ENJOY THE 4TH OF JULY

Independence Day honors the Birthday of the United States of America

and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. 

The 4th of July is an annual celebration to commemorate the courage and faith of our
founding fathers in their pursuit of liberty.

Don't forget to fly the American flag while enjoy your day with family and friends.

If you have a picnic or wacth fireworks stay safe and have a Happy 4th of July.

From me to you.

God Bless.

Memorial Day is a time to remember former & present service members. 

Formerly known as Decoration Day the 30th day of May, 1868, was designated for the purpose of decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.

The foundation of our Nation was laid by Men & Women of the Armed Forces of The United States. 

The loss of life in service to Country & Corps must not be forgotten, additionally, many of us have friends and loved service members today facing life and death situation in Iraq & Afghanistan.

Let us ensure that we keep them in our thoughts & prayers as we reflect on their commitment, devotion and the many sacrifices to ensure we continue to live in the Greatest Nation on the Earth.

This year Memorial Day will be observed on Monday May 25^th.   As a sign of respect or mourning the flag is displayed at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. 

(American Flag at half-staff in Washington D.C.)

To properly fly the flag at half-staff, you must first hoist it briskly to the top of the pole, and then slowly lower it to three-quarters of the height of the pole. Similarly, when the flag is to be lowered from half-staff, it should be first hoisted briskly to the top of the pole, and then lowered slowly to the base of the flagpole.

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend,

Abiud (Abi) Montes

Combat Vet

Abi is finding all the deals in South Florida for buying foreclosed properties.

Nationwide, more than 2.3 million homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings last year, an 81 percent increase from 2007, with the worst yet to come as consumers grapple with layoffs, shrinking investment portfolios and falling home prices.

Well you can look at this 2 ways.  Good and Bad but lets look at it good for everyone that wants to buy.

"Clearly, the foreclosure prevention programs implemented to date have not had any real success in slowing down this foreclosure tsunami," said James Saccacio, RealtyTrac's chief executive.

Moody's Economy.com, a research firm, predicts the number of homes lost to foreclosure nationwide is likely to rise another 18 percent this year before tapering off slightly through 2011.

Still, foreclosures - which keep breaking records that have stood for 30 years, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association - are likely to remain well above normal levels for years, and that will continue to keep home prices from rebounding.

So if you are interested in foreclosed properties, I will be puting the best deals on my Blog everyweek.

THE SAILS LUXURY HOTEL YACHT MARINA

Is Close to everything and far from nothing in Fort Lauderdale.

The Sails Hotel, Marina, and Shops of Fort Lauderdale, Florida (8.5 acre site) is located on the Southeast corner of the 17th Street Causeway and the Intracoastal Waterway at one of the deepest channels on the east coast of the United States.

Many of the country's largest yachts moor at this location.

Like the one below,  

THE Shadow Allure

In side view of the Shadow Allure.

 The Sails is a mixed-use project designed to service the boating community as well as Fort Lauderdale's neighborhoods and tourists.

 The revised development plan has a Hotel Tower Height of 120' and a Dry Storage Height of 60'.

In addition, The Sails Hotel, Marine, and Shops of Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be providing 45% greater landscaping then required. Parking - 100% of required is provided on-site.

THE SAILS LUXURY HOTEL YACHT MARINA IN FORT LAUDERDALE

will be Close to everything and far from nothing.

Close to everything and far from nothing is how I explain Fort Lauderdale to clients, friends, and family.  It's been my Motto since I moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1994 and I plan on keeping that way.

Now we have great news for Fort Lauderdale.

The 8.5 acres at 2150 SW 17th St in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where the old "Pink Plaza'' and the Best Western hotel once stood  for 45 years was bought and leveled.   

Now, proposed on that vacant land is a landmark new marina-hotel project called the Sails. 

The Sails project was proposed by Ron Mastriana, an attorney and developer, and Tom Gonzales, his business partner.

The Sails is divided into two major buildings.

The west "Port" facility includes retail, restaurant, office space, boat storage and automated parking.

The east "Starboard" facility is the Hotel.

With the "Port" building of The Sails located on the Intracoastal, boaters may enter the shops or restaurant on the west facade from the marina's newly renovated docks.

Outside the "Port" building are 5 mega yacht slips and 30 small boat slips in the west and south waterways.

The "Starboard" building is the main hotel consisting of 350 hotel rooms and suites.

By placing the Hotel to the far northeast corner of the site, it minimizes the impact to the view as you reach the peak of the bridge. The 2-story Hotel Lobby and entrance are located on the north side of the site.  Hotel rooms start at the third level and continue up to the level 15. Two VIP units and 2 Penthouse Units are placed on level 16 with spacious open terraces. The sixth level of the hotel will have an amenity deck with a pool, restaurant, bar, spa/fitness and arcade. In addition, the service entrance is located between the buildings to reduce unsightly views from the main roads.

 The SAILS will be Close to everything and far from nothing.

Close to the port when you take a cruise.

Close to the Airport when you need to fly in or out of Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Close to the Convention Center for Expo's

Close to the Dolphin Stadium for Sports Events.

Close to Las Olas for shopping and fine dining.

The Sails in Fort Lauderdale coming soon!

Many people in this country remember dates of things that changed history forever.  

One day we must never forget is Sunday December 7, 1941. 

Today marks the 67^th anniversary of the

Air Raid on Pearl Harbor.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory killing more than 2,300 Americans.

We must not forget those Brave Men and Women who died that day.

The U.S.S. Arizona was completely destroyed and the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized.

Battleship Row is now a mass of smoke and flames, with the capsized USS Oklahoma seen in the foreground.

The ship was hit by aerial torpedoes, ripping open its port side causing it to roll over and sink, with the loss of over 400 of her crew.

The attack sank three other ships and damaged many additional vessels. More than 180 aircraft were destroyed.

So today fly your American Flag High

and thank a Veteran for his or her service to this Great Nation we call The United States of America.

December 7, 1941 is remembered as "a date which will live in infamy":

Pearl Harbor Day.

Thousands of lives were lost, a major portion of America's Pacific fleet was in pieces and the U.S. was catapulted into war in the Pacific.

Today, at the onshore "USS Arizona" Memorial Visitor Center, we can see displays of World War II naval history and wartime Hawaii; and view a film about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

A ferry shuttles back and forth between the visitor center and the memorial where one can actually stand right above the "Arizona".

In fact, the rusted remains of the "Arizona" are clearly visible under the waters of Pearl Harbor. The memorial to the 1,100 men, entombed forever within the sunken, once mighty, battleship, straddles the "USS Arizona".

One wall of the structure bears their names.

Florida Governor almost considered an executive order to mandate that banks temporarily stop foreclosing on homes during the holidays.

I guess it worked because early this week Florida's mortgage lenders have agreed to voluntarily halt new foreclosures against homeowners for the 45 days.

Thank you Governor Charlie Crist and I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

110 N FEDERAL HY #632 in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 has just been reduced to $299,999 and the best part about it is that it's not a SHORT SALE.

101 North Federal Hwy the Waverly

You must see this very unique and spacious condo at 101 N. Fed. Hwy #632.

Its original floor plan was a 2 bedroom and 2 bath with a huge storage room next door. This storage room was renovated and converted into a third room with large closet which can be used as a bedroom/office/media room. With this added space- you have approx 1686 s.f of air conditioned living space. Plus- you only pay maintenance on original sq ft.  Additional upgrades include crown moldings, kitchen granite, specialty lighting. Tandem space for two cars in covered garage.  Waverly Las Olas has resort-style pool, valet, 24-hour gym, and party room.  Sip on cocktail in the Lobby lounge at Posh.

POSH LOUNGE AT THE WAVERLY

Amenities: At Least 1 Bedroom Ground Level, Central Cooling, Central Heat, Community Room, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Electric Range, Elevator, Exercise Room, First Floor Entry, Heated Pool, Icemaker, Kitchen Facilities, Microwave, No Rv/Boats, No Trucks/Trailers, Refrigerator, Smoke Detector, Spa/Hot Tub, Split Bedroom, Trash Chute, Walk-In Closets, and Washer.

Just remember the ultimate destination in South Florida is Las Olas Boulevard and the Waverly is close by. Las Olas is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and has so much to offer residents and visitors. Locals choose Las Olas Boulevard as their destination of choice for shopping, fine dining and fun. Las Olas has so much to offer to its visitors and its local residents.  

Close to everything and far from nothing is how I explain Las Olas to clients, friends, and family.  It's been my Motto since I moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1994 and I plan on keeping that way.

I know it's a day latter but a friend of mine sent me this quote from a former President and I just wanted to share it with my Active Rain family.

From Stuart: 

Happy Birthday, Marines!

I'm a day late as I was busy doing my 233 push-ups yesterday, as I'm
sure y'all did as well. Anyway, a friend sent me this great veteran's
day quote, I thought you'd all enjoy.

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our
country, in defense of us, in wars afar away. The imagination plays a
trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as
something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of
them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives, the one they
were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave
up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave
up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our
country, for us. And all we can do is remember." - Ronald Reagan

Here is another great quote by Ronald Reagan about Marines:

Semper Fi,

Gunny Montes