A Few Snippets!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

'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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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?

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!

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

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.