According to research by Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, the rating reached 92.4, the highest level in seven years. Job growth led to the optimism. Consumers stating jobs are "plentiful" increased to 18.2 percent from 15.6 percent. Consumers who believe jobs are "hard to get" declined marginally to 30.6 percent from 30.9 percent. Consumers who believe business … Keep reading... about Business conditions breed confidence
USF Professors Receive Grant Money
Two professors at Sarasota-Manatee College of Arts & Sciences received a grant to support their research project with Family Safety Alliance (FSA). Dr. Melissa Sloan and Dr. Jane Roberts received the grant from the American Sociological Association to study improvement of the local child welfare system. The research will stucy families and children in DeSoto, Sarasota and … Keep reading... about USF Professors Receive Grant Money
Charlotte Stone Crabs 2014
Port Charlotte and Southwest Florida is a paradise for baseball fans. Spring training teams play in Bradenton, Sarasota and Ft. Myers as well as Port Charlotte and you can enjoy minor league games during the summer months. … Keep reading... about Charlotte Stone Crabs 2014
Home Construction Growth
Last month’s housing starts were at an annual rate of 1.093 million units, the highest reading since November. Single-family housing starts in July increased 8.3 percent over the revised June figure of 606,000, and were at a rate of 656,000. The July rate for multifamily housing was 423,000, showing the strongest level of starts since 2006. Home Depot and other home stores … Keep reading... about Home Construction Growth
Property Law and Gay Marriage in Florida
Property Law... The Florida Bar has decided to investigate probate and real estate laws with regard to same-sex couples. The bar created an eight member committee to in June to study the issue and how it will effect legally married same-sex couples who move to Florida. Chairperson of the committee, West Palm Beach attorney Michael Gelfand said, ”Part of what we do is … Keep reading... about Property Law and Gay Marriage in Florida
Driving in Southwest Florida
I enjoy driving and showing my customers the beautiful scenery, beaches and properties in Southwest Florida. Sometimes I can drive hundreds of miles in a week, from Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda to Rotonda and Englewood Beach, Boca Grande and north to Venice, Sarasota and Bradenton. I even get to Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater at times. During the summer I often drive for my … Keep reading... about Driving in Southwest Florida
Florida Foreclosure Properties
While Florida still has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation, July 2014 showed a drop of 30% over July 2013. Home sales in Florida have been somewhat flat and property prices have begun a slow increase. Southwest Florida home sales, and homes sold in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Rotonda, Venice and Sarasota have gained in price, the uptick is not dramatic. Because … Keep reading... about Florida Foreclosure Properties
Remembering Charlie
Ten years ago, on Friday the 13th, 2004, Hurricane Charlie hit Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. To say the least, it was devastating. The eye of the storm drove directly up Charlotte Harbor, damaging homes in Punta Gorda Isles, businesses and homes in the downtown area and across the river in Port Charlotte, doing almost as much. Deep Creek, a section of Punta Gorda was an … Keep reading... about Remembering Charlie
Flood Hazard Zones
Many people misunderstand the coverage they have with their standard homeowner insurance policy and the need for additional flood insurance underwritten by the US government. FEMA was created by the Flood Protection Disaster Act of 1968 to regulate construction in coastal areas and flood plains. FEMA analyzed the flood prone areas of the nation and in 1970’s issued maps that … Keep reading... about Flood Hazard Zones
Tervis Tumblers Expanding Venice, FL Facility
Tervis Tumblers, manufacturer of colorful insulated drinking cups, mugs and glasses is expanding its facilities in Venice, FL. The company is building what it calls an Innovation Center to house its marketing and new product development operations, adding 24,000 s/f to its factory. Construction should be complete in November, 2014. Tervis Headquarters 201 Triple Diamond … Keep reading... about Tervis Tumblers Expanding Venice, FL Facility