Dan’s Florida Condos (located within Runaway Bay Condominiums, on the sunny shores of Anna Maria Island, Florida) boasts the largest salt water pool on the island. The pool is considered one of the best amenities of our community, and is a central hub for much of the family fun and socializing. It has the added benefit of being heated, which allows comfortable enjoyment year-round.
Over the last years, and specifically the last 6 months, Runaway Bay has made considerable upgrades to the pool. This started with all new loungers and chairs deployed around the deck of the pool area. Last year all the pavers were replaced with upgraded and non-slip materials. This spring of 2023, the pool had a major overall including reseal of the pool interior and a complete overhaul of the back flow and new filter platform and pumps. As summarized by one of our owners, “The pool is now as good as new”.
Two dozen of our loungers are currently in a “re-slinging” project which will also refresh them to new. Once this project is completed, we will have access to almost 40 additional loungers’ poolside for family and guests to gather, relax, and soak up the Florida sun.
This all could not have been done with the support of the Runaway Bay Board of Directors, Operations team, and volunteers which are made up of both our onsite and remote owners throughout the globe. What a monumental transformation!
When you are ready to return to Anna Maria Island to enjoy your next family vacation getaway, we will be ready to welcome you at any one of Dans Florida Condos one or two-bedroom units. Please visit our Rates and Availabilty section of our website when you are ready to come on down for a swim!
Dan’s Florida Condos are located within the award winning Runaway Bay Condominium community. Owners and guests not only enjoy some of the best amenities found on Anna Maria Island, FL including the largest heated salt water pool on the island, pickle ball/tennis courts, and fishing pier to name a few; but they also enjoy various community social events that are held on premises at the community clubhouse.
January thru March our volunteer Social Committee sponsors several social events that we hope will complement and enhance our guests winter vacation experience. ALL RENTERS, GUESTS, AND OWNERS ARE WELCOME.
These events give our guests an opportunity to meet and connect with other folks on the campus, reconnect with acquaintances from previous years, as well as meeting owners who enjoy spending the winter months in Florida.
All events held at Runaway Bay Clubhouse, unless otherwise announced.
No-host “BYOB” happy hour at the pool (Jan 19th, Feb 16th, March 16th) 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Bring your own snacks and drinks. Please remember NO glass containers for snacks or drinks. Inclement Weather? We will be in the clubhouse!
Bratwurst Feed (Jan 30th, Feb 27th, March 27th) Time: Dusk/Sunset
Pancake Breakfast (Jan 9th, Feb 6th, March 6th) Time: 8am – 9:30am
Bingo Games Night (Jan 11th, Jan 25th, Feb 9th, Feb 22nd, March 8th, March 22nd) Games begin at 7pm – 8:30pm Only adults 18-years and older are allowed to participate in this event.
Hot Dog Lunch (Jan 16, Feb 13, March 13) Time: Noon – 1pm Watch for notifications posted on signs and bulletin boards for other special events & luncheons.
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Although some minor damage occurred, Anna Maria Island, Florida survived Hurricane Ian without suffering the widespread devastation many residents and business owners originally feared. Runaway Bay, the community which Dan’s Florida Condos operates out of had a few palms fall to the storm but were spared by any storm surge or flooding. A lot of palm fronds and vegetation came down with a few soffits with minimal damage.
As of Thursday evening Sept. 29, most of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach remained without the water and sewage services provided by Manatee County and the electrical services provided by Florida Power & Light (FPL). Power and water were restored by Sunday morning 10/2 to Runaway Bay.
Before Hurricane Ian arrived, Manatee County ordered a mandatory evacuation of Anna Maria Island two days before landfall. A drive around the Island just before sundown on Sept. 27 revealed several boarded-up buildings and homes and a mostly deserted and evacuated Island.
Hurricane Ian was one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever make landfall Florida, which left widespread destruction all along its path. Parts of central and north Florida are still under water, with significant flooding throughout Volusia County and Southwest Florida. Roads, homes, even highways are impassable, making damage assessment impossible without the use of drones to get a bird’s eye view of the damage.
Our slice of heaven on Anna Maria Island was so very lucky to have avoided a direct hit of Hurricane Ian. This weekend, with the help of a group of volunteers and owners at Runaway Bay, we cleaned up the grounds around the complex in the aftermath of Ian and we are so very fortunate to say that things are getting back to normal.
A sailboat made its way towards the Cortez bridge, luckily not damaging the structure.
Our thoughts are prayers go out to our less fortunate neighbors in the Sanibel Island and Fort Myers areas, along with all other Floridians who were impacted. We understand this is a difficult time for Floridians and travelers who had vacations ruined because of the storm. We already helped with accommodations to one displaced family and remain committed to helping support those that are experiencing hardship. We will continue working closely with travelers and Florida residents and we will do everything we can to help.
With the help of a group of volunteers and owners at Runaway Bay, we cleaned up the grounds around the complex in the aftermath of Ian and we are so very fortunate to say that things are getting back to normal.
For those with plans to visit Anna Maria Island, Dan’s Florida Condos are ready to host you.
Restaurants & Local Businesses
Shops and eateries quickly opened as power became available in each neighborhood. Some spots in Anna Maria are still being restored as it’s a bit spotty but our homes have power.
Piers
All local piers seem to be undamaged however each City Hall will carry out an inspection to ensure that the structures are safe before allowing the public on them.
Beaches
We did not experience a storm surge! No storm surge means our beaches remained pristine. Towards the north end, Bean Point, is experiencing some brown water run off from the rivers emptying out into Tampa Bay. The western Gulf Beaches are very clear and turquoise. It’s a great time to pick up some sea sponges as many were washed ashore after the storm. Bring your metal detector on your next visit. It’ll be a great time to find shark’s teeth! It’ll be a great time to find shark’s teeth!
*Please note – Dan’s Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dan’s Florida Condos.
Recently the production crew from NBC’s The Today Show, featuring Hoda and Jenna visited Anna Maria Island, Florida. They featured a story about Ashley and Dino, a couple from California who visited the island for a family vacation back in 2020. They found a simpler way of life on Anna Maria Island, consisting of no high-rise hotels, chain resturants, and fell in love with the turquoise waters. So much so, that hey decided to relocate their family of 4 as full time residents just a year later!
Ashley and Dino have a background in interior design and home remodeling. To help fund their relocation, they purchased a 4 bedroom hotel which desperately needed some TLC. Over the next year, they put in hard word and sweat to bring out the charm of their little island paradise and celebrated their grand opening in October of 2021.
Dan’s Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com) owner Dan O’Connor (wow that was a lot of Dans in a short sentence) has a story that mirrors that of Ashley and Dino. After visiting the island over a decade ago, Dan knew there was something special about Anna Maria Island. “I find joy in sharing our slice of paradise on Anna Maria Island with others, and find a special satisfaction helping other family’s create lifelong vacation memories”.
You can find more information about Ashely and Dino at www.hodaandjenna.com. Feel free to reach out to Dan’s Florida Condos if you would like to more information or would like to experience Anna Maria Island for yourself.
The wait is over! We are excited to announce our Week Stay Giveaway at Dan’s Florida Condos, in Anna Maria Island, Florida. That’s right, a vacation at Dan’s Florida Condos all to yourself, FREE! Imagine dipping your toes in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico while having some extra cash to take that special someone to a seaside dinner, or poolside Pina Coladas. With just a few clicks you could be on your way to creating lifelong memories with your friends and family and the best part… it’s on our dime.
To enter: Simply follow the steps below. The winner will be selected at random and will be announced via email on September 1st. Don’t wait, there’s no purchase necessary to enter so get in on the action today!
1 entry per person permitted but if you share with friends you will be traveling with you can increase your chances if they enter as well!
Take a look at your calendar, fill out the entry form below and let us know which week you prefer.
Want to triple your chances of winning? Like and Share our Facebook Giveaway Post. Keep the share active until the contest ends and we will drop two more entries into the contest on your behalf. Earn yet another entry if you tag the friends/family who you will be taking on your free vacation!
Start daydreaming of your getaway in Anna Maria Island!
Share our Facebook Giveaway Postto triple your chances of winning. Tag your travel partners and encourage them to enter the giveaway contests as well!
We invite you to like our Facebook Page as well, to be included in future promotions and Island News!
About Dan’s Florida Condos on Anna Maria Island, Florida:
Anna Maria Island, Florida is located on the Gulf of Mexico, just 50 minutes south of Tampa and 20 minutes from Sarasota. The island offers over seven miles of beaches to explore with award winning beachside resturants and tiki bars. Dan’s Florida Condos are located in Runaway Bay directly across the street from the beach, with private beach access and boasts the largest heated salt water pool on the island! Pair that up with tennis, shuffleboard, pickle ball, and bocce ball courts along with a beautiful fishing pier, you will not have a shortage of activities to enjoy during your stay. We offer 2br and 1br units equipped with everything from pots and pans to beach chairs and coolers to keep those drinks chilled!
Contest Fine Print:
Weekly giveaway includes a Saturday to Saturday stay
Non Transferable unless explicitly approved by Dan’s Florida Condos
Airfare and Transportation not included
Facebook or Instagram are in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Dan’s Florida Condos giveaway
If the winner’s preferred week is booked prior to the end of the contest, they will have the option to reschedule their free week within 10 days of being notified as winner
Today we are celebrating the 5th annual #BookDirect day.
The #BookDirect initiative was first organized to educate guests about the advantages of bypassing third-party channels to book directly with management companies and homeowners. Today is the 5th anniversary of this movement, which falls on a quite unique date sequence of 2/2/22! How fun!
Not only are vacation rental owners facing the same issues regarding the often-high commissions set by listing sites, but also guests themselves frequently end up paying more for the same stay.
For the past ten years I have used VRBO/HomeAway as my advertising venue for the rental of Dans Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com). I have two lovely 2br and 1br units located on Anna Maria Island (Central Gulf Coast, in Bradenton Beach, FL). Both units are located in Runaway Bay Condominium community, which offers guests top notch amenities and a friendly environment. It’s such a treat having direct beach access right across the street from our home away from home! A few years ago, VRBO/Homeaway was purchased by Expedia and immediately began changing their business profile.
The first thing was to add a “Service Fee” of 7-13% to our rates all of which was passed on to you the renter. At the same time, we could see no benefit to you in return for paying that fee. We feel as that extra money could be used to purchase a margarita while resting your feet in one of the many beach side bars of Anna Maria Island, FL.
VRBO/Homeaway began acting like any other rental Property Management Company and has continually harassed us to accept their “BIN” (Book It Now) feature, whereby they control the entire transaction, communication, etc. removing the “personal touch” of booking directly through an owner.
Additionally, they removed the option to contact us directly (phone/personal email) in order to address any questions about the unit or the Island and accommodation. Thus VRBO/HomeAway is no longer an advertising or networking venue, rather a booking site which only priority is to drive the profits for shareholders.
I am excited to participate in the #BookDirect movement by continuing to offer a “booking fee free” website at www.dansfloridacondos.com. Check out Dans Florida Condos to take advantage of a Booking fee free experience. You’ll also find additional information on Anna Maria Island, FL, Runaway Bay Condominium community, along with pictures, guest testimonials, and an updated Blog of events happening on Anna Maria Island and Dans Florida Condos.
Did you know, that the average traveler spends $237 to big box booking sites like VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb!!! They could be using that on a golf cart rental, fishing trip, or several rounds of drinks!
Six ways to Save $ By #BookDirect:
Try and #BookDirect with the owner or property manager. If you want to book one of our properties, please visit our website, call/text 773-598-9717, or email me at dan@dansfloridacondos.com.
Search on Facebook for the name and location to see if some of your favorite properties have a website or a Facebook page. From there you can contact the owner/manager and #BookDirect. You can like my page by doing a quick Facebook Search “Dans Florida Condos” or visiting facebook.com/dansfloridacondos
Search for your perfect vacation rental on any of the big box listing sites. Identify your top choices, noting the property’s name and location. Use your search engine (i.e. Google) to search for the property name and city and possibly the owner’s name to find their #BookDirect website.
Check for traveler reviews on the major websites (google business page for example). If there are a decent number of good reviews for a listing (say 10+), and the listing has been posted for at least a few months and had confirmed bookings (this information is usually included on the site), chances are it’s a safe bet. If the owner were in the habit of doing things like unjustifiably canceling reservations or wrongfully withholding security deposits, the listing would have been pulled or you would see this mentioned in reviews. (It’s important to note that the big listing sites will not remove negative reviews at the request of the owner/manager unless they violate the company’s guidelines.
Consider purchasing trip insurance from a third-party; the coverage will likely be broader — and may cost considerably less — than that “covered” by a listing site fee.
Explore alternative payment methods. The owner may be able to provide adequate information so you can use checks, bank transfers, or other methods with confidence and save an additional 3%.
If you have any questions about the changing Rental By Owner market or #BookDirect, you are welcome to reach out at any time. Please also take the time to “Like” our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dansfloridacondos.
Here’s to starting a new #BookDirect adventure together, declaring independence from greedy profit hungry Big Box listing sites, and returning to a more personal Vacation Rental By Owner experience for us all. #BookDirect
Check out this interesting roundtable by #BookDirect enthusiasts!
To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and Runaway Bay Condominium community and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Dan’s Florida Condos are located within the award winning Runaway Bay Condominium community. Owners and guests not only enjoy some of the best amenities found on Anna Maria Island, FL including the largest heated salt water pool on the island, tennis courts, and fishing pier to name a few; but they also enjoy various community social events that are held on premises at the community clubhouse.
These fun events were unfortunately put on hold due to Covid-19 the past several years but we are excited we are able to gather safely and in our roomy community clubhouse and outdoor spaces.
January thru March our volunteer Social Committee sponsors several social events that we hope will complement and enhance our guests winter vacation experience. ALL RENTERS, GUESTS, AND OWNERS ARE WELCOME.
These events give our guests an opportunity to meet and connect with other folks on the campus, reconnect with acquaintances from previous years, as well as meeting owners who enjoy spending the winter months in Florida.
All events held at Runaway Bay Clubhouse, unless otherwise announced.
No-host “BYOB” happy hour at the pool Every Thursday (Begins Jan 22nd) 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Bring your own snacks and drinks. Please remember NO glass containers for snacks or drinks. Inclement Weather? We will be in the clubhouse!
Bratwurst Feed (Jan 24, Feb 21, March 28) Time: Dusk/Sunset
Pancake Breakfast (Jan 10, Feb 7, March 7) Time: 8am – 9:30am
Bingo Games Night (Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 9, Feb 23, March 23) Games begin at 7pm – 8:30pm Only adults 18-years and older are allowed to participate in this event.
Hot Dog Lunch (Jan 17, Feb 14, March 14) Time: Noon – 1pm Watch for notifications posted on signs and bulletin boards for other special events & luncheons.
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
A statement which will be made later today will officially announce the US will lift Covid-19 travel restrictions to allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel from the UK and EU to travel into the country starting in November 2021, the Biden administration has announced.
Many travelers in the UK and Europe have been waiting quite some time for this announcement, especially those that have been banned from visiting their favorite vacation destination in Anna Maria Island, Florida and Dan’s Florida Condos.
The statement from the White House will mark the end of a travel ban imposed by more than 18 months ago in the early stages of the pandemic, and comes after intense lobbying from Brussels and London.
European diplomats, and the Commission, have been pushing the U.S. for months to lift the ban, which they see as unjustified. The lift is expected to apply to Schengen-area citizens, as well as people from the U.K. and Ireland common travel area.
With this exciting news, Dan’s Florida Condos will be happy to welcome back guests again from the UK and Europe. We have availability in both our 1 bedroom and 2-bedroom units in November and beyond, to host those excited to return to Anna Maria Island, Florida. For more information and availability, please visit out booking website at: www.dansfloridacondos.com.
Let’s all continue to be safe and follow travel and safety guidelines as we welcome our EU and European travelers back to Anna Maria, Island.
***Note, this information is current as of Monday 9/20/2021 at 11am EST. We will update this blog as more details are announced.
To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Newsweek released their 25 Most Popular Beach Towns in America ranking, and Anna Maria Island Florida took the top spot.
The ranked beach towns span over 20 states, with Florida, California, Delaware Hawaii and Virginia each having two towns make the list.
The towns offer something for every taste or budget, from quaint coastal to action-packed places for “adrenaline junkies.”
The town of Anna Maria Island, located in Florida’s Gulf Coast, a short 1 hour drive from Tampa or 20 minute drive from Sarasota, took the top spot in the ranking. According to Newsweek, Anna Maria Island offers a “quaint, uncrowded and uncluttered” as well as shopping shop at one of the state’s largest discount malls.
The second Florida beach town to make the list was Matlacha, a quaint little fishing village in southwest Florida with a cool vibe and lots to see. In ranking Matlacha, Newsweek said, “Pretty pastel-hued homes and galleries mingle with fishing boats and nature lovers, lending Matlacha plenty of charm for those who love waterfront living.’
For the complete list of beach towns to possibly visit this summer, click here.
– Content Courtesy of Island Media Group and Newsweek
To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/
*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas have to offer.
*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.
Its becoming even easier for visitors of Anna Maria Island and Dans Florida Condos to make it to their destination of choice. That is because discount airline Southwest Airlines will now be adding service into Sarasota International Airport (SRQ). Southwest fans (Dan being one of them) has taken advantage of the various Southwest flight options into Tampa International Airport (TPA) for years. However, coming Valentines Day Feb 14, 2021 they will now have an even closer major airport to fly Southwest to.
Sarasota Airport is just a 25 minute trip by car/uber to Dans Florida Condos and Anna Maria Island. Pro tip: looking to ditch the rental car and have personal car service, contact Dan directly to set you up with your private chartered sedan service, offering door to door service from airport to the front steps of your vacation home away from home!
Passengers have been requesting to airport officials for many years to bring Southwest to the airport and now it is happening. It is the 10th airline that will be serving SRQ Airport.
From Steve Goldberg, Senior VP of Operations and Hospitality, Southwest Airlines- “Our customers who choose SRQ will land closer to their preferred beaches and business meetings, benefiting from our added investment in the growing region between our longtime cities of Tampa Bay and Ft. Myers. Locals who fly Southwest can also pair their preferred airline and airport, and get in the air faster, with a shorter drive to SRQ.”
“We’ll arrive in Sarasota-Bradenton as Southwest marks 25 years of serving the Sunshine State. Our customers who choose SRQ will land closer to their preferred beaches and business meetings, benefiting from our added investment in the growing region between our longtime cities of Tampa Bay and Ft. Myers,” Steve Goldberg, Southwest Airlines senior vice-president of operations and hospitality, said in a statement.
Flights are scheduled to begin on February 14, 2021. For more information visit Southwest’s website.
Initially, there will be four destinations-
Sarasota – Baltimore/Washington (BWI): three daily flights
Sarasota – Chicago Midway (MDW): two daily flights
Sarasota – Houston Hobby (HOU): one daily flight
Sarasota – Nashville (BNA): two daily flights
Current airlines served at SRQ Airport- Air Canada Allegiant Air American Airlines Delta Airlines Elite Airways Frontier Air Jet Blue Southwest Sun Country Airlines United Airlines
About SRQ Airport from the website– Everything about Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is designed for your convenience. Our spacious terminal allows you to move about smoothly and easily, without stress or hurry. Airline ticketing, baggage claim, and other services are steps away from the main concourse, and both the short and long-term parking lots are adjacent to the main terminal. Check-in lines at SRQ are much shorter than at mega-airports, and there are no long lines of planes stacked up for take-off or landing. You’ll appreciate these advantages as you fly right through our easy, convenient terminal. Whether you are arriving or departing for pleasure, business, or both, thank you for choosing us!
