Local News and Events

Bonita Springs’ newest brewery, Chubby Mermaid Brewing will sample its Chubby Goat beer collaboration at Grumpy Goat Coffee’s Sips & Bites free holiday tasting event on Thursday, December 19 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Chubby Goat is a Scottish ale style Wee Heavy conditioned on Grumpy Goat's Vietnamese coffee beans. The Grumpy Goat roastery is located at 28280 Old 41 Rd., Unit 11, Bonita Springs. The holiday tasting event is open to the public. Attendees can meet their local master coffee roaster and other artisan food and beverage experts and enjoy samples of their creations in a casual, happy hour style setting. Additional exhibitors include Next Level Sushi, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, Pansardo Italian Food Specialties, Noble Brews, Olde Naples Chocolate, Liberty Cove Interiors and Gl... 12/05/2024

Local Events in Santa Cruz CountyDecember 4th - 18th The holiday season has already started in Santa Cruz and there's so much to do. From Christmas markets, to wreath making and holiday movies on the beach there's something for everyone!   12/05/2024

KŪKOLU Holiday MarketDecember 13, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pmTHE BARN AT SALT AT OUR KAKA'AKOThe holidays are here, and it’s time to shop local and celebrate Native Hawaiian and Indigenous makers! Join us for the KŪKOLU Holiday Market in The Barn, featuring talented artisans from the IWI cohort program and a curated selection of entrepreneurs.Shop unique, meaningful gifts and support local businesses this holiday season!  Don’t miss this special mākeke - mark your calendars today!https://saltatkakaako.com/event/kukolu-holiday-marketThe IWI program is a three-year business development program, businesses have the opportunity to evaluate their business model against current market opportunities. IWI provides entrepreneurs with the education, resources, and mentorship needed to build and promote gr... 12/05/2024

Let me start with we have two Santacon groups in The Villages, Florida, for all I know there might be more!  This one meets at Brownwood Paddock Square at City Fire on Thursday December 12th at 2:00 pm and is open and free to attend.  They do have an after party that is sold out within a few days of announcing it in November, but you still can come to the square for the pub crawl.  They do have a food drive and this from their Facebook Page, “Santacon The Villages Official Page”: Just wanted to remind everyone to bring your nonperishable (PLEASE CHECK EXPIRATION DATES - we cannot distribute expired food to the needy) food items for the CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY. This year we will have 2 pickup locations one at City Fire with the kickoff at 2pm and a second one this year at Evans Prairie at ... 12/06/2024

In Colorado, texting while driving is prohibited, and you will receive a ticket if caught.   Effective January 1st - if you are found HOLDING your phone in your hand, you will get a $75.00 fine and two points on your license.   Whether you are making a call, looking for a song, or texting.   Even if you are stopped at a red light.There are still many accidents due to cell phone activity, and the State is hoping the accidents will decrease. 12/06/2024

CHRISTMAS TREE PET SAFETY TIPS FOR A PAWS-ITIVELY PURR-FECT (AND SAFE) HOLIDAY! "I didn’t destroy the Christmas tree—I was just ‘redecorating'."... Unknown December has arrived, the holiday season is in full swing, Christmas trees are going up in homes all over the Greater Charlotte area. The holiday season is a joyous time for many, but it can also be a dangerous time for our curious furry friends. The twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments of a Christmas tree are magical for us—but they can spell trouble for curious pets. Cats and dogs are often drawn to a tree's enticing sights and smells, turning a festive centerpiece into a potential hazard. If you have pets in your home, it's important to know how to keep your pets safe.  Christmas  trees, both live and artificial, can pose a va... 12/05/2024

Discover Café de Fleur, Auburn’s newest French dining gem! Located on Moores Mill Road, this charming restaurant blends European elegance with Southern hospitality. Offering classic French dishes like escargot and crème brûlée bread pudding, Café de Fleur serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday and delightful weekend brunch. Step inside and feel transported to a French garden patio with stunning floral-inspired decor.   Whether you’re craving French onion soup or freshly baked croissants, this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss! At their recent ribbon cutting ceremony I tasted the escargot and it was delicious.   Ready to make Auburn home? Follow me for more local highlights and trust me as your go-to realtor for buying or selling property in the area. Let’s make your dream... 12/05/2024

Santa is coming to Eagle Ridge!Join us for a community breakfast potluck and dress up the family for professional pictures with Santa THIS, Saturday, December 7th from 10am - 12pm.   Please sign-up to bring a dish or to volunteer at the event by clicking the 👉LINK HERE.👈*Please drop off food items by 9AM (1 hour before event) *The clubhouse will also be open the night before the event from 5:30pm-7:30pm to drop off food items.Volunteers to help set up, clean up and during the event are much needed. If you are available to help please sign up by clicking the link.   12/04/2024

The newest "dog" has been added to the force, and it could be a game changer.  The newest member was a robotic "dog" named Spot will be used to identify and remove potentially hazardous materials. The robo-dog is assigned to the Denver Police Bomb Squad and will be used on an as-needed basis with SWAT responses in the Denver metro area.This robot walks on four legs, gets back up on its own when it falls over and can open doors and lift objects. It is remote-controlled and has cameras and lights to help move in dark spaces. So far, it cannot go up and down stairs quickly.This "dog" will not carry weapons, but will identify potential dangers to officers, keeping them at a safe distance.    The funding for this robo-dog was made possible by $328,000 in grants from the Urban Area Security I... 12/05/2024

  There are so many areas you can donate to help, where will you give this year?    Where is your passion - The Humane Society for our pets?   How about non-profits that offer housing to children with cancer?   How about Habitat for Humanity?    There is also the Colorado REALTOR® Foundation. Here is the Colorado Gives Website, and there are over 3,000 options including non-profits and fundraising pages to choose from.   If you can, give to a charity, even if it is only $25, it is the season to give.  Someday you may be in a situation where you hope others will help you.   Pay it forward, it will feel good. In past years I have given to Judi's House - where they assist families dealing with grief from losing a family member.    Also, have given to Comitis, which is a behavioral healthca... 12/04/2024

Address:    163 Villacrest Drive, Crestview, FL 32536County:    OkaloosaArea:    25 - Crestview AreaSub Area:    2502 - Crestview SouthwestProject Name/Subdivision:    NORTHVIEW ESTATES 2ND ADDNZoning:    Resid Single FamilyParcel ID:    31-3N-23-2811-0000-0110Elementary School:    AntiochMiddle School:    DavidsonHigh School:    CrestviewApx SqFt(Htd/Cooled):    1,258  Total Baths:    2Full Baths:    2Half Baths:    Design:    Ranch# Stories:    1Year Built:    1992Occupancy Status:    VacantConstruction Status:    Construction CompleteSqFt Source:    County PA RecordsReal Estate Owned GREAT LOCATION! FANTASTIC PRICE! Nestled in the sought-after south side of I-10 on Villacrest Drive, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home combines comfort, convenience, and style! From the moment you... 12/04/2024

 Real Estate Owned. Discover this charming townhome located in the sought-after Eagles Landing community at 743 Majestic Dr. This home offers an incredible value with resort-like amenities, making it the perfect opportunity for a homeowner or investor. The property features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, along with many upgrades for modern comfort. Step inside and you'll find carpet throughout the bedrooms, dining area, and living room, with the interior painted in neutral tones that provide a blank canvas for your decor. The spacious kitchen includes low-maintenance tile floors, a pass-through to the living area. Crown molding accents give the home an elegant touch, while your door leading off the living room leads to a private back patio, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.    Address: ... 12/04/2024

  Real Estate Owned. 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick home in a secluded North Crestview charming Northlakes subdivision cul-de-sac. The spacious open concept floor plan design connects seamlessly the family room to a large eat-in kitchen the kitchen is a chef's dream, with granite countertops, ample cabinet space, walk in pantry for all your culinary needs. Step outside through the screened patio leading to a large private, fenced backyard—perfect for gatherings. While the master suite offers a private retreat The large master suite features dual vanities, a separate tub & shower, and two walk-in closets. Call to take a look at 154 Tranquility Dr.Address:    154 Tranquility Drive, Crestview, FL 32536County:    OkaloosaArea:    25 - Crestview AreaSub Area:    2503 - Crestview NorthwestProject Na... 12/04/2024

It's almost time for the annual Holiday Mingle at The Pink Cabbage, one of my favorite stores in Howard County to hunt for unique gifts and home decor. It's happening this Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from 10 to 5. If you have never been to The Pink Cabbage, then their Holiday Mingle is a great day to visit and browse the collective. The Cabbage gals will serve cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and will have - no doubt- transformed the store into a magical Christmas wonderland once again. The video is from last year's event to give you an idea of just how special it is. The Pink Cabbage is a collective of vendors selling home decor, shabby chic, boho style, accessories, and anything else to make your home and life more beautiful. It's a local small business and women-owned. They are located ... 12/04/2024

Sun City Texas Real Estate Report November 2025by Rugg Realty Text VersionNovember 2024 Results See online at www.SunCity https://www.ruggrealty.com/sun-city-tx-real-estate-market-reports/   November-24 November-23   Summary Sale Price Sale Price Change from prior year Low $254,000 $270,000 -5.9% High $685,000 $735,000 -6.8% Average $402,897 $417,891 -3.6% Median $370,000 $380,000 -2.6% Units Sold 32 33 -3.0% Days on Market 77 60 28.3%           Nov YTD 24 Nov YTD 23   Summary Sale Price Sale Price Change from prior year Low $245,000 $267,500 -8.4% High $1,400,000 $985,000 42.1% Average $431,825 $437,556 -1.3% Median $395,000 $400,000 -1.3% Units Sold 460 392 17.3% Days on Market 65 60 8.3% Data gathered from ACTRIS MLS December 3, 2024 Month of Nov.– 32 units sold is one less than prio... 12/04/2024

The U.S. tax code has become a maze of regulations that overwhelms taxpayers and consumes billions of hours annually. The National Taxpayers Union Foundation estimates Americans spend 6.5 billion hours on tax compliance, costing over $280 billion per year. Simplifying the code isn’t just about saving time—it’s about ensuring fairness and restoring trust in the system.The Challenges of a Complex Tax CodeThe tax code’s complexity disproportionately affects those with fewer resources. While the wealthy and corporations can afford accountants to minimize taxes, middle- and low-income taxpayers often struggle. Programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), meant to help low-income individuals, are so complicated that millions miss out entirely. Simplification would level the playing fiel... 12/05/2024

Yesterday the DIRT ROAD REAL ESTATE work family, met out on the west side of Oatman, AZ on old Route 66 to participate in an annual Oatman Christmas event. Each Christmas holiday season, individuals and small businesses are encouraged to decorate a tree or bush with Christmas decorations.  The registration funds are designated to feed the wild burros (donkeys).For those not familiar with Oatman, AZ, this old , historic mining town has numerous wild burros, will actually tamed burros, that freely roam the streets and sidewalk. These burros today are the descendants from the original burros the miners brought in the 1800's. Each entry is judged, and the winner is acknowledged.I believe the efforts of the DIRT ROAD REAL ESTATE work family showed creativity as well as a uniqueness.  There w... 12/04/2024

Why are People 👫👨‍👧🤵Moving to South Florida … Because it is 🏖 ⛱ Paradise in the Winter. Absolutely Magical with: ❄ ⛄No Cold Weather🏔 ❄ No Snow Shoveling⛄🧊No Ice ScrapingWinter Weather in 🌴South Florida 🌴 is generally dry and sunny. 🌞 ☀ It is usually still warm, in the 60s-70s, with the occasional “cold front.” Looking for your South Florida dream home? 🏡🏘Whether you are looking for a single-family home, a condo, or townhome give Kathy Hyatt and her Team at RE/MAX a call at 954-347-0244 and visit: www.HyattRealtors.com .#SouthFlorida #SouthFloridaWeather #ParadiseinSouthFlorida #WinterParadise #RemaxKat #RealEstateKat #RockStarKat #RockStarRealtor #KathyHyatt #KathyHyattSellsPlantation #KathyHyattRealtor #PlantationFlorida #SunriseFlorida #DavieFlorida #HyattRealtors #CooperCityFlorida #... 12/03/2024

The 5th Annual EPIK Jolly Jeep Journey Dec 7th 2024A highlight of the Holiday Season in Catonsville is the Annual EPIK Jolly Jeep Journey. This Annual event is coordinated and organized by EPIK Home Group of Keller Williams, one of 8 events (mostly community fundraisers) hosted throughout the calendar year.How it started. In December of 2020, during COVID, over 50 Jeep owners safely decorated their vehicle and joined with Santa and Mrs Claus to bring the Christmas cheer to residents of many Catonsville nursing homes and the Children's Home. It was a beautiful sight. Here was the news coverage https://bit.ly/WBALJeepCaravanCoverage2020All the Jeeps meet at CAA Park in the heart of Catonsville. While it is only limited to Jeeps, the community are invited to view the vehicles while station... 12/03/2024

  The City of Denver will provide Denver residents with some grand entertainment on Saturday!  The 50th annual Parade of Lights will be held in downtown Denver with a 2-mile route for families to enjoy the lights and sounds of a Holiday parade.     Saturday night - 12/7 Parade will begin at 6 pm       You won’t want to miss the sparkling lights, marching bands, 40+ ornate floats, giant balloons and delightful characters including Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa, as they take to the streets of Downtown.  Spectator viewing for the Parade is free all along the two-mile route or purchase grandstand tickets for seating in front of the City & County Building.   The Parade will last approximately one hour. The weather is expected to be very mild, so not as important to bundle up the kiddos... 12/03/2024