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Sun City Center, FL Real Estate News

By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Residents of Sun City Center are invited to attend the second Workshop for Futrue Development scheduled at 1:30 pm on Friday, June 6, 2008 in the Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd. As before, the workshop will focus on recreation, commercial development and the environment we want to develope for senior citizens in the years ahead. The meeting is not designed to deal with current issues. The intent is to look years ahead to eatablish what residents want so future development won't conflict with this vision. The views of all attendees will be solicited, however those in attendance can feel free just to sit and listen to what plans are being discussed.
Comments 2
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
 The Gardens are located at 900  South Palm Ave., Sarasota, Fl. are just 40 south of Sun City Center. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a respected center for research and education as well as a famous orchid showplace. Housed on 13 acres, the gardens host more then 20,000 greenhouse plants in addition to the thousands grown outdoors. There are eight greenhouses including the Tropical Display House where "Color Plentiful" can be seen year round. For those that enjoy and appreciate Orchids, Selby Gardens will delight you with their collection of over 6000  orchids. Hours are daily form 10 AM to 5 PM Admission Adults $12.00 and Children (6 to 11) $6.00. Free admisson for Members.
Comments 7
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Construction of a New Gas Station started a couple of days ago and, we're told, it will only take two weeks to finish building. The new gasoline station is on the Wal-Mart property at the corner of State Road 674 and US-301.  It is anticipated they will be open by the end of May. Many residents were hopeful that a Station would be erected on the West Side of Hwy. 301 so as to permit golf cart servicing. Golf Carts are not allowed to cross Hwy. 301, however a study is in progress to determine if a bridge over the road would be feasible.
Comments 2
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Sun City Center volunteers once again out shined the Florida Sunshine! Sun City Center Rotarians under took a project to recruit 200 volunteers to help package 50,000 meal packages for the local needy. Their efforts were accomplished and then some! 330 volunteers showed up at the Community Hall and packaged over 70,000 meals for local food pantries. Trucks were loaded and delivered the packages to local area pantries. Some 1000 families visit the pantries every week. The Sun City Center Interfaith council donated $5,000 to help with the expenses. The money was generated from proceeds from the Nearly New Shop located here in Sun City Center. There will be a second effort scheduled this coming fall. Thank you to all that participated
Comments 3
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
The Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center has awarded a $100,000 challenge grant for an innovative residential program operated by LifePath Hospice. The Foundation will match the first $100,00 in donations made or pledged by February 2009. LifePath Hospice Residence is an eight bed facility which was established to serve patients who are suffering from life limiting illnesses but do not require the more acute  level of care provided by Hospice House. LifePath Hospice spoksman stated the the funds raised to qualifiy for the grant and the grant itself will represent about two thirds of the un-reimbursed care provided through the residence.
Comments 4
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
AARP has announced a Two for One - Special Rate for their Safe Driving Course during the month of May For Sun City Center residents.From May 1 through June 15 you, AARP members in good standing may be accompanied by a friend, spouse or family member at the AARP Driver Safety Program classroom course together, for just $10.00. That is a 50% savings off their regular course price. AARP offers two classes every month in Sun City Center. The classes run two consecutive afternoons from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.Classes will be held May 8 & 9, May 12 & 13, June 5 & 6 and June 9 & 10.Reservations should be made by calling the event sponsor, Encore Bank, 813.634.8001.
Comments 4
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Residents of Sun City Center are invited to attend the Futrue Development Workshop scheduled at 1:30 pm on Thursday, April 24, 2008 in the Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.The workshop will focus on recreation, commercial development and the environment we want to develope for senior citizens in the years ahead. The meeting is not designed to deal with current issues.The intent is to look years ahead to eatablish what residents want so future development won't conflict with this vision.The views of all attendees will be solicited, however those in attendance can feel free just to sit and listen to what plans are being discussed.   
Comments 4
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
St. John the Devine Episcopal Church has scheduled the ground-breaking on their new church property on East Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, Fl. for May 25, 2008 at 4:00 PM.Bishop Dabney Smith of the Diocese of Southwest Florida will be there along with clergy, leaders, parishioners and friends of the church for the long awaited event.St. John the Devine will become a two campus church when the one on East Del Webb Blvd. is completed. It will be the first Diocese in Southwest Florida with a two campus church. The other campus is located in Ruskin, Fl.
Comments 2
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
I recently wrote a post telling about an enclosure we received in a gift package from Omaha Steaks. The enclosure was postage paid envelope to mail old cell phones to the recycler who in turn would make them available to our Servicemen. At the time I didn't have the address, however I provided an address of a recycling firm that refurbished the phones, sold some, the proceeds being used to assist poverty ridden women and children. Other phones were made available to the elderly so they could make emergency 911 calls.At the time of the writing I also mentioned that I had written Omaha Steak Company requesting they forward the address of the recycler that made the phones available to Servicemen. Their reply was prompt and I thank them whole heartily. If you have a cell phone or phones you...
Comments 10
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
GOOD NEWS for Tampa Bay! Recent statistics show Home Sales in the Tampa area are up 46% since January 2008.March sales showed an increase of 42.9 percent from the previous month. 1,162 units sold throughout the county in March compared to 813 for the month of February. The March figures also reflect a 46 percent increase from January's total of 791 units sold.Current inventory is down slightly and months inventory is down significantly from 25.20 months to 17.33 months of inventory.
Comments 11
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
You need not pay an income tax for the tax-year 2007 to be eligible for rebate. However a tax return must be filed.Under the Stimulus rebate program you are eligible for rebate if you received at least $3,000 from Social Security benefits, veterans benefits or earned income in 2007 (or any combination of these). Depending on your earned income, rebates range from $300. to $600. ($600 to $1200. for couples).To obtain payment you must file a federal tax return. If you do not normally file the IRS will wend you a 1040A form to be completed. IRS will in turn figure your rebate after you file.Most checks will be mailed in May or June.The AARP will assist you with filing your return. Their representatives will be in the Florida Room, Central Campus, North Pebble Beach Blvd. Monday and Tuesday...
Comments 0
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Tarpon Springs a Greek Village known for its sponge docks is located about an hour North West of Sun City Center. In 1891 John KIng Cheyney changed Tarpon Springs into a "Sponge Town!" and formed the Anclote Sponge Company.  Cheyney later hired John Cocoris, a young Greek sponge buyer who convinced Cheyney to bring his brothers and other Greek divers to Tarpon Springs. With their advanced rubberized diving suits, copper helmets ans pumped-in air the divers brought in nearly four times as many songes per man per hour then the harvesters using the hook method. 500 Greek men entered Tarpon Springs between 1905 and 1906. More immigrants followed and sponge docks were transformed into a replica of a Mediterranean port city with restaurants and markets. Today Visitors can walk the quaint vill...
Comments 4
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Time to file Income Tax! Deadline draws near.The AARP is sponsoring a free income Tax Perpetration program for middle and low income taxpayers until   April 15, 2008.In Sun City Center the program is being held at the United Community Church, corner of North Pebble Beach Blvd. and LaJolla Dr. Monday, Wednesday of Friday from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. Or Tuesday or Thursday from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Shut - ins may call 813.634.4200 for an appointment.
Comments 2
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
I just finished reading another Article that supports evidence of Market Stabilization.30 fixed mortgage rates dropped to 5.74 past week. According to the article, mortgage applications for Federal Backed mortgages increased over 11 % and FHA mortgage activity increased over 21% A strong indicator in the Market.Unsold home inventory dropped over 3% and new home sales were higher then previously forecast by analysts.Buyers are still exercising caution. The SLOW market isn't behind us, but there are positive signs about us. Homes that are priced for todays Market are selling. Sellers have become more realistic in their expectations.All in all, 2008  should prove to be a better year. 
Comments 5
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Barnes and Noble is hosting a book signing for Michael Deeb, Sun City Center resident and author of Duty and Honor, April 12, 2008 from 2 to 4 p. m. at 122 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon.Deeb wrote the Civil War novel of a native farm boy's journey to become a seasoned Union Cavalryman. The journey goes through the harsh training camp, the intrigues of Washington, D.C., to his love interest for the daughter of a congressman and the horrific reality of leading troops into battle.The novel reveals one man's dignity and sacrifice in the midst of tragic upheaval.Dr. Deeb taught American History for most of his teaching career. He plans a sequel, "Duty Accomplished" to be published and available in the fall of 2008. 
Comments 4
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
According to a report published by the Florida Association of Realtors, in terms of absolute numbers the counties expected to make the biggest population gains between 2007 and 2010 are Miami-Dade, 2,462,292 to 2,512,300; followed by Orange County, from 1,105,603 to 1,154,200; and HILLSBOROUGH County from 1,192,861 to 1,234,900.Overall, however, the population growth has slowed to the lowest level in thirty years. Economist project  595 persons per day moving into the State over the next two years as compared to a daily in-migration rate of 1,145 during the period 2002 and 2006.Surprising to note, the Article stated that the biggest group moving into the State during the past four or five decades has typically been those in their 20's and 30's with those 65 and older accounting for only...
Comments 5
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Hope Fund for Children Semi-Annual Fund Raiser! The Board of Directors of Hope Fund for Children are sponsoring their Spring Omelet Breakfast and Bingo Saturday, April 12, 2008. The event will be held in the Florida Room of Sun City Center's Main Campus, located on North Pebble Beach Blvd. from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Attendance by Sun City Residents and the General public have made these events a huge success in the past. Tickets, priced at $6.00 are available at the door.
Comments 2
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
FunFest 2008 enjoyed a record attendance. Over 5000 visitors and residents attended the event held on March 15.The theme for this years event was Patriotism. Next year, 2009 the 10 th anniversary of FunFest will feature the more than 150 Community clubs. Profits from FunFest go into a CA operations fund to support club work.For the first time a Health Fair was part of the attractions. Many took advantage of the attraction and went in for bone density, had their blood pressure checked and more.One of the more popular exhibits was a replica of the White House, built and exhibited by Don Crescent. The first replica built by Crescent was donated to President Bush and is on display in Washington.Food was outstanding, many vendors ran out early. Others scurried to suppliers to replenish their...
Comments 1
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
Harry Landis, Sun City Center resident since 1980, passed away on February 8, 2008 at the age of 108. His passing leaves only one surviving WWI veteran, Frank Buckles, 107, of West Virginia.Landis and his wife, Eleanor, 100, moved to Sun City Center in 1980 and resided at Sun Towers at the time of his passing. Landis enjoyed an amazingly healthy life. His daily medication was limited to eye drops for glaucoma and a vitamin.His Army service lasted only four months before the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. He tried to re-enlist during WW II but was rejected because he was in his forties at the time.Born December 12, 1899 Landis' life spanned the entire 20 th century and into the 21 st.
Comments 8
By Harold "Hal" Place
(A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)
It appears the Housing Market here in Sun City Center has stabilized. Homes are priced at or close to current Market Value, which is the key to Selling rather then Listing homes. New listings are being priced commensurate with current market value and existing listings have come in line as a result of price reductions. Be assured, current prices do not reflect "Give Away Pricing." They reflect realistic expectations on the part of the seller in keeping with reasonable investment return and market conditions. During the past couple of weeks we have seen full price or close to asking price offers. Sales should continue to increase as the public recognizes market stability.Real Estate has a proven track record for being a wise, sound investment. It continues to be an investment of choice. ...
Comments 3