"A Place to Call Home!"

A Few Snippets!

2011-09-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already September 2011. Where does the time go? This has been a year of ups and downs, though I guess that isn't so different from life in general, regardless of the year. I prefer to focus on the ups and give little credence to the downs, being the eternal optimist by nature. Perry has seem some growth this past year with a couple of new restaurants in town. The real estate market has improved greatly last year and this year insofar as the ability of folks to purchase homes and investment properties at reasonable prices. We have had our share of foreclosures in town and at the beaches, though not to the extent that many other areas of Florida have seen.

The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary has not yet begun development, presumeably waiting until the economy sees more recovery. When that project does take off, you can expect to see people waiting in line again to purchase property along this quaint little coastline.

If you want to purchase coastal property, or any other property for that matter, now is the time, while the prices and interest rates are low. Happy shopping!

For now, ciao!
Ann

APPROVED! - The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary

2010-12-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

The State's Department of Community Affairs has finally given its approval to the comprehensive plan amendments required for the planned golf course / resort development known as The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary along Dekle Beach Road and CR-361 (commonly known as the Beach Road).

There is a 21-day period following publication of the State agency's notice, during which time an affected party may appeal the decision. If there are no appeals, the comprehensive plan amendments become official.

Plans include a mixed-use town center consisting of residential, commercial and recreational areas. 127 acres are set aside for the development and 147 acres for the golf course. The resort is expected to create approximately 685 permanent jobs after completion of the project. Several hundred workers will be employed during the construction phase.

Stay tuned!

Update on Golf Course Community

2010-05-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

There was no opposition at the County Commission Board Meeting on Monday night, and the Commission voted to send the comprehensive plan amendments for The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for review. The State agency will prepare a report on the application before returning it to the County for final approval. Stay tuned!

The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary

2010-05-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

The proposed Sweetwater Resort Community, hosting a championship golf course, along the coast at Dekle Beach is still in the works. A public hearing will be held next week to determine whether the Taylor County Commission will submit the comprehensive plan amendment application to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for review. Some amendments to the proposal have been made along the way. The plan currently includes 624 houses, 400 hotel rooms, and 150,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The building height in the residential areas will be restricted to three to four-story buildings, and most of the development will be outside the coastal high hazard area, according to the development's environmental consultant. In addition, the development will include a hotel/conference center, recreation, trails, boardwalks, and kayak launching. The golf course will include a 11,000-12,000 sq. ft. club house.

Reports indicate that construction of this development is expected to provide hundreds of jobs during construction, and approximately 685 permanent non-construction jobs after completion.

Sweetwater Resort Community

2010-03-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Dr. J. Crayton Pruitt's development plans for the Dekle Beach area started out with the Magnolia Bay Marina & Resort, which was squashed because of the environmental impact that the development and proposed canal would have on the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve along Taylor County's coastline. The rejection of Magnolia Bay was followed by plan 2 -- The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary which eliminated the marina and included a golf course with 624 housing units, an 874-room hotel and 280,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Because this plan still impacted 58 acres of wetlands, it too was rejected by state regulators. The new plan for a golf course community called the Sweetwater Resort Community will encompass approximately 1291 acres of land along Dekle Beach Road and County Road 361 (the Beach Road), and significantly reduces the impact to wetlands. The development will include residential, commercial, hotel & conference center, recreational areas, roadways, trails, boardwalks, kayak & canoe trails, a golf course and club house. It is expected to create 685 permanent non-construction new jobs in the area.

Happy Valentine's Day! -- 2010

2010-02-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

In celebration of Valentine's Day, do something special for someone you love. The most important thing is to let someone know that you love them, whether it be a spouse, significant other, parent, child, or friend. A card, a book of poetry, a box of chocolates, flowers, dinner, a romantic movie, or other special gift lets someone know you care. It does not have to be elaborate; it's the thought that counts. However, if you are a guy wanting to make a special impression on the love of your life, scroll down to the Valentine's Day suggestion I posted last year for an evening that your special someone will never forget.

Ciao,
Ann

Taylor County Real Estate Market Update

2010-01-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

The real estate market in Taylor County is definitely improving. Our phones are ringing off the hook. Our sales associates are showing properties every day. We have three active agents in the office, and all four of us have received offers on properties this week. My newest agent, who just started this week, has received two offers on properties and is working on two new listings; not bad for a new agent for her first three days on the job. I would say things are looking up for 2010. People are realizing that this really is a good time to buy. If you are interested in buying or selling, check out our website at www.gulfbreezerealestate.net. Cheers!

January's Wrath

2010-01-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

Florida, the Sunshine State, has suffered inordinately cold, cold, cold weather with overnight freezing temperatures consistently for over a week now. The longest cold streak that I can remember. Things are starting to warm up a little bit; at least, we don't have to leave our pipes dripping tonight. Even South Florida has been suffering from cold weather this past week as well. My daughter in Miami said she was going to have to buy boots and set aside her flip flops for awhile. Now that is cold! HOWEVER, we aren't as cold in Florida as our friends to the north. No blizzards, icy roads, or snow to shovel here. And Spring will arrive soon. The Sunshine State is still the place to be!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to All!

2009-12-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

'Tis the Season to celebrate! For my family, our tradition is the celebration of Christmas (the birth of Christ). I have extended family that celebrates Hanukkah. Whatever your tradition, make it a joyous one. While times have been tough economically for many, many families across the U.S., the holiday celebrations should not be about money or materialistic things anyway. This is the time to be with your family and friends and celebrate what the season means to you. Most people celebrate by the giving of gifts, and the most important gift is love. Other gifts certainly do not have to be elaborate and can even be homemade, which most often, are the most special. However you celebrate, I wish you a wonderful holiday! And to all of you that celebrate Christmas, from my home to yours, I wish you a very happy and joyous

Merry Christmas!

Hurricane in November

2009-11-09T11:54:00.001-08:00

OK, so one little itty bitty Hurricane Ida, which is losing strength, has decided to tease us a little, with the end of hurricane season (November 30) quickly approaching. Heading towards Destin/Pensacola area with predictions to turn back eastward. So we may get a little wind and a little needed rain. We just need to be prepared for possible power outages -- just in case -- you never know. And we should keep our eyes on the possibility of coastal flooding. A visit to the store for canned goods and bottled water is always a good idea for those within the potentially affected areas. Stay alert and stay safe!

Summer Happenings

2009-08-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

This has been the busiest summer in a long, long time. Did I say busy and does that include real estate? The answer is yes and yes. Thank the Lord, it's about time things got moving again. Not like it was in '05 and '06, but enough to stay very, very busy, and that is a good thing.

Scallop Season, which began July 1 will soon end shortly after Labor Day. Lots of people found their way to Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach this year to enjoy snorkeling in the shallow flats for these scrumptious mollusks, which were found all along the coastline from Steinhatchee to Spring Warrior.

No hurricanes (knock on wood) have threatened our coastline so far this year. What a relief, as the previous several years have kept us constantly on our toes with hurricanes circling menacingly around us causing much chagrin to everyone. Hurricanes also affect tourism, but this summer the roads to the boat ramps were lined with vehicles, and the rentals at the beaches were pretty much booked all season.

Keaton Beach Ridge Subdivision, located approximately 2.5 miles from Keaton Beach, was completed and has its first model home available for showing. Home packages or vacant lots may be purchased. The subdivision roads are paved; the lots are nice and cleared and ready for building; some lots are designated specifically for site-built homes; other lots are available for RV parking. This is a great alternative for people that want to be near the Gulf in a nice location but may not want to be directly on the water.

A new convenience store is planned for construction on the Beach Road. Site clearing is underway.

Walgreen's just opened its nice new store in Perry a couple of weeks ago at the intersection of US-19, Jefferson St., and Puckett Road. Across the streets from KFC, Hardee's, and Winn-Dixie. Great location on the busiest street in town.

Pouncey's Restaurant was leased to new managers, who opened under the name of Hill's Country Kitchen. Different menu, different food, mixed reviews. The restaurant building itself is still for sale.

The new Holiday Inn Express is still under construction but coming along very nicely. It will add another great option for hotel guests seeking nice accommodations, and particularly during festivals and big football games when local motels and hotels are at capacity.

The Chapparal is still on the market for sale, but there are rumblings of a potential purchase for another fine eating establishment. Stay tuned!

What's going on with Real Estate?

2009-02-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

I'm not too sure about everywhere else, but our office is suddenly swamped with customers wanting to get in on the best buys at the lowest interest rates in years. This is certainly a great time to negotiate. Of course, some people want to buy for pennies on the dollar and those offers often lead nowhere, while others really want to get the fairest deal possible and are negotiating great deals that make it to the closing table.

Real estate has always been a good place to invest. While market values go up and down, and I myself paid more for a piece of property in 2006 than I could sell it for today, I know that the property will always be worth something and that values will increase again. It is not as risky as most stock market investments where people have already lost substantial amounts and could potentially lose an entire investment. You really need to have a strong stomach and be a real risk-taker to hang in with the stock market right now -- or you are at a place in life where you need to know that liquid funds are available immediately if you think you might need them in the short term. If you can afford to invest in property for the long term, or if you are looking to buy a house, the timing may never be better than right now. From what I am seeing in 2009 so far, it appears that people are beginning to realize that!

To see some of the lowest prices in recent years, visit our website at http://www.gulfbreezerealestate.net/. And if you find an interesting property but the price hasn't been cut, don't be afraid to make an offer. Also, some sellers are willing to hold a note so you don't have to apply for a mortgage at a lending institution. You just might find exactly what you are looking for and a deal you wouldn't want to pass up. If you have any questions, just give us a call at 850-584-5101.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" -- Make it the Best Ever

2009-02-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Guys -- Would you like a suggestion for creating a Valentine's Day evening for your wife or significant other that she will never forget?

1. It should be a total surprise, but you will want to be sure she arrives at the appointed time.
2. Meet her at the door and blindfold her.
3. Lead her to the bathroom filled with lit candles, soft music, and a hot bubblebath. The tub should already be filled with hot (but not too hot) water brimming with bubbles. The overhead lights should either be turned down real low or completely off. The candles will provide enough soft light. {This is all so easy to do.}
4. Once she is settled into the soothing bath, bring her a nice glass of wine.
5. After about 15 minutes, bring her a warm towel and robe (they can be warmed up in a short time in the clothes dryer, 5-10 minutes on high)
6. Blindfold her again and lead her into the dining room with more soft music, and the table set with candles, your nicest dishes, and the dinner of your choice. (If you don't have time to cook or simply do not like to cook, you can order a takehome dinner and warm it up. Make it special with a small salad first and dessert afterwards.) Another glass of wine with dinner would also be nice.
7. This is not the time to send her to the kitchen to clean up either (that would spoil the mood). Put the dishes in the dishwasher or sink. Let her relax. Keep the music going, dance, or watch a good movie together; just make it fun and relaxing.

You can make the evening as easy or elaborate as you want; regardless, this will be a Valentine's Day that you both will talk about for years to come. And you might even decide to make it a Valentine's Day ritual that will keep the sparks lit for the rest of your lives.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Update on Pouncey's Restaurant

2009-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

I mentioned earlier this month that Pouncey's Restaurant had been leased and would be reopening soon under new management. Well, it opened yesterday, Friday 13. The Pouncey's name is staying in place along with a subname of Hill's Country Kitchen. It was packed yesterday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I wanted to go there to try it out last night, but because there was a waiting line, we decided to dine elsewhere and will visit the new Pouncey's another day.

The reason I'm posting information on Pouncey's is that the restaurant is a local icon. Lots of locals always liked to meet there for an early breakfast before starting their day. And I have heard from many travelers over the years that they liked to stop there to eat on their way through Perry or while visiting here.

So for those of you that have an affinity for Pouncey's, it is open and ready to serve you once more.

Bon Appetit!

7th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival

2009-02-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

Bluegrass fans -- mark your calendar for April 2-4, 2009, and come on down to Perry for one of the best award-winning Bluegrass Festivals in the country.

A special guest performer at the event will be Rhonda Vincent, IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year (7 consecutive years) and Grammy Award Winner. Other performers include Mountain Heart, Charlie McCoy, Pure & Simple, Mueller Family, Southern Lite, Swinging Bridge, Sawgrass Band, Charlie McCoy, Ernie Evans, Tallahassee Fiddlers, and more.

The Festival will also play host this year to the Florida State Bluegrass Music Competition Finals, and hundreds of talented musicians will be competing for the championship titles.

Admission is only $15. Hotels and campgrounds are usually filled for the event, so make your reservations early if you plan to attend.

For more information on the Bluegrass Festival or to buy tickets, visit this website: www.perryfl.com/bluegrass. For hotel, campground and restaurant information, visit the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce website at www.taylorcountychamber.com.

Resolutions

2009-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's a new year and new resolutions are being made while others may be faltering just a little (you know, the exercise and diet stuff, very worthy resolutions that we have to struggle with.......). One of my new resolutions though, was just made last week during a discussion with a new acquaintance that checks my blog out occasionally. He kindly informed me that I don't blog enough, and I have to admit that I have been awfully slack for the past year. So I resolve to blog more often to keep my readers more abreast on what's happening in and about Perry and Keaton Beach and the rest of Taylor County.

Construction of Perry's new Holiday Inn Express and new Walgreens is well underway. Both structures are taking shape; the exterior framework is up and both buildings are looking pretty impressive. It is exciting to watch new development in a small town, and very heartening to see growth in the area when the economic climate has been less than favorable. But optimism abounds!

I had mentioned previously that Pouncey's Restaurant, a long-time home-cooking family restaurant, closed recently. The restaurant has now been leased and is being remodeled and will open again soon under new management. I'm not sure if the name Pouncey's will remain or if it will open under the name of Hill's (of the Hard Hat Cafe), who is leasing the property. Regardless, the food will most assuredly be good, so plan on visiting the restaurant and try it out for good measure when it opens. My bet is that we will want to make it a regular dining spot.

As to real estate, activity has picked up since Christmas. I think some people are finally realizing that with lower prices and low interest rates, this really is a good time to buy. If you are considering a property investment in the area, you can browse through our website and check out what we have available. By the way, Gulf Breeze Real Estate (my agency) was rated #1 in our area for sales and listings sold in 2008 by the Tallahassee Board of Realtors, and we have the largest inventory of listings available in the county. Our website is http://www.gulfbreezerealestate.net/.

Check back in occasionally; I promise to do a better job of blogging (Thanks to Bill!).

A Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

2008-11-29T22:15:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Day as much as I did, with fabulous food, family, friends, and an abundance of blessings. Even with the chaos across the world, we still have so many things that we can be thankful for. So as the long holiday weekend winds down, if you will be on the road returning home, drive carefully, and for everyone, stay safe!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ann

What's Happening in our Little Town?

2008-11-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

As everyone knows, this past year has brought with it many changes. The volatile financial environment included skyrocketing gas prices that have now dropped back to affordability. Real estate values have dropped significantly, interest rates have dropped, and the stock market has spiraled downward. Many investors are pulling money out of the stock market and investing in good real estate deals. While stocks can drop to zero, land will always be there and have value. The real estate market is cyclical, and though values have dropped, they will go up again.

Perry has seen the effects of these changes. Some small businesses have closed, but others have opened. One coffee shop closed; another opened. Two gift shops closed; another two opened. Some real estate companies closed, but most are still open, though several agents left the business to find other stable employment. A local hometown restaurant that has been in business for as long as I can remember recently closed its doors. On the brighter side, both a Holiday Inn Express and a Walgreen's are now under construction along the US-19 corridor.

The City has passed a resolution requiring property owners to clean up, repair or demolish those older dilapidated buildings along US-19 to give that stretch of the City a new life and more respectable appearance. While the property owners can't be entirely blamed for letting the properties go into disrepair when I-10 diverted traffic away from US-19 years ago, causing many businesses to close, it was time for action to be taken by the City to correct the problems and are commended for doing so.

Perry is still a small, quiet, historic town, only 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and Keaton Beach. If you are looking for a rural community with lots of potential for growth and prosperity in the coming years, be sure to check it out.

You can visit Perry's Chamber of Commerce website at www.taylorcountychamber.com; or for available properties for sale, visit our website at www.gulfbreezerealestate.net.

Two in One: A Perfect October Sunset! Plus Great Fishing on the Gulf!

2007-10-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Cooler October weather, beautiful sunsets, and fishing on the Gulf at Dekle Beach go hand in hand. Though I haven't had the time, unfortunately, to get out onto the open Gulf waters this month (not yet anyway) to enjoy the wonderful fishing that abounds here, my friends all tell me that the Redfish and Trout are biting like crazy, BIG ONES! October is always a good fishing month for some reason, and there are still two weeks left. I'll be out there; I'm working on a plan now. If you want to catch fish, now's a great time to do it. Personally, even when the fish aren't biting my hook anyway, I still enjoy basking in the serenity and beauty of the Gulf flats. There just isn't anyplace like it. If you would like to find a place where you can just relax and get away from it all, look up Keaton Beach or Dekle Beach, and plan a visit to check it out. You'll be glad you did! For more information on the area and/or properties for sale, go to http://www.gulfbreezerealestate.net/.

Fall & Fish Frenzy

2007-09-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

With a hint of Fall in the air, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Last weekend, my husband, Larry, and I took a walk down the privately owned quarter-mile long dock at Dekle Beach. We watched hundreds, if not thousands, of little fingerling mullet swimming in the shallow waters along the dock. An old Bull Redfish was also enjoying hanging out by the dock and, apparently, had his fill of the little fingerlings. The Red was lazily moving about, then would rest in one spot for a long time. He didn't appear to be hungry because when he was still, little fish would swim right past his mouth, and he wouldn't budge. The old Red was way too big to be a legal catch, and we enjoyed watching him as he reigned supreme over all the other fish in the shallow Gulf waters on that glorious sunny afternoon.

For coastal homes in the area, check out my website at www.gulfbreezerealestate.net.

Summer Report

2007-08-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

This has been a wonderful summer for the Taylor County Beaches. No hurricanes (knock on wood) and a plentiful scallop season have brought many visitors to the beaches revitalizing interest in our area. There are lots of properties on the market at all the beaches, including Keaton Beach, Dekle Beach, Ezell Beach, Cedar Island and Dark Island. For people that don't want the expense of waterfront properties, one-to-five acre lots abound within five miles of the coast. This is a great time for buyers that have been considering purchasing property. There are so many choices to select from, interest rates are still low, and because it is a buyer's market, properties are much more negotiable these days. To view available properties, visit our website at http://www.gulfbreezerealestate.net/.

Scallops Aplenty!

2007-07-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

There is a bumper crop of scallops this year along the coast of Keaton Beach and Dekle Beach. Lots of boats line the shoreline in search of the sweet bay scallops. If you haven't yet made the trip, just come on down, launch your boat at the Keaton Beach Public Boat Ramp or marina, and anchor up where you see groups of boats just off the coast. At low tide, you can find the scallops in waist deep water. Just bend over and pick them up if you don't have snorkeling gear or don't want to snorkel. The water is clear and the scallops are easy to find. Be sure and have an active salt water license though, as you will likely get checked by the marine patrol. Follow safe boating habits and stay close to your boat when in the water. Fly your diver's flag so other boaters will know someone is in the water. When moving your boat in an area where others are scalloping, drive slowly and keep your eyes on the water around you to make sure you see any divers that have strayed too far from their boats. Bring your family or friends along and experience one of the greatest saltwater pleasures that our Nature Coast has to offer. Happy diving!

Scallop Season is Here!

2007-07-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Scallop Season begins July 1 and runs through September 10. Keaton Beach and Dekle Beach are popular areas for harvesting scallops, which during normal seasons can be found in abundance in the shallow grass flats along the coast. Snorkeling and diving for scallops is a fun activity for the entire family. Your scalloping equipment should include a mask, snorkel, fins or wading shoes, and a mesh bag to hold your scallops. The limit is 2 gallons per person and 10 gallons per boat of whole scallops in the shell; or 1 pint per person and 1/2 gallon per boat of scallop meat. Take appropriately-sized containers on the boat so you can measure your harvest. If you don't want to dive deep, it's best to do your scalloping during lower tides. There will be lots of boats in the water, so always fly your dive flag (required) to let other boaters know there are people in the water. And be on the lookout for divers when you are operating your boat. Always use safe boating habits. Also, use precautions when cleaning your scallops on the boat. Be sure to go out to deeper water away from the scalloping crowd. Please don't throw the shells back into the water in an area where people are in the water, as the refuse can attract fish, thus sharks. To clean scallops, you will need a scallop knife especially designed for cleaning scallops; or you can use a teaspoon. Hold the deeper side of the scallop in your palm with the shallow side up. Insert the knife or teaspoon into the slit at one side near the hinged part of the shell. Pry the shell slightly apart and scrape the scallop muscle loose from inside the top shell. Open it all the way and remove the guts, then scrape the scallop from the bottom shell. There are a multitude of scallop recipes from linguini alfredo, to white lasagne, to baked in a half shell w/butter & parmesan, to broiled, or simply fried. These sweet morsels are, without a doubt, my very favorite seafood to prepare. So have fun this summer and experience the fun and adventure of snorkeling and diving for delicious bay scallops. Enjoy Scallop Season at Keaton Beach!!!

Keaton Beach Gaining Popularity

2007-06-28T23:23:00.001-07:00

Keaton Beach was spotlighted in two magazines this month, Florida Sportsman and Premier Monthly, a real estate publication. Florida Sportsman (pgs. 58-64) focuses on fishing, of course, and commented that "Keaton Beach is noted for the size and abundance of its spotted seatrout." I can attest to that, as seldom do we go out fishing and not come back with more than enough trout for dinner. Ever tried "trout amandine"? Also known as "trout with almond sauce." Mmmmm! Love redfish? Blackened, grilled, broiled, fried, anyway you like it... Only problem is a one-per-person limit; so then you move on to hook something else. Other catches might include cobia, seabass, Spanish mackerel and bluefish. And July 1 brings Scallop Season which runs through September 10. My next blog entry will feature the pleasures and fundamentals of "scalloping." Whether you enjoy fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, diving, or simply pleasure boating, set your sails for the calm Gulf waters of Keaton Beach. It'll be good for your soul!

Magnolia Bay Update

2007-06-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Magnolia Bay Marina & Resort has altered its development plans because of ongoing challenges in obtaining necessary permits from state and federal authorities to build the marina and two-mile channel through the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. Rather than continuing the time-consuming push for the marina at this point, Magnolia Bay is switching its focus to the development of its golf course, which was intended to come later into the project. Reports indicate that current development plans will continue to include a hotel, restaurant and single-family housing along with the golf course. Permit applications for the marina have not been withdrawn.

Miami Beach & Keaton Beach - Apples & Oranges

2007-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

A quote from my last blog entry: "I could write a book on the differences in Miami Beach and Keaton Beach, both beautiful places in their own rights, and both at different ends of the spectrum in all aspects of coastal living in Florida. " However, I will instead offer a short list of the attributes of both of these wonderful places, and you can decide which most appeals to your fantasy of coastal living in Florida.

Miami Beach is for the person that loves: the big city; cell phones; high-rise condos and stuccoed homes with Spanish tile roofs; a multi-ethnic population; shopping; more shopping; nights out on the town with all its clubs, glitz and glamour; the finest in dining; spotting famous people; attending multi-cultural events and both college and professional ballgames; the Atlantic Ocean; watersports; fishing; walking along miles of sandy beaches and teak boardwalks; swimming in deep bluegreen waters with rolling waves; and admiring beautiful bodies in thong swimsuits -- and who doesn't mind: congested traffic; honking horns; six lane highways; toll-booths; lots of traffic lights; walking your dog on a leash three times a day to go potty; avoiding doggie poop beside the sidewalks when you enter or exit your car; envying beautiful bodies in thong swimsuits; topless sunbathers; getting lost in an unfamiliar area of the city; and difficulty finding someone that speaks your language.

Keaton Beach is for the person that loves: a small town atmosphere; easily recognizing the geographic distinctions from one small beach community to the next; quiet, rural living; stilt homes with metal roofs; eating at the local hotdog stand; watching gorgeous sunrises and sunsets; attending high school football games; gossiping with your neighbors; a place where everyone speaks the same language; the Gulf of Mexico's saltwater flats and marsh grasses; spotting eagles and many species of waterfowl; watersports; fishing; scalloping; crabbing; throwing a castnet to catch mullet; watching children safely swim in the shallow though not so blue waters; taking your boat to the sandbar to swim in crystal clear bluegreen waters -- and who doesn't mind: driving 20 miles to dine in a real restaurant or shop at a Super Wal-Mart; driving 70 miles to shop at a mall; the lack of cell phone service at the beach; walking the entire length of the public beach in less than a minute; walking up the stairs to your stilt home; and taking your boat to the sandbar to swim in the crystal clear bluegreen waters.

A Little Life in the Big City!

2007-05-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

May brought some excitement, adventure, and an opportunity to reflect on the big city life vs. small community life in vastly different coastal areas of Florida.

The birth of my daughter's first child took me to Miami Beach for a couple of weeks, where I witnessed firsthand the birth of little Jonah at Baptist Hospital. My daughter and her husband, a student doctor, allowed both of us moms (grandmoms) to be in the delivery room to participate in the birth of our first grandchild. What an extraordinary experience that was for all of us.

I always enjoy visiting Miami Beach, but this special visit placed me in the car on several occasions in heavy traffic, sometimes on excursions to the grocery store or to find particular items that were needed for everyday household use. I might even consider moving to Miami, but the congestion and traffic gives me pause. I could write a book on the differences in Miami Beach and Keaton Beach, both beautiful places in their own rights, and both at opposite ends of the spectrum in all aspects of coastal living in Florida. I will discuss those differences in a later blog entry.

Bald Eagles at Dekle Beach

2007-04-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

As my husband and I were relaxing on our deck, one of the magestic Bald Eagles frequently seen at Dekle Beach just soared along the canal with a flock of small birds chasing close behind. They first flew across the sawgrass marsh, and as the Eagle lit in a cedar tree, the little birds began bombarding him likely to dissuade him from finding their nests. The huge Eagle, slightly annoyed, continued his flight and landed on the long dock extending into the Gulf, frightening away all the seagulls that like to rest there. It was quite amusing watching the smaller birds harrassing the Eagle while the seagulls gave it all the space it wanted. OK, I have to go now. My husband just finished cooking the fresh catch of mullet he caught a couple of hours ago. Dinner is calling. It doesn't get any better than this!

Permitting Update on Magnolia Bay

2007-04-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

The $700 million Magnolia Bay Marina & Resort project continues to face some challenges, as the property owner, Dr. J. Crayton Pruitt, and developer, Chuck Olsen, press forward with the development plans. In addition to a marina and 100' wide channel, the plans include the building of condos, a hotel, a helicopter landing pad, a public aquarium, a marine science lab, and commercial space for shopping and restaurants. The state and federal permitting agencies are requiring further modifications to the current plans before the permits will be granted. The developer is working on changes that he feels will allow the project to to be approved.

An April Day at Keaton Beach

2007-04-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today, as I drove around Keaton Beach, I marveled at the overflow from the parking lot at the Public Boat Ramp and the Keaton Beach Marina. A number of vehicles with boat trailers were parked in long lines alongside the road waiting for their owners to return from a sunny, though breezy, day of fishing. As I drove down to the tiny spit of land that we lovingly call our beach, I noticed that it was also somewhat packed with young people enjoying the sun and water even on this April day well before the hot rays of Summer warm the Gulf. This was an unusually busy day for this time of year. The overflow of boat trailers is more frequent during Scallop Season, July 1 through Labor Day in September, when visitors from all around come to harvest the succulent mollusks. If you have never dined on bay scallops, you are missing a real treat. And half the fun is diving for them on the sandy bottoms and among the seagrasses of the coastal flats. That is one of the special activities I love in this wonderful county I call home!

Blue Grass Festival

2007-04-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

The 5th Annual Florida State Blue Grass Festival was held in Perry this weekend, April 6-7. The Festival featured The Grascals, who were named IBMA's "Entertainers of the Year" in 2006. Other entertainers on hand to perform included Bits of Grass, Sweetwater Special, Melissa King & Phatgrass, US Navy Band Country Current, Wilson Family, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Bluegrass Parlor Band, Still House Band, Deep Creek Bluegrass, Ryan Holiday, Swinging Bridge, Tallahassee Fiddlers, and Ernie Evans & Southern Lite. In addition to the musical performances, visitors from across the Southeast attending the Festival also enjoyed arts & crafts, food concessions and a chili cook-off.

Magnolia Bay Marina and Resort

2007-03-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

The Magnolia Bay Marina and Resort project, still in the permitting stages, continues to receive the blessings of Taylor County government. The Board of County Commissioners has agreed to abandon a portion of the right-of-way along Dekle Beach Road at the request of the project developers. A 100-ft. wide deep water channel will run beside the road from the new marina to the Gulf, replacing a small stream that currently runs through a manmade ditch dug years ago to build the road. A six-lane boat ramp and 400 parking spaces at the marina will be deeded to the county by Dr. J. Crayton Pruitt, owner of the project.

Interest in Area

2007-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

With the holidays behind us and Spring on the way, folks are looking for their own special getaways again. Therefore, we are seeing a real upturn in interest in this area after the Fall & Winter slowdown. The recent busy hurricane seasons in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico held some people at bay for awhile, but the past year was scare-free. We haven't seen any serious storm damage in Taylor County since 1993, and that was the fluke no-name storm that came from the west and went all the way up the east coast of the U.S. Interest rates are still good and property prices have gone down, so this is a good time to buy.

General Information about the Area

2007-02-10T23:34:00.000-08:00

Perry is the county seat of Taylor County, which is located in The Big Bend of Florida. The coastal communities of Keaton Beach, Dekle Beach, Ezell Beach, Cedar Island and Dark Island are located on the Gulf Coast, often referred to as Taylor County's "Nature Coast." The Taylor County Beaches are about 18 miles south of Perry. Steinhatchee, a riverside community, is located about 18 miles further south of The Beaches on CR 361, referred to as the "Scenic Coastal Loop." Though Taylor County's coastline is the longest of any county in the State, the majority of of the coast (85-90%) is undeveloped and owned by the State of Florida.

The county is largely rural with approximately 21,000 residents. Visitors find a safe peaceful environment in this friendly, laid-back county with its old historic downtown buildings and quaint little coastal communities. Special attractions, activities and events include the Florida Forest Festival with the World's Largest Free Fish Fry in October of each year; the annual Florida State Blue Grass Festival in April; scalloping in the shallow Gulf flats from July 1 through the first week of September each year; year-round saltwater and freshwater fishing in the rivers, streams and Gulf; and vast acres of natural woodlands for the hunting enthusiast.

The City of Perry is beginning to see some revitalization, with the purchase and renovation of some of the old historic buildings, bringing much-needed new business to the downtown district; commercial development along the major highways; and plans for new residential subdivisions underway.

Development is also planned at the coast adjacent to Dekle Beach, which is to include a 25-acre marina (purportedly the largest marina on the Gulf between the Florida cities of Destin and Tampa), restaurants, hotels, shopping, condos, single-family homes, a heliport, golf course, and more. Permitting for the marina is expected to be complete in December of 2008. There is quite a bit of controversy over this proposed development, with proponents and opponents attending County Commission meetings on a regular basis to debate the merits of the huge project because of the perceived environmental impact on the seagrasses in the area.

This is one of the last developing areas of the state; thus, property prices here are good values compared to most other parts of the state. Property prices in the county and at the coast rose dramatically over the past three years, as they did elsewhere in the state and across the country. However, because of the recent real estate market downturn, prices have dropped accordingly as they have elsewhere. Most customers from out of town, particularly from South Florida, comment that property prices here are excellent values compared to prices for comparable properties further south.