is a new homeownership concept - or maybe just a jazzed-up version of an old concept.

Co-ownership is a new model conceived by a California company called Pacaso. The idea is to bring together co-buyers in a luxury home they would not ordinarily be able to afford, to use on a rotating basis as a second home. The process, according to them, is straightforward. Pacaso acquires private homes in upscale vacation residential areas and structures them as eight-member LLCs. Buyers then purchase an ownership interest in the home, ranging from one-eighth to one-half of true ownership of the property.

One of the selling points is, of course, a much smaller investment in the property and no responsibility for maintenance, which is managed by the company for an additional fee. They also make the point that second-home owners frequently don’t use their full homeownership up to the level they had anticipated and have tied up millions of dollars in assets that are no longer liquid.

The regions that Pacaso is active in are, not surprisingly, the high-end markets of Miami, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale in Florida and posh areas of Colorado, California and Utah. They are investing in multi-million-dollar homes that offer amenities most second-home buyers could not afford on their own. One of the typical properties on their website in Ft. Lauderdale was a $6,000,000 waterfront property with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and more than 5,000 square feet. The one-eighth ownership was $895,000 and additional fees were not indicated. This would give you part ownership that you could use for a monthand-a-half every year. How you determine the months was also not indicated.

Even though they say that co-ownership is not fractional ownership, which has been around for a long time, some of the elements are the same, like having your name on the deed. This is entirely different from timeshares, which is buying the right to use the property but without ownership rights. And, of course, many buyers and family members do get together and purchase homes jointly and manage it themselves. But for those second-home buyers who do not have relationships that will enable them to do this co-ownership managed by a corporation fills that gap.

So, does Anna Maria want this type of ownership on the Island? My guess is no, as residents of Napa Valley in California also don’t want it. Homeowners there have organized and made it very uncomfortable for Pacaso to operate. They are confronting potential buyers and have attempted to pass regulations to control co-ownership purchases.

Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if Pacaso or some other co-ownership company starts to buy up our multi-million-dollar properties to sell as co-ownerships. In my opinion, it would be another negative slap in the face for Anna Maria. If it happens it will be very gradual, before anyone knows what’s going on. So stay alert - the concept is really just an extravagant group home.

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

Does anybody care that it’s hurricane season?

As Anna Maria Island experiences a record-breaking summer of tourism, is hurricane season a point of concern for travelers?

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The first of June marked the beginning of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, and if things go as predicted by weather experts, it should be another active one.

The beginning of June also saw COVID-19 travel restrictions lifted in most of the U.S. just in time for the end of the school year. These factors, along with new flights being added at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and a general desire for many to finally take a vacation after more than a year of lockdown, have created the perfect recipe for a record-breaking summer season on the Island.

In years past, the first day of summer unofficially signaled the end of the spring snowbird and tourist season on the Island. But that isn’t the case in 2021, and few of these visitors seem very concerned about hurricane season.

“We checked the weather before we got on the plane and saw a tropical storm that was likely to become a hurricane, then we noticed there is a good chance of thunderstorms every day we are going to be there," said Kimberly Rotz, who arrived a day before Hurricane Elsa with her family from suburban Indianapolis. Temperatures there had been close to 96 degrees when they got on the plane. "Not the best scenario, but neither is the record heat at home. At least you guys have an ocean and plenty of pool space to beat the heat.”

Rotz said she and her husband did some research and saw that hurricanes tend to miss the Island historically, and they didn’t feel there was a safety issue for her family based on a close watch of Elsa’s approach.

“We called our resort and asked if the windows and doors were hurricane safe, and also asked if there had been a history of damage to the property during past storms,” she said. “When the person we spoke to said the property was up to code, and no evacuation order seemed to be coming, we decided to come down and ride it out. It turned out to be pretty tame, so I’m glad we made that decision.”

The Rotz family isn’t the only one that doesn’t seem too worried about hurricane season or the summer heat. Island-related social media sites are full of posts and comments from people who are ready to start their vacations.

“We are coming down July 24 to July 31 and we can’t wait. We’ve been coming to Holmes Beach for seven years, but this will be our first summer trip. We usually come in March or April, but COVID kept that from happening this year,” said Maria Rivera, who will be flying from Hartford, Conn.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Rivera fell in love with the Island and its beaches after coming with friends in 2014.

“Growing up in Puerto Rico, we were constantly in the path of hurricanes,” she said. “In 1998, Hurricane Georges did billions of dollars in damage and we didn’t have electricity for weeks. I’ve lived through serious destruction, and nothing like that has ever happened on Anna Maria Island. So while it’s silly to not be cautious, it seems like the odds are in favor of the Island.”

Rivera is correct about Anna Maria Island historically being spared the worst during hurricane season. Elsa was expected to be just a few miles offshore, and with the eastern side of a hurricane usually packing the higher wind speeds and more severe rainfall, it looked like it was poised to cause flooding and a high storm surge. Other problems such as power outages and downed trees looked to be a likely scenario as well, but once again, it just didn’t happen.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN These signs exist for a reason. Luckily it wasn’t necessary for Elsa, but the big storm is always possible.

SEE HURRICANES, PAGE 27

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

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OBITUARIES

Jay Erickson

Dr. Jay William Erickson passed away peacefully on June 27, 2021 in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 86. He was born on August 6, 1934, in Fredonia (Pomfret), New York to Oscar Eric Erickson and Fay Isabel (Miller) Erickson. He graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a bachelor of science and education in 1959, and received a master’s in science education in 1960 and a Ph.D. in science and education in 1963 from Columbia University. He met his wife, Terry, at SUNY Fredonia and together they celebrated 62 years of marriage, sharing adventures and their devotion to family.

Jay was an associate professor of natural sciences and a professor of organic and biochemistry at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in the early 60s. He then joined the Columbia team as a professor of science education (chemistry/physics) at Kabul, University in Afghanistan from 1966 – 1971, where he became fluent in Farsi. From 1972 – 1976 he was the professor of education and programs director (I.D.A. Project) at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is remembered by students as being both challenging and supportive. In 1976, Jay and Terry moved to Anna Maria Island, Florida where he became a Realtor for Beckett Realty and an independent property manager.

Throughout his life Jay was an avid walker, hiker, and traveler. He walked the beaches and sidewalks of Anna Maria Island daily (wearing his African hat) and did most of his errands by bicycle. During the summers between 1987 and 1994 he hiked and completed (on his 60th birthday) the Appalachian Trail where he was known as the “Red Baron.” The nickname came from his passion for flying his Piper Cherokee. He helped his daughters with Girl Scouts and sons with Boy Scouts, making sure to instill a love of the outdoors. Jay traveled the world with Terry, taking camping trips, many international vacations and family cruises. A favorite quote of his is from J.R.R. Tolkien, “Not all who wander are lost.” Jay’s love of people and his great sense of humor were known by family, friends and everyone he met, as he never met a stranger. He was vibrant, brilliant, jovial and young at heart.

Jay is survived by his daughters, Dawn Erickson (James) and Deborah Pate (David), his son, Jay Erickson II (Jennifer), his siste,r Mary Lou Bell (Gordon) and eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by wife Alliene “Terry” Erickson, son, Gregg Erickson (Jan) and grandson, Eric Eisenhauer.

For those wishing to honor Jay, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Florida Gulf Coast Chapter online at www. alz.org/flgulfcoast . A celebration of life will be planned for Jay at a later date.

Robert James Cooper Jr.

Robert James Cooper Jr., better known and loved as “Coop” and “Coop Da Loop,” passed away to eternal life on July 3 at 12:53 p.m. at the Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton. He knew he was not alone and he knew that he was loved.

He is survived by his life partner, Louise Schippers, son Robert “Bobby” James Cooper III, daughter Amber Lee Cooper, granddaughter Jewelee Bober, niece Emily Irzyk, nephew Matthew Irzyk, and ex-wife Desiree Cooper, as well as many cousins and extended family. He is predeceased by his father, Robert James Cooper I, his mother, Norma Peltier Cooper, and his sister, Kimberly Cooper Irzyk.

Coop, as he was affectionately known, hailed from Westfield, Mass., but lived on Anna Maria Island for more than 40 years. He enjoyed the Island life and all it offered, whether that was hanging out with friends at the local bars and playing pool, fishing the local waters or being at the beach. For most of his working life he was the lead maintenance man at Club Longboat on Longboat Key, but he also worked at Shells Restaurant and at the Anchor Inn. He was also a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast.

He is described by those who knew him to have been a kind soul and someone who liked to help others. He is also remembered for his quick wit, infectious smile and for an abundance of friends and acquaintances, who say he always had a smile, a hello or a joke for them.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, July 17, at the Harvey Memorial Community Church at 300 Church Ave. in Bradenton Beach at 11 a.m., with a celebration of life at the Anchor Inn immediately following. A second celebration of life will take place at Drift In on Bridge Street sometime in the future. The service, as well as the celebration of life, are open to all who knew and loved Coop. Attendees are welcome to bring a covered dish to the Anchor Inn to share at the celebration of life. Donations in Coop’s honor can be made to a GoFundMe account which will go to help his loved ones with final expenses: bit.ly/Coopdaloop.

Prayers for peace and comfort to all who loved Coop.

SEE OBITS, PAGE 25

There has never been a better time to sell your property

ANNA MARIA

209 South Bay Boulevard Shellie Young

$2,700,000 941.713.5458

There has never been a better time to sell your property

LONGBOAT KEY

3105GulfofMexicoDrive $12,900,000 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894 LIDO BEACH

453 South Polk Drive $4,250,000 Liz Arme 941.266.4003 BAYOU BEND

1112 64th Street NW $3,200,000 Lisa Morreale 941.400.9038

BIRD KEY

411 Pheasant Way $3,095,000 Robert Sherman 941.313.1301 LONGBOAT KEY

3476 Mistletoe Lane $2,599,900 Marty Warren 941.724.1854 HOLMES BEACH

107 81st Street $1,850,000 Shellie Young 941.713.5458

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE TO PUNTA GORDA | 941.412.3323 LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.1526

RENTALS | 941.487.6019

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

7/1, 4:21 p.m., trespassing, 3260 East Bay Drive. The suspect was observed sitting in a chair smoking a cigarette in front of The Dollar Tree. The suspect had been issued a trespass warning in 2020 that was still valid and was issued a notice to appear and released. 7/4, 3:14 p.m., no valid driver’s license, 800 Manatee Ave. A traffic stop resulted in the driver not having a valid license, and the odor of marijuana was present. A search found marijuana joints in the cup holder, but no marijuana citation was issued. A licensed driver came for the vehicle. 7/4, 10:46 p.m., aggravated assault/marijuana possession not more than 20 grams, 2900 Gulf Drive. Victims claimed someone in a silver Mazda cut them off on Gulf Drive after nearly hitting their vehicle, then got out of the car pointing what they thought was a handgun at them. Police caught up with the suspect on Cortez Road and stopped them. A search of the vehicle did not yield a handgun, but police did find a small bag of marijuana. 7/5, 11:47 p.m., Marchman Act, 4000 Gulf Drive. Officers approached a female suspect at the CVS parking lot. The suspect was wet, covered in sand and appeared to be intoxicated. The suspect stated she had taken molly with friends on the beach. Another suspect was found naked on the beach touching himself. Another friend said they had taken molly and LSD. Two suspects were transported to Blake Hospital after officers completed a Marchman Act form.

BRADENTON BEACH

7/10, 11:32 p.m., traffic collision, Cortez Road and Gulf Drive N. Officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive N. where a Nissan sedan with one male occupant collided with an electric GEM car being driven by a male with two female passengers. The GEM car came to rest more than 100 feet from the collision where the male occupant was ejected. There were no serious injuries, and the accident is under investigation.

OBITUARIES

Joyce Wagner

Joyce “Tootie” Berner Wagner, living on Anna Maria Island, Florida, moved on to eternal life with Ganny and many other friends on June, 3, 2021, with her loving family by her side. May her soul rest in peace. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Joyce lead a life full of joy and accomplishments. She lived on the South Side, attended St. Basil’s Church on 55th Street and attended Visitation High School. She attended Bogan Junior College and earned her degree from Chicago State. She was especially proud of her degree in microwave cooking from Morraine Valley College. One of her proudest moments was becoming the first female truck driver for the U.S. Postal Service in Illinois. She also worked for the famed Playboy Club in Chicago. After getting married she moved to Palos Hills. From there, she had a distinguished 25-year career at Dominick’s Groceries in the Chicago area. Everyone in the neighborhood knew Tootie. Joyce moved to Anna Maria Island full time in 2001 and enjoyed more than 20 years of fun in the sun with family. She was involved with several organizations and was a Key Royale Club board member and was the Key Royale Club Champion in 2010. Joyce was fun loving and caring for all. If you knew Joyce, you loved Joyce. She was a fun person to be around. She had a generous and loving heart. Most importantly, she loved to laugh and enjoy life. She will be missed by many and loved very dearly by her family. Joyce is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 53 years, Michael W. Wagner, (De La Salle H.S & the University of Chicago MBA program). She was the loving and caring mother to her daughter, Tracy (Honeybear) Wagner Becht and son, Michael Peter Wagner, along with three wonderful grandchildren, Joe “Bones” Becht, Peter “Pman” Becht and Anthony “Bag of Cement” Becht. Joyce also leaves behind Tracy’s loving and devoted husband of 30 years, Joseph Becht; her sister Patricia Berner Zigulich (whom she adored) and husband, Joseph Zigulich, along with dearest her brother, Richard Gobielle. Joyce Tootie Berner Wagner was loved very dearly by her family and closest friends, including Reggie, her dog and loving companion of many years. May her soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace for ever and ever amen. We love you Tootie. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND PENDING

106 Tern Drive 4 Beds4/1 Baths 3,649 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4501850 $3,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY

1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $899,000

LONGBOAT KEY

25 Lighthouse Point Drive 4 Beds6/1 Baths 6,025 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4503359 $5,600,000

HOLMES BEACH

103 75th Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,737 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4495220 $3,200,000

BRADENTON

3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $800,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

BRADENTON

9235 43rd Terrace W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4502020 $599,999

BRADENTON

7304 24th Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,527 Sq. Ft. Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4499897 $450,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds2/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $4,350,000

LONGBOAT KEY

647 Marbury Lane 4 Beds4/1 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4503569 $1,950,000

PERICO ISLAND PENDING

303 108th Street W 114 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,083 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4500468 $300,000

LIDO KEY

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive 1208 3 Beds4/1 Baths 5,254 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox & Jonathan Fox, PA 941-544-6648 A4492990 $3,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY

1445 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 201 3 Beds2/1 Baths 2,274 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4504369 $1,200,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

LONGBOAT KEY

The Residences at the St. Regis Sales Gallery 100 South Washington Blvd. Georgia Kopelousos & Lynn Morris 941-928-7585 A4497120 $8,000,000

FROM PAGE 10 years’ experience as a member and chairman of P&Z (Planning and Zoning Board). In the past, I have been elected to the commission and have served multiple terms as commissioner and chairman. This experience will allow me on day one to be a fully functioning member of the commission. I hope that you will select me to fill this interim position.”

Copeland decided not to seek reelection in 2019.

Before Thursday’s appointment was made, Mayor Dan Murphy told the commission they had two choices: appoint Copeland or allow the commission seat to remain vacant until the results of the November elections are certified. Commissioners Carol Carter, Jon Crane, Deanie Sebring and Mark Short unanimously supported Copeland’s appointment.

“Congratulations Doug. You’re now considered a repeat offender,” Murphy joked after the votes were cast.

After being sworn in by City Clerk LeAnne Addy, Copeland took his seat on the dais and participated in the remainder of the commission meeting.

NOT SEEKING ELECTION

Before Thursday’s meeting began, Copeland told the attending media members that he would not seek election to a full two-year term in the November city elections. Copeland said he wanted that known now so those considering seeking a two-year term were aware of his long-term intentions. He encourages those interested in serving on the commission to run for office in the fall elections.

Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period begins at noon on Monday, Aug. 16, and ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 27. Candidate packages can be obtained from the city clerk’s office or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office in Bradenton.

The commission seats held by Carter and Crane will also be filled as a result of this year’s city elections. Carter and Crane have both indicated they will seek reelection.