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A New-Build Home on the Gulf Coast's Hidden Gem, Anna Maria Island

by ELLIMAN INSIDER TEAM

June 2026

A new listing for a ground-up coastal residence on Florida’s Anna Maria Island is putting a spotlight on the emerging opportunities this barrier island north of Sarasota offers Gulf Coast homebuyers.

 

Priced at $7.750 million and represented by agents Joel Schemmel and John Forberger, the home at 107 Tuna Street arrives as its locale gains renewed attention for its blend of relaxed beach living with serious hurricane-resilience construction standards.

 

After nearly two years of a wait-and-see market, Anna Maria Island posted its highest housing activity since spring 2024. March broke a 22-month ceiling on sales momentum and total sales volume surpassed any single month since the buying surge of May 2024. In the first quarter of 2026 there were 16 sales above $3 million, just shy of the Q1 record of 18 set in 2022. March alone recorded seven sales above $3 million, close to the single-month high of nine in August 2025.

 

Against this backdrop, 107 Tuna exemplifies the value buyers can find on Anna Maria Island. Sitting just 50 feet from the beach, the corner lot residence combines meticulous new construction, a coveted island location and storm-ready engineering. With more than 3,000 square feet of covered outdoor living spread across three levels, a footprint that rivals the home's interior, the property delivers an outdoor lifestyle that no other new-build on Anna Maria currently offers.

 

The build is approaching its final phase. The free-form pool is being dug out and roofing is continuing this month, as site grading and cleaning move forward. For buyers who want modern craftsmanship, near-term delivery and the assurance of brand-new systems, the timing is compelling.

A New Generation of Coastal Construction

 

The home’s coastal engineering is the differentiator. Because it sits on the Gulf Coast, the design and construction meet some of the most stringent wind, flood and structural requirements in the country. The structure follows a continuous load path that connects the roof to the foundation so wind forces travel through engineered connections, straps, anchors, beams, columns and foundations that work as one system:

 

  • Roof assemblies are engineered for uplift resistance.

  • Impact-rated windows and doors are tested to withstand wind-borne debris without deployable shutters.

  • Living areas are elevated to current flood standards and flood-resistant techniques are used throughout.

  • Mechanical and electrical systems are raised and protected where possible, and the home is designed to accommodate a whole-house backup generator.

  • Reinforced concrete foundations and structural systems are engineered for coastal wind loads.

  • Durable exterior materials were selected for exposure to salt air, wind and moisture.

 

“In many respects, the homes being built today on Anna Maria Island represent a new generation of coastal construction,” says Bryan Marino of ES Development & Management Corp, the builder behind 107 Tuna Street. “They benefit from decades of engineering advancements, improved building science, and lessons learned from previous storms. The result is a significantly more resilient structure than homes built under earlier code cycles.”

 

For buyers weighing Gulf Coast options, this matters. New builds like 107 Tuna offer a level of resilience, comfort and efficiency that older homes often cannot match without extensive retrofits. The benefits go beyond fresh finishes. They include a building envelope and mechanical strategy tailored to salt, sun and humidity, along with defenses against wind events and potential storm surge. In an era when climate risk informs purchase decisions, the latest construction on Anna Maria aligns with expectations for safety and long-term value.

 

The market response suggests buyers notice the difference. Activity has quickened without compromising the island’s low-key character. Development remains measured by design, which helps preserve the charm that sets the island apart, yet well-located new builds draw decisive interest when they come to market.

 

Ultimately, 107 Tuna Street stands as a clear example of the island’s next chapter. It captures the ease of barefoot beach living and pairs it with best-in-class coastal engineering. For those looking for a serene Gulf setting and a home purpose-built for the environment, the home delivers both.