Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Camp Creek MLS a new name added to the Team Sold Real Estate Network
We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Baker in Okaloosa County.
Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.
We are now easier to find with http://www.CampCreekMLS.com/
Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.
We are now easier to find with http://www.CampCreekMLS.com/
Buy A Florida Vacation Home new name added to Team Sold Network
We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Baker in Okaloosa County.
Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.
We are now easier to find with http://www.BuyAFloridaVacationHome.com/
Monday, July 23, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
Save GAS
Gasoline $ense
Tips for Stretching Your Tank
In terms of the economy and its effect on our daily lives, there is no hotter topic than the outrageous prices we are seeing at the pumps. The maddening part is as consumers, we have zero control over these inflated costs. To make matters worse, there's always that person who says something like, "You know, Europeans pay a lot more for gas than we do." That's true, but it doesn't make it any easier when we're reaching for our credit cards at the pump. The absolute worst part about high gas prices, however, is the notion of having no alternatives. Even a diligent hybrid owner has to make a trip to the gas station at some point, right?
So, now that you're feeling backed into a corner and completely depressed about the situation, what do you do? The answer is actually a simple one; cut down on the amount of gas you use. I realize it doesn't sound simple, but by changing just a few bad habits, any motorist can stretch a tank of gas no matter what type of car they drive. Here are some tips that are sure to help.
Go Easy on the Pedals - Jackrabbit driving is a killer when it comes to burning fuel. Remember that slow and steady wins the race in more ways than one.
Avoid Long Idles - The bottom line is idling burns more gas than restarting an engine.
No Junk in the Trunk - Clean out your trunk and the rest of your car for that matter. Excess weight bogs down your vehicle, causing it to burn more fuel.
Drive the Speed Limit - The higher the speed, the more gas your car will use.
Go Easy on the A/C - Air conditioning burns gas. Before turning it on, ask yourself if rolling down a window or two might do the trick.
Use Overdrive and Cruise Control - Most automatic transmissions have these features. If you drive a stick, consult your owner's manual about the recommended RPMs when shifting.
Keep Tires Inflated and Aligned - Believe it or not, frequent alignments and keeping your tires inflated to the proper amount will save you gas.
Honor the Scheduled Maintenance - Scheduled maintenance is designed to help your car run as efficiently as possible. Check your owner's manual for specifics.
There you go, eight possible solutions to an otherwise unfixable problem. In addition, you may want to explore the idea of carpooling. Also, walking now and then is an option. Not only will it save you gas - it'll keep you healthy.
ERA Home protection plan
ERA home protection plan
ERA Home Protection Plan®
Comprehensive, Insured
Program Overview:
The ERA Home Protection Plan is a fully insured home warranty administered by American Home Shield.
With the ERA Home Protection Plan, you can increase your chances of selling your home faster and for more money, or can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your new home comes with a home warranty for a full year. The plan covers repair and replacement costs on most major home systems and built-in appliances, including heating and cooling systems, duct work, electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters and much more. If a problem does arise, service is always just a phone call away. See the "Escalation Communications Process" should you need to report or follow up on an issue. Call or email me today for a free home warranty information package.
ERA Answers
ERA Answers
We know that ERA® professionals are totally committed to providing whatever it takes to help their customers through the home buying or selling process. ERA Answers is part of that ERA® commitment.
The ERA Answers Book addresses nearly 100 of the questions on real estate customers' minds. It's handled in a clear and comforting way, helping you to see that an ERA Affiliate is the "answer" to buying or selling. The ANSWERS Book is intended to see ERA as the real estate expert and the most logical company to turn to for any potential buying or selling. Call me today for a free answers book.
The power of singles home ownership
The power of singles and home ownership
The Power of One: Singles Opt for the Advantages of Homeownership
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
It may surprise you to learn that a recent study completed by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University cited single-person households as one of the fastest growing housing markets in the country. In fact, nearly 5 million one-person households will be added in the coming decade.
As real estate professionals, we must stay aware of emerging trends to best understand the unique lifestyles of our clients. To understand the motivations of single home buyers, we should first look at the experiences, wants and needs that shape their home buying decisions and review some of the leading factors behind this growing trend.
According to the 2002 Census Report, between 1975 and 2002, the share of Americans who had never married increased from about 24% to 29%. Currently, about half of all adults are unmarried, and a single person living alone occupies one in four households. These figures are a sign of the times. Unlike days past, many people today have embraced a single life.
Changing societal norms and expectations, improved personal wealth, increasing rates of higher education, and even longer life expectancies for women, have all contributed to the rise in single-person households. So what are the changing norms and demographics that have positioned this customer base to drive a significant portion of the housing market?
Obviously, changing marriage trends and expectations are a leading factor in the increase in single-person households. Although between 80 and 90% of Americans will get married during their lifetimes, rises in personal wealth, length of education and changing attitudes regarding gender roles have resulted in both men and women delaying marriage until later in life. For example, one out of three men and more than one out of four women in their early 30s were unmarried in 1997, compared with fewer than one in 10 in 1900. Coupled with a divorce rate hovering around 50%, many single persons have grown accustomed to their lifestyle. They have the financial stability to live where they want and do not have immediate plans to marry (or remarry).
Perhaps of greatest interest, women actually make up a large portion of single home ownership. Their role in the housing market is expected to continue to accelerate as women's success in the workplace continues to expand and personal income disparities continue to narrow. An article in Business Week Online in June of this year reported that on average, women ages 25 to 34 earned 82% as much as men in 2000, as compared to only 68% in 1975. As this trend continues, expect to see even more financially independent women become home buyers.
Now that you have a better understanding of the characteristics and motivations of this emerging customer base, what are some factors real estate sales professionals need to remember to help these clients as they look to purchase a home? With only one set of hands at home instead of two or more, some singles opt for homes with lower maintenance features; including vinyl siding, brick, and vinyl windows to decrease the time devoted to maintenance. Others chose condos or town homes where exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal are all handled by the homeowner's association for a monthly fee. In addition, some look for a tight-knit community that may be conveyed by having neighbors close at hand.
For seniors who are single, many choose to move to active adult communities that are specially equipped to provide wonderful amenities for a lifestyle of one including golf courses, pools, and recreation centers. Other seniors consider proximity to cultural centers, medical facilities, public transportation or family when buying a home.
Another factor sales associates should encourage single home buyers to consider is their future needs as well as the future resale value of a property. While a one-bedroom townhouse may be enough room now, it would not be if the buyer planned on marrying or having children in the near future. And while a single person may not mind having one bathroom, it could be a major detraction for a future prospective buyer looking at the house down the road. If they can afford it, buying slightly more house than they anticipate needing could very well be a wise investment decision for single home buyers.
As with any unique home buyer, taking a few extra minutes with a prospective single client can help you to learn about their current living situation, as well as their future plans. This will allow you to create a customized plan, specific to their needs and set the tone for a successful business relationship.
Senior Housing market
Senior housing market
Opportunities abound for Realtors® who are ready to service the senior market
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
Realtors® cannot ignore the impact that seniors are having on the business of real estate. Activity in the senior segment of the market is steadily increasing due to demographic shifts that have put a higher concentration of the U.S. population in an older age bracket.
As a real estate professional, there's a lot that I find exciting about the senior market. First of all, it is big, and it is growing. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the number of households in the U.S. headed by someone between the ages of 55 and 64 in the market for a home was about one million in 2001. NAHB projects that figure to grow to approximately 1.2 million households in 2006. One forecast projects the number of baby boomers age 65 and over to increase nearly 80 percent during the next two decades.
Another attribute that distinguishes the senior market is the broad range of motives for buying or selling a home. Many seniors wish to sell their homes because their family has grown and they are now seeking a low-maintenance property that frees them up to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Selling a primary residence or a vacation property may free up equity that can be applied toward retirement. The changing interests and capabilities of seniors also influence the need for proximity to transportation, health services, shopping and other activities.
Success in servicing the wide-ranging needs of senior homebuyers is achieved through the right combination of programs, training and marketing. Sales professionals who have built a strong referral network and practice sound prospecting techniques will have a leg up on capturing these diverse and demanding buyers and sellers. Realtors® who make the effort to secure specialized certification will distinguish themselves as especially qualified to service the needs of seniors.
One characteristic that distinguishes seniors from first-time homebuyers is a lower tolerance for uncertainty. The ERA® system offers the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan (SSP), a program designed expressly for homesellers who seek that extra level of assurance. Simply put, the SSP guarantees that a seller who qualifies for the program will sell their home at a pre-determined price within 180 days of listing, or ERA Real Estate will buy it.
According to the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, 90 percent of seniors do not put their home on the market until they have settled on their new living arrangements, and Realtors® must be prepared to help seniors select a mortgage that meets their needs. ERA Mortgage offers buyers with unique financing requirements the opportunity to choose from more than 100 different loan products. A professionally staffed Agent Help Desk helps sales associates offer products that best match their clients' financial goals.
Specialized certification programs are another means to assure seniors that Realtors® are capable of serving them. Late last year, ERA Real Estate became the first global real estate franchise to deliver the Seniors Real
Opportunities abound for Realtors® who are ready to service the senior market
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
Realtors® cannot ignore the impact that seniors are having on the business of real estate. Activity in the senior segment of the market is steadily increasing due to demographic shifts that have put a higher concentration of the U.S. population in an older age bracket.
As a real estate professional, there's a lot that I find exciting about the senior market. First of all, it is big, and it is growing. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the number of households in the U.S. headed by someone between the ages of 55 and 64 in the market for a home was about one million in 2001. NAHB projects that figure to grow to approximately 1.2 million households in 2006. One forecast projects the number of baby boomers age 65 and over to increase nearly 80 percent during the next two decades.
Another attribute that distinguishes the senior market is the broad range of motives for buying or selling a home. Many seniors wish to sell their homes because their family has grown and they are now seeking a low-maintenance property that frees them up to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Selling a primary residence or a vacation property may free up equity that can be applied toward retirement. The changing interests and capabilities of seniors also influence the need for proximity to transportation, health services, shopping and other activities.
Success in servicing the wide-ranging needs of senior homebuyers is achieved through the right combination of programs, training and marketing. Sales professionals who have built a strong referral network and practice sound prospecting techniques will have a leg up on capturing these diverse and demanding buyers and sellers. Realtors® who make the effort to secure specialized certification will distinguish themselves as especially qualified to service the needs of seniors.
One characteristic that distinguishes seniors from first-time homebuyers is a lower tolerance for uncertainty. The ERA® system offers the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan (SSP), a program designed expressly for homesellers who seek that extra level of assurance. Simply put, the SSP guarantees that a seller who qualifies for the program will sell their home at a pre-determined price within 180 days of listing, or ERA Real Estate will buy it.
According to the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, 90 percent of seniors do not put their home on the market until they have settled on their new living arrangements, and Realtors® must be prepared to help seniors select a mortgage that meets their needs. ERA Mortgage offers buyers with unique financing requirements the opportunity to choose from more than 100 different loan products. A professionally staffed Agent Help Desk helps sales associates offer products that best match their clients' financial goals.
Specialized certification programs are another means to assure seniors that Realtors® are capable of serving them. Late last year, ERA Real Estate became the first global real estate franchise to deliver the Seniors Real
Growing technology sectors boosts Florida housing
The country's high-tech industry added nearly 150,000 new jobs in 2006, according to "Cyberstates 2007," an annual report detailing trends in high-tech employment and wages.
The report, published by AeA, a trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The addition of high tech jobs often translates into an influx of well-paid newcomers to an area, according to Matthew Kazmiercak, AeA's vice president for research - and that means more potential homeowners.
"This is the second year in a row that the tech industry has added jobs," Kazmiercak says. "Not only do these jobs make critical contributions to the U.S. economy, but they pay extremely well." The average tech industry wage is 86 percent more than the average U.S. private sector wage.
In fact, in 48 states the average high-tech wage is at least 50 percent more than the average private sector wage, and in 10 cyberstates this differential is more than 90 percent, observed William T. Archely, president and CEO of AeA.
With the addition of 150,000 jobs, total tech industry employment increased to 5.8 million in 2006. Tech sectors adding the most jobs were:
* Software services, up for the third year in a row, added 88,500 jobs.
* Engineering and tech services added 66,300 jobs, putting employment in the field at an all-time high.
* The semiconductor industry added 10,900 jobs.
Overall, 40 states added tech jobs in 2005, the most recent year that state-by-state data is available. California led the country in net job creation; Florida saw the second-largest gain, adding 10,900 tech jobs. The rate of job growth, at 4 percent, was highest in Florida, followed by Virginia at 3 percent. Virginia has the highest concentration of tech industry workers as a percentage (8.9 percent) of the private sector work force. Leading states by high-tech employment were, in order: California, Texas, New York, Florida and Virginia.
Unemployment rates for tech jobs also remain below other occupations. The unemployment rate for electrical engineers was 1.9 percent and 2.5 percent for computer and math occupations in 2006.
RIS Media reports
Demand for bigger houses keep growing
McMansions are sprouting in the suburbs of Washington and Atlanta, in southern Connecticut and out West in Utah as an appetite for bigger homes in the United States just keeps on growing.
One in five American houses had at least four bedrooms in 2005. That's up from one in six in 1990, despite shrinking families and increasing costs for construction and energy.
Houses with five or more bedrooms were the fastest-growing type in that time, adding to the nation's consumption of resources and reputation for excess.
''In this country, bigger is better,'' said Gopal Ahluwalia, vice president of economic research at the National Association of Home Builders. ''This is true for houses and this is true for automobiles.''
Utah leads the nation with nearly 40 percent of homes having at least four bedrooms, according to a report by the Census Bureau. Demand is high in part because Utah has more people per household (3.07) than any other state.
Evan and Valerie Astle are having a 5,700 square foot (529 sq.-meter) house built in a new subdivision near Ogden because they want more space for their three teenagers. They have been renting a storage unit while living in their old, 2,100-square foot (195 sq.-meter) home.
That won't be a problem in the new house, which has four big bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms and a three-car garage.
''Our kids have more stuff. They need more living space,'' said Valerie Astle, a grade-school teacher. ''Our (old) house was fine when they were small, but we've just outgrown it.''
Among states with the biggest percentage of large homes, Utah was followed by Maryland, Virginia, Colorado and Minnesota. Arkansas had the smallest share, at 12.6 percent.
In much of the U.S., the growth in big houses is fueled by suburban homebuyers seeking luxury, rather than big families needing space, Ahluwalia said.
''They are buying for lifestyle,'' he said.
Nationally, the average household size has shrunk slightly since 1990, to about 2.6 people. Meanwhile, the average new house grew by nearly 400 square feet (37 square meters), to 2,434 square feet (226 sq. meters).
''You cannot sell a new home today with 1 1/2 bathrooms,'' Ahluwalia said. ''Even if only two people are in a house, they still want 2 1/2 to three bathrooms.''
Dale Mattison, a real estate broker in the Washington area, said smaller families are getting creative with all those extra rooms. One option: his and her offices.
Some bedrooms are converted into dens, but many big houses already have those, Mattison said. They also have media rooms, which used to be called TV rooms back when there were fewer electronic devices to choose from.
Homes in the United States are much bigger than they are in other countries, according to figures compiled by the United Nations.
American homes, on average, are nearly twice as large as those in many European countries, including Britain, France and Germany. Only Luxembourg comes close among European nations, with average homes about three-quarters the size of those in the United States.
U.S. homes are also becoming more expensive. The median home value jumped more than 40 percent from 1990 to 2005, to about $167,500 (euro124,166).
Most big homes in the U.S. are going up in the suburbs, contributing to sprawl and congestion, said Vicky Markham, director of the Center for Environment and Population.
The Washington metro area fits the national trend. About a third of all homes in the region, which includes suburbs in Virginia and Maryland, have at least four bedrooms. In the city of Washington, only 12 percent of the homes are that big.
All those big suburban houses require more land, more materials to build and more energy to heat and cool, Markham said
''Excess is a matter of how each person views their own life,'' Markham said. But, she added, ''Each person today is taking up more resources, more land, more energy than generations before.''
On the Net:
Percentage of big homes in each of the nation's large metro areas: javascript:HandleLink @http://www.census.gov');
April new home sales
June 24, 2007 - Sales of new homes surged in April by the biggest amount in 14 years, but the median price of a new home dropped by the largest amount on record. The mixed signals left no clear picture of whether the worst of the nation's housing slump is over.
The Commerce Department reported that sales of new single-family homes jumped by 16.2 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 981,000 units. That was far better than the tiny 0.2 percent gain that economists had been expecting.
However, the median price of a new home sold last month fell to $229,100 (euro170,360), a record 11.1 percent decline from the previous month. The big price decline indicated that builders are slashing prices in an effort to move a huge overhang of unsold homes.
Investors were enthusiastic after the Commerce Department's report. The Dow Jones industrials surged 74.68, or 0.55 percent, 13,604.80 soon after the housing numbers came out.
The Commerce Department reported that sales of new single-family homes jumped by 16.2 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 981,000 units. That was far better than the tiny 0.2 percent gain that economists had been expecting.
However, the median price of a new home sold last month fell to $229,100 (euro170,360), a record 11.1 percent decline from the previous month. The big price decline indicated that builders are slashing prices in an effort to move a huge overhang of unsold homes.
Investors were enthusiastic after the Commerce Department's report. The Dow Jones industrials surged 74.68, or 0.55 percent, 13,604.80 soon after the housing numbers came out.
Okaloosa County Increases Homestead
Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners Increases Homestead Extension for Senior Citizens
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted to increase homestead exemptions from $25,000 to $50,000 for Senior Citizens at the regular meeting held Tuesday, May 15. The emergency ordinance proposed and approved applies to homeowners over the age of 65, with an annual income of up to $24,214.
The ordinance must be filed with the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser by June 1, 2007 in order to take effect in 2007. Furthermore, the ordinance was implemented in support of HJR 353, the joint resolution of the State of Florida, approved by voters in the November 2006 general election. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the emergency ordinance for the maximum amount allowable of $50,000.
For more information, or a summary of the minutes, call 850.651.7105 or visit www.co.okaloosa.fl.us.
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted to increase homestead exemptions from $25,000 to $50,000 for Senior Citizens at the regular meeting held Tuesday, May 15. The emergency ordinance proposed and approved applies to homeowners over the age of 65, with an annual income of up to $24,214.
The ordinance must be filed with the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser by June 1, 2007 in order to take effect in 2007. Furthermore, the ordinance was implemented in support of HJR 353, the joint resolution of the State of Florida, approved by voters in the November 2006 general election. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the emergency ordinance for the maximum amount allowable of $50,000.
For more information, or a summary of the minutes, call 850.651.7105 or visit www.co.okaloosa.fl.us.
EMS FOOD DRIVE
EMS Food drive
EMS Week food drive 07.doc, P2 EMS Week Food Drive May 24
Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is sponsoring a food drive on Thursday, May 24, 2007. The EMS Week Food Drive will be held in the Publix parking lot at Paradise Point Shopping Center from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Look for the ambulance! EMS personnel hope to fill the ambulance with the non-perishable food items collected. All the food collected will be donated to the Okaloosa-Walton United Way for local food banks.
EMS Week is May 20-26, and the theme for this year's national celebration is "Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service," recognizing and honoring the high-level emergency care given by EMS providers as well as those that treat children and saves lives overall. "We wanted to provide an ‘extraordinary service,' and let the public meet some ‘extraordinary people;' so we decided to hold the First Annual EMS Food Drive during EMS Week," stated Al Herndon, EMS division chief. "If it is successful, we hope to have another one next year to increase food bank supplies at a different time of year than the usual Christmas holiday food drives," he added.
Emergency medical service teams consist of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators and others. The EMS Food Drive is an opportunity to show appreciation for the dedication of emergency personnel all year, and provide food for local food banks. For more information, contact 850-651-7150.
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EMS Week food drive 07.doc, P2 EMS Week Food Drive May 24
Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is sponsoring a food drive on Thursday, May 24, 2007. The EMS Week Food Drive will be held in the Publix parking lot at Paradise Point Shopping Center from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Look for the ambulance! EMS personnel hope to fill the ambulance with the non-perishable food items collected. All the food collected will be donated to the Okaloosa-Walton United Way for local food banks.
EMS Week is May 20-26, and the theme for this year's national celebration is "Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service," recognizing and honoring the high-level emergency care given by EMS providers as well as those that treat children and saves lives overall. "We wanted to provide an ‘extraordinary service,' and let the public meet some ‘extraordinary people;' so we decided to hold the First Annual EMS Food Drive during EMS Week," stated Al Herndon, EMS division chief. "If it is successful, we hope to have another one next year to increase food bank supplies at a different time of year than the usual Christmas holiday food drives," he added.
Emergency medical service teams consist of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators and others. The EMS Food Drive is an opportunity to show appreciation for the dedication of emergency personnel all year, and provide food for local food banks. For more information, contact 850-651-7150.
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ERA Seller Securtiy plan
"Let's Go Shopping!"
Most other real estate companies can only sell their listings to a cash buyer or a homeowner whose current home is sold and ready to close. You have access to those buyers and more! There are potential buyers for your listings that own a house that would like to buy another but can't because they need to sell their current house first. In addition the down payment for this purchase is often tied up in their current home.
By listing with ERA®, the SSP enables you to turn prospective buyers into qualified buyers for Sellers homes. I have a marketing program that exposes a your house to more buyers netting you more money.
The "Let's Go Shopping!" campaign supports creating buyers for listings.
The newly designed "Let's Go Shopping!" tagline adds another dimension to the exclusive ERA® Sellers Security® Plan program. Once you have listed a home it's time to go shopping. Call or email me for more details.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
PCB Investments announces new retail fronts coming
Panama city bost new stores opening just about every month. The new members coming include Target stores,Ron Jon surf shop,Panera bread,Starbucks,Southern Theaters,Ripley's believe it or not,Bonefish grill,Dillards,old navy,Back porch seafood house,jimmy buffets,barefoot beach club and many more.
Panama City beach is watching amazing growth
Panama City beach is happening, Believe it or not.
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Completed just in time for the summer blockbuster season, Pier Park’s new 16-screen movie theater will open later this month, a Southern Theatres spokeswoman said Wednesday. Company spokeswoman Jane Birdwell said the 3,200 seat Grand 16 multiplex officially will open May 18 at noon. It will feature stadium seating, digital sound, a game room, advance ticketing over the Internet and a specialty café, she said.The theater’s stadium seating features an 18-inch height difference between each row for better viewing, Birdwell said. “It’s a fabulous location. It’s breathtaking,” Birdwell said.Grand 16 will feature mostly blockbuster films, Birdwell said, with some independent movies. The theater’s movie selection would be distributor-driven.The theater will be the third business to open at Pier Park, following Target and Longhorn Steak House.
Les Morris, a spokesman for Simon Property Group, said Panera Bread also will open in May at Pier Park, although he was not sure of an exact date.The 5,000-square-foot Panera location will seat 175 people and face Back Beach Road. Morris said “a number of stores” will be opening at Pier Park this summer and added that Simon would be making more announcements in the coming months.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
ERA on the Wall Street Journal Online
ERA Real Estate has partnered with RealEstateJournal.com to provide even more visibility for your listings. RealEstateJournal.com is a site that draws more than 3.5 million visitors per year, and is geared towards buyers who are looking for luxury homes, vacation properties, retirement and second homes, land and rentals.
Every residential–Single family, Condo/Townhouse, Farm, and Vacation/Resort listing on ERA.com that has at least one photo, a description and priced at a minimum of $500,000 will be featured on RealEstateJournal.com. The listing remains on the site for as long as it remains on ERA.com, providing your listings with even more exposure than ever before.
Every residential–Single family, Condo/Townhouse, Farm, and Vacation/Resort listing on ERA.com that has at least one photo, a description and priced at a minimum of $500,000 will be featured on RealEstateJournal.com. The listing remains on the site for as long as it remains on ERA.com, providing your listings with even more exposure than ever before.
4 Bedroom , 2 Bath in Countryview Estate South OF I-10
If you're looking for a lot of house, look no further. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, south of I-10 2573 sq.ft. You can easily commute from this desireable location. This open floorplan is perfect for the growing family. Detached Single Family
OfficeFile#: 29850 ListPrice: $230,000
Status: Active Last Change: 4/18/2007 ApproxSF: 2,573 BG:
Address: 121 VILLACREST DR $/Sqft: $89.38
CRESTVIEW, FL Bedrooms: 4
Zip: 32536 Baths Full/Half: 3/
County: OKALOOSA Stories: 1
MainArea: 25 Crestview Area YearBuilt: 2004
SubArea: 02 CRESTVIEW SOUTHWEST OccStat: Occupied
Subdiv: COUNTRYVIEW ESTATES 10TH ADDN ImmOcc? Y
ParcelID: 31-23-3N-056R-0000-0040 ConstrStat: ConstrCmplt
ElemSch: ANTIOCH Middle: DAVIDSON High: CRESTVIEW
Dir: From Hwy 85 & I-10 go south to P.J. Adams take a right to Villacrest. Follow to # 121 Villacrest on your right.
Legal: LOT 4 COUNTRYVIEW ESTATES 10TH ADDITION
OfficeFile#: 29850 ListPrice: $230,000
Status: Active Last Change: 4/18/2007 ApproxSF: 2,573 BG:
Address: 121 VILLACREST DR $/Sqft: $89.38
CRESTVIEW, FL Bedrooms: 4
Zip: 32536 Baths Full/Half: 3/
County: OKALOOSA Stories: 1
MainArea: 25 Crestview Area YearBuilt: 2004
SubArea: 02 CRESTVIEW SOUTHWEST OccStat: Occupied
Subdiv: COUNTRYVIEW ESTATES 10TH ADDN ImmOcc? Y
ParcelID: 31-23-3N-056R-0000-0040 ConstrStat: ConstrCmplt
ElemSch: ANTIOCH Middle: DAVIDSON High: CRESTVIEW
Dir: From Hwy 85 & I-10 go south to P.J. Adams take a right to Villacrest. Follow to # 121 Villacrest on your right.
Legal: LOT 4 COUNTRYVIEW ESTATES 10TH ADDITION
HWY 147 PAXTON, FL 32538 MLS#:457992 Acreage: 0.50 $15,000
Build your dream home on this wooded half acre lot, select which Florida native trees you want to keep for as much or as little privacy as you would like. The lot sits directly on county Highway 147 which provides you with paved road frontage.Located not far from the Crestivew or Paxton area . With all this it is priced to sell take a look at this affordable lot today.
8384 HWY 90 DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL $75,000 Acreage: 0.42 MLS#:444034
Corner lot on hwy 90, additional lot to the west available see mls# 444029 for a total of.81 acres, Great potential for commercial application
Industrial Land Hwy 90 Walton County Florida 50 Acres
*******************Bank Owned *******************Zoned for Industrial use, consisting of three lots, with frontage on CSX Railroad tracks, Property has a 1400+ square ft home on it with a small pond on the s/w corner of property.State EDC incentives available. Hwy 90 2 miles west of 331 North. Willow is on the south side of 90
5521 HWY 393 CRESTVIEW, FL 32539 Bed: 4 Baths Full/2 Acres: 2.00 ListPrice: $150,000
Lovely split floor plan this 1560 sq.ft. 2000 home comes with 2 acres.Check out the view from the large front and back decks. You'll love the privacy this wooded lot provides.Property is zoned RRS-2 which will allow for many uses other than single family. Find the attached file to this MLS listing to view more information.We have financing sources for manufactured homes contact me today.
Commercial Crestview Florida Fast growing area over an acre Corner lot ListPrice: $230,000
These four lots, all adjacent and totaling 1.13 acres, are on the west side of Bay street between Blakely Ave and Springhill Court. The three other Parcel IDs are 20-3n-23-0000-0043-0000, 20-3n-23-0000-0045-0000, and 20-3n-23-0000-0050-0000. Located in an area with lots of building activity. Convenient to Main Street Crestview and Hwy 85. There is a great deal of townhome building activity in this area, with homes upwards of $200,000.
Acreage: 26.61 INNSBROOK LN HOLT, FL 32564
Great investment property.Well established subdivision and so easy access to Crestview and Eglin. This property is over 26 acres that sits next to Interstate 10 view the parcel map for more details.
Hwy 90 West of Crestview. Left on Wilkerson Bluff Rd. Go over the I-10 overpass. Turn into Innsbook Lane on right. Property will be at the end of Innsbrook Lane.
Hwy 90 West of Crestview. Left on Wilkerson Bluff Rd. Go over the I-10 overpass. Turn into Innsbook Lane on right. Property will be at the end of Innsbrook Lane.
Niceville Florida
Evidence shows that perhaps up to 10,000 years ago Native Americans were living in the area now occupied by the City of Niceville. A number of projectile points have been found and burial mounds dot the area offering mute proof of times long past. Conflict arose between these native populations and the European explorers who began arriving in the area around 1500-1700. This was a time of proud Native Americans, conquering Spanish conquistadors, and thieving pirates.
By the early 1800s the new American government had settled in, and established its own systems of politics, religion, and trade, much the same way the Native Americans had done centuries earlier. During these times the fishing industry thrived on mullet caught in the sandy-bottomed bays of the area. One such bay was called Boggy Bayou, named for a great deposit of peat discovered at the mouth of Juniper Creek. It wasn't long before a tiny fishing village was established along the shores of the bay. The village, named Boggy after the bayou itself, was the starting point for what would later become Niceville.
In 1842 a cattleman from Louisiana named Jessie Rogers drove his herds to the head of Boggy Bayou and settled in the area. Permanent settlement began as the Civil War ended, and the war's victims left their devastated homes behind to find a new life. Boggy provided them with abundant sunshine, waterway transportation and inexpensive tracts of land. It was around this same time that a legislative act established two counties in the area, Santa Rosa, and Walton. It was from these two counties that the county of Okaloosa, in which modern day Niceville is located, would be created in 1915.
The settlement continued to grow when a gristmill was established by John Nathey and his father, to serve the increasing number of farms in the area. Part of that mill still stands on what is now the Eglin AFB golf course. A general store and a sawmill further improved upon the primitive conditions the homesteaders endured, and a number of turpentine distilleries began operating in the area. As trade began to expand beyond the local community, the need for a postal service was realized. Dr. James C. White was named the first postmaster, and on August 17, 1893 the U.S. Postal Service officially recognized the city of Boggy. A few years later the residents decided that 'Boggy' was an unflattering name to represent a respected and growing community, so on November 5, 1910 the city was renamed 'Niceville.' Some residents still were not happy with the name, and on May 24, 1919 the city was again renamed, this time to 'Valparaiso' which is Spanish for 'Vale of Paradise.' One mile from the town, another community was developing, and it was dubbed 'New Valparaiso.' This created confusion among the residents of the two towns, and all but halted the mail delivery. After much discussion the town's name was changed back to Niceville on November 1, 1925 and it has held the name ever since.
Over the next decade Niceville continued to develop their small, thriving community. Some type of local government was needed to represent the interests of its citizens. On July 7, 1938 a mass meeting of the qualified voters was held to organize a municipal government and to elect officers. They decided to incorporate the city using its official name of Niceville. The bounds of the territory limits were decided on, and a circular disk with the inscription 'City of Niceville, Florida' was selected as the seal. Two petitions were drawn up, one opposing the proposed incorporation, and the other in agreement with the proposal. Of the 329 registered voters who took part, only four opposed the incorporation. The chairman declared the name duly selected, the seal duly adopted, and the territory limits definitely designated by metes and bounds. J. M. Reynolds was elected the first mayor of the City of Niceville on July 15, 1938 and J. W. Windham was elected the first clerk. C. G. Meigs, Wallace Spence, Herman Anderson, Thomas Powell, and G. B. Anchors were the first five councilmen. Hughey Holmes was elected Marshall of the city.
The first recorded school in Niceville was constructed in 1922. Two other schools, established in the 1920's close to the site of the present Edge Elementary, were demolished, the first by fire and then in 1936 its replacement by a hurricane. Classes were conducted in various locations such as the present-day Valparaiso Community Center and a dance hall on Howell Hill until 1938, when the school was again rebuilt. This school, constructed by the Works Progress Administration, consisted of only the front section of the present Edge Elementary School building. The auditorium and additional wings were erected later.
In the spring of 1963, a high school was established in the City of Niceville. Prior to this time, high school age Niceville students attended Choctawhatchee High School with other students in the area. The first class of seniors graduated in the spring of 1966. One year later, the new Niceville Senior High School was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the next few years the school was expanded to include a gymnasium, an auditorium, a band room, a wing of classrooms and an industrial arts building. Another wing has been constructed that will house science labs, a home economics suite, general purpose classrooms and administrative offices.
Today the municipality of Niceville remains a small, close-knit community of just under 20,000 with ever increasing public services. The population is served by one high school, a middle school, two elementary schools, a private center of education and a community college
By the early 1800s the new American government had settled in, and established its own systems of politics, religion, and trade, much the same way the Native Americans had done centuries earlier. During these times the fishing industry thrived on mullet caught in the sandy-bottomed bays of the area. One such bay was called Boggy Bayou, named for a great deposit of peat discovered at the mouth of Juniper Creek. It wasn't long before a tiny fishing village was established along the shores of the bay. The village, named Boggy after the bayou itself, was the starting point for what would later become Niceville.
In 1842 a cattleman from Louisiana named Jessie Rogers drove his herds to the head of Boggy Bayou and settled in the area. Permanent settlement began as the Civil War ended, and the war's victims left their devastated homes behind to find a new life. Boggy provided them with abundant sunshine, waterway transportation and inexpensive tracts of land. It was around this same time that a legislative act established two counties in the area, Santa Rosa, and Walton. It was from these two counties that the county of Okaloosa, in which modern day Niceville is located, would be created in 1915.
The settlement continued to grow when a gristmill was established by John Nathey and his father, to serve the increasing number of farms in the area. Part of that mill still stands on what is now the Eglin AFB golf course. A general store and a sawmill further improved upon the primitive conditions the homesteaders endured, and a number of turpentine distilleries began operating in the area. As trade began to expand beyond the local community, the need for a postal service was realized. Dr. James C. White was named the first postmaster, and on August 17, 1893 the U.S. Postal Service officially recognized the city of Boggy. A few years later the residents decided that 'Boggy' was an unflattering name to represent a respected and growing community, so on November 5, 1910 the city was renamed 'Niceville.' Some residents still were not happy with the name, and on May 24, 1919 the city was again renamed, this time to 'Valparaiso' which is Spanish for 'Vale of Paradise.' One mile from the town, another community was developing, and it was dubbed 'New Valparaiso.' This created confusion among the residents of the two towns, and all but halted the mail delivery. After much discussion the town's name was changed back to Niceville on November 1, 1925 and it has held the name ever since.
Over the next decade Niceville continued to develop their small, thriving community. Some type of local government was needed to represent the interests of its citizens. On July 7, 1938 a mass meeting of the qualified voters was held to organize a municipal government and to elect officers. They decided to incorporate the city using its official name of Niceville. The bounds of the territory limits were decided on, and a circular disk with the inscription 'City of Niceville, Florida' was selected as the seal. Two petitions were drawn up, one opposing the proposed incorporation, and the other in agreement with the proposal. Of the 329 registered voters who took part, only four opposed the incorporation. The chairman declared the name duly selected, the seal duly adopted, and the territory limits definitely designated by metes and bounds. J. M. Reynolds was elected the first mayor of the City of Niceville on July 15, 1938 and J. W. Windham was elected the first clerk. C. G. Meigs, Wallace Spence, Herman Anderson, Thomas Powell, and G. B. Anchors were the first five councilmen. Hughey Holmes was elected Marshall of the city.
The first recorded school in Niceville was constructed in 1922. Two other schools, established in the 1920's close to the site of the present Edge Elementary, were demolished, the first by fire and then in 1936 its replacement by a hurricane. Classes were conducted in various locations such as the present-day Valparaiso Community Center and a dance hall on Howell Hill until 1938, when the school was again rebuilt. This school, constructed by the Works Progress Administration, consisted of only the front section of the present Edge Elementary School building. The auditorium and additional wings were erected later.
In the spring of 1963, a high school was established in the City of Niceville. Prior to this time, high school age Niceville students attended Choctawhatchee High School with other students in the area. The first class of seniors graduated in the spring of 1966. One year later, the new Niceville Senior High School was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the next few years the school was expanded to include a gymnasium, an auditorium, a band room, a wing of classrooms and an industrial arts building. Another wing has been constructed that will house science labs, a home economics suite, general purpose classrooms and administrative offices.
Today the municipality of Niceville remains a small, close-knit community of just under 20,000 with ever increasing public services. The population is served by one high school, a middle school, two elementary schools, a private center of education and a community college
Fort Walton Beach Florida
From a population of 90 in 1940 to over 175,000 in 2002, the Greater Fort Walton Beach area has enjoyed growth in many areas. Undiscovered for many years, the area abounds with both large and small businesses, beautiful residential neighborhoods, sophisticated condominium complexes, an active industrial park engaged in light, clean industry, and many opportunities for outdoor sports and activities. A civic auditorium, council chambers, library complex, and attractive parks give the city its core of activity. Fort Walton Beach has an unusual number of fine restaurants and entertainment facilities. A top rated educational system provides students with the opportunity of a kindergarten through graduate school education. The city has many churches of every denomination as well as numerous clubs and civic organizations. Situated on the beautiful white sands of the Emerald Coast on the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Walton Beach draws from a business area of more than 177,000 people.
Many factors go into making Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County the vibrant area it is today. However, there are five important areas that stand out: the military impact in the community, the high tech industry located here, the abundant educational opportunities, the cost of living and the life-style advantages. Browse through the community section to see things that make the Fort Walton Beach area such an attractive place to work, live and play.
Fort Walton Beach is rapidly earning the reputation as the "Technology Coast." Dozens of small and mid-size companies designing and manufacturing a vast assortment of products for military/industrial use have chosen our area as their home. These businesses often keep a low public profile due to their military and defense connections, but their impact on Fort Walton Beach is great. Their presence means an influx of professionals who are highly skilled, highly educated and highly paid. As the "Technology Coast" grows - and by all indications it will do so by leaps and bounds - so will the Fort Walton Beach metro area.
Many factors go into making Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County the vibrant area it is today. However, there are five important areas that stand out: the military impact in the community, the high tech industry located here, the abundant educational opportunities, the cost of living and the life-style advantages. Browse through the community section to see things that make the Fort Walton Beach area such an attractive place to work, live and play.
Fort Walton Beach is rapidly earning the reputation as the "Technology Coast." Dozens of small and mid-size companies designing and manufacturing a vast assortment of products for military/industrial use have chosen our area as their home. These businesses often keep a low public profile due to their military and defense connections, but their impact on Fort Walton Beach is great. Their presence means an influx of professionals who are highly skilled, highly educated and highly paid. As the "Technology Coast" grows - and by all indications it will do so by leaps and bounds - so will the Fort Walton Beach metro area.
Destin Florida Information
Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the 7th century A.D. Spanish explorers surveyed Florida in 1538. Don Francisco Tapia was commissioned to survey the Florida coast and in 1693, drew the first known map of East Pass and its shores. Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Captain Leonard Destin, who moved here from New London, Connecticut, and settled in Northwest Florida in about 1845. Captain Destin pioneered the fishing industry and Destin has maintained this heritage to the present.
With the growth and development of Destin from a small fishing village to a major tourist resort came the need for a local government structure. The City of Destin was originally chartered as a municipality under the laws of the State of Florida in 1984. However, the community of Destin, in existence for more than one hundred and fifty years, has a long history as a fishing village and premier resort destination.
Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida docks at the Destin Harbor. In addition to fishing, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis and watersports, including diving and snorkeling. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. The City of Destin is home to 11,119 full-time residents (2000 US Census).
With the growth and development of Destin from a small fishing village to a major tourist resort came the need for a local government structure. The City of Destin was originally chartered as a municipality under the laws of the State of Florida in 1984. However, the community of Destin, in existence for more than one hundred and fifty years, has a long history as a fishing village and premier resort destination.
Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida docks at the Destin Harbor. In addition to fishing, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis and watersports, including diving and snorkeling. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. The City of Destin is home to 11,119 full-time residents (2000 US Census).
Valparaiso Information
Evidence shows that perhaps up to 10,000 years ago Native Americans were living in the area now occupied by the City of Niceville. A number of projectile points have been found and burial mounds dot the area offering mute proof of times long past. Conflict arose between these native populations and the European explorers who began arriving in the area around 1500-1700. This was a time of proud Native Americans, conquering Spanish conquistadors, and thieving pirates.
By the early 1800s the new American government had settled in, and established its own systems of politics, religion, and trade, much the same way the Native Americans had done centuries earlier. During these times the fishing industry thrived on mullet caught in the sandy-bottomed bays of the area. One such bay was called Boggy Bayou, named for a great deposit of peat discovered at the mouth of Juniper Creek. It wasn't long before a tiny fishing village was established along the shores of the bay. The village, named Boggy after the bayou itself, was the starting point for what would later become Niceville.
In 1842 a cattleman from Louisiana named Jessie Rogers drove his herds to the head of Boggy Bayou and settled in the area. Permanent settlement began as the Civil War ended, and the war's victims left their devastated homes behind to find a new life. Boggy provided them with abundant sunshine, waterway transportation and inexpensive tracts of land. It was around this same time that a legislative act established two counties in the area, Santa Rosa, and Walton. It was from these two counties that the county of Okaloosa, in which modern day Niceville is located, would be created in 1915.
The settlement continued to grow when a gristmill was established by John Nathey and his father, to serve the increasing number of farms in the area. Part of that mill still stands on what is now the Eglin AFB golf course. A general store and a sawmill further improved upon the primitive conditions the homesteaders endured, and a number of turpentine distilleries began operating in the area. As trade began to expand beyond the local community, the need for a postal service was realized. Dr. James C. White was named the first postmaster, and on August 17, 1893 the U.S. Postal Service officially recognized the city of Boggy. A few years later the residents decided that 'Boggy' was an unflattering name to represent a respected and growing community, so on November 5, 1910 the city was renamed 'Niceville.' Some residents still were not happy with the name, and on May 24, 1919 the city was again renamed, this time to 'Valparaiso' which is Spanish for 'Vale of Paradise.' One mile from the town, another community was developing, and it was dubbed 'New Valparaiso.' This created confusion among the residents of the two towns, and all but halted the mail delivery. After much discussion the town's name was changed back to Niceville on November 1, 1925 and it has held the name ever since.
Over the next decade Niceville continued to develop their small, thriving community. Some type of local government was needed to represent the interests of its citizens. On July 7, 1938 a mass meeting of the qualified voters was held to organize a municipal government and to elect officers. They decided to incorporate the city using its official name of Niceville. The bounds of the territory limits were decided on, and a circular disk with the inscription 'City of Niceville, Florida' was selected as the seal. Two petitions were drawn up, one opposing the proposed incorporation, and the other in agreement with the proposal. Of the 329 registered voters who took part, only four opposed the incorporation. The chairman declared the name duly selected, the seal duly adopted, and the territory limits definitely designated by metes and bounds. J. M. Reynolds was elected the first mayor of the City of Niceville on July 15, 1938 and J. W. Windham was elected the first clerk. C. G. Meigs, Wallace Spence, Herman Anderson, Thomas Powell, and G. B. Anchors were the first five councilmen. Hughey Holmes was elected Marshall of the city.
The first recorded school in Niceville was constructed in 1922. Two other schools, established in the 1920's close to the site of the present Edge Elementary, were demolished, the first by fire and then in 1936 its replacement by a hurricane. Classes were conducted in various locations such as the present-day Valparaiso Community Center and a dance hall on Howell Hill until 1938, when the school was again rebuilt. This school, constructed by the Works Progress Administration, consisted of only the front section of the present Edge Elementary School building. The auditorium and additional wings were erected later.
In the spring of 1963, a high school was established in the City of Niceville. Prior to this time, high school age Niceville students attended Choctawhatchee High School with other students in the area. The first class of seniors graduated in the spring of 1966. One year later, the new Niceville Senior High School was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the next few years the school was expanded to include a gymnasium, an auditorium, a band room, a wing of classrooms and an industrial arts building. Another wing has been constructed that will house science labs, a home economics suite, general purpose classrooms and administrative offices.
Today the municipality of Niceville remains a small, close-knit community of just under 20,000 with ever increasing public services. The population is served by one high school, a middle school, two elementary schools, a private center of education and a community college
By the early 1800s the new American government had settled in, and established its own systems of politics, religion, and trade, much the same way the Native Americans had done centuries earlier. During these times the fishing industry thrived on mullet caught in the sandy-bottomed bays of the area. One such bay was called Boggy Bayou, named for a great deposit of peat discovered at the mouth of Juniper Creek. It wasn't long before a tiny fishing village was established along the shores of the bay. The village, named Boggy after the bayou itself, was the starting point for what would later become Niceville.
In 1842 a cattleman from Louisiana named Jessie Rogers drove his herds to the head of Boggy Bayou and settled in the area. Permanent settlement began as the Civil War ended, and the war's victims left their devastated homes behind to find a new life. Boggy provided them with abundant sunshine, waterway transportation and inexpensive tracts of land. It was around this same time that a legislative act established two counties in the area, Santa Rosa, and Walton. It was from these two counties that the county of Okaloosa, in which modern day Niceville is located, would be created in 1915.
The settlement continued to grow when a gristmill was established by John Nathey and his father, to serve the increasing number of farms in the area. Part of that mill still stands on what is now the Eglin AFB golf course. A general store and a sawmill further improved upon the primitive conditions the homesteaders endured, and a number of turpentine distilleries began operating in the area. As trade began to expand beyond the local community, the need for a postal service was realized. Dr. James C. White was named the first postmaster, and on August 17, 1893 the U.S. Postal Service officially recognized the city of Boggy. A few years later the residents decided that 'Boggy' was an unflattering name to represent a respected and growing community, so on November 5, 1910 the city was renamed 'Niceville.' Some residents still were not happy with the name, and on May 24, 1919 the city was again renamed, this time to 'Valparaiso' which is Spanish for 'Vale of Paradise.' One mile from the town, another community was developing, and it was dubbed 'New Valparaiso.' This created confusion among the residents of the two towns, and all but halted the mail delivery. After much discussion the town's name was changed back to Niceville on November 1, 1925 and it has held the name ever since.
Over the next decade Niceville continued to develop their small, thriving community. Some type of local government was needed to represent the interests of its citizens. On July 7, 1938 a mass meeting of the qualified voters was held to organize a municipal government and to elect officers. They decided to incorporate the city using its official name of Niceville. The bounds of the territory limits were decided on, and a circular disk with the inscription 'City of Niceville, Florida' was selected as the seal. Two petitions were drawn up, one opposing the proposed incorporation, and the other in agreement with the proposal. Of the 329 registered voters who took part, only four opposed the incorporation. The chairman declared the name duly selected, the seal duly adopted, and the territory limits definitely designated by metes and bounds. J. M. Reynolds was elected the first mayor of the City of Niceville on July 15, 1938 and J. W. Windham was elected the first clerk. C. G. Meigs, Wallace Spence, Herman Anderson, Thomas Powell, and G. B. Anchors were the first five councilmen. Hughey Holmes was elected Marshall of the city.
The first recorded school in Niceville was constructed in 1922. Two other schools, established in the 1920's close to the site of the present Edge Elementary, were demolished, the first by fire and then in 1936 its replacement by a hurricane. Classes were conducted in various locations such as the present-day Valparaiso Community Center and a dance hall on Howell Hill until 1938, when the school was again rebuilt. This school, constructed by the Works Progress Administration, consisted of only the front section of the present Edge Elementary School building. The auditorium and additional wings were erected later.
In the spring of 1963, a high school was established in the City of Niceville. Prior to this time, high school age Niceville students attended Choctawhatchee High School with other students in the area. The first class of seniors graduated in the spring of 1966. One year later, the new Niceville Senior High School was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the next few years the school was expanded to include a gymnasium, an auditorium, a band room, a wing of classrooms and an industrial arts building. Another wing has been constructed that will house science labs, a home economics suite, general purpose classrooms and administrative offices.
Today the municipality of Niceville remains a small, close-knit community of just under 20,000 with ever increasing public services. The population is served by one high school, a middle school, two elementary schools, a private center of education and a community college
4836 GALLIVER CUTOFF. Working Ranch Home with Show Horse Facilities
This is a show horse lovers' paradise! Have you ever dreamed of having the best facilities for your horses? Your horse circuit friends will all be in awe of all this property has to offer. If you presently have horses this is definitely the place for you. These original owners of this fine property have created a special environment for the caring and training of their show horse. In the barn they have included 3 matted stalls, with power available, a large feed room (can hold up to 200 bales of hay), air-conditioned tack room, wash rack with hot water, a breeze way and large doors for cross ventilation. There is a full Olympic-sized dressage arena with firm footing, a round pen for working your horse(s), and paddocks with weather shelters. A 4-acre section has been used for producing hay in the field, a 16'x60' equipment shed with additional hay storage (room for 400 bales), and moveable gating to allow for temporary sheltering of refugee horses from storm areas. There is a 30'x36' metal shop building with power and water (cold only) with washer and dryer for laundering your horse blankets. It also has 2 large overhead garage doors. There is also a greenhouse, an orchard with fruit trees and grape vines, and an RV carport. A small fenced area in the back of the house is a tropical paradise complete with an oversized deck to enjoy the view of your own cascading Koi pond. There is even a well for watering. All of that is just the outside! Walk up the front steps to the fully covered sitting porch, relax in your rocking chair and enjoy the quiet stillness all around. Upon entering, you will readily see the care and thought that went into building this lovely home. Most of the interior walls are insulated and interior doors are solid to reduce noise from room to room. All rooms have 9' ceilings and crown mouldings. The greatroom and Florida room feature surround sound and all of the associated electonic equipment may stay. The home is wired for 2 satellite receivers and a separate tv antenna, all to stay. There are 2 phone lines, one dedicated to the computer. The wall entertainment unit was bought to fit the area that it is in and will stay; the TV may also stay. Upscale lighting fixtures and ceiling fans, and walk-in closets that are ducted for air conditioning are just a few of the touches used in building this special home. All the appliances will stay as the spaces they sit were built just for them. Absolutely nothing has been left out of this wonderful home and horse ranch.Home comes with Old Republic 1 year Home Warranty. You have to see this one to believe it.
5375 Stallion Drive Crestview Florida 10 Acre private getaway only $125,000
10 Acres of your own private getaway! From the entrance by the road, down a winding tree-lined driveway...enjoy the wrap around drive for easy entrance and exit. Close to town yet secluded; surrounded only by 10 acre lots, in this subdivision you have plenty of privacy, yet this 10 acres sits less than 5 minutes from the I-10 285 exit. This piece of real estate is perfect for the family that loves the outdoors. Relax and feel the country on your front deck, or come inside and enjoy the cozy fireplace. This home has recent updates including new dishwasher, new stove, 1-year old central heat and air, and a 2-year old well. New vinyl skirting, new vinyl siding and new vinyl flooring; new carpet as well high-speed DSL availability. Come by and take a look today! Watch the Virtual Tour now available. Listing Broker/Salesperson has ownership interest in the property.
Okaloosa Florida land. Pines Subdivision quarter acre lot only $22,500 priced under most recent solds
Price Reduced!!! Listed price now at under all the recent sold prices for this subdivision.Don't miss your chance to obtain a lot in the extremely fast-growing "The Pines" subdivision. Great place for a new home on this level lot(s) with adjoining lots available. New construction all around in this subdivision located just off Highway 90 East. Convenient to Crestview, easy commute to Eglin or Destin via Highway 285 3 miles away. Auburn Water available to "The Pines," High speed internet now available.Seller is a licensed real estate agent. Bring all offers
30 WATSON RD DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL 32433 Bed: 3 Bath:2 109,000
This 2005 has many upgrades including a hidden washer and dryer area behind the cabinet door entry -- you will have to see it to believe it. Also equipped with a garden tub in the master bath and a walk-in closet. This very open floor plan home sits on 2 lots on the corner of Highway 90 & Watson Road with close to 200 feet of frontage on Highway 90. This property also has a 30'x60' enclosed metal building with 2 rollup doors for many different applications, including possible commercial application. Bring all offers!!! We have financing sources for manufactured homes contact me today.
Okaloosa County Website Update
Local History Alive at Heritage Museum:
The Lumber Industry Display at the Heritage Museum in Val-P.
Depression Era Glass on Display:
Sharon Cabbage Rose Design is currently on Display at Niceville Library, a member of the Okaloosa Co. Public Library Cooperative.
Beach Safety:
Spent 3 days in training for Heavy Surf Jet Ski Rescue.
Beach Accesses Re-open!:
Public Works has restored #1, 2, 3 & 7 for beach access.
Niceville Library Adds New Wing:
Niceville Chamber and Okaloosa Co. Co-op Library Committee cut ribbon for new wing.
Marler Park Ribbon Cutting:
Newly Renovated Marler Park Opens to the Public.
See what's scheduled by Okaloosa Transit. Visit www.rideoct.org.
Newly installed covered bus shelters for the WAVE public transportation system.
Airport Art Exhibit:
Visitors to the Okaloosa Regional Airport Enjoy the facility's new art exhibition
The Lumber Industry Display at the Heritage Museum in Val-P.
Depression Era Glass on Display:
Sharon Cabbage Rose Design is currently on Display at Niceville Library, a member of the Okaloosa Co. Public Library Cooperative.
Beach Safety:
Spent 3 days in training for Heavy Surf Jet Ski Rescue.
Beach Accesses Re-open!:
Public Works has restored #1, 2, 3 & 7 for beach access.
Niceville Library Adds New Wing:
Niceville Chamber and Okaloosa Co. Co-op Library Committee cut ribbon for new wing.
Marler Park Ribbon Cutting:
Newly Renovated Marler Park Opens to the Public.
See what's scheduled by Okaloosa Transit. Visit www.rideoct.org.
Newly installed covered bus shelters for the WAVE public transportation system.
Airport Art Exhibit:
Visitors to the Okaloosa Regional Airport Enjoy the facility's new art exhibition
Crestview Florida Information
Crestview Florida
Crestview Florida
The City of Crestview received its charter from the Florida Legislature and was officially incorporated in 1916. Crestview's name was chosen because it is located on the peak of a long woodland range between the Yellow and Shoal rivers, which flow almost parallel on the east and west side of the city. After Okaloosa County was formed by the State Legislature in 1915, from portions of western Walton County and eastern Santa Rosa County, Crestview became the County Seat in 1917 and remains so today.
With a population of more than 17,000 citizens, Crestview is located at the junction of three major highways; U.S. 90, State Road 85, and Interstate Highway 10, which resulted in its acclaimed designation as the "Hub City" of northwest Florida. The City is 50 miles east of Pensacola, 120 miles west of Tallahassee, and 30 miles inland from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Crestview's elevation of 235 feet above sea level places it as one of the highest points in the state. It receives 65 inches of rainfall annually...the most in the State of Florida. Also, the city was designated as a main street city in 1997 by the Florida Department of State.
The CSX, Inc. Railroad runs through Crestview. Parallel with this railroad is the Old Spanish Trail which extends from Jacksonville west to El Paso, Texas, thus being one of the great truck lines of the country and rich in tradition and history of the Indian, French, Spanish and English settlers in this nation.
If one should wonder what has happened to make Crestview the thriving, friendly, fast growing city we know today, it might be said that it was a fabled fountain of gold or silver. In actuality, it was the dreams and visions of the staunch and sturdy few who were living here in 1915. These early residents realized the natural advantages offered at this particular site for the building of a city and they set out to provide the foundation for such an undertaking.
The City of Crestview formally adopted the Community Redevelopment Agency Concept in 1995 for the expressed purpose of development and redevelopment within the Community Redevelopment area, which encompasses all of the downtown area. This organization adopted a Community Redevelopment Plan, which was sanctioned by the Florida Department of Community Affairs.
In 1997, the City applied, and was approved, for a Main Street program designation by the Secretary of State. This program is embraced nationwide and encompasses the tasks of scheduling and promotion of events such as block parties, downtown days, street festivals, parades, sidewalk sales and cultural events to cultivate and enhance downtown redevelopment.
In 1998, the City hired a full time Director and assisted in the establishment of the Crestview Main Street Association, Inc., whose membership consists of business owners, citizens and other interested parties desiring to revitalize the downtown area. Today, the organization boasts 90 members who are pledged to support the City in their development efforts.
Starting in 1996, the City began a three-phase development effort to construct a major streetscape project in the CRA area. All three phases were earmarked for the restoration of Main Street to the tune of $3.7 million, funded by Tax Increment Financing Funds, grants and general funds.
In 2001, the City Council designated a Historic Preservation District and applied for a grant funding to research and document the histories for 200 structures within the CRA area and district. The survey entailed having all structures surveyed, evaluated, and documented with their histories, qualifying them for a State or National historical significance designation. Properties classified on State or National Registries may seek grant funding for historical restoration as part of the redevelopment efforts.
The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial, Inc., an organization established to honor deceased veterans during wartime, a War Memorial adjacent to the County Courthouse was dedicated in March 2003. Meanwhile, business owners and merchants are busy restoring commercial properties to meet the new Florida Building Code. A new zoning code is being formulated to focus on downtown properties to compliment historic preservation efforts underway.
Here in Crestview you will find an assortment of comfortable homes, churches, schools, recreational facilities, businesses, and industries all working together as a happy, growing city. The health, fire, and police departments, under a stable and prosperous city government working to make this city a wonderful place to live, protect all these things while the related services of the city ensure we uphold our commitment to provide services second to none.
Crestview Florida
The City of Crestview received its charter from the Florida Legislature and was officially incorporated in 1916. Crestview's name was chosen because it is located on the peak of a long woodland range between the Yellow and Shoal rivers, which flow almost parallel on the east and west side of the city. After Okaloosa County was formed by the State Legislature in 1915, from portions of western Walton County and eastern Santa Rosa County, Crestview became the County Seat in 1917 and remains so today.
With a population of more than 17,000 citizens, Crestview is located at the junction of three major highways; U.S. 90, State Road 85, and Interstate Highway 10, which resulted in its acclaimed designation as the "Hub City" of northwest Florida. The City is 50 miles east of Pensacola, 120 miles west of Tallahassee, and 30 miles inland from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Crestview's elevation of 235 feet above sea level places it as one of the highest points in the state. It receives 65 inches of rainfall annually...the most in the State of Florida. Also, the city was designated as a main street city in 1997 by the Florida Department of State.
The CSX, Inc. Railroad runs through Crestview. Parallel with this railroad is the Old Spanish Trail which extends from Jacksonville west to El Paso, Texas, thus being one of the great truck lines of the country and rich in tradition and history of the Indian, French, Spanish and English settlers in this nation.
If one should wonder what has happened to make Crestview the thriving, friendly, fast growing city we know today, it might be said that it was a fabled fountain of gold or silver. In actuality, it was the dreams and visions of the staunch and sturdy few who were living here in 1915. These early residents realized the natural advantages offered at this particular site for the building of a city and they set out to provide the foundation for such an undertaking.
The City of Crestview formally adopted the Community Redevelopment Agency Concept in 1995 for the expressed purpose of development and redevelopment within the Community Redevelopment area, which encompasses all of the downtown area. This organization adopted a Community Redevelopment Plan, which was sanctioned by the Florida Department of Community Affairs.
In 1997, the City applied, and was approved, for a Main Street program designation by the Secretary of State. This program is embraced nationwide and encompasses the tasks of scheduling and promotion of events such as block parties, downtown days, street festivals, parades, sidewalk sales and cultural events to cultivate and enhance downtown redevelopment.
In 1998, the City hired a full time Director and assisted in the establishment of the Crestview Main Street Association, Inc., whose membership consists of business owners, citizens and other interested parties desiring to revitalize the downtown area. Today, the organization boasts 90 members who are pledged to support the City in their development efforts.
Starting in 1996, the City began a three-phase development effort to construct a major streetscape project in the CRA area. All three phases were earmarked for the restoration of Main Street to the tune of $3.7 million, funded by Tax Increment Financing Funds, grants and general funds.
In 2001, the City Council designated a Historic Preservation District and applied for a grant funding to research and document the histories for 200 structures within the CRA area and district. The survey entailed having all structures surveyed, evaluated, and documented with their histories, qualifying them for a State or National historical significance designation. Properties classified on State or National Registries may seek grant funding for historical restoration as part of the redevelopment efforts.
The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial, Inc., an organization established to honor deceased veterans during wartime, a War Memorial adjacent to the County Courthouse was dedicated in March 2003. Meanwhile, business owners and merchants are busy restoring commercial properties to meet the new Florida Building Code. A new zoning code is being formulated to focus on downtown properties to compliment historic preservation efforts underway.
Here in Crestview you will find an assortment of comfortable homes, churches, schools, recreational facilities, businesses, and industries all working together as a happy, growing city. The health, fire, and police departments, under a stable and prosperous city government working to make this city a wonderful place to live, protect all these things while the related services of the city ensure we uphold our commitment to provide services second to none.
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