The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper


Vol. 16 No. 21 - March 23, 2016

BUSINESS

Holmes Beach Auto celebrates 15 years

LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Owner Bret Vande Vrede employs three mechanics
in his two -bay shop.

The wonderful Anna Maria trolley takes residents and visitors all over the island. Ride it to the beach, to Publix, to your favorite restaurant and even to work, but did you ever consider taking it to get your car repaired? It may not be at the top of your “ride the trolley to” list, but it’s nice to know there is an Island auto service facility that you can get to by trolley.

Holmes Beach Auto Service is located in the heart of Holmes Beach right on the corner where Gulf Drive and Marina Drive intersect, which also happens to be pretty much the center of the Island. Bret Vande Vrede has owned Holmes Beach Auto Service for 15 years and has focused on auto repair services during those years, even the ones when the station still pumped gas.

Vande Vrede currently employs three mechanics in his two-bay shop and has the equipment and training to work on almost all foreign and domestic vehicles. He, as well as his staff, are ASE certified, and the shop is licensed and insured. They can provide maintenance and repair services, tire repair and sales, brakes, batteries, tune-ups, air conditioning and more.

Holmes Beach Auto can perform a computer scan on almost any car that is comparable to most car dealers with lower prices than dealers and competitive pricing with other repair shops. If you’re in early, nine out of 10 repairs can be completed the same day.

Vande Vrede is a local boy who grew up on the Island, attending Anna Maria Elementary. He went on to race Sea-Doo Watercraft competitively and was the World Champion in 1996 and the National Champion in 1997 before leaving the circuit and returning to the island to become the owner of Holmes Beach Auto Service.

He’s easy to talk to and non-threading, especially to women and anyone who may be intimidated with the ins and outs of vehicle repairs. He will give you a clear explanation and walk you through exactly what the problems are, always standing by his work.

Keep Holmes Beach Auto Service in mind the next time your car needs to see the doctor or you want a safety check before your long drive North. You’ll be greeted by a soft spoken, young man in a neat as a pin shop who just happens to be across the street from the convenient Anna Maria Island Trolley stop. Don’t you just love Island living?

HOLMES BEACH AUTO SERVICE

5333 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach

941-779-0487

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon

All major credit cards accepted

Call for service scheduling

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

Medicare Part B premiums have increased

Investment Corner

Medical costs are rising, which means that Medicare Part B premiums have increased for the first time in over three years. However, thanks to the hold-harmless provision, a law which prohibits a decrease in Social Security benefits based on Medicare premium increases, you may not be paying more, depending on your benefits and income.

Because there was no cost of living increase for Social Security benefits in 2016, a Medicare premium increase is prevented for most Social Security benefit recipients, with the exception of high earners. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, about 30 percent of the 52 million Americans enrolled for 2016 will be affected by the premium increase.

Who Is Affected?

Higher earners are more likely to be affected by the change. In 2015, most people paid $104.90 a month, unless their adjusted gross income on their 2013 tax return was above $85,000 for singles and married people filing separately or $170,000 for those filing a joint return. In 2016, most people will continue to pay the same amount. However, premiums will change for the following people:

• Those who enroll in Part B for the first time in 2016;

• Those who are not receiving Social Security benefits;

• Those who are directly billed for their Part B premiums;

• Those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, where Medicaid pays their premiums.; • Those who are subject to income-related monthly adjustments, because their modified adjusted gross income as reported on their IRS tax return from 2014 is above $85,000 for singles and married people filing separately or $170,000 for those filing a joint return.

How Much is the Increase?

For those affected, monthly premiums have increased by about 16 percent. The chart below shows the exact premium amounts and increases. The Part B annual deductible has also increased by $19, from $147 to $166.

What To Do Next

Unfortunately there may not be anything you can do if this increase has impacted you already. But it's always a good idea to review these issues with your financial advisor to see if any action is possible to lessen the impact.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. Visit www.breitercapital.com.

 


AMISUN ~ The Island's Award-Winning Newspaper