December 31st On Beaches of Treasure Island, Florida!

Granted it has been one of the coldest Decembers on record here in Tampa Bay, but today had temperatures back to normal for this time of the year in the mid to high 70's.

BUT... the water temperature is still 54 degrees!!! A long way from the balmy 80 degrees we get during the late summer. One thing is for certain, these brave souls are NOT from around here! Or perhaps it was the liquid encouragement they were all drinking that made them immune to these cold water. They are at the beach after all and it is New Year's Eve!

At the grocery store today, there were license plates from Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, New Jersey and Virginia... just during my short visit. They have got to be excited to be here. I hope they don't have to drive anywhere!

Have a very Happy, Healthy and SAFE New Year's!
The PURTEE Team
Realty Executives
Mark, Garges, Lambdin and Kathy

Sanding Ovations - Treasure Island

I have to say... Treasure Island is amazing with its different events and Sanding Ovations, the annual sand sculpture competition was certainly no disappointment! 3 days of food, drink, arts & crafts PLUS live music throughout the event AND Fireworks on the beach Saturday night!!! It is happening this weekend behind the Bilmar Beach Resort, right here in Tampa Bay.

Over $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the Top Three Sculptures & "People's Choice" Sculpture. With a high today of 80 degrees in beautiful weather, beachgoers are out in full force. We were there for the "Rocket Man Show" which was a great performance. After the Fireworks show tonight on the beach, tomorrow will feature a 6-hour beach jam with local musicians. There will also be a Jazz Beach Brunch Buffet presented by Sloppy Joe's and the city of Treasure Island. Nothing like listening to a 22-piece jazz band, the "Voices of Jazz" while enjoying a tropical beach brunch!

Did I mention what it is like to live here??? Maybe just once or twice :-))

Go Fly A Kite - Treasure Island Style!

Treasure Island is unique community along the 23-mile stretch of white sandy beachs that border Tampa Bay. Clearwater Beach has its fancy hotels and Pier 60 activities; St Pete Beach is lined with large hotels... many that have been there for decades. But quirky Treasure Island with its Buccaneer welcome definitely has its own personality!

Mark and I moved to Treasure Island in 2004. We were involved in a small, custom townhome development right on the beach that really seemed to fit our lifestyle. However, we were a bit 'put off' by the little shacks, bright blue surf shop, and low rise motels. It wasn't until living here that we discovered as own slice of paradise!

Without the huge crowds that fill the other beaches, this gorgeous stretch of beach sometimes seems to belong just to us. There are beach front restaurants like Caddy's and Sloppy Joe's which are a short walk away for a casual meal on the beach... often with live entertainment.

The beach is particularly wide in front of the Bilmar and it makes a great venue for Concerts and Fireworks. In November, there was an amazing Sand Sculpting contest that brought out artisans from all over the country. This past week, the focus has been on Kite Flying and at one point I counted over 200 kites in the air!!! On Sunday evenings, like with a gravitational pull, drummers and musicians form a circle on the beach and begin a jam session. So much fun to see, hear and experience! I wouldn't trade...