Trick or Treat... What Does The Market Have In Store???

On this Halloween eve, it is a good time to reflect on the origins of this spook-filled holiday dating back to the Celts who lived 2000 years ago. Natives of the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter... a time of year that was filled with hardships and often associated with human death.

Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated the festival of Samhain (Video: Timothy Dickinson tells the intriguing tale of why we celebrate Halloween, and it's evolution from Samhain, an ancient Celtic Harvest Festival.), when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future.

Do you think we need that now??? Shall we conjure up a spirit or two to help unfold the future direction of this economic crisis and real estate upheaval? I don't know about you, but I plan to put a scary mask on a pole right on the beach with one question written in the sand... "Is the recovery for real and how long will it take?" Do you think there will be an answer as the sun rises Sunday morning?

Spotlight on Ft DeSoto - Award Winning Beach!

The allure of a beautiful beach continues to be the number one recreational destination for Americans. These sandy playgrounds that line our Tampa Bay coastal communities are the most extensive natural parks in the country!





Today's focus is on Fort De Soto Park, whose North Beach consistently heads the Top 10 Beaches list. Named America’s Top Beach for 2009 as a Pristine Area Favorite and Lauded as “Portrait of Tranquility”, Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach for the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel community. Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere,” the popular online travel network put the park’s North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list, based on TripAdvisor's Popularity Index. This marks the second time in three years the pristine Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list. In 2005 Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach .



The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, this park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. First opened on December 21, 1962, when the state toll road named the Pinellas Bayway was completed, this park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity as a public park. Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors.*





With over 7 miles of waterfront, including 3 miles of spectacular sandy beach, Ft Desoto offers a wide range of activities from its active camping ground to its notable nature walks. Shell collecting and bird watching are also high on the "must do" list at the park.

Living here in Tampa Bay, we have access to Ft Desoto Park on a daily basis! But our beaches remain consistent for their breathtaking beauty along all the beach communities. As always... "Come for a Visit, Stay for a Lifetime!"

Lowering Unemployment Rate = Faster Recovery

Reading in USA Today, this report came in yesterday and again... the news we are getting casts a positive spin on where the recovery is heading. According to an economic survey that came out of Washington yesterday, the third quarter saw customer demand increase for the first time in more than a year and the jobs outlook brighten.

"For the first time since the recession began, the portion of companies planning to add employees in the next six months outnumbered those expecting to cut jobs, according to this month’s quarterly survey of economists at 78 firms by the National Association for Business Economics.Twenty-four percent plan to grow their workforce, 20 percent say they’ll trim staff and 57 percent expect no change. In July, 18 percent expected to add workers, while 28 percent said they would scale back. 'It’s a little ahead of what I was expecting,' says Ken Simonson, chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America, who helped conduct the survey."**

According to Simonson, unemployment (now at 9.8%) will peak in the second quarter of 2010 at 10.5% (which coincides with other economists). However, his take on this survey was that it could mean the jobless rate will crest earlier and at a lower level. This would surely be good news!

"Most bullish were services companies: 31 percent say they’ll add workers in the next six months, up from 16 percent in an April survey. Just 3 percent say they’ll cut staff. By contrast, 12 percent of manufacturers plan to beef up their workforces."**

Some other key factors that came out of the survey:**

• 44% of firms reported rising customer demand, vs. 21 percent with falling demand, the first time gainers outpaced losers since July 2008. Only the transportation, utilities and communication sectors posted a net decline

• More respondents reported an increase in capital spending from the prior quarter, for the first time in a year

• Companies that had rising profits compared with the previous quarter outpaced those that had drops for the first time in nearly two years

• The portion of firms chopping jobs fell to 31 percent from 36 percent in July. Those adding rose to 12 percent from 6 percent.

**USA Today - Washington, October 26, 2009

September Marked 13 Months Of Florida Sales Increases!

According to the National Association of Realtors, September marked the 13th month of increased sales activity of existing Florida home sales in the year-to year comparison. September also increased over August in BOTH single family home and condominium existing markets.

"Existing home sales rose 34 percent last month with a total of 14,419 homes sold statewide compared to 10,778 homes sold in September 2008, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide existing home sales last month increased 4.1 percent over statewide sales activity in August. Florida Realtors also reported a 77 percent increase in statewide sales of existing condos in September compared to the previous year’s sales figure; statewide existing condo sales last month rose 8.9 percent over the total units sold in August."*

These undeniable statistics help underline the trend of recovery in Florida. There is no doubt the lower mortgage rates and first time buyer home credit have helped fuel this momentum. (Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.06 percent last month, a significant drop from the average rate of 6.04 percent in September 2008, according to Freddie Mac. )

So... sales are on the rise and buyers agree this is the time to make a move. Where are the pitfalls? Two things come to mind immediately. We are seeing financial lending institutions tightening their lending standards to a point where getting the financing can be an issue for even credit-worthy home buyers. Secondly, because of the distressed sales that have already taken place, getting appraisals to come in at the new sales level can be a challenge. As professional realtors, we are here to help that process through... whether helping connect a buyer to the right lender or support the sales price to an appraiser. It is still the best time for an all-cash "AS IS" contract to get the best price. Other than that, it is not the best time to navigate through a real estate transaction without the help of a professional.

The PURTEE Team is made up of four seasoned professionals with years of financial, business and real estate experience... working together to best navigate their buyers and sellers through this market.

**According to the National Association of Realtors

WOW - Can Recovery Happen This Fast?

Two properties The PURTEE Team have been advocates of from their first pre-construction packages are Harborview Grande in Clearwater Beach and Redington Shores Yacht & Tennis Club in Redington Shores. Both are unique along the beaches.

Harborview Grande, finished in 2006, is one of the few 7-day rental minimum complexes in Clearwater Beach - most are 30 days or longer. With Clearwater Beach such a widely acclaimed vacation destination, a weekly rental is a higly desirable alternative to expensive nightly hotel stays! Plus the 55-unit building has 3-bedroom/2-bath condos right on the water within easy walking distance to the beach and Pier 60 with its nightly festivities. Units in Harborview Grande have 11 foot ceiling height and impressive 30-foot balconies that span both living room and master suite. Boatslips are available for separate purchase.

Redington Shores Yacht & Tennis Club, a gated community with a unique combination of private homes and waterfront condos, is one-of-a-kind along the Tampa Bay Beaches. Amenities include 24hr guard gate, clubhouse with fitness facility, lighted tennis courts, and boat slips available for separate purchased. The 4 waterfront condo buildings each have their own waterfront pool, hot tub and barbeque area. Condo sizes range from 2000 and 3000 square feet to a precious few 4000 square foot penthouses.

Both complexes were on a fast tract to be able to get one and prices continued to climb during construction. Condos in Harborview Grande topped out in the mid to high $700,000 range. RSYT began to close on their 2000 sq ft condos in the $700-$800,000 range and most were being appraised in the high $800's. Then the market shifted and the free fall began. Those in Harborview Grande who sold in the high $500,000 range and in RSYT who sold in the low to mid $600,000 range were the lucky ones! Inventory grew and prices dropped reaching lows no one could imagine. Short sales and foreclosures dampened the overall desirability of these two complexes. But, in the last 30 days, things have begun to change...

Inventory in Harborview Grande had dwindled down to 1 unit available. Three short sales had gone under contract as soon as prices hit below the $400,000 threshold. Now the only one left was at $429,000. We listed a beautifully appointed 6th floor corner (see earlier post) at $459,000 and it went under contract in less than a week!

At RSYT, three short sales sunk to a new low under $400,000 and they were scooped up in a matter of days. The new low was one condo at $400,000 and the next lowest available unit was at $460,000. I posted about this on Monday as the "half price sale". Well, that unit went under contract yesterday!

I do not believe I am the only one who sees the significance of this. My advice is to a potential buyer considering either of these complexes is to try to secure a unit in the $400's NOW. The $500's are on the way...

Homeowners - Can Living GREEN Make A Difference?

Can green living save the planet? Can it save money or improve the landscape?
The Purtee Team and RE/MAX think you can make a difference with even small changes around your home. For that reason, we have a checklist of things you, as a homeowner, can do to bring your home up to a greener standard. The list contains practical, easy fixes to make your home more eco-friendly for your family or potential buyers! GREEN HOME CHECK LIST

This Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9am to 3pm, experts from Pinellas County Extension/ University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will join other professionals at the Science Center of Pinellas to explain how even small changes add up to make a big difference.

Representing the Extension and UF/IFAS are:

Mary Campbell, Extension director, “Florida’s Future: Climate Change and Coastal Communities,” 10 a.m.

James Stevenson, “Home Energy Savings and Financial Incentives,” 10:30 a.m.

Vestina F. Clayton, “It’s Not Just About the Environment,” 11 a.m.

Wilma Holley, “Rain Harvesting,” 11:30 a.m.

In addition to the educational sessions, local middle school students will be displaying sustainability projects on personal carbon footprint reduction, carbon sequestration, water conservation, composting and energy conservation.

Pinellas County is the first municipality in Florida to earn the Green Government designation from the Florida Green Building Coalition, an honor earned in 2007. The county continues to emphasize the importance of sustainability, in both practice and community outreach.

Great Job, Pinellas County!

Redington Shores Yacht Club On The Move!

We are DEFINITELY seeing the market in our area bottom out! At Redington Shores Yacht & Tennis Club, prices had moved down like there was no floor! From the high $800,000 range as it was completed in 2007 to recent short sales listed just under $400,000... it has been a HALF PRICE SALE and no one knew where the bottom would fall to.

THREE condos, listed as short sales at $369,000 and $399,000 have ALL gone under contract. The least expensive now is $400,000 even. After that one goes, the next lowest deal is $460,000. Then $529,000... then $549,000. At each stage of these being swept up by savvy buyers, the low threshold becomes higher. Currently listed, there are the two units in the $400's, then six units in the $500's. After that, there are only four in the $600's, one in the $700's and another in the $800's.

Homes are finally showing up under construction in the community making the gated community with private homes and waterfront condos truly unique along the beaches of Tampa Bay. The boat slips that are available for separate purchase add that much more value! I can foresee a time in the not-so-distant future that buyers will be scrambling to get those six units in the $500's. Our advice is don't get left behind!

Planning Your Retirement? Things To Consider!

Retirement remains a great opportunity to finally enjoy the results of years of hard work. However... without a great deal of thought and planning, this transition may not go as smoothly as you would like. It is important to determine HOW you would like to retire. What is the Grand Plan? What lifestyle makes sense for you? Is traveling a priority... day after day of golf or tennis... daily strolls on the beach???

Once you have determined the lifestyle you aspire to for your retirement, the planning really becomes important! Where you choose to live should reflect that lifestyle. Golf every day? You may want to consider joining a golf club or living by a favorite golf course. Boating a priority? Pros and cons of having your own boatslip right out from your back door. Is weather a priority? Tired of brutal winters that involve slipping on ice or endless shoveling and hovering around the fireplace? You may want to consider a warmer climate. That takes care of the winters, but are you prepared for the hot summers? And owning two residences (in order to live half the year in each) requires a great deal of coordination to maintain both.

Financial Planning is critical! There are a variety of retirement plans that range from IRA's to 401K's to Credit Unions. A good financial planner is a good start. Having the means to support the type of retirement you dream of may take some serious strategic investment and saving. We particularly like this article - Fundamentals Of A Successful Savings Program. Another good one is Determining Your Post-Work Income.

Where to Live? Glenn Curtis in his Five Retirement Questions Everyone Must Answer gives a list of factors to consider when thinking about this question:

• Proximity to family members
• The cost of housing
• Access to health care facilities
• Access to entertainment (such as shows and sporting events)
• Proximity to a major airport
• Year-round weather conditions
• Taxes (state income, property and estate tax)

As I look at the list, I realize once again how much the Tampa Bay area has to offer! It simply makes sense that other retirement-oriented baby boomers will think the same. For a look at what is looming ahead for an aging population, read The PURTEE Team Blog Social & Economic Implications Of An Aging Population.

Planning To Sell Your Home? Preparation Is Key!

In preparing your house to sell, ask yourself over and over if your house looks like someone else's dream house. Houses in move-in condition tend to be inviting to buyers; houses that are like new typically sell the fastest and procure the best price.

It is amazing how often we take clients into a home or condo with chaotic furnishings mixed with personal items, soiled carpets, peeling wallpaper or unpleasant odor... all of which give a lousy first impression. In today's market, a seller can not afford to overlook the importance of getting his or her home in beautiful condition BEFORE putting it on the market.

When it was a Seller's market, a buyer would often look for a "fixer-upper", but not so today. With all the inventory to choose from, a buyer wants to walk into a property and know it is ready to move in and enjoy. Especially here along the beaches of Tampa Bay where many buyers are looking to relocate or find second homes in which to "winter" in Florida! Staging offers one way to give a buyer the vision of what a home COULD look like... but beware, often the buyer will see it furnished that way and want the furnishings too!

As professional realtors, The PURTEE Team offers real estate TIPS for both buyers and sellers. Learn more about preparing your home... Click Here.

September Statistics For Pinellas County Are In!

The September sales statistics for Pinellas County are now posted on our PURTEE Team website. You can link to them from our Home Page or simply click here.

One thing we are watching closely (and this month of September truly emphasizes the trend) is the Absorption Rate of existing properties for sale - both single family homes as well as condos. The Absorption Rate (or inventory turnover) is determined by dividing the number of units sold during the month by the total number of listings in the MLS. The chart below tracks both homes and condos starting in 2006 when sales were at their highest... and month by month up until September 2009. It becomes very easy to see the struggle for 2007 and 2008. But look at the trend unfolding in 2009!

As the price points have lowered to a point that buyers are ready to make a move, these deals at the highly discounted rates are being gobbled up... leaving less and less inventory behind. What does that mean if a buyer is looking to make a purchase? Looking at the statistics we are seeing, the time is NOW!

Just Listed - Short Sale In Clearwater Beach!

JUST LISTED... Harborview Grande #600 in Clearwater Beach fits the profile perfectly for a property in the perfect location with lots of extras to make it an incredible second home/rental income-producing investment!

1. One of the few complexes in Clearwater Beach that allows 7-day rentals. Excellent rental history.

2. Desirable 6th floor corner location on west side of building with bay or beach views from every room!

3. Built in 2006, solid block (concrete) construction with all the current building codes.

4. 11 ft ceilings, 30 ft balcony stretching across living room and master suite.

5. Large master bath with large soaking tub and separate shower, double sink vanity and separate water closet.

6. Inside washer/dryer.

7. Digital thermostat with temperature and humidity control!

8. Fully designer furnished down to the coordinating dinnerware!

This is a short sale and therefore subject to lender approval of any offer. This unit originally sold for $690,000 PLUS the upgrades and furnishings. Listed last Friday at $459,000!!! In the first two days, there have been 7 calls on it. THE GOOD DEALS ARE SELLING FAST! Other Hot Deals

Sunset Cruise In Boca Ciega Bay

You will often hear about the majestic sunsets here along the west coast of Florida... just 20 minutes from Tampa. There is good reason why they are so discussed! Every night brings a little different twist so you never know which direction it might take. This photo on the left was taken a few nights ago and struck us to the point of jumping to grab the camera. We entitled it "Go into the Light" because the distinctive cloud cover separated for one dramatic opening.

Last night was different. The Purtee Team joined friends and tourists on a sunset cruise that departed from St Pete Beach and cruised through Boca Ciega Bay and out to the Gulf of Mexico. We have just uploaded a video of that sunset to U Tube - Take A Look.

I got into a long conversation with a woman vacationing from Rochester, NY. She and a friend were determined to leave behing the rainy, cold and dreary weather to capture a moment or two of paradise. She was actually an amazing person and I loved seeing her reaction to such a beautiful sunset! Did you see that the clouds really did form what looked like an alligator eating the sun? Amazing. Needless to say, by the end of the evening, many of the tourists were already strategizing as to how they could permanently relocate to such a great area!

U2 Performs At Raymond James In Tampa Tonight!

October 9, 2009: Bono and the U2 360 degree tour chose Tampa as the only Florida city out of their 16-venue tour across the USA and Canada. They will be performing live tonight at Raymond James Stadium (home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) at 7pm. Over 70,000 fans are expected!

The stage is a massive 360 degree structure (looking somewhat like a giant claw) that 1500 local workers have been hired to help the 350-person crew that travels with the show construct. Its purpose is to allow fans in all directions a good view of the show. Once completed, the tour manager realized they had additional room and have opened more tickets. U2 has a huge fan base and from the reports of the previous concerts, tonight's performance should be outstanding!

Again and again, we realize how much Tampa and the surrounding cities of Clearwater and St Petersburg have to offer! Whether it is entertainment, cultural events, museums (like Salvador Dali in St Petersburg), fine restaurants, international shopping, cruise port and Tampa International Airport... there is never a lack for something to do. And when you add to all of that our gorgeous white sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, well... definitely makes for a great lifestyle! Just check out our "Why Tampa Bay?"

Stone Crab Delicacies Back On The Menus!

It is that time of the year again! Beginning October 15th, Stone Crab season begins and extends until May 15th. Throughout the gulf coast and keys of Florida, fishermen are getting prepared to set their traps... marking the start of an anticipated 3.1 million pound harvest, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The stone crab claws are definitely a delicacy... the meat is incredibly sweet and has a distinctive taste found in no other seafood. The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting. There are serious rules to be followed in harvesting the claws. Only one claw may be removed so the crab can defend itself. Egg bearing females are not allowed to be declawed.The crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed. The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates. It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again.

For those of us Florida residents and visitors lucky enough to be here next week, Frenchy's 25th Anniversary Stone Crab Weekend will launch the season in style! October 16th, 17th & 18th, they will be offering Stone Crab at wholesale prices all weekend, while supplies last! We LOVE the Beach Party atmoshere and this year there will be a huge block party with live music. The PURTEE Team can't wait!

On the other hand, if you are not able to join the celebration we have found a place that will ship directly to your home. At Joe's Stone Crabs, "We'll ship them overnight wherever you are in the continental United States and they'll arrive fresh, ice cold and ready for cracking. Our complete package meals come with a mallet, a cracking board, cocktail forks, bibs, and instructions."

Social & Economic Implications Of An Aging Population

We see it every day... older Americans are very different from their predecessors: they live longer, are more educated and fewer are disabled or live in poverty. And baby boomers, the first of whom celebrate their 60th birthdays this year, redefine what it means to grow older in America.

I have gathered some key statisics in regards to our aging population... here are some:
1. The U.S. population age 65 and over is expected to double within the next 21 years. By 2030, almost one out of five Americans (72 million people) will be age 65 or older. At that time, those age 85 and older will be the fastest-growing segment of the population.

2. Older Americans are healthier than seniors of previous generations, though many are disabled and suffer from chronic conditions.

3. Higher levels of education — which are linked to better health, higher income and a higher standard of living in retirement — will continue to increase among people age 65 and older.

4. As the United States grows more diverse so does the population age 65 and older. In 2003, older Americans were 83 percent non-Hispanic white, 8 percent black, 6 percent Hispanic and 3 percent Asian. By 2030, an estimated 72 percent of older Americans will be non-Hispanic white, 11 percent Hispanic, 10 percent black and 5 percent Asian.

5. Despite the economic downturn, the population of affluent Americans (those with household income and income producing assets (IPA) of $100,000+) has grown and now makes up the top 19% of all US households, according to a Nielsen Company analysis. “There are more higher-earning Americans than ever, signaling a growing opportunity for many business sectors to capitalize on reaching this market. This group controls $22 trillion in assets.”

To relate these statistics to Florida real estate makes sense. An aging population of baby boomers just now moving into their 60's have many years left and all indications are that we will see an active aging population unlike any before. Florida is still the number 1 destination for retirement with its moderate climate and active lifestyle. As the current economy may have put early retirement plans on hold for many, some forward thinking buyers are taking advantage of the market value today to ensure they have the property they want in the future (without paying a premium as the market rebounds and appreciates). Because the area is also a strong vacation destination, rental income potential is an attractive option to defer some of those carrying costs. Vacation Rental Investment

Sunday's Clearwater Super Boat National Championship!

2009 Clearwater Super Boat
National Championships & Festival

Oct. 4th, 2009 - The Gieco team wins the race today!

Yesterday was a BIG day in Clearwater Beach! With over 20,000 fans gathered and 1000 boats or more behind the spectator lines, some of the fastest boats in the world battled it out. Click on the link above to learn more and see the Utube video of the race. "All of the teams were appreciative of Clearwater and the reception they received from the people who live here. They love the city, they love the beach and they want to come back next year!"

Next in store is the Clearwater Jazz Holiday October 15-18, free to the public in Coachman Park. This major international jazz festival will feature Al Jarreau, Chris Botti, Boney James and The Neville Brothers! Clearwater is the perfect backdrop for this event with its warm breezes, brilliant sunsets and one of the world's greatest beaches, on the Gulf of Mexico.

On November 14, The Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 Series, culminates with its world championship in Clearwater, FL. More than 1,800 domestic and international competitors will earn the right to compete in the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 by qualifying at one of the 22 Ironman 70.3 events held around the world. Ironman 70.3 events consist of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. The race will start and finish at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.

There is so much to see and do! We feature some beautiful seasonal rental condos right in Clearwater Beach that make a perfect home base for visiting these many events. Jill was actually staying at Harborview Grande over this past weekend and said she and her husband "had the best seats in the house... right from the balcony! We could see the entire race and all the fans, plus the fireworks Saturday night were spectacular. We didn't want to leave!"

Clearwater Beach Seasonal Rentals

Mortgage Rates Dip Below 5%

McLEAN, Va. – Oct. 2, 2009 – Rates on 30-year home loans dropped below 5 percent for the first time in four months, but still remained above this year’s record low, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.94 percent, down from 5.04 percent last week, Freddie Mac said. The last time the 30-year home loan averaged less than 5 percent was the week ending May 28, when it was 4.91 percent. Rates hit a record low of 4.78 percent hit in the spring, and remain appealing for people interested in buying a home or refinancing.

On Thursday, the National Association of Realtors said the number of signed sales contracts rose for the seventh straight month in August, as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit for first-time owners that expires in November. “Low mortgage rates are helping to stabilize home sales,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. But borrowers may want to consider the Federal Reserve’s announcement last week that it is slowing down a program intended to lower mortgage rates and boost the housing market. Analysts say mortgage rates should remain low for now but could eventually move higher, and homeowners who want to refinance mortgages shouldn’t delay.

The primary reason mortgage rates are destined to move up is the HUGE amount of money recently printed by the Fed which helped stabilize the declining economy and avoid a financial collapse. This money will eventually have to be pulled back out of the system, which will result in substantial increases in lending rates. The banks will have less money to lend which in turn will drive rates up.

On The PURTEE Team website, we have a great feature which allows a potential buyer to review competitive mortgage rates and even apply online! Mortgage Info

Tampa Bay - Beyond the Beach: Focus on Gulfport

From Clearwater Beach at the northern end to St Pete Beach on the southern end of the 23-mile stretch of Tampa Bay barrier island communities, there is a mindset that could feel like any Caribbean island. But there is so much more! Individual quaint communities add a great ambience to the larger, more cosmopolitan cities of St Petersburg and Clearwater.


Gulfport is a charming neighborhood community with a waterfront district bordering Boca Ciega Bay. Beach Blvd is lined with colorful buildings and poular reaturants such as O' Maddy's, La Fogata Brazilian Steakhouse, Backfin Blue Cafe, Habana Cafe, La Cote Basque and Wine Bar, Domain Restaurant, Peg's Cantina, ECCO Bistro and Tapas, and more! We love Backfin Blue Cafe for outrageously delicious crabcakes!

Tonight is the first Friday of the month and that means at 6pm the streets will come alive with street vendors and artisans of all kinds. A perfect stroll, ending at the waterfront Casino (that is now a venue for dancing) and William's Pier. Since the pier faces west, this is also a great spot to come take pictures of the sunset! And on the 4th of July, we think Gulfport has one of the most spectacular fireworks displays.

Gulfport Map

Nature's Nightly Beauty... What A Way To Spend The Fall!

We are on the phone daily with clients from all over the USA, Canada and Europe. Recent conversation seems to turn to the weather. The northern states and Canada are enjoying cooling temperatures and the beautiful colors with the turning of the leaves. Colorado has turned quite chilly.

Well, here on the beach in Tampa Bay we actually had a cold wave come through yesterday! That means highs only up to mid-80's and lows hovering around 70! Hummm... so last night with the sliding doors open, we listened to the sounds of the rolling waves from the Gulf of Mexico and felt the gentle breeze as we slept. This, of course, after witnessing one of the more spectacular sunsets!

Sunsets here on the west coast of Florida are always special. Every night of the year Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach holds their sunset festivities 2 hours before and after sunset with live entertainment, food and handicrafts. Often, we will walk along the beach and find people mesmerized at the colors changing throughout the sun setting. Inevitably, we will offer to take pictures of couples with the sunset behind them. Beach weddings are a favorite all along the beach communities and sunset photos are a must for a romantic bride and groom.

Each night, depending on the cloud formation and probably a million things only a climatologist would understand, we watch as shades of blues and aqua begin to mix with pinks and corals... and then on the lucky night - the fiery reds like in the photo we took last night. Just wanted to share it!