More New Homes!

There are so many developments under way and going through rezoning right now that it's hard to believe. "Out East" is quickly going to be a suburban area with the quick access to I-75 being a major plus. I'm visiting new homes communities in a little bit pricier range in this area. Many of them are half to one acre lots often with man made lakes and preserve areas surrounding them. Some of these communities are amenity laden (pools, tennis courts, trails, boat docks, etc.) which are great for families. Other neighborhoods are a retreat from the outside world, many without sidewalks or community pools. (Don't forget those amenities add to your total payment.) All of the sales agents for the builders are well versed about their product and it's advantages. One in particular, Gulfpointe Homes was extremely helpful in explaining the construction in such a way that even an engineer would be impressed! Two story homes are more prevalent in the over 500K range, as are the fancier pools. The 10 and 12' ceilings and trey ceilings are everywhere and very dramatic along with tall curved doorways. And I love the rounded corners here that seem to enhance the flow from room to room.

Florida Green

Preserving the planet, ecosystems, organic, environmentally friendly, biodegradable, recycle - worthwhile concepts across the nation, no doubt. Florida is doing a fine job educating those of us who care to be educated in the "green" options. Businesses related to these topics are creating new jobs and bringing in new service providers along with them. Florida Landscaping & Sea Turtle watches are but a sample of the specific ways we're being asked to contribute to a better lifestyle here in paradise. A fabulous website to check out is www.solutionsforyourlife.com sponsored by the University of Florida. Not only does it have lots of current "green" topics, it addresses other major issues such as disaster preparedness. Most certainly it is bookmarked for me!

Entrepreneurs

I've noticed this entrepreneurship and now I'm seeing it recognized in print by Inc. Magazine. The Bradenton-Sarasota area ranked fourth on the list of hottest Midsize Cities for entrepreneurs. The one year job growth rate was listed as 4.6 percent with a five year projection of 15.1 percent. This area was one of five Florida regions to make the top 10 in that category making Florida "Hot" in more ways than one! The picture here is clear, population is expanding and professional services have increased nearly 30% since 2002. Businesses and services need to keep this area in mind when they expand. I believe the people who live in this area are willing to take risks and work hard to make things happen and it is showing up in the statistics. I can only believe this growth and productivity is a result of good leadership.

DeSoto Heritage

April was filled with events in Manatee County relating to the discovery of Florida on May 30, 1539. The State has a Memorial at the site where it is believed the Spanish explorers landed. Don Hernando de Soto, along with 600 Conquistadors claimed La Florida in the name of Spain. There were parades and balls and bottle boat regattas and seafood festivals along with many educational events in celebration of the Spanish heritage. Barcarrotta, Spain is the sister city to Bradenton and the boyhood home of de Soto. Today, 225 Conquistadors continue to preserve the history and heritage of this event throughout the year. It gives new meaning to the names of many local streets in the area. The major final event was the Grand Parade. People put out their chairs along the route starting two days before the parade and families and businesses joined hands to promote and enjoy an old fashioned parade with approximately 150 entries including a school bus! Throwing beads to the throngs is the highlight and everyone, young and old, left smiling and happy with several ropes of beads around their necks!