A friend asked me last night about things to do in Manasota Key.  My head was spinning with ideas, so I decided to include them here for all of you to consider.  Here they are:  shark tooth hunting, scuba diving, fishing for snook or red fish, playing volley ball, snorkeling on our beautiful reefs, renting jet skiing on the south entrance to Manasota Key, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, bicycle riding, going bowling, watching the sunset or sunrise, reading a good book on a comfy chair, flying a kite, gardening, mastering the art of cooking, having a picnic under the Australian pines in Middle Beach, going for a nature walk in Jay Scrub Nature Park at the north entrance to Manasota Key, organizing a card game with some neighbors, catching a great movie in the Frank 12 Movie Theater, going for a   late night walk on the beach while looking for turtles nesting, kayaking in Lemon Bay, Dolphin watching, playing table games with your family (Monopoly, Parchese, Connect Four, Battleship…), grilling a great steak or ribs, having a lobster bake on the beach, taking the dogs for a long walk, playing basketball or tennis in one of the three tennis courts at Manasota Beach Club (membership required), taking a class in jewelry making, sand sculpting contests, catching a play at Venice Little Theater, looking for bargains in the huge Flea Market in Fort Myers, playing paddle ball, collecting shells, skin boarding, net casting for mullet, buying fresh fish or shellfish from Sandy at Island Fish Market, eating pizza at Geraldi’s, taking a ride to Boca Grande or nearby islands, adding a ping pong or pool table to your playroom, planting a vegetable garden, skim boarding,  body surfing or board surfing, boating, throwing frisbees, playing stick ball, going antique hunting on historic Dearborn Avenue, taking advantage of the vibrant art and social life that nearby Sarasota has to offer, eating at one of the many nearby restaurants, playing games on a Wii or Playstation,  making home-made ice creams, watching the fireworks at Middle Beach during 4th of July weekend, planning a beach party, hiring a local fishing guide to take you back water fishing, buying fresh produce at the Dome Flea Market, catching a Rays baseball game during Spring training in Pt Charlotte, listening to a Jimmy Buffet CD, elegant shopping at famous St. Armands Circle, crochet or needlepoint projects, people watching at Sharky’s Bar and Restaurant in Venice, floating in the Gulf of Mexico, visiting the Hermitage Artist Colonist and chatting with the artists in residence, catching a televised sporting event at Bogey’s Sports Bar while enjoying their famous chicken wings, drinking Mojitos, Pina Coladas or sipping on Margaritas, baking a coconut or banana cream pie, playing 18 holes of golf at Jacaranda Country Club (open to the public during summer), scrap booking, catching up with friends on Facebook, sunbathing, reading the New York Times on Sunday, playing on the computer….you get the picture…and now that you are in Manasota Key, you can continue working on your future goals while living in the moment.  Did I miss anything?  Feel free to add to my list by sending me your comments…and if you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Apr 07 2010

The Manasota Key Association just received a written response from John McCarthy, General Manager of the Sarasota County Parks.  John says in the revised plan for the improvements at the North Manasota Key Beach, the concession stand has been removed.  The building has been downsized accordingly and thus will be set back a little farther from the road.  He has assured us that the revised plan has NO kitchen.  While the Manasota Key Association cannot claim total credit for this reversal on the part of the County, it certainly played a major role.  Their excellent communication system alerted members, which resulted in an overflow crowd at the first meeting.  An overflow crowd that was nearly unanimous in opposition to the concession stand.  Subsequent contacts by the previous president (and others) with County Commissioners and Mr McCarthy, reinforced their point.  In the end, the park will be upgraded without the potential nuisance of  food service, no concession stand, no commercial food service operation and without attacking the Conservation Act.  Once again, kudos to the residents of Manasota Key for being so pro-active in maintaining the feel and appearance  of our pristine environment…and if you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Mar 30 2010

I just spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon greeting guests at my listing at 7135 Manasota Key Rd.   It was refreshing to see some new faces looking for the “Manasota Key Lifestyle”.  If you haven’t seen this house, you should.  It will be open again on April 11th, 1-4PM or you can call me for an appointment at 941-356-3970.  For $729,900, you get one acre of a wooded setting, deeded bay and beach access, 4 car garage, circular driveway, an updated kitchen with walk-in pantry and island, new roof, high ceilings, skylights, gas fireplace, heated pool, lots of storage, 3 bedrooms+3baths+office+484 SF bonus room (ideal for hobby room, game room, office, guest suite, gym, etc) and more.  Some people called the large room a beach cabana; most people called the house, a fun party house.  The guests were coming from both ends of Manasota Key.  Some had just enjoyed a delicious lunch in one of the two Manasota Key Restaurants (Gulf View and Lock & Key) on the south end; others had just returned from launching their boats or jet skis from the public access on the north Manasota Key end.  Others were just driving by, enjoying the natural canopy of trees that has made Manasota Key so famous, while others had read about the open house in the Herald Tribune, Englewood Sun, Realtor.com, my personal website (melbajimenez.michaelsaunders.com) or the Michael Saunders website (michaelsaunders.com).  If you were one of today’s visitors, I thank you for stopping by and don’t be afraid to spread the word about this jewel in Manasota Key.

If I can help you buy or sell Manasota Key real estate call at 941.356.3970 or if you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Mar 30 2010

We never run out of things to do in Manasota Key.  Surfers know when we get exciting fun waves and even with temperatures colder than usual, Manasota Key Public Beach was busy this weekend.  You could see families walking the beach and kids collecting shark’s teeth.  In front of our home, we continued to enjoy total privacy, beautiful sunsets and some fishing.  With 48 properties currently listed in Manasota Key, 2 under contract which were listed below $1.o mi and one gulf and bay selling for $2.2 mi on the north side, Manasota Key continues to be the best place to live.  I can make your dream a reality.  Call me now at 941-356-3970.

Comments (0) Mar 01 2010

…and we continue to enjoy living here.  The temperature has been chillier than usual, but we still call Manasota Key our slice of heaven.  There’s no better place to un-wind, de-stress, relax, enjoy nature, go for walks, play with the dogs, collect shark’s teeth or enjoy a good book.  Most days we might be the only ones on Manasota Key beach…so we call it our private beach.  And when you see other people, they are all so friendly!  Life as a Manasota Key Realty professional continues to be busy, a sure sign that people understand a good value when they see one.  I currently sold a furnished gulf front condo (with partial views from the living room and the master bedroom) to a lucky buyer who is counting his blessings, since he had been visiting Manasota Key for several years and never thought he could afford to become a resident.  There is currently a bay front home under contract with a north gulf front home changing hands on February 12th of this year.  If you are in the market for a lot, I have a total of 7.5 acres on Manasota Beach Rd., just 1.5 miles from the public Manasota Key beach.  This parcel is subdivided into 5, 1.5 acre lots.  Call me for more informationand.  If you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.  Hope life is good on your side of the world.  Trust me when I say it could not be better in Manasota Key.

Comments (0) Feb 22 2010

I just said good by to the last visitors after spending some memorable time in Manasota Key this Holiday Season.  Needless to say, I’m exhausted, but it was all worth it.  The Holidays came and went but left great memories to cherish for years to come.  The weather was perfect.  Manasota Key Beach had cooler temperatures of 46-71, with spectacular sunsets and calm waters.  On Christmas Day, we celebrated my husband’s 48th birthday with the smell of homemade coffee cake, straight from the oven and lots of presents from Santa to us.  One of my husband’s brother joined us in Manasota Key with his family and we exchanged more presents while enjoying a traditional Christmas meal.  On December 30th, another brother joined us in Manasota Key from Atlanta with his new adorable girlfriend, 4 girls ages 10-15 and 2 dogs.  We played games, went bowling, went to the movies, did more shopping and enjoyed many delicious meals together.  When we were all together, it added up to 6 adults, 8 children and 9 dogs!  On New Year’s Eve, we enjoyed our traditional meal of roasted pig, rice and beans, 1905 salad and our (to-die-for) guava bread pudding !  Some neighbors joined in the celebration and helped us create a festive environment filled with joy and laughter.  Hope this is indicative of the new year that’s ahead of us…and with this, my friends, please accept my best wishes from Manasota Key to your part of the world, for a 2010 filled with health, peace, love, and more joy and laughter!…and if you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Jan 04 2010

The temperature had dropped, the wind had picked up, the table was set up, (gulf front) and our friends arrived just on time.  My husband cooked the most delicious, juicy turkey with all the trimmings and our friends brought all sorts of dishes to share.  They all said…”Manasota Key is magical”!…and it certainly was.  The Manasota Key beach was deserted and the waves added the most melodic sound anyone could have wished for….one more memorable time in Manasota Key to cherrish forever and ever…and now, back to the world of Manasota Key real estate, which is picking up with all sorts of good deals to be found.  By the way, if you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Nov 30 2009

I have been asked if I’m a member of the Manasota Key Association and I am.  Their purpose is to promote the general interests of property owners of Manasota Key within the area bounded on the north Manasota Beach Rd. and Manasota Beach and on the south, by the Sarasota County-Charlotte County boundary line.  Their goal is to encourage and promote, through a social association, the dissemination of educational and scientific information for the purpose of preservation, protection and development of the natural, agricultural, horticultural and botanical resources within Manasota Key, the integrity of its shore lines, the navigability of its waters, real and personal properties.  Just recently I received an abbreviated summary of the Septic/Sewer questionnaire that was sent out in March, 2009 with 95% of the property owners in favor of keeping our current septic systems.  The 2009-2010 President is Sandra Spoto.  Nancy Blackstone is the current Vice-President, RobertPotter is the secreatary, Laura Michelini is the Treasurer and responsible for organizing the directory (along with Sanadra Spoto).  To contact the association, you can email:  manasotakeynews@yahoo.com.  If you are not a member yet, I encourage to do so in order to have a voice to maintain the integrity of Manasota Key.  They also organize social outings, a sure and easy way to meet your Manasota Key neighbors in a friendly and fun environment….and if you are interested in receiving Manasota Key realty information, please email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com, for the latest data.

Comments (0) Nov 23 2009

Manasota Key is home to The Hermitage, an artist community inhabited by a wide range of artists, including writers, painters, poets, playwrights, composers, translators, sculptors, and artists working in digital media.  The purpose of this communal arrangement is to offer a unique spiritual experience by nurturing the artist creativity while providing closeness to nature.  In exchange, each artist has to present themselves and their art to the community at least twice during their stay.  This could be in the form of a class, exhibition, lecture, etc.

The property, located at 6660 Manasota Key Rd and fronting Manasota Key beach, was sold to the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation in 1988, who in turn leases it to the Hermitage Artist Retreat, Inc.  The original house was built by a known “hermit”, Giles Chapman; and it’s been called The Hermitage ever since, adding such rich culture to our Manasota Key!…and if you are interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, please email me your request at melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Nov 02 2009

I can’t believe that just two weekends ago the water was at 84 degrees in the Gulf of Mexico.  Last weekend, the temperature dropped to the low 60′s, our first time this year bringing out our winter wear in Manasota Key.  The dogs loved the first signs of Fall (or Winter); so did the rest of the family.   I’m reading a motivational book:  Who Are You and What Do You Want, by Mick Ukleja, which is taking me on a journey of introspection and re-evaluation.  I kept the windows open…it was breezy outside but the sound of the waves made me fall asleep and I took a long nap.  I woke up to my computer phone alerting me that two more houses sold in September (one on the gulf side of Manasota Key for $1.575mi; one on the north side for $1.2mi) and one more just went under contract (listed for $499-not on the water).  Manasota Key continues to be appreciated by water enthusiasts looking for a quite piece of paradise.  We continue to enjoy it because Manasota Key has maintained its charm and integrity…and if you’re interested in receiving the latest Manasota Key realty information, please send me your request to: melbajimenez@michaelsaunders.com.

Comments (0) Oct 19 2009