for all of the Christmas Bazaars and Festivals that kick off the Holiday season this weekend. The annual Island Christian School Christmas Festival and Auction takes place Saturday, Nov 22nd at 7am. This is a great family event with plenty for the kids to do from rock climbing to giant slides. You can also get a start on gift shopping at the arts & crafts fair. Founders Park is holding a parks & roadways green & clean program. Volunteers will join staff to pick up roadside trash and clean the embankments at Whale Harbor Bridge.
Next weekend the Keys Community Concert Band will be hosting a free outdoor concert at the Founders Park amphitheater. The concert titled "American Celebration" starts at 4pm. Paradise Ballet Theatre will be performing the Nutcracker Key West at the Tennesse Williams Theatre starting on November 28th. Abate will also be holding the first toys for tots run on November 30th - look out for motorcycles carrying Santa and his elves!!
For more information on local events and news visit keysnet.com
For all your Florida Keys real estate needs contact Lisa at 305-522-1479 or visit florida-keys-homes.com
It is hard to believe October is quickly coming to close and we will begin the holiday season shortly. Last weekend marked the end of another sucessful Fantasy Fest in Key West and several local organizations held costume parties to raise funds for scholarship, and aid programs. Below is a picture of our group before we left to attend the "Monster Ball".
As parents prepare for tonight's big trick or treat event in thier area remember to check younger children's costumes for trip, vision and visibility hazards. Shorten skirts/pants so they do not drag on the ground, use face paint or make sure masks have openings large enough so vision and breathing is not impaired, and for darker costumes add reflective tape or glow sticks. Older children should be given times to check in regularly as well as a curfew and parents should know where and with whom the kids will be with.
Hope everyone has a safe and happily scary halloween .......
The outcome of the upcoming elections will be one of the most pivotal seen in this country. Confidence in elected officials is at an all time low and the economy...... well, we all know how dire it is. If you have not done this already, now is the time to do your own research on the canididates and issues on the ballot in your area. "Joe the Plumber" said it best on GMA this morning - do your own research, form your own opinion, do not just listen to the media and others regarding this most important voting process.
There are plenty of resources available on-line, in local libraries and from private parties. Get informed on the issues, policies and other political arenas that interest you. Find out where candidates stand, how new legislature will affect you and then cast an informed vote on election day. You can even cast your vote early by submitting an absentee ballot or going to early polling stations (usually local elections offices) - this way you can vote at a time that is conveniant for you and avoid the pressure of lines and waiting.
Nineteen days and counting!!! I'm sure we will all be glad to see this election season end.
For information on property available in the Keys contact Lisa at 305-522-1479 or
In today's "buyers market" individuals selling thier property have to go that extra mile to insure thier property is placed on the consideration list. While we all know prospective buyers usually do not cherish photos and drawing placed upon the fridge it is sometimes difficult to get home sellers to "remove the distractions" so thier home can be seen. But if you or the seller watch enough of the shows on television, such as House Hunters or Designed to Sell, you will quickly realize distractions, such as non-neutral colors, overwhelming furniture or crowded countertops turn off prospective buyers. So when thinking about putting your home on the market, consider finding a storage space for potential distractions and a fresh coat of paint to cover up the cardinal red walls in the bedroom. Think "Model Home".
Whenever developers are trying to sell homes they usually build at least one model home to showcase thier product. The home decor showcases the home's floorplan and highlights features. Individuals can incorporate "model home" ideas when preparing thier property for sale. The process is known as staging. By re-painting interiors, removing personal items, putting seldom used kitchen appliances - blenders, toasters, etc - into cabinets and rearranging furniture to showcase features or visually increase space a seller can improve thier chances of having thier home in the "final three" under consideration by buyers.
Sellers should also consider the first impression the home makes from the outside. Most buyers drive by listings to see if the property might be one they would want to make an appointment to tour. Having a well-maintained landscape and exterior lets a prospective buyer know the property is cared for. It provides a sense of being move in ready and helps to get the buyer's "foot in the door". Once the buyer is in the door a home that lets them visualize themselves living in the space has a better chance of "Sold" being placed on the realtor sign.
Living in the community that encompasses the Florida Keys is truly unique. October is one month that showcases the community spirit and diversity that makes the Keys a wonderful place to live. One of the big events held annually in Key West around the time of Halloween is Fantasy Fest. This year the event is being held from October 17-26 and the theme is "Pirates, Pundits, & Political Party Animals". While there are some events held early in the week, such as the animal costume contest, Fantasy Fest is an adult event with elaborate costume contests, parades and general debauchery.
Other events taking place in the Upper Keys (Islamorada thru Key Largo) are the Pirates Fest, Oct. 17-19. This festival includes a Pirate parada, costume contest, rum tasting, booty hunt, thieves market and fireworks. Holiday Isle is hosting an all ages event on October 18th the Island Rock Festival. This event opens its' gates at 4:30pm and will feature bands such as Slow Ride which includes the founding member of Foghat - Tony Stevens, and many local favorites including The Regs. We even have a country event taking place on October 17. The Diamonds and Spurs dinner and auction hosted by the Florida Keys Board of Realtors. Country singer Tom Jackson and his band are scheduled to perform.
And of course there are various events for children and adults alike celebrating Halloween. There is the Monster Ball being held at the Elks Lodge on Oct 25 and various venues for costume contests on the 31st. The Plantation Key Colony neighborhood is gearing up for all of the trick or treaters that will be visiting from different areas in the Keys.
October is the start of the fall season here in the Keys - and the arrival of cooler breezes early in the month seems to indicate our winter will be absolutely glorious with high temperatures in the 70's. Just right to put everyone in the mood for Christmas shopping.
As we face these tough economic times it is important to remember some sayings from the past ..... "Patience Pays", "We have nothing to fear except fear itself" and "Hold on Snoopy!"
While it may be tempting to pull money from investment accounts, or from bank holdings it would be best to let the investment or funds "ride the waves" because pulling money out of the market only serves to increase the "bleeding". Letting investments stay put provides some relief to struggling markets. While pulling investments out may serve the short term of protecting what is left - the long term ramifications can be much more costly as businesses and financial institutions close resulting in a tighter credit market and increased unemployment.
It has been reported that the Keys Real Estate market saw a slight increase in sales through the end of September. This is seen as a sign that our market is still viable and beginning to show signs of strengthening. Is there still uncertainity? Of course, but as home values adjust, interest rates remain low and creditors begin lending we should see sales begin to rise. It is now a buyers market and creditworthy buyers should be able to find some great bargains.
Ever wonder what the game of LaCrosse is all about and how it is played? Well, you have a chance to see it first hand this weekend, April 12th, at Founders Park here in Islamorada. The Plantation Key LaCrosse team is hosting the first ever tournament for thier league. The first game is at 10:00 am and the play should go on until 3:00pm. There will be a concession stand and plenty of excitement. Bring your lawn chair and come enjoy a day at the park.
The annual hurricane conference took place this past week in the Bahamas and not to anyone's real surprise the number of hurricanes predicted for the upcoming season have been revised - and not downward. Each category increased, two only by one, but still it makes one start to think about the first of June and the possibilities. Now is the time to review/update insurance coverages, trim palm trees, and stock up on pantry items by taking advantage of weekly sales. Another list to update is the one which accounts for household furnishings - you the contents of your home - make additions, deletions, update photos and place with your insurance documents so everything will be in one and accessible should the need arise.
Starting to prepare now will save time and money later.
Below is a letter received by our offices from the other canidate, Jim Rhyne, in the upcoming runoff election - as I always say it is best to be informed when making any decision - whether it be buying/selling a home or casting a vote.
Our community deserves better.
Just prior to the March 11 elections there was a flurry of last minute emails circulated around the village by various sources"warning" voters of impending doom should they choose to consider one candidate over another. As the victim of a few of those publications, I would like to take this opportunity to "speak" for myself rather than have other less informed sources interpret for you what they believe to be my positions or affiliations. Since it is the issue that divides my opponent and me the most, and since the scare tactics last time revolved around the issue, I will address first the wastewater issue.
I am not looking to institute a huge tax or assessment on our residents and businesses to pay for a sewer system. I am also not going to stick my head in the sand and ignore state law and our responsibility to our environment. I know we are in a difficult situation that is not of our own making. I also understand too well the potential to adversely affect our village by continuing down the current "wait and see" path or placing too heavy a burden on our citizens. In between the two extremes lies an area that will allow us to move toward compliance and clean water, and not break the bank.
Both Key Largo and Marathon have recently instituted heavily researched and thoroughly vetted financing plans that I believe principally would be appropriate for Islamorada. Since both those communities have different costs to build and different starting points as to prior grant funding allocations, (we spent all of our allotted grants on the Upper Plantation Key area, while Key Largo and Marathon have spread theirs out over their entire service areas) we could expect slightly different assessments than what they have projected. Key Largo's wastewater board is looking at a settled cost to its residents of $90- $95/month for residents with businesses paying a slightly lower cost per EDU. Marathon is projecting a settled cost of $110- $115/ resident and a similar slightly discounted plan for their businesses. Both these charges include capital cost recovery as well as operation and maintenance fees. These numbers are not out of line with the current charges NPK homeowners are paying. Hold that thought a moment.
The impetus for all of this is, of course, clean water and a healthy environment. It's interesting to note that some of our village is now paying the same fees we are so afraid of. What's the difference? A few years ago there was a bit of grant money bestowed on us. We used our freebies to make it palatable (over 50% grant funded) for one area to have a system installed. Now with no grant funding coming down the pipe, the vast majority of our village will be left to fend off the wolves. Why? Because our leaders have not recognized that their policy toward wastewater funding has to change. Those that sermonize that we should "wait and see" or "hold the states feet to the fire" are ignoring fiscal reality, state law and continued environmental degradation.
There has also been a lot made out of the fact that I have a business in Marathon. A good business decision is not one that considers emotion as one of its factors. My choice to acquire and run my business in Marathon was and continues to be driven by availability and simple cost/benefit analysis. I would even argue that it gives me a more Keys-wide view of the issues affecting us and our neighboring communities and exposes me to solutions others have found to be successful. Plus, I can be more objective regarding the business issues here in Islamorada without having a bias or personal business interests to further. Residency is, unlike business, an emotional choice. Where we live, love and laugh with our family and friends is a choice we make and don't take lightly. I have chosen this village to live in and raise my young family just as all of you have. My decision to seek a council seat is one that I made based on a keen desire to make a positive difference in all of our lives.
Obviously there may still be rumors and misrepresentations circulated about me (or my opponent) over these final days of the campaign. I encourage you to question those that come from sources other than the candidate themselves and, if in doubt at all, to contact the candidate. My contact phone and email is listed on my website at www.jimrhyne.com.
With your help, we can turn an unproductive past into a bright future.
Now you have both side's viewpoint - remember get out and vote on April 8th and in all the upcoming elections this year -
The TIME TO BUY in the fabulous Florida Keys is now and I have found that a lot of buyers this year are realizing that! Properties are really starting to sell this year! Many great deals are out there for real buyers to get in on that piece of paradise! In the past 60 days there have been 45 sales generating $31,000,000 as a result of said sales. Any buyer purchasing in today's market has a wonderful investment to hold on to that will tremendously blossom in the next three to five years. The buyers will look back and say "Wow, I am glad I bought when I did!" The inventory is large and the prices are not going to get much better. I am finding that sellers are listing their homes at prices that are more realistic in today's market, leaving less negotiation room so they are getting the activity and getting the property SOLD!
So, while it the market in your court, Mr. Buyer, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY...large inventory, low prices, low interest rates in pure paradise!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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