One of my "kids" is sick.  It has been a long couple of weeks around here.  He's been under the weather for a while and it was with great apprehension that I took him to the doctor.  Jack's and old man in both dog and people years.  I love him so!The team at White Sands Clinic in Bonita Springs is just awesome.  They've always been awesome.  They've litterally saved Jack a half dozen times so far.  I am counting on them to do it again.  He'$ the Prada pur$e I've alway$ wanted. I think he's pushed on to belt, $hoes and he'$ working through acce$$orie$, now.The battery of tests revealed he is, for the most part, healthy.  I was dreading liver or kidney disease since he's been pukey and he's a geezer.  His blood and heart are normal.  When they did the X-ray it was discovered that there is... 07/11/2007

Bonita Springs Charter School is enrolling students for the coming fall '07 classes for grades K-8.First, are you wondering what is a Charter School?Charter schools are part of a sweeping educational reform that offers alternatives for parents and students and places the highest priority on providing a better education. Charter schools are funded much like a public school, but each charter school is governed privately. Unlike traditional public schools, every charter school must demonstrate success, or it will lose its charter. Charter schools can be managed by municipalities, private companies or individuals.The Bonita Springs Charter Schoolis located at 25380 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida - on Old US 41 Road between Cockleshell Drive and Signal Road.OPEN HOUSE  for the 2007-... 07/10/2007

A Bonita Springs couple has sold Florida Gulf Coast University their waterside property in Estero Bay. The university will use to build a small field station for marine and environmental programs.The property and new FGCU marine lab will be located at 5164 Bonita Beach Road.  The property was sold to FGCU for $2.75 million, about $1 million below its estimated market value. The Bonita Beach Plantation Resort property is located on Little Hickory Island.Norm and Nancy Vester, seasonal residents from Massachusetts who live a bulk of the year in Bonita Springs, have been in negotiations with the FGCU Foundation for the past several months working out the details of the sale.The Vester's purchased the resort property about a year and a half ago. They live in a condo on the site, which inclu... 07/10/2007

In Lee County for the month June, there were several hundred foreclosure filings. You can read about the number of Bonita Springs real estate foreclosures on Naples Florida real estate. Is this the result of the sub-prime mortgage activity of the past few years or investors that can not afford the payments or have sufficient rents to cover monthly payments? 07/09/2007

Alright, I wasn't going to go to the Bonita Springs Fourth of July Parade .... It's hot here!  It was even raining at 8:15 a.m. just before the parade started.Bonita Springs isn't exactly a huge city.  Since I only live about two miles from the parade route I threw on the Nike's and ran down there to see the commotion and hoopla.  Surprise of all surprises my  kids actually showed up!  We watched the parade and later joined the rest of the village at Riverside Park for the float judging and activities.I don't think I've ever seen so many people at Riverside Park.   I don't think I've ever seen so many dogs at the event, either.  The dogs were everywhere.The weather cleared up, but there was still cloud cover so it wasn't blistering hot.  Of course, there were tons of squirt guns ... 07/04/2007

The list of fireworks locations is below.  When you've found the information you need, take a look at:Bonita Springs Fourth of July Parade to Riverside Park today's photos are uploaded and ready to be seen. Estero, Florida FireworksMiromar Outlets fireworks begin at dusk: Tuesday, July 3, 2007 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Bonita Springs, FloridaFourth of July parade on Old 41 Road to Riverside Park.  Riverside Party in the Park at Pennsylvania and Old US 41 begins after the 9 am parade.Fireworks at the Village Center, Palmira Golf and Country Club on Bonita Beach Road, two miles east of I-75. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m., fireworks begin at dusk.Click Here for the Printable Flyer or contact Bonita Springs City Hall at 949-6262 for information. Fort Myers, Florida Riverfest in Centennial Park... 07/02/2007

 Recenty, I was driving down Metro Parkway in Fort Myers and passed the Chico's headquarters.  They have the funnest monument sign.  You can't help but look at it and smile.  Southwest Florida is home to several business that are publicly traded on a major exchange.  Some businesses, such as Source Interlink, have actually relocated and transferred their workforce to Bonita Springs, Florida.  Source Interlink is just a few miles away from WCI Communities headquarters.  WCI - Watermark Communities Incorporated has played a major part in the development of Bonita Springs, Estero and other fine communties throughout Florida.  They are now expanding to other states.Beasley Broadcasting is also stationed in Southwest Florida.If you're going to work, why not work in Paradise, right?  If you'r... 06/25/2007

When you have the opportunity, take a drive down Pennsylvania Avenue in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Where Oak Creek meets Pennsylvania, an architect by the name of Christian Busk has salvaged and preserved historic home.  The homes, originally from various locations in Southwest Florida, have been relocated, rehabilitated and restored to their original grandeur.  The homes [from left to right] The Packard Home, The Haldeman Home and the Nutting Home.  To learn more about these historic homes:  Read Here To learn about how these Bonita Springs homes were preserved:  Read HereTo learn more about Christian Busk, Architect: Read Here 06/25/2007

Property owners of Lee County, which includes Bonita Springs and Estero Florida, the following chart is a proposed schedule of the new property tax adjustment and fees.Collier County (Naples)Lee County (Bonita/Estero)  House Value2007 Taxes2008 TaxesSavingsSavings %2007 Taxes2008 TaxesSavingsSavings %$200,000$1,925$501$1,42574%$2,450$651$1,79973%$250,000$2,475$926$1,54963%$3,150$1,204$1,94662%$300,000$3,025$1,351$1,67455%$3,850$1,758$2,09254%$350,000$3,575$1,777$1,79850%$4,550$2,311$2,23949%$400,000$4,125$2,202$1,92347%$5,250$2,864$2,38645%$450,000$4,675$2,628$2,04744%$5,950$3,418$2,53243%$500,000$5,225$3,053$2,17242%$6,650$3,971$2,67940%$550,000$5,775$3,554$2,22138%$7,350$4,622$2,72837%$600,000$6,325$4,054$2,27136%$8,050$5,273$2,77734%$650,000$6,875$4,555$2,32034%$8,750$5,924$2,82632%$... 06/19/2007

This weekend I received a phone call.  The gentleman on the other end of the phone had read an article on CNN Money, regarding real estate auctions in Southwest Florida.  He was particularly interested in an auction that involved a developer liquidating some standing, surplus inventory.  After I explained that the auction was last week I questioned him as to what he was looking for.  Of course, killer deal, great investment, a steal were all terms that he used.  I went on to explain that the Bonita Springs real estate market and the inventory on hand provides for a "killer deal" in almost any neighborhood.  It all depends upon equity the seller has or the amount a seller is willing to sell short, plus the buyer holding the property 3-7 years.  Silence...I can almost hear the voice in th... 06/18/2007

You may have read a blog or two about my Running and Limping Club at the Keller Williams Elite Realty office in Bonita Springs, Fl.  (We do have one Bonita Springs Wells Fargo lender that we let in the club)  There are a handful of us at my office that get out there every so often and run a 5K, do a triathalon or something.  We all ran the Susan G. Komen race at Coconut Point Mall.  It's all in fun.  We may actually enjoy the breakfast after the race the most.This September we're looking forward to running a 5K over the Sanibel Island Causeway and Drawbridge for it's grand opening.  We're lucky enough to have these "bridge" events a few times per year.  In addition to this event, we are considering a 20K event that will be in Naples, Florida at the end of September.These events are usua... 06/15/2007

If you're like many of the local residents and vacationers, you get one good look at the turquoise waters and you start thinking boat.  The ultimate dream in Bonita Springs, Florida is to own a home on a canal so that you own boat is floating in your own back yard.  Realizing the dream for some, is out of range due to the fact that waterfront, gulf access, canal homes are a premium piece of real estate.  Bonita Springs offers alternatives for boaters with many well places public boat ramps and county/state parks.  Within a five mile radius there are a handful open to the public, listed below:Imperial River Boat Ramp:  27551 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida.  Info HereKoreshan State Historic Site: US 41 Estero at Corkscrew Road, Estero Florida.Carl Johnson State Park:  8700 H... 06/14/2007

 gates of The Colony Golf & Bay Club is Ponza at The Colony. To learn more read also, Ponza at The Colony  06/13/2007

Barefoot Beach and Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park are two parks located in Northern Collier County.  The parks are separated by Wiggins Pass, a water channel fed by the Cocohatchee River.  Barefoot Beach is located south of Bonita Beach on Barefoot Beach Blvd. in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Park admission is $5.00.  Restroom, shower and snack service facilities are on site.  Barefoot Beach Park is a Gopher Tortoise preserve.  This is an excellent location to catch a glimps of these dinosaurs in action.Wiggins Pass is on the south side of the channel and accessible by car via 111th Avenue in Naples Park.  The fee for entry is $5.00 per car.  Wiggins Pass is a popular destination for fishermen and boaters.  A boat ramp is located at the Cocohatchee River Park near the intersection of Vander... 06/11/2007

This condominium home is located in San Mirage at Bonita Springs in Bonita Springs, Florida.Enjoy a second floor, end unit residence which is just steps to the resort style pool. One bedroom - One bath, secure gated community with on site fitness, tennis, pool, barbeque area and vehicle wash area.San Mirage is walking distance to many great amenities which include the movie theater, restaurants and shopping. It is just minutes to the new Coconut Point Mall and sandy gulf beaches of Bonita Springs and Bonita Beach.This condominium home is a great candidate for part-time or full-time occupancy, or even FGCU student or faculty.  Florid Gulfcoast State University is only 20 minutes away!ML #207024481  $149,900!More information can be found about this San Mirage listing at my website http://... 06/11/2007

The Tides at Pelican Landing is a fun, relaxing community located in the heart of the master planned city of Bonita Springs, Florida.  The Tides is physically located in front of Pelican Landing, however, it is not part of the Pelican Landing community.  Homeowners of the Tides do not have use of the Pelican Landing community amenities.Just a stroll to theEstero, FL area, The Tides is conveniently situated near the areas finest shopping at the new Coconut Point Mall, dining, lodging and the new Estero Community Park. This new, regional park is finished and construction is now complete and a great centerpiece to the Estero Community, providing sports fields, picnic areas and an outdoor amphitheatre.  The beautiful gulf beaches of Bonita Springs and Bonita Beach are only 15 minutes away.A... 06/06/2007

Lakemont is an area that features single family, estate homes.  Lakemont is located in Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, Florida.   Homeowners enjoy refined, estate homes, each uniquely designed and vary in style and architecture.  Residences in Lakemont at Pelican Landing offer sweeping views of preserves, golf course and lakes.  Homes are set amongst mature grandfather oaks, slash pines and cabbage palms. Custom landscaping with mature trees and ornaments accents the beautiful homes and adds to the coziness of the neighborhood.  The nature landscape of Florida has been saved in designated preserve areas.  Various "preferred" builders from Southwest Florida were used for the homes in Lakemont, which offers a large variety of styles and architectural elements.Lakemont offers winding st... 06/06/2007

There's an incredible restaurant a couple of blocks off of Bonita Beach, in Bonita Springs, Florida that you need to know about.  The Toucan Grille is a unique, estraordinary restaurant that features a menu like no other in the Southwest Florida area.  Come enjoy all the things you love about southwest Florida cooking in an atmosphere of tropical ease. Casual "lanai" cuisine featuring steaks and seafood prepared with a Caribbean flair.Whether tableside or at the Toucan Bar, experience our unique local flavor.Carry Out Lunch and Dinner Full service bar available Reservations not required. A casual dining experience that can't be beat.  Meet the owners.  They're on site every day making sure that your dining experience is the best that it can be.  The Toucan Grille is located at 4480 Boni... 06/03/2007

The Heron Cove and Heron Glen Pelican Landing is located near the North gate of Pelican Landing. Heron Cove and Heron Glen are quiet enclaves of less than 25 detached villa homes homes located in Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, Florida.   The detached buildings are one or two stories depending upon the unit. The benefit of owning an attached villa home is that the outside lawn-care is managed by the home owner association.  Square footages run from just under 1,7000 square feet of living space to just over 2,2000 square feet.  Homes have the option of having their own private pool.  Pool can be installed at a home that currently does not have a pool, should a buyer so choose and lot size permit it.Residences in Heron Glen and Heron Cove at Pelican Landing offer views of preserves and... 06/03/2007

Pennyroyal is an area that features single family, estate homes.  Pennyroyal is located in Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, Florida.   Homeowners enjoy refined, estate homes, each uniquely designed and vary in style and architecture.  Residences in Pennyroyal at Pelican Landing offer sweeping views of preserves, golf course and lakes.  Custom landscaping with mature trees and ornaments accents the beautiful homes and adds to the coziness of the neighborhood.  Various "preferred" builders from Southwest Florida were used for the homes in Pennyroyal, which offers a large variety of styles and architectural elements.Pennyroyal offers winding streets, grandfather oaks and easy access to all three gates in Pelican Landingvia Pennyroyal Drive.The homes of Pennyroyal offer living areas of 2,... 06/02/2007