Florida Tourism - The Sunshine State welcomed an estimated 79.1 million visitors during the first nine months of 2015, the most of any such period in Florida's history. The nine-month count was a 5.5 percent increase when compared with the same period in 2014. Gov. Rick Scott has set a goal of drawing more than 100 million tourists to Florida this year, and that now seems within fairly easy reach. VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 22.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the third … [Read more...]
Home Prices – Steady Growth Third Quarter
Home Prices An encouraging lift-off in existing-home sales amidst ongoing inventory shortages kept home prices rising in most of the country during the third quarter, but overall price appreciation slowed to a healthier pace, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®(NAR). The median existing single-family home price increased in 87 percent of measured markets, with 154 out of 178 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) showing gains based on closings in … [Read more...]
Out and About – Area Adventures
Looking for entertainment and area adventures? Here’s some great options to help you discover hidden Florida gems, get a taste of history, watch sandcastle masters at work, take-in a show, or maybe a great area festival -- lots of activities, both day and night. Discover Matlacha Island Through Apr 02, 2016 Join Pure Florida on a journey to discover one of southwest Florida's hidden gems, the island of Matlacha! Guests will experience the simplicity of the Caloosahatchee River, the flare of … [Read more...]
Awesome Ideas for a Rainy Day on Useppa Island
A Rainy Day on Useppa Island Even when it's wet and dreary outdoors, there's plenty of activity and amusement available on Useppa Island. Our friendly community offers a game of pool or poker, a specialty drink at the bar or under a private deck. A rainy day on Useppa is better than any day at the Office. YOU MAY WANT TO... Play Scrabble with near-champion players who are always ready for a challenge. Play a game of Pool at the Tarpon Inn or better yet, find the people … [Read more...]
Life on a Private Island
Ever wonder what it would be like to escape to a Private Island? … [Read more...]
Gasparilla Inn – Part 2 of the Boat for Food Blog Series
Dubbed “the Preppiest Place on Earth” in a touristy article about Old Florida, by Sara Clemence, in the Wall Street Journal last year, Boca Grande is frequented by Useppans' for its many dining opportunities. Not for the Preppy part (well, maybe a few of us) because we are coming from the anti-preppy but truly Olde Florida Useppa Island. But, we will go anywhere for food. Not that we are short of very good and sometimes great dining at the Collier Inn on Useppa, but … [Read more...]
INCREASE YOUR STORAGE WITHOUT BUILDING A NEW CLOSET
No matter the size of your home or the number of closets you have, everyone is always looking for more storage space. And, while you may think getting the storage you need means moving or turning an entire bedroom into a new closet, there are effective ways to maximize the space you have. Increase Your Storage Use Space Bags The idea of vacuum-sealing your linens and winter clothes may seem strange, but it actually works. Does that mean you should go out and buy a dozen more down comforters? … [Read more...]
FLORIDA TOURISM HITS RECORD HIGH FOR 2015
Florida tourism is on pace to pass the highly anticipated 100-million visitor mark for 2015, with more than 54.1 million visitors coming to the Sunshine State in the first half of 2015. New quarterly numbers released Wednesday from Visit Florida, the state’s tourism arm, show a 5.8 increase from last year and the highest amount of visitors of any six months in the state’s history. In just the second quarter of 2015 ending June 30, 25.8 million visitors came to Florida, an increase of 5.5 … [Read more...]
Ultra Wealthy Buying Homes as Opportunity Gateways
Reasons Ultra Wealthy are Buying Homes Buying a second or third home is a popular activity for ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals – 79% own at least two homes, and 53% own three or more. For many UHNW individuals, these decisions are motivated by familiar considerations: lifestyle fit (for example, owning an oceanfront home or lodge near a ski resort), as well as short-term and long-term investment potential. Increasingly, however, some UHNW individuals are buying homes for reasons … [Read more...]
Retirees Choosing to Up-size
Up-Sizing for Retirement NEW YORK – Aug. 3, 2015 – Americans traditionally chose to downsize in retirement, but that may no longer be true. A wave of today's retirees have decided to up-size and enjoy the best home of their lives in retirement, according to a recent Merrill Lynch and Age Wave retirement study of more than 3,600 respondents. In fact, 65 percent of retirees recently surveyed say they're currently living in the best home of their lives. Within the next decade, the number of … [Read more...]