Best Dog Park Near Sarasota Florida Is Brohard Beach Paw Park When it comes to dog parks, there is nothing like taking your dog to the beach to run free, frolic in the waves, or swim (with or without you) in the Gulf of Mexico. A short drive south from Sarasota to Venice is where you will find Brohard Beach Paw Park.  This dog park is simply the best paw park I've been to. There are two fenced areas where dogs can run off lease. There is an area for large dogs and an area for small dogs. There are water bowls and a wash station (awesome for spraying off the salt and sand before your dog gets back into the car to go home). There are double gates to make entering and exiting easy. Head out the back gate for a short (maybe quarter mail) walk to the beach where dogs can run free along the s... 12/13/2013

Homes For Sale Prestancia Sarasota Florida There are 21 homes for sale in Prestancia on December 12, 2013. The average list price is $679,481, the minimum list price is $175,500 and the maximum list price is $1,590,000. The average list price per square foot is $180, the minimum list price is $114 per square foot and the maximum list price is $260 per square foot. These homes have been on the market an average of 104 days. Of the homes active on the market at this time there are 18 single family homes, 7 villas, and 1 condo for sale. There are 4 homes pending sale in Prestancia for the same period. The average list price is $610,750, the minimum list price is $399,000, and the maximum list price is $799,000. The average list price per square foot is $170, the minimum list price is $125 ... 12/12/2013

Zillow's 2014 Housing Predictions At the end of the year I find myself fascinated by predictions about the future, as I am sure you do too. Year end forecasts are made as quickly as they are forgotten. Do you remember any substantive predictions for 2013? What the future holds has been been predicted by everyone from the famous Jeane Dixon to Zillow's in-house economists and gurus. While Jeane Dixon once predicted that the 1960 presidential election would be "... won by a Democrat ... [who would] ... die in office", Zillow's forecast for 2014 is significantly less dazzling. In the short, Zillow makes four predictions: a) that housing prices will rise 3%, b) mortgage rates will rise to 5%, c) borrowers will find it easier to get a loan, and d) home ownership will fall to its lowest level... 12/09/2013

Village Walk Villas For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 There are 6 villas for sale in Village Walk in Sarasota Florida on December 7, 2013. The average list price is $283,917, the minimum list price is $ 250,900 and the maximum list price is $295,000. The average list price per square foot is $180, the minimum list price is $155 per square foot and the maximum list price is $192 per square foot. These villas have been on the market an average of 104 days. There are 3 villas pending sale in Village Walk for the same period. The average list price is $264,300, the minimum list price is $220,000, and the maximum list price is $293,000. The average list price per square foot is $152, the minimum list price is $132 per square foot and the maximum list price is $173 per square foot. These villas... 12/07/2013

Village Walk Homes For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 There are 9 homes for sale in Village Walk in Sarasota Florida on December 7, 2013. The average list price is $419,250, the minimum list price is $267,500 and the maximum list price is $539,700. The average list price per square foot is $196, the minimum list price is $158 per square foot and the maximum list price is $227 per square foot. These homes have been on the market an average of 81 days. There is 1 home in Village Walk pending sale for the same period. The list price is $279,900. The average list price per square foot is $165. This home has been on the market 58 days. There have been 9 single family homes sold in Village Walk in the last 90 days. The average list price for homes sold during this period was $424,900, the minimu... 12/06/2013

Which Would You Prefer To Shovel Snow Or Sand - Sarasota Florida Watching the weather this morning reminded me of just how cold and isolating snowy weather can be. The Weather Channel was highlighting scenes of snow, sleet, ice, and just plain old cold weather. The reporter stated that there was an 80 degree difference between the upper mid-West and Southern Florida yesterday. All I can think is burrrrrrrr! They've started naming snow storms, a depressing thought, that include this year (2013) Atlas, Boreas, Cleon, Dion, Electra and more. When I think of beach names I'm not thinking about digging out, I'm thinking Longboat is for nature lovers, Lido is for sunsets, Siesta is for relaxation, Casey is hidden enclaves, Venice is for picturesque sites, and Manasota is for seclusion and excl... 12/05/2013

Condos For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 Market Update 2013 12 There are 58 condos for sale in Sarasota Florida in the 34238 on December 3, 2013. The average list price is $185,278, the minimum list price is $69,900 and the maximum list price is $339,900. The average list price per square foot is $141, the minimum list price is $72 per square foot and the maximum list price is $213 per square foot. These condos have been on the market an average of 104 days. There are 25 condos pending sale for the same period. The average list price is $169,664, the minimum list price is $80,000, and the maximum list price is $375,000. The average list price per square foot is $122, the minimum list price is $73 per square foot and the maximum list price is $184 per square foot. These condos were on the ... 12/04/2013

4th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition A Hit!  This year's Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition was held from Friday, November 15th through Monday, November 18th on beautiful Siesta Key Beach, the No. 1 Beach in the USA! The Master Sand Sculpting Competition included 23 sculptors from around the world, including sculptors from Denmark, the Czech Republic and Italy.  The white quartz crystal sand of Siesta Key Beach is ideal for the art of sand sculpting, and this competition is a favorite for the artists drawn to compete here. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition began in 2010 and has become one of the most eagerly anticipated special events in the Sarasota Area.  In the 24 sculpting hours that span the four day period of ... 12/04/2013

Villas For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 Market Update 2013 12 There are 23 villas for sale in Sarasota Florida in the 34238 on December 3, 2013. The average list price is $276,113, the minimum list price is $149,900 and the maximum list price is $389,000. The average list price per square foot is $159, the minimum list price is $106 per square foot and the maximum list price is $219 per square foot. These villas have been on the market an average of 87 days. There are 9 villas pending sale for the same period. The average list price is $262,256, the minimum list price is $189,000, and the maximum list price is $399,000. The average list price per square foot is $143, the minimum list price is $111 per square foot and the maximum list price is $193 per square foot. These villas were on th... 12/04/2013

2013 Sarasota Chalk Festival - Legacy of Valor.  The 6th Annual Sarasota Chalk Festival ran from November 13 through 18 this year and attracted 500 artists from around the world.  This annual festival has grown each year and is very unique to the Sarasota Area. The chalk artists, or street painters, created an amazing array of art with patriotic themes directly on the asphalt paving of Pineapple Avenue from Dolphin Street to the intersection of Pineapple Avenue and Orange Avenue.  Some of the most viewed works at the Sarasota Chalk Festival were the 3D street paintings.  These incredible works use tricks with perspective to fool the eye into seeing three dimensional images. In addition, there were plenty of 2D paintings, student and childrens chalk art, military ceremonies, musicians a... 12/03/2013

Homes For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 Market Update 2013 12 There are 99 single family homes for sale in Sarasota Florida in the 34238 on December 3, 2013. The average list price is $503,718, the minimum list price is $199,900 and the maximum list price is $1,590,000. The average list price per square foot is $178, the minimum list price is $104 per square foot and the maximum list price is $273 per square foot. These homes have been on the market an average of 83 days. There are 33 single family homes pending sale for the same period. The average list price is $433,521, the minimum list price is $205,000, and the maximum list price is $1,037,500. The average list price per square foot is $169, the minimum list price is $86 per square foot and the maximum list price is $221 per square f... 12/03/2013

6th Annual Sarasota Chalk Festival - Another Successful Year!  Artists gathered and began their creations for this year's Sarasota Chalk Festival on November 13th.  Chalk art or street painting goes back hundreds of years and has been an annual event in Sarasota since 2007.  The annual event draws up to 200,000 thousand visitors to the Burns Square Area of Sarasota. The chalk art, or street paintings, are produced directly on the asphalt paving on Pineapple Avenue from Dolphin Street to the intersection of Pineapple Avenue and Orange Avenue.  500 artists from all over the world were in attendance to create this amazing display of chalk art for the 6th Annual Sarasota Chalk Festival. The 3-D pavement art is the biggest draw of the Sarasota Chalk Festival.  These intricate works of art d... 12/02/2013

  Jewish Holidays, a Taste of Chanukah 2013, Sarasota FL   Sunday 12/1/2013 was a Jewish Holiday event hosted by the Chabad of Sarasota, which took place at Sarasota Fairgrounds located at 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota FL 34237. The theme was” a Taste of Chanukah 2013.”                 Enjoy the video.   My husband and I enjoyed the day among our Jewish friends who were celebrating this special day with many fun things to do by children, face painting, art and craft work, Llama show, snow sliding, kosher food and beer, live entertainment with birds and snakes from Sarasota Jungle Gardens, dance performed by Riverview Highland dancers, danger fun fire eating show, pyro gyro show and the most exciting show was the Wallenda Family Performance and Menorah Lighting.   Related event Chabad of... 12/01/2013

Isles Of Sarasota Homes For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 There are 12 homes for sale in Isles Of Sarasota in Sarasota Florida on December 2, 2013. The average list price is $345,517, the minimum list price is $238,900 and the maximum list price is $439,000. The average list price per square foot is $178, the minimum list price is $130 per square foot and the maximum list price is $207 per square foot. These homes have been on the market an average of 84 days. There are 4 homes in Isles Of Sarasota pending sale for the same period. The average list price is $298,475, the minimum list price is $239,000, and the maximum list price is $389,000. The average list price per square foot is $169, the minimum list price is $143 per square foot and the maximum list price is $194 per square foot. Th... 12/01/2013

Fresh, Fast, Friendly Breakfast Or Lunch Peach's Sarasota Florida Are you looking for fresh, fast, friendly breakfast or lunch? Then visit the Peach's Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota. Located in an undistinguished strip mall, on almost any morning, you'll find hungry patrons waiting for their turn to have a hardy breakfast or lunch; you might have to wait but it should be worth your while. Pick you choices from uncomplicated menu of breakfast and lunch choices with wholesome food and friendly service at this restaurant. The quality breakfast, lunch and dinner at a reasonable price has drawn crowds to this and 10 other locations throughout the Sarasota, Bradenton, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, and Vince area. A favorite of breakfast of mine is Peach's Big Breakfast Combo. And Peach's Restaurant ser... 11/30/2013

Turtle Rock Homes For Sale Sarasota Florida 34238 There are 17 homes for sale in Turtle Rock in Sarasota Florida on November 30, 2013. The average list price is $416,870, the minimum list price is $279,000 and the maximum list price is $569,900. The average list price per square foot is $178, the minimum list price is $150 per square foot and the maximum list price is $208 per square foot. These homes have been on the market an average of 91 days. There are 5 homes in Turtle Rock pending sale for the same period. The average list price is $432,560, the minimum list price is $344,900, and the maximum list price is $569,900. The average list price per square foot is $172, the minimum list price is $130 per square foot and the maximum list price is $201 per square foot. These homes were on... 11/29/2013

North Highland, Sarasota, FL North Highland is a residential subdivision within the greater Indian Beach - Sapphire Shores neighborhood of Sarasota, FL. It is generally in the area that is just west of Tamiami Trail, between Indian Beach Rd to the north and Whitaker Bayou to the south. Property sizes, styles and prices vary in the neighborhood. There are approximately 10 properties in North Highland including two that are directly on US-41 / the Tamiami Trail.    Looking to Buy or Sell in the subdivision of North Highland or the Indian Beach-Sapphire Shores neighborhood? Wondering if there are any homes available in your price range? Do you have a home that you'd like to sell in Weber and you need to know what price homes are selling for? My wife and I are part of the Sarasota Suncoast... 11/29/2013

Anchorage Condos For Sale Siesta Key Sarasota Florida 34242 Market Update 2013 11 There are 9 condos for sale in Anchorage on Siesta Key in Sarasota Florida on November 29, 2013. The average list price is $405,600, the minimum list price is $315,900 and the maximum list price is $799,900. The average list price per square foot is $284, the minimum list price is $245 per square foot and the maximum list price is $339 per square foot. These homes have been on the market an average of 169 days. There are currently no pending sale for the same period. There have been only 2 condos sold in Anchorage in the last 12 months. The average list price for condos sold during this period was $364,000, the minimum list price was $364,000, and the maximum list price was $379,000. The average sold price... 11/28/2013

Home Cooked Thanksgiving Meals To Go Cracker Barrel In case you missed it Cracker Barrel offered Thanksgiving meals to go. I have to admit I was skeptical, but, the turkey was great and so were the fixings - all without any fuss other than a short drive to the nearest Cracker Barrel in Bradenton Florida - right off Route 75. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, corn, greenbeans, gravy and cornbread served up home style at home. Serving six, we have plenty of leftovers for seconds later after watching the Dallas Cowboys  (go Cowboys!!!) stomp the Oakland Raiders. Later, there will be pumpkin pie from Publix and vanilla ice cream from Bryers. What more could you want for a easy, guilt free, quality Thanksgiving meal. 11/28/2013

  How can you get a Discount on Your Sarasota County Property Taxes?   Sarasota County Tax Collector  office just mailed out 2013 tax bills. You may want to know how to get a discount of up to 4 percent on your property taxes and save some money.       4% Discount on Sarasota County Property Taxes  The reason for the discount is to encourage property owners to pay their taxes earlier. The last day to pay and get a 4% discount is November 30, 2013. It happens that the day falls on Saturday and the Florida law extends the discount for property owners until December 2, 2013.  To ease the busiest day for the tax payments process, drive through service will be available from 8:30am – 5:00pm on December 2, 2013.    Ways to Pay Sarasota County Property Taxes  Paying in person If the payment is... 11/27/2013