Fred Abbo,  the president of Prime Commercial Developers, says his company is in the permitting stages for Portofino Shoppes — an office and retail complex — and a new residential development called Portofino Village west of I-95 on the south side of State Road 60 in Vero Beach. “People are moving up north away from the big city and people like the connotation of the five-star lifestyle of Vero Beach,” Abbo said.Click here for the full post...  09/03/2007

The Vero Beach City Council, in a 3-1 vote recently to approve lowering the city’s building height to 35 feet for single-family homes and duplexes. Councilman Bill Fish was absent.The new ordinance does away with the 15 feet for roof embellishment currently allowed in the 50-foot building height limit.Click here for the full post...  09/03/2007

SpringHill Suites by Marriott will break ground on a new hotel near the Grand Harbor subdivision in November, the developer said Monday. Click here for the full story…    Vero Beach Real Estate Services One of the area's most knowledgeable and effective real estate agents, Paul provides his clients, family and close friends with professional, honest and dependable service. A resident of Vero Beach, he is extremely familiar with the local neighborhoods, school districts and real estate market of this beautiful Indian River County town. Paul KitchenBroker-OwnerStarfish Real Estate625 Beachland Blvd.Vero Beach, FL 32963(772) 539-8420(772) 539-8360 fax(800) 793-7304 toll freewww.LivingInVero.com   09/03/2007

                                                                                                                                                                                 CRAVINGS3149 Ocean DriveVero Beach, Fl  32963(772)  231-0208Open 7 days a week7am - 9pmwww.cravingsbymail.com   This is my favorite place for coffee and a newspaper in the morning.  Located on Ocean Drive with outdoor seating under colorful awnings with the ocean breeze, it's paradise. Cravings has been in business for 24 years.   They have a good selection for your coffee craving  -  Americano, Latte, Espresso or unique frozen gourmet java as well. It's also a great place for lunch, they make great sandwiches, soups and salads. It's also a great place to stop as you are strolling Ocean Drive in the evening for ... 08/30/2007

Model Perfect Home in the Island Club 911 Island Club Square, Vero Beach, FL 32963 Click to View Show ISLAND CLUB OF VERO BEACH. Gated community with private beach and river access. Live the Florida lifestyle with 2 Pools, Tennis, Clubhouse and Fitness Center. HOA maintains all landscaping so you can go out and have fun. This model perfect home is beautifully decorated and maintained. Large tiled floors throughout and the screened lanai. Open kitchen with granite, center island and built in wine rack. Spacious Family Room/Kitchen combination with Breakfast Eating area. Screened Lanai looks over very private yard with tropical landscaping. Separate Living and Dining Rooms. High ceilings with Pillars for a dramatic ambiance. A very warm and inviting home. Details Asking Price: $559,000 M... 08/26/2007

   The French Quarter   1920 14th Avenue   Vero Beach, FL  32961   (772) 770-4870   Tue - Sat  5:30 to close   Reservations Ian Greenwood has done it again, a success, The French Quarter, in Vero Beach, Florida.  It is a great addition to the Vero Beach dining scene. Located on the mainland in historic downtown Vero Beach. Cozy ambiance, yet lively with bright walls and mellow jazzy music.  A well trained staff anticipates your every need.  A bustling but not harried service.  A very nice menu with interesting combinations with great presentations. They have great appetizers, a very nice assortment.I would recommend the Louisiana Crab Cakes, theyare my favorite.  They also have a great Chicken/Shrimp Pot Pie with fluffy mashed potatoesas the crust.  It is outstanding!  They have fabulo... 08/25/2007

                                                                  Waldo's BarDriftwood Resort3150 Ocean DriveVero Beach, FL  32963772-231-7091Hours:   11a-12pmHappy Hour:   M-F   4 to 7Live Entertainment                                                   Waldo's is rustic "Beachcomber" ambiance. It is located at the Driftwood Resort which is another Waldo Sexton creation.  This is an extremely casual place, great for an afternoon drink under their umbrellas or a glass of wine in the evening under the fabulous moon and stars.  The oceanfront open deck is a popular place with endless ocean views and sounds.                                                                      I hope you enjoyed this little view of My Vero Beach Under The Sun! If you ever come to Vero Beach this is one of th... 08/22/2007

                                                               POMODORO GRILL3055 CARDINAL DRIVEVERO BEACH, FL  32963772-234-1123DINNER:  M-Sa      5:30 - 9:30Reservations Suggested   The POMODORO GRILL has a warm and inviting ambiance.  It reminds me of the fabulous Trattorias all over Italy.  It has been in Vero Beach since 1995.  POMODORO GRILL is operated by Peppy Amelio & his family plus a very friendly and professional staff. Chef Gianni Meier is in the kitchen and he serves up some exceptional meals.   A variety of veal, chicken, fish and pasta dishes are on the great menu. My favorite is the Pizza, cooked over an open flame with gourmet style toppings.  DELICIOUS!                                                                                                The POMODORO GRILL ha... 08/18/2007

Staging Homes for SaleStaging is a hot topic for home sellers, as evidenced by the popularity of TV shows like "Designed To Sell," "Buy Me" and "Flip This House." In August 2007, NAEBA released the report "How to not get tricked by staging - and potentially save $5,645 when you buy your home." The report outlines some of the common staging practices and how they might influence a buyer to purchase the wrong home, or a home that might be hiding serious defects. The report includes examples of staging and cautionary tales from real estate agents working directly with buyers. "The whole intent of staging is to get the buyer emotionally involved with the home." Jon BoydGet the whole story and FREE report by clicking here! 08/17/2007

Reverse Mortgage Training & Continuing Education The Reverse Mortgage UniversityProvides Training and Continuing Education For Reverse Mortgage Originators, Long Term Care Specialists, Insurance Agents and Real Estate A phenomenon in the history of the United States never witnessed before is starting to unfold: the "senior boom." As many as 8,000 Americans will turn 62 every day and become eligible for a reverse mortgage for the next 18-20 years.  Be a part of history…..become a “Reverse Mortgage Professor”.To date only 1% of seniors have taken advantage of a “Reverse Mortgage”. There is a large debate looming in Congress over what can be done to reduce dependence on public programs for long-term care, such as Medicaid.   A Reverse Mortgage will not only play a key role as a solution to... 08/16/2007

                                                                  POLO GRILL2855 Ocean DriveVero Beach, FL  32963772.231.4665www.pologrillvero.comMonday thru Saturday 5-10pmThis is one of my favorite places to dine or have a drink and listen to great piano music.Located on Ocean Drive on the barrier island of Vero Beach is a chic, bistro fare restaurant with a private club room atmosphere. Dark wood, leather banquettes and white tablecloths create a very upscale inviting atmosphere. A large main dining room with well spaced tables and the piano lounge with tables and a great bar with great bartenders. I personally like the piano lounge as it has a very intimate feel to it. The large wood three sided bar takes up most of this small space and it is a beauty.                               ... 08/08/2007

Take a tour of Vero Beach, and find out why Vero has been rated the #2 city to buy real estate now. Starfish Real Estate. www.livinginvero.com Vero Beach Real Estate Services One of the area's most knowledgeable and effective real estate agents, Paul provides his clients, family and close friends with professional, honest and dependable service. A resident of Vero Beach, he is extremely familiar with the local neighborhoods, school districts and real estate market of this beautiful Indian River County town. Paul KitchenBroker-OwnerStarfish Real Estate625 Beachland Blvd.Vero Beach, FL 32963(772) 539-8420(772) 539-8360 fax(800) 793-7304 toll freewww.LivingInVero.com 08/08/2007

"The good, the bad and the ugly." My business is going to the dogs. And, that's dog-gone great. My basset is an important part of my marketing strategy for finding buyers. And, it works for finding sellers also. If I have to race off to a listing and get fido, then I do it. In this market you don't want to lose a showing because the pet is home and the sellers are working. During my listing presentations, I let the sellers know that. But, I don't think that is enough. In fact I know it's not enough. I think it is time to step up with some listing marketing emphasizing that I am the "Pet Friendly" realtor of choice. I'M OPEN FOR IDEAS. I have a strong internet presence and because of that I am one of the leaders in my office in closings from the selling side. I'm no where near the top o... 08/04/2007

    Riverside Cafe1 Beachland BoulevardVero Beach, FL  32963772.234.5550Open daily from 11a.m.-10 p.m. Tucked almost under the Barber Bridge, this restaurant is known as the place to see the magnificent sunsets over the Lagoon. One of a few places that you can see the sunset over the Intracoastal/Indian River Lagoon. You can come by land or sea - and be ready to party. Very casual and rustic ambiance. The bar with it's river views and bridge views is the center of attention here.  The deck is the place for views, 300-degree view of the Indian River Lagoon and it's array of yachts and other watercraft.  Manatees and Dolphins are often visible from the deck and the pelicans come by as well. Awesome, casual and exhilarating. You can forget your troubles here. Great local bands appear here ... 08/04/2007

OCEAN GRILLE1050 SEXTON PLAZAVERO BEACH, FL  32963772.231.5409ocean-grill.com                                                   This is a great place for lunch on the beach! Ask for a table overlooking the ocean. This Vero Beach landmark was built over 60 years ago by Waldo Sexton. It was originally a hamburger shack.  If you are familiar with the Driftwood Inn, this is the same builder. Waldo gathered pecky cypress, wrought iron, mahogany and Spanish antiques to furnish this restaurant. It is a Waldo Sexton creation with treasures from all over the world and of course nothing matches. A huge black lacy wrought iron creation was carefully hung over his famous huge magnificent mahogany antique table that seats 10 comfortably. Tiffany style lamps, paintings of pirates and Seminoles hang ... 07/30/2007

                                                                                                                   Castaway CoveVero Beach, Fl  32963 In the delightful community of Castaway Cove you will find this spectacular home!  This popular community is gated and is close to the 17th Street Bridge to the mainland. It sits on a wide prime lot overlooking the Intracoastal/Indian River. This spacious and inviting home is bright with many windows and views overlooking the lazy river. Totally renovated with all the latest upgrades, Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 5.5 Bath home with high ceilings and quality finishes. Luxurious Master Bedroom Suite with private covered patio overlooking the river.   Magnificent views with tropical landscaping and lighting. Dock with 9,000 lb boat lift. Watch manate... 07/30/2007

OPEN HOUSESUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007FROM   12-2 PM   THE ISLAND CLUB OF VERO BEACH, VERO BEACH, FL  32963 This popular community is located on the picturesque barrier island of Vero Beach, Fl. Tucked away with lush tropical landscaping between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. The community offers many amenities such as private beach access and river access, 2 pools, 2 clubhouses, tennis and private gated access. The HOA maintains all of the common and private landscaping, pest control, irrigation system, weed control,  fertilization, mailbox maintenance and tree/bush replacement. This spacious, impressive home is beautifully maintained!! Spacious bright and open plan with high ceilings, pillars and accent windows. The home is tiled throughout and also continues to the enclosed lanai... 07/27/2007

Welcome to Vero Beach, Fla., where the rich come to live and play. "On the Money's" Mike Hegedus reports. www.starfishteam.com Vero Beach Real Estate Services Whether you are looking for assistance purchasing your first home, for the right investment/business property or for that perfect retirement home to share with your family, Paul provides a comprehensive understanding of all real estate market aspects. If you have a home to sell so you can make your move, Paul can help with that as well. With a publishing and marketing background, Paul Kitchen and Starfish Real Estate will provide amazing results for clients that want that extra edge in today's internet savvy marketplace. By developing a highly focused, knowledgeable and friendly approach to assisting his clients, Paul is the ideal... 07/07/2007

Grand community on 900 Acres on the Indian River/Intracoastal Waterway32,000 sq ft Clubhouse with 3 Dining Rooms, Lounge, Pro Shop, Snack Shop and Gathering Room. State of the art Fitness Center.Breathtaking Beach Club with Large Pool and Poolside Dining, Lounges and Cabanas. Beach service with chairs, umbrellas, towels and snack/beverage. Great setting for cook-outs, luaus, theme dinners and dancing."Valuable Real Estate in an Incomparable Setting" 06/16/2007

Charming Vero Beach is known as the "Gateway To The Tropics". Vero Beach is located in a climate transition zone that offers an unusual mix of vegetation found in the coastal Carolina's. Ancient Oak trees blend with swaying Palms and colorful blooms typical of the tropics. Vero Beach is a gentle, sophisticated and unpretentious town, and has become home to America's cultural and corporate elite. This quaint setting blends small-town charm and natural beauty with cultural sophistication and outstanding amenities. The mild annual climate makes golf, tennis, boating, fishing and surfing year-round pursuits. A vibrant arts community enriches resident's lives. Sports and entertainment provides delightful diversions. Carefully preserved natural settings provide recreation and education. The ... 06/16/2007