Month: March 2008

Boom For Space

Anna Maria Island and surroundings were surprised last night by the double sonic boom created by the return of the space shuttle Endeavour.

A small delay in the shuttle’s re-entry brought the glide path over the island and it’s normally tranquil evenings.

The first sight of the Endeavour’s trail was visible in the dusk sky at about 8:25 p.m. as a steady glow moving rapidly from west to the east. As it disappeared from sight descending toward its Cape Canaveral landing, a loud b-boom shook the windows and rattled glasses.

Tags Shuttle

Community Environment

Purpose and Place

Organizers of last month’s Cortez Fishing Festival announced it netted $113,000 from the 2-day event.

Cortez fish house

Dedicated volunteers and sunshine brought in about 28,000 people. Proceeds far exceeded expectations and almost doubled last year’s $60,000.

The first festival initiated to purchase 95 acres of historic waterfront raised $98,000.

The funds created the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Preserve, dedicated to retaining the character and heritage of one of Florida’s last traditional waterfront communities within a natural environment. More privately owned land may be added to the preserve as it becomes available. The old wharves, fish houses, 1912 schoolhouse and 1896 Burton’s Store are in the process of restoration.

Tags Fishing, Fundraising, History

Community

Charity and Grace

Anna Maria Island Community Center raised more than $180,000 from its fund raising dinner February 23rd.

AMI Community Center

The “Affair to Remember” has become a highly anticipated formal attire event with auctioned luxury items and services that are donated by local businesses and philanthropists.

The evening began with champagne and open bar provided by Anna Maria Oyster Bar, hors d’oeuvre from Chiles Restaurant Group (Sandbar, Beach House, Mar Vista), followed by dinner from Harry’s Continental Kitchen.

A silent and live auction bid on various items, such as a golf cart, 50″ HDTV, and diamond and gold necklace.

Tags Basketball, Fundraising, Little League

Sports

Sun Coast Spring Breakers

Perfect beach weather greeted spring break visitors to the Sun Coast this weekend. A refreshing breeze made the beach a comfortable place to get the summer tan started.

The UV index is 9 (very high) so be careful not to stay exposed for long. Warm gulf air ahead of an approaching mild front brought out locals and tourists alike. The S wind also pushed up some breakers for a few surfers. As the wind clocks around to the west and drops the surf may clean up a little, but onshore conditions prevail through Sunday.

Tags Boating, Family spring break, Spring Break, Surf

Environment Politics Real Estate

We’re Here To Help You

As if the housing market slowdown were not enough to challenge local contractors, now Holmes Beach City has stopped issuing all building permits.

The City of Holmes Beach Commissioners decided the building department stop granting “requests for construction, reconstruction, or improvement of buildings or structures within the flood hazard areas” beginning February 12th. All building is halted while compliance is being studied and codes compared with other communities.

Caught in this moratorium is a partly rebuilt 1950’s house. New walls, windows, and roof were constructed last month but work has now stopped. The city is considering that it may even have to be torn down again.

Tags Advisories, Hurricanes, Taxes