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!