34 minute read
resort for Cortez net camp
Legislature last resort for net camp
If the Florida Legislature decides to save the net camp built off the Cortez commercial fishing village, a local judge said he will reconsider his order to demolish it.
BY CINDY LANE
SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Raymond Guthrie Jr. has 60 days to convince the Florida Legislature to save the net camp he built in Sarasota Bay off the commercial fishing village before a court order to demolish it takes effect.
Manatee County 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Ed Nicholas ruled Monday that if the Legislature decides before it adjourns 60 days from the session’s start on March 2 that the structure should be protected, “that would certainly be a factor that the court would take into consideration.”
There is no harm in seeing “if the Legislature wants to consider the potential to grandfather this camp, as it appears they have done to others at some point throughout the state,” Nicholas said in his ruling on Guthrie’s motion to stay the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s Oct. 8, 2020 order to demolish the structure by Jan. 24, 2021.
The order resulted from DEP prevailing in its claim that the state owns the submerged land under Guthrie’s structure and that its construction was illegal.
Guthrie built the stilt structure in 2017 on what he says is the site of his family’s three former net camps, built over 70 years in Sarasota Bay.
A.P. Bell Fish Co. manager Karen Bell recently asked local legislators to request that DEP stay its demolition order, giving them time to draft legislation to protect the camp during the session. Legislators advised her to seek a stay in court.
“I’m happy,” she said. “Now it’s time to talk to the Legislature and see if they can help.”
Bell previously appealed in vain to Gov. Ron DeSantis to overturn the demolition, writing, “These camps are iconic to this community. Artists come from all over the world and have memorialized these structures in their work. I do not understand how my state is not supportive of our history.”
“I think there’s a failure to appreciate the historical nature of this,” Guthrie’s Bradenton attorney, Robert Schermer, told the court. “This is, in our view, no different than the historic school in Cortez, the historic museum; this is a part of the history of the village.”
Cortez is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Net camps, which once dotted the Cortez waterfront in Sarasota Bay, were used to clean, dry and store cotton nets. They declined in use when net makers began using more durable fibers and were made virtually obsolete by the 1994 Florida gill net ban.
Today, only Guthrie’s structure and a historic net camp remain off Cortez, the latter restored by the not-for-profit group, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH).
Bell also previously intervened unsuccessfully in the lawsuit, claiming the structure has existed on the spot since at least the early 1900s and was protected by the 1921 Butler Act. DEP said the Butler Act did not protect the most recent structure because it had been allowed to deteriorate beyond use.
CINDY LANE | SUN Raymond Guthrie Jr. calls his stilt structure a net camp, and says it was built on the site of his family’s former net camps in Sarasota Bay.
VACCINATION: investigation triggered
FROM PAGE 1 lottery-style vaccine registration and standby pool protocols previously established by the Manatee County Commission, Baugh helped organize a pop-up vaccine distribution site for 3,000 recipients in the 34202 and 34211 zip codes only. In doing so, Baugh did not consult her fellow commissioners. The vaccinations occurred the week of Feb. 16.
On Feb. 16, Manatee County issued a press release regarding the pop-up clinic. In the press release, Baugh was quoted as saying, “This unique opportunity was made possible by Governor DeSantis calling Rex Jensen wanting to do a vaccination site near Lakewood Ranch. The governor has been trying to find large areas of neighborhoods to target.”
Jensen is the president of SchroederManatee Ranch Inc. Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is the parent company of Lakewood Ranch.
In addition to restricting vaccine access to zip codes only, Baugh produced a list of five specific vaccine recipients who did not have to rely on their names being randomly pulled from the county’s standby registration pool. That list included Baugh herself, even though she decided later not to receive the vaccine.
On Monday, Feb. 15, Baugh emailed her list of specific recipients to Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur. Baugh’s list included Jensen, whom she listed as living in the 34212 zip code, and his father, Lawrence Jensen, whom she listed as living in the 34208 zip code. Baugh’s list also included Lakewood Ranch residents Robert and Marie Keehn, whom she listed as living in the 34202 zip code, and herself, whom she listed as living in the 34202 zip code. Baugh also owns the Vanessa Fine Jewelry store in Lakewood Ranch.
COMPLAINT ALLEGATIONS
“Based on the following information, I have a reasonable belief that violations of Florida Statutes occurred by Vanessa Baugh beginning on or about Feb. 9,” Barfield stated in his complaint.
The complaint references the following Florida Statutes:
“When Baugh inserted individuals and herself on a COVID-19 vaccine distribution list, she acted contrary to the adopted Vaccine Standby Pool and used her official position to secure a special privilege, benefit, or exemption for herself and others, which may be in violation of section 112.313(6), Florida Statutes, Misuse of Public Position.
“By including herself and individuals on a COVID-19 vaccine distribution list, Baugh acted contrary to the adopted Vaccine Standby Pool and altered or caused the alteration of an official record or official document, except as authorized by law or contract, or caused another person to perform such an act, which may be in violation of Section 838.022, Florida Statutes, Official Misconduct.
“By including herself and individuals on a COVID-19 vaccine distribution list, Baugh acted contrary to the adopted Vaccine Standby Pool and used her official position to take action in reliance on information to which she had access in her official capacity and which had not been made public, to acquire a pecuniary interest or gain a benefit by such information, which may be in violation of section 839.26, Florida Statutes, Misuse of Confidential Information,” Barfield stated in his complaint.
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
Barfield’s complaint includes several additional supporting statements.
“On Jan. 6, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) of Manatee County held a special meeting regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations. At the conclusion of that special meeting, the Manatee BCC adopted a motion authorizing the county administrator to implement the ‘Vaccine Standby Pool,’ effective Jan. 7, until further notice. The motion was adopted unanimously. As explained in the public presentation during the special meeting, the effect of the Vaccine Standby Pool was to randomize distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine through a lottery system,” the complaint states.
“On or about Feb. 8, constituents of Baugh were actively soliciting her about their eligibility and inability to get appointments for vaccine distribution in Manatee County. Sometime near Tuesday, Feb. 9, Manatee County resident Rex Jensen received a telephone call from Pat Neal. Governor Ron DeSantis was already on the line when the call was made. The reported purpose of the call was to facilitate a location for a pop-up vaccine distribution site at Premier Sports Campus for additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine,” the complaint states.
“On Feb. 9, Baugh sent an email to Jacob (Jake) Saur, Director of Public Safety of Manatee County stating, ‘Jake, the state wants Rex to keep a list. Can we do that.’ That same afternoon, Jensen sent an email to Courtney Coppola, a Florida Department of Health employee, stating Baugh helped reserve the pop-up site and outlining the tentative plan: ‘I have no infrastructure or staff to field all the calls necessary to assemble and maintain a list of candidates for the vaccine. I am copying Commissioner Baugh in the hope that she might be able to think creatively to find a solution,’” the complaint states.
“Baugh ignored the Vaccine Standby Pool process and selected two zip codes within her own district, including friends and herself, that would receive the additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine at
Michael Barfield, Paralegal
SEE VACCINE, PAGE 25
Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI. 5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.779.2337 Shop & earn discounts at Hurricane Hanks! Delivery service now available!
AMI HISTORICAL SOCIETY | SUBMITTED. Barbara Murphy, Liz Hager and Nancy Flynn were among the officers elected during the annual member’s luncheon.
AMI Historical Society hosts annual luncheon
The annual luncheon included the election of this year’s historical society officers.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society recently held its annual members’ luncheon as a picnic in the park.
The picnic took place on Wednesday, Feb. 24 behind the Old City Jail and Belle Haven Cottage on the museum campus at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.
As part of the COVID-19 protocols, attendance was limited to 40 members who sat socially distanced at the picnic tables. The box lunches were provided by Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café.
Featured speaker Richard Sanchez, president of the Egmont Key Alliance, outlined the history of Egmont Key dating back to when the Spanish and then the English claimed the land for their countries and continuing through to the modern efforts to preserve the historical structures that remain on the key.
Sanchez also detailed Egmont Key’s important role in several wars – including the Civil War, when the island was a Union base; and the Spanish American War, when Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders departed for Cuba from Egmont.
During the luncheon, the members elected its society officers for the year. The officers are Liz Hager, president; Barbara Murphy, vice president; Evelyn Hoskins, corresponding secretary; Nancy Flynn, recording secretary and George McKay, treasurer. Founding member Pat Copeland became a board member emeritus.
AMI HISTORICAL SOCIETY | SUBMITTED. Featured speaker Richard Sanchez discussed the history of Egmont Key.
TRUE SACRIFICE Possessions • Time • DesiresPossessions • Time • Desires
SERMON SERIES BY REV. NEIL CROWELL
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM
In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com
Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin. The CHAPEL is open during o ce hours for prayer & meditation.
941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch
Interactive model can anticipate stormwater effects
Holmes Beach
commissioners are getting a new toy for the city, one that can judge different scenarios and determine how changes will affect the potential for future flooding.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A new way to figure out the potential impacts of stormwater, flooding and other water events is coming to the city. Commissioners voted unanimously to accept a contract proposed by Mayor Judy Titsworth for a hydrodynamic stormwater modeling system. The new computerized system will allow city employees to run different scenarios to see where the potential for flooding is. The modeling system should show, for example, what happens when one lot has fill, the one next to it doesn’t, and it rains heavily. The computer modeling system will take into account the elevation of every part of the city, all elements of the Holmes Beach stormwater system and other elements while also allowing for different items to be changed, such as the installation of new stormwater piping.
The new system, from Progressive Water Resources of Sarasota, will cost about $58,000 plus hourly fees for experts during the creation of the model. Titsworth said that money could come from allocated stormwater funds without adding to the budget since the city is internalizing much of the current work on the stormwater system instead of hiring contractors.
In budget year 2021-22, she added she would like to see if money could be allocated to add a person to the public works department - preferably someone familiar with the maintenance of stormwater systems.
Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman said he feels the stormwater modeling system is one very important element that was missing in the city’s fight against the encroachment of seawater.
“I think this is wonderful,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, adding that she’ll be very happy to be able to easily check on how much pervious and impervious surface is in the city.
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Bali Hai site plan negotiations continue
Discussions be-
tween the owners of the Bali Hai and Holmes Beach city leaders are getting closer to a conclusion but both parties disagree with how business should continue on the resort property in the meantime.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Talks between the property owners at the Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and city leaders are planned to continue at a future meeting and it looks like both parties are moving closer to an agreement.
During a Feb. 23 work session, discussions on the proposed Bali Hai site plan amendment continued, with Assistant City Planner Austin Doles giving a presentation on what the property owners would like to do and how she recommends city leaders respond. And while city commissioners and attorney Louis Najmy, speaking on behalf of the resort’s owners, are closer to an agreement, there are a couple of sticking points where the two parties are not seeing eye to eye, primarily concerning how the resort should operate until the site plan is approved.
City staff suggested the unpermitted bar/lounge and spa on the premises at the Bali Hai should cease operations until the site plan amendment is approved, permits are received, the property passes all inspections, and receives a certificate of occupancy for those areas.
Najmy said it’s unfair of the city to request the bar/lounge and spa operations to cease while the details of the site plan are worked out with city leaders. He argues that the bar/ lounge area was a pre-existing use on the property. Brisson said he’s been unable to find any permits, business tax receipts, or other records that prove the bar/lounge was in use before the current owners opening it. Mayor Judy Titsworth said her father built the property and the area underneath the old owner's apartment currently being used as a bar/lounge for guests was previously an entertaining space for the prior owners.
Najmy also argued that his clients have put millions of dollars into the property to try and make it a five-star establishment. Commissioner Jayne Christenson said it would have benefitted his clients to present their plans to the city for approval before investing to make sure that their vision for the Bali Hai resort could be accommodated in the residential zone where the property is located.
While commissioners said they don’t want to prevent the resort from being profitable for its owners, they have to consider the surrounding residential neighbors and what’s allowed in the beachfront district when approving the site plan, particularly since construction work was completed and amenities were added without prior approval from the city or permits being applied for.
And while discussions ended Feb. 23 at an impasse, commissioners agreed to move the proposed site plan forward to a regular meeting and public hearing in the hopes of getting more input from the resort’s neighbors. Commissioners also hope to reach an agreement with the resort’s owners before a case seeking an injunction to stop operations at the resort until a new site plan is approved moves forward in Manatee County Circuit Court.
SUBMITTED | GOOGLE EARTH The Bali Hai resort is located in a mixed-use residential district which restricts some of the owners' aspirations for the property.
18 THE SUN OUTDOORS
New executive director joins Suncoast Waterkeeper
Reel Time
RUSTY CHINNIS
Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) is pleased to announce Samantha (Sam) Gentrup as the group's new executive director.
Gentrup comes to Suncoast Waterkeeper with an extensive background in education and grassroots environmental movements. After almost two decades of empowering children and young adults to use their skills and passion to make a difference in the world, Gentrup said she is excited to make environmental activism her primary focus.
Gentrup has been a public speaker, grassroots co-leader, environmental speechwriter, and organizer for local and statewide events. Her passion centers on raising awareness about the challenges that face the region's fragile marine ecosystems. Gentrup understands the interconnectivity of the issues that face the Suncoast and will bring passion and energy to Suncoast Waterkeeper's environmental protection movement.
Gentrup will participate in Sarasota Bay Watch’s (SBW) Annual Sister Keys Cleanup this Saturday, March 6, 2021. Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) is teaming up with Sarasota Bay Watch this year and in the future on this longstanding event. The cleanup is a collaboration with the Town of Longboat Key and the Chiles Group. The event will kick off starting with registration at 8 a.m. on the bayfront at the Mar Vista Restaurant at 760 Broadway Street, Longboat Key. Volunteers will work for four hours on the island and around the mangrove fringes collecting trash and recyclable items.
The Sister Keys were originally slated for development in the early 60s and were once again threatened in 1989 when they went on sale for one million dollars. That spurred a group of citizens to form the Sister Keys Conservancy in an attempt to buy and preserve the islands as a nature preserve. The Town purchased the islands in 1994 with a stipulation that the keys would never be developed. The islands underwent a million-dollar mitigation in 2007 that removed all invasive species, planted native flora and created a two-acre wetland.
The Longboat Key Marine division will be patrolling the intercoastal waterway to slow boaters. Kayakers and those without a boat will be ferried to the island by volunteers. Larry Beggs, owner of Reef Innovations Inc., will once again help the effort with a barge where volunteers can offload their trash.
This year, due to the pandemic, a light box lunch will be served, courtesy of the Mar Vista Restaurant. Anyone not willing to mask for the event or those who are still uncomfortable with groups can still participate during the following week. Through an arrangement with Longboat Key Public Works, volunteers can do a cleanup on their own and deposit bags at the town dock for pick up between March 6 and March 14. Registration is required and participants can sign up on the Sarasota Bay Watch website www.sarasotabaywatch.org.
The Sister Keys Clean Up is just one of many projects that SBW is involved in. In 2020 SBW planted more than 750,000 clams in the bay in an ongoing restoration effort. Other cleanups are conducted at various locations throughout the bay as well as an annual monofilament cleanup and much more.
Suncoast Waterkeeper is a Sarasota-based advocacy nonprofit committed to protecting and restoring Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy and environmental education for the benefit of the communities that rely upon these precious coastal resources. Their efforts have been responsible for major initiatives that hold municipalities responsible to mandates established in the landmark 1982 Clean Water Act. In addition, SCWK also conducts bi-monthly water testing of inland coastal waters. For more information on their mission go to www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
An aerial view of the Sister Keys cleanup site.
Pompano, mangrove snapper hungry inshore
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE
The weather this last week was absolutely stellar! The increase in temperature and the lack of wind made anything possible for our clients here at Anna Maria Charters.
Inshore, the sheepshead, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and pompano are keeping busy our clients who want some meat for dinner during their stay. Meanwhile, the snook, jack crevalle, and redfish are tugging hard for the clients just looking for a fight. All in all, a great time for inshore fishing altogether.
Offshore, the red grouper are spawning in depths of 120 feet or greater. It’s prohibited to keep them in waters of this depth. But there are still good fish a little shallower than that. We didn’t have too much trouble finding them on our offshore trips this week. Also, we found some great yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper up to 7 pounds. The full moon threw things off a little bit. But we still got it done. It looks like the weather stays nice and the out-of-towners continue to roll in. Enjoy the weather while it lasts.
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
There should be good action with reds, trout and snook in skinny water in March as baitfish become more plentiful. Look for Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, tripletail and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Night snook fishing in the ICW should also be a good option this month.
Snook, reds and spotted sea trout remain closed to harvest on the west coast of Florida. The Florida FWC has enacted a temporary modification of regulations for reds, snook and trout, in the areas affected by red tide. The area extends from Pasco County, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass in Collier County. Reds, snook and trout are catch and release only in that zone until May 31, 2021. Full details including exact boundaries can be found at https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/ extended-cnr-220/. This will be revisited before May 31 and could be extended for a longer period of time.
This should be a good month for snook fishing at night around lighted docks and bridge fenders in the ICW. DOA Shrimp, CAL jigs with shad tails and small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, usually work well at night since glass minnows and shrimp are the predominate bait. Focus on shadow lines where light meets dark and fish strong tides for the best action. Although snook may also be found in rivers, creeks or canals in March, they will also start to move onto shallow flats, particularly on sunny afternoons when it’s warm. I like larger lures like CAL jigs with jerk worms, CAL 4” Shad Tails, DOA Baitbusters and the DOA PT soft plastic top water lure or wide profile flies like Clousers, Deceivers and EP flies, for snook on the flats.
Look for early season tarpon that may start to show in backcountry areas. These are usually adult resident fish that are making their way out of rivers and creeks. They may be “laid up” or rolling on deep grass flats, on edges of shallow flats or along bars when it is calm. An accurate cast with a DOA Shrimp, a Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly may result in an explosive strike! Look for them in areas of Sarasota Bay, lower Tampa Bay or in Gasparilla Sound on some of the same deep grass flats where you find trout.
Reds should be more active as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. Higher tides, as we head into spring, will allow them to spend more time feeding in shallow water. Look for them over shallow grass, along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high. You should find them in potholes and along sand bars when the tide is low. I like the shallow flats of north Sarasota Bay for reds this month. I like 1/16-ounce CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms to locate reds. Fly anglers should score with my Grassett Flats Minnow fly, fished on a 10’-12’ leader. When using a long leader be sure you are able turn it over, otherwise you’ll need to shorten it until you can. The butt section should be at least 50% of the total length of the leader and stiff enough to transfer energy from your fly line to the leader.
You might also find reds around docks when the tide is low. Look for deep water under docks with a good tidal flow for the best action. A 1/8-ounce CAL jig with a shad tail or grub or a weighted fly fished on a clear intermediate sink tip fly line with a 6’ leader with should work well for dock fishing.
You may find big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you find reds. Blind cast seams where grass meets sand or focus on light colored bottom, in potholes on top of sand bars, where you may be able to sight fish them. These big fish, usually females, are important to the health of our fishery.
You should also find trout plentiful on deep grass flats along with Spanish mackerel, blues, flounder or pompano. I like to make a series of drifts, casting ahead of the drift with CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos or an Ultra Hair Clouser fly tied on a long shank hook and fished on a clear intermediate sink tip fly line to locate fish. Also look for birds, bait showering out of the water or boils on the surface that will indicate fish feeding below. When mackerel and blues are around, you may need to add 6 inches of 40# to 60# fluorocarbon or wire to your leader. Top water plugs and fly poppers also work well when blues and mackerel are around and may help locate them by attracting them from further away. Flounder may be found on sand or mud bottom areas on both shallow and deep grass flats or around docks. Pompano may skip on the surface when you drift or run past them, giving their location away. Fish deep grass flats with a mixture of grass and sand and a strong tidal flow for the best action.
You may also find Spanish or king mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia or tripletail in the coastal Gulf this month. Look for diving or hovering terns to find Spanish mackerel or false albacore feeding on the surface. Quarter-ounce CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms or top water plugs should work well for spin anglers. Fly anglers should score with small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow or Ultra Hair Clousers fished on an intermediate sink tip fly line.
Run crab trap lines at various depths to find tripletail or cobia around crab trap floats. Cobia may also be swimming on the surface as they migrate from south to north following warmer water and baitfish. In the absence of any fish on the surface, check out one of the many artificial reefs or natural hard bottom areas that may hold baitfish and predators. Drift over structure and cast DOA Baitbusters or weighted flies on fast sinking fly lines to get deeper in the water column to catch them.
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED Lon Anderson, of Bradenton, shows off a large model red grouper caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.
Holmes Beach
commissioners are moving closer to approving new restrictions for signage in the A-1 residential district along Gulf Drive.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Backlit signs in the residential and A-1 district along Gulf Drive may have to be replaced under new regulations being considered by the city.
Commissioners discussed the changes to the city sign restrictions during a Feb. 23 work session. City Planner Bill Brisson reported there are four backlit signs in the district along Gulf Drive, but only one has a city permit. And that one, he added, was permitted by mistake.
Brisson said the four signs are at Resort Sixty-Six, the White Sands Beach Resort, Cedar Cove and the Anna Maria Beach Resort. The one at the Anna Maria Beach Resort is the one that was approved and granted a permit by former Building Official Jim McGuinness. However, no backlit illuminated signs are currently allowed outside of commercial districts, according to city codes.
Commissioners said they are not considering allowing illuminated signs in the residential district where the Anna Maria Beach Resort is located on Gulf Drive. However, they are considering offering the owners a sunset clause period where the sign can be used to help recoup the expense of installing the sign.
During the meeting, commissioners agreed to a five-year sunset period for that sign. The other backlit signs will have six months to either be replaced or have the backlit capabilities removed. Illumination would then be allowed only by a single spotlight.
There was no discussion on allowing the owners of the Anna Maria Beach Resort property to use an LED board on their sign during the sunset clause period if approved by two commission votes during public hearings.
And though signs are being allowed for property identification purposes, commissioners agreed that they prefer the low, often wooden signs lit by a single spotlight used by many properties in the area instead of the more commercial-looking backlit signs.
Brisson said he would talk with a lighting expert to determine appropriate brightness, lumen output, and sign size before the issue comes back before commissioners at a future work session. The ordinance will have to pass two public hearings and votes by commissioners before it can be enforced.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN The sign at the White Sands Beach Resort is one of three in the residential area along Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach that may soon have to be changed. The backlit illuminated sign at Resort Sixty-Six for the Beach Bistro (below) may have to be brought into compliance if Holmes Beach commissioners approve new illuminated sign regulations for the residential area along Gulf Drive.
Roser hosts virtual style show
Despite not being able to host an in-person luncheon and fashion show, the show must go on this year at Roser Memorial Community Church. This year’s fashion show will be an online extravaganza called “A Preview of Things to Come.” Models will strut their stuff through the narthex of the church showing off some of the many styles available at the Roser Guild Thrift Shop when the store opens again. The virtual style show will be available to watch live at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9 at www.youtube. com/roserchurch and www.roserchurch.com under the events page. For more information, contact the church at 941-778-0414.
ROSER CHURCH | SUBMITTED Nancian Hall previews one of the looks planned for the 2021 Roser Style Show.
Relative Harmony to perform outdoor concert
Roser Memorial Community Church’s annual concert series is moving outdoors and kicking off with a performance by classical musical trio Relative Harmony. The group, made up of flutist Mary Deur, her sister, harpist Melody Rapier and Melody’s husband, French hornist Chris Rapier, will play a combination of light classical music, worship favorites and a few traditional Irish tunes. The concert starts at 3 p.m. on March 7 in the sanctuary parking lot. Attendees are asked to arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs. Everyone is required to wear a mask throughout the program and groups are asked to remain six feet apart from other groups. Parking is available in the thrift shop and fellowship hall parking areas. Handicap parking is available on the west side of the sanctuary entrance. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www. roserchurch.com/events. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.
ROSER CHURCH | SUBMITTED The musical trio of Relative Harmony will perform on March 7 as part of Roser’s annual concert series.
22 THE SUN REAL ESTATE
Cold month, hot market
Ihave always found real estate to be a very exciting profession. What other job allows and encourages you to peek into people’s closets and check out their favorite shampoo? And right now, real estate professionals are super excited, as they should be – just look at these numbers.
There are few words to describe the Sarasota and Manatee housing market, but “sensational” is one of them. According to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, closed sales increased year-overyear by 23.6% across the two-county market. So, let’s look at the Manatee County sales for January, also reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
Single-family closed sales in January were 25.6% higher than January of last year. The median sales price was $370,000, up 12.3% (just to review, the median is the midpoint of sales; half the homes sold for more, half for less). Also, $370,000 is the highest median sales price for single-family homes recorded for Manatee County. The average sales price for single-family homes was $510,940, up 21.4% from last January.
The median time to contract single-family homes was 17 days, down from 41 days last year; this means that half the properties available were in contract in more than 17 days and half in less than 17 days. New listings are down 20.9% and the month’s supply of available properties was 1.1 months, down 67.6% from last year.
Condos closed 20.5% more this year than last. The median sales price was $231,000, up 10%, and the average sale price was $284,037 up 19.9%. For condos, the median time to contract was 40 days compared to 50 days last year, and new listings are down 35.8%, with a month’s supply of properties at 1.6 months, down 66%.
If you think Manatee County is getting too difficult to buy in, don’t think that Sarasota is much easier. Single-family home sales increased by 17.9% in Sarasota and condo sales increased by 32.6%. In Sarasota, the median price for single-family homes was $340,004, up 14.9%, and condo prices were up by 9.1% to $302,250. Essentially, whether you’re looking to buy in either Sarasota or Manatee counties, you’re in for a difficult process. The combined inventory including both property types in the two counties declined by 59.9%.
Alex Krumm, president of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, had a couple of things to say about the market when the January numbers were released: “Our sales tend to be strong through fall and winter, but what we’re seeing right now is unprecedented. There are far more buyers than sellers, which reinforces the trend of rising prices and competition in our marketplace.”
He goes on: “Waiting to purchase is a mistake right now. Home prices are increasing at an incredible pace with no sign of slowing, and sellers can take advantage of a very favorable climate to fetch good prices and great terms.”
And to add another log on the real estate fire, the Mortgage Bankers Association anticipates home purchase originations will grow to a record level in 2021 and mortgage rates will stay historically low, generating an even more competitive real estate market.
Living on the edge waiting for properties to close can be stressful for real estate professionals in a normal real estate market, but what we’re experiencing now is far from normal. What is stressing out real estate brokers now is finding properties to sell.
I guess plumbers may have less financial stress and are also welcomed in people’s bathrooms, but where’s the excitement there? Stay safe.
Castles in the Sand
LOUISE BOLGER
