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Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Cindy Heller
While preexisting development is allowed to proceed, with limits, in this 1139-sq-mile preserve, its federal protections generally keep it feeling just about as wild and natural as the Everglades park. And that’s a good thing, since the rains that flood its wetlands are integral to the ecosystem that keeps the Everglades green and lush and vibrant. Recently, the park entered into an interesting ‘Sister Park Understanding’ with a similar park in Guatemala, Laguna del Tigre National Park. The two parks share closely related habitats and management issues, and will now be able to share technical assistance and resource expertise.
About 45% of the cypress swamp (which is not a swamp at all but a group of mangrove islands, hardwood hammocks, islands of slash pine, prairie and marshes) is protected preserve. Great bald cypress trees are nearly gone from the area, as lumbering and other industries took their toll before the preserve was established. These days, dwarf pond cypress trees fill the area.
You’ll find 31 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, maintained by the Florida Trail Association, within Big Cypress National Preserve. From the southern terminus, which can be accessed by car via Loop Rd, the trail runs 8.3 miles north to the Tamiami Trail, passing the Big Cypress Visitor Center. There are two quite primitive campsites with water wells along the trail. Off-road vehicles are permitted to cross, but not to operate on, the FNST. For the less adventurous, there’s the short Tree Snail Hammock Nature, Trail, off Loop Rd.
On-road vehicles can drive on Loop Rd, a potholed dirt road, and Turner River Rd, which shoots straight north off the Tamiami Trail. There are wildlife-viewing opportunities along the entire stretch of Turner River Rd, especially in the Turner River Canal, which runs along the east side of it. The road leads to the northern area of the preserve where off-road vehicles are permitted.
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Filed under: Florida Attractions
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Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Cindy Heller
Pompano Beach, Florida has always welcomed its many visitors with beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunrises and friendly hospitality. If you are moving or considering relocation here you should know that the tradition continues today. With so many exciting activities to choose from, everyone in your family will find something to do and see in this paradise. And don’t forget the great real estate economy if you are moving to or relocating to the area.
Pompano Beach’s three and a half miles of white beaches will surely draw those who enjoy a relaxing stroll, as the refreshing Atlantic Ocean gently laps the shore. For those seeking more action, a trip to Pompano Park Racing and Poker to watch and cheer on their favorite horse and driver might be more to your liking.
Pompano Beach has so many moving experiences. Why not consider moving to or relocating to this strong real estate market?
Fishing, boating, scuba diving and more are some of the things you can enjoy, along with major sporting events that are only a short drive away. For all you duffers out there, did you know some of the most challenging golf courses could be found in Pompano Beach? You’ll also discover great shopping in many fine boutiques and more at the soon-to-be-completed renovation of the Pompano City Centre Mall.
The Greater Pompano Beach, North Broward real estate offers a wide selection of dining. There is something to suit every taste. For those who enjoy great food, in Pompano Beach you’ll find some of the finest restaurants in South Florida, and they are all within minutes of wherever you are. Fine dining is a delicious reason you might consider moving to or dream of relocation to Pompano Beach, Florida.
Shopping in Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale is considered by some to be a form of recreation. There are specialty shops that offer merchandise from the whimsical to the luxurious. There are also large, beautiful, air-conditioned malls and modern regional shopping centers with some of the world’s finest department stores. If you love shopping you should considering moving here; in such a relocation you can shop year round.
Lodging in Pompano Beach is pleasurable, whether you are vacationing or on a business trip. You can choose a small and cozy, beachfront motel room or a modern suite. On the other hand, pamper yourself by checking into a resort spa for a great vacation. And when the vacation is over you’re sure to want to start thinking of moving or relocating to this peaceful shore.
If exercise is what you want, then try one of the many championship golf courses or tennis centers located throughout Pompano Beach. And don’t forget all you can do in the water. You can surf or scuba dive, rent a boat and sail along the Intracoastal Waterway, or just relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the warm waters and breezes. In addition, there are plenty of places to golf such as Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course. If swimming is your preference, try the Aquatic Adventures Public Beach.
Tennis anyone? The area also offers great places to play such as the Palm-Aire Country Club or the Pompano Beach Tennis Center. Top-noth golf and tennis are two great reasons you might consider moving to or finding relocation in this real estate market.
Like sports? If so, Pompano Beach also has that too. The University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University, both have very excellent athletic programs. Professional sports programs include: two-time World Champions, Florida Marlins baseball team; Miami Heat, NBA; Miami Dolphins, NFL; and the Florida Panthers, NHL. Professional sports are another one of the many reasons to consider moving to or think about relocation to Pompano Beach’s real estate market.
Pompano Beach also offers racing and pari-mutuel betting at Florida’s only harness track, Pompano Park Racing. You can eat at the track’s “”Top O’ The Park”" Restaurant as you watch live racing. Impressive racing is a great reason you may be considering moving to or finding relocation to Pompano Beach.
Your family will want to see the beautiful Butterfly World, where hundreds of various species of colorful butterflies fly in a screen-enclosed, tropical rain forest. Being able to enjoy the butterflies on a regular basis is one of the many activities enjoyed by those who have moved or relocated to the Pompano Beach real estate market.
The Arts are alive in South Florida. Local theaters and galleries feature plays, moving musicals, ballet, concerts and exhibits. The City of Pompano Beach features nationally recognized musicians and comedians, or you can catch performances at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater. And there are many venues for the Performing Arts such as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale and the Pompano Beach Amphitheater. Fine arts are a perfect reason you may consider moving to or relocating to this great real estate economy.
In addition, Pompano Beach is proud to be the home base for the Goodyear Airship and its crew. The ship is also better known as the Blimp. Visitors to the area may stop by the Goodyear airship offices to watch the Blimp take off and land when it is in town.
The waters off Pompano Beach are great for fishing and offer a great challenge even for the best anglers. Please note, however that fishing licenses are required for fishing off of land or even a private boat. They can be purchased at bait and tackle shops. Bountiful fishing is another one of many reasons to consider moving to or finding relocation to this beachfront real estate market.
The following fun attractions are at your disposal here in Pompano Beach: Everglades Holiday Park, Pompano Beach Community Park, Pompano Beach Fishing Pier, Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course and Pompano Park Racing and Poker. And, if you enjoy diving you should check out Lighthouse Dive Center. Exciting attractions are a thrilling reasons you might consider moving or relocating to Pompano Beach’s real estate market.
The following is a list of some of the special events in the Greater Pompano Beach Area: Bluewater Movements Pompano Beach Saltwater Circuit Fishing Tournaments is a series of three tournaments which happens in June, July, August; or attend the Nautical Flea Market that is held on the third weekend in November. Also, experience Yuletide during the Atlantic Celebration, which occurs on the first Thursday in December; or if you enjoy fishing, then go to the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo. It is scheduled for the third weekend in May. For the holidays nothing beats the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade, which is held in December on the Intracoastal Waterway. Many can’t can resist Pompano Beach’s fresh seafood? The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is on the beach the last full weekend in April. These many festivals are great reasons you might consider moving or finding relocation in this exciting real estate community.
If you love great museums then the Greater Pompano Beach, North Broward area has that covered too. You might enjoy the Museum of Art, Museum of Discovery and Science, the Blockbuster-I-Max Theater, or the Pompano Beach Historical Museum at Founders Park. These museums, along with many more, are grand reasons you might consider moving or relocating.
The city also has beautiful parks close by such as the following: Broward County Parks & Recreational Division in Ft. Lauderdale, Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek, and the Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Pristine parks are perfect reasons you might consider moving and relocating to this beautiful real estate economy.
The year-round great weather in Pompano Beach makes it a popular vacation spot and a great place to consider moving to or fining relocation in. City officials want to make sure you enjoy your stay so that you might consider moving and relocating to Pompano Beach.
Location Pompano Beach is a city in Broward County, Florida. It is found along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean just to the north of Fort Lauderdale. The nearby Hillsboro Inlet forms part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The population of the city has recently surpassed 100,000. The city has experienced an influx of people moving to and searching relocation in this strong real estate market.
In addition, Pompano Beach is currently in the middle of a redevelopment process of its neglected beachfront. This promises to reinvent the city with even more great real estate. The city has been listed as one of the top real estate markets and has been featured in Money and the Wall Street Journal as one of the country’s best vacation real estate home markets. So what’s keeping you from moving to or finding relocation in this desirable real estate market?
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Filed under: Florida Beaches
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Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Rick Landreaux
When planning a golf vacation look no further than golf packages in Florida. Some of the world premier golf course architects have designed Florida best courses. Many of these courses over look the Gulf of Mexico. Courses such as Baytowne Golf Club, the Burnt Pine Golf Club, the Links Course, the Raven Golf Club and the Dunes Putting Course are included in Florida is best courses.
The Baytowne Golf Club is a pine tree lined course that features stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay. The Burnt Pine Golf Club is a collage of marshes, wetlands and majestic pine forests. It is ranked one of the top thirty courses in Florida. The Links Course is a challenging water lined course. The Raven Golf Club is a par 71 course that features water on eleven of its holes. The Dunes Putting Course is a perfect practice course for anyone looking to improve his or her game. These are just several of courses available in golf packages of Florida.
Great golf packages in Florida should always include Florida west coast. Along the west coast, great golf deals can be found in the areas of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Naples, Bradenton and Ft. Myers. Courses include budget or discount courses and luxury resorts, all with a great selection of courses to play.
Florida is one long fairway surrounded by water and sand. There are more than one thousand golf courses in the state. Some of the best courses in the country are right in Florida so start booking your golf packages Florida vacation. Golf is such a part of life in Florida that many thousands of people retire there just for the golf. The Professional Golf (PGA) Tour heads to Florida every spring. Some of the courses used for the tour include Miami Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Orlando Bay Hill Lodge and the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass. Even the LPGA and the Senior Golf Tour hold many events in Florida each year.
Most of the providers of Florida golf packages will offer you a generic package that fits all golf vacationers. The more exclusive trip planners will customize a golf holiday that fits your needs and your budget. Therefore, you get to choose the courses you want to play and stay at first class lodgings if that is in your budget.
There is so much golf on Florida Gulf Coast that it has been called the Golf Coast. Some resorts entice golfers to stay with them by offering attractive incentives such as free Callaway Titanium Drivers to each golfer that stays with them. Keep in mind that not every golf resort makes offers these kinds of incentives.
The beauty of golf in South Florida is that it can be played for twelve months of the year. Usually from May to October, the courses are not too crowded. Therefore, this is time to book your golf packages Florida vacation. Many of the states private golf courses open to the public during this time of the year as well.
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Filed under: Florida Golf Courses
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Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Rick Landreaux
Naples Florida, located on the Gulf Coast in southwest Florida is blessed with white sand beaches and a tropical climate providing the perfect setting for golfing, fishing, boating, watersports. Along with upscale shopping and some fantastic restaurants, it’s no wonder that Naples, Florida has become one of the hottest vacation destinations in the country. There is never a shortage of things to see and do in Naples and now Club Naples members can enjoy some of their favorite activities at great discounts.
Restaurants
Bistro 821 on 5th Avenue South in Naples - With distinctive style, executive chef JESSE HOUSMAN creates a wide array of innovative entrées fusing Asian, European and domestic flavors. An extensive wine list and casual elegance add to an enjoyable dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner. Club Naples Cardholder and guest receive 10% off.
Capriccio of Naples - Located on Pine Ridge Road - Acclaimed by Dining Out for its consistently good food & caring service, Capriccio of Naples Host Joe Conigliaro is there to make sure it remains a three-star performer. The menu is varied but authentically Italian. Club Naples Members receive15% Off the Entire Meal Check Including Bar Beverages for Cardholder and 1 Guest
Cilantro Tamales - Located on Tamiami Trail North in Naples - Cilantro Tamales is Modern Mexican Food Cooked with Old World Know How, Seasoned & Plated with Modern Imagination. Homemade corn Husk-Wrapped Tamales simmered all day long. Don’t forget the Black Bean Soup with your Tamales. 10% Off entire check for Club Naples cardholder and a guest.
Karavas Steak, Seafood and Pasta - Tamiami Trail in Naples - An Electric Menu Encompassion Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, And American Cuisine Awaits you at Karavas. Quality Food prepared to perfection under gudiance of Kostas Karavas. 10% Off entire check for Club Naples cardholder and one guest.
Mangrove Café and Diva Martini Bar on 5th Avenue South in Naples - Located on prestigious 5th Avenue Chef/ Proprietor Douglas Amaral is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America! The Naples Daily News recently found the Mangrove cafe “magnificent”. Check out Mangrove’s in house Diva Martini Bar. A martini menu that would make Dean Martin smile. Club Naples Members receive 15% off food & beverages for two (excluding happy hour & early bird specials)
Maxwell’s on the Bay located on Gulfshore Boulevard in The Village on Venetian Bay in Naples - Maxwell’s on the Bay is an award-winning restaurant…best view, best seafood, Top 10 best restaurants in Southwest Florida. With the choice of outside dining experience 7 days a week you will enjoy Lunch or Dinner. Sunday they have a delightful Brunch. They also have a LOW CARB MENU AS WELL. 2-4-1 Happy Hour every day from 11:30-6:30 seven(7) days a week. Great selection of Steak and Seafood. Specials including Veal and Shrimp, New England Lobsters. Available for large parties from 10-50 people. Private screened in Terrace for great waterfront dining. 15% off discount entire check for Club Naples Member and one guest.
Golf
Arrowhead Golf Club located at Heritage Greens in Naples - Similar to many Lewis designs, Arrowhead has the spacious landing areas off the tee; sizable greens and forgiving collection areas that help keep play moving. Also common to the area, there’s water everywhere, as in all 18 holes. Summer reciprocal at Arrowhead Golf Club. Golf: From May 1st thru October 31st, 2003…Club Naples Members pay $21.20/18 Holes, Guests $26.50/ 18 Holes…4 days advanced tee times…Accept all major credit cards…Collared shirts, Bermuda length shorts and soft spikes only… Reservations MUST be made thru Club Naples office at 239-659-1502 9:00AM- 5:00PM… Restaurant: Open from 7 AM to 6 PM for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. November 1st -April 30th Club Naples Members receive 10% off greens & cart fee. All tee times must be made thru Club Naples office at 239-659- 1502
Lely Flamingo Island Club and Mustang Golf Club located at Lely Resort in Naples - Two beautiful golf courses and a newly redesigned 54.000-square foot driving range. The driving range now offers seven target greens to choose from, ranging in all yardages. We have two different practice putting greens and one chipping green with bunker attached to it. Range balls are complimentary when playing The Flamingo or Mustang Golf courses. We also offer balls all you can hit for a $15. Summer reciprocal at Lely Flamingo & Mustang Golf Courses. Golf: From May 1st thru October 31st, 2004…Collared shirts, Bermuda length shorts and soft spikes only…June 1st, 2004-October 31st Cart Fee of $27+tax($28.62) per tee time…2 days advanced tee times…Reservations MUST be made thru Club Naples office at 239-659-1502 9:00AM-5:00PM Restaurant: Flamingo Island Grille open 11-7pm for light fare. Year Round Discount: Club Naples members receive a year round merchandise discount of 15% (only on retail priced merchandise) and from May thru December we offer a 25% discount off all food and non- alcoholic beverages. We also offer balls all you can hit for a $15.
Fishing Charters
As You Wish Fishing Charters in Naples Florida - Backcountry Guide, Fishing services geared to Snook, Red Fish, Tarpon, Spinfishing Plug, and flyfishing. Light tackle specialist. 33 years FL Resident. 14 years as USCG Licensed fishing guide. (May 15-Oct 1) 15%off (Oct 2- May 14) 10% off for Club Naples cardholders
Sailboat Charters
Raven Sailboat Charters located on Isles of Capri - Raven Sailboat Charters provides private cruises for its guests in the Gulf of Mexico off Marco Island. Dolphins, ospreys, and occasional ray sightings are complimentary. The trip options include sailing through nature reserves, up the intercoastal or out to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the spectacular Marco Island shoreline and into the 10,000 Islands. Raven offers the finest hospitality and the most personalized sails on the Gulf. Raven is an honest world class cruising catamaran, not simply a sightseeing boat. Complimentary beverages on all cruises. City Club Naples cardholders and their guests receive 10% off the usual per person fees of $50 to $80 depending on the length of cruise.
This is just a sampling of the Naples golf courses, restaurants and attractions offering City Club Naples discounts.
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Filed under: Florida Watersports
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Posted on January 16th, 2008 by John Thornhill
During the past six years, the scene in South Florida has transformed from low-rise structures to high-rise condominiums hundreds of feet high–South Florida condo market has been booming. But as the building heights rise, so did selling prices. Now, the dramatic hype of condo development is on the verge of landing its way back to ground, as real estate analysts predict.
The apparent upward inertia of the South Florida condo market has been thwarted by inevitable economic realities, making even the most headstrong condo developers of the region recoil. As supply outpaces demand in the South Florida condo market, selling prices already are equilibrating. Values of newly-built condos could pretty much tumble by at least 30% by the time the market plummets. As a result of unbridled overbuilding, lenders are wary of financing condo construction, thus compelling developers across South Florida to cancel, defer or overhaul their respective projects.
In May 2005, T-Rex Capital of Connecticut announced that it would construct a luxury condominium, named Eighty Points West, which will provide views of the West Palm Beach waterfront and a marina for yachts up to 90 feet. It will also have amenities such as a fitness center, theater, and library. However, none of that has started yet, and the company’s president Cliff Preminger said that construction has been postponed to next spring.
Metrostudy, a consulting firm based in West Palm Beach, reported that as of June 30, 2006, nearly 52,000 condo units in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward counties were either still under construction or already done but still unoccupied. The figures exclude the thousands of units built in South Florida since the year 2000, when the housing boom initiated. Roughly 104,000 units are being planned for the coming years. Analysts doubt that most of these will ever be built.
Analysts trace the condo problems to short-term investors, who bought condos at low pre-construction prices and waited as the units rise in value before having to close on the properties. These investors “”flipped”" the properties to other buyers for hefty profits, essentially trading condos like shares of stock. This trend systematically induced demands to inflate, steering prices upward while driving developers to build more. For the case of downtown Miami, the epicenter of the condo construction shockwave, the development is fuelled by international money.
Condos also sprung up in downtown West Palm Beach as buyers were enticed by the idea of living near CityPlace, the shopping and entertainment complex that opened in 2000. Fort Lauderdale, on the other hand, isn’t as overbuilt because the city restrains further residential building downtown until an affordable housing law is passed. Overall, the insufficient number of long-term owners purchased condos combined with investors dumping properties for sale has created a surplus of properties across the South Florida condo market. More than 11,000 units remain vacant in South Florida, according to Metrostudy. Investors have been getting frantic as they have been advertising all sorts price slashes, plasma TVs and other perks to attract buyers.
While some lenders have discontinued financing for condo construction, others who remain have tightened lending policies, such as insisting at least 60% pre-sales. This starkly contrasts the situation before when some lenders had no pre-sale requirements.
Another striking blow to developers is the continually increasing costs of construction materials. Due to this, several condo developers “”have canceled projects, returned deposits, put land up for sale and are at risk of foreclosure.”" For instance, the Waves Las Olas would not be built in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Neither will the Courtyards at Flagler Village be constructed. Several other projects have been put into cessation in South Florida.
Developers and investors are attempting to salvage anything from the condo slump by converting units back into apartments. Only a few years ago, the condo conversion craze was really hot when developers were buying apartments and turning them into condos to satisfy the insatiable demand. Since the start of 2004, more than 1,800 condo-converted units in Palm Beach County have been reconverted to apartments. In Broward, 1,088 condos have been transformed into apartments, while 672 condos in Miami-Dade have been switched back to apartments. Real estate experts concur that it will take at least two years for the South Florida condo market to bounce back, provided that consumers stop using condos for overnight investments and instead revert to home-buying philosophy of past generations.
For Sale by Owner VS Foreclosure in Florida
The state of Florida seems, on the surface at least, to be experiencing a real estate meltdown. Rampant real estate speculation, development and the sub-prime mortgage debacle are being blamed for the glut of homes for sale that has left the market upside down and many homeowners under water and facing the prospect of foreclosure. With many Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) due to reset at higher rates the fallout may not be over. Further manifesting the situation is the insurance premium increases coming down the pipe to cover the devastation and property loss/claims associated with the last several hurricane seasons.
Compounding the problem is the expected increases in condo fees to cover property losses not covered by insurers. The fallout has created a unique opportunity to re-visit real estate opportunities right across the state. There are a couple of by-products to this type of market. One is a rise in For Sale by Owner properties. Homeowners are looking for any edge they can get when they are looking to get out from under a high equity mortgage or negative equity mortgages. A For Sale by Owner allows the homeowner more options when it comes to pricing. They can expedite the sale of the property by passing on the real estate commission savings associated with a For Sale by Owner. This can represent a substantial savings to the buyer and certainly make your property more attractive when you consider the real estate commission savings on a $280,000 property is $16,000! The For Sale by Owner also has more latitude when it comes to making their home “”appear”" to be more attractive.
They can offer creative seller concessions like “”no condo fees for a year”" or “”0% financing for 3 years”". Essentially instead of passing the savings directly to the buyer they create a “”package”" that may seem more appealing. I have personally seen everything from “”Free Plasma TV’s”" to “”Timeshares in Puerto Rico”". Creativity can certainly perk someone’s interest, but I tend to prefer a straight “”cash”" discount or rebate. This allows the prospective homebuyer the opportunity to decide how they want to best use the monies. Cash has a set face-value; $2000 always carries a “”value”" of $2000 regardless of the buyer, whereas a “”timeshare in Puerto Rico”" will have different values to different people.
The 2nd by-product, unfortunately, is “”Foreclosures”" - which have been rapidly increasing in Florida since 2006. Industry experts blame this increase on “”sub-prime mortgages”". Sub-prime mortgages are higher risk because they are made to borrowers that typically do not qualify under traditional more rigorous criteria because of limited or poor credit history. Sub-prime mortgage loans have a significantly higher failure rate then prime mortgages. Sub-prime mortgages typically have a higher debt service-to-income ratio and the homeowner simply can’t make ends meet. The end result is more foreclosures and an increase in houses for sale - the fact that they are “”distressed”" and vacant further erodes the overall values of all homes. As the inventory of unsold properties continues to grow, residential real estate prices decline.
The bottom-line is there is an abnormally high number of existing homes currently listed for sale in Florida. As supply outpaces demand, property values drop. For Sale by Owner may allow the homeowner to bridge that drop in value and allow them to avoid foreclosure.
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Filed under: Florida Shopping
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Florida Tourist Attractions : Big Cypress National Preserve, The Everglades