There was a lot of excitement last month when Southwest Airlines announced they will be landing as a major carrier in May 2010 when the new Panama City International Airport opens for business.  That excitement stays in place....but the venue has had a change of name with only a few months before opening.

The new name will be the "Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport."  The main reason for the drift away from Panama City in the name is the reputation that the city has gained for a "Spring Break" getaway.  The feeling was that this name would provide a welcome for a larger demographic.

Great article in the Wall Street Journal today addressing the extension.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703808904574529512997057836.html

Today's Spotlight is on Villa Coyaba....one of Destin Florida's finest Condominiums.  One of the most attractive things about this property is it's size.  Villa Coyaba is a 4 story complex with 30 total condos.  Many buyers enjoy the intimate setting and lack of crowd that is offered.

Built in 2006, Villa Coyaba is built with incredible construction.  Poored concrete and complete with the latest in wind resistant glass.  With the exception of the top floor penthouse, all floor plans are identical with the exception of furnishings and upgrades.

Size: 2200 sq ft

Beds: 4 plus office/bunk room

Baths: 3 full

Kitchen includes 3cm granite and all Viking appliances.

There are many things that attract buyers to Villa Coyaba.  But 4 stick out as the most popular.  The amenities, location, style, and rental income.

The Amenities include a full gulf front swimming pool and lounge area, outdoor grilling and dining area, full state of the art work out facility, and owners private movie theatre with leather reclining chairs.

The location is central to all of Destin's most popular shopping and dining....but on a very quiet stretch of beach.

Villa Coyaba's exterior demands your attention as you past buy.  As you will see in the picture below...the developer's wasted no expense to the quality and detail.

For those seeking a return, Villa Coyaba has become one of Destin's most sought after rental options.  Because of the amenities, style, and location, Villa Coyaba is set to bring a healty return and appreciation to all of the owners who wish to take advantage of this option.  Gross rental revenues currently range between $85,000-$100,000 per year!

I have personally sold 2 condos in Villa Coyaba this year and would love to invite others to take advantage of the current opportunities.  Prices range currently from $990,000-$1,499,000.

Many are interested in owning Gulf front real estate, but do not understand what is involved with permitting etc....

Below is a breakdown from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that outlines the control.  If you have any questions about a specific property in Destin, Fl, do not hesitate to contact me and I will answer or get you in touch with the person who can.

The Coastal Construction Control Line Program (CCCL) is an essential element of Florida's coastal management program. It provides protection for Florida's beaches and dunes while assuring reasonable use of private property. Recognizing the value of the state's beaches, the Florida legislature initiated the Coastal Construction Control Line Program to protect the coastal system from improperly sited and designed structures which can destabilize or destroy the beach and dune system. Once destabilized, the valuable natural resources are lost, as are its important values for recreation, upland property protection and environmental habitat. Adoption of a coastal construction control line establishes an area of jurisdiction in which special siting and design criteria are applied for construction and related activities. These standards may be more stringent than those already applied in the rest of the coastal building zone because of the greater forces expected to occur in the more seaward zone of the beach during a storm event. 

 Chapter 62B-33, Florida Administrative Code, provides the design and siting requirements that must be met to obtain a coastal construction control line permit. Approval or denial of a permit application is based upon a review of the potential impacts to the beach dune system, adjacent properties, native salt resistant vegetation, and marine turtles.

Coastal Construction Control Line Permit Managers

The CCCL permit managers are in charge of reviewing permit applications, issuing permits, ensuring compliance and consulting with permit applicants.

WEST BAY - Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly officially announced Wednesday the low-cost carrier will begin service to the new Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport when it opens in May. Tickets will go on sale in December.

Kelly's announcement came shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday live via "streaming video" as part of Southwest's media day from Dallas, about 15 minutes after the start of the a Panama City briefing attended by local business leaders and government officials. Kelly said the airline will bring an all-Boeing 737 fleet and the company's bags-fly-free policy.

"We have been overwhelmed by the energy Panhandle residents put on Southwest to come to their region," Kelly said during his video address. "It was very, very clear they wanted us. We are so flattered by that."

Southwest will fly up to eight daily flights to four cities, Kelly said. Nashville, Tenn., and Baltimore-Washington International in Maryland are two of the four destinations.

Speaking about the current airline situation in the Panhandle, Kelly said the region was an "underserved, overpriced tourist gem. ... It sees 16 million visitors by car each year."

Kelly said the company is entering into a strategic alliance with the St. Joe Co., which donated the land for the new airport.

The St. Joe agreement will "ensure Southwest will break even for the first three years, which reduces the risk profile that is typically associated with opening new markets," Kelly said.

Local and state leaders were meeting at the airport for the expressed purpose of hearing an update on construction progress and airline marketing efforts, but Southwest's announcement had been anticipated.

The new airport is set to open in May, and Kelly's confirmation answers one of several questions still remaining, such as whether a low-cost carrier like Southwest Airlines is coming to the West Bay location.

Officials and business leaders in Pensacola, Okaloosa County and Panama City have been courting the coveted carrier for months, citing lower fares that can bring in more tourists and businesses.

"The Panhandle has so much to recommend it," said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. and a leading advocate of the new airport serving the region. "I know that as more and more people and businesses learn about the area, we'll attract even more jobs and opportunities."

Gulf front beauty with 4th floor pool! Brand new, just recently completed. This future rental machine (projected at $250,000 annual for first year) is priced pre-completion. There is still time to pick colors and finishes. This rare 50' wide lot in Destiny by the Sea will boast a 7 bedroom, 6 bath home with plenty of family gathering spaces and entertainment areas in its 5200 square feet, 4 levels. Every floor is designed to maximize space and emphasize the view. A rooftop pool, sun deck and outdoor kitchen are the finishing touches in this house that has everything including gas fireplaces, 2 gulf front masters, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a commercial grade elevator. Destiny By The Sea is a prestigious, guard gated community in East Destin. Call to walk-through this home under construction. Neighboring home by same builder is also available to show and is a good example of the builder's construction. This home is a very desirable square footage of 5200 square feet is rare and will not last long. Call today to schedule a showing.

Price: $4,799,000

Square Feet: 5,200

Beds: 7

Baths: 6

Call today for a showing.

Also call if you are interested in renting for your next vacation stay.

Very interesting peak into what is going in the market.  This certainly answers the question of how many short sales are in the market for buyers and the ratio of total sales that are bank decisions.

This custom Davis-Dunn home captures incredible Gulf Front views and will be purchased at an incredible value.  Home has only been on the market 14 days and has stirred quality activity.  Quality is second to none and the seller is ready to move this very unique Gulf front home.  Please call for more photos or room descriptions.  Enjoy these amazing photos.

Price: $3,450,000

Location: Santa Rosa Beach, Fl

Beds: 5

Baths: 6/2

Call for other similar homes.  This one did not last long

Move quickly all.  Incredible value on this Short sale located in Destin's premier Gulf front community Destiny by The Sea.  This home has been professionally decorated and has incredible rental history.  Bank is ready to move on this one.  Please have pre qualification letter ready upon offer.  Call me for details...but move quickly!

Location: Destin, Fl

Community: Destiny By The Sea

Price: $899,000

Size: 2,650 sq ft

Beds: 4

Baths: 3/1

Status: Short Sale/Bank Approval

If you are one who wants to feel like they are taking advantage of an opportunity in this market....well here it is.  Located in one of Destin's most desirable Bay front Golf communities.  The Waterford neighborhood currently contains some of the most incredibly built and designed waterfront homes in all of Destin. 

Currently listed with other comps @ $1.2M...But BRING ALL OFFERS!  Prepared to see all and present to bank for approval.

Lot Size: 1.6 Acres (100x444) Huge!

Price: $1,200,000 But Bring All Offers