Jeff and Ginny Mitchell 's Blog

Missing the Dodgers!

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:18:06 -0700

Winter season is just not the same without our beloved Dodgers here in spring training. Withdrawal pains would be eased if we could just court a new team. CNN is trying to help us out with a live broadcast here in Vero Beach to show just how desirable our small town venue could be for baseball, football even! As we suffer through the economic downturn with the rest of the nation, our town would certainly enjoy the excitement of a new love affair with a new team -- is there a online "dating" website for towns looking for the crack of a bat, the smack of shoulder pads up close and personal from our small town bleachers ---- sigh!

New BioFuel Company May Locate in Vero Beach

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:15:58 -0700

Biofuel may soon become one of the new companies relocating to Vero Beach, Florida. New Planet Energy, a California based alternative fuel company, is negotiating to buy property in southwest Indian River County to convert a variety of micro-organisms from plant wastes and trash into biofuel. The Indian River Chamber of Commerce is enthusiastically promoting the company's application for permits to allow the company to produce 8 million gallons of biofuel a year within the next two years. The company is also working with the county landfill managers in a proposal to use methane gas and solid wastes from the land fill.

Florida's Energy Act is offering a $2.5 million grant to encourage this project in keeping with the state goal to achieve 10% of motor fuel from alternative sources by 2010.

In our opinion, these sources of biofuel would be especially consumer-friendly because these waste sources would not impact food prices as in the case of the diversion of corn to biofuel.

Two for One Offer at Riverside Theatre - Main Stage - 2008 - 2009 Season

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:47:26 -0700

As corporate sponsors of Riverside Theatre, the only fully professional theatre in the greater Treasure Coast area, we enthusiastically and proudly share the 2008 - 2009 season on the Stark Mainstage. Another full repertoire will be announced shortly for the smaller theater in-the-round. First time members may purchase TWO season ticket for the price of ONE. Call 772-231-6990 in town or 800-445-6745. Join us for these fine shows-

Altar Boyz. October 10 - November 2, 2008. An off Broadway award winning musical comedy opens the season. The story line follows the holy aspirations and antics of 5 small town boys.

Souvenir. November 20 to December 7, 2008. This true story remembers a wealthy and charitable lady who presents fundraiser concerts even though she cannot sing. Her good intentions and personality shine through.

Breaking Legs. January 9 to February 1, 2009. A talented professor searches for money to produce the play he wrote. The family of a former student has the cash but the student has a crush on her former teacher.

La Cage aux Folles. February 13 to March 8, 2009. Winner of 6 Tony awards in 1983 and another 2 Tony awards in the 2004 revival, a young man raised by his show biz dad and his long-time performer partner brings his finance and her politically involved parents to meet his non-traditional "family."

Rounding Third. April 16 - May 3, 2009. Competitive coach meets "let's have fun" assistant coach for a fun-filled look at Little League baseball and fatherhood.

Vero Beach SAT Scores Better than State and National Averages

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:08:37 -0700

The Scholastic Aptitude Test, commonly known as the SAT is a national measure used by many universities to determine the readiness of students from across the nation to matriculate at a level consistent with the academic expectations of that institution of higher learning. Students taking the test score from 200 to 800 points in math, reading and writing. Students in Indian River County, both at Vero Beach High School and Sebastian River High School achieved double digit gains above the 2007 scores of students at those schools last year. Congratulations students!

Philadelphia Plan

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:19:07 -0700

Did anyone else hear about the plan in Philadelphia that prohibits any foreclosure action by a mortgage lender until the lender representative sits with the homeowner in a mediation session monitored by a professional mediator, often a judge. The people being interviewed were quite positive in their reviews. For example, a mortgage lender representative said that for the first time rather than a foreclosure procedure being a lose - lose situation for both the homeowner and the lender, the mediation process was often successful in working out a collaboration that modified the mortgage rates and terms so that the homeowner could meet the payment schedule and stay in their home. What is your opinion?

Does anyone who lives in Philadelphia have some experience with this mediation initiative?

Mahi Mahi Hooked at Vero Beach

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:12:09 -0700

Jeff Mitchell smiles broadly as he takes a day off from Real Estate and hooks a nice 12 pound Mahi Mahi off the coast of Vero Beach Florida -- these brillantly colorful fish are fun to catch and flavorful to eat -- featured fresh in season at many area restaurants. We caught enough to share with friends.

Intracoastal Waterway Lagoon at Vero Beach, Florida

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:04:34 -0700

Cruising south on the Intracoastal Waterway between the Merrill Barber causeway bridge and the south bridge, barely visible in the background (2 of the 3 causeway bridges in Vero Beach that provide convenient access to and from the island) - what a lovely way to spend an afternoon. The fresh water Indian River flows down the middle of the waterway between the mainland and the barrier island at Vero Beach, Florida. The Sebastian and the Fort Pierce inlets create a brackish lagoon that rises and falls with the tide. The lagoon is a veritable nursery for a myriad of species.

Visit www.MyVeroBeachRealEstate.com for a PHOTO TOUR of Vero Beach, Florida.

Real Estate Sales Graphs Update for Vero Beach, Florida - Inventory Decrease

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:40:07 -0700

We have just published our monthly real estate sales update for Vero Beach Florida and North Hutchinson Island. Buyers are watching and waiting for prices to come down to be outstanding market values. Many sellers are reducing prices and accepting offers that represent outstanding buyer opportunities. As a result, overall inventory of currently available homes for sale is beginning to decrease. The Treasure Coast has been adding jobs to the local economy, so we may recover sooner than other areas of Florida. Sales this month ranged from under $50,000 for a one bedroom mainland condominium unit to over $7,000,000. This range is typical for Vero Beach, a small town with homes in all price ranges. Other homes are currently available from under $50,000 to over $30,000,000. Visit our website for the complete story and sales graphs for various market segments . Click on "Local Real Estate Update" at www.MyVeroBeachRealEstate.com

New PiperJet Takes Off

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:50:47 -0700

With more than 200 orders waiting for the new $2.2 million PiperJet, the plane is moving through the design and build phases into flight testing this week. The Vero Beach home of the new PiperJet announces the long anticipated public unveiling for late August or early September.

Vero Beach was successful in retaining Piper Aircraft, one of our major employers that adds about a half million dollars to the local economy every year, with a financial incentive program funded collaboratively by state and local entities. Piper agrees to add jobs and build additional manufacturing facilities to build the 6 passenger luxury aircraft at a cost estimated to be 3 times the amount of the incentive package. Vero Beach is proud -- Congratulations Piper!

Wow - Clean Air, Clean Beaches and We're Thin too!

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:57:43 -0700

We have loved Vero Beach for a lifetime, but we are especially proud that our quality of life is widely documented and recognized. Recently I posted the news about the outstanding air quality we enjoy, among the very best in the nation. Now we have learned that our beaches are among the cleanest also. No beaches in our county of Indian and also nearby St Lucie County had pollution levels above the federal standards, which is cleaner than most areas elsewhere in the state of Florida as well as the whole nation, according to a new study by the National Resources Defense Council. Clean, clean -- good to know.

Now for the happy news that Indian River County ranks #11 in the nation for the best body mass index. Even so, alas, we have a way to go with our current ranking. Indian River posted 25.51 on the scale while the number 1 ranking was earned with a body mass index score of 24.48. Let's all celebrate our achievement and work for an even better ranking next year! One more lap in the pool each day should do it.

Red Snapper Season

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:16:24 -0700

Start watching for Red Snapper to be the "Catch of the Day" on local menus, much to my delight. Mid summer is typically the best for enjoying this delicately flavored fish that lends itself so well to a variety of culinary specialities from simple broiling with mild seasonings and a twist of lemon to blackened or cajun style.

Better yet, take a day off and join a excursion with a captain to escort your group or take your own boat and catch your dinner. Nothing tastes better than freshly caught red snapper prepared that same day to your personal specifications. In Indian River, the report is that snapper fishing is best this week near the Sebastian inlet on an outgoing tide. Don't forget to buy your fishing license and there are limits to your catch depending on what you have reeled in. Snapper live about 20 years, and we support respecting the quantity of your catch to assure we will still be enjoying red snapper when your kids kids have kids, if you get my drift. Consult your favorite fishing expert, whether family or professional, for a safe and successful and fun day fishing.

Voter Registration Near Deadline - July 28, 2008

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:09:53 -0700

Here in Vero Beach, voter registration must be completed by July 28,2008 for the primaries. Some voters may wish to add a party affiliation if they are currently registered as an Independent in order to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary. An Independent voter in Indian River County is not allowed a ballot for either party without changing their registration before the deadline. The same is true for St Lucie County. If a voter wishes to do so, he or she may change back to Independent status immediately after the primary election on August 26, 2008.

Fortunately it is easy to go online to the Supervisor of Elections website www.VoteinIndianRiver.com and download a Voter Registration form. For the ultimate in convenience, you can also request that ballots be mailed to you. This is especially useful if you are at work all day and don't want to stand in line to vote, or if you rely on others for transportation, or if you plan to be out of town or otherwise occupied on voting day. This waving flag reminds us to please vote. Doing so honors the sacrifices other have given to protect our right to vote.

Auctions?

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:27:10 -0700

Along with a cadre of other local real estate agents, I have just attended yet another well-advertised auction this morning July 12, 2008 and wonder how successful auctions are in your real estate area. While activity is picking up, and the market is showing signs of improving, sales are still slow here. Summer is typically not our most productive sale season anyway. Thus we are all are seeking successful strategies to sell.

There was a good-sized crowd in attendance, and several agents were on the phone with potential out-of-town buyers. so everyone was buzzed about the prospects for a decent bid close to the perceived property value. However, that did not happen. This property is an oceanfront condominium property that has been listed at $2,450,000. The seller had set ground rules to accept the best bid over $1,250,000. However, the best bid was half that, so the property is still for sale, but at what consequence? Surely potential buyers, through the advice of their Realtor, will now balk at the current asking price and expect to buy at no more than the base line price set by the sellers.

Other recent auctions have resulted in some sales but at deeply reduced pricing. All the hype about stirring up competitive bidding just isn't seeming to materialize. Is it the time of year, current market conditions or just the nature of auctions? What has been your experience with auctions in your area? What price range demonstrates the best success ratio? Is this a last resort tactic or a generally good selling strategy in your area?

Vero Beach Art Museum Special Exhibit Plans

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:30:42 -0700

The Vero Beach Art Museum will feature the "Florida Visual Art Fellowship Exhibiltion" through mid-September. The next special exhibit beginning in mid-September until mid-December will be Jon Davis' "Lighted Wall Constructions" in addition to "Glass from the Ancient World and Contemporary Reflections" from mid-October to mid-December. Following from mid-January to mid-March will be "Painting Italian Landscape: Views from the Uffizi." The Vero Beach Art Museum is location at 3001 Riverside Park Drive and is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1-1:30 on Saturday. Phone 772-231-0707 for further information or visit www.vbmuseum.org

Vero Beach - Hutchinson Island Real Estate Update

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:16:44 -0700

The latest comprehensive Real Esatate update for Vero Beach and Hutchinson Island, Florida broken down by area and type of property has just been published on our blog - http://www.myverobeachflhomes.com and reprinted here (obviously with my permission as the author):

Local Real Estate Update

The sales graphs for each report below compare current inventory and sales from 2004 to 2008 as of June 30, 2008.

Local Real Estate Update With 15 sales, June was the slowest month since Jan 2008 and almost 50% lower than June 2007. Current inventory for single family homes on the barrier island is now 559 - down 9 from last month. Average time on the market was 15 months and average list-to-sales price was 72%. Both of these figures are a result of the high inventory of single family houses on the Barrier Island. Nothing sold in less than 6 months, and one home is Seagrove was originally listed for $1,300,000 and sold 22 months later for $475,000. When you list, consider current comparable sale prices so your home will sell in a reasonable time. Buyers are aware of the high inventory and are asking their Realtors to negotiate diligently for the best possible price. Buyers are moving on to the next property or just walking away when the seller is not realistic.

Sales of condos on the island also fell to 17 but were still higher than June of the previous years. This has been the trend for the last 4 months and tends to confirm our belief that the part time residents are continuing to buy in the Vero area. With the opening of the 2 newly renovated upscale hotels on the beach, the Vero Hotel and Club and Costa d"Este, Vero is enjoying a resurgence of tourists. Inventory increased by 5 units in June but is still down by approximately 7 % in the last 4 months. Time on the market is still lengthy and the list-price to sales-price ratio is still far apart. Actual sale prices ranged from $138,000 in the Del Mar Condo complex to $1,100,000 in oceanfront Sea Quay. Four Sea Oaks condos sold in the $600 to $700,00 range. We believe this market will continue to improve as buyers take advantage of the appealing opportunities among the 394 condo homes currently for sale.

Sales of single family houses on the mainland fell for the 2nd month to 113 sold-lower than June 2007. The general economy has more influence on this sector, and as we all know the economy is not good. Now that Piper Aircraft has decided to expand their plant with 400 more jobs, however, we should see sales of single family homes on the mainland begin to increase. Prices are also in the buyer's favor. The median price has dropped from $224,000 in June 2007 to $170,000 in June 2008. More than ample supply is available and with the lower prices and more jobs, the demand will begin to go up. From the tax records the year-to-date sales of single family residences in Indian River county through May 2008 was 828. Sales for all of 2007 were 2656. At this rate of sales, by year end, sales will be down 26%.

Mainland condo sales increased to 45 sold, which for the 4th month exceeded last years sales. Inventory has decreased 13% in the last 4 months to 1078 units - an indication that the part time and retired residents are buying. Prices ranged from under $40,000 for 2 units in Vista Royale to $860,000 for a Grand Harbor unit on the river. In general, these prices and most of the sold prices reflect sales prices for 3 to 4 years ago. Tax records indicate that the median condo price in Indian River County fell 16% from April 07 to April 08. Part of the reason sales are picking up in the condo market is because the prices are falling.

North Hutchinson Island experienced a dismal June with only 2 sales, one at $183,000 in Ocean Harbor North and the other in Tiara for $315,000. There are 256 properties for sale down 5 from last month. A new 18,000 sq ft commercial development is being built that will include 2 restaurants and a branch bank, which should help bring more buyers to this area of wide soft beaches. Right now, there are a lot of good bargains and sellers are willing to negotiate.

Many experts are suggesting that now is the bottom of the market. We will only know for sure looking back from the other side.

Community College Upgraded to State College

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:30:56 -0700

The Indian River Community College will soon be known as the Indian River State College as Governor Crist announces Indian River as one of 9 state community colleges that will begin to offer 4 year degrees in addition to serving the region as an open access, remediation and adult education resource that has offered Associate Degrees since 1959. A satellite campus in Vero Beach in Indian River County complements the main campus that is located in Fort Pierce, Florida in St Lucie County.

Mental Health Training Facility

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:44:53 -0700

Plans for a new Mental Health Training and Walk-in Treatment Facility in Vero Beach Florida to be managed by the University of Florida should be in operation by the fall of 2008 thanks to the generosity of a group of regional philanthropists, including a gift of $2 million from the McCabe Foundation given in memory of their son. Other donors include hospital trustee Harry Bolwell. In addition to a teaching professor, initially the facility will be staffed by two other psychiatrists and a pyschologist.

New Medical Center in Vero Beach, Florida

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:25:58 -0700

A new medical center has won County approval to be constructed in the Pointe West community in Vero Beach Florida. Pointe West is located near the Interstate Highway 95 Vero Beach exit about 8 miles from the Indian River Medical Center hospital south of 37th Street near Indian River Blvd. The new two-story nedical center should provide convenient access to medical treatment on the west side of town, especially for the several assisted living facilities in the area.

Vero Beach Club 3250 Open for Summer

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:54:28 -0700

On weekend evenings this summer, young people 18 and older will enjoy local bands, piano bar, and even karaoke nights at the new Riverside Theatre Club 3250. Folk-bluegrass singer Ben Prestage will perform July 11. July 26 will feature rock band, J2 of Kings of the Highway, Elido, and Ghosts of Gloria. See Unmasked on August 9. Check other upcoming events at myspace.com/riversidetheatre Remember that you must prove you are 21 with a photo ID to order adult drinks.

Vero Beach Riverside Theatre Announces 2008-2009 Season

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:46:20 -0700

The Vero Beach professional equity Riverside Theatre proudly announces the upcoming season on the new Stark Mainstage. Season tickets are available now for the best seats. If you have not yet attended a production this past season, you will be quite pleased with the newly renovated theatre facility with very comfortable seating and excellent acoustics.

"Altar Boyz," the 2005 Outer Circle Critics Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical, will run next fall from October 10 to November 2, 2008.

From November 20 to December 7, "Souvenir" will explore the comedy of a wealthy New Yorker who sought a musical career during the 1930's and 40's.

"Breaking Legs" features a play-within-a-play as a mob family underwrites and then supervises a professor's efforts to produce his play. Showing January 9, 2009 to February 1, 2009.

"La Cage aux Follies" that won an amazing 8 Tony Awards will grace the Riverside stage from February 13 to March 8, 2009.

"Rounding Third" from April 16 to May 3, 2009 highlights Little League baseball fun.

Looks like it will be the Baltimore Orioles!

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:16:47 -0700

Vero Beach, Florida is still getting over losing the long-time residence of the Dodger's spring training camp, but the community is smiling broadly again through those last tears amidst heavy hints, and we are eagerly anticipating a potential deal with the Baltimore Orioles to take over the facilities and keep professional baseball in Vero Beach -- the smallest town to host a professional spring training camp. Perhaps it will be a bigger boon to tourism in our resort town since Baltimore is more convenient for the home fans to catch a preview of the Orioles team up close and personal here at the Vero Beach stadium. Now we are pondering new names for the stadium . . . any ideas?

Rocket Launch Seen from Vero Beach Florida

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:12:17 -0700

Vero Beach Florida was all abuzz on Saturday early evening as visitors and residents alike gathered on the beach for a view up the coast to see the latest rocket launch, laughingly dubbed the "potty rocket" in our gathering because they were carrying parts to repair the bathroom facilities on the space station. No we cannot feel the ground move as one can closer to the launch site, but it is still a thrill to watch the orange glow zoom into the sky so fast that you shouldn't get too involved in conversations and forget to watch the sky. Below is a photo of the launch from the 8th floor balcony of the Village Spires in Vero Beach.

PIPER ANNOUNCES DECISION TO STAY in VERO BEACH FLORIDA! May 29, 2008

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:23:09 -0700

Florida Governor Charlie Crist arrived this afternoon in Vero Beach to announce that the Board of Directors of Piper Aircraft has accepted the $32 million Financial Incentive Package offered by the state of Florida and Indian River County. Piper agrees to benchmarks of investment and new jobs in order to qualify for the incremental public funding. The new small personal jet designed by a collaboration with Piper Aircraft and Honda will be built here in Vero Beach. Piper promises at least 400 new jobs over the next several years.

Newsweek ranks Vero Beach High School among top 5%

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:29:25 -0700

Three Treasure Coast high schools made Newsweek Magazine's list of outstanding high schools. The ranking is based on the number of advanced classes that students take and graduation rates. This year, Vero Beach High School and Lincoln Park Academy are among the nation's top 5% of high schools. Nationally, 27,000 high schools were considered for the honors. Lincoln Park Academy in St Lucie County is a magnet high school for gifted and talented students while Vero Beach High School in Indian River County serves all students in the Vero Beach attendance area.

High-Stakes FCAT Test May Be Devalued

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:49:01 -0700

An education bill that would change the way schools receive their state "grades" awaits Governor Crist's signature. The provision would count the FCAT test for half the schools evaluation and the other half would be established by other measurements, including graduation rates and college preparation. In addition, the bill would allow schools to schedule the FCAT testing as late in the school year as possible rather than the current February or March deadline.