Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on June 24, 2010
Myakka River State Park
We were informed the other day by friends who are avid hikers, campers and birders that not only is June National Camping Month but also that 2010 marks the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks. So to honor their good-natured scolding that this column has yet to address the recreational opportunities that exist in what they like to call the “Great Florida Outback,” today’s feature is dedicated to the sea of green that defines eastern Sarasota and Manatee Counties, mainly east of I-75.
The first destination that comes to mind, of course, is the granddaddy of them all—Myakka River State Park—which is not only Florida’s largest state park, but also one of its oldest. Just nine miles east of Sarasota, its 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands are bisected by the hauntingly beautiful Myakka River—whose serpentine length stretches some 66 miles from its headwaters in Northern Manatee County to its outfall in Charlotte Harbor.
Due to strong grassroots support for preserving its magnificent scenery and pristine qualities, the Myakka River was declared “Wild and Scenic” by the Florida Legislature in 1985. Moreover, the legislature noted that the segment running through Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties “possesses remarkable ecological, fish and wildlife, and recreational values which are unique to the State of Florida.”
Before there was a Myakka State Park, much of its land—then known as Meadow Sweet Pastures Ranch—was owned by Bertha Honore Palmer, one of Southwest Florida’s most important historical figures. Palmer used her land to raise cattle; and much to the amazement, annoyance and barely-concealed anger of her neighboring ranchers, this most unlikely rancher and doyenne of Chicago society completely “out-ranched” them all by adopting new cattle-rearing techniques for which she was looked upon as being certifiably crazy. For one thing, she was the first to dip her cattle in insecticide to prevent deadly tick-borne illnesses from decimating her herd; an unheard-of process her fellow ranchers were sure would annihilate the cattle first. She also was first to fence-in her cattle, something that wasn’t required by Florida statute until 1949. Twelve years after her passing in 1918, her sons donated 2,000 acres of the ranch to form much of what is today Myakka River State Park.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on June 16, 2010
North Port is one of the largest cities by geographic area in Sarasota County. It is conveniently located next to Venice and Port Charlotte, offering many of Florida’s amenities with a small town familiarity. Toledo Blade and Sumter Blvd. act as gateways into this well-priced primary and second home mecca.
North Port has experienced explosive growth in recent years, making it a natural destination for young families as well as those seeking a second home in a warmer climate.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on June 2, 2010
Port Charlotte is located between Sarasota and Fort Myers. It sits right at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, where the Peace River and Myakka River meet. Residents refer to it as the “Jewel on the Harbor,” with a charming personality and beautiful waterfront living. Bayshore Park runs along the whole waterway with fishing piers, kayaking, walking trails, restaurants and picnic pavilions.
The homes in Port Charlotte range from smaller 2-bedroom bungalows to larger Tudor homes and even Mediterranean estate homes. There are also waterfront communities offering carriage homes, single-family homes and estate villas.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on May 21, 2010
Our market’s recovery continued moving forward in April. Inventories of available properties continued to decline throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties; while sales were up by more than 27% in Manatee County, 19% in Sarasota County and 17% in Charlotte County. Pending sales, a strong harbinger of closed sales to come in the next 30 to 60 days, were also up significantly. Pendings were up 52% in Manatee County, 27% in Sarasota County and nearly 10% in Charlotte County.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on May 19, 2010
The city of Englewood offers a warm, welcoming feeling with an “off the beaten path” casualness. The desire for natural conservation is paramount. The city has passed on the over-development of tall buildings in favor of a natural waterfront landscape.
The homes range from small bungalows to large estates. Much of the Old Florida architecture has remained. Many existing homes have direct water access, ranging from small single-family homes to expansive luxury homes. There are also a number of condominiums and townhouses. Many historic homes are located in the Dearborn Street District, an area being revitalized as an environmentally-redesigned Green neighborhood.
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on April 28, 2010
CASEY KEY is a unique island retreat that it consists almost entirely of single-family homes and private, lush waterfront estates. Vintage beach bungalows are nestled between large elegant homes up and down the island, both on the bay side and the gulf side.
Casey Key residents dwell on this eight-mile long barrier island, with no high rises and no traffic lights. Homes here exude a unique blend of wealth, elegance, and old-Florida charm.
