Sarasota Discoveries

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.

We all seek it at some time and it’s not a fun expense but there is a place on Anna Maria Island near Bradenton, Florida, that is a happy place for your insurance needs.  First, it’s location on Anna Maria Island is resort atmosphere, right near the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.  Next the bright happy colors of the building and the inside of the office can’t miss bringing a smile to your face.  And last but not least are the relaxed and happy people that are there to help you.

The local newspaper The Anna Maria Island Sun recently featured Lisa Brakefield’s agency Advanced Insurance Brokerage (AIB). Give her a call  (941-896-4800) and review your current insurance needs or ask her about new insurance for anywhere in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.  Her style fits right in with the friendly laid-back lifestyle for the area.

As for Anna Maria Island, there is interesting history behind it’s development beginning in the early 1900s.  Stay tuned…..

The Lakewood Ranch community is very wildlife friendly.  So much so that these deer feel prefectly safe wandering the golf course grounds late afternoon.  There are many preserve areas and wetland areas that encourage wildlife to consider it their homes.  They all live in harmony with the many residents of Lakewood Ranch.  These photos were taken in the Country Club section of Lakewood Ranch.  In the photo to the left, a pair of Sandhill cranes don’t seem phased by the deer at all.  These peaceful photos illustrate the commonplace scenery you can enjoy in Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods.  Call me today and put yourself in these surroundings.  The price ranges are very broad and there is something for everyone.  954-472-5335  Joyce Marie Steward, Real Estate Broker.

One of the more popular activities for the Sarasota-Bradenton area just below going to the beach is boating.  There are, of course, the yachts but not everyone has the where-with-all or the interest in the large vessels.  Having quick and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico is definitely an advantage and many homes in the area provide dock space behind the home to do just that.  Other watercraft can be sport fishing boats, pleasure boats, Zodiacs,  cabin cruisers, sailboats, pontoon boats.  Kayaks and canoes are very popular in the area because there are so many different types of waterways to explore.  One of the places you will see many of the different types of boats is around the John Ringling bridge located in downtown Sarasota connecting the mainland with Lido Key and Longboat Key. It is a picturesque sight and a central identifying location for residents and visitors.