What's to do for fun on a Saturday night in Bonita Springs?  Try the new Muvico Theatre at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero, Florida.  Estero?  Sidebar:  Believe it or not there isn't a lot of fan fare leaving Bonita Springs and entering Estero on US 41 (which is also known as Tamiami Trail)  The two cities have more or less melded and there is a huge gray area around Coconut Point Mall and The Brooks. The Muvico Theater is 'spanking new, has state of the art sound and has those "tilty" seats so you can lean back.  I've only seen a few flicks at the new theater so far.    There are 16 individual theaters that offer varying start times so there is always a flick to catch without waiting.  The last time I went to Muvico they were kind enough to even provide a few popcorn bowls so my “gang... 11/03/2007

By popular demand and special request from one of our northern Michigan friends I took a trip through Coconut Point which includes The Coconut Point Mall, The Residences at Coconut Pointand Rapallo.  A buyer of one of the condos (which are mixed use  and built at the mall) lives thousands of miles away and wants to see what stage the development is in.  We chatted for about 20-30 minutes this morning and I told him I'd be in the area and it wouldn't be a big deal at all to take some new photos to share.  He was my third call in so many days asking about the Residences at Coconut Point.Unfortunately, the sun hasn't cooperated for two straight days.  Bummer, it's cloudy in Bonita Springs but the work still goes on.  They're wrapping up the buildings right now.  The streets have opened and... 10/26/2007

There are two 5k runs in Estero in the next two weeks.  Because I've written about my Bonita Springs Keller Williams running and limping club a few times people that are searching for information about the events are finding my blog.  The best way to learn more about any run or physical event in your community is to visit http://www.active.com/ .  You can also register for the events at that site.October 20th 5K event is:Palm Tree Mortgage 5k 2nd Annual Run Saturday, October 20, 2007   8:00am Estero Community Park and Recreation Center 9200 Corckscrew Palms Blvd Estero, FL October 27th 5K event is:  (I'm running this one, by the way)4th Annual Knights of Fright 5K Saturday, October 27, 2007   7:30 AM Our Lady of Light Catholic Church 19680 Cypress View Drive Ft Myers, FL This one is har... 10/19/2007

Stoneybrook of Estero offers one of the few public golf courses in the Estero, Florida and Bonita Springs areas.  Stoneybrook is located in Estero in the Corkscrew corridore, just down the street from Copper Oaks, Wildcat Run and Colonial Oaks.Homes in Stoneybrook are offered in the variations of attached villa, single family home and condominiums.  The current entry level pricing for a single family home in Stoneybrook is $239,900.  The Weston V model in the photo is offered at $325,000.  Take a LQQK at this home in Stoneybrook of Estero. This home has a split plan 4 bed - 2 baths and offers room for a pool. Enjoy a large screened lanai with a private back yard with lush tropical foliage & a northern exposure. This home is in stellar condition and is neat as a pin, clean as a whistle. ... 10/04/2007

Yes, Bad Ass!  At the corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Corkscrew Road in Estero, Florida a new plaza has just been finished.  If you've driven by you've, no doubt, marveled at the Lowes Home store.  It's so cute!  They made it appear like a row of bungalow homes but it's a box store. In that same plaza there is an out parcel building with several smaller shops.  One of the shops is Bad Ass Coffee.  Since the sign went up everyone has been talking -  Have you been to Bad Ass?  Not me, not yet.  I snapped a few pictures of it the other day while getting keys made at Lowes but I didn't have time to run in.  Do you find it ironic that there is a motorcycle parked smack in front of Bad Ass Coffee?  Do you think they only serve true bad asses and my Realtormobile has no business in the parkin... 10/02/2007

As a Grandezza resident and golf club member, during the summer season we have reciprocal arrangements with many of the other golf clubs and resorts in the area. This is a great benefit for year round (and if you are not year round) residents and members. The reciprocal time period runs from May through October each year. With my new reviltaized golf game (but not yet much improved!) I've set out to play some of the local excellent courses. I've written about a few earlier. This one is about West Bay Club. The West Bay Club is a fairly large community of condos, coach homes, single family homes, and two high rise towers. The high rise towers are just now undergoing interior completion, there are resales and lots for new home construction. It is located in Estero just west of US 41 and c... 10/01/2007

You will not find another home of this quality in Wildcat Run!  This home offers 4 bedrooms + den, 3.5 baths.  Over 3,136 square feet of living space with it's own private pool, spa and brick paver driveway.  Additional parking area is also brick pavers.  This home must be seen to be appreciated and has recently be repriced for a fast sale.  This estate home on a 1/2 acre home site is offered at $925,000Spectacular golf course and lake views. This is one of the most amazing opportunities in Wildcat Run.This is new construction.  No detail has been overlooked!Windows and doors all imported from Germany and exceed hurricane standards. Roof tiles are terracotta (not concrete). Granite on all counter-tops. Porcelain tile (not ceramic). Tumbled Marble, Crown Moldings, Tray Ceilings, Framed A... 09/21/2007

Wildcat Cove is an enclave of 40 single family villa homes in Wildcat Run in Estero, Florida.  There are four floor plans available (on a resale basis) from 2,160 to 2,475 square feet of air-conditioned living space 3,075 to 3,571 total square feet.  The floor plans in Wildcat Cove are also available in Pelican Sound, Gateway and Pelican Preserve - Fort Myers.All owners in Wildcat Cove are social members of the Wildcat Run Country Club.  Golf equity memberships are available for the 18 hole, championship, Arnold Palmer designed course.  To learn more about the amenities of Wildcat Run also read:  Wildcat Run - Estero Florida - Golf & Country Club Villa pricing at Wildcat Cove starts in the high $400,000's.    Wildcat Cove Community Pool Wildcat Cove Villa Homes 09/21/2007

Set amongst 514 acres, Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club is located in the Corkscrew area of Estero, Florida.  The community itself host an Arnold Palmer designed, 18 hole golf course, as well as other championship amenities.  Each hole of the Wildcat Runcourse includes four sets of tees and the course includes practice facilities and an unparalleled driving range with four target greens.Wildcat Run has recently undergone an update and remodel of most of their amenities.  The 26,000 square foot clubhouse and main dining hall has been renovated, as well as the pro shops and the new Grill Room with outdoor dining terrace.  Enjoy a set or two on any of the lighted tennis courts which are located just steps to the country club and pro shop.  Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club community is pe... 09/21/2007

Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club, a WCI Community, is located in Estero, Florida off of Corkscrew Road.  The community is built around an Arnold Palmer designed golf course and features large lots with sweeping fairway, lake and cypress preserve views.  The community map below details the Wildcat Run neighborhoods of Wildcat Cove at Wildcat Run, Cypress Bend at Wildcat Run, The Pines at Wildcat Run, The Village at Wildcat Run and Lakeside Villas at Wildcat Run.To learn more read also: Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club. 09/21/2007

                    Estero played their first home game Friday, Sept 14 against Baker.  Bummer, defeated - score is irrelevant.  It was tied minutes before half time.  The thunder started rolling and I made tracks.  Since I didn't have a kid on the field this year I didn't feel obligated to chance death sitting on metal bleecher in a thunderstorm.  Better luck next Friday, boys.  Estero plays Cape Coral Mariner next Friday at Home.  If you're looking for the full season schedule:  Estero High Football Schedule.  09/16/2007

What a treat I had Sunday afternoon.  First, if you're looking for something fun and free, Yes F-R-E-E, to do on a Sunday afternoon you have to go see the Southern Extreme Waterski Show practice and perform.  Bring the kids, they'll love it.  Bring the dog, it's a pet friendly mall. The Mission of the Southern Extreme Water Ski Show Team is to improve the quality of life for the people in the region by introducing them to the sport of water skiing.Through the vehicle of a Water Ski Team they will help build self-confidence while demonstrating a commitment to the Organization and the Community. Number one, they worked like a clock mechanism: setting up their ropes, stunts, costumes. Number two, I was impressed with the skill and strength.  From small fry to matured everyone was working i... 09/10/2007

Just because I stink at golf doesn't mean you can't go drive a bucket of balls, right?   The Golf Coast Driving range is one of the few driving ranges open to the public in the Bonita Springs and Estero area. It's actually located by Estero High School on Williams Road and right beside the Estero Community Park.  Read also:  Go Past Coconut Road & Turn Right on Memory LaneApparently there are 26 practice tees at the Estero Driving Range just for driving balls.  Apparently? Well, somebody just told me that.  I never counted them myself AND frankly I am concentrating so hard to not hurt myself or anyone around me that the quantity of tees never entered my mind.  Ha! Not even once.  Don't get me wrong I have a deep respect for golfers and golfing.  I understand what a challenge it is. BELI... 09/10/2007

Who doesn't want to know where to get the best slice in town?  Anywhere you go, you want to know....at least I do.  Well, I've saved everyone in Bonita Springs and Estero the bother wading through bad pizza.  Luna Pizza in Estero is the BEST in Bonita Springs and Estero.  Period.  It's over 10 miles from my home and I make trip past a dozen other pizza joints just to pick it up.  They offer pizza by the slice or whole pie.My favorite pizza at Luna Pizza is their version of a Martguerita pizza - Fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella - fresh basil.  I tried to sneak in last night just minutes before it closed and missed it, but took home a slice of white cheese and spinach and a whole plain cheese to go.  (which means I don't have to cook today)When's the last time you had a great piece of pizza... 09/09/2007

The rental market is alive and thriving in Bonita Springs and Estero Florida.  Both condominiums and single family homes, in a myriad of communities and neighborhoods are available for consideration.  A few things to consider, if you are a tenant, when renting a home in the Bonita - Estero areas are:•1.         There can be up to a 30 day waiting period BEFORE you can move in to a rental.  If the property you've set your heart on is  in a community with a condominium or homeowners association there may be  tenant applications, credit checks, and possibly a background check.  •2.         Some condominium/homeowner associations have vehicle limits (the quantity a unit can have) and vehicle restrictions.  Some restrictions include: No pick up trucks, no RV's, no commercial trucks or no mot... 09/05/2007

Isn't this a pretty site?   On my way out of Moe's I went out through the courtyard and snapped this picture.  Besides the great wooden boardwalk dining and lake view with swans, yes swans, Moe's offers great southwest cuisine made fresh, to order and served fast.If you've never been to a Moe's you owe it to yourself to try it!  The food is great and it's such fun to watch the new people walk through the door and jump with the entire staff shouts, "WELCOME TO MOE'S!" every time the door opens and patrons walk in.  Moe's a great place to take kids because they can never get too loud for this restaurant.  The staff is shouting, for crying out loud.  Are you going to tell the kids to be quiet?Moe's is located at the Coconut Point Mall near the North entrance across the street from Marsh La... 08/29/2007

Apparently it's shrouded in secrecy -  The Estero High Shool Football Schedule - but if you do enough digging on the internet, you'll find pay dirt!  I found everything on the Bonita Banner site including the Hurricane WV development report. ;)  I promised the cheerleading coach, Belinda Zivich, three games this year as their official photographer and I just need to know when to show up!Crimany, I even had to read a play by play of "Estero Faces South Opening Night" a "recap" story which included the name Nimitz.  Now Caleb Nimitz (a graduate) is a fine young man but why aren't we reading more about players on the team this year, in 2007 not 2006? I'm trying to figure out why the first time in years there is no Clewiston Game or Lemon Bay game. If you don't know they're basically in Egy... 08/28/2007

If you're an owner patiently waiting for completion or an investor that may be interested in The Residences at Coconut Point, enjoy the photo tour of the buildings.  The mall side of the buildings is visually complete and the side of the buildings facing The Brooks is entering the homes stetch.  Enjoy this article from the News Press about the project: CLICK HERE.  The buildings will be issued their occupancy permits in the near future.The Residences at Coconut Point are condominiums built in a mixed use environment at the boarder of Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida.  The developer is Kosene and Kosene.  If you are interested in learning more about The Residences call Chris Griffith, Keller Williams Elite Realty, 239-273-7430.    08/26/2007

After writing about my day at Tuscany Reserve golf course (see previous BLOG entry) I began to feel guilty about not writing about Grandezza. Why? I live in Grandezza and I am a golf member too since March of 2006! However, I have only played my home course maybe a half dozen times with the last two rounds just this past weekend. Why, again you ask? Work. Grandezza is a beautiful golf course country club community in Estero which is where much of the booming growth is in the area. Just north of Grandezza, which is located on the east side of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, are Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Gulf Coast Town Center Mall, and the Southwest Regional International Airport (RSW). Immediately on the west side of Ben Hill is Germain arena - home of the Everblades hockey team ... 08/23/2007

Lenders, Mortgage Brokers, Mortgage Bankers, Loan Officers and the like - Have at it.  I found this little beauty at the corner of Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parway in sunny Estero, Florida.  I just couldn't resist snapping the photo as I sat at the red light.Seller's call these numbers, don't they?  I thought to myself:How many calls do they get?What is the "angle" on this?How many people actually have their life improved by responding to a poster board on a phone pole - just under the "we buy junk cars" sign? (at least it isn't the same number on both signs)Maybe these people have the answer.  I don't know.  My heart broke just a little knowing that someone that is in over their head can roll the dice and may or may not be calling an honorable organization or they many be getting d... 08/06/2007