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...]
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...]
A Visit to Useppa Island – Paradise Without a Passport
Paradise Without a Passport We enjoy giving visitors the grand tour of Useppa, as we introduce them to incredible natural beauty and remarkable island lifestyles. On a recent visit to Useppa Island, Luxury Realtors from Fort Lauderdale, Florida found the tranquility and charming allure of Useppa Island contagious. We invite you to Find Your Key to Paradise. "We took the short jaunt west across Alligator Alley to discover another tranquil paradise—Useppa Island—many notches … [Read more...]
The Tarpon Lodge – Part 1 in the Boat for Food Blog Series
BOATING FOR FOOD FROM USEPPA ISLAND, FLORIDA To the Tarpon Lodge, Pineland, FL Once again it is time to search for the perfect place to dine. This time, rather than a lunch run we are going for dinner. My choices re extremely limited because Mary has already made reservations at the Tarpon Lodge. This destination is the second most convenient restaurant to Useppa, the other being Cabbage Key. We call the Lodge “upscale” compared to Cabbage, to which we can kayak, but Cabbage has a charm of its … [Read more...]
The Best of Useppa Island
As seen in Florida Weekly's Best of 2015 Issue - Florida Weekly brings you all things Southwest Florida Living, from dining, recreation, cultural and community events, to business news and education in the Fort Myers area. The Best of 2015 is an Annual Special Section Edition in their line-up that includes a Season Guide for the Arts and A Beautiful Life covering everything Luxury. www.floridaweekly.com The People, Places and Things that make Southwest Florida so Special … [Read more...]
It’s Hurricane Season–Again
Hurricane Season More than 40% of Florida residents don’t prepare for storm season beforehand, according to a recent survey by the American Automobile Association. It has been several years since a hurricane seriously impacted our state. However, it is critical not to become complacent about storm season. Take storm preparations seriously, each and every year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that as many as eight storms this season will become hurricanes, … [Read more...]
IS A SECOND HOME THE NEW MONEYMAKER?
Here's great information from some heavy-hitters about financial pros and cons of owning a Second Home. Now, of course, Florida waterfront real estate is special, and private island real estate is truly unique. When they speak of location below...boy do we have the location for you!! As investments go, real estate is either the smartest place in the world to stash your money or the stupidest thing you can do with it - depending on all kinds of things like location, pricing trends, interest … [Read more...]
Cabbage Key – A Step Back in Time
Rest, Relax and Enjoy a Cheeseburger in Paradise on Cabbage Key CABBAGE KEY Located in Florida's Pine Island Sound, this island hideaway is accessible only by boat, or plane and perfect for a day trip. Just a short boat ride from Useppa Island, Cabbage Key prides itself as being a step back in time to “Old Florida.” Comprised of 100 acres, proprietor/owners, Rob and Phyllis Wells, are your island hosts since 1976. Serving fisherman and boaters for decades, the tiny island paradise … [Read more...]
Experience Cayo Costa State Park
4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island - Just a Short Boat Ride From Useppa Island With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forest, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps, this 2,426 acre barrier island park is a pristine Gulf Coast paradise. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, Cayo Costa visitors may see manatee and dolphin, along with an assortment of coastal birds. An array of recreational activities include hiking and picnic areas, biking, camping, fishing, snorkeling … [Read more...]
Vacation Home Sales Soar
Vacation Home Sales Soar to Record High in 2014, Investment Purchases Fall WASHINGTON (April 1, 2015) – Vacation home sales boomed in 2014 to above their most recent peak level in 2006, while investment purchases fell for the fourth straight year, according to an annual survey of residential home buyers released by the National Association of Realtors®. NAR’s 2015 Home Buyers Survey,* covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2014, shows vacation-home sales catapulted to an estimated … [Read more...]