Differences between Longboat & Anna Maria Island?

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by RhysNJ

Thank you both, that's very helpful and confirms much of what I've learned so far.

I suppose as far as hurricane and flooding all three municipalities have similar insurance and building code issues. Those older beach cottages sure look charming in the ads, but must be worrisome when the weather gets bad.

Is there a lot of tear-down activity, and what do they typically get replaced with?

Thanks again,

Rhys

I know there's an ordinance on Anna Maria where they don't allow high rises, like on LBK. There are a few small condos but not the high rise ones you'll find in downtown Sarasota and LBK.

There isn't a whole lot of tear down going on, especially now. Not many people are building because they can generally buy something much cheaper. If they do tear something down it's usually replaced with a McMansion because they land is so valuable/expensive.

As far as the flooding goes. The north end of Longboat is probably one of the worst areas for flooding. Most of the newer homes on the north end are now built up on stilts. Even our home that was built in 1980 was up on stilts with just a tiled area on the bottom that would be OK if it got water in it. Our original house on LBK was built in the 1940's. It got flooded once when we lived in it. It has all Mexican tile floors and block walls. We just broomed the water out.

One of the biggest issues is insurance. If you have a home in a flood zone, sitting ground level and is an "older, cute cottage". The insurance is sometimes cost prohibitive. If you're ever thinking of going that route just make sure you get some insurance quotes first.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by RhysNJ

Thank you both, that's very helpful and confirms much of what I've learned so far.

I suppose as far as hurricane and flooding all three municipalities have similar insurance and building code issues. Those older beach cottages sure look charming in the ads, but must be worrisome when the weather gets bad.

Is there a lot of tear-down activity, and what do they typically get replaced with?

Thanks again,

Rhys

No, not necessaryily because it depends...bayfront & beachfront are different flood zones because the first, if I'm correct? is considered "flowing water" and where my old home was built bayfront was considered "rising water" due to bayfront/seawall.

Due to the fact that AMI hasn't experienced a real hurricane in eons, I wouldn't necessarily bet on the newer (i.e. past twenty years) construction over those old beach shacks. Many of the shacks have weathered the storm already....I'm sure all the picture glass on the back of my xh's home will blow right out should the wind get into Cat. 2/3/4 status. Seen a no name storm that came south from St. Pete w/winds of 75+ take all our rock at the seawall & blow it right into the pool, not pretty & no advance warning that I remember, back in summer of '95.

One tear down on a large enough lot can be replaced by two elevated rental homes...does not keep with the character of what the island "used" to be. Subway has been the only "fast food" restaurant allowed on AMI if that gives you any idea of island politics.

[RhysNJ]

Interesting that the towns there would allow you to tear down a single family home and replace it with two (elevated) houses, or a duplex. Many towns on the NJ shore here prohibit that due to density concerns. I wonder if a lot of snowbirds do that and rent the one or both houses while they are up north.

Rhys

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by RhysNJ

Interesting that the towns there would allow you to tear down a single family home and replace it with two (elevated) houses, or a duplex. Many towns on the NJ shore here prohibit that due to density concerns. I wonder if a lot of snowbirds do that and rent the one or both houses while they are up north.

Rhys

They've been at it for the past ten years. Guess it all has to do with setbacks.

Strangely enough they can't widen the roads anymore on the island...