Current Events

Florida Lottery Sales Surge

Dec 5th, 2011
by edsmith.
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Not all sales numbers are gloomy in the Sunshine State …  According to state officials last week,  The Florida Lottery is expecting a record year in sales, to the tune of $4.26 billion!  After many years of consistent growth,  Florida Lottery sales declined as the economy faltered in 2009.  

 

So what is behind the surge in ticket sales? Some say it is a sign that the economy is recovering. Others contend that consumers are simply feeling more desperate. One thing is certain … With retailer-giant Wal-Mart jumping on the Florida Lottery bandwagon, Lottery officials must be giddy. 

 

You would be hard-pressed to find a convenience store in Florida that does not sell Lottery tickets today. Supermarket chains in Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and South Walton like Winn-Dixie and Publix have long been on board, and most independents have jumped into the fray as well. The sale of a winning ticket can mean huge rewards for the vendors. In fiscal year 2008-09 Florida retailers earning a staggering $220 million in Lottery sales commissions.

 

The Lottery is not likely to go away any time soon. With states around the nation scrambling for dollars, shortfalls abound. Florida Lottery officials claim that the Lottery generates a whopping $1 billion per year toward education and college scholarships. That equates to 5% of Florida’s $20 billion annual education budget.

To Be, Or Not To Be?

Nov 17th, 2011
by edsmith.
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State Senators Don Gaetz and Greg Evers, joined by Reps. Brad Drake, Matt Gaetz and Doug Broxon addressed approximately 50 constituents at NW Florida State College in Niceville on Thursday night to field comments and concerns with regard to the proposed beach re-nourishment project on Okaloosa Island.  At the end of the day, the group voted to oppose the project.

 

Opponents of course believe that the sand to be used to shore up Okaloosa Island beaches will be too dark and will diminish the quality and desirability of the beach. Proponents believe the $12 million re-nourishment project is necessary to prevent future encroachment and erosion along the 2.8 mile stretch.

 

In September, an administrative judge agreed with the opponents and  recommended that DEP reject the beach re-nourishment project on the basis that the sand would be “too dark, have too many shells and have too high a carbonate content”.  The Okaloosa County Commission has supported the project all along. In fact, they recently filed a response in opposition to the judge’s decision. That is, until this week, when Okaloosa Commissioner Bill Roberts said the issue  should be dropped “because it has become too divisive”. An answer from DEP was otherwise expected by Dec. 29th. 

 

With Roberts about-face on the issue, for better or worse, the beach restoration project on Okaloosa Island is effectively dead. A public hearing will be held on January 17th to officially pull the plug. How this may affect future re-nourishment projects in the area is anyone’s guess.

 

 

Gambling in the Sunshine State

Nov 9th, 2011
by edsmith.
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The Florida Supreme Court will be hearing an appeal on whether or not the Legislature can approve slot machine operations anywhere in the state.  An appellate court decision said that the Legislature can approve them, but the legislation is being opposed by moral grounders, competing business interests and some rather influential corporations such as Walt Disney World. Among other claims, opposition expresses the fear that casinos may tarnish Florida’s family-friendly image.

 

If the ruling survives the Florida Supreme Court challenge, lawmakers may  begin permitting casino resorts literally anywhere in the state. Some Bills have already been filed for next year’s legislative session, which will begin January 10, 2012.  The Bills could serve to license three casino resorts in South Florida.

 

There does not seem to be much of a push to establish further gambling in NW Florida. (We already have the Ebro Greyhound Park and Gambling Room near Panama City.) Although, Ft. Walton Beach was quite the gambling mecca during the 40’s. The area was gaining so much unwanted attention over the illegally operated casinos that the Florida governor actually removed the Okaloosa County Sheriff from office and appointed someone to crack down on these activities. Some of the old timers had joked that Ft. Walton Beach at the time had more neon than any other city east of the Mississippi River.

Garbage is a Dirty Word

Nov 8th, 2011
by edsmith.
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Garbage can be a dirty word around Destin. With 15% of the voting population signing a petition to suspend an ordinance passed by the City Council, Destin is back to the drawing board with regard to garbage collection. At issue was a provision that would have placed residents’ trash bills on their annual property tax bill. Opponents argued that the city did not have the authority to take such an action to begin with. Other factors were that not all residences In Destin are occupied full-time. Some owners
would have to pay for 12 months of service for properties that are occupied for perhaps a couple of months or less per year.  

 

Also at odds with city residents was the limited discount that would have resulted. Waste Management stood to receive a large increase in both revenues and profit. Revenues because the city would bill out each and every residence.  100% of all homes and condos within the city limits would be assessed. Profit because Waste Management would no longer have to bill out 5,000+ invoices and quarterly stickers for the individual cans. Additionally, Waste Management would no longer have any billing delinquency issues such as they have now.  

 

What is next for garbage collection in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village? I would suggest that if garbage collection is our biggest challenge next year, 2012 should be a very good year!

 

 
 
 

 

October is Fire Safety Month!

Oct 4th, 2011
by edsmith.
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Yes, it’s that time of year again. October is a great time to change out all the batteries in your smoke and fire alarms! According to organizations such as the National Fire Prevention Association and FireSafety.gov, almost all home fires are both preventable and survivable. Changing your smoke and fire alarm batteries annually and replacing alarms that are more than 10 years old will greatly improve your odds!

 

For many great tips and guidelines pertaining to fire safety, please visit http://www.nfpa.org  and http://www.FireSafety.gov

 

For information on short sales, bank foreclosures and general real estate topics, please visit www.FloridaBrokers.com  or email us at smith@realtor.com

File your insurance claim with a mobile app?

Aug 25th, 2011
by edsmith.
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According to Florida Trend, some national insurers now have mobile apps to enable policy holders to file claims via a smart phone. Only one Florida based company has jumped on the bandwagon so far, that being Security First Insurance down in Ormond Beach. Just imagine … If you are involved in a fender-bender, you can file your claim and upload the accident photos immediately  while waiting in your car!  The apps can also be used for things like obtaining quotes and making payments. With more than fifty percent of all cell phone users expected to own smart phones within the next several years, we expect to see many more insurers stepping up to the plate in the near future.

A Normal Realtor?

Jul 15th, 2011
by edsmith.
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According to an article in this week’s Destin Log, a “normal” Realtor in Florida had 10 sales transactions in 2010. Additionally, the article states that only 60% of Florida Realtors have a website and only 10% have a blog, yet 40% use social media.

So what is normal really? Based on the extremely high percentage of Florida agents that work part-time, an average of 10 transactions per agent sounds rather optimistic.  Large companies throughout the state and even in the local markets average 5 transactions per agent or less. Agents at RE/MAX Coastal Properties have typically averaged about three times the national average. Ed and Terri personally closed 99 transactions in 2010.

However, even more curious is the stat that 60% of Florida agents have a website. That means that 40% do not? All agents associated with RE/MAX Coastal have multiple websites. It is inconceivable that any agent in today’s market could survive without good internet presence.

Social media and blogs are relative newcomers in terms of real estate marketing, but there is no doubt that they are both here to stay. But regardless, in this rollercoaster of a ride that we call a real estate market, normal may just be a moving target for a while longer!

What to do on the Emerald Coast over the holidays?

Jun 30th, 2011
by edsmith.
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4th of July on the Emerald Coast

What to do on the Emerald Coast over the holidays?  Here are a few ideas:

Destin will feature a fireworks show on July 4th starting at 9:00 p.m. over the Destin Harbor. This is always a good one. Easy to watch from Emerald Grande, AJ’s, Harry T’s, Lucky Snapper, Holiday Isle and by boat!  

HarborWalk Village (Emerald Grande) will be featuring a number of events throughout the week. The July 4th Extravaganza on the Harbor will feature 5 days of happenings at 6 p.m. each day:

June 30 – Red, White & Blue Celebration on the Harbor, celebrating the efforts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica flyover. The evening is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor. 6PM to 9PM
July 1 – Family Fun Fest 6PM to 9PM
July 2 – Rock the Docks – Live music on Destin Harbor featuring local artists. 7PM to 9PM
July 3–Operation Inspiration – A powerful and unique evening of live musical entertainment to give hope and inspiration for all. Operation Inspiration begins with a Meet & Greet at 5 PM with the performing artist, and is followed by the concerts at 6. Concerts are free and open to the public.
July 4 – Hot Dog Eating Contest with Dave’s Dogs, and a spectacular fireworks display finale. 6PM to 9PM
http://www.cityofdestin.com/index.php?src=events&category=City%20Hall%20Events&srctype=detail&category=City%20Hall%20Events&refno=171400

 
 

Ft. Walton Beach has a number  of events on the schedule as well:
4th of July Celebration at The FWB Landing Park
Event Date: July 4th, 2011 – 3:30pm – 10pm
Entertainment: 3:30pm until after the 9:30 pm fireworks.
Place: Fort Walton Landing Park on Brooks Street

The National Historic Landmark Schooner “Governor Stone” is again gracing her slip at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. This two-masted schooner is the last of the coastal freighters which carried everything from oysters to produce to mail along the Gulf Coast of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. This visit is sponsored by the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council. The public is welcome to board the schooner on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays between 5-7 pm through July 4th.

Also featured is a Children’s Bicycle Parade –  Grand Prize: 2 Bicycles, donated by Wal-Mart. Participants are encouraged to decorate their old bikes in patriotic theme! The Bike Parade Entry Fee is $1.00. Bike parade registration is from 4:00 – 5:30 pm and entries close at 5:30 pm. Judging from 6:00 – 6:30 pm.  Parade at 6:45 pm. For more info Contact: Helen Spencer, FWB City Clerk/850-833-9509 or Laura Melendez, Bike Parade Coordinator/850-301-2122
http://www.fwb.org/images/fwb/City_Manager/2011/2011_FWB_4th_of_JULY_EVENT__BIKE_PARADE_POSTER.pdf

 
And finally, this from Seaside:
Seaside’s annual 4th of July Celebration features a community parade and live music for the entire family. Fireworks on July 3rd and the annual South Walton 4th of July Parade. You can dance the night away with music during Stars & Stripes at Seaside; and salute the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display on the beach to end the evening!

The festivities begin on Sunday, July 3rd with a special pre-4th fireworks display from the beach in front of Bud & Alley’s at 9:00 PM. Bring your friends and family down to the water’s edge and view this stunning fireworks show amidst the backdrop of Seaside.

Families on bikes, scooters, golf carts and floats are invited to participate in the parade. Registration for parade participants is required; please visit: http://www.seasidefl.com/july4thparaderegistration  to download a registration form. Prizes will be awarded to the best parade entries in a variety of categories. After the parade has ended and winners have been announced, enjoy music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio until 11:00 AM, along with face painting and other fun.

 

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