The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, so that means the swans are ready to race as well! Watch these "birds" race a week before the horses gallop out of the gates. This Friday April 24th marks the 2nd annual Lakeland Derby. The event is staged on the shores of Lake Mirror. The "Derby-style" race features hand-crafted swan paddleboats manned by "jockeys" that will compete for the prestigious Lakeland Derby trophy. At 5:00 pm the festivities will begin with open concessions & a VIP reception. Other opening events include the Call to Post, the Maiden Race, & the hotly-anticipated Derby Hat Contest. The Running of the Ducks will begin at 5:45 pm The Parade to Post will begin at 6:15 pm The Main Event - Lakeland Derby Race is scheduled for 6:40 pm Music entertainment, MillHopper wil... 04/22/2009

Swan Derby in Lakeland Florida - A Free Community Event & Entertainment! Dust off your hats, bring your family and c'mon down to Lake Mirror this Friday April 24, 2009 for the annual Lakeland Derby. With this added excitement just one week prior to the Kentucky Derby, you are going to have a blast watching the "Maiden Handicap Race" at 5:00 p.m., followed by the... oh, you can't miss the magnificent show of the "Derby Hat Contest" at 5:30 p.m., "Running of the Ducks" at 5:45 p.m., the "Parade to the Post" at 6:00 p.m., and last but not least "The Lakeland Derby", a race of ten beautifully hand-crafted swan paddle boats racing for the prestigious winner's trophy - What a memorable race to the finish line it was last year.  All I can say - we had a blast! Wait...that's not all - Live Ente... 04/21/2009

The Roanoke features decorative columns across the front of the home, creating a welcoming and distinctive covered portico at the front entrance. The central living area includes a large great room under vaulted ceilings with sliders revealing a standard screened lanai beyond. The kitchen under vaulted ceilings as well, is set back by the great room and separated by a breakfast bar. The kitchen features a spacious nook and a pantry as well. In addition, this home possesses an expensive formal living room that allows you comfortable dinners with your guests. The three-bedroom, two-bath split floor plan features a master suite with his and her closets, and a private bath with a separate tub and shower. The Roanoke is one of the most appreciated of Southern Homes floor plans. This home is ... 04/20/2009

Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale – Weekly Update on New Listings 04/05/09 - 04/11/09 Lakeland Florida weekly update! There were 65 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $163,277 or $89.92 per square foot with area Realtors®, not much of a change of homes listed from the previous week. While the total inventory (2130 properties as of Wednesday, April 15th) in Lakeland did not change from last week, the types of homes being actively marketed changes daily according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of each property category: 6 condos listed with an average sales price of $183,233 10 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $67,850 2 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $116,250 47 si... 04/15/2009

Lakeland Florida - Is the Real Estate Market out of the Woods yet? Let me share with you some positive signs in the Lakeland Florida housing market. First of all, since January there has been a constant, but moderate increase in the amount of homes sold and average home sold prices. While the average sales price of $135,889 ($71.51 per sq.ft.) for March fell 19% from the previous year, it showed a sensible increase of 2 ¼% from the previous month. There was also an increase in properties sold, 152 Lakeland properties were sold in March compared to 125 homes sold the previous month. The last time we have seen about that many homes sold in Lakeland was September 2008 - 157 homes sold to be exact.   What kind of homes are really selling in Lakeland? It is still the same for the past few mo... 04/11/2009

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts presents "Side by Side by Sondheim" Ah....Spring is the air and music is in my ear as I listen to some musical favorites, such as songs from "West Side Story" in the background while I'm writing this article for the upcoming performance of Harrison School for the Arts showcasing songs by this celebrated composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Are you in the mood yet? Listening to his lyrics and music is great, but what a better way seeing his celebrated songs live on stage as "Side By Side By Sondheim" on the Harrison Main Stage from April 17 to 19 at Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801 PHOTO CAPTION: Caitlin Knowles, Mark Bacon, Amie Heinrich, Siobhan Gale, Zachary Richard... 04/10/2009

Lakeland Florida weekly update! There were 66 homes newly listed in Lakeland for sale with an average sales price of $169,901 or $86.04 per square foot with area Realtors®, an increase of 10 homes listed from the previous week.  Currently there are 2,130 properties actively marketed for sale according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of each property category: 5 condos listed with an average sales price of $95,706 4 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $74,925 2 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $234,450 55 single family homes with an average price of $181,201 The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 1990 Waterfront Pool Home on Scott Lake in the Lake Point S... 04/08/2009

  Lakeland Florida Short Sale – Who should you NOT hire as your Real Estate Agent? Yesterday I was reading a post by Katerina Gasset regarding expired listings that are short sales. Although I was not surprised why these listings have expired, I was shocked, however, by what the reasons were for hiring an agent in the first place. Short Sales have become by far the most extensive transaction in real estate that owners, real estate agents, and buyers are faced with. For homeowners, who are in dire need to sell their homes, do the unthinkable and hire an agent to list the property so they just don’t have to deal with it no more.  What is a short sale? Click here. Who should you NOT hire as your Real Estate Agent?   An agent that tells you that he or she does not want to do short sales. An... 04/07/2009

  Appropriately named,  Lakeland, has something for everyone. Its beauty is reflected in the lakes where graceful swans are celebrated residents. An amazing array of buildings are on The National Register of Historic Places.   Lakeland is readily accessible to Orlando and Tampa, yet ranked 13th in the U.S. for affordable housing. Eclectic Lakeland real estate properties such as Mid Century Modern, turn-of-the-century homes and new construction abound. Traditional homes, condominiums, town homes and lakefront properties are also among the diverse Lakeland listings.    With its several historic districts, you can enjoy a walk around The Lake Mirror Promenade. Downtown is right up you alley if your like a balance of quaintness and sophistication.   But there's much more to Lakeland than m... 04/07/2009

A popular local destinantion, The Farmers Curb Market alongside the corner of Pine Street & Kentucky Avenue has decided to DOUBLE your fun! Not only will the market be open on Saturday mornings, but now you can visit the local marketplace on Wednesdays. Giving local patrons that work in the area the opportunity to visit during the workday. The Wednesday hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website at www.GateArty.com for all your real estate needs! 04/02/2009

This week marks the monthly First Friday event in historic Downtown Lakeland. This month's theme is "Bicycle Night." Enjoy a beautiful bike ride thru the streets of Downtown Lakeland. Many bike clubs & organizations are expected to be present. For the kids, there will be a fun bike parade around picturesque Munn Park beginning at 7 pm. All participants will win a ribbon! Go by Explorations V Children's Museum first as they will provide decorating stations so the bikes may be properly detailed. FREE bike lights installed & bike helmets fitted while supplies last on the corner of Bay Street & Kentucky Avenue.  As usual, the shops will be open late. Don't forget to bring your appetite, because there are a multitude of fine restaurants & eateries within walking distance.  Music, arts, & ent... 04/02/2009

Tax Deadline April 15th – Lakeland Florida, Are you prepared?   Have you filed your income tax yet? The tax deadline April 15th is fast approaching and there are questions home owners, sellers, home buyers and investors in Lakeland, Florida and around the country may have. Are you prepared? While everyone’s financial situation is unique and I’m not a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I do advise you seek a professional advice for your situation. Homeowner and Seller Answers - Sellers if you sold your Lakeland main home in 2008, you may be able to exclude from income any gain up to a limit of $250,000 ($500,000 on a joint return in most cases). Your mortgage interests, property real estate taxes and other fees may be tax deductible. You may be able to deduct amounts of some energy effi... 04/02/2009

  Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale – Weekly Update on New Listings 03/22/09 - 03/28/09 A continuation in declining inventory of homes in Lakeland is good news!  There were 55 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $147,397 or $90.95 per square foot with area Realtors®, a decline from 69 homes listed from the previous week.  Good news for Lakeland’s local housing market is when the surplus of homes decrease and sellers set prices aggressively. Sales are beginning to improve when home buying is being made affordable by low interest rates and tax credit for 1st time home buyers. Currently there are 2,125 properties that are actively marketed for sale according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of each prop... 04/01/2009

Lakeland Florida Local Social Media Tweetup/Meetup at "The Ledger"  I'm sure you heard by now in the local news, the fury of Twitter and Facebook. Perhaps you follow Twitter folks around the country, here in Lakeland or around Polk County. Want to meet your local followers face-to-face? Then come and join Lakeland area bloggers and other social media users such as Twitter or Facebook on March 31st, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ledger's lobby building at 300 West Lime Street, Lakeland Florida 33813 Barry Friedman, the Ledger's Managing Editor/Digital, offered the use of the Ledger's lobby - Refreshments and tours of the Polk county newspaper of record are on the agenda. To help Chuck Welch and Barry know how many to expect how many plan to come. Email Chuck Welch at tweetup [at] lakelandloca... 03/30/2009

Hi folks, it's time again for the weekly update on newly listed Lakeland properties! There were 69 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $182,264 or $97.77 per square foot with area Realtors®, a decline from 76 homes listed from the previous week. We have seen a continued decline in newly listed properties and also seen a steady inventory in recent months at about 2,200 properties that are actively marketed for sale according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of category: 1 ½ duplex listed for sale at $69,000 1 condo is listed at a sales price of $239,900 4 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $76,625 4 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $99,825 59 single family homes with a... 03/25/2009

Lake Hollingsworth Neighborhood - Lakeland Florida Historic Community   The heart and soul of Lakeland rests around the Lake Hollingsworth. During the 1920s homes were built around Lake Hollingsworth area. The south shore of Lake Hollingsworth was then a popular swimming and boating spot when J.L. Francis built Francis Beach in 1915, which incidentally was the place to go for weekly dances. Overlooking the north shore of Lake Hollingsworth is the home of Florida Southern College featuring the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright. With Annie Pfeiffer Chapel completed first in 1941 incorporates all of the basic elements and true specimen of Wright's intellectual style.     Lake Hollingsworth - attracted by its size, walk paths, designated bicycle road, you'll find on average a... 03/25/2009

Just Say No Community LuncheonWednesday, April 8, 2009Bartow Civic Center12:00 Noon $10.00The Just Say No Committee is getting geared up for its 20th Annual Just Say No campaign.Bartow area 5th grade students have been attending the Just Say No activities for 19 years. their participation is made possible through contributions by generous individuals and organizations. With continued budget cuts to our schools, we are asking that our local business community help to offset the costs of this event.So far, we have generous contributions from the Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Bartow.If you would like to make a contribution to this event, please mail your contribution to the Bartow Chamber Office, at 510 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. Please make c... 03/25/2009

Lakeland Florida Harrison School - Piano Concert & Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band Concert The Harrison Piano Students under the direction of Rebekah Haubry will be performing solos and ensembles repertoire from some favorite composers, such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, Brahms, and many more at their annual Spring Piano Concert on Tuesday March 24th , 2009 at 7:30 p.m. on the main state of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801 Surprise! The senior piano ensemble class will be performing an exciting closing number for your enjoyment!   Freshmen - Derik Thomas, Richard Anderson, Alvaro Ulloa. Sophomores - Angel Lee, Tyler Seymour, Matthew Oliver, Sabrina Morby, James Maffett, Robert Fleitz. Juniors - B... 03/21/2009

Hi folks, here is my weekly update on newly listed Lakeland properties! There were 76 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $194,453 or $95.50 per square foot. While the numbers of newly listed properties decreased from 84 homes the previous week to 76 listed with area Realtors®; we have seen a steady inventory in recent months at about 2,200 properties that are actively marketed for sale according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Let’s give the inventory some perspective - during the height of the market around June 2005 our inventory was at 473 homes and the month of supply was at 1.16. In February of 2008, the property inventory grew to over 3,000 home, that translates to approximately a 28 month of supply. We continue experiencing a high volume of inve... 03/18/2009

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts presents "An Evening of Opera"   The Harrison Choral Department under the direction of Judy McLaurin and Chad Brady is inviting you to "An Evening of Opera" at 7:30 p.m. on the main state of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801 The Harrison Chamber Singers will present "One False Move," a modern opera by Susan Kander. Set in a high school, "One False Move" is based on the troublesome issues of girl bullying between two girls, Amy and Bonnie, The junior and senior women will bring to life this powerful drama through songs. After intermission, the audience will be treated by these talented soloists and small ensembles performing repertoire such as:         Marriage of Figa... 03/16/2009