Florida Real Estate Blog

Letter Carrier Food Drive in Pasco County, Florida and Rest of the US on May 12, 2012

Today my mail carrier left off a bag in my mailbox. It informed me that this Saturday, May 12, 2012, the letter carriers here (and I suspect in the rest of the United States) will be picking up non-perishable food items which they will deliver to local food banks.

We all know that economic times, while improving slowly, are still tough for many. But most of us DO have food on the table and are not worried about where our next meals will come from. However, sadly, in one of the richest countries in the world, there are men, women, and children who will not have enough on their plates tonight. That is a disgrace when the majority of us have been blessed with more than enough to eat every day. Truth be told, some of us could stand to eat a great deal less.

So if your own letter carrier dropped off a bag at your home, consider putting something in it to help out the less fortunate amongst us. Even if it is just a can of soup or a package or pasta. It all can help. If the mail carriers in your area do not offer this program, then consider making a contribution of food or money directly to your local food banks. They are everywhere, both in urban and rural areas. So do give.

I know that we try to give food items at Christmas. But so often we shove these problems to the back of our minds during the rest of the year. Funny, though. People need to eat in May, August, and September too! Isn't strange how that works?????

Please give what you can and receive the pleasure in your hearts of knowing that someone WILLNOT go to bed hungry in the near future, In a large part due to your generosity, and that of others.

East Pasco Association of REALTORS to Host its 1st Annual Golf Tournament on March 17, 2012

For the first time ever, the East Pasco Association of REALTORS (EPAR) will be offering its 1st Annual Golf Tournament at the Silverado Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills, Florida on Saturday, March 17th. The public is invited to participate!

Lunch and registration will take place at 12 noon with a 1:00 PM Shotgun Start.

$40 entry fee includes: lunch, drinks, tournament round of golf, cart amenities, a "goodie bag", and more!

To get more information and an entry form, click on the following link: Download EPAR Golf Sign-Up Form  You can also call EPAR at: 813-312-6721.

All proceeds to benefit the East Pasco Association of REALTORs. Your local real estate professionals and advocates. Sponsorships are also available.

Posted by JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.. A proud EPAR member since 2003. Licensed in Florida.

2012 Pasco County Fair from February 20th to the 26th! Come Have Some Fun!

Our local 2012 Pasco County Fair will take place from February 20th to the 26th in Dade City, Florida. This local event is always popular with our year-round residents and our winter visitors. While others are shivering up north, we are walking down the midway under sunny skies and enjoying spring-like weather. This year it looks like we may have a lot of "summer" weather to make the fair even more pleasant!

This year the following activities will be a part of this annual event:

• Dairy, poultry, hog, rabbit, cavy, bull, heifer, goat, sheep, and plant exhibits/judging.
• Demolition derbies (I always loved these when I was a kid).
• Talent shows
• Beauty pagents
• Rodeo events
• Thrill rides for all ages
• A Midway
• Entertainment including: Rocking with Elvis, Dixie Melody Boys, A Grizzly Experience, Robinson's Racing Pigs, Steve the Pretty Good, Sean Emery, Ron Diamond, Tropical Illusions, Lisa Lou, and much more!

For more useful information about our great county fair, I urge you to visit the Pasco County Fair's Official Website by CLICKING HERE

You can also contact them at: 352-567-6678 or e-mail them at:   office@pascocountyfair.com

Stop by and enjoy our county fair! You won't be disappointed!

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444. Licensed in Florida.

Zephyrhills 2012 Founders Day Celebration on March 10th

This year the Zephyrhills, Florida Founders Day Celebration will take place in downtown Zephyrhills on March 10th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the day's parade starting at 10:00 AM. This will be the 102nd time that this event has taken place here. So there is some history behind it!

This year's theme is: Unsung Heroes of Zephyrhills: Past and Present. The organizers of the day define an "unsung hero" as "a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution. Or an unsung hero is a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged."

If you like, you can simply participate as an observer. But if you or your organization would like to play a larger part in this celebration, you can! Download the following pages that contain important information about ways in which you can take part in the festivities. Just click here: Download Zephyrhills Founder's Day Information

We have great weather during this time of year and I am sure that everyone will enjoy this annual event here in Zephyrhills, Florida. Come, take part, and enjoy yourselves on Saturday, March 10, 2012.

For more information, you can also call: Mainstreet Zephyrhills at 813-780-1414 or visit their webpage at: www.mainstreetzephyrhills.org/

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-784-4444. Licensed in Florida.

2012 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL from March 1st to the 11th! Come & Enjoy!

When I lived back in the Finger Lakes area of New York State, I had to wait until June for nice tasty strawberry shortcakes. Many of you who live in northern climes will also have to wait for these treats. However, here in Florida we will be way ahead of you. We get these delicious desserts in the winter while y'all are still shoveling that white stuff off your sidewalks.

In Plant City, Florida we have the yearly Strawberry Festival which will take place this year from March 1st to the 11th. This year will be the 77th Anniversary of this event. It is no small-town get-together. We are talking of about a major undertaking here, with numerous activities, top-notch entertainment, displays, thrill rides, food delights, etc for all to enjoy. Some of these include:

• Free entertainment like: Dennis Lee, Jay Taylor Band, Ron Diamond, The Gothard Sisters, the Kandu Magic Show and others.
• Star Headliners like: The Oakridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, The Gatlin Brothers, Air Supply, Hank Williams, Jr., and other well-known performers. Visit the festival's site link below for schedules and prices for the headline concerts.
• The Neighborhood Village which is dedicated to displaying the handicrafts and homemade items from our local craftsmen and women. Baking, cake decorating, food preservation, jewelry & beading, knitting, needlepoint, home decorations, etc.
• There is also a Kiddie Corral for the younger crowd. It includes: Kiddie Rides, Shoebox Float Contest, a Baby Parade, Kid Shows, Racing Pigs, a Baby Contest, and more.
• A great Midway full of attractions to delight you. 

• And a lot more.

Add to this the wonderful food that will be available like the mandatory Strawberry Shortcake, and you have many opportunities to enjoy yourself at this year's Strawberry Festival. With our excellent weather here in February, what better way is there to spend a day or evening.

Check under the ABOUT US menu item at the top lefthand side of the home page for special price days for kids, seniors, and others. You will also find information about directions, location, and contact numbers. They even have a map to help you find the festival easily. If you have questions, you can call the festival office at: 813-752-9194

For more information about the festival, visit its homepage by clicking on the following link: 77th Strawberry Festival

Have a Great Time!!

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc., Zephyrhills, Florida Tel. 813-783-4444.

Licensed in Florida.

Photo Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

2012 Florida State Fair to be held February 9th to the 20th! Come Have Some Fun in the Sun!

 

When I lived back in New York, our state fair always took place in August when the weather was hot and the kids were all out of school. Here, our Florida State Fair occurs in February when our weather is pleasantly mild and during the week the kids are in school leaving the fairgrounds less crowded. Students get their chance to enjoy in the evenings and on the weekends.

This year the fair will be held from February 9th to the 20th at the fairgrounds located just east of the City of Tampa, Florida along US 301.

This year promises to be just as fun-packed as those of the past. Some of the scheduled activities and performers are:

• Cracker Country
• The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour
• Circus Hollywood
• Strolling Entertainment
• Motorcycle Training
• Home & Garden Show
• Golf Show
• Racing Pigs
• Petting Zoo
• Lumberjack
• Rodeo
• Lots of Thrill Rides
• A great midway
• Competitions for: Photography, Baking, Preserves, China Painting, Sewing, Needlework, Crafts, Wood Carving, Horticulture, and many MORE!
• And lots of tasty fair food that we all remember from when we were kids.
• Too many other fun activities to list here. Visit the official website to see them all.


There are SPECIAL PRICEs for students and seniors. To see pricing: CLICK HERE

To find out more about prices, dates, hours of operation, all scheduled events, a map of the fair's location, driving instructions, and contact information, just click on the following link: FLORIDA STATE FAIR INFORMATION  You can also call: 813-621-7821 or toll free 1-800-345-FAIR (3247)

The fairgrounds are located at: 4800 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444. Licensed in Florida.

2012's First SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE in Zephyrhills, Florida on January 28th

The first Saturday Night Cruise of 2012 will take place in Zephyrhills, Florida on January 28th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the downtown area of the city. The intersection of 5th Avenue and US 301.

These events are always popular and are even more so, now that our weather is temperate and we have alll of our winter visitors in residence. Why not stop by and enjoy yourselves with family, friends, and neighbors. Zephyrhills is a very friendly city and this is a perfect time to take advantage of that atmosphere. So please come jon in!

If you would like to see a complete schedule of Main Street Zephyrhills' 2012 events, click on the following link: 2012 EVENTS

Posted by JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.  813-783-4444. Your "full-time, full-service" real estate professional in Zephyrhills, Florida. Licensed in Florida.

Christmas Stroll 2011 in Downtown Dade City, Florida on December 10th

From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, December 10th, Dade City, Florida will host a Country Christmas Stroll in its downtown shopping area near the Historic Courthouse. Our nights are so nice this time of year, and Dade City is a perfect setting for this event.

Included in the festivities will be:

• Strolling Carolers
• A Children's Winter Wonderland
• Live Entertainment on 4 Stages
• Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
• Pony Rides
• A Bounce House
• And more!

Stores and restaurants will be open so you can also get some gift shopping done and enjoy a nice meal. Dade City has many unique shops and several great places where you can dine. So come on out and get into the spirit of the season!

For more information, you can call Historic Downtown Dade City at 352-567-0284.

Church Street Christmas 2011 in Dade City, Florida from December 21st to 23rd

This annual event in Dade City, Florida is always a crowd pleaser. Most of the residents of brick-paved Church Street decorate their homes and lawns for the holiday season. You will see enchanting houses, lots of luminaries, carolers and choral groups singing, and even hot chocolate. The weather is pleasantly cool in December here and the stroll will be very enjoyable.

Each evening from the 21st to the 23rd the stroll down Church Street will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM.

Come out with your family and enjoy this once-a-year celebration in Dade City!

Florida Hospital to Host 2011 Xmas Tree Decorating & Lighting Ceremony in Zephyrhills, FL

Seems like just yesterday that I was posting information about this event for Christmas 2010! How time does fly! But when we have events like this to anticipate, perhaps time moving faster is not such a bad thing.

This year the Florida Hospital in Zephyrhills will hold its Tree Lighting and Decorating Ceremony on Sunday, December 4th from Noon to 6:30 PM at the hospital on US 301 on the north side of the city. The hospital is just across the highway from the Spanish Trails Village mobile home subdivision. You can't miss it.

Local businesses and organizations will participating in the festivities. Refreshments and music will be available. And even Santa Claus, good old Kris Kringle, will stop by around 3:00 PM to check on the progress that the "elves" are making decorating the trees.

At 5:00 PM a Christmas Program will take place followed by Fireworks. With the sun setting earlier, this should work out fine. And we have been having great weather which will make this night even more pleasant and enjoyable.

Why not bring the family out to take part in these festivities that are bound to get the Holiday Season off to a good start? We may not have much snow here in Zephyrhills, but we do have plenty of Christmas Spririt and goodwill. So come and enjoy!