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...]
Looking to buy real estate near the water? Update on Flood Insurance Rates
Useppa Island Real Estate Continues to Watch Flood Insurance Rates. Lloyd's of London and other private insurers have muscled into the market, picking up customers stunned by rate hikes under the National Flood Insurance Program. The emergence of private companies into the market could be a boon for thousands of Floridians who face huge rate increases under the federal program because their homes were built decades ago in low-lying areas. Lloyd's, the venerable London-based institution, began … [Read more...]
304 Useppa Island – The Price of Paradise Just Got Better
The Price of Paradise Just Got Better at 304 Useppa Island One of only 110 homes on Useppa Island, it could be called one of the most romantic location on Florida's Gulf coast. The grand double-door entry is a prelude to the three story “Old FLORIDA” coastal vernacular of nearly 3,300 sq. ft. Dramatic living spaces include lofty ceilings, center island granite kitchen opening to a generous dining room and living room with fireplace. An expansive screened porch features a breathtaking panorama … [Read more...]
Flood Insurance Update – Keeping You Informed
This hot topic is changing from moment to moment. Here's an important update for Useppa Island: The bill was expected to come up today -- meaning it would need a two-thirds majority vote to pass. But members coming out of the GOP meeting yesterday morning said they did not think it had enough votes to clear that hurdle. GOP leaders are now refusing to run the bill through committee, and instead, are negotiating directly with the Democrats. Read the article U.S. House releases its own flood … [Read more...]
Private Insurers Start to Offer Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance Thoughts to Consider While traveling back to Useppa after a meeting of Lead RE Companies of the World, the following article was published in the WSJ. Thanks to Fritz Lehman for alerting us. Surprisingly, there are a growing number of companies now willing to write flood insurance-and the market for reinsurance is growing as well. As the author points out, the private market is depending on FEMA sharply increasing government rates. So, as capitalists what do we think of this … [Read more...]
Gulfshore Life Magazine Journeys to Useppa Island
Gulfshore Life Magazine Shoots their Spring Fashion on Useppa Island Pristine and picturesque, the editors of Gulfshore Life couldn't resist the allure of Useppa Island. Though the temperatures didn't cooperate, right in the middle of a cold front, the professionals at Gulfshore Life made it look like just another beautiful day at the beach. Look for the newest edition and Useppa Island - out soon. … [Read more...]
Useppa Island – New Bill – Flood Insurance Relief for Waterfront Homes in Florida
Flood Insurance on Useppa Island The Current/Tampa Bay - November 25, 2013 Legislation that sent flood insurance premiums skyrocketing for some waterfront homes and is chilling part of the local real estate market will be reformed by the end of the year, an author of the law said Nov. 9. Homeowners and Realtors have been calling for relief from the stiff rate increases, organizing rallies across the nation, including last month in Tampa Bay, to protest rates that have increased by 600 percent … [Read more...]
LEE COAST MARKET CONDITIONS
LEE COAST MARKET CONDITIONS-LISTING INVENTORY In this first overview of the market conditions which affect Useppa Island real estate, we have selected the 33924 and 33921 zip codes to provide the most meaningful overview of the housing market. Zip 33924 includes Useppa Island, Cayo Costa, North Captiva and Captiva Islands. These islands are located immediately to the west and southwest, and include a wide array of housing types, ages and conditions-just as Useppa does. We are just a microcosm … [Read more...]
Competition -The Basis for Capitalism and Exceptionalism
Competition is the engine of any successful venture. Capitalism depends on continued thought, creativity and work to stay alive, but most especially to excel. When a business relies on one model, thought or product, the result is lower demand, lower prices and stunted growth. When the monopoly is a service company that represents others, it is the “others” that suffer the consequences of declining demand, while the monopoly barely notices the downward curve in returns: they know no other … [Read more...]