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The resort-style neighborhood of Venetian Falls is the newest and arguably the best adult community in Venice, Florida. Located just a few miles from beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches, challenging golf courses, and meandering biking and walking trails, a year-round playground of recreational fun is convenient to residents and visitors of this remarkable destination. (more…)
Pictured: 333 Meadow Beauty Ct.
Located in Venice, Jacaranda West is a beautiful established neighborhood with low HOA fees. There is a private, member-owned and member-operated club which offers golf, tennis, social memberships, dining and seasonal memberships. Also, membership is not limited to residency at Jacaranda West.
Market Activity – Jacaranda West
Even in challenging times, the Jacaranda West market sells. At this time, there are 23 homes for sale in the Jacaranda area. In the past 30 days, there have been two sales, and there are presently six under contact.
An interesting fact that some people do not know about the Jacaranda subdivision is that when it was platted, the legal description says Venice Gardens. However, you must look at the unit number, as Jacaranda is Venice Gardens units 31 and up. There is a significant difference between Venice Gardens and the Jacaranda portion of Venice Gardens. For example, Venice Gardens has no deed restrictions and the Jacaranda section, units 31 and up, have deed restrictions with a mandatory homeowners association, plus it is a golfing community. (more…)
Find the right Halloween event for your family this weekend.
For those of you who tuned in to last week’s Top Ten blog, we uncovered and discussed the top pumpkin patches and festivals setting the stage for this weekend’s Halloween celebration. From the spooky to the family-friendly, our area has a bit of everything to entertain children and parent’s alike on this horror-based holiday.
So, get your costumes and candy bags ready and take a trip to one of these top Sarasota-area Halloween events:
Haunted Theatre & Walking Ghost – Meet at the Players Theatre on Saturday, October 30 at 9:30pm to begin the ghost walking tour through Sarasota’s Historic Theatre District, with a stop along the way at the Rosemary Cemetery. Return to the Players Theatre at 11:00pm and enjoy finger foods and refreshments provided by Sundance Catering. Ghost Hunters of SRQ will begin the inside tour of the theatre at 11:30pm. Lead by local Ghost Author Kim Cool. $15 per person (includes complimentary finger foods)
Sarasota’s Largest Pumpkin Carving Contest – This Saturday, October 30, Sarasota’s Largest Pumpkin Carving Contest starts at 8am and all pumpkins must be submitted by 3pm. You can purchase and carve a pumpkin on-site or bring your already carved pumpkin. $5 entrance fee per pumpkin. $500 Cash Award to overall winner, $100 to Student overall winner, $100 to Child overall winner and dozens of prizes! Find out more HERE. (more…)
A range of beautiful homes are available in Sawgrass. Pictured: 381 Otter Creek Drive.
An upscale gated golf course community with the advantage of no required membership, Sawgrass is home to 54 acres of lakes and natural preserves. Home sites are strategically positioned for residents to enjoy the surrounding beauty of the area as well as golf course views. The community’s semi-private course was designed by renowned golf course architect Ted McAnlis for the adjacent Waterford Golf Club.
Market Activity – Sawgrass
Homes in Sawgrass range from 1,800 – 3,500 square feet. Currently, there are 18 active listings priced from $299,900 to $550,000. The last three sales—taking place from mid-June through July—were in the low to mid-$300,000s for homes under 2,050 square feet. Jim Sweat of the Venice office has worked with both buyers and sellers in successful transactions in the community.
Location and Amenities – Sawgrass
Conveniently located off the beaten path, and yet close to everything you want, Sawgrass is just 3-4 miles to several Venice beaches, Venice Island, Venice Theater, shopping, restaurants, schools, and parks. Community amenities include a heated resort-style pool, a clubhouse, a fitness center, tennis and numerous social activities.
Get out and enjoy this Labor Day weekend. You earned it.
Celebrated since September of 1882, Labor Day is a longstanding observance dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the American workforce and the contributions they have made to the prosperity and well-being of our country. It also signifies a long weekend for many to ring in the unofficial end of summer, complete with family outings, barbecues and more.
As with all holidays and special occasions, the greater Sarasota area is filled with events and activities to entertain residents and visitors–and you deserve it. Here are our top 10 Labor Day weekend activities taking place in the Sarasota area:
1. Labor Day Family Picnic at the Point – Bring the whole family for a day of fun at Historic Spanish Point, the premier outdoor museum. This Monday, September 6, starting at 9:00 am, just $10 per car load gives your family access to 30 acres of shady nature trails, scenic boardwalks, historic buildings, rich gardens, bay breezes and more, with plenty of picnic tables at a variety of interesting locations throughout the museum. Bring a Frisbee or baseball bat and balls and play on the Lychee Field near one of the largest butterfly gardens in the area, or take in some sunshine right next to the cool waters of Little Sarasota Bay overlooking Casey Key. Sorry no grills or pets. Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with no site admittance after 4:00pm. Visit HERE for more information.
2. Labor Day All Day Celebration – Looking for a delicious brunch complemented with live music on your extra weekend day? Blu Smoke Island Grill and Bar is offering an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Holiday Weekend Brunch starting at 9am and ending at noon on Monday, September 7. Stay for the pig roast from noon – 4 pm and live reggae on the from 2-6 pm. Go HERE for more information.
3. 5th Annual Selby Instructors’ Summer Showcase – This Monday, September 6, enjoy an annual exhibit and sale showcasing the work of many of Selby’s talented art instructors, giving you a preview of the fun and interesting experiences waiting at the Gardens every week. Come see this exhibit and be inspired to sign up for classes taught by these talented artists and instructors. Many of the works will also be available for sale. Cost: Included in admission to Gardens. More information is HERE. (more…)
Treat your furry friend to a day at one of our area paw parks.
While our gorgeous coastal area provides plenty of fun for those who enjoy the outdoors, fine dining, world-class shopping and some of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere, there are also a number of recreational spots designated and built especially for Fido to get his exercise and socialize with style. After all, it’s important to keep in mind the old saying, “If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise.”
So, here are our top 10 places to take your pooch, including beaches, trails and parks where dogs are allowed, but do not feature fenced leash-free play areas. Remember, some locations require leashes, others don’t, so be sure to check the rules before you go.
1. 17th Street Paw Park – Located in north Sarasota, this expansive dog park features acres of grassy and wood-chip-strewn play space for pooches. It provides plenty of room for off-leash play, shade/shelter, pick-up bags, and agility equipment for large dogs. Hours are dawn to dusk. Adjacent to the paw park are baseball, softball and soccer fields, a snack bar and restrooms. Call 941-861-9830 for more information.
2. Lakeview Paw Park – Located next to Lakeview Elementary School off Proctor Road at 7150 Lago St., Sarasota, Lakeview Paw Park offers a cool, shady oasis on hot summer days. This 26-acre park features a picnic shelter, playground and restrooms. Open from dawn to dusk. Adjacent to the paw park is an area with a jogging and fitness trail, restrooms and picnic tables. For more information, call 941-861-9830. (more…)
Discover a number of gorgeous homes in Stoneybrook at Venice. Pictured: 11355 Dancing River Dr.
A Lennar community that opened in 2004, Stoneybrook at Venice is one of the newest family-oriented neighborhoods in Sarasota County. A master-planned, gated community, Stoneybrook at Venice is nestled within 640 acres with 55 percent of the area being preserve and lakes, with an array of amenities for everyone to enjoy. There are a variety of home floor plans available for retirees to growing families. Located off Center Road or River Road in Venice, it is minutes from I-75, shopping, medical facilities, schools, golf courses, downtown Venice, and, of course, our fabulous beaches.
Market Activity – Stoneybrook at Venice
Stoneybrook at Venice is enjoying robust activity in this challenging real estate market with 620 homes currently built out of an estimated 900 total. Lennar posted six new home sales in the first three weeks of June and are in the process of beginning their next phase of new construction homes. There were nine closed re-sales in the last 30+ days, and there are 12 pending re-sales. Homes prices range from the mid $100s to $300s for new and re-sale homes with square footage ranging from 1,300 to 3,000+.
Agent Kudos – Stoneybrook at Venice
Michael Saunders & Company agents have worked together to list and sell homes in Stoneybrook at Venice with a recent collaborative by Theresa Brown, listing agent from the Venice office, and selling agent Jody Skapyak of the Palmer Ranch office. The home was a lovely three-bedroom, two-bath with den, and was sited with a preserve in the back and green space on one side offering privacy and a lush setting. This home went under contract in less than 30 days and sold for an affordable $162,000. (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…)
SARASOTA, FLORIDA – (May 2010) – Michael Saunders is pleased to welcome Judy Dirr to the Venice office.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Judy has always harbored a passion for helping people, which made for an easy progression to the world of real estate. After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from Molloy College, Judy decided to try her hand at assisting homebuyers and sellers with their real estate needs—a profession she found to be a perfect fit. Judy later owned and operated a successful Century 21 brokerage company in New York before she relocated to Osprey in 2004 with her family, where she continued to achieve exceptional results for her customers and clients.
For more information, contact Judy Dirr at 941. 408.6672 or JudyDirr@michaelsaunders.com.
Be sure to take a moment to remember the reason behind Memorial Day.
More than just a time for picnics, barbecues, family gatherings and sporting events, Memorial Day—originally called Decoration Day—is a day of remembrance for the men and women who lost their lives while serving our nation. Set each year on the last Monday of May, the day also marks the unofficial beginning of summer for many, complete with a three-day weekend of celebration and outdoor enjoyment.
While the extended weekend and seasonal weather create an easy distraction, the very meaning of the “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been overlooked and ignored by those of us who are beneficiaries of the brave and willing who gave all for our country. Therefore, this Memorial Day take a moment to observe the solemn, and even sacred, spirit of this special day, and express your thanks by honoring our loved ones, ancestors and friends who paid the ultimate price to ensure the freedom and safety of future generations. So, with your extra weekend day to enjoy, here are the top 10 Sarasota-Area Memorial Day activities to help you get the most of this special day:
1. Sarasota Parade – The Sarasota Memorial Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 31, at Main Street and Osprey Avenue. The route will be west along Main Street to Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park on Gulfstream Ave. The ceremony at Hamel Park will begin after the parade. Parking is available at Marina Jack’s on the bayfront. Lt. Col. William Brockman from the Sarasota Military Academy will be the guest speaker.
2. Venice Parade – The Venice Memorial Day ceremony will be hosted by American Legion NO-VELL Post 159. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31, and will be held at Patriots’ Park at the northern junction of Business 41 and Bypass 41 in downtown Venice. The Venice High School Band will perform patriotic music. The theme of the Sarasota and Venice parades and ceremonies is “Honor Their Sacrifice.”
3. Jacobites Memorial Day Concert – The Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band, along with a host of guest artists, will perform their 4th Annual Memorial Day Concert at Church Of The Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. Admission $10/$5 kids under 18. A rousing combination of traditional American, patriotic and Celtic music, featuring 12-year-old singing sensation, Maria Wirries.
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