Imperial River Boat Rampis located on US 41 - Tamiami Trail just North of Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs, Florida 34135.From the ramp to the gulf is about a 40 minute boat ride, most of which is idle speed - no wake.The Imperial River Boat Ramp has been open for about 10 years.  It features a small wooden fishing pier, two large boat ramps, tons of parking and restroom facilities.  In addition to boating The Imperial River Boat Ramp Park is a location for free mulch pick up in Lee County.  Residents are welcome to bring their truck or vehicle and load it with mulch to landscape their yards.  FREE, yes F-R-E-E.For more information about the park, the boat ramp and the free mulch facility contact the parks director at http://www.leeparks.org/  or Click Here      09/11/2007

The City of Bonita Springs has developed into a great place to live.  With the growth has come advancements that many people take for granted across the country; like the side walk I run on.  We didn't get them until recently.  They've come at a price; financial and lives lost because there were no sidewalks.  Everyone is grateful for them, now.  I get my money's worth. I make a habit of running or walking to the stores I can make on foot.  I believe it to no be possible to go just about anywhere on a main road on walking paths and sidewalks in Bonita Springs.Bonita Springs has changed over the years and not just the sidewalks.  I've lived in Bonita Springs for over 22 years.  When I first moved here US 41 was only a head-on traffic two lane road.  Now there are three lanes each way.  W... 09/11/2007

You will only get it if you're a dork like me.   This market's ill, it's got a fever...and the only prescription....is more COWBELL!I'm fighting with the newspaper machine in front of Terri's Summer Breeze Cafe today when I hear this guy ranting and raving about the real estate market being in the toilet and it is ALL  the fault of the REALTORS.  I listened for a minute and then went in to grab my cholesterol filled breakfast.  Upon sitting I told a few regulars at the next table what was going on out front.   One of the regulars is actually a general contractor.  I said, "It's all my fault, huh?  What were you paying for steel last year, for metal framing these new homes sitting with no owners in them?"  He just shakes his head, and says "Everybody wanted a share of the gold rush".  No... 09/07/2007

Who are these people?  I don't know.  I was sitting at the booth next to them and I can tell you one thing.  They were having a blast.  Roaring laughter and thrilling shrieks from this table kept the room vibrating.  I was tempted to ask them if I could switch tables - switch to their table, it was certainly fun sounding.It had been far too long since my last visit to The Neon Grill.  It's a great restaurant, with fantastic food - and the customers are in GREAT moods!We've had a long hot summer here in Bonita Springs and unfortunately, we've lost a few of our beloved restaurants.  My personal favorite, The Toucan Grille closed in June and just last week, Duval Street closed, too.My new favorite, non-franchise, locally owned restaurant is The Neon Grill.  The food is outstanding and the ... 09/03/2007

I walked away from a listing in Village Walk of Bonita Springs.  Don't get me wrong I like to list - list to sell, that is.  The house was beautiful, in great condition, too.  The thing is, a home really is no more than a tube of toothpaste.  More so in this neighborhood than most.  There are only four floor plans in this Divosta Community.  CapriCaymanOakmontCarlyleThe home is a Capri, the smallest, attached villa floor plan.  There aren't a whole lot of upgrades to be put into the homes.  Perhaps a built in wall unit or extended tile - a minimal adjustment in value/appraisal, nothing massive.  The developer tightly controls what is upgraded and added.  The owners of this Capri had a pool retrofitted so it is an upgraded pool with a brick paver deck instead of concrete. The agent that ... 09/03/2007

This is my latest idea and Active Rain integration technique. I had all of these lovely links on my email signature and I think I froze Bob Carney's Q solid as a rock.  So, I decided to post the links in their entirety and put one link on my email signature instead of all of the links in their table.  When my buyers and sellers hit that link they're coming to this page.  Be nice in the comments, the world is watching - and that someone is hopefully looking for Bonita Springs Real Estate.    For Sellers:Renovations That Pay Off 5 Tips For Seller's In A Buyers Market Helpful Hints to Sell Your Home The Dangers of Overpricing Your Home 5 Tips For A Successful Open House Seller's: Ever Wonder WHY Your Home Is On The Market So Long?   For Buyers:Bonita Springs Florida - Buying A Home Long Di... 09/02/2007

The Cottages at Brendan Cove is a 22 home subdivision located within the gates of Brendan Cove.  The project is now built out and only resales are availble.   There are three floor plans from which to choose.  The property pictured, The Aruba, is approximately 1925 square foot of living space.  Pricing starts in the low $400,000's in The Cottages at Brendan Cove.The classic beauty of Brendan Cove is enough to draw anyone looking for that classic Florida lifestyle. It is a quiet and quaint community.  Brendan Cove is one of the most unique luxury home communities in Bonita Springs, Florida. Not only is located on the wide and gorgeous Imperial River, it also boasts large custom homes on large lots. Physical appeal is only part of what makes up any fine luxury community. Brendan Cove also... 08/31/2007

To the rest of the world this looks just like any other car carrier.  I saw the first one last week while I was at dinner at Wylds Cafe.   It drove by and I shrieked.  My dinner guest is from the Carolinas and was surprised it was such a big deal.  I thought it could be a fluke and then today, right in front Bonita Fairways and Serrano I snapped this shot.   (Yes, while driving)To the residents of Bonita Springs and Southwest Florida this means one thing:  They're on the way!  Whatever you call them:TouristsSnow BirdsWinter BirdsSeasonal residentsNorthernersFrog Heads (my least favorite, naturally)They loaded up in April and May and left!  Now through November car carriers will line the street of US 41 - Tamiami Trail and offload the vehicles of our seasonal residents.  The residents pu... 08/29/2007

There are a handful of Starbucks in Bonita Springs.  I snapped a photo of Starbucks at the Promenade across the hall from Premier Properties.  The Promenade is also the home of Ben and Jerry's, Silver Spoon Restaurant and several other great shoppes.The Promenade is located at the northwest corner of West Terry Street and US41-Tamiami Trail.  Drive up - drop off service is just steps from Starbucks so it is stroller friendly and easily accessible for those who choose short walks.There are currently three Starbucks stores at the Coconut Point Mall, plus Audubon Plaza in North Naples and Pelican Landing at the intersection of Tamiami Trail and Old 41 Road - in front of Publix. 08/27/2007

Heya Herb Hamilton, ya like that title?  I tried to get in the seat part, but my thighs won't fit through the openings since I threw the Ice Cream Carnival with no points for prizes - the deadline is noon 8-27-07 Eastern. Here are the current entries: Carnival of Ice Cream - 24 Hour Warning Much like the Best Buy store, I'd rather eat worms than go to Home Depot.  OK, Home Depot serves it's purpose for most of the public.  For people like me it is a spiraling bottomless slide through hell on a razor blade into a pool of rubbing alcohol filled with piranhas.  Regardless of the agony it would put me in I had to go.  I'm about to put my own home on the market and needed some fix up things.  There were only four items on my list.  If you're wondering what someone like me would be buying in ... 08/26/2007

This caught my attention & I thought this was kind of clever.  This guy will probably make some bank on the Google add words alone.  This afternoon I'm driving back from on of my listings listening to talk radio (I'm crazy like that).  The Jerry Doyle show runs a piece on this guy that had crappy neighbors so he started a website called http://RottenNeighbor.com so that:1. A person can tell the world that their neighbors are bad and what they do that is so nasty.2. Before you move into a new area you can search by zip code to see if there are bad neighbors.The owner of the website has already been on the Today Show on NBC and is all over the news.  The site is getting tons of traffic and it's only a few weeks old.  Come on,  you can't resist putting in your zip code, can you?  I just HA... 08/23/2007

Near the north entrance to the Coconut Point Mall is a courtyard area with a handful of dining establishments that include Doc Greens, Starbucks coffee and Marble Slab Creamery.The Marble Slab Creameryis a great ice cream store that offers inside and outside courtyard seating.  The courtyard has just recently been completed and the remaining restaurants are opening in the next few weeks.  The high point of this courtyard is it's Koi and turtle pond and waterfall features.  Kids just love it, too.When the winter months roll around, there is a gas fire pit with seating to enjoy.  Yes, it does get cold enough for a fire in South Florida.This mall is pet friendly.  Dog water fountains are located through out the Coconut Point Mall complex - including this courtyard area.  If you'd like a re... 08/21/2007

Marc Blasi is a super hero.  There I said it!  (Jason Price will be back for a laugh) (I'm just putting Bob Carney in here to set off his google alert, LOL).  Well, Marc was inspired by ice cream enough to visit the official Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream site and find a "flavor locator".  WHAT?!  Did you know there was such a contraption?  Me either!I've searched high and low for Americone Dream, and never realized that even ice cream is now computerized!  Americone Dream has been found in Bonita Springs, Florida.  It's at the Albertson's Grocery store on Bonita Beach Road!Well, here's the report - pronounced "re-pore" for those off you who don't know - the T is silent.  It was as glorious as imagined.  Steven Colbert, your ice cream rocks!If you're in Bonita Springs looking for the Americone... 08/20/2007

Within Walking distance of my home is a great little shopping area call The Promenade.   The Promenade center is home to many great shopping boutiques and meeting spots such as Starbucks Coffee, Benigan's and The Silver Spoon Restaurant.Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in Bonita Springs was first introduced to our area years ago.  Shortly after the shopping center, The Promenade, opened the owner held a birthday party for her dog, Charlie Brown.   Even Jack won a prize.  It was a costume party with raffles and prizes.  It was a birthday party/fundraiser for the humane society.  Cost of entry:  Dog food - any kind, any amount.  What's not to love about a great local establishment helping the local community?If you're looking for an great time and an excellent way to pass time with friends and fam... 08/18/2007

Triumph for some, tragedy for me.  I hate shopping and I especially hate shopping in the electronics sort of stores.  Best Buy is a bottomless pit for me.  It may as well be an auto parts store.  I know that every time I step foot through that door, I'm kissing a minimum of one hour of my life good bye.  If  Al Gorithm is with me, I immediately walk through the door, hang a right and end up on the sofa pit group in the entertainment center room.  It's not necessary for me to stand on my feet and suffer through this entire event is it?Well, horror of all horrors, last night I got dragged kicking and screaming into Best Buy and the sofa is GONE!  There are only two chairs in front of a kick butt plasma tv.  I patiently waited for the occupants to vacate and I snagged my spot.  Friday nigh... 08/18/2007

Do you have a DQ Lounge?  We do!Just two blocks west of where I live (Brendan Cove) is our Dairy Queen.  We've lived at this address for about 12 years so my kids and the neighborhood kids grew up hanging out and wrecking their appetite at this Dairy Queen.  They were there so often we started referrinng to it as the DQ Lounge.  Jamison, the former owner was so good to all of our kids - and promised to rat them out to us if they were doing something we needed to know about.I'm not a huge sweets eater, but I stopped in just days ago becasue there is a new "Waffle Crisp Blizzard" that is just so good, it's criminal.  This visit, I ended up getting my blizzard and a kid fix.   A handful of local kids, fellow graduates of Estero High Shool, a running back for the local football team and eve... 08/18/2007

The entire Pelican Landing series is accessible by clicking:  Pelican Landing.  Pelican Landing is locate in Bonita Springs, Florida west of US 41 - Tamiami Trail.  The MLS Geographic code for Pelican Landing is BN05.  Ascot Bay Cedar Bay Creek Baycrest Capri Costa Del Sol Coventry Creekside Crossing Cypress Island Goldcrest Heron Cove Heron Glen Heron Point Lakemont Lakemont CoveLong Lake Long Lake Village Mystic Ridge Palm Colony Pinewater Place Pennyroyal Sandpiper Greens Sandpiper Isle Sawgrass Point Southbridge The Cottages The Pointe The Reserve The Ridge The Sanctuary WatersideIf you are interested in acquiring a home or condominium in Pelican Landing or The Colony in Bonita Springs, Florida call Chris Griffifth - Keller Williams Elite Realty at 239-273-7430.  08/15/2007

Real Estate Auctions - Buyer Beware, AgainToday, a real estate investor I know attended an auction.  This investor was entertaining the idea of auctioning off one of their investment properties - a Capri III in Village Walk of Bonita Springs.  Apparently the auction company was asking $3,500 from the property owners up front for "advertising".  The auction was structured to be some sort of a simulcast between two locations - SW Florida and a northern city.  Cross marketing to Snowbirds and Baby Boomers.  The investor DID NOT enter a home into the pool of properties that was available at auction.  The investor did attend the auction to see how it went and and as a means of doing homework for the next auction.  If it went well the investor would consider auctioning the home.There were ove... 08/12/2007

The YMCA is a movement about people - all ages, races, religions and incomes. The Bonita Springs YMCA is governed by a volunteer board of community leaders. This charitable mission allows YMCA programs and services to be available to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay. The Bonita Springs YMCA provides hundreds of programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. Everything from aquatics, arts and performing arts, child care, fitness and wellness, sports and specialty programs is designed to help you, your family and your community grow.  Additional programs include:» Active Older Adults» Aquatics» Child Care» Summer Camp» Family» Fitness & Wellness» Special Programs & Events» Sports» Youth & Teens» TennisJoin your friends and neighbors at the YMCA.Address... 08/10/2007

Hurry!  Rush!  Oh my stars, you just might miss out!  Heaven only knows you might just miss out on the shortage of builders surplus condos.  Take your pick of fantastic product that you might miss in these cities: Naples!  Bonita Springs!  Fort Myers!  Port Charlotte!  I almost don't know which way to run first.  Once these homes are sold the offer is OVER!  YIKES!  O-V-E-R!  Should we buy more than one?!Below Market Pricing!Can you believe it?  Below market pricing, too.  Geeze, I thought market pricing was what a buyer is willing to buy at and what a seller is willing to take.  How would one know that they are BELOW what a buyer is willing to pay?  This was an enormous mass mailing that just stunk up my email box.  I even had an investor call me, that had received the email.  I told h... 08/09/2007