Lisa's Blog

Florida Keys host LaCrosse Tournament

2008-04-11T10:37:16Z

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.

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

The Predictions are changing

2008-04-11T10:31:56Z

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.

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

The other side of the story

2008-04-07T13:11:30Z

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 -

Time to Buy!!!

2008-03-28T13:13:38Z

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!

PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisainfrins@florida-keys-homes.com

LaCrosse - Alive and growing in the Florida Keys

2008-03-28T13:06:32Z

Did you know LaCrosse was first played by Native American Indians? The game was sometimes used to resolve territory disputes and at times there would be hundreds of participants. The English adopted the game and the sport has evolved to the game we have today. It is also one of the fastest growing youth sports in the Nation. Here in the Upper Keys we have four teams, Coral Shores High School Boys and Girls team (our girl's team is top ranked in the district this year), and for 6th, 7th and 8th graders the PKS Panthers team and the Key Largo Tornados. We are at the end of the season. It has been exciting and all of the kids have really improved since the beginning of practices. I should know, my oldest son participates in the sport. The game has been compared to a cross between football and hockey so the action can be intense.

Hopefully, next year Coral Shores High School will divide the Boy's team into JV and Varisty teams so that the younger freshmen players will have a chance to compete. Rumor has it - this sport is becoming bigger than football in our little community.

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

Real Estate News in the Florida Keys

2008-03-28T12:50:57Z

Follow the link to our most recent newsletter to see how the market in the Keys is being impacted by the changes in our economy.

http://www.freewheeler-realty.com/newsletter/

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

Florida's New Portability of "Save our homes"

2008-03-28T12:48:23Z

Portability is the new, Florida Amendment 1 , which has recently passed. It allows homesteaded property owners

to transfer up to $500,000. of their "Save our Homes" benefits to the new home or next homestead.

The transfer of benefits for Homestead property owners will be available, within one year, and not more

than two years, after selling their previous Homestead. If the new homestead, has a higher value,

than the previous one, the accumulated benefit can be transferred. If the new homestead has a lower just

value, the amount of benefit transferred will be reduced. The transferred benefit may not exceed $500,000.

This provision applies to all taxes.

In Florida, the tax assessed value for homestead property can't go up more than 3 percent per year. We

call this a "cap". This limitation or cap only applies to the premises you own and occupy. The cap is

not the icing on the cake here. The part we want is the benefit. Okay, you own your home. Just you!

The property appraiser's office estimates that the market value of your home is $400,000. Thanks

to Save our homes cap, the taxable value of your home is only only $175,000. The benefit is $225,000.

That is $400,000. minus $175,000. This $225,000. you will be able to take with you, to the next

home you buy , in Florida, anywhere in Florida. A good decision is to take that

portability and use it to purchase a home in the Florida Keys, where the prices are now realistic,

and Amendment 1 benefits allow us ,to move up, without being penalized. Portability and prices

make the time to buy in Paradise now!

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

The Reality on Wastewater and 2010 Compliance

2008-03-28T12:46:46Z

The political climate is heating up as we come down to the runoff election for a prominent Village Council seat - just to keep voters, property owners and residents abreast of the issues I am posting a letter recently received via email by the Florida Keys Board of Realtors from candidate David Boerner, Mayor of Islamorada, Village of Islands. Wastewater is a pressing issue here in the Keys as we try to meet State and Federal mandates.

"In the recent days my opponent has sent out letters to, and visited with, Realtors, Condominium Managers and Package Plant Operators in an attempt to frighten them into wavering from our steady course of action to fund and construct wastewater facilities for Islamorada through discussions of impending fines, liens and orders to quit operations. This has included statements that go against the actions and efforts that the Village has been undertaking to achieve an affordable solution to our wastewater problems, including ignoring the significant steps that have been taken in the last few months and the gains achieved.

· Gains such as the turning around of the attitude from the Corps of Engineers on resisting a local sewer project to actively participating in a reef restoration project with the $100 million appropriated by the Federal Government for this purpose after our joint trip by the mayors and wastewater managers from all the Keys to Washington last October;

· Or the designation of the Council also last October of our next phase of our Village wide wastewater program to Indian Waterways, Indian Mound, and Lower Matecumbe;

· Or the $3.8 million grant for the 75% EPA funded "decentralized" alternative system we are currently underway with on Lower Matecumbe;

· Or the projected discussion for late April to define the process for achieving the final phases of our plans in Upper Matecumbe, Windley and lower Plantation Keys;

· Or the county-wide schedule of all wastewater projects with costs and completion schedules, including Islamorada, that was submitted as requested on January 31^st to Representative Stan Mayfield of the Environmental Resources Committee of the State Legislature memorializing our commitment to achieving the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Standard in a timely manner;

· Or the release of a $500,000 federal grant to Islamorada in March for our system at Indian Mound/Indian Waterways on Plantation Key now in the planning stage;

· Or the progress of the joint efforts by all the wastewater entities in the County including Islamorada as a proactive participant at the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program meeting on March 7^th with the Army Corps of Engineers to set the stage for the next series of Federal grants;

· Or that Islamorada has already provided "pipes in the ground" to over 1,300 homes and businesses with Phases 1 and 2 of the North Plantation Key project, which is now operating successfully in the initial phase and ready to be expanded soon.

Rhetoric is easy, but it must be founded in fact, and the facts are that it takes a lot of hard work on the part of many participants to work together instead of trying to destroy by conjecture. Islamorada is working on the solutions to our wastewater issues - and in doing so we are working on cost effective solutions that provide a timely response in a manner we can afford, instead of just simple "knee-jerk" reactions to our problems.

I don't think there is any real disagreement that the water quality surrounding the Keys has declined significantly and it is necessary to act to protect our waters, reefs and back country before the decline is irreversible. As a long time diver and angler in the Keys, I as well as many others have watched this decline with great concern, and it is documented by several noted scientific studies. A significant contributor to that decline is from pollution, specifically Nitrogen and Phosphorous. There are many identified sources of the pollution affecting us: drainage from the Mississippi and other major rivers draining in to the Gulf; the outfall from the heavily fertilized sugar operations above the Everglades which pour vast quantities of Nitrogen and Phosphorous into Florida Bay that was to have been corrected by the now stymied Everglades Restoration program; stormwater runoff after rain events that wash Nitrogen and Phosphorous laden fertilizers, organic compounds and animal fecal matter into the bay and ocean; and one which we can control, partially treated effluent discharges from cesspits, septic tanks and package plants throughout the Keys. It is this last item which has brought us to the installation of central sewers and treatment plants as a proposed cost effective method of removing pollutants generated by our residents and visitors from our near shore waters.

To meet the extra level of treatment required to remove the Nitrogen and Phosphorous compounds from our effluent, the state and federal governments have ordered the Florida Keys to treat our wastewater to a standard double the rest of the country. This "Advanced Wastewater Treatment" (AWT) standard was mandated because we are surrounded by some of the most pristine water in the country and a living reef protected by a National Marine Sanctuary. Throughout the rest of the country the standard level of treatment required is a "20-20" standard; that is 20 mg/l of suspended solids and 20 mg/l of Biological Oxygen Demand (organics), with no requirement for Nitrogen of Phosphorous removal. For the Keys, the AWT standard is "5-5-3-1": 5 mg/l suspended solids, 5 mg/l BOD (organics), plus 3 mg/l nitrogen and 1 mg/l phosphorous. Unfortunately this special designation and level of treatment adds between 25% and 40% to the cost of treatment and is compounded by the unique additional costs of collection systems cut into our coral rock islands. In recognition of these exceptional costs, Tallahassee and Washington promised to assist us through grant funding - grant funding which paid for 59% of the cost of our first wastewater project on Plantation Key.

Unfortunately the government bodies that mandated the higher standards and agreed to partner with the Village to meet those standards seem to have developed a memory loss on their financial commitments to us as their own financial conditions have fallen onto troubled waters with the reduced state taxes from the collapsing real estate market in Florida and the exorbitant cost of the war on Iraq.

It has been my job through traveling to Washington with the other mayors and managers of the wastewater entities in the county and working with our state representatives to remind our "partners" of their promises of much needed grant funds. Because of meetings I attended in Washington with our federal congressmen and women, and our strong relationship with State Representative Saunders and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, we are benefiting from a renewed commitment to share the financial burden... This is evidenced by a 75% EPA funded demonstration grant on Lower Matecumbe Key and the $500,000 Corps of Engineers participation we received in March for our next wastewater project on Plantation Key.

We are also continuing our efforts to obtain the original $100 million Corps of Engineers appropriation. Washington now recognizes Keys wastewater project as the reef protection and restoration mission that it is, rather than just another local sewer project. With the pending submission of our Project Cooperative Agreement to the Corps of Engineers, and the direct involvement this year by Senators Martinez and Nelson as well as Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, there is for the first time real movement in releasing the appropriated funds to the Keys. In addition Representative Saunders continues to seek a $200 million state bond to assist us even through the lean times in the State budget by directing a continuing annual revenue stream to support the bond recognizing the commitment to participate in the protection of the state waters of Florida that are a treasure to the entire state and visited by over 4 million visitors every year. At the same time we must work with our representatives in Washington and Tallahassee as they have requested to help them keep the pressure on their respective legislative bodies to fund these projects. It would be easy for Congress and the Legislature to walk away from these commitments if we were to say "never-mind, we'll take care of this ourselves". It is too easy for them to view the residents of the Keys as all being wealthy, living in million dollar homes, and this as a local problem rather than a state of federal issue. As our representatives have pointed out, if we seek too early waivers on the commitment to the AWT standards in 2010, or relax from our efforts to obtain the assistance already committed and fund this ourselves, our requests would be easily disposed of.

There will still be a share carried by the citizens as it was on the North Plantation Key project. And we need to be ready to continue the installation of wastewater facilities by the mid 2010 mandate. However, a $115 million bond put on the backs of our citizens without beneficial use to fund the entire cost, including the significant additional cost to achieve those Advanced Wastewater Treatment standards, at an exorbitant cost is not the answer. Maybe because my opponent's business and personal interests are in Marathon which is decidedly denser and has a significantly lower construction cost per EDU than Islamorada, he seems to have not considered the harmful impacts such a scheme will have on our friends and neighbors, or considered the efforts already underway by all of the wastewater entities working together in Monroe County to achieve equitable wastewater funding.

Furthermore, unlike the rosy projections that were incorrectly put forth on this bond issue, our Village Financial Director and our Rate Consultants advised Council the lowest expected interest rate on the proposed 30 year municipal bond is 5.5%, not 4%. And such a bond also includes an initial $3,405,000 issuance cost, resulting in a projected $1,095 annual assessment ($91.25/month) and a total repayment of $24,360,952; not the $878 assessment ($73.20/month) unfairly shown to the Water Quality Committee.

In any event, the bond idea would result in almost 2-1/2 times the $447.51 annual assessment our residents are paying in the original North Plantation Key service area. When you combine the bonded capital costs with the additional costs of connecting to the sewers and abandoning existing septic tanks or package plants, and the monthly utility bill to operate the system that is already in the range of $60/month (and is projected to rise significantly), you end up with an irrational undertaking. The idea of a bond to fund 100% of the cost of sewers totally on the backs of the rate payers is unreasonable and defeats the concept that it is cheaper to provide central sewer than having our residents and businesses meeting the Best Alternative Treatment (BAT) requirements on their own.

Even without the extra financing costs of bond funding the $115M cost for central sewers spread over the remaining 7,500 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) would result in an assessment to each homeowner in excess of $15,000 without any grant funding. This greatly exceeds the $5,676 assessment charged for each household in the North Plantation Key wastewater project that waited for grant funding. With the approximately $6,000 per home connection fee for a plumber to hook your home to the system this even exceeds the typical cost of individually converting your home to a 2010 compliant Best Available Technology (BAT) system, let alone the additional $70-$100/month utility fee to the Village to operate the system. This upside-down cost differential between individual compliance required by the 2010 mandate and a non-grant funded Village provided central sewer becomes even more lop-sided with businesses and condos that use package plants that can convert to 2010 compliance at a much lower cost than connecting to a 100% user funded central sewer system.

The question then becomes: if it's cheaper to meet the 2010 mandate individually than through a central sewer system constructed without any state and federal participation, why go with central sewers? The answer becomes obvious that the expensive central sewer system required for Islamorada's relatively low density compared to areas north and south of us is only practical with grant funding; because only with the reduced cost through grant funding will such a system save residents and business money over individual compliance (A common misunderstanding is that Village government is responsible for compliance. Under the state law the 2010 mandate is on the individual homeowners and businesses to meet the enhanced wastewater standard by 2010, not the Village government. The Village's participation is only as a municipal service provider to help reduce this cost through the economy of scale and grant equalization.)

Instead we are investigating and using other tools already provided to us by the state and federal government. Beside grants, which we continue to pursue, State Revolving Fund loans are available. The SRF was put in place for this purpose and avoids the large upfront costs of municipal bonds as well as requirements to pay interest on the full amount borrowed from day one. More importantly, SRF loans are attained at the much lower state subsidized 2.25% rate. And that is significant.

Additionally, the Council has unanimously supported the idea of Commissioner Neugent for a voter approved penny sales tax to supplement the burden of wastewater funding. The penny tax would shift approximately 50% of the share onto the 4 million visitors to the Keys each year.

There are also other cost effective alternatives to traditional municipal central sewers that have already been enacted by the Village and remain available to solving our wastewater issues. When one of Islamorada's largest motels went through a redevelopment several years ago the council imposed a requirement that not only would their package plant be brought into 2010 compliance, but it would also be sized large enough to serve the neighborhood around the motel. The decentralized system planned for Lower Matecumbe combines a modular, central treatment of the effluent from basic treatment systems (septic tank) at each homeowner's property. This concept has the possibility of being expanded to a similar interconnection of larger package plants. There is no specific requirement that the Village must provide a central sewer system, only that the individual homeowner and businesses comply with the 2010 discharge requirements. It is the job instead of the Village to provide a more cost effective system for compliance, and that is through the continued efforts of all that are involved throughout the county seeking supplemental funding and support for our residents.

The Village has also provided service to over 1,300 connections in Phases 1 and 2 of the North Plantation Key project, and with completion of Phase 3 in the Indian Waterways/Indian Mound area of Plantation Key with the current grant from the Corps of Engineers, will provide service to approximately 20% of Islamorada. With the inclusion of the decentralized system now underway on Lower Matecumbe, and the designated next phase of our central system on the balance of Lower Matecumbe, over one third of the connections in Islamorada will be provided. This compares to Marathon which is just now putting their own first pipes in the ground like we did several years ago at Plantation Key Colony, and Key Largo which has completed their first two phases of thirteen, and is still operating on a temporary plant which has had difficulties in meeting the 2010 discharge standards.

While it is fair to say that it is unlikely that Islamorada, Marathon, Key Largo or the unincorporated areas in the Lower Keys will be completed by the July 2010 deadline, significant progress is being shown by all parties, and Islamorada has participated with the other entities in the county to provide the county wide implementation schedule requested by the Florida Legislature. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) are state agencies charged with enforcement of Fl Statute 99-395 which established the 2010 mandate, and are acting as required to provide notices of required compliance. They do not have the authority to waive this requirement. That remains with the state legislature, which meets two more times again in 2009 and 2010 before the July 2010 compliance date, and who through Representative Mayfield's Committee on Environmental Appropriations are monitoring our progress. This is of course the same legislative body whose state agencies committed to grant funding towards the additional expense required to meet the higher AWT standard for protecting the state and federal waters surrounding the Keys, and has fallen short. Our local representative continues to make them aware of this. It is our part to continue our efforts towards compliance, to maintain our cooperation with the state and federal authorities on sharing project funding, and to continue to strive towards providing a cost effective wastewater system to our residents and businesses through this cooperation. Alternatively, if the Village cannot provide this cost effective solution to wastewater compliance through these continuing efforts, the imposition of a 100% local assessment funded wastewater system at a higher cost than individual compliance makes little sense.

We cannot burden our residents and businesses with carrying the entire cost of the wastewater funding, especially if financing comes in at a higher cost than what residents would pay to put in their own systems or businesses to upgrade their existing package plants.

Most importantly, we must continue our cooperation with Tallahassee and Washington to find reasonable methods to share and reduce this burden so we can achieve the higher level of treatment required to protect our waters. With continued hard work, we can meet the mandate and still afford to live and run our businesses in the village. I will continue my work with our state and federal representatives to make this happen."

Stay Informed on all the issues and learn about all the candidates - be sure to get out, be heard and VOTE.

(This is not an endorsement of any one candidate)

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

First cold front ushers in the start of the Holiday season

2007-11-07T09:10:19Z

Well, we have had our first cold front make its way all the way down the Florida penisula this past weekend. Air conditioners have been shut off and windows in homes opened to let the breeze from the North control our indoor climate. Temperatures have been in the low 80's during the day and high 60's at night, but soon, with the second front coming we should settle into days with highs in the 70's and cool evenings hovering around the low 60's. With the cooler temps comes the annual ceremonies honoring our Veterans, the arrival of the "big boats" in Key West for the races, the Island Christain School Christmas Festival and other festivities which announce the arrival of the Holidays and our winter season.

This Sunday, Nov 11th at 1p.m., there will be a ceremony honoring veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces at the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada. The passive park at the monument was recently renovated to enhance the monument; the new landscaping and sitting areas provide a great place to hold such ceremonies.

The boat races are being held this weekend, Nov 9th to the 11th, in Key West. Travelers on the Overseas Highway have been able to view some of the boats as they are transported to the event. Last weekend the Budweiser Clydesdale's were in town to kick off the week long pre-race events.

The annual ICS Christmas Festival will take place on November 17th. It kicks off with the $5 all you can eat pancake breakfast starting at 7 am and will last until around 4 pm. There is always alot to see and do at the festival. Local and other craftsman/artists will have thier items on display and for sale, the rummage sale tent will be packed with bargain goods, and the auction is sure to be a big hit as always. This event is free and always a great way to start your holiday shopping.

"PLEASE CONTACT LISA FRINS AT 305-522-1479 OR EMAIL ME AT lisafrins@florida-keys-homes.com"

Halloween, Fantasy Fest and other Holiday offerings

2007-10-26T13:19:04Z

Hurricane season is winding down and the Keys are starting to kick off various festivites and fun things to do for children of all ages. This weekend marks the end of the week long activites of Fantasy Fest. Saturday night Duval street in Key West will be filled with party-goers and parade watchers as the event comes to an end. Hopefully, the rain we have been having over the past few days will be well out of the forecast by the time the parade begins at 7pm. The next big event is being hosted next week, Nov. 1st thru the 4th as Parrotheads come to the island to hold thier annual convention.

Throughout the Keys, various events will be held over the next few days to help provide safe and fun activites for the kids as they dress up for Halloween. Here in the upper keys, Burton Memorial Church will have thier annual pumpkin patch and host a costume contest, bounce house, hayrides and other activites. The Kiwanis are hosting a halloween party for kids from age 3 to 12 and Founders Park will have a "trick n' flick" this Friday night. Underwater pumpkin carving contests have been held and local bars are having costumes contests for the adults on Oct 31st.

This weekend, Jill Hayes Photography will be at Islamorada Fishing Company, Bass Pro Shops taking pictures of "man's best friend" from 10am to 4pm. This is her first time at the Fishing Company and is being done to kick off the new line of dog/pet accessories now being carried at the Bass Pro Shop.

The fishing is good and there is always something for everyone, as evidenced by this picture of a great catch of his first tarpon by a young local angler named DJ

My husband's secretary watches DJ on the weekends while his mother his at work. According to her, DJ is quite the angler having recently won the kid's day fishing tournament at the Fishing Company with his impressive catch of a 14lb Red Snapper.

With cooler weather on the way, the Keys are starting to gear up for the Holidays and welcome back our seasonal residents.

Property Tax Relief? Well, maybe not .......... and other various topics

2007-09-28T13:34:24Z

Early this summer I had written about the changes to property taxes and the homestead exemption being proposed by state lawmakers. It now seems the way the proposed changes being put before voters were written left out some key information regarding how the changes would impact the current Save Our Homes program. The super-expemtion (as it has been called) could allow property owners to exempt up to $190,000 of the value of thier property from taxes, but it seems homeowners would also lose the 3% tax assessment cap as stated in the Save Our Homes program. The bottom line is property owners need to be paying attention the news and the issues surrounding the amendment. Educate themselves on the issue and then make sure thier opinion is heard by getting out and VOTING.

Two months left until the end of Hurricane Season and this year has been quiet as far as storms affecting the Florida Keys. Hopefully we will continue to see clear skies, and light breezes for the remainder of this year's season. The rains that recently visited our area were a welcome change from the hot/humid days of this summer as well as greatly appreciated by thirsty landscapes. Unfortunately they have passed and the heat is back on, but soon a cold front should push all the way down the pennisula to begin our winter season of mild, sunny days and cool evenings.

There are plenty of homes on the market for buyers to choose from and many sellers are willing to offer incentives so now is the time buy. Real estate in the Keys is always a good investment as "paradise" is always in demand. So if you are looking for a home, contact me and I will help you find your piece of paradise here on our islands.

Remembering Hurricane Victims this Labor Day

2007-08-29T08:18:43Z

Turn on the news these days and you will see images of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans from two years ago after Katrina devastated the area to the slow rebirth of communities as property owners rebuild. All of the images serve to remind us of the powerful force of nature. After seeing the more recent effects of Hurricane Dean, it would be refreshing to see city and community planners put restoration of natural buffer zones into the mix of rebuilding. As evidenced when Dean came ashore, the areas that had marsh, and mangrove lands perserved came through the storm much better as those areas helped to absorb some of the power of the rising tidal surge. The Keys saw the effects of tidal surge during Hurricane Wilma, which approached from the less protected bay side of the islands, and was devastated by it back during the Labor Day storm of 1935.

Some of the last remaining survivors of the 1935 Labor Day storm that still live in the area will hold a service to remember those that lost thier lives and are now entombed beneath the Hurricane Memorial located at MM 81.8 in Islamorada. The storm was a category 5 and resulted in the deaths of 423 people. Victims of the storm were found as far away as Cape Sable and Flamingo. One survivor I spoke to talked about the great areas of land in Lower Matecumbe that just "disappeared" as the storm surge that moved across the narrow island receded. She recalled giant holes in the coral rock which was stripped of topsoil that impeded access to thier family home.

The Keys have faced many storms of the years and the resolve of the community along with the protection provided by the reef has keep our lifestyle alive and flourishing. So far, this season has been quiet, but as we locals know, season has just begun - we don't breathe a sigh of relief until the month of September passes.

School's back in session

2007-08-24T12:29:02Z

Well the first day of school has come and today marks the end of the first week. Open houses have been held, and homework has begun. What happened to school starting at a slower pace? First week meant getting reacquainted with friends, doing reviews of lessons learned at the end of the previous year and open house did not take place until after Labor Day. Perhaps, in the future those days will come again, just like one day the real estate market will begin to recover from the recent slump. In the meantime, there are some terms we are hearing more of - such as "short sale".

Short sale means the owner sales the property for less than the amount owed to the mortgage company. This option is available only to those homeowners that are behind in thier payments and are facing foreclosure. Sellers who opt for a "short sale" can walk away from the property without a foreclosure appearing on credit reports but the full amount of the debt written off by thier lender is considered taxable income. While short sales help out overburdened property owners they can also have a negative impact on surrounding property values.

Recently, mortgage brokers and realtors are talking about contracts failing to close due to appraisals and comparables coming in at amount significantly less than the agreed upon sales price. Prospective sellers need to educate themselves on the current market and adjust thier asking price accordingly in order to insure success. Nobody likes to invest time and energy into selling a home just to have the contract fall apart due to a short appraisal.

What a wonderful 4th of July!!!

2007-07-09T09:14:13Z

As promised here is a picture of the float entered into the Upper Keys Fourth of July parade by the Board of Realtors. We won the Governor's Award for Best Business Float. We had a lot of help from area businesses and families to make this year's entry a success. As you can see the theme was "Time to Buy" and it truly is a good time to buy a home in these islands we consider paradise.

Interest rates are holding steady, changes are coming into realization within the insurance industry in regards to premiums and there is promised relief from the Governor's office regarding property taxes. There are quite a few homes available for purchase which makes this a buyer's market.

The mid-week holiday brought quite a few visitors down for vacation and the Chamber of Commerce could not have asked for better weather. The seas were relatively calm, and the fireworks displays up and down the island chain went off without a hitch. Everyone had a great time, boating, cooking out and relaxing.

The long days of summer

2007-07-02T10:27:06Z

It's that time of year when the kids are out of school and the parents are looking for activities to keep them occupied. If the number of campers and boats being towed are any indication, many families are taking advantage of the mid-week Fourth of July holiday and heading to our little chain of islands for a summer vacation. While the obvious attraction is the blue, green and clear water that surrounds us, there are some other area attractions that can provide for a good distraction from days of fishing and snorkeling. At Robbie's Marina on the bayside located at approximately mile marker 77.5, you can feed Tarpon. Locals and visitors have been going to the marina for over twenty years to buy a bucket of fish to hand feed the tarpon that surround the docks there. Just be careful, the fish have been known to "jump" up out of the water to take a free meal from the hand of an unsuspecting patron. Just northeast of Robbie's in the bayside waters off of Tea Table Key, is Lignumvitae Key State Botantical Site. The park is accessible only by boat, but hosts tours of the Matheson House and grounds, call 305-664-4815 for more information. Another attraction in the Islamorada area is the Theater of the Sea, located at MM84.5. They have daily dolphin shows, you can even sign up to swim with the dolphins, a nature walk highlighting sea life found in local waters, and even a sea lion performance. For more information go to thier website at theaterofthesea.com.

After a day of fun in the sun and out on the water, relax at some of the local restaurants. One restaurant, my family and I recently discovered is Picchi's 88 Ristorantino located on Plantation Key in the 88 Plaza. The service was excellent and the food absolutely wonderful! They had something for everyone and thier steaks truly are some of the best in the Keys. Thier prices are reasonable as well. Another, good place to grab a bite to eat is the Whistle Stop located on Upper Matecumbe in the strip mallacross from the "little red caboose". Looks can be deceiving, so don't let the exterior keep you from stepping inside. They have some of the best pizza in town and daily specials; the Thursday night meatloaf is a local's favorite.

I hope everyone has a safe summer and Fourth of July celebration. Will try to have pictures of our parade entry with my next posting.

Active day for waterspouts

2007-06-26T08:58:11Z

While this weekend was beautiful - Sunday, Marathon in the Middle Keys saw its share of waterspouts - basically a tornado that forms over water that usually disapiates once it reaches land. My husband's secretary remembers her mom telling stories about how it would "rain fish" sometimes when a waterspout broke up over thier home on Big Coppitt. The pictures in the Keynoter are absolutely awesome and fortunately there was little or no damage caused by the storms.

To see nature's beauty and power go to the Keynoter website - if you ever encounter one of these storms while on the water, the rule of thumb is to travel at a 90 degree angle away from the waterspout.

Another BEAUTIFUL Weekend!

2007-06-25T15:36:38Z

Well the rains did indeed hold off in most of the Keys this weekend and there were quite a few people out on the Overseas Highway and on the water. Friends who rode thier motorcycles to Key West on Saturday thought the day was absolutely perfect! The seas were calm, there was a pod of dolphin playing in the waters around the seven mile bridge and just enough cloud cover to be comfortable. Key West was relatively quiet, but busy enough to be entertaining. The few thunderheads that formed over Florida Bay gave quite a lightening show which could be viewed safely from shore.

There were several open houses going on throughout the islands, but if the ones I held were any indication, most people were out on the water enjoying another day in Paradise. The next week will busy as I prepare to assist with the float we are entering into the Fourth of July parade to be held in Key Largo next week. There are fireworks scheduled to light up the sky over the Keys from Blackwater Sound in Key Largo to Mallory Square in Key West. Hopefully, I can get some good pictures of the float "in progress" and once completed for participation in the parade.

Hope everyone has a good week ....

Just another sunny day in Paradise

2007-06-22T12:52:36Z

The Miami News Stations are calling for rain, based on the beautiful weather we are having today I have to think they are referring to the mainland and not our lovely chain of islands. The fishing report from yesterday was absolutely awesome with boats hooking up with dolphin (mahi, mahi), spotting large groups of tarpon heading north on an apparent mission and sighting a pod of pilot whales. This weekend should bring more of the same, so get out on the water and enjoy.

For those of you more inclined to on-shore adventures, it sounds as if quite a few people will be out and about on their motorcycles traveling along the Overseas Hwy taking advantage of the sunshine and temperate weather. If you don't have a motorcycle, be sure to put the top down on the convertible to take advantage of the glorious conditions.

Should you need another diversion to your day, stop by 205 Ocean Drive on Saturday, June 23, from 2-4 or 120 Camelot, from 12-2 for an open house. And on Sunday, the property at 61 East Beach will be open from 12-2.

Whatever you do this weekend - have fun and be safe!

Property tax savings?

2007-06-20T09:00:50Z

The state Legislature has finally put together a property tax savings bill that will be voted on by residents in 2008. In Monroe County the savings, if the new bill is put into place, will only be realized about 24% of the properties currently homesteaded, according to the property tax appraiser. The bottomline is that the bill allows for the current homeowner to have a choice whether or not to remain under the Save Our Homes act, which caps the increase of appraisals for tax purposes at 3% annually, regardless of what the market is doing, and maintains the current homestead exemption of $25,000. OR a homeowner can opt out of the Save Our Homes act and have a homestead exemption which equals 75% of the first $200,000 of assessed value, with an additional 15% on the next $300,000. The bill does not provide tax relief for second homes or rental properties.

There are a majority of homesteaded properties in the Keys which currently fall under the Save Our Homes act. Properties which were purchased and homesteaded prior to the real estate value growth which began about five years ago have benefited and will continue to benefit if they remain under the act as the assessed value is based on the original assessment when the property was purchased and has only seen minimal increases based upon the 3% cap. Homesteaded properties which were purchased during the period of growth were reassessed at the market value in place at the time of purchase, so new homeowners saw a significant increase in the taxable value of the property they purchased.

The decision to opt out of the Save Our Homes program is one that must be considered carefully. While the initial savings may be significant, the increases in the long run due to a rise in property values subject to the market, could outweigh those savings. So, think about the decision carefully - assess your long term goals; how long do you plan to stay in the home - assess the market; the Keys home values had remained fairly constant for years and then saw quarterly dramatic increases for a period of years; while increases in value have leveled off, they are sure to rise again.

Prior to going to the polls, learn about the bill so that you can make an informed decision based on your understanding of it not just based on the information given by various media sources.

Featured Homes on Plantation Key

2007-06-06T13:16:40Z

142 Bessie Road

PLANTATION KEY BEAUTY! Absolute turn-key, completely remodeled, all concrete home...tile floors throughout, granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, large open living area, wrap-around screened porch, fully fenced, concrete deep water dockage, davits, private boat ramp, immediate ocean access and nearby bay access! Must see! Priced to sell! 1,150,000.00 3 bed/3 bath

Call me, Lisa Frins, at 305-522-1479 to schedule an appointment to see this wonderful home.

174 Plantation Avenue

Absolutely beautiful home in Plantation Key with a bay view that has been completely remodeled from top to bottom! 3bd/2ba on one floor, travertine flooring thoughout, granite kitchen counters, impact windows, hugh storage down, metal roof and a relaxing open porch to take pleasure in the view. Boat lift and privacy fence being installed soon. Beautifully furnished and ready to move in and enjoy! 1,250,000.00

Call me, Lisa Frins, at 305-522-1479 to schedule an appointment to see this wonderful home.

Going Green

2007-06-05T13:55:22Z

In today's climate (no pun intended) of conserving energy it seems that everyone is jumping on the "sustainability" wagon. Local governments, electrical companies, and corporate Americans are switching thier company vehicle fleets to hybrid models, reviewing how energy is wasted within the daily process and making changes to ensure a clean, bright environment for generations to come. As individuals we can make a difference in our homes and businesses by making some small, inexpensive changes.

Changing lightbulbs from the incandescent type to the fluorescent type saves energy and money. Installing a programmable thermostat on air conditioning units to automatically set the thermostat to a higher setting when no one is home also saves. One way to conserve water is to catch the water coming from the condensation line of AC units in a holding tank (I know people who use a 55 gallon drum) to use for watering plants, or refilling water features in the landscape, such as a pond or fountain. Of course, planting shade trees is a natural way to keep your home cooler and improve the "curb appeal". Having home windows tinted and decorating with thermal draperies can also cut down on cooling costs while conserving energy. And we have all heard of taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing teeth, washing full loads of dishes in the dishwasher and letting them air dry, as well as washing full loads of laundry.

Plan trips to the store or into town that accomplish more than one task at a time. This will save on fuel. If possible, walk or ride a bicycle to your destination. Here in the Keys, most areas have a designate bike path and grocery stores, postal services, shopping, etc is within a few miles of home. In Key West, just about anywhere you want to go can be accessed by bicycle. Not only will the environment be helped, but so will your heart and waist line.

This is just a few tips on how you too can "go green" for more information contact your local utility company or extension services department.

Things to do this rainy weekend

2007-06-01T12:16:21Z

The weekend is forecasted to be rainy with a low pressure system moving up through the Gulf of Mexico. Who said it never rains in Paradise? After months of below average rainfall, we need it so the rain is welcome, but it does but a damper on those outdoor activities we all enjoy.

There are still some things that can be done - update photos and files for household furnishings so that they are the most current should you need them this hurricane season, update or create a personal hurricane survival kit, review insurance policies to make sure they are update with current values and coverages, read a book or play a board game with your kid(s), go see a movie (get tickets early, in the Upper Keys our little cinema sells out quick), "snuggle on the couch while listening to the rain on the rooftop", and when you can't stand being inside anymore, or the rain slacks up, come by 205 Ocean Drive on Sunday from 10am until 12pm for an open house!

This beautiful ocean view can be seen from the property located at 205 Ocean Drive on Plantation Key. Recently remodeled house has five bedrooms with four baths and a garage. Easy ocean and bay access from the canal -

It's all in the presentation

2007-05-30T09:57:07Z

We have all heard time and time again - staging is everything. Prospective buyers want to see a HOUSE not a trophy collection, beanie baby collection, furniture collection, etc. Presentation is everything and could determine how long a house sits on the market. So, make sure the first impression gets the buyer's attention and then draws them inside the house. It is not called "curb appeal" for nothing. Make sure landscaping is maintained - pull those weeds, mow the grass, or rake the pearock, place trash bins out of sight, sweep the landing, and put out a fresh "Welcome" mat.

Inside the house highlight its' best features - if the view out the sliding glass doors toward the canal is awesome, make sure the window is clean and free of obstructions;

If the kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, make sure they are free of clutter so perspective buyers can see them - another tip of the trade is to place a vanilla or cookie scented candle out in the kitchen, the scent invokes images of "home";

Make sure bedrooms are neat and tidy, bathrooms fresh and clean, and do not just "hide" the collections in the closets or cabinets (buyers do open closet/cabinet doors) store extra items either in a storage shed or off-site. Remember while a home is more than just a house - buyers want to envision making your HOUSE their HOME

Things to do this Memorial weekend

2007-05-25T08:20:22Z

This weekend in the Upper Keys area there will be ceremonies on Monday, Memorial Day, to remember and honor the fallen heros of America's Armed Forces as well as those currently serving overseas and at home. I encourage you to attend them if you can. At 9:00am there is a flag ceremony at the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada and then at 11:00am there is a flag ceremony with wreath and prayer service at the TIB Bank in Key Largo.

The winds are expected to be blowing, so it does not look like a good weekend for boating - but if kite-boarding is up your alley the weather should be great for it! If you are looking for something to do on Saturday, May 26th, there is an open house from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at my listing on 205 Ocean Drive - this canal front property is absolutely wonderful!

A time to remember

2007-05-24T07:33:33Z

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and while many of us are planning trips to see family, backyard BBQs, activities on the water - whether it be a day of fishing or hanging out at the sandbar, I would like to remind everyone to take time to remember the real reason why the kids are out of school and the banks are closed - to honor the soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms - thier lives, and thier families. It is especially important during times that our country is involved in conflicts, such as the wars continuing on in Iraq and Afghanistan. There will be memorial services and events going on across our country, I encourage you to try to attend one. In the Upper Keys, the Sherrif's office and Boy Scout Troop 914 will have a flag ceremony on Monday, May 28th - 9:00am at the Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada. Then the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, Elks Club and Boy Scout Troop 912 will have a flag raising, wreath laying, and prayer service for our fallen soldiers and those serving overseas on Monday, - 11:00am at the TIB Bank in Key Largo.