Follow these tips to make sure your child plays safe this summer.
Summer vacation is here! And while that means some extra time for families and friends, it also presents a number of safety concerns parents should keep in mind. With school out for the season, most children will be spending much more time at home, and possibly visiting relatives that may not have safety precautions in place in their home. There are always some important things to consider when introducing your young one to a new place to play.
Summer break also means more outdoor activities—swimming, bike riding, playgrounds and more—all of which can hold some danger if not properly supervised. For all parents, this means being extra vigilant to keep your child safe and healthy. Here are the top 10 tips for keeping your child safe this summer:
1. Adult Supervision – Supervising your child is the best and easiest method for preventing any mishaps. An adult being present on the scene can not only keep a close eye on the child, but the child has someone to call out to in case of any problem. Also, the child knows that there is someone is around, so they will avoid doing anything that is not considered acceptable by elders.
2. Equipment Check – If there is a particular playground that the child visits often, make sure you have the area checked for safety in terms of equipment. Are the kids playing with something sharp, rusted or has jagged edges? Is the equipment age appropriate for them? Are there any broken components that need to be fixed? All of which could pose serious threats.
3. Pool Safety – It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: Never leave kids alone near the pool, no matter what their ages or swim capabilities are. Parents can and should take precautions around home pools, in addition to closely supervising kids while they swim. Installing fencing around pools, at least 5-feet high, all the way around and with a self-closing, self-latching gate, can prevent 50 to 90 percent of accidental drowning incidents. (more…)
The Sarasota area offers a number of Independence Day events. Find the right one for you!
Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It’s a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag. To commemorate the event, the Sarasota area is brimming with a number of exciting events sure to make July 4th weekend special for all ages.
With such a significant celebration just a few days away, you may find it best to start planning your weekend now. Here are the top 10 Sarasota-area events for this Fourth of July:
1. I’m on a Boat! – It may just be the right time to purchase that boat you always wanted. Why not check out some of the latest makes and models at this year’s 9th Annual St. Armands Boat Show? The event takes place on Sunday, July 4 from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm at St. Armands Circle. Click HERE for more information.
2. Garden Party – Come celebrate the birthday of our country at the beautiful Selby Gardens Tropical 4th of July Celebration. Tickets are $15 for Gardens’ members, $18 for non-members and children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online beginning June 15 and will also be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gardens’ Welcome Center entrance. Festivities start at 6:00 p.m, and will include a patriotic attire contest, live music by Yesterdaze, an all-American cookout, and nighttime fireworks. Visit HERE for more information.
3. A Festival of Fun – Spend your Fourth of July downtown with music, pony rides, carnival rides, great food, street performers and fireworks with the DSA Flag Fest Sarasota & Fireworks. Admission is free, and the event starts at 4pm. Visit HERE for more information. (more…)
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on June 22, 2010
Last weekend on NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, host Liane Hanson interviewed beach expert Professor Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University. Leatherman, better known to beach aficionados as “Dr. Beach” talked about his annual ranking of the top ten beaches, which he issued for 2010 shortly after the explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. Leatherman said that he had to leave off a beach on Florida’s panhandle because it could be affected by the spill. On the other hand, he had no qualms about ranking Siesta Beach # 2 in the nation; because in his own words “I don’t really see any way oil is going to get down that way.”
To read or listen to the transcript of the broadcast click the link below:
Michael Saunders & Company is proud to announce 2 successful closings made possible through the professional representation of our agents, who work each day to fulfill the unique needs of homebuyers and sellers. For the week ending June 19, 2010, 2 properties sold for over $1 million.
Sarasota property sold for $3,050,000 on June 17
Linda Roe Dickinson and JoAnn Thorpe of Michael Saunders & Company closed a sale on a home in Sarasota with beautiful views of protected Bayfront and a separate, 780 square foot guesthouse. Linda represented the seller, who sold the exquisite bayfront estate for $3,050,000 on June 17, 2010. JoAnn represented the buyer, who will be enjoying incredible outdoor living with a pool and spa, a deepwater dock with hoists, a complete summer kitchen, and even a tiki hut.
Deborah Nelson of Michael Saunders & Company closed a sale on a property on Longboat Key boasting 165 feet directly on Sarasota Bay with tremendous views across to Jewfish Key, Sister Key, and Tidy Island. Deborah represented the buyer, who bought the superb bayfront property for $1,400,000 on June 14, 2010. The seller was represented by Reid Murphy of Developers Realty Inc.
Heron Creek in North Port offers remarkable home choices around a beautiful golf course.
The city of North Port—Florida’s fourth fastest growing city and fourth largest in land area—is strategically located midway between Tampa and Naples. This thriving young community was founded in 1959 and has the amenities and assets that make it an attractive location for new businesses, industrial projects, office development and quality city living. Over the past ten years, North Port has experienced a steady increase in population, and in July of 2008 became the largest city in Sarasota County. Additionally, impact fees, utility and land cost in North Port are among the lowest in southwest Florida.
Sales Activity – North Port
Properties throughout North Port are selling faster than they are coming onto the market, indicating a shift in inventory that has been long needed. Within the past 30 days, there have been 11 closed deals in North Port, and only four newly listed properties. (more…)
Discover an extraordinary lifestyle in downtown Sarasota. Pictured is the breathtaking view from La Bellasara.
Living in the heart of downtown Sarasota offers access to an array of dining and theater attractions along with an abundance of social activities, all within the convenience of walking distance. Where else can you live so close to everything that your car can stay in the garage? Discover an assortment of residential opportunities available in all price ranges, from charming single-family homes to soaring condominium estates and more.
Market Activity – Downtown Sarasota
If you are considering buying a home in downtown Sarasota, there are presently 274 listed properties priced from $114,000 up to $6,850.000. Recent market activity in this area has been strong, with 66 pending sales between $118,900 to 1,775,000 and 102 downtown condominium sold year to date. (more…)
Beautiful, isn't it? Let's try to keep it that way. Photo courtesy of infamousqbert.files.wordpress.com
This Thursday, April 22, marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. While we should all be aware of our impact on our planet throughout the year, this is a special day to take a personal inventory about how our daily routines and activities affect the environment and resources around us.
It’s never too late to take some Earth Day action. Celebrate the occasion by resolving to make the most of earth-friendly awareness. Graced with such remarkable natural beauty, Florida’s Gulf Coast deserves our efforts of preservation and protection, no matter how small or significant they may be. Here are our top 10 tips to make Earth Day every day:
1. Recycling – Although recycling is mandatory in Sarasota County for residents and businesses alike, it’s important to know the specifics on what to recycle and how to recycle it. Containers that are partially full of hazardous materials (household cleaners, motor oil, paints, pesticides) should not be thrown in the trash or poured down the drain. Here is a link to the list. (more…)
