Weiss & Weiss International . The international Real Estate Company in Florida » Bradenton

Bradentown and Manatee County 100 years ago

axel — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:39:45 +0000

There are so many reasons why to move to Bradenton, but here are some which exist for almost 100 years…

more to come…

If you have any questions about Bradenton, Manatee County, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, do not hesitate to contact the INTERNATIONAL Bradenton and Sarasota Real Estate Company:

Weiss International Realty
Axel Weiss, Broker
T. (941) 866 1666
www.bradentonbroker.com

130% Increase in Condo Sales

bea — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:12:57 +0000

There was an article in today’s Herald Tribune about a 130% increase in condo sales in Sarasota, Florida.

Here are some highlights of this article:

In the Sarasota-Bradenton market, 239 condos changed hands, a 130 percent increase from the 104 sales that took place during the same month a year earlier.

Realtors and analysts attribute the uptick to both the first-time buyer tax incentive, which was recently extended, and to the return of investors to the market.

All over the region and across the state, investors are snapping up condos that either came out of the ground or were converted from apartments during the boom.

In Sarasota-Bradenton, the median condo price was down 20 percent to $141,100 in November from the same month a year ago.

If your are interested in buying or selling a condo in the Bradenton/Sarasota are, please call the experts @ 941.866.1666.

Bed & Breakfast for Sale

bea — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:23:48 +0000

Current use is Bed & Breakfast or use it as a great Old Florida Style Pool Home with in law quarters.

Large 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bathroom home on quiet street in West Bradenton offers huge caged deck and heated pool with auto cleaner. The oversized, fenced in lot offers two lush, landscaped backyard areas, one on each side of the pool area, offering various fruit trees as well as large old oaks.

Relax by the pool and enjoy the private setting. Lots of parking space availabe for RV/Boat. Features updated kitchen and baths, skylights, beautiful oak floors, wood burning fireplace front porch and an additional enclosed upper veranda.

Amazing combination of old Florida Lifestyle and modern convenience. Great income opportunity if desired.

More information: click here

Bradenton featured on Boston.com

bea — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:21:51 +0000

Bradenton, especially Downtown Bradenton and the Village of the Arts have been recognized by Boston.com. I reprinted the article below:

BRADENTON, Fla. – Turn onto 12th Street West, and it’s clear that this isn’t your average neighborhood. Instead of the usual bungalows, there is a riot of lime green picket fencing, a mural that pairs Frida Kahlo with an emaciated Christ figure, and a giant cow statue painted blue. And that’s just within two blocks.

Welcome to Village of the Arts, a funky collection of more than 35 galleries, studios, cafes, and shops stretching between 9th Street and 16th Street West, and 9th and 14th Street West in what was once a rough section just south of downtown Bradenton, 50 miles south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Formerly a place known for crack houses and prostitutes, Village of the Arts started as a grass-roots attempt to reclaim the neighborhood by a few brave artists in search of cheap real estate and a community. A decade later, what began as a social experiment has become a reason for locals and visitors to spend time away from Bradenton’s sandy beaches.

Bonni Brown was one of the first to stake a claim. The former New York clinical social worker opened a bakery cafe in September 1999. “We bought this place from a man arrested for shooting at crackheads. Got a great deal.’’ Today, the 100-year-old building houses Bonni Bakes, a friendly spot to have fresh mango lassi, a curried chicken salad sandwich, and a slice of red velvet cake. “We still get locals who’ve lived here all their lives and say, ‘When did all this happen?’ We’ve finally got some signs up, which will help a lot.’’

Brenda Smoak is the newest kid on the block. She opened Alchemy, a fair trade consignment shop representing 145 artists, in early October, leaving her gallery in Silver Springs, Md., behind. “I moved here because of this place – it felt like a community,’’ Smoak said.

Divine Excess Folk Art is definitely one of 12th Street’s catchiest facades. Painted lime and scarlet, the outside of the gallery is marked by a towering live oak that doubles as a repository of Mexican milagros and Mardi Gras beads. Inside, Zoe Von Averkamp showcases top Florida folk and outsider artists, including Missionary Mary Proctor, whose work hangs at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore. “I love folk art because it’s raw, real, and from the soul,’’ said Von Averkamp, an artist who creates moody shrines and altars from found objects. “I’m here to tell you that you’re never too old or too late to realize your dream.’’

Bradenton (population 53,000) has become the little arts town that could, harnessing existing resources and adding attractions to create a package with plenty of cultural cachet. In a recent Soul of the Community study done by Gallup and the Knight Foundation, Bradenton ranked first as a place whose citizens felt attached to their community and eager to spread the word.

Plans to revitalize downtown, adjust traffic flow, and attract more restaurants and shops are slowly taking root. “You won’t recognize downtown in the next five years,’’ said Rick Fawley, the local architect working on the transformation, which will start with a half-mile pedestrian walkway linking the river walk to the Village of the Arts, called Artisan Avenue. Monthly events like a street and craft fair with live music, an outdoor movie in the park, and the art walk on the first weekend of each month are enthusiastically attended.

“It’s such a friendly place,’’ said Jenny Taylor, who along with her husband, John, and daughter Christina own The Londoner Inn B&B and Tea Rooms, a six-room inn within a few blocks of downtown. After moving from South London, the Taylors first opened a hotel on swanky Longboat Key. “When I had a 5-year-old ask me if we’d be going condo soon, I knew we were in the wrong spot,’’ she said. After a nine-week stint back in England -“We really didn’t fit in there anymore, and it was so cold!’’ – the family returned to Bradenton and bought a dilapidated house in what used to be called the Silk Stocking District. “It was quite posh at one time, before it got run down,’’ she said.

Renovated and outfitted with six spacious rooms, the Londoner is a cheery place for an overnight stay or a spot of tea. Try the coronation chicken salad, the same recipe enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth on her big day.

After staying at the Londoner for three weeks, Winchester native Lyn Di Mambro decided never to leave. “I’m not in the mood for another winter,’’ said the freelance puzzle writer, who went home, packed her stuff, and is renting the carriage house behind the B&B. “I can work anywhere. But this feels like home.’’

What to see

Farmer’s Market Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Old Main Street, the market features local produce, joined by artists selling everything from jewelry to antiques on the third Saturday of the month. Live music. 941-544-8077 South Florida Museum This gem of a museum covers local history, offers a state of the art digital planetarium, and is home to Snooty, the world’s oldest known manatee (he turned 61 last summer). 201 10th St. West, 941-746-4131, www.southfloridamuseum.org

ArtCenter Manatee This vibrant haven for artists for more than 75 years attracts impressive exhibits and fosters local (and visiting) talent in workshops and classes in pottery to jewelry making and watercolor. Nice gift shop. 209 9th St. West, 941-746-2862, www.artcentermanatee.org

Where to shop

Village of the Arts www.villageofthearts.com (Note: Many galleries are open only a few days a week, so call before you visit.)

Hearts Desire Local jewelry designer and graphic artist Vicki Rollo spotlights art to wear, interesting textiles, and her own work. 1221 12th St. West, 941-302-1069, www.heartsdesirefl.com

Alchemy An eclectic mix of 145 artists’ work, from sculpture to oils to painted leather and more. 1215 12th St. West, 941-746-3508, www.artandalchemy2.com

Divine Excess Surprisingly affordable outsider and folk art. 125 12th St. West, 941-747-1320, http://www.villageofthearts.com/show_member.php?id=37

Where to eat

Bonni Bakes Homemade baked goods, wraps, salads, and blintzes served for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, $4-$7.50. 930 12th St., 941-746-6647, bonnibakes.blogspot.com Ristorante Ortygia In a homey bungalow, chef/owner Gaetano Cannata creates authentic Sicilian specialties like sweet red peppers stuffed with provolone, tomatoes, pine nuts, and black currants. If you’re lucky, Joseph Spinella will be singing Italian folk songs and the chef may just break out his harmonica. 1418 13th St. West, 941 741-8646, ortygiarestaurant.com

SOMA Diner SOMA, which stands for South of Manatee, is the latest from chef/owner David Shiplett, who brings chic comfort food to the table, including a killer four-cheese mac and cheese and a parmesan-crusted chicken schnitzel, $5-$22. 616 10th St. East, 941-748-0002

Mattison’s Riverside Just one of local chef Paul Mattison’s eateries, this spot offers river views, live music on the weekends, and a Mediterranean inspired menu that focuses on seafood, lamb, duck, beef, and sushi, $7.95-$29.95. www.mattisons.com, 941-748-8087

What to do

Manatee Players This national award-winning community theater group delivers crowd-pleasing musicals with plenty of spunk. A new playhouse is in the works. 102 12th Street West, 941-748-011, www.manateeplayers.com Around the Bend Nature Tours Naturalist Karen Fraley and her guides offer interactive and interpretive outdoor adventures in places like the 487-acre Robinson Preserve, with its nest of federally protected bald eagles, and Emerson Point Park, a birders’ paradise and home to the largest remaining Native American temple mound on Tampa Bay. Fun activities for groups, families. 941-794-8773, www.aroundbend.com

Manatee Segway Tours This is a fun way to see Bradenton, gliding along the River Walk past the South Florida Museum and onto Old Main Street, or on tour in Village of the Arts. Pick up at your hotel, $35-$45. 941-224-8079, www.manateesegwaytours.com

Horse Surfing Great World Nature Tours offers horseback riding in the sand and water, a gentle experience of riding bareback and swimming in balmy Palma Sola Bay outside Bradenton. www.beachhorses.com

Where to stay

Courtyard Marriott Newly renovated business hotel includes 153 rooms, pool, and onsite bistro/bar with a riverside address, from $149. 100 Riverfront St., 941-747-3727, www.marriott.com/srqbdThe Londoner Inn B&B Stylish B&B geared to Anglophiles and creatures of comfort. Airy, comfy rooms, full English breakfast, and optional afternoon tea. 304 15th St. West, 941-748-5658, from $120 per night. www.thelondonerinn.com

The Londoner Inn B&B Stylish B&B geared to Anglophiles and creatures of comfort. Airy, comfy rooms, full English breakfast, and optional afternoon tea. 304 15th St. West, 941-748-5658, from $120 per night. www.thelondonerinn.com

Taste of Manatee 2009

bea — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:14:15 +0000

The weekend includes one of the area’s most popular events, the 23rd Annual Taste of Manatee from 11-10 p.m. Saturday and 11-7 p.m. Sunday. The ‘Taste’ is a two-day celebration along Bradenton’s beautiful, downtown riverfront. Six live bands are scheduled to perform and dozens of vendors from local restaurants will pack Barcarrota Boulevard.

More Information: www.tasteofmanatee.com

Bradenton utility contacts

axel — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:55:48 +0000

Utility contacts for the City of Bradenton:

Water / Waste / Sewer:
City of Bradenton
www.cityofbradenton.com
Ph.: (941) 932-9434

Power:
FPL
www.fpl.com

Cable / Phone / Internet:
Brighthouse Networks
tampabay.mybrighthouse.com

Verizon / Verizon FIOS:
www.verizon.com

Property taxes:
www.taxcollector.com

Homestead exemption:
www.manateepao.com

Utility contacts for unincorporated areas in Manatee County:

Water / Waste / Sewer:
Manatee County Uilities
www.mymanatee.org
Ph.: (941) 932-9434

Power:
FPL
www.fpl.com

Cable / Phone / Internet:
Brighthouse Networks
tampabay.mybrighthouse.com

Verizon / Verizon FIOS:
www.verizon.com

Please use this information for City of Anna Maria, City of Holmes Beach and City of Bradenton Beach.

For the Town of Longboat Key please check here: Town of Longboat Key Utilities

For more information on Florida Real Estate and for buying and selling homes in the Bradenton / Sarasota area, please visit our website www.weissinternational.com

Weiss International Realty
P.O. Box 14222
Bradenton, Florida USA 34205
U.S.A.

SHIP funds to help homebuyers

bea — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:12:33 +0000

The City of Bradenton Housing and Community Development Division has about $130,000 available to help residents make down payments on houses if they qualify.

The funds are part of the $482,236 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation that the City received for the 2008-09 program year.

To qualify, the applicant must be earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income but the maximum annual income must not exceed the following limits:

Family size

1 Person/$34,900
2 Persons/$39,900
3 Persons/$44,850
4 Persons/$49,850
5 Persons/$53,850
6 Persons/$57,850
7 Persons/$61,800
8 Persons/$65,800

The City will accept applications for the housing rehabilitation assistance program from Aug. 3-13.

Applicants must complete a first-time homebuyer’s class and be approved for a mortgage prior to applying. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Down payment assistance will be awarded on a first-come, first-ready basis to persons owning homes within the City limits.

Source: www.cityofbradenton.com

Property tax challenges just got easier

axel — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:01:08 +0000

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 4, 2009 – Home and business owners who think their local tax bill is too high caught a break today when Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill that makes it easier to challenge how much a property is worth.

Flanked by business and real estate leaders, Crist put his name to HB 521. The bill lowers the burden of proof for owners who dispute property tax assessments to a preponderance of the evidence – a lower standard than the clear and convincing threshold they now must meet to overturn a property appraiser’s estimate.

Local governments had successfully scuttled earlier efforts to lower the standard. In the just-signed version, property appraisers still enjoy the presumption that their estimates are correct, but the legislative analysts say the bill will cost local governments $157 million during the current fiscal year, increasing to $693 million a year by 2013.

Lost Kangaroo Pub getting kicked out

axel — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:01:52 +0000

Businesses moving on Old Main Street

By GRACE GAGLIANO – gagostin@bradenton.com (Excerpt from Bradenton Herald 05-19-2009)

BRADENTON — A popular downtown Bradenton drinking establishment is being kicked out of its current home on Old Main Street.

A lease for the Lost Kangaroo Pub will not be renewed by landlord Mike Carter when it expires Sept. 31. Instead, Carter says he is working on replacing the pub, at 427 12th St. W., with a new bar.

Meanwhile, Robert Wood-ring, owner of the Lost Kangaroo, has a sales contract pending on the nearby Palmer Building, at 408 12th St. W., where he plans to relocate his bar. The building is home to the Arthritis Foundation thrift shop, which is scheduled to close June 1.

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/ttompkins@bradenton.com Lost Kangaroo Pub owner Robert Woodring plans to relocate just down the street.

Carter didn’t disclose reasons for canceling Lost Kangaroo’s lease.

“Their lease term was coming to a close and we chose not to renew their lease,” Carter said. “Where they are going and what they are doing, you will have to contact them.”

Carter said negotiations are under way for a replacement tenant.

“I expect that tenant will also be in the beverage business,” Carter said. “I think that Old Main Street has been a popular gathering place for years, and an increase in the beverage business will only enhance the appeal of the area.”

Carter declined to give any further information about the new tenant.

Woodring said he wasn’t given reasons regarding the cancellation of the lease.

“At first, I was disappointed,” Woodring said. “Then I realized I’m probably better off.”

If the sales contract is finalized, Woodring said the Lost Kangaroo will remain open at its current location through the fall as the bar relocates across the street.

“I’m hoping for my patrons and employees just a short down time, maybe one or two weeks,” Woodring said.

The thrift storehas no plans to relocate, said Anne Forrest, president and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation’s Florida Chapter.

“We’re sad to see it close,” Forrest said. “We enjoyed having it, but we’ll be able to focus our efforts on our programs and our services.”

Calling it Home…

bea — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:17:58 +0000

Enjoying your time in the sun and the sand between your toes? That feeling doesn´t have to be limited to only a couple of weeks a year. Make the Bradenton/Sarasota area your home and let everyday life become something truly spectacular!

Our beautiful area is definitely a great place to be all year round. We admit it – we´re crazy about this region, from the blue-green Gulf and wild rivers to buzzling Sarasota Downtown and a word-class cultural and restaurant scene.

Unlike many beach communities, things don´t come to a halt in the off season. Rather the off season allows locals to enjoy our serene white sandy beaches all to themselves.

There is plenty of activity all year round: boaters, golfers and sun-seekers all find happiness in the Bradenton/Sarasota region!

Wheather you have your eye on a condo on the island, a home on the golf course or an expansive rural home, the Bradenton/Sarasota offers lots of choices for all budgets and tastes.

From an investment standpoint, you may be nervous about the current housing market. But especially this market offers lots of opportunities for buyers. Low interest rates and a large market favor anybody who is looking to invest.

Take advantage of the buyer´s market by checking out the local real estate. The variety of homes makes sure thateveryone can find their personal paradise. Enjoy the lifestyle you deserve – make your vacation last a lifetime!