Silhouettes at Sunset ~ July 29, 2010 ~ A Slice of Heaven!

What are your thoughts when you see a hammock tied between two Australian Pines on a sultry late afternoon on Anna Maria Island? My idea of a good time is to climb into the hammock and have one of my grand kids gently rock me back and forth while sipping a Jimmy Buffet Margarita  in anticipation of the pending sunset! I believe there would be no need for blood pressure medicine or stress tabs.  Most likely I would totally forget the previous hours spent at work or dealing with bills that are due or unruly store clerks or being cut off in traffic! That would all just melt away in the possibility of seeing the green flash. And by the way on Sunday evening I was privy to witness a very vibrant green flash. It is only my second one and I can assure you I  have probably seen more sunsets than most locals. I would not even require to be fanned due to the soft tropical breezes cooling  me as I sway back and forth…and bring on the sound of the parrots flying over with the many other species of shore birds singing in delight for having found the Island and raising their young in such an inviting environment…trust me they know where the hot spots are and they return every year! And right about now I would remain in the best seat in the house after the sunset waiting for the arrival of the enormous orange moon that lights up the beach as though someone has turned on the porch light! I know I am dreaming but let me dream…I see it as a little bit of heaven and I am feeling very blessed to have found this Island and have had the opportunity to live here for 14 glorious years. So come and see what you have been missing all of your life if you have not visited Anna Maria…you may just fall in love like I have! Thank you Anna Maria Island! You amaze me every night at sunset!  Click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them and then click on them again!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Whether buying or selling real estate on Anna Maria Island please feel free to call me so that I can assist you with finding that perfect place in paradise. There are few places left with the charm and ambiance that you will feel as soon as you step foot on this Island….she is one of a kind for sure. Come and experience a sunset like none other. Is Anna Maria calling your name?

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ Rainbows and Manatees ~ June 20, 2010

Today was just like any other typical tropical evening on Anna Maria Island as I set out with my camera to shoot a sunset…or so I thought! The beaches were packed with visitors lazily relaxing in beach chairs partly in the gulf water or floating in the water in an effort to cool themselves.   Even though it was late in the day on Father’s Day everyone had chosen to remain at the beach to witness another incredible sunset on Anna Maria. As I headed north with the skies dark with clouds to the east a double rainbow appeared back towards the bay side of the Island. Scott, who was headed back from celebrating Father’s Day with his dad in St. Pete said he saw them from there and they seemed to loop over the Skyway Bridge. As I turned to head back south I saw what I thought to be a large pod of dolphins playing not too far out in the Gulf of Mexico. But just as I came around a bend I noticed a gathering of people standing just ankle deep in the water. And there she was just sitting in the shallow water, a large manatee who had just been mating and was too tired to move on with the group. I walked right into the water, shoes and all! I was not about to miss the opportunity to give a gentle rub on her back. I was told there had been nine of them in the area all afternoon swimming along side of the people in the water. They said they would come right up to you and brush by you. Wildlife and Mote Marine came to check on her and they will watch her to make sure she is only resting and not injured. Everyone stood and watched her for the longest time and she was ever so gentle.  An experience like that is a beautiful memory that will stay with those who were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. What an amazing walk with an amazing sunset. Father’s Day had almost come to an end and on this day a year ago I lost my sister to cancer. I think she helped with tonight’s production and I know she was smiling on the other side of the sunset. Please enjoy the sunset and remember to click on the gallery pictures then click again to enlarge them.

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Whether buying or selling real estate on Anna Maria Island please feel free to contact me with all of your real estate needs. Tonight was an experience that will last a lifetime. Maybe it is time for you to start collecting such wonderful memories on Anna Maria Island with your family and friends. We are in fact the most quaint Island in the WORLD! Come dip your toes in our azure waters and swim with a manatee! See you soon!

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ June 2, 2010 ~Anna Maria Island

Once again it is time to soak up another amazing sunset on Anna Maria Island. This particular night was no exception as the clouds hovered around the sun to create spectacular hues as the sun’s colors bled into the sky. One would think that after several years of shooting sunsets it might become tiresome but the truth is that every sunset has a uniqueness about it. Whether it be the clouds or the wildlife or the people who become my subject for my silhouettes, each night offers something different to capture…that is the excitement that compels me to return almost nightly to see what will unfold that night! Right now I am keeping my eye out for a Loggerhead Turtle to paddle up into the sand to lay her eggs. I have been blessed to see three turtle crawls as they hatched from their eggs and crawled into the Gulf of Mexico in the last few years. I am anxious to see what will take place this summer. Very soon we will have many new shore birds as they are nesting furiously at the north end where I walk. Nature is bountiful on Anna Maria and only enhances our sunsets. Remember to click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them. Please, enjoy this special sunset!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Whether buying or selling on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas please feel free to contact me with all of your real estate needs. Let’s find your special place in paradise and you too can soak up your own amazing sunset on one of the most quaint islands in the world!

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ May 15, 2010 ! Breeding Season

The different species of terns and gulls are actively breeding on Anna Maria Island. The Royal Tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish and offers his fish to the female as part of the courtship display. After dancing in circles and rubbing beaks and chests they begin to breed. Their nesting takes place in ground scape and females lay one or two eggs. The nest are in dense colonies for protection. They become very aggressive (especially the male) while protecting the nest. To help preserve our wildlife officials have roped off a large area south of Bean Point. This is such an incredible display by the terns as they perform the ceremony of breeding. Soon we will see small terns hit our beaches and these same terns return year after year to the same nesting grounds. One just never knows what they may find when they are taking a stroll at sunset on Anna Maria Island. Please come and observe and snap away, but please do not disturb these birds and allow them to breed peacefully. And please enjoy the sunset!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Please feel free to contact me with all of your real estate needs whether buying or selling on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas. This is one of my favorite months of the year. With all of the wildlife in full swing, the humidity is holding at a comfortable level, the water temps are warming making swimming a pleasure and the sunsets are spectacular!! Maybe that is what is calling you here!!

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ April 29, 2010 ~ Fred and a Heavenly Sunset

This sunset walk became one of the most exceptional sunsets I have captured on Anna Maria Island.  Richard, my friend, recently reminded me we are one of the few that get to view the sunset across the water.  Tonight’s superior display of pinks, reds and yellows made everyone rise and take notice. The water was totally crystal clear and calm, almost see-through! You could smell the salt air as you approached the gleaming white sand…sweet! Ginny and I began our walk at Magnolia Ave. and headed north. Just north of the Sandbar Restaurant we saw two of my newer clients, Diane and Evan, who had drawn a life size blueprint of the new addition they would add to the home they are buying.  As we continued north we found due to the full moon and low tide we would be able to make our way all the way up to Bean Point which because of normal rock barriers we are usually blocked by the water. As we reached the northern point of Anna Maria Island we turned around and headed south with the angle of the sun just ahead to the left. Soon we would come upon an injured Laughing Gull whose wing appeared to be broken. A young man on a bike happened by and offered me a plastic bag so I could catch the gull. Two attempts and I had him. We began to hasten our steps as the gull was trying to bite me. We passed by some recent buyers/clients of mine and welcomed them back to the Island. As we continued at our fast pace we saw Evan and Diane. Evan offered me his towel and wrapped it around the gull which helped calm the frightened bird. Getting closer to the car we bumped into two fishermen who seemed to recall seeing me rescuing another gull several months back. Everyone wished the gull well and we hurried back to the car. The sunset was about to become so breathtaking that I grabbed my camera and holding the gull in one hand began shooting one amazing sunset. As we watched the sun disappear we rushed off to Wildlife where I volunteer to see if this gull could be saved. I am happy to report that the wing was not broken so after wrapping the wings for a few days Wildlife will release the gull at the beach. It is amazing how many took interest in the well being of our new friend, Fred the Seagull. Remember to click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them and please enjoy the sunset!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941~705~0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Whether buying or selling real estate on Anna Maria Island please feel free to contact me with all of your real estate needs. The visitors  have tapered somewhat but the buyers are here in full swing and looking for a reasonable buy on Anna Maria Island. After being exposed to nature and such a sweet sunset as this it is no wonder buyers are so anxious. We have waited through a declining market and we have hit bottom. Now is the time to make your move and own a slice of paradise.

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ Spring Break ~ 2010

 We are about to slow down just a bit after an extremely busy season and spring break on Anna Maria Island. I was fortunate to have my daughter and family down from Atlanta and we mingled with the beach crowds swimming and soaking up some amazing sunsets. The restaurants and shops were packed with sunburned but happy people from all over. You could also spot several weddings taking place around the Sandbar Restaurant nightly. After an unusually colder winter for Anna Maria we are finally seeing the 80’s arrive. The sunrise service on Easter at the Manatee County public beach was attended by many. It was difficult to find a parking place and the crowd went on as far as the eye could see. After watching so many sunsets it was a beautiful way to start Easter morning catching a sunrise in worship with so  many others. The beaches have been filled with families from all over the country coming to see what all the fuss is about seen in the many articles written about our seven mile island. Even with that being said we remain the most quaint Island in the world.   If you are thinking of visiting next year at spring break you might want to make your reservations soon. With the crowds we had this year I can only imagine next year will book up quickly. Please enjoy some of the photos I shot the last few weeks and may you be so lucky as to catch one of our awesome sunsets.  It happens nightly on Anna Maria!! Remember to click on the gallery pictures for better viewing! Please, enjoy the sunset!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ 941-705-0146 ~ Please feel free to contact me whether buying or selling real estate on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas. Island Real Estate has been flooded with buyers anxious to own a piece of paradise. With the prices at the bottom this is the time to invest in the most quaint Island in the world. Come spend some time on Anna Maria and see if it is your time!  

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ Wildlife Inc. ~ Education & Rehabilation Center

On Anna Maria Island, in the middle of beach-goers and sunset lovers, their is a place that many helpless animals call home who are in need of rehabilitation. Bambi (seen above) was found at Lakewood Ranch and her mother had been killed when hit by a car. We were not allowed to touch her for fear of domesticating her and she was taken to a ranch out east to live with other deer. Though many of the animals fall victim to natural causes…disease, storms and natural predation…most of the cases handled by rehabilitators are caused by human interactions~vehicle collisions, environmental toxic poisoning, injuries caused by fishing lines and bottle containers and predation by uncaged domestic animals and released exotic non-native species. Habitat loss due to rapid growth is another cause of orphaned and injured animals. “We believe that all forms of native wildlife serve critical and sometimes complex roles in maintaining the balance of nature. We feel called to do what we can to maintain the balance,” says Wildlife,Inc. They receive no government support for all these labor-intensive and costly activities. The dedicated all-volunteer staff takes no salary. Donors who support the vision and commitment are the sole source of financial support that keep Wildlife, Inc. in full operation. Ed and Gail Straight have dedicated their lives to the rescue and rehabilitation and education of our beloved wildlife and have been providing treatment and care for  Wildlife, Inc. for over 23 years. I am fortunate to volunteer and work with these animals in a mission to protect and preserve our wildlife for Manatee and Sarasota Counties. For more information and the opportunity to support our local wildlife visit their website at www.wildlifeinc.org. And if you see someone feeding our shore birds bread, please help to educate them that this may lead to the death of these birds. Let’s all do what we can to preserve the wildlife on Anna Maria Island…these critters complete the beauty of our Island and all serve a purpose.

Written by Melinda Bordes~ www.annamariaisunset.com ~ 941-705-0146 ~ Whether buying or selling real estate on Anna  Maria Island or surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me to assist you. If you live on Anna Maria or are just visiting we all need to do our part to protect our wildlife. Because this is close to my heart I see such a need to be educated and understand what it takes to live along side of our wildlife so we can all benefit from their existence on our beautiful Island!

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ 1~29~10 ~ Paragliding at Sunset

This last week has brought a mixture of cooler weather and some days of very pleasant, warm weather. On one of my evenings while shooting a sunset I caught some activity at the north end of Anna Maria Island. Richie King was flying high in his paraglider observing a spectacular sunset as his image reflected the colors of the sun.  I wondered what thoughts you must have with such a view as you look over the horizon into the stillness of the evening with only the soft sound of the motor on the glider.  What a wonderful place to clear your mind while you allow your eyes to soak up the amazing glow of a sunset and watch the sun effortlessly sink into the Gulf of Mexico. This gave me a thought! Maybe it is time for me to take up paragliding! I could get some great shots of the sunset from that perspective. On the other side of the coin, the cold weather that brought some awesome sunsets into view also caused much of the vegetation including the fish, turtles and manatees to die. Rescue was in place for the suffering and many were moved to a warmer location. They can survive if only for a few days but we have had several weeks of colder weather this year and the warm waters of the Gulf are a bit cooler now. We actually had a fall in January where many of the trees turned to fall colors. That is a first for me! You have to remember we also hit 80 degrees last week! A special shout-out to Richie and my clients Russ and Ann who were some of my silhouettes at sunset. Remember to click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them and please, enjoy the sunset!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Whether you are thinking about buying or selling on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas please feel free to contact me with all of your real estate needs. The buyers are present and making offers in hopes of owning a piece of paradise. Even though we had a cold snap this past few weeks from the reports I am getting many have had a severe winter. Keep in mind we have not hit freezing and we still boast about our days at 80 degrees. Come to the Island and feel the warmth!

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ 1~10~2010 ~ Sandman and Sunsets

If you are a snow bird who has ventured to Anna Maria Island in search of sunshine and to thaw your extremities, these last two weeks have offered more of the same weather as what those north of us are experiencing.  As the picture of the sandman suggests, there was some confusion about building a snow man instead of a sand castle. Though he looks somewhat out of place, it is more conducive to the weather we have felt coming in from the north. But the beautiful thing about Anna Maria is that if you stick around the weather will show its warming trend and offer plenty of sunshine and warmth. We are expecting to be back in the mid-70’s by the weekend. The locals have to dig deeply to find those gloves and scarves packed in boxes that are rarely opened. The tune we hear at Island Real Estate by the visitors is “you should feel the weather we just left!” They seem happy to be here surrounded by all of the beauty offered on the Gulf Coast on Anna Maria Island. The sunsets are to die for and with colder weather and the changes in the atmosphere we witness some magnificent sunsets. While walking this last week I was fortunate to have my camera and capture such an amazing sunset. I have never seen one quite so dramatic with the sun’s rays streaming through holes in the clouds as though there were many different sunsets. This unbelievable sunset rates as one of my all time favorites, so please enjoy the sunset! Click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them!

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 941-705-0146 ~ melinda@annamariasunset.com  ~ Whether buying or selling on or around Anna Maria Island please feel free to contact me with all of your real estate needs. We were voted one of fourteen of the most favorite Islands in the world and noted as “Best Quaint Island”! That will help to improve property value! If you are an investor or just looking for the perfect second home the time is now to purchase on one of the most beautiful “family” Islands in the world! Come and see for yourself!

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ 12~14~09 Clients and New Friends

This week was challenging as we experienced drizzly rain and a bit cooler weather during the week. With potential clients headed to Anna Maria to search for that perfect investment property there were still no complaints as the weather they had just escaped north of Chicago was nothing less than frigid. By Friday we had returned to bright sunshine and and in the 80’s. For the locals on Anna Maria, you could not have asked for more perfect weather on Saturday as our locals and visitors lined the streets to watch our annual Christmas Parade and to catch the throws from the floats and see Jolly Ole St. Nick bringing up the end of the parade. We also had a large art show happening in Holmes Beach and the sunny beaches were an exceptional place to be. Of  course the sunsets were “to die for”.  Priscilla had friends visiting her and they are just glad she lives so near to such an awesome beach. The Miller’s and Trusther had just flown in from S. Indy and nestled themselves in the sand to toast an amazing sunset. I do not believe anyone was disappointed and we hope you will all come back soon for another visit.  Please, enjoy the sunset!  Don’t forget to click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them!

Written by Melinda Bordes~941~705~0146~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~ Whether buying or selling on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas please feel free to contact me with all of you real estate needs. The buyers are buzzing the area looking for a great deal in this market and the sellers are feeling the bottom of the market finally. Don’t miss out on purchasing an investment property in a location that is only going to grow in popularity as more people find this Island. The unique fact here is that we can only honor so much growth. With strict permitting three stories is the allowance for building, and most lots are already built up. I believe you get my gist!! With all of the coverage in major publications this year, guess what happens to our value!! You may not want to be the one lagging behind because now is the time to buy!! Come and catch a sunset and let that help you make up your mind!!    

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