Northwest Florida Realtor

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Coldwell Banker iPhone

COLDWELL BANKER BECOMES FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE BRAND TO DEBUT HOME SEARCH INTERFACE FOR iPHONE

Continuing to blaze a path of innovation in the real estate industry, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today became the first full-service national real estate brand to launch a customized online platform for iPhoneTM users.

The Coldwell Banker flagship Web site, coldwellbanker.com, now has a different look and feel, along with navigation specifically tailored for optimal viewing on the iPhone, most notably with the property listings search and home value estimator functions. When a user accesses the site through his or her handset, the Coldwell Banker Web site automatically recognizes that it is being accessed by an iPhone, and will serve up the special iPhone interface. iPhone users do not need to download any special software to benefit from this enhancement to the Coldwell Banker mobile technology.

"Providing easy access to real-time real estate information is critical for consumers in the home buying and selling process," said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "Distribution of listings is crucial in today's environment. Our mobile society is moving away from the desktop and utilizing cell phones and PDAs for more and more content and entertainment. With so many connecting to the Web by phone, we have to be where the consumer is in a way that makes sense."

Those looking for a home will be able to search for homes and utilize the brand's home value estimator. In addition, consumers will be able to enter specific search criteria such as city, state, price as well as optional filters including number of bedrooms and bathrooms. When a property is selected, iPhone users can view all of the specifications for that home and contact an agent directly.

"Now more than ever consumers want to access information about a home as they see it, pass it or hear about," continued Fischer. "Being in front of a computer should not be mandatory."

Earlier this year Coldwell Banker became the first national real estate brand to put its listings on in-car GPS devices through an exclusive feed to Dash Navigation. Drivers can now call up Coldwell Banker listings, map them, get directions and view other Coldwell Banker listings in close proximity.

iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Computers, Inc.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Blackwater Heritage State Trail in Northwest Florida

Blackwater Heritage State TrailBlackwater Heritage State Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This is the westernmost rail trail in the state, extending from the small community of Milton in the south to Whiting Field Naval Air Station (NAS) in the north. Managed by the Florida Park Service, it also connects to the Military Trail (also identified on map) which is managed by the US Navy. It's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. It's mostly a rural trail with only a few dwellings at some of the cross roads once you leave Milton and before you get on the military base. There are some nice creek crossings on wooden bridges with few hills or grades. This is a pleasant trip for the whole family with lots of access and safe riding.

Click here for the trail brochure (PDF 405 kb).
Major Activities

Trail Length/Surface: Blackwater Heritage is 7.0 miles, non-motorized paved (asphalt 12' wide); Military is 2.2 miles, non-motorized paved trail (asphalt 12' wide); equestrian unpaved trail parallels a portion of the paved trail.

Fee: None

County: Santa Rosa

Nearby Towns: Milton

Notes: The Milton Trailhead contains a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, a water fountain, and a bicycle rack. There is a visitor center approximately one mile from the trailhead that offers two picnic tables and parking. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail Citizen Support Organization operates a concession at the visitor center where snacks and souvenirs can be purchased. Benches have been located at various points along the trail for visitor convenience.

The equestrian portion of the trail travels adjacent to a segment of the paved trail with shared bridges. The equestrian trail itself begins about one mile north of the Milton Trailhead, but equestrian access is available at the parking area located at Munson Highway (see parking location identified on map). There is ample oversized parking available, as well as a newly constructed picnic shelter.

When you travel north of the Visitors Center, bring plenty of water with you because there are no facilities for potable water available.

Access/Directions:

Milton Trailhead From I-10 West (coming from Crestview), take Exit 31 (old Exit 10) to SR 87. Follow SR 87 to the intersection with US 90. Take a left (heading west) on US 90. Follow US 90 into Milton to the intersection where SR 87 heads north (to the right). Trailhead is located at this intersection.

From I-10 East (coming from Pensacola), take Exit 26 (old Exit 8) to SR 191. Follow SR 191 through Bagdad into Milton and turn left on US 90. Trailhead is located at the intersection of US 90 and SR 87.

Munson Highway Parking Area Follow directions above to Milton. In Milton, proceed to intersection of US 98 and SR 191. Proceed north on SR 191 (Munson Highway) to intersection with trail and parking area.

Contact Information: Blackwater Heritage State Trail

5533 Alabama Street

Milton, Florida 32564

(850) 983-5338

Florida Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Northwest Florida Realtor serving Crestview, Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

Blackwater River Canoe Trail

The Blackwater River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Located in the middle of Florida's Western Highlands, this 31-mile canoe trail flows through the Blackwater River State Forest. Cedar, maple, and cypress trees often form a dense canopy over the river. There are also some high bluffs where pine and cedar trees tower above the paddler. The water is a dark, tannin-stained color. The Creek Indians called the river "Oka Lusa" (water-black). Along the bends, white sandbars provide a perfect place for camping or picnicking. The trail provides opportunity to observe wildlife including deer, turkey and bobcat. The Mississippi Kite soars overhead in the summer. Fishing can be an enjoyable addition to the trip. This panhandle trail ends at the Deaton Bridge, in Blackwater River State Park.** Please note that the river is non-navigable beyond Deaton Bridge at the State Park.

Click here to download printer-friendly map and description (388 kb PDF).

Major Activities

Counties: Okaloosa, Santa Rosa

Mileage: 31

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

Difficulty: EasyUsual Current: Average (2-3 mph)

Notes and Precautions

The river level fluctuates rapidly following heavy local rains. Check local weather conditions before beginning your trip. The upper part of the river is fairly swift-flowing and requires some paddling experience.

Access
Kennedy Bridge - Take Hwy 90 from Crestview to SR 4. Take SR 4 north to State Forest Road (SFR) 47, the first paved road past Cotton Bridge. Turn right on SFR 47 and head north to the next paved road, SFR 31. Follow SFR 31 about 2 miles north to SFR 24, the dirt road at Hurricane Lake sign. Follow SFR 24 to the bridge.

Peadon Bridge - Same as above to SFR 47. About 2.5 miles north of SFR 47, turn east on first dirt road on right (SFR 50) and continue to bridge. (6 miles)

Cotton Bridge, SR 4 - Four miles northwest of Baker. (5 miles)

Bryant Bridge, SFR 21 - From US 90 at Harold, take SFR 23 north five miles through the Blackwater River State Park to four way stop at SFR 86. Turn right (east) and continue to SFR 21, which leads southeast to bridge. (12 miles)

Blackwater River State Park - From US 90 at Harold, take SFR 23 north three miles to Deaton Bridge within the Park. (8 miles)
There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and /or parking.

Blackwater River State Forest-Jackson Red Ground Trail

Major Activities

Trail Length/Surface:Jackson Red Ground is 21.5 miles from end to end, unpaved

Fee: Fees apply in some areas. Please contact the Division of Forestry for details.

Counties: Okaloosa, Santa RosaNearby Cities: Munson, Crestview

Notes:Jackson Red Ground Trail is blazed orange, and is a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The Florida Trail Association (FTA) produces a detailed hiking guide and segment-by-segment maps which are very useful for hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail. For more information, visit FTA's website at http://www.florida-trail.org/index.htm or call 1-877-HIKEFLA.Three connecting trails are also shown on the map (Sweetwater, Bear Lake and the Wiregrass trail south of Hurricane Lake) are part of the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Program. This program offers recognition awards for hiking designated trails in state forests throughout Florida. For more information, contact the office below or visit the program's website (www.fl-dof.com/Recreation/Trailwalker/index.html).

Access/Directions:Red Rock Road Area (main access for Jackson Red Ground Trail)From I-10, take the Avalon Boulevard Exit (Exit 22). Follow Avalon Boulevard to US 90. Take a right and continue to Burger King. Take a left at Stuart Street (Hwy 87). Go to Milton High School. Take a right across from Milton High School onto Hwy 191. Follow Hwy 191 north to Red Rock Road at Spring Hill. Take a right on Red Rock Road and proceed to the Red Rock Primitive Area/Canoe Launch. Trail crosses Red Rock Road .3 miles to the east. The south end of Jackson Red Ground Trail begins at the road crossing -- proceed north to enter this portion of the trail. The trail segment south of this crossing is the Juniper Creek Trail.

Krul Recreation Area (main access for Sweetwater Trail)From I-10, take the Avalon Boulevard Exit (Exit 22). Follow Avalon Boulevard to US 90. Take a right and continue to Burger King. Take a left at Stuart Street (Hwy 87). Go to Milton High School. Take a right across from Milton High School on Hwy 191. Follow for approximately 20 miles to the Munson crossroads (Hwy 191 and SR 4). Take a right on SR 4 and continue for .7 miles to the Krul Recreation Area sign. Go to kiosk at day use parking lot.

Bear Lake Recreation Area (main access for Bear Lake Loop Trail)From I-10, take the Avalon Boulevard Exit (Exit 22). Follow Avalon Boulevard to US 90. Take a right and continue to Burger King. Take a left at Stuart Street (Hwy 87). Go to Milton High School. Take a right across from Milton High School on Hwy 191. Follow for approximately 20 miles to Munson crossroads (Hwy 191 and SR 4). Take a right on SR 4 and continue for 2.5 miles to the Bear Lake Recreation Area sign. Go to kiosk in campground for information

Shoal River Canoe Trip

Shoal River Canoe TrailThe Shoal River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Twisting and turning through a remote part of the western Panhandle, the Shoal River trail covers 27 miles. Few indications of civilization are evident as you paddle through forests of maple, oak, gum, and cypress. Along the trail, creeks broaden into small lily-covered pools that provide excellent fishing. Sandbars along the bends of the river make good campsites. This narrow river is usually 3-4 feet deep, and water levels do not generally fluctuate more than 3 feet.

Click here for printer-friendly map and description (PDF 393 kb).
Major Activities

Counties: Okaloosa, Walton

Mileage: 27

Skill Level: Beginner

Difficulty: Easy

Usual Current: Average (2-3 mph)

Notes and Precautions Between Access 1 and 2, there are two wooden bridges that collect debris which can be dangerous, especially at high water. The end of the trail is on the northern boundary of the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. Obtain a base recreation permit if you plan to enter the reservation. Information about permits can be obtained by calling (850) 882-4164 or writing Eglin National Resources, 107 Highway 85 North, Niceville, FL 32578. You can continue seven miles past the takeout at SR 85 to the junction with the Yellow River, another state canoe trail.

Access
SR 285 Bridge - 3.5 miles north of US 90 / SR 285 junction
SR 393 Bridge - About 3 miles north of SR 393 / US 90 intersection. (10 miles)
US 90 Bridge - 4 miles east of Crestview. (8 miles)
SR 85 Bridge - At wayside park, 5 miles south of Crestview. (9 miles)
There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.

Blackwater River State Forest Wiregrass Trail

The Blackwater River State Forest offers a natural retreat set amidst the beautiful rolling hills of northwest Florida. Reaching from Conecuh National Forest along the Alabama border toward Eglin Air Force Base, this state forest is Florida's largest at nearly 190,000 acres. The forest is characterized by its many streams, including the namesake Blackwater River, that flow gently south as they make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Located in the northern extent of the state forest, the Wiregrass Trail is certified as a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail and a portion is included in the Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Program. Among its highlights, the trail takes hikers through part of one of the largest remaining stands of longleaf pine/wiregrass natural community found anywhere.

Click here for a printer-friendly version (PDF 364k)

Major Activities

Trail Length/Surface:
12.7 miles from end to end, unpaved

Fee: None

Counties: Okaloosa, Santa Rosa

Nearby Cities: Munson, Crestview

Notes:
The hiking trail is blazed orange. Heading northwest from the North Hurricane Lake Recreation Area, the trail is 6.4 miles to the terminus at the Alabama border. Heading southeast, it is 6.3 miles to the Jackson Red Ground Trail, which is a continuation of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

The Florida Trail Association (FTA) produces a detailed hiking guide and segment-by-segment maps which are very useful for hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail. For more information, visit FTA's website at http://www.florida-trail.org/ or call 1-877-HIKEFLA.

The 6.3 mile segment from Hurricane Lake to Jackson Red Ground Trail is part of the Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Program. This program offers recognition awards for hiking designated trails in state forests throughout Florida. For more information, contact the office below or visit the program's website (www.fl-dof.com/Recreation/Trailwalker/index.html) .

Directions/Access:
North Hurricane Lake Recreation Area
From Munson, head east on SR 4 2.8 miles to Hurricane Lake Road. Turn left onto Hurricane Lake Road (which eventually becomes Beaver Creek Road) and continue north 8.6 miles to Bullard Church Road. Turn right and continue 1.1 miles to Nichols Road. Take a right and continue to the recreation area. Go to the kiosk in the campground.

From Crestview, head west on US 90 to the intersection with SR 4. Take a right on SR 4 and follow to Hurricane Lake Road. Turn right onto Hurricane Lake Road (which eventually becomes Beaver Creek Road) and continue north 8.6 miles to Bullard Church Road. Turn right and continue 1.1 miles to Nichols Road. Take a right and continue to the recreation area. Go to the kiosk in the campground.

If coming from I-10, take the Avalon Boulevard Exit (Exit 22). Follow Avalon Boulevard to US 90. Take a right and continue to Burger King. Take a left at Stuart Street (Hwy 87). Go to Milton High School. Take a right across from Milton High School on Hwy 191. Follow for approximately 20 miles to Munson crossroads (Hwy 191 and SR 4). Follow directions from Munson above.

Monday, June 30, 2008

More pictures added to the MLS for the airport home at 502 Tailspin

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Coldwell Banker wins the Innovator of the year award

Beginning May 15th, 2008, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the 2007 Inman News' Innovator of the Year winner in the brokerage/franchise category, became the first national full-service real estate company to distribute its listings to a GPS device. Coldwell Banker worked with Dash Navigation Inc., the first GPS provider to have an Internet connected GPS device and deliver Web-based content directly to the GPS.Just as Coldwell Banker now feeds listings to such Web sites as Google, Yahoo, Trulia and others, brand listings from around the U.S. will now be fed to DASH users by accepting the Coldwell Banker feed via their "myDash" personalized Web site. Listings then automatically load on their Dash navigation device."We have been waiting for the day to deliver our listings to GPS users and are thrilled that the Dash Express has finally opened that door to us," said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "Our relationship with Dash is a natural progression in our effort to have consumers engage with Coldwell Banker at every turn so that when the time comes to enter the market they are apt to collaborate with a Coldwell Banker sales associate. "The Coldwell Banker feed, now exclusive to Dash, allows consumers to call up Coldwell Banker listings, map them, get directions and view other Coldwell Banker listings in close proximity.

Crestview Florida Main Street office building for sale more pictures of the landmark building

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Landmark office Building for sale over 5700 sq ft on Historic Main Street

Commercial Sales - Office

MLS #: 488332m OfficeFile#: ListPrice: $1,190,000
Status: Active Last Change: Property Type:
PropName: CHIROPRACTIC & ATTORNEY BUILDING Price/Sq Ft:
Location: 102 & 104 MAIN STREET Price/Unit:
CRESTVIEW, FL Price/Acre:
ZipCode: 32536 Building Sq Ft: 5715
County: OKALOOSA Frontage:
MainArea: 25 Crestview Area WF Feet:
SubArea: 03 CRESTVIEW NORTHWEST YearBuilt: 1925
ParcelID: 17-3N-23-2490-0008-048F Const Status: Existing
Directions: Downtown Crestview corner of N. Main Street and Industrial.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Truly priced to sell, this is a one-of-a-kind building great for investing in the rapidly growing Crestview area. With a perfect location in downtown Crestview's revitalized "Florida Main Street" state-designated historic district, this two-story circa 1925 landmark was built as a hotel with eleven rooms on the second floor which were converted into office space. It is situated thirty miles from the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, near Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Pensacola & Navarre on the I-10 corridor in the fastest growing city of its size in the entire state; also near aerospace hub of Eglin Air Force Base with rapid growth due to BRAC realignment. The first floor has two separate storefronts, one of which is currently a doctor's office and will relocate or continue with a lease. This storefront features terrazo flooring. The entire second floor has clear-coated tongue-and-groove heart of pine walls and ten-foot ceilings with exposed "Chicago Brick" on the outer facing walls. The second floor also includes a full kitchen, tiled floors, a gas range, crown molding and trim on all 17 second-story windows and solid wood custom cabinets as well as hand-built custom carpentry with cypress, cedar, and pine throughout. Each room has a ceiling fan. The second-floor bath features a custom-built tiled shower. There is a 420 square foot deck off the second floor as well. The exterior is all brick with new hurricane-insulated windows and 2 new insulated and tinted storefront windows. These are the all new 2000-2005 mechanicals: new A/C and heat pumps, electrical wiring, plubming, CAT5 data/telephone lines and amplified digital cable to current code in every room. This property need to be seen to be truly appreciated. It is ideal for office space or a restaurant/bar. A unique piece of property you don't want to miss. Owner may finance for qualified buyer.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

New Coldwell Banker Ads

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Click the button to call me

Study Military's impact strong and growing

Press release came across my mailbox today.

Who do you turn to for economic security along the Emerald Coast when the bottom drops from the real estate market?

The military.

A study released by Enterprise Florida concluded that military spending remains one of the state's leading growth industries.

DOCUMENTS:
Read the entire Florida Defense Factbook
Read the economic impact analysis: Volume 1 , Volume 2 and Volume 3

It's particularly valuable to Northwest Florida, where defense-related spending accounts for 35 percent of gross regional product.

According to the "Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis" completed by the University of West Florida's Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development, between Oct. 1, 2004, and Sept. 30, 2005, in Okaloosa County:

l Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field generated $2.2 billion in defense spending.

l Countywide, the economic impact of the military was $6.6 billion.

l The average annual earnings per military job is approximately $81,300, or 199 percent more than the area's other jobs in industries such as farming, retail and construction.

The air bases are "incredibly important for all the obvious reasons," said Jim Breitenfeld of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council. "The high wages. The total spending."

Though the report attributes 73 percent of economic activity in Okaloosa to defense-related spending, Breitenfeld said he wasn't alarmed because the bases are stable employers.

"I don't know if we're dependent (on the military), but it would be a heck of a withdrawal if it disappears tomorrow," he said.

Breitenfeld would like to see Northwest Florida diversify economically in areas where it has competitive advantage such as aviation and high-technology information processing.

In Santa Rosa County, Naval Air Station Whiting Field contributed some $857 million to the economy. Its average annual military wage in fiscal year 2005 was $99,800.

Overall, the military presence in Florida promises only to grow, the Haas report continued. By 2010, military spending statewide might have an impact of $59.5 billion, which would be $7.5 billion more than in 2005.

"While Florida's economy has faced challenges during the past few quarters, particularly in areas hardest hit by the real estate slowdown, high-wage, defense-related jobs are somewhat immune to downturns in the business cycle," said Enterprise Florida president John Adams in a news release.

"They provide strength in Florida's economy even in difficult times."

Daily News Staff Writer Mladen Rudman

Kohls Fort Walton Beach coming soon

FORT WALTON BEACH - Although its corporate office still will not confirm it, Kohl's is coming.

The Okaloosa County Commission unanimously approved site plans for a new Kohl's department store to be located near the intersection of Beal Parkway and Hurlburt Road in Fort Walton Beach.

With Tuesday's approval, construction is expected to start early next month, said John Kramp, site development manager for Kohl's. He said they hope to have the store open by the end of the year.

"It's going to be a fairly long road (before the store opens)," Kramp said. "The timetable is up in the air."

The first phase will be the demolition of the Bay Furniture building.

The new 103,990-square-foot department store will replace the old Bay Furniture next to Winn-Dixie.

The only question commissioners had about the project before its approval was about its storm-water retention. Storm-water guidelines are stricter now than when the furniture store was built, and Kohl's will have to upgrade the retention ponds.

The Daily News contacted Kohl's corporate office Tuesday afternoon for additional information on the new store. Despite its impending approval, Kohl's would not confirm the store.

"At this time, we've not announced any plans to open a new store in the Fort Walton Beach community," Kohl's spokeswoman Courtney K. Rogaczewski responded in an e-mail. "Kohl's has an ongoing real estate assessment process. At any given time, Kohl's is reviewing sites in communities nationwide. We do not comment on real estate speculation. When we have firm details, we are happy to share it at that time."

That is the same response Rogaczewski sent to the Daily News last month.

Article by

Dusty Ricketts

I was really happy to see this I would always find myself going to the Kohls in Ohio for this and that and its about time we got one of these.

Mossy head blackstone development

Mossy Head is a peaceful, sleepy community

Also in the future of Mossy Head is the

Blackstone Development, a 1,300 acre major

project that will provide a balanced mix of residences,

shops, services, civic building and recreational

facilities. There will be approximately

3,300 dwellings (2,200 single-family and 1,100

multi-family units), 140,00 square feet of retail

and service, 37,500 square feet of office space,

day care and an 18 hole golf course. Phase I may

begin as early as 2006 with an anticipated buildout

date of 2015-2020.

The size of these developments will call for

infrastructure needs, most importantly water and

sewer. Tom Terrell, President of Mossy Head

Waterworks, is working closely with the Walton

County Board of Commissioners to explore

options to provide the necessary services. District

3 Commissioner Larry Jones, who represents the

area, agrees that there is going to be a pressing

need in the not-so distant future. Details, costs

and a timeframe are still being looked at, but

Jones wants the county to move quickly so that

sewer service is available at the industrial park by

the time the new school opens.

The Mossy Head Elementary School, to be

located on a 20 acre site was donated from the

Board of County Commissioners to the School

Board, is anticipated to be open for the 2008

school year. The School Board is actively looking

for locations to build a Junior and High School.

Commissioner Larry Jones has worked hard

to obtain a grant for a community park and the

efforts paid off when Walton County was awarded

a grant in the amount of $200,000 from DEP

through the Florida Recreation Development

Assistance Program (FRDAP). The park site is

located at 13170 US Highway 90, just behind the

Mossy Head EMS Station. Walton received a

waiver of any matching requirements through the

REDI (Rural Economic Development Initiative).

The park will have a pavilion, playground with

splash pad, swing sets, an exercise trail, picnic

facilities, benches, restrooms, fencing, and parking

area.

Welcome to the future Mossy Head!

Mossy Head economic development

Mossy Head is a peaceful, sleepy community nestled on high ground in Northwest Walton County. What makes this area so attractive for economic development? Several factors are involved, including but not limited to:

easy Interstate 10 access, railroad facilities, proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, reasonable housing costs, Walton County Industrial Park, Blackstone Development of Regional Impact (DRI), newschool and $200,000 grant for a community park .The area knows it is about to experience a tremendous growth spurt and long-time pillars ofthe community want to make sure that proper planning procedures are in place to ensure 'smartgrowth' so they can maintain the rural county atmosphere while at the same time becoming an economic force in the county.

The Walton County Industrial Park, which encompasses approximately 333 acres, has been in the planning stages for many years. A master plan for the project was submitted on behalf of the Walton County Board of Commissioners to the Planning and Development Services Department in July 2006. The plan calls for 40%manufacturing, 40% warehouse and 20% of office space. Creating a master plan will encourage businesses to move into the park because it will facilitate obtaining a development order, which in turn means being able to start-up more quickly and begin the process of hiring new employees. The park is also part of an enterprise zone which provides incentives for businesses to locate there.

Green Building grants

Grant Funds up to $50,000 per Project

Now Available for Developers Committed to Providing Green* Affordable Housing

Applications must be received online by April 11

Awards are expected to be made by the last week of June

Grant guidelines and application available at www.greencommunitiesonline.org

*Please note that Enterprise and its partners have updated the Green Communities Criteria. Before starting the application please make sure to request the new Criteria at: http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/criteria/request.asp

My mobile text address

My mobile text address 8507581236@txt.att.net

St. Joe Results to previous blog entry

I ran across an article I posted on my previous blog that I wanted to check out how things went now almost a year later here are the results.

Haven Custom Homes Press Release

Feburary 13, 2008
EMBARGOED: FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 13, 2008

For further information contact:
John Ragland
Executive Vice President,
Land Acquisitions and Marketing
Haven Custom Homes
Phone: (410) 694-0094
http://www.havenhome.com/ /

TUCKER BAYOU, SOUTHERN LIVING IDEA HOUSE, WINS HOME OF THE YEAR AWARD AT BEST IN AMERICAN LIVING AWARDS CEREMONY

ORLANDO, Florida -Tucker Bayou, a 2007 Southern Living Idea House, was awarded the prestigious Home of the Year during the Best In American Living Awards (BALA) ceremony in Orlando. The innovative home was a result of strategic partnerships among Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE), Haven Custom Homes and Southern Living magazine. Founding Principal J. Carson Looney, FAIA, of Memphis, Tenn.-based Looney Ricks Kiss Architects accepted the award.

"Tucker Bayou is an example of how strong partnerships can work together to create innovative concepts in new home design and produce a home that is widely acclaimed by the marketplace," Looney said. "A collaboration such as the one we have created with Haven Custom Homes, The St. Joe Company and Southern Living will change the way people look at design and modular construction and will ultimately improve the future of neighborhood developments."

Tucker Bayou was chosen as Home of the Year based on its architectural design by Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, site and landscaping by JOE, quality craftsmanship and architectural detail by Haven Custom Homes and interior design by Looney Ricks Kiss Interiors Group.

Located in The St. Joe Company's WaterSound community in South Walton County in Northwest Florida, the home is a 3,544 square-foot, shingle-sided, tin-roofed Southern cottage that combines the comfort of an empty nester vacation home with features that suit the versatile lifestyles - both social and private - of today's families. Haven Custom Homes utilized modular construction for Tucker Bayou, resulting in a home that was substantially complete upon arrival to the site and assembled in a matter of days. Site and landscaping details were then completed by St. Joe and the home's interior design was created by Ann Parker with Looney Ricks Kiss Interiors group, working with the Southern Living design team.

"Every partner contributed their expertise, from the initial design to the interior details, to create Tucker Bayou," said John Ragland, executive vice president, Land Acquisitions and Marketing for Haven Custom Homes. "We were privileged to work with such esteemed partners on this project and look forward to creating more innovative, award-winning homes in the future."

"With this project, we have advanced the art and science of homebuilding in Northwest Florida," said Jerry M. Ray, The St. Joe Company's Senior Vice President for Strategic Alliances. "Ultimately, this award demonstrates that a group of best-in-class strategic partners can effectively deliver an extraordinary product for homeowners. We look forward to this award-winning approach to homebuilding in all of JOE's Florida markets."

The St. Joe Company, one of Florida's largest real estate development companies, and Haven Custom Homes, one of the nation's leaders in the construction of modular homes, formed a strategic alliance in 2007 to bring state-of-the-art building techniques to JOE's communities in Northwest Florida and JOE's RiverTown near Jacksonville, Fla. Haven Custom Homes also has a strategic partnership with Looney Ricks Kiss Architects to create modular homes rich in architectural detail and design.

For more than 30 years, Haven Custom Homes has provided a unique approach to off-site construction. Partnering with local builders, Haven Custom Homes has delivered more than 350 quality homes each year to discerning buyers with homes prices ranging from $300,000 to $2.5 million. Haven Custom Homes was acquired by Wind River Holdings in late 2005, a private holding company out of King of Prussia, PA, and is poised to make significant expansion in the homebuilding business. Haven Custom Homes currently operates environmentally protected home building centers in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, with future expansion into other regions to meet the growing demand of its quality homes. For more information about Haven Custom Homes, visit www.HavenHomes.com or call (410) 694-0098.

Founded in 1983, Looney Ricks Kiss is an architecture, planning and interiors firm with offices in Memphis, Celebration, Rosemary Beach, Jacksonville, Nashville, Dallas, Baton Rouge, La., Boulder, CO and Princeton, N.J. The firm has been commended by developers across the nation for its success in the planning and implementation of mixed-use developments, urban infill projects, downtown revitalization and traditional neighborhood developments. To date, the firm has received more than 450 awards of recognition for design at local, state, regional and national levels. For more information about Looney Ricks Kiss, visit the company website at http://www.lrk.com/.

The St. Joe Company, a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, is one of Florida's largest real estate developing companies. The company is primarily engaged in real estate development and sales, with significant interests in timber. Its mission is to create places that inspire people and make JOE's Florida a better play to live, work and play.

Sponsored by Professional Builder magazine and the National Association of Home Builders, the BALA program showcases homes that illustrate design quality, succeed in the marketplace and exemplify the "Best in American Living." To qualify, homes must have been completed or communities opened between May 1, 2005, and July 12, 2006. A total of 106 award winners in 41 categories were chosen from more than 559 entries. The 2006 BALA competition's panel of 12 judges was composed of builders, marketing experts, architects, land planners, developers, design professionals, interior designers and Professional Builder editor.

Photography:

1.) Tucker Bayou - © 2007 Photography courtesy of Southern Living, Inc Magazine

ST. JOE Innovations

I ran across an article below that is turning a year old and I wanted to check on each project and see how things are going.

St . Joe Innovations

Among this year's out-of-the-ordinary from landowner St. Joe Co.:

» A prebuilt house assembled in a day. The home, constructed at WaterSound in Walton County, is a Haven Homes off-site built model using factory-made components. It will be a featured Idea House in Southern Living magazine.

» A fast-round golf course with six holes and three sets of tees. The course, designed by professional player Davis Love III , will open at WaterSound this spring.

» A town center design with interpretations by six architects. Six buildings, representing individual takes on the region's indigenous architecture, will begin opening this summer at WindMark Beach in Gulf County.

» A restoration project returning woods to the way Hernando DeSoto found them in 1539. St. Joe is converting industrial pine forest to the region's original forestlands at a 7,000-acre site at Breakfast Point in Bay County, where the National Audubon Society is partnering with St. Joe to build a state-of-the-art nature center

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Natural Springs Private Lake Estate

Contact Brandon Jordan cell (850)-758-1236
Farms and Acreage

MLS #:
482878

OfficeFile#: Type: LA

ListPrice:
$2,600,000

Status:
Active

Location: LOT 1 HILTON RD
BAKER, FL

ZipCode: 32531

County:
OKALOOSA

Stories:
1

MainArea:
25 Crestview Area

YearBuilt:
1988

SubArea:
10 BAKER & MILLIGAN

Acreage:
70.00

ParcelID:
17-3N-24-0000-0004-0000

PropType:
Land/Acreage

Directions:
From 85 & 90 in Crestview head 90 west to Hwy 4 Take Hwy 4 north for two miles to just before the ball park, left takes you to Hilton this acreage is located at the end of the private drive.

Legal:
NW1/4 EX PART NE OF ST RD & EX PART SE OF CO RD & SW1/4 LYING NW OF CO RD

Description:

This luxurious "natural springs" waterfront acreage is set in an impressive position, with sweeping panoramic views over your own private lake. It makes a great impression! There is an all-brick home that boasts a large front porch overlooking the lake. The home has two master bedrooms, a large living area with a great view of your private natural springs lake. Ideal for entertaining and relaxing, it is a peaceful haven with a large reception area. The home was completed in 1998 and offers interior space of 1751 square feet, laid out on 70 acres. The beautiful living area includes, while outdoors, a lovely multitude of mature trees that add to the breathtaking surroundings.

Some of the area that I cover

Beaches of South Walton South Walton Real Estate North Walton Real Estate 30-A Real Estate Freeport Florida Real Estate Inlet Beach Real Estate Dune Allen Real Estate Miramar Beach Real Estate Santa Rosa Beach Real Estate Seacrest Real Estate Watersound Real Estate Watercolor Real Estate Blue Mountain Beach Real Estate Rosemary Beach Real Estate Grayton Beach Real Estate SanDestin Real Estate Seagrove Real Estate Seaside Real Estate Sandestin Resort Real Estate Destin Condos Resources Destin Condos Destin Beaches Destin Homes For Sale Okaloosa Island Real Estate Fort Walton Beach Real Estate Mary Esther Real Estate Shalimar Real Estate Niceville Valparaiso Real Estate Bluewater Bay Real Estate Navarre Beach Real Estate Navarre Real Estate Holly By The Sea Real Estate Gulf Breeze Real Estate

Monday, November 19, 2007

Coldwell Banker United Realtors

I am pleased to announce that I have joined the team at Coldwell Banker United Realtors, the largest Coldwell Banker in the nation. What does this mean for me? This means more exposure for anyone that lists a property with me to help them sell their property. Coldwell Banker United has offices in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Mississippi. This gives instant access to the second-largest real estate website behind Realtor.com. Coldwell Banker United Realtors just seems to fit perfect with my direction as I have just been E-Pro certified. Coldwell Banker United Realtors does automatic feeds to all of the top realty search engines -- Trulia, Zillow, Homegain and all others, big or small. I look forward to offering my clients many new features that are just part of being with Coldwell Banker United Realtors.

Airport Home in Northwest Florida

502 Tailspin Lane Holt Florida Airport Home for sale

ListPrice:
$575,000

Status: Active

ApproxSF:
1,500 BG:

Bedrooms: 2

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