Prayers to the shopping gods made by residents in southwest Port St. Lucie have been answered.
No longer will they have to make the arduous trek to Jensen Beach to shop at stores like Target or Old Navy. By mid-2007, those stores, along with a host of others, will be entering America's fastest growing city along Gatlin Boulevard on both sides of its I-95 exit.
With three power shopping centers and one neighborhood center, Gatlin will boast roughly 1.5 million square feet of retail space. The stores will be concentrated in a span of just two miles between Rosser Boulevard and Village Parkway.
The Landing at Tradition will likely be the first completed. There, at least 10 national retailers will open their first shops in St. Lucie County, said Alan Karrh, director of retail marketing for Tradition. Work crews are preparing the land now and construction is scheduled to begin by early summer.
In addition to fulfilling the shopping needs of an under-served market, the retail developments will help ease road congestion, because area residents won't have to enter Martin County.
"Getting to the Treasure Coast Square Mall is 30 minutes-plus on a good day," said Port St. Lucie councilman Christopher Cooper. "Now, residents will have the amenities near their homes."
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Treasure Coast High School to open August 8th!
TREASURE COAST HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
• State-of-the-art college-level science laboratories with bio-tech and medical programs.
• Gymnasium built as a public hurricane shelter to withstand 180-mph winds.
• High-tech features include key card access; teachers with microphones; a possible 2 to 1 student-to-computer ratio; campus-wide wireless connectivity.
• Titan mascot and black and metallic gold colors.
• Will serve the southwestern "red" zone in St. Lucie County's student assignment system. BY
THE NUMBERS
• Project cost: $70 million
• Total square feet: 350,000
• First year enrollment: 1,500
• Maximum capacity: 2,500 students
• Auditorium: 850 seats
• Gymnasium: seats 1,100 in bleachers
Florida Existing Homes Sales Ease
ORLANDO, Fla., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising inventory levels and still-low mortgage rates continued to affect Florida's housing market, which isadjusting to a better balance between buyers and sellers following a five-year run of record-pace sales. Statewide, sales of single-family existing homes totaled 13,539 in February compared to 16,916 homes a year ago, for a20 percent decrease, according to the Florida Association of Realtors(R)(FAR). Realtors from across the state report that the supply of homes available for sale in their markets is improving, offering buyers more housing opportunities.
The statewide median price for single-family existing homes last month was $244,200, up 24 percent from the February 2005 statewide median of $197,700. In February 2001, the statewide median sales price was $118,200, which shows an increase of about 106 percent over the five-year period, according toFAR records. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less.
The statewide median price for single-family existing homes last month was $244,200, up 24 percent from the February 2005 statewide median of $197,700. In February 2001, the statewide median sales price was $118,200, which shows an increase of about 106 percent over the five-year period, according toFAR records. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Plan to expand U.S. 1 near PSL Boulevard
City Council members voted on Monday to label as blighted the 1.75-mile stretch of Port St. Lucie Boulevard and Riverwalk east of the St. Lucie River. That's a necessary step to join it with the U.S. 1 Community Redevelopment Area.
On Monday all the council members emphatically said that residents had nothing to fear, that home values will only be increased by future infrastructure improvements that will be funded by tax dollars that can only be spent in the CRA.
Residents' fears of the city foreclosing on their houses and taking them in eminent domain proceedings were unfounded, council members said.
"We would never come in and take someone's house," Councilman Christopher Cooper said. "The city tries to work with people."
Councilman Jack Kelly, whose district includes the proposed CRA expansion, said he wants to limit the amount of commercial development and keep the road as a thoroughfare with parks and green spaces. "I want it to look like the entrance to the city," he said.
• The expansion will provide tax money to improve the area.
• To become part of the CRA, the area must legally be declared "blighted."
• Some residents are offended by the "blighted" designation and worry about the future of the neighborhood.
On Monday all the council members emphatically said that residents had nothing to fear, that home values will only be increased by future infrastructure improvements that will be funded by tax dollars that can only be spent in the CRA.
Residents' fears of the city foreclosing on their houses and taking them in eminent domain proceedings were unfounded, council members said.
"We would never come in and take someone's house," Councilman Christopher Cooper said. "The city tries to work with people."
Councilman Jack Kelly, whose district includes the proposed CRA expansion, said he wants to limit the amount of commercial development and keep the road as a thoroughfare with parks and green spaces. "I want it to look like the entrance to the city," he said.
• The expansion will provide tax money to improve the area.
• To become part of the CRA, the area must legally be declared "blighted."
• Some residents are offended by the "blighted" designation and worry about the future of the neighborhood.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Martin County Challenging Port St Lucie's Growth!
STUART · Martin County is girding for a legal battle to obtain money from developers in western Port St. Lucie for improvements to roads, beaches and boat ramps needed in Martin County to handle thousands of new city residents.The Martin County Growth Management Department issued a report Friday asking the County Commission to formally object to a proposal to change Port St. Lucie's growth plan regarding about 42 square miles of land in the city's western annexation area.
If approved by county commissioners Tuesday, the objections could form the basis for an administrative challenge to the proposed changes to Port St. Lucie's growth plan that would trigger hearings.Martin County planners also asked the County Commission to send a letter to Port St. Lucie Mayor Bob Minsky asking the city to require developers to pay Martin County for the new county buildings that will be needed to accommodate the influx of new city residents.In addition, the planners asked the commission to urge the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council to reject plans for the 4,063 houses and 377,400 square feet of business space in the 1,585-acre Western Grove subdivision because the project does not include any funding for roadway improvements, beach facilities or boat ramps in Martin County."I'm hoping it doesn't escalate from here, but we have to look out for Martin County taxpayers," said Commissioner Lee Weberman. However, Martin County's complaints didn't sit well with Port St. Lucie Mayor Bob Minsky. "They can stay the hell out of our business," Minsky said. Ultimately, the issues will be resolved by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, which helps review plans for large developments like those proposed in western Port St. Lucie. The state Department of Community Affairs also reviews changes to all local growth plans.
If approved by county commissioners Tuesday, the objections could form the basis for an administrative challenge to the proposed changes to Port St. Lucie's growth plan that would trigger hearings.Martin County planners also asked the County Commission to send a letter to Port St. Lucie Mayor Bob Minsky asking the city to require developers to pay Martin County for the new county buildings that will be needed to accommodate the influx of new city residents.In addition, the planners asked the commission to urge the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council to reject plans for the 4,063 houses and 377,400 square feet of business space in the 1,585-acre Western Grove subdivision because the project does not include any funding for roadway improvements, beach facilities or boat ramps in Martin County."I'm hoping it doesn't escalate from here, but we have to look out for Martin County taxpayers," said Commissioner Lee Weberman. However, Martin County's complaints didn't sit well with Port St. Lucie Mayor Bob Minsky. "They can stay the hell out of our business," Minsky said. Ultimately, the issues will be resolved by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, which helps review plans for large developments like those proposed in western Port St. Lucie. The state Department of Community Affairs also reviews changes to all local growth plans.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
St. Lucie County will add 4,000 homes
By HILLARY COPSEY
PORT ST. LUCIE — Centex Homes has purchased for $110 million the LTC Ranch, a 2,000-acre tract annexed into the city in 2002 amid controversy over Port St. Lucie's sprawling growth.
The Dallas-based company plans to revive the original proposal for the land and build North Pointe, a mixed-use community south of Midway Road and west of Glades Cut-off Road.
North Pointe will include as many as 4,000 housing units, including single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses. It also will include nearly 2 million square feet of industrial space, and as much as 725,000 square feet of retail space, Centex said in a news release on Monday.
Centex paid LTC $110 million for the property on March 8, according to records filed with the St. Lucie County Clerk.
Centex representatives were not available for comment on Monday.
At least one City Council member worried that the city needs commercial and retail development more than new homes.
"Do we need more houses now?" Councilman Christoper Cooper said. "We don't." Port St. Lucie riled St. Lucie County officials when it annexed the LTC Ranch in 2002 because it crossed the Urban Service Boundary, a dividing line between heavy development in the east and open, agricultural space in the west. At the time, City Manager Don Cooper said the boundary was a county line and therefore not the city's concern.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Centex Homes has purchased for $110 million the LTC Ranch, a 2,000-acre tract annexed into the city in 2002 amid controversy over Port St. Lucie's sprawling growth.
The Dallas-based company plans to revive the original proposal for the land and build North Pointe, a mixed-use community south of Midway Road and west of Glades Cut-off Road.
North Pointe will include as many as 4,000 housing units, including single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses. It also will include nearly 2 million square feet of industrial space, and as much as 725,000 square feet of retail space, Centex said in a news release on Monday.
Centex paid LTC $110 million for the property on March 8, according to records filed with the St. Lucie County Clerk.
Centex representatives were not available for comment on Monday.
At least one City Council member worried that the city needs commercial and retail development more than new homes.
"Do we need more houses now?" Councilman Christoper Cooper said. "We don't." Port St. Lucie riled St. Lucie County officials when it annexed the LTC Ranch in 2002 because it crossed the Urban Service Boundary, a dividing line between heavy development in the east and open, agricultural space in the west. At the time, City Manager Don Cooper said the boundary was a county line and therefore not the city's concern.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Becker Rd/I 95 Workshop & Presentation
The City of Port St. Lucie is hosting a public workshop to let you know what's being planned for the Becker Road/I-95 interchange, and the city needs to hear from you. The workshop will be at the Community Center on Airoso Boulevard on Wednesday, March 8th, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Call (866) 785-8243 for details
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Real Estate Investment Reimbursement Notification
Have you received in your mailbox recently, a notice that states "In accordance with the real property statues of the State of Florida, the REI Reimbursement Program was recently developed to reward homeowners for investing in the high appreciating properties located in the 34983 zip code. The REU Reimbursement Program is your chance to be reimbursed for the financial investment you have made in your property. You may be entitled to a cash reimbursement up to $$$."
The definition of reimbursement is "to pay back to someone". This company has NO interest in paying you any money. This is another mortgage company that is hoping that their marketing idea will cause the phone to ring!
An excerpt from a recent RIS Media newsletter stated "As the market contracts and margins thin, lenders are under more pressure to accept loans of dubious quality. In response to the desire to keep loan volumes up, lenders may be more tempted to not look too closely at loans. Fraudsters understand this, and may try to take advantage of the situation by pushing through loans containing material misrepresentation. "
Read everything before signing and get a second opinion when dealing with out of town mortgage companies!!
The definition of reimbursement is "to pay back to someone". This company has NO interest in paying you any money. This is another mortgage company that is hoping that their marketing idea will cause the phone to ring!
An excerpt from a recent RIS Media newsletter stated "As the market contracts and margins thin, lenders are under more pressure to accept loans of dubious quality. In response to the desire to keep loan volumes up, lenders may be more tempted to not look too closely at loans. Fraudsters understand this, and may try to take advantage of the situation by pushing through loans containing material misrepresentation. "
Read everything before signing and get a second opinion when dealing with out of town mortgage companies!!
Wal-Mart to build one more Port St. Lucie site
By ROBERT BARBA robert.barba@scripps.com March 2, 2006
PORT ST. LUCIE — The city is a little closer to being a three Super Wal-Mart town, as the company moves forward with plans at Gatlin Commons.
The Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant paid $18.8 million late last month to master developers Gatlin Group Holdings for future sites of a Wal-Mart Supercenter and a Sam's Club, according to public records. The deed is for 76 acres at the intersection of Gatlin Boulevard and Rosser Boulevard.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Florida Housing Market Indicator
(reprinted from the Florida Association of Realtors)
Florida existing home sales: - 15%
Florida existing home median price:$248,600
Florida existing condo median price:$221,300
Florida consumer confidence: 95
30-year fixed rate mortgage: 6.26%
National existing home sales: -5.7 %
Median price of an existing home (U.S.)$211,000
Pending home sales index116.4
National consumer confidence:106.3
U.S. new home sales:+2.9 %
Median price of a new-home (U.S.):$238,100
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Take the time to say "I Love You"
For those of you that know me, you know that I have been in Buffalo, NY for the last week for the death of my father-in-law. Death is always hard, but it reminds us that we are only here for a short time. Whenever dad would get mad at any of us, he would always say "You'll miss me when I'm gone!" before he stormed out of the room. Dad...you were right, we miss you already!
My oldest son summed it up in his tribute to his grandfather. I couldn't have said it better. He wrote for the world to see "Death is a sad thing to deal with, but we all must remember that it's a part of life and no matter what science comes up with; we are all meant to die and will. We must make the best of the time we have and realize that those we love will not always be there. So take the time to say I love you to those you love. Make sure you don't waste opportunities to visit. Family is the most important part of my life, it comes before anything.
Thank you grandpa for everything... Until we meet again... Goodbye"
My oldest son summed it up in his tribute to his grandfather. I couldn't have said it better. He wrote for the world to see "Death is a sad thing to deal with, but we all must remember that it's a part of life and no matter what science comes up with; we are all meant to die and will. We must make the best of the time we have and realize that those we love will not always be there. So take the time to say I love you to those you love. Make sure you don't waste opportunities to visit. Family is the most important part of my life, it comes before anything.
Thank you grandpa for everything... Until we meet again... Goodbye"
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
St Lucie County Fair's 41st Year!
Where: St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, Midway and Okeechobee Roads, Fort Pierce.
When: Opens at 4 p.m. Friday.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. to midnight Sundays to Thursdays.
Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $3 children 6 to 12. Parking: $3. Midnight Madness (all rides): Fridays, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Contact: (772) 464-2910.
SCHEDULE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Hometown News Stage: 5:30 & 7:30 p.m., Vocal Trash; 6:30 p.m., Lloyd Mabry, 9 p.m., Real Radio Superstar Finals Adams Arena: 7 p.m, Christian concert Livestock: 7 p.m., Beef Breeding Show
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Kids under 13 admitted free Hometown News Stage: 1 p.m., Jernie Talles, Vocal Trash, Lloyd Mabry, Wizbang Cloggers Featured event/Hometown News Stage: 7:30 p.m.: Cowboy Troy, Jeff Bates, Jernie Talles Livestock: Noon, Jr. Beef Breeding Show; 1 p.m., Small Animal Show; 5 p.m., Swine Show
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Hometown News Stage: 1 p.m., Wizbang Cloggers, Vocal Trash, Lloyd Mabry Livestock: 5 p.m., Swine Sale
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 No admission fee Hometown News Stage: 5:30 p.m., Vocal Trash, Lloyd Mabry Livestock: Pee Wee Swine Show
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Hometown News Stage: 5:30 p.m., Lloyd Mabry, Vocal Trash Livestock: 7 p.m., Steer Show
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 No admission today Hometown News Stage: 5:30 p.m., Jernie & Friends, Vocal Trash, Lloyd Mabry Livestock: 7 p.m., Steer Sale
THURSDAY, MARCH 2 Admission $1; Parking $1 Hometown News Stage: 5:30 p.m., Remedy, Lloyd Mabry, Vocal Trash Featured Event: 7:30 p.m., IRPA Rodeo, Adams Arena Livestock: 7:30 p.m., Steer Showmanship & Grooming
FRIDAY, MARCH 3 Hometown News Stage: 5:30 p.m., Vocal Trash, Lloyd Mabry, Remedy Featured Event: 7:30 p.m., IRPA Rodeo, Adams Arena Livestock: 4:30 p.m., Exhibitor Awards
SATURDAY, MARCH 4 Hometown News Stage: 2 p.m., Jernie Talles, Vocal Trash, Remedy Livestock: 9 a.m., Horse Show-Speed Events, Horse Halter, Equestrian Jumping Featured Event: 7:30 p.m., IRPA Rodeo, Adams Arena
SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Hometown News Stage: 1 p.m., Wizbang Cloggers, Vocal Trash, Victor Manuel y Su Mariachi Jalisco, Mariachi Estrellas de Mexico Livestock: Noon, Baby & Pony Show Costume Contest; 2 p..m., Horse/Small Animal Awards; 3:30 p.m. Dog Show
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Is Port St. Lucie's explosive growth good news or bad news?
We welcome your comments! Port St. Lucie population passes 141,000
By HILLARY COPSEY PORT ST. LUCIE — Hurricanes, a three-month building slump and rising housing costs can't stop America's fastest-growing city.
More than 16,700 residents moved into Port St. Lucie in 2005, according to a growth report released this week from City Manager Don Cooper. That 13.4 percent increase tops the city's 12 percent growth spurt in 2004, when it was named the country's fastest-growing large city by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The report estimates there are more than 141,000 people living in Port St. Lucie, based on certificates of occupancy filed with the Planning and Zoning Department. That is an increase of about 52,000 residents since the official 2000 U.S. Census.
By HILLARY COPSEY PORT ST. LUCIE — Hurricanes, a three-month building slump and rising housing costs can't stop America's fastest-growing city.
More than 16,700 residents moved into Port St. Lucie in 2005, according to a growth report released this week from City Manager Don Cooper. That 13.4 percent increase tops the city's 12 percent growth spurt in 2004, when it was named the country's fastest-growing large city by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The report estimates there are more than 141,000 people living in Port St. Lucie, based on certificates of occupancy filed with the Planning and Zoning Department. That is an increase of about 52,000 residents since the official 2000 U.S. Census.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
West Virginia Corridor Project
After years of hoping, waiting and planning, the City of Port St. Lucie broke ground yesterday to begin construction of the city’s long-awaited Crosstown Parkway.The event marked the beginning of a 3-to-5 year project that will ultimately connect the east and west sides of the city with a 6-lane roadway that has been discussed since the 1970s, but was never a reality until now.
(From TCPalm.com) After 20 years of planning, Port St. Lucie broke ground Friday on its third east-west corridor, the Crosstown Parkway.
The $165 million parkway will be the city's largest and most expensive transportation project. The six-lane divided parkway will run seven miles through the city, replacing three roads, including West Virginia Drive.
Friday, February 17, 2006
FSBO's Sell for $45,000 Less in Florida!
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Feb. 17, 2006 -- A study conducted for the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) found the cost a FSBO seller in Florida paid in 2005 for going it alone: $45,000. The median price of a home sold represented by a licensee was $255,000; the median price of a FSBO was $210,000.
The results can be found in the "The Florida 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers," a study conducted on behalf of FAR by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in tandem with their national study on buyers and sellers.
The study looked at the characteristics of homebuyers in Florida as well as the steps they took to find a home. It also focused on buyers' views of licensee representation and how they financed the purchase. For home sellers, the study dug deeper into the process for those represented by a licensee, but it also looked at FSBO (for sale by owner) sellers to find out more about their reasons and methods.
If you would like a copy of the study, please send an email to debbie@wesellpsl.com with "2005 Florida Homebuyers Study" as the subject, and we will forward a copy to you!
The results can be found in the "The Florida 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers," a study conducted on behalf of FAR by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in tandem with their national study on buyers and sellers.
The study looked at the characteristics of homebuyers in Florida as well as the steps they took to find a home. It also focused on buyers' views of licensee representation and how they financed the purchase. For home sellers, the study dug deeper into the process for those represented by a licensee, but it also looked at FSBO (for sale by owner) sellers to find out more about their reasons and methods.
If you would like a copy of the study, please send an email to debbie@wesellpsl.com with "2005 Florida Homebuyers Study" as the subject, and we will forward a copy to you!
A Little Port St Lucie Fame!
Made to Be BrokenDirector: Michael Herb
Extreme perfectionist personality makes Michael perfect for Made To be Broken, his unrelenting dedication to each project he takes on is exactly what Kanesha (producer/creator) was looking for in a director. Visit http://www.madetobebrokenmovie.com/!
Production for the movie begins on Friday, February 17th!
Michael, originally from Buffalo, NY relocated to Port St Lucie in 2001!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
What do you think about Port St Lucie's Housing Market?
Sales of existing Treasure Coast homes plunged during the fourth quarter as prices continued to climb, according to a housing report released Wednesday. For the quarter, sales dropped 13 percent, while prices increased 21 percent, the Florida Association of Realtors said. (click here for the full story!)
Welcome
Welcome to Realty Team's Port St Lucie Real Estate blog. Please feel free to add to this blog, make comments on posts, etc. We will keep you updated on what's happening in St Lucie County. Please post your comments under this post and let us know what you would like to know about and we will add it to the blog! Please check back frequently!
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