I don't like Big Bully Companies. I don't frequent the Red Door Salon in Lake Wales FL, but after this, I would if I my salon wasn't right around the corner from my favorite ice cream shop. And I like my girls there, too.   Read this article from The News Chief in Polk County FL.   Basically, it boils down to this:   A Mom & Pop salon in Lake Wales has been known by it's name, the Red Door Salon, for 11 years. Now Elizabeth Arden contends the shop is infringing on it's trademark of Red Door perfume; "The trademark gives Elizabeth Arden exclusive rights to the Red Door name for salon and spa services." Regardless of the legalities -- or of who is right and wrong-- The Bully is strong-arming this little salon into changing it's entire brand. They sent a letter saying 'do nothing until you... 12/27/2009

OK so I need some help today. I have potential Sellers who unfortunately have a swimming pool that was built on an utility easement. They've lived in this house for over 20 years. When the pool was added 20 years ago permits were pulled by a contractor and it was never mentioned that the pool would be an encroachment. The lot is big enough that it would have fit with no issue on the other side of the house. Now they want to sell but are not able to give clear title AND no one will claim the easement. Behind the house is an old railroad and a closed sand mine.  It seems like it would be a fairly simple thing to vacate the easement or just move it back 20 feet. But noooooooo! We can't seem to get over this hurdle. So far the only solution that has been given my Sellers is to move the poo... 06/04/2009

In Lake Wales, you'll experience why philanthropist Edward Bok, chose to build a Gothic Revival "singing" carillon bell tower in this location. Historic Bok Tower rests serenely and proudly on Iron Mountain. It is the highest point in Florida at 298 feet above sea level. Dedicated in 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge, it leaves a legacy. The gardens and musical concerts are just part of what makes Lake Wales different. Bok's grandmother told him, "Make the world a bit better and more beautiful because you have lived in it".  Bok did it. You can continue in his vision for a peaceful community.   We're here to help you find the right Lake Wales Home for sale, in a place that's been chosen for over a century by others seeking refuge from large cities, while maintaining a cultural base.   ... 04/07/2009

Each year thousands of people flee the cold of the Northeast for the warmth and sunshine of Florida. Whatever your reason for having that second, warmer-climate home, remember that proper medical planning can be one of the most important preparations you make.  Here are a few tips. Establish a relationship with a nearby doctor in your "Florida home".  Schedule an appointment to meet and get to know a local physician BEFORE you need one.  It's important that you have a medical relationship in both places.  Check out the local hospitals. Make sure your preferred physician has privileges at your hospital of choice.  In case of an emergency, you don't want to find out that your doctor can't see you. Check out the hospital's website for a list of doctors who have privileges in their facility... 12/11/2008

When you live in an active retirement community like Lake Ashton, located near Lake Wales, Florida, there really is no better place to be than home for the holidays.  Residents, their families and friends come together throughout the month of December to celebrate the season with fellowship and fun. Holiday activities at Lake Ashton range from a "Holiday Pooch and Partner One-Mile Walk" to a performance of Handel's Messiah on December 21st. There's even the annual Golf Cart Parade on December 23rd where lighted and decorated golf carts parade through the streets and everyone acts like a kid for the day. On December 18th, a one-man performance of Dickens's beloved "A Christmas Carol" will be performed by David  McElroy, an extraordinary actor who will bring all of the characters to life.... 12/11/2008

You've finally decided to make the move!  Your kids are established and on their own, you're ready to retire and embark on a new phase of your life.  What an adventure is waiting to unfold! There are numerous helpful books, websites and magazines devoted to navigating the logistics of the journey - the how's and where's and when's and what's.  Once you have all of the pieces in place, your new life with new friends is ready to begin. New friends, you say?  It can be a lot easier than you think if you made the decision to move to a master planned retirement community.  As a matter of fact, you'll find it's hard NOT to make new friends in an active adult master planned community. A master planned retirement community with amenities and planned activities creates an inviting atmosphere for... 12/08/2008

Homes sales for Central Florida increased 51% in September 2008 over September2007 according to the Florida Association of Realtors®.  CRF Communities, a Florida retirement communities developer building new homes in Lake Wales, Florida, has helped lead the way by recording new home sales in Vienna Square during their Summer Realtor promotion ending on September 30, 2008. Why are homes selling in Florida?National sales for new home averages have increased by 2.7% overall which is great news for the housing industry, and everyone benefits. The price of sales prices for new home sales have also increased, benefiting sellers who need to get the best price for their home, and for buyers who want the most value for home prices that have been adjusted for the current housing market. What has ... 12/08/2008

If you have pets you probably know how intuitive they are - especially when "change is in the air".  Moving can be a particularly challenging time for your pet. The members of Florida's Lake Ashton Pet Co-op have put together some tips on how to ease the transition for you and your pet and get you all in your new home safe and sound. Whether your pet is traveling by car or by plane, you will need to take time to prepare - just as you prepare for your household move.  The first stop should be to your veterinarian to get a copy of your pet's medical records and update immunizations.  Your vet should know if you're new destination has regional health risks that require additional vaccinations you're your pet is flying, check with the airlines in advance.  Airlines require a signed health c... 11/18/2008

As veteran snowbirds know, the ritual of closing your home "up North" and preparing to come South for the winter is a little more involved than packing a bag, locking the door and jumping in the car.  The homeowners at Lake Ashton, Florida's favorite active adult community created this checklist for "newbies" and a reminder for the pros: The Basics - remember to contact: •        Post Office•        Newspaper/Magazines•        Phone, cable and Utility Companies•        Bank and credit card companies•        If you have a security system, contact your security company•        Refill your prescriptions  A few "not-so-obvious" last list of things to do: •        Run the garbage disposal to make sure all the food is out•        Leave the dishwasher door partially open•        Gather all you... 11/11/2008

You have been dreaming and planning for your retirement years all your life, and now that you are close to realizing that dream and fulfilling those plans, you are starting to wonder if now is the time to make that final decision. But how do you know? Take this brief questionnaire to see if you are definitely ready: Do you have enough money?"How much money will I need when I retire?" This is the question almost everyone wants answered when they start thinking about retiring and finding the best retirement community. This is one of the most asked questions and the hardest one to answer. No one answer fits all. Are you ready to retire?Money is important when planning for your retirement but you should also plan for the free time you will have once you retire. So many people have no idea w... 10/30/2008

There are so many perks when you live at Lake Ashton, one of CRF Communities Florida retirement communities.  Set on over 1200 acres of beautiful Florida ranch land that fronts the serene waters of Lake Ashton, this Florida active adult community is Simply the Best!  Lake Ashton is a gated community that boasts a 26,000 sq ft clubhouse, 30,000 sq ft health and fitness center, indoor pool and outdoor pool, two 18-hole private golf courses, lighted tennis courts, boat ramp/dock, movie theater, bowling alley and much, much more!   In addition to the daily calendar of events and all of the activities, you can also enjoy world class musical acts right in your own backyard! On November 7th, 4-2-Five, a talented group of 5 young men, will take the stage at our own Lake Ashton ballroom. Critics... 10/16/2008

How do you make money on the web? Retirees spend a lot of their time at online - researching and connecting with others. But now they are blogging and setting up their own websites on those hobbies and passions they are enjoying in these retirement days. Those that have fallen in love with golf have created their own golf Web sites. Those that love shell-collecting have started a new career blogging about it. They can sell ads on their website or become a Google Adsense partner that will pay them for ads that people click on their site. Learn about website building, blogging and online entrepreneurship? Florida retirement communities like Lake Ashton encourage their residents to immerse themselves in their favorite hobbies - golf, fishing, boating, dancing, traveling and much more. And ... 09/18/2008

Folks are you looking for your own little piece of Florida paradise? If so this could be the one. Immaculate 3 bedroom pool home on a half acre lot. Extensive landscaping. Extended driveway and separate detached garage/work shop. Very private subdivision. Privacy abounds in this very small and private subdivision near Cherry Pocket. More than 1/2 acre of lush landscaping. Solar heated in ground pool.   MORE INFO FROM BROKER BRYANT... THE SOURCE FOR POINCIANA REAL ESTATE Copyright © 2008 http://www.brokerbryant.com/ | All Rights Reserved    09/16/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE REALEASE Polk County, FL - Lake Ashton, a Florida retirement community in Lake Wales held an event on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 that grossed just under $15,000 for a charity that has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Achievement Academy is a non-profit organization that helps and supports individuals with developmental disorders.  The organization was started in 1955 as part of United Cerebral Palsy, but has since expanded to include anybody with developmental delay.   Achievement Academy has locations in Bartow, Lakeland and Winter Haven. And because it has delivered services to individuals in Polk County for 50 years, Lake Ashton collected a passionate and hard working group to support the cause and plan the event. Academy's First Annual Country-Western R... 08/25/2008

In Florida, summertime is a time for fun, a time for taking dips in the pool, and a time for drinking ice tea while you lounge in the shade of a few tropical palm trees. But for homebuyers of Florida Retirement Communities, summer is a time to save money while pool-dipping and tea-drinking! CRF Communities is the leader in retirement communities in the Central Florida area. One of their more recent promotions is intended to motivate home buyers looking to soak up some rays in Winter Havens’ greatest, gated retirement community, Lake Ashton.   THE PROMOTION: “Make us an offer. If it’s reasonable, you own a home.” Since the sale started on May 2nd, 2008, 10 homes have been whisked away into the arms of admirers (and bargainers). There are only 30 homes left! Lake Ashton set an objective b... 07/02/2008

Lake Ashton is a fun active adult lifestyle community.  Residents don’t just use their golf carts on one of their two community golf courses, they drive their carts all over the community – many homes even offer golf cart parking garages.                                         So how can you set your golf cart apart at Lake Ashton? Well, some homeowners get real creative…   “Trick Your Cart Out” Why not put rims on your wheels or adds some tunes to your drive? Golf carts can be customized to your liking whether it be animal print you’re into, or you’d rather stick to the basics with plaid accessories. Decorating your golf cart can add a little spice to your game without affecting your score.   Get Some Exposure  Show off your decked-out ride in a cart show or parade. Drive it on down t... 05/22/2008

Walk in Water Lake Estates is a residential subdivision located approximately 10 miles east of Lake Wales city limits.  There are approximately 300 homes in this subdivsion and many vacant lots still available.  Some of the homes are lakefront.  The community has lake access, tennis courts, and a boat ramp with an optional homeower's of $125/year.  Some of its homes are directly on the water.  Walk in Water Lake (Lake Weohyakapka) is the largest lake in Polk County.  It is a 7,500+ acre lake located about 10 miles outside of the city limits of Lake Wales.  The lake is known for its large-mouth bass and lots of other great fishing.  I specialize in the Walk in Water area.  I have listed and sold many homes and land in this area.  I am your neighborhood expert.  I am also a resident of th... 04/22/2008

Tuesday, April 01, 20089 AM - "Food for Fines" at the Lake Wales Library3:30 PM - http://www.lakewaleschamber.com/calendar.asp?CalID=13&EventID=9344&ViewType=5&CategoryIDs=0&OccDate=4-1-20086 PM - City Commission Meeting6 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Swim Team Registration7 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Diving Club Registration Wednesday, April 02, 20088 AM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Soccer Registration ages 3-98 AM - LW Chamber Leads Group #19 AM - "Food for Fines" at the Lake Wales Library Thursday, April 03, 20089 AM - "Food for Fines" at the Lake Wales Library6 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Swim Team Registration7 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Diving Club Registration Friday, April 04, 20088 AM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Soccer Registration ages 3-98:30 AM - Lake Wales Mainstreet Board of Directors Meeting9 AM ... 04/12/2008

Tuesday, April 01, 20089 AM - "Food for Fines" at the Lake Wales Library3:30 PM - http://www.lakewaleschamber.com/calendar.asp?CalID=13&EventID=9344&ViewType=5&CategoryIDs=0&OccDate=4-1-20086 PM - City Commission Meeting6 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Swim Team Registration7 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Diving Club Registration Wednesday, April 02, 20088 AM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Soccer Registration ages 3-98 AM - LW Chamber Leads Group #19 AM - "Food for Fines" at the Lake Wales Library Thursday, April 03, 20089 AM - "Food for Fines" at the Lake Wales Library6 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Swim Team Registration7 PM - Lake Wales YMCA Diving Club Registration Friday, April 04, 20088 AM - Lake Wales YMCA Youth Soccer Registration ages 3-98:30 AM - Lake Wales Mainstreet Board of Directors Meeting9 AM ... 04/12/2008

I love to get up at the crack of dawn, the air is much cooler and everything is so quiet...I was lucky to catch this image on the way out to Highway 60 from West Lake Wales.  The pastures stretch as far as you can see, and cows and horses dot the landscape. Often they look as though they are floating on the fog, I hope to capture the image one day! I seem to miss my photo opp everytime! I wanted to share this with others interested in Florida to show the diversity of our landscapes and dispel the theory that we are all about palm trees, beaches and Disneyworld! I have talked about the "Real" Florida in previous blogs  and plan to focus alot of my posts on that subject. Tune in again and spend some time "Living Nicely"! 04/08/2008