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Take a Walk!

According to author and Florida hiker Sandra Friend, there are so many places to take in Florida’s natural beauty on foot that you could spend a lifetime taking one step in front of the other and never grow tired. Having written over 2500 pages on the subject and completed over 600 hikes, Friend is a trustworthy source on where to set foot in the Sunshine state.

Friend’s website, www.floridahikes.com contains a wealth of information and personal touches as to where the best places are to stroll along a natural or man-made path. She has spent a lot of time doing her enjoyable research and has posted her findings for all to see with pictures and summaries and recommendations. For more detailed information, please visit Friend’s website. For…

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Attention first-time homebuyers! Time is running out to get in on the $8000 tax credit.  Don’t let this awesome opportunity pass you by.  If you are thinking about buying a home this year and you are a first time homebuyer – you need to know about this program.

Can you imagine hearing your agent say this while you are out scouting properties, “Not only did the sellers of this home renovate the kitchen, install a new roof and a brand new sprinkler system, but the United States government is going to sweeten the deal with an eight thousand dollar credit toward your income taxes.”

For first-time homebuyers ready to dive into home ownership between now and one month before the end of 2009, a tax credit (which means cash) can be yours…

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Just last week the Florida public schools finsihed their FCAT for another year. This summer, the results will be published and the schools will be graded accordingly. For those who are starting a home search for a possible purchase this summer,  the Trinity area in Pasco County should be on your list. Trinity is located in the southwest region of Pasco County, just north of Pinellas County and west of Hillsborough County.

Pasco County is the fastest growing Tampa Bay county, and it’s also improving steadily in terms of school ratings. Last year, Pasco County received the top ranking of a Grade A overall, with a graduation rate above the FL state average and more than 72% of Pasco’s FL schools received an A or a B grade. New schools are being built in…

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Looking for the best of both worlds in a town to live? Then look no further than Oldsmar, Florida, a community with small-town charm and big-city convenience. Located on the northern tip of Tampa Bay, between Tampa and Clearwater, Oldsmar is an ideal place to live.

Developed by Oldsmobile creator Ransom Olds in 1913 to be the “ideal community”, Oldsmar is one of the most picturesque communities in the Tampa area. With beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront, it is also home to 34 acres of protected wetlands, providing access to some of nature’s greatest beauty.

Whether it be a home on a scenic tree-lined street, on the glistening waterfront, or near one of the many parks, Oldsmar is a community that has kept its small-town hospitality while…

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Ever since we learned that Fred Howard Park closed for renovations (it will be closed until Fall 2009), we’ve all been wondering where else to go in Tarpon Springs to enjoy the beach and take in a sunset.  Many of our past customers have bought homes close to this beach and are not happy about the closing.

Well, we discovered a little known place not far from Fred Howard called Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach is a bit south of Fred Howard Park, off of Florida Avenue. Although the water here is not the best for swimming, this beach is a nice spot to relax and watch the birds. Even better, pack yourself a picnic dinner and head that way for the sunset. It’s a peaceful place to watch the setting sun. If you live in Tarpon Springs you probably know this little…

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Two popular area that everyone loves in the Tampa area are Carrollwood and Davis Islands. First, up in the northern part of Tampa is the Carrollwood area, known for mature homes and established neighborhoods with small lakes.  Locals gather at the Cultural Arts center on Lowell Rd on the weekends to take in a weekend performance. Another happening place is the  Carrollwood Players Community Theater on Gunn Highway. The Carrollwood Village area is ideal for walking or riding your bike.  And, for those that really enjoying biking check out the Upper Tampa Bay Bike Trails that lead to the Suncoast Trail. You'll want to shop for a bike too if you plan to buy a home in Carrollwood!  When you have to drive, Carrollwood is centrally located in Tampa Bay and…

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Tons of people have been hearing about our sleeply little town of Dunedin Florida lately.  Thanks to CNN's Money Magazine and Barack Obama, Dunedin FL has a presence that it deserves.  Last week CNN’s Money Magazine featured the city on their Travel Channel and then again in a recent magazine article and our democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama chose Dunedin to hold a rally this week.   Lots of welcomed buzz for the Tampa Bay Florida area!

CNN’s Money Magazine chose the six best towns on the water, naming Dunedin as one of the premier places in America to retire.  The famous Dunedin beach is just beyond the causeway from Honeymoon Island.  And, notable Caladesi Island that was rated as the best beach in America earlier this year by Dr. Beach is…

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It's just temporary, but for 15 long months we can't go to our favorite beach.  I kind of forgot about this but an email today reminded me:

• WE WERE AT FRED HOWARD BEACH TODAY AND ENJOYED OURSELVES .......WE SAW A BIG SIGN  SAYING   THAT THE BEACH IS TO BE CLOSED STARTING SEPT.2  AND CLOSED TILL NEXT YEAR......WHAT IS GOING ON......??????  YOUR REPLY WILL BE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED.

We get all sorts of inquiries; we have lots of fun at staff meetings comparing notes between the emails and phone calls from our toll free number.  Some of them are hillarious; for this one I SHARE YOUR PAIN.  Since I know about this, I promptly answered the lady.  

Fred Howard Park is Tarpon Springs best beach.  It's easy to get in and out of, it's clean and family… Read Full Post