Ruth Eckerd Hall Restores “Capitol”

Clearwater FL, December 31, 2008 - Downtown Clearwater is undeniably expanding. With the recent sprouting of  towering condos and tasty restaurants, the city’s growth can no longer be hidden. The downtown area is now expanding in a new direction. A performing arts center.

From the penthouse of the Waters Edge building, Mayor Frank Hibbard and Robert Freedman on behalf of Ruth Eckerd Hall delightedly announced Ruth Eckerd Hall’s purchase of The Royalty Theatre, with the intention of  injecting Downtown Clearwater with a shot of culture. The creation of a performing arts center is expected to stimulate the economy of Downtown Clearwater by increasing and strengthening the arts presence which in turn  will draw people and businesses to the downtown area, hopefully creating the right environment in which private businesses can prosper.

The Royalty Theatre will be returning to its roots, as well as its original name, The Capitol Theatre. “I’m starting that trend right now,” joked Mayor Hibbard. The name of the theatre changed to The Royalty Theatre in the 1990’s when it was purchased by The Royalty Theatre, a local community theatre company.

FINALLY, SOME GOOD REAL ESTATE NEWS!

From my personal experience, I’ve been noticing that my listings are being shown more, and that prices seem to be stabilizing. Buyers are poking
out their heads again, that they are finding that the water is fine!

Even the National Association of Realtors is reporting that existing home sales in Florida increased in October, actually by 15% over last September. Condo sales are also up, but not so drastic, with a 5% increase over last year.

Last October’s median home price was $222,200 and this October’s median home price was $169,700. That is a 24 percent decrease in one year.

Prices had flown out of reach very quickly, and this adjustment, although painful to homeowners that now owe more on their home that it is worth, is really good news to people looking to buy.

Take Time to Find Your Tax Deductions!

Clearwater FL - Tax time is just around the corner, so you will be putting together the data you, or your tax preparer, will need to prepare your tax return. While assembling the data you can dig out information to help you keep more of your hard-earned money! Here are seven tips you can use to add to your tax deductions and SAVE when the return is filed.

1. Donations to Charity: Donating cash, property, clothing, household items or other goods is a great way to get a tax break and help a worthy cause at the same time. If you donated cash to an eligible charity this year, you can generally deduct up to 50% of your total income when you pay your taxes in April.

Important reminder: Under the newPension Protection Act, as of January 1, 2007 you need a written receipt for all charitable donations, regardless of the amount. So make sure you save receipts so you can take full advantage of your charitable giving.

2. Deductible Expenses: Do you have medical bills, state and local taxes, mortgage payments, or property taxes? If so, any payments you made before December 31are deductible on this year’s tax return. Making an extra mortgage payment or paying off outstanding dental or medicalbills is a great way to offset your tax bill. Just make sure you aren’t subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (which generally applies to high-income or upper-middle income households) and that you plan to itemize your deductions.

The Luxury Apartment Community Sets a New Standard for Quality Living in Tampa

Tampa FL  December 11, 2008 - With the opening last month of The Vintage Lofts in the historic district of West Tampa better known as Hyde Park North, a new standard has officially been set. Developed by the Zaremba Group, The Vintage Lofts host six fabulous buildings, four stories each with 249, class-A apartment homes. The community is now the area's premier destination for luxury living. With two beautifully furnished models now open and luxurious apartment homes ready for immediate occupancy, it provides residents a highly convenient, upscale lifestyle less than one mile from downtown Tampa.

"This is a community truly like no other," comments Barbara Favreau, Property Manager at The Vintage Lofts. "Everything about it is outstanding…from the beautifully designed models to the lavish landscaping to the amazing location. It's already becoming a very popular community in the short time we have been open."

Aqualea and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa celebrate topping out with local dignitaries

Luxury resort and condominiums to be centerpiece of Clearwater’s Beach Walk project

Clearwater, FL. ­  December 18, 2008 – Today, city officials, developers and Hyatt executives gathered to celebrate the rise of Clearwater’s newest full-scale resort, Aqualea and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. The “topping out” provided a dramatic preview of the luxury resort condominium hotel being touted as the centerpiece of the city’s highly acclaimed Beach Walk revitalization project.

“Clearwater Beach is positioned to become one of the country’s most attractive vacation destinations, and we are extremely proud to be part of its renaissance,” said Neil Rauenhorst, President and CEO of NJR Development Co. LLC, and developer of the project. “Aqualea and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa will bring an elevated level of luxury and grandeur to the area that will be virtually unsurpassed on Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches.”