Have you seen a performance by the Lakeland Community Theater lately?   Here is a tidbit - little history - about one of Lakeland's finest art group. A group of Lakeland citizens approached the City of Lakeland in 1985 to develop a children's theater known as Pied Piper Players. Since then, the repertoire, such as Grease, The Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music has vastly expanded and with the 2007/2008 season the name was changed to "Lakeland Community Theater." The theater is a non-profit organization and has over 800 volunteers participate throughout the year. Events, such as main stage productions, theatre for youth series and classes are being attended by over 19,000 people. The talent that this Lakeland Community Theater provides is immensely.   You Don't Want to Miss this ... 07/11/2008

Lakeland's Housing Market - Good News ...Not So Good News     Most folks want to hear the bad news before the good news in hopes that the bad news is still not too bad when comparing the Good and the Bad. However, with Real Estate news, people have lately watched the negative news reports or read the not so good news in the newspaper. Therefore, I will start with the good news first. Good News - Lakeland's housing market has improved to 145 homes sold in June 2008 from the previous month of 124 homes sold. The average sold price also increased by 14% from the previous month. It also took less time to sell a home in June with an average of 143 days.      Now, the Not So Good News - When statistics being compared, it is compared with the previous year and here comes the bad news. Lakeland... 07/09/2008

Ever notice how sometimes when the Feds cut rates, mortgage rates go up?  Me, too.  This is a great explanation as to why this happens.  It is a great article to use with those customers on the fence over continued drops in price.  If the rates go up and the price goes down; there is no upside for the buyer.  Now is the time to buy.  New Home prices are low, incentives are high and rates, although closing, are still near all-time lows.  Check it out and see what you think. What the Fed Decision Means for You 07/02/2008

This is a great article from Inman News.  With all of the negativity we see in the media, this is a refreshing look at the good that is available for buyers in the market place.  Although some of the negativity is rightly attached to this declining market, sometimes it is necessary to look at the "little picture" to see the "big picture".  Earlier this year Dave Ramsey, financial author and Radio Talk Show host, was on CNN Larry King Live touting what a great buy Tampa Bay housing is right now. He was on The CBS Morning Show this week again commenting on the real estate market from Nashville Tenn. He said "There is no longer a national real estate market.  We are made up of local real estate markets which may be completely different."  He further said, "If I was in Tampa, Florida and I ... 07/02/2008

Lakeland's celebration for Independence Day                                                                                                                                                                Get ready for Lakeland's Red, White & Kaboom on Thursday, July 3, 2008; it will take place as every year around the Lake Mirror Promenade from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  With the sponsorship from Central Florida Eurocars and according to the Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Donahay, the city of Lakeland added to the fireworks this year, so it should be one fantastic show.       If you love the sound of smooth Jazz, you are in for a treat with Les Sabler, a native of Canada, who undertook his graduate studies at the University of Miami. This very talented contemporary artist mixes... 07/01/2008

 Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in North Lakeland, FL   Do you like to play Golf? Then this is the place for you. North Lakeland has to offer this semi-private 18-hole Huntington Hills course that was designed by Ron Carl with its tree-lined fairway, elevation changes, sand bunkers and a water hazard that waits as you make your round through the golf course. It has been opened since 1992 and features 6,768 yards of golf from the longest tees a par of 71 with multiple tiers with only a slight slope. The greens are large and of Bermuda grass that produce a medium speed with a course rating of 72.6 and a slope rating of 126.   Check out the photos of the golf course!                                                   Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club is open daily from 8:00 a.m. Fo... 06/27/2008

Thank you for using American Family Association Mail System Message sent to the following recipients: Representative Putnam Senator Martinez Senator Nelson Message text follows: Clark Holley June 21, 2008 Dear [recipient name was inserted here], The rising price of gasoline is hurting nearly every family in America. We are tired of Congress doing little to nothing and bowing down to the environmentalists and the oil companies. It is time for Congress to develop a program which allows the exploration of America's energy sources without materially affecting our environment. It is also time for Congress to stand up for the people who elected them and stop allowing the oil industry to dictate policy and send our Nation into an economic tail-spin by raising gas prices such as they have in th... 06/22/2008

Fact Sheet: Reducing Gas Prices And Foreign Oil Dependence President Bush Urges Congress To Expand Domestic Oil Production Today, President Bush called on Congress to help American families by removing barriers to domestic production of oil and gasoline. For many Americans, there is no more pressing concern than high gasoline prices. Behind them is the basic law of supply and demand. In recent years, the world's demand for oil has grown dramatically. Meanwhile, the supply of oil has grown much more slowly. As a result, oil prices have risen sharply, and that increase has been reflected at American gas pumps. And now much of the oil consumed in America comes from abroad, including from unstable regions and unfriendly regimes. The Bush Administration has repeatedly called on Congress to e... 06/21/2008

06/20/2008

Daily Real Estate News  |  June 19, 2008 Avoid Pitfalls When Buying Foreclosures Buying a foreclosed home is no cakewalk. It can be a sure-fire way to lose money for a purchaser who isn't knowledgeable and careful.Here are some prime considerations for anyone wading into the foreclosure market. Avoid outstanding liens. Make sure the property has a clean title. Any outstanding liens and fees incurred by the original owner will be transferred to the new buyer. Bid conservatively. The market in many places is still depreciating. That unknown added to transaction, repair, and marketing costs could sour the deal. Beware foreclosure concentration. Prices in neighborhoods where there are lots of foreclosures have declined the most - and prices in these areas are still declining. A buyer should... 06/20/2008

  Donald E. WildmonFounder andChairman   Nearly 400,000 e-mails get Congress moving McCain, members of Congress call for oil drilling June 19, 2008 Dear Sharon, After 10 years of doing nothing, Congress is finally beginning to act on demands that we use our natural resources to help America become energy self-sufficient. Following the receipt of nearly 400,000 e-mails from AFA supporters asking for action, Senator John McCain and several members of Congress are now advocating that the U.S. drill for oil. This is great news! If you believe Congress should allow the exploration of energy sources which would not materially affect our environment, join the 400,000 other AFA supporters in sending that message to Congress!  If Congress doesn't act to resolve this problem now, our families wil... 06/20/2008

  Every time, I step into Hollis Garden, I get a sense of pride and joy. I come here to take pictures, enjoy the seasonal transformation of the garden, and stroll around the neighboring Barnett Park and Lake Mirror.               The garden is magnificent and packed with full of fascinating plants, flowers and trees, such as the magnolia tree blooming with its citrus' scent blossoms. This garden tells a story of Florida as you stroll through each theme room of plant life that include Florida natives, annual hybrids, perennials, well manicured hedges, as well as fruits, vegetables and herbs. Flowers organized into areas of specific color, such as red, yellow or white decorate each living space. Perfectly cut lawns that make you want to take your shoes off and feel the carpet of Bermuda g... 06/05/2008

Strength training programs at active adult communities like Lake Ashton is one of the best features about being a resident. The activity director at Lake Ashton always has something fun for us to do, but we all need to keep fit so we can perform at our best.   If you suffer from arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain or depression, exercise is a powerful weapon to feeling better and maintaining the active lifestyle an active adult community can offer.   Of course if you do exercise, stretching is the best way to avoid hurting yourself. Lake Ashton, in Winter Haven, Florida – just south of I4 on Highway 27, boasts a 30,000 sq foot Health and Fitness Center that offers personal trainers and a nutritionist, a weight room, indoor basketball court, indoor track, indoor heated ... 06/03/2008

  BridgeWater - One of Lakeland Florida Newest Communities   Introducing a new master-planned community, BridgeWater a lakefront destination where life can be tranquil and the serene settings capture the real meaning of small town living. Close to major cities, such as Tampa and Orlando, located in North Lakeland, minuets from Interstate 4; yet far enough detached to truly feel like a lake retreat, this stunning community features all the essentials for great living including home sites with views of the water from nearly every point.             BridgeWater encompasses over half of picturesque lakes. Ruth, Hazel, Peggy, Serena, and Jane; the named lakes representing the spirit of the many women who lived in this special place called Lakeland in which they played a major part in Lakela... 05/23/2008

So why don't you hop over and take a look at my market report for Lakeland and the surrounding cities within Polk County, FL. There are currently over 8100 properties for sale in Polk County. WOW - A lot of properties for sale and as long as Polk County has a high inventory, the prices will be dropping - Supply and Demand. My market area is Lakeland, which has around 2400 properties for sale. The average listing price in Lakeland is currently $234,000. We are still waiting for the market to rebound. Last month according to the Mid Florida Regional MLS the numbers for Polk County homes sold dropped to 427 from 514 properties sold the previous year. The average sold price for Polk County for April 08 was $167, 285 compared to $198,367 in April 2007, a decrease by 15%. Lakeland's market is... 05/11/2008

The Harrison Symphony Orchestra and Harrison Singers present "The Testament of Freedom" by Randall Thompson, as a tribute to our troops serving abroad. The Harrison Music Department concert will take place Tuesday, May 20, 2008, on the main stage of the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices per adult is $7.00 and per senior/student is $5.00. You may purchase tickets online through the Harrison School for the Arts web site. The box office is open the day of the performance at 6:00 p.m. Mark you calendar - this concert is one of my favorite concerts of the year, which closes out the school year and always brings out the best. Folks from all over Polk County come to hear these young artists perform. The review of past concert goers is as... 05/08/2008

 This past Friday, my husband and I drove to Lake Mirror after dinner to listen to good music, stroll around the lake, enjoy a beautiful sunset and close out this great evening with Fireworks. While relaxing sitting on the bench, we've met this nice couple from up north, who come to Lakeland to escape the cold weather climate and the snow from October through April to enjoy this beautiful weather and the great atmosphere Lakeland has to offer when they put on shows like this. So we sat there and talked about everything, such as news, Lakeland, arts, children, and even politics. My very first blog I wrote that I Love Lakeland and this blog emphasize that Lakeland has so much to offer despite being a small town with it's arts, crafts, botanic garden, the many lakes, museum, parks, theater... 04/29/2008

This Friday, May 2nd, is yet another signature local event. First Friday is a celebration of historic Downtown Lakeland that occurs . . . .you guessed it, the first Friday of every month.  Local artists & musicians are featured along the local streets & storefronts. All shops & restaurants stay open late during the event. The streets are closed to thru-traffic, so get there early! A classic car show is held on Tennessee Avenue. Every month features new & fresh feature events, so be sure to mark every First Friday on your calendar.Also on the agenda is the Spring Art Festival that will be held in conjunction with the Downtown Farmers Curb Market this Saturday.  The market is located on the corner of Pine Street & Tennessee Avenue. See you there!Don't forget to visit Central Florida's pre... 04/28/2008

Harrison School for the Arts proudly presents The Spring Dance Concert on May 2nd and 3rd at 7:30 p.m. The Spring Dance Concert will offer Salome, a dramatic contemporary ballet based on the play by George Bernard Shaw. Set in Mexico in the early 1800's, the comedic piece, Cantina Don Juan-ita is about the rivalry between two town beauties over a handsome young Don. The light hearted ballet, Momentary Mingling, is bout how humans pass in and out of friendships. Finally, No Exit is a fast pace abstract contemporary dance to Michael Nyman music.   You can purchase your tickets online at http://www.harrisonarts.com/ Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students and senior citizens.  Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved - Harrison School for the Arts - The ... 04/28/2008

March Home Sales Improved overall in Polk County according to the Lakeland Ledger Report. With all its negative publicity that the Real Estate Industry has received, it is a positive sign that the media finally has something encouraging to write about Real Estate. What does the statistics say for Lakeland, Florida?  According to the data obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS there were 159 homes sold in Lakeland compared to last years 188 homes sold - a decline of 32 homes. The average sold price for a home in Lakeland was $152,761 last month. Last year's average sold price was $185,497 in March - a plunge of 17%. Of the 159 homes sold there were 25 homes sold in distress - short sale, pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, and/or bank owned. The average home sold in distress last month was... 04/23/2008