The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Take steps now to reduce Hurricane Irma’s threats

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This is an updated version of a previous story that offers tips to help our readers prepare for possible impacts from Hurricane Irma.

The path of Hurricane Irma remained uncertain on the afternoon of Sept. 8, but residents were being urged by Gov. Rick Scott and local authorities to be vigilant and do what they could to protect themselves from the monster storm.

Here are some practical tips intended to help keep you and your family safe from Irma’s potentially deadly dangers, and to help protect your property.

Prepare ahead of the storm
• Remove loose and damaged limbs from trees. Secure and brace external doors. Board up external windows.
• Remove items around your home that could act as projectiles in high winds, such as potted plants, barbecue grills, garden gnomes, chairs and garbage cans.
• Place sand bags around low-lying areas near your house.
• Stock up on hurricane supplies, including flashlights, batteries, self-powered portable lights, waterproof sheeting, a nonelectric food storage cooler, a portable generator and reusable ice.
• Have personal items available, such as blankets and pillows; hygiene supplies, moisture wipes and toilet paper; waterproof and seasonal clothing; reliable shoes; a first-aid kit and special medications; tools; and, cameras.
• If you sheltering in place, be sure you have adequate supplies, in case you lose power and water for several days, and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Be sure to have plenty of food. Suggested items include juices, crackers, breakfast and protein bars, canned and dried fruit, peanut butter, bread, canned protein (tuna, chicken, Spam), powdered milk and condiments. Also have on hand disposable utensils, plates and napkins.
• Secure your important documents in a watertight plastic bag or waterproof container.
• Have cash on hand, in case the storm knocks out power from gas pumps and ATMs.
• Park your car as far inland as possible and on higher ground, to protect it from possible flooding. Do not park it next to a tree.
• Take photos of the interior and exterior of your home, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• If you have a pet, have a plan for it.
• Have a family emergency communication plan. Your loved ones need to know how to contact you before the storm, and especially afterwards, when communication infrastructure may be damaged or overwhelmed.
• Check on your neighbors to see if they need help.

Before losing power
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers these tips for steps to take before losing power:
• Keep appliance thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer to ensure the temperatures remain food safe during a power outage. Safe temperatures are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the refrigerator and Zero degrees Farenheit in the freezer.
• Freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags or small containers prior to the storm. These containers are small enough to fit around the food in the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cold. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so don’t overfill containers.
• Know where you can get dry ice or block ice.
• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours.
• Keep a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling.
If you evacuate
• If you choose or ordered to evacuate, know the local evacuation route and have a plan where you can stay. (Pasco County officials have advised residents that manufactured homes can only withstand winds of 90 mph. Those living in a manufactured home, follow the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating, if necessary. Officials also say that those living in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding should monitor the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating).
• Have a disaster supply kit you can take along with you. It should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, required medicine, first aid supplies, 2 gallons to 3 gallons of water per person, documents such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, insurance information and tax documents, a hand-crank or battery-operated radio and a cellphone with a charged battery.
• If you have a pet, know where you can take your pet with you. Be sure to prepare a hurricane kit for your pet, including food, any medicines, toys, a bed and so on.

During the storm
• Stay inside and away from windows and doors
• Close all interior doors
• Keep curtains and blinds closed
• Get into a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
• Lie under a table or other sturdy objects

A potentially deadly waste of time:
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes warns that using masking tape, duct tape or window film on windows or door is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. These products can create larger, deadlier shards of glass, according to the nonprofit organization. Preparation time and money is better spent on proven products and techniques, it says.

Protect your business
Businesses are reminded to sign up for Florida Virtual Business Operations Center to receive up to date storm-related information. Businesses also will be able to fill out damage reports and post hours of operation during the storm. To sign up, visit http://flveoc.org/index.php?action.

Epperson Attracts Hundreds Of Homebuyers With First Ever Crystal Lagoon

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Epperson, with its jaw-dropping Crystal Lagoon, has quickly become the most talked about new planned community in Tampa Bay. This community is selling homes at an impressive pace, with over 100 new homes sold, a running waitlist and residents already moving in.

Located in Wesley Chapel, north of State Road 54 at Curley Road and Overpass Road, three builders have model homes open for tour: Express Homes by D.R. Horton, M/I Homes and Pulte Homes. Two other builders, Lennar and AH Avex Homes, have models opening this fall. Epperson’s other builders, Maronda Homes and Freedom Homes by DR Horton, are accepting reservations for their homes that will be available soon.

The demand for Epperson can be attributed to the community’s desirable Wesley Chapel location and its unique 7-acre lagoon. Already hugely popular around the world, this will be the first Crystal Lagoon to be built in the U.S.

Metro Development Group, who has several Metro Places communities in the area, is planning two of these lagoon communities in Wesley Chapel – Epperson and Mirada. Together, these communities will anchor the nation’s first Smart Gigabit Community built from the ground up on a framework of the fastest internet and WiFi speeds imaginable. This means acres of crystal clear blue waters and an area ignited by technology, all in Pasco County.

Additionally, Metro has two more planned lagoon communities under development; Southshore Bay in Southern Hillsborough and Brightwater in Ft. Myers.

WHAT IS A CRYSTAL LAGOON?

Epperson’s lagoon is an enormous 7-acre, 16-million-gallon swimming pool with crystal clear water that stretches the length of five football fields. It will be 200 feet wide and up to 8 feet deep, and include a series of arms that stretch out 1/4 mile in length from the main Lagoon. The pool’s average depth will be 8 feet, with some areas as deep as 12 feet.

Both lagoons will have crystal clear blue water with sandy beaches, swim-up bars and restaurants built along their shores. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Lagoon’s water slides, kayaking docks, snorkeling, paddle boarding and small sailboats. Those wanting quiet conversations and relaxing in the sun will enjoy the Cabana pools.

Crystal Lagoon’s advanced ultrasound technology system, uses thousands of sensors to keep the water crystal clear. Epperson’s lagoon will use between 14 and 15 million gallons of water that will be purchased from Pasco County. After the Lagoon is filled, it is estimated that it will use 50 times less water than a park of the same size, and 30 times less water than an 18-hole golf course. Crystal Lagoons also use 100 times less chemicals than a swimming pool and up to 50 times less energy than conventional pool filtration systems.

“The lagoon at Epperson will truly be a first-of-its-kind amenity, not only in this region, but in the entire nation,” said Jen Austin, marketing director of Metro Development Group. “There is nothing like it, and it’s why so many people are buying homes at Epperson.”

1 GIGABIT OF ULTRAFI SPEED

Because Epperson is included in Pasco County’s newly designated Connected City, it residents will have ULTRAFi —the fastest Internet and WiFi speeds available in North America. ULTRAFi offers 1 gigabit of speed throughout the community, and up to 1 gigabit at individual homes.

“Living in an ULTRAFi community means there are no buffering delays as residents play, watch, game, surf and stream by the pool, on the trails, at the playground and right inside their homes,” said Austin.

This technology also offers smart controlled features that allow homeowners to customize settings from the same room or their smart device, including dimming lights, changing temperature and setting security.

Upon completion, Epperson and Mirada will have around 3,000 homes. The entire Connected City corridor will have around 37,000 homes and over 12 million square feet of commercial space, including office, retail, and state-of-the-art education, medical and technology facilities. The plan for the Connected City spans 50 years.

ABOUT METRO DEVELOPMENT GROUP

A Tampa-based company founded in 2003, Metro Development Group is committed to bringing some of the most innovative technologies and amenities to homebuilders and homebuyers. With the introduction of the Connected City, Metro Places, ULTRAFi and Metro Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons, Metro continues to be the gold standard in the development of master-planned communities. For more information, please visit MetroDevelopmentGroup.com and MetroPlaces.com.

 ABOUT CRYSTAL LAGOONS

Crystal Lagoons is an international technology company based in Miami that has developed an innovative concept and technology that allows for the construction and maintenance of unlimited size bodies of water in crystal clear conditions at low cost. Founded in 2007, Crystal Lagoons’ impressive turquoise waters are revolutionizing not only the real estate world; but also water and energy production. For more information, please visit Crystal-lagoons.com.

Published August 23, 2017

Worth a Visit

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Susan Blackwell, manager of the BonWorth located in Merchant Square Mall on Highway 301 in Zephyrhills, believes her store is the best-kept fashion secret in town.

“Zephyrhills is the perfect location for a clothing and accessories store that caters to older women,” said Blackwell. “This area has so many retirees and seasonal residents who come seeking the relaxed, comfortable Florida lifestyle. We provide the fashion that fits that lifestyle.”

In an era of declining brick and mortar retail store sales, BonWorth has stayed the course by focusing its line of quality women’s fashion on style, comfort and ease of care for a predominantly 45+ market. Founded 1966 in Hendersonville, North Carolina, by the Wells family, the company expanded by opening over 290 stores across the country.

Upon retirement of the last member of the Wells family, the company was acquired in 2014 by a former supplier, Mr. Gurusankar Gurumoorthy, who saw the BonWorth brand ripe for growth and ready for a slight change that would include a younger demographic without losing the older one.

Blackwell said the daughters of loyal, long-time customers are now shopping her store, oftentimes with their mothers. “Today, women care more about feeling good in their clothing, while still wanting to be fashionable,” Blackwell said. “The clothes and accessories we carry enable them to do both.”

Blackwell began her career with BonWorth in 2013 as a part-time associate, with a promotion to store manager in 2015 – and with good reason. Under her direction, the store began providing offsite trunk shows at area assisted living facilities and now participates in many local fundraisers, such as the annual fashion show hosted by the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.

“I love doing trunk shows,” said Blackwell. “It’s so rewarding to help elderly women who aren’t able to come to the store, or who don’t like to shop on the internet. They get so excited when I show up. I believe they value having a personal relationship with someone who understands their unique needs.”

Blackwell believes BonWorth’s casual, one-stop shopping experience is what attracts shoppers. “There’s always something new. For example, the new fall line features coordinating collections and an abundance of mix and match separates in Misses and Petite sizes. Our designers constantly introduce new colors, fabrics and accessories while also bringing back, season after season, long-time customer favorites such as our uniquely BonWorth LeChute fabric.”

As to the future, Blackwell said her vision is to see the Zephyrhills location become a premier shopping destination for seasonal and year-round residents.

A Family On The Cutting Edge

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Mother and daughter, Jay and Sawyer Zurkan, are the co-owners of Salon Zed.

Every hair salon is a bit different, be it in the services they offer, the product lines they carry, or even the personalities within the shop. Opened since May, Salon Zed is a family-owned, full-service salon that offers their guests the latest trends in hair styling and body care.

They feature Redken and Pureology hair care lines and have also partnered with Eminence Organic Skin Care to ensure the best quality products and results for their guests. That combined with skin, spray-tan, message and natural mani-pedi services make Salon Zed a one-stop shop for any beauty needs.

The shop is co-owned by the mother-daughter partnership of Jay and Sawyer Zurkan. “It’s been our dream for quite sometime to open our own full service salon,” said Jay.

“Not all parents are able to work so closely with their children, but she truly is my best friend and I love working with her every day,” beamed Sawyer.

The family ties at Salon Zed run even deeper, as Sawyer’s father built the reception area and her brother put together the studio’s website. “So much of what’s gone in to this place is a reflection of the people we cherish. It’s been quite the family affair,” she added.

Another interesting aspect of Salon Zed is their leading-edge hair replacement services. Cancer patients and those dealing with genetic hair-loss issues will take comfort in the knowledge that Salon Zed can create a hair replacement solution for just about any lifestyle or budget.

This is truly a labor of love, as Jay has dealt with her own hereditary hair-loss for many years. As the voice of experience, she will candidly discuss the subject with prospective clients in complimentary, one-on-one consultations. These are done discreetly to keep clients at ease, and the end results are often remarkable.

With a full range of professional hair services, expert color application and techniques, color correction and the latest trends for men and women, customers can expect to come away looking and feeling their best. “Nothing makes us happier than to see our clients walk out of here beaming with confidence,” concluded Jay.

Salon Zed is conveniently located at the intersection of Lutz Lake Fern Rd. and N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in the Lutz Lake Crossing center.

813-406-5364• SalonZed.com

 19241 N. Dale Mabry Hwy

Lutz, FL 33548

(in the Lutz Lake Crossing center)

 

 

Helping People Take Back Their Yards

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In the Tampa Bay Area, bugs are as unavoidable as death and taxes. Unfortunately, because of the heat and humidity, this happens to be an ideal habitat for mosquitoes and other pesky insects.

But, mosquitoes are much more than just an annoyance. They can pose a health hazard to families and pets, causing allergic reactions and exposing our loved ones to dangerous viruses, such as Zika and West Nile.

In fact, Brandon Allen is quick to point out that worldwide, according to National Geographic, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths annually than sharks, tigers, snakes, dogs, alligators, crocodiles, and man combined.

Allen and his staff at Mosquito Hunters of Tampa Bay can help. They offer effective, environmentally responsible mosquito control solutions for both residential and commercial properties throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties.

Unlike much of their competition, Mosquito Hunters understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to outdoor treatments. A member of Allen’s team will work with you, surveying your outdoor space, to customize an effective treatment plan for your home or business that is both people and pet friendly.

Currently, Mosquito Hunters is offering a special for first time customers of $200 for the year pest control and 5% off on their mosquito packages.

They also can provide a “one-off” barrier treatment service for HOA common areas and special outdoor events like weddings, festivals, concerts, cookouts and family reunions.

More than just mosquitos

Just like the name implies, mosquitos are their specialty, but they are a fully licensed pest control service that can help rid you of other unwanted guests like fire ants, fleas, ticks and small rodents. To date, in-laws are just about the only unwanted visitors they can’t help you with.

Operations manager, Wes “The Ant Whisperer “ Rogers, doesn’t believe in a hard-sell approach. “Since not everyone is a native Floridian, we try to educate our clients about proactive measures they, themselves, can take, rather than us just showing up once a month and then sending them a bill,” he said.

Mosquito Hunters also offers a Client Happiness Promise, which allows for no hassle, no-questions-asked re-treatments in between the regularly scheduled treatments. Basically, they want you to be happy with their work. That’s why they also provide customers with a cost-effective rollover service for unused treatments, an option not offered by the competition.

“For us, it’s truly a partnership with our clients. We stand behind our work and remain accessible after the fact,” said Kirby Lavallee, the company’s business and marketing manager.

If you’re ready to take back your yard, contact the Mosquito Hunters team today.

(813) 365-3976

MosquitoHunters.com

email:

Cruise Over to The Hair Port and Refresh Your Style

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The Hair Port’s staff: Seated on bench (l to r): Brooke Gill, Cindy Caron and Linda Villar. Back row (l to r): Rebecca Barnes, Nina Edmisten, Tammie Brandl, Wanda Smith, Sara Barnes and owner Judi Barnes.

Life is sunny for the talented team of stylists at The Hair Port. Tucked behind Wendy’s off State Road 54, the quaint salon is an oasis of calm that feels miles away from the busy, day-to-day routine in Land O’ Lakes.

Come in and leave your sea of worries behind as you enjoy a bit of relaxation along with expert hair services. Judi, Nina, Cindy, Tammie, Wanda, Linda and Brooke each brings many years of experience working with people of all ages, and this makes The Hair Port a welcome destination for the whole family.

When you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a tranquil place reminiscent of an ocean-side cottage. A “Welcome Aboard” sign is displayed on the wall, as well as large oil paintings of beach landscapes and a red and white buoy. Seashells decorate shelves and countertops, and wicker ceiling fans offer a nice breeze on warm days.

Even though it may appear that you’re on a tropical getaway, you will also feel right at home with the salon’s friendly staff, who treat each other (and their clients) like family. And while the Hair Port ladies take their jobs very seriously, they also have a great sense of humor, which is evident in quirky signs hanging from some of the hair stations, such as “Beware of Attack Hairdresser.” This is clearly the happy environment that Judi had hoped to create when she opened the salon 13 years ago.

Hair Port customers can indulge in a variety of services — haircuts, full color, highlights, braiding and facial waxing — all at very reasonable prices. There are also plenty of women who come for their weekly wash and set, an option not offered in many salons today. The staff here use some of the most professional hair products on the market, including Redken, Paul Mitchell and Matrix, to keep your hair in the most optimal condition.

It’s time to depart once you’re styled to perfection and feeling your best. Little visitors can select a treat from a ceramic shell full of colorful candies at the front desk. It’s comforting to know you don’t have to travel far from home for a refreshing retreat with affordable style. As you leave, a message on the wall offers a sweet reminder of The Hair Port’s warm spirit and its parting wish for everyone that comes: “May all who enter as guests leave as friends”.

813-909-8710 • 813-909-1432

2346 Raden Dr. • Land O’Lakes

A fond farewell to one of our own

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The lunch connoisseurs gathered at the Longhorn Steakhouse on State Road 56, near Tampa Premium Outlets, on Aug. 11 for their monthly lunch and to celebrate Sandy Lindke’s 79th birthday,

Adrianne Ayres digs into a pizza during a party in her honor. (Courtesy of Sandy Lindke)

Al and Sandy were the hosts for this month. A nice crowd of 38 Grand Horizons residents had a great lunch and lots of laughter.

A dessert of pretty decorated cupcakes was furnished by the birthday girl.

I received this information from Sandy, as she was kind enough to tell me about their good time.

Then, since it was near the mall, I am sure that many people went shopping.  It turned out to be a full day, and our thanks go out to Al and Sandy for arranging the luncheon.

A large contingent of Grand Horizons residents joined together on Aug. 12 to give Adrianne Ayres a pizza party and good wishes on her move to join family in California.

Ed Goldstein, Jim Leitzke and Sandy Lindke spoke a few words of appreciation and praise for her dedication to the HOA Board, the Social Club and the people of Grand Horizons.

From left are Jim Leitzke, Eileen Goldstein, Cheryl Leone, Judi Leitzke and Nancy Huey in the kitchen during the ‘Just Because’ potluck.

The party was in the community center, and Adrianne will be greatly missed by all.

The Social Club furnished a variety of pizzas, while the residents provided the friendly atmosphere.

Once again, Sandy Lindke was nice enough to provide the information and several pictures.

Since Marty and I were in Connecticut and unable to attend, our best wishes go out to Adrianne on her move. She will be missed by so many.

A potluck was held Aug. 13 in the Community Center. The following was related to me by Sandy Lindke.

Vic Dyson and Joe Diemicki must have coordinated their outfits for the potluck in the community center.

Sandy mentioned that the “Just Because” potluck was hosted by Nancy Huey, and 77 residents came to have a good time. They all brought a dish to share and enjoy with Nancy’s tasty sloppy joes.

The food table was loaded with quite a few homemade dishes. There were plenty of salads, baked beans, German potato salad, deviled eggs, sausages, meatballs, and just about any kind of dessert you would want. No one left hungry.

Grand Horizons residents enjoyed an afternoon of good food and friendship.

Nancy had a helpful crew for setting up and cleaning up. The crew consisted of Nancy Huey, Cheryl Leone, Eileen Goldstein, and Jim and Judi Leitzke.

Our thanks go to all who helped out and to Nancy Huey for arranging it.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Published August 23, 2017

Ringing in a new school year in Pasco County Schools

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Parents and students stream toward Bexley Elementary School, a school that had its first ‘first day of school’ on Aug. 14. (B.C. Manion)

Pasco County public school students began a new school year on Aug. 14, and some of those students headed to schools that were opening for the first time.

At Bexley Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes, parents and children appeared eager to begin a new year, in a new school.

The message on the school’s marquee was summed up in three words: “Believe. Engage. Succeed.”

Cypress Creek Middle High School students make their way to their second class on the first day of school on the new campus in Wesley Chapel.

 

Things were running smoothly at Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel.

Students streamed across campus for their second-period class. Most appeared to know where they were heading, but for those who were lost, there was plenty of help.

“I can help. If you need help, I can help,” Tico Hernandez, the school’s Graduation Enhancement teacher called out, as students changed classes.

Published August 16, 2017

 

First Day photos

Kate and Sean Cancelliere are in line with their son, Maxx, waiting for the first day of school at Bexley Elementary. Maxx was excited to be heading to kindergarten, in a class taught by Sarah Johansen.

We know that you took them, so why don’t you share them?

It’s an annual tradition for many families to take ‘First Day of School’ photos.

We’d love to share some of your photos with our readers.

The number of photos we will be able to publish depends how many we receive, the quality of the photo and whether we have sufficient information.

If you would like your photo to be considered, please email us a digital copy. Include the name or names of the student, the grade of the student or students, and what school they attend. Also include contact information, in case we need to get back to you.

Finally, feel free to send us your photos whether you took them at home before leaving for school, or whether you took them at the school itself.

Please submit the photos by Aug. 25 by emailing them to .

Celebrating with cake and ice cream

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Lamar and Rudi Lawson (Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

A Ladies Lunch Bunch was held July 11 at the Sunrise Eatery. Even though it was in the midst of the summer months, there still were 11 women who attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

My husband and I have gone to the Sunrise Eatery several times before, and they have an extensive menu with something for everyone. The staff is delightful and happy to help if you if you have a question.

The restaurant supplied two orders of appetizers for the group as a thank you for attending. From what Pat McKain told me, there were enough appetizers for every woman to have some.

The birthday girls: Sandra Lindke and Barbara Holmes

Our thanks go to Pat for organizing this luncheon, and I look forward to it being one of the restaurants that we go to when I return.

During the month, Grand Horizons had other functions and several get-togethers in the community center, including the coffee/doughnut hour that is held every Wednesday morning. I understand from talking to Sandy Lindke that the turnouts were quite large for coffee and doughnuts.

At the event, you can get the news of the latest happenings, and hear the birthdays and anniversaries that are coming up the following week, over a nice warm cup of coffee.

There are also card games that people like to join in on, as they are not only fun, but the people are cooler in the community center.

Chris and Jerry Buckley

I realize several of the activities are put on hold during the summer, but Grand Horizons still keeps everyone busy with different functions, such as the ice cream and cake that was at the community center hosted by Barb Holmes and Sandy Lindke.

Sandy gave me the following news that the party was on Aug. 5, and since this was a double birthday celebration, 46 residents were treated to cake and ice cream.

The cake was cupcakes made to look like a sheet cake, and decorated in shades of blue and white.

As Sandy went on to mention, since she and Barb were both turning 79, it was a big practice for the following year when they will be 80.

Way to go Sandy and Barb, and we all wish you the best!

Besides the fact that ice cream is pure heaven on a hot and humid day, quite a few stayed in the cool community center to visit and entertain each other telling stories. Everyone had a very pleasant time.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Published August 16, 2017

Diane and Bill Taggart
Shirley and Chuck Carlson

An island oasis, a day-trip away

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Maybe because it’s an island.

Or, maybe because it’s close to home, but feels so far away.

Or, maybe because Anna Maria Island lulls you with its watery beauty and makes you forget the world outside.

Maybe, for all these reasons, this island is an ideal place for a day-trip.

Anna Maria City Pier, looming out into Tampa Bay, can be seen from this spot in Bayfront Park, a popular place to set up umbrellas and stroll the beach. (Karen Haymon Long)

For years, Tampa families have escaped to their second homes on the island on weekends just to get away. Most were nothing fancy, white cottages an easy stroll from long stretches of sandy beaches. If they got up early enough, they might be the only ones on the beach for miles.

Some modest cottages and little houses are still there. But, more and more have been torn down and replaced by much larger homes on the water, more often owned by out-of-staters than by Tampa Bay area locals. Many new and old homes are now vacation rentals, which gives the island a more transient feeling than ever before.

That didn’t hurt the vibe, though, on our recent day visit to Anna Maria, the northernmost of the three cities on the island. (The others are Bradenton Beach to the south and Holmes Beach in the middle).

It was enjoyable to watch other tourists like ourselves fishing and sitting on the city pier, riding bikes down the middle of South Bay Boulevard, or lining up for a first-come, first-served lunch at the popular Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar.

The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar offers indoor and outdoor dining with water views.

Before noon, retirement-aged couples sat at picnic tables on the city pier chatting and drinking canned beer, while an older man fished from his wheelchair, using shrimp as bait. A little boy in a red baseball cap sat watching a sheriff’s boat with deputies aboard idling beside the pier. A young couple fished under the watchful eyes of hungry pelicans.

On land, groups of families and lots of couples walked the beaches, rode rental bikes up and down narrow, sea grape-lined streets, and ducked in and out of shops.

We enjoyed strolling past homes, some named: “After All,” “Serenity Now,” “Casa del Mar,” “Starfish,” “Three Palms,” “Manatee House …”

A man on a bike wore a T-shirt that said “Island Bum,” an enviable statement on such a pretty day.

No one seemed in a hurry. No one seemed the least bit interested in what was going on in Washington D.C., or anywhere else.

A woman in a little shop called Just Beachy shopped for an Anna Maria Island T-shirt, but sounded conflicted about buying one or not.

Anna Maria, the northernmost town on Anna Maria Island, offers picturesque views of Tampa Bay.

“I don’t want more people to come here,” she said. “I want to keep it our secret.”

“Too late for that,” another woman said. Then they laughed.

The secret’s long been out.

But, Anna Maria still isn’t too crowded to make it stressful on an off-season weekday in May. Weekends, though, are another story.

One of the best things about Anna Maria is that once you park, you don’t really need a car. Water – the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway – are all an easy walk from anywhere inland. If you tire, you can hop on the free trolley, rent a bike or sit a spell in a cozy bar, cafe or ice cream shop.

Or, you can shop in one of the local boutiques or gift shops. I particularly like The White Egret, at 10006 Gulf Drive, specializing in an array of coastal home decor and gifts, and its sister store, The Egret’s Nest, at 10010 Gulf Drive, a high-end women’s and baby boutique.

Both stores have friendly service and attractive gifts hard to find in chain stores. They’re also a fun place to eavesdrop on other visitors.

Anna Maria Pier is a popular place for locals and tourists, alike.

“I wish I could move here,” one young shopper told the sales clerk. “My hair always looks so much fuller and better in this humidity than it does at home.”

When the clerk asked where she lived, she told her, “Orlando,” which sounded funny, considering all of Florida seems so humid and muggy in late spring and summer.

Many visitors head to the beach and stay all day, a smart idea, since it’s sometimes tough to find a parking spot. We drove up and down the beach-side streets and never found a place that didn’t require a local permit. Those who came early got the free, no- permit spots. We figured most people who aren’t staying on the island in one of the houses or at an inn or hotel must go to Holmes or Bradenton beaches to the south that both have large parking lots.

We ended up parking in a free spot near the city pier and walked from there down the pier, then along Bayfront Park, a spit of beach on Tampa Bay. Then, we headed to lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar, where we sat outside with a view of the bay.

Anna Maria stretches along the Gulf of Mexico, drawing visitors during the day and later for sunsets.

We had been before, and remembered the good food and watery views. This time, I had excellent crab cakes, loaded with lump crab, atop a tropical salad for $15. My husband enjoyed his carnitas, pork braised in orange juice and seasonings, and served on tortillas with cheese, avocado, chimichurri and lime for $12. Another diner raved about her steamed mussels, $12.

It’s such a peaceful setting, with kayakers gliding east and west, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as a backdrop. If they time it right, kayakers can paddle to Bean Point Beach to watch the sun set over the Gulf with others gathered there.

Or, they can just paddle around, enjoying the green, tranquil waters of the bay and maybe even see a dolphin or two – all on island time.

Tips for the Trip
How to get there: Anna Maria is in Manatee County. Once over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 South, take U.S. 19 south to south Tamiami Trail. Go left (south) on the trail, then go right (west) on State Road 64. When that dead ends at the beach, turn right on Gulf Drive, which leads to Anna Maria.

Where to eat: We liked The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar, at 111 South Bay Blvd., that offers indoor and outdoor seating and a dark-wood bar that serves 13 craft cocktails. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Visit TheWaterfrontRestaurant.net or call (941) 778-1515.

We’ve also enjoyed eating at The Sandbar Restaurant, at 100 Spring Ave., on the Gulf of Mexico, a wonderful place for sunsets and grouper sandwiches. Call (941) 778-0444.

Anna Maria has many other restaurants, cafes and bars as well. Find them, along with places to rent kayaks and paddleboards, at AnnaMariaIslandChamber.org.

Where to stay: If you want to stay overnight on the island, there are lots of options – from homes to inns, motels and resorts. For listings, see VisitAnnaMaria.com.

Fun fact: According to legend, Anna Maria Island was named by a Spanish explorer for the Virgin Mary and her mother, Ann.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published August 9, 2017