Sarasota Discoveries

In the Sarasota-Bradenton area, there is a marvelous charity called Paws for Patriots. It’s parent organization is Southeastern Guide Dog.  The principal behind this charity is to supply a guide dog to a visually impaired veteran or Veteran Assistance Dog to a veteran suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  The dogs are bred and raised at a campus facility in Palmetto, Florida.  This campus is an amazing facility that is spacious, extremely well maintained and very clean.  The puppies have play time when people can come to the campus and hug the puppies.  They are adopted for foster care by loving individuals who follow the direction of the Southeastern Guide Dog organization with training.  After that phase of training is completed they return to the campus for more extensive training and eventually a connection with their new owner and the two complete their training together, usually for a 6 week period.  There is so much more to this worthwhile organization, please go to the link above and learn about the Paws for Patriots.  Helping this organization is one way we can give back to the veterans that gave us so much.

And you can too.  Few people that go to Siesta Key know that Turtle Beach exists, but there it is right at the south end of the key.

If you wish to boat, there is a launch area for that.  If you wish to have a picnic, there is an area with tables for that.  If you wish to lounge at a quiet beach on the Gulf of Mexico, there is a public space for that. The beach here at Turtle Beach holds more shells for the collectors.   And if you have an RV or a tent and wish to camp out – yes, there is a place for that.  Sarasota County owns a campground that you can reserve a space to stay overnight  and breathe in those wonderful salt air breezes in the morning. The fisherman can come too because fishing is permitted in Blind Pass Lagoon.  Be sure to check this place out.

Two of the recent accolades bestowed upon the community of Lakewood Ranch are representative of the design and concerns of the planners to protect and preserve our lands.  Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club has been accepted as a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.  For more information on that click on the link for the Audubon International .  Preserving nature, water quality and wildlife habitat is crucial to our future and this program is just one way to accomplish that and still use and enjoy the land.  Playing golf or just walking on the miles of sidewalks in the Country Club section will give you an up-close look at many birds and wildlife.  To mention just a few -

white tail deer,  sandhill cranes, armadillo, otter, opposum, rabbits, raccoon, great white heron, green heron, cardinals, blue jay and even alligator.  Throughout the community of Lakewood Ranch, in addition to the golf course, there are many preserves, woods, lakes and wetlands.

The other honor is being acknowedged as in the top 10 selling master planned communities in the United States.  Lakewood Ranch is so ideally located in the Sarasota area with access to the best beaches in the country, culture and art programs year around, Interstate 75, major sports events (more on that on another post) and so much more.

If you think this lifestyle could be for you, give me a call and let me tell you more about buying a home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.  Joyce Marie Steward, Real Estate Broker. 954-472-5335

Putting aside the fact that strawberries are very high in Vitamin C and manganese and is a great source of antioxidants,  they just have an amazing taste. The best stawberries around the Sarasota-Bradenton area can be found  at O’Brien’s Family Farms.  Just go east on State Road 64 about 6 quick scenic miles from I-75 and be prepared for a really pleasant visit.  Many of the strawberry plants are hydroponic and the picking is so easy, you can go dressed in heels – really.  Fresh vegetables are also grown there and available for your enjoyment.  Many of the veggies are grown at the very top or the base of the strawberry tiered pots.  And if a little hunger comes your way while you are there, a fresh fruit smoothie or a sandwich will fix that.

New construction is booming in the Sarasota-Bradenton area of Florida.

What a view!!! Sunsets, pool, golf course, wildlife

There are wonderful selections of homes available in all price ranges. 2 new communities are opening with single family homes – yes with their own yards – prices starting in the low $100s .  They have very functional floor plans, 2 car garages and a community activity center including a swimming pool.

Brand New in Gated Neighborhood

These 2 are among many new communities being offered.  The builders have completed homes to offer or you can make the choices yourself and have a home built from their plans –  and some will even modify the plans for you.  Looking for a second home and worried about finding a gardner?  Don’t worry – there are ‘maintenance-free’ homes available in all price ranges especially in the lower priced new homes.  Come to Florida for the magnificent weather in  Winter and Spring – go to the cooler areas in Summer and Fall.

It’s always great to have choices and you still can make a choice of whether you would prefer to live in brand new or enjoy continuing a lifestyle started by a previous owner.

For more information on new homes available in all price ranges, call Joyce Marie Steward, Real Estate Broker at 954-472-5335 or email joyce@jmsteward.com

The Bok Tower

Besides all the wonderful and beautiful sights to see in Sarasota, there are many places that are certainly worth a short drive.  This time of year in Florida no worries about getting caught in bad weather – snow, sleet, ice – that can easily ruin travel. A short easy drive of just under 2 hours takes you to the Bok Tower and Pinewood Estate in Lake Wales.  Be ready for a very scenic and enjoyable day walking part of the 50 acres of manicured gardens as the carillon bells from the tower ring out.  The Bok Tower, a National Historic Landmark,  is a sight to behold with it’s magnificent stone construction sitting on a hill and surrounded by majestic trees.  Pinewood Estates is a historic 1930s mansion that is open for the holidays with each room  decorated in a different theme. This one definitely goes on your ‘to-do’ list.  Oh yes, there is a small indoor/outdoor cafe.

Part of the Gardens

Pinewood Estate

Thanks and gratitude to the members of the FirstSarasota Baptist Church for an inspirational and enjoyable presentation of the Singing Christmas Tree.  The Christmas spirit is in everyone and this is one way to find that within.  A multi-story tree comes to life with choir members joining together in song.  There are beautiful standard carols and other holiday music along with a little levity.  One can’t help feel the sense of family and friends uniting in peace and joy.  The religious story of Christmas is told in an easy to understand manner and the joy of music can be celebrated by all faiths.   There are several performances during the first days of December and this is a discovery worth pursuing.  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all.

An excerpt from Builder Online magazine gives a bright forecast for the housing market in Sarasota, FL.  Placing #9 on the list of 20 healthiest housing markets for mid-2011, the magazine feels it is a great place to relocate or invest.

“9: Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice, Fla.

Health Index: 79.5

2011 Population Forecast: 697,300

2011 Total Building Permit Forecast: 789

2012 Total Building Permit Forecast: 1,373

Sarasota, a seaside metro area with affordable housing stock, is one of three Florida markets to make our top 20. The area is south of Tampa Bay and North of Fort Myers.

Though permit activity nosedived last year, it regained forward momentum this year on the strength of a pick-up in the multifamily market. Most of the permit activity is in Manatee County, which was up strongly in the first half of the year. Pulte, D.R. Horton, and Lennar are active in Sarasota, along with local powerhouses Neal Communities and Lee Wetherington Homes. 

Local real estate agents, whose blogs might have you believe there was never a housing recession here, will be happy to hear that homes prices are expected to rise 2.8% next year on the strength of some of the strongest employment growth on a percentage basis (3.7%) in the country.”

Call Joyce Marie Steward, Broker, today for information on homes and prices in the Sarasota area.   954-472-5335

The community of Lakewood Ranch east of Sarasota, Florida has much to offer.  One event open to all, resident or not, is the First Friday on Main Street.  The center of the community takes you back to the days when Main Street was where everyone went.  There are shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and park benches in scenic spots to just enjoy the Florida weather all seasons.  Each month year around a live band performs on the first Friday.  There is a spot for dancing. A DJ plays music for the teens on the opposite end of Main Street.  Several vendors offer liquid refreshment of various types, pizza, and information is available for services available in the area.   The shops are open and the park on the edge of the lake is a pleasant place to hear the music while you relax.

As you gaze at Lake Uilein at the end of Main Street, the birds take their cue and begin roosting for the night in the tree.