Clearwater (58)
Real Estate: Holiday House Buying, Government Tax Rebate and Market Recovery
Written by Pam Ryan Anderson
The Ultimate Shopping for the Holidays: House Hunting!
Even though I’ve been selling real estate for almost a quarter of a century (Man, that seems like a long time!) it always surprises me how busy real estate gets just before the Holidays. This year one of the best gifts you can give yourself is a new home. Prices are lower than they’ve been in prob¬ably two decades, interest rates are down, and there are tons of deals just waiting for their new owner.
The Digital Art Gallery Makes Fine Art Replicas of Photos
Written by Heidi Lux
Painter and photographer Leni Betes, originally from Spain, is perhaps best known for her signature collection of delicate and life-like flowers (previously on display at Downtown Clearwater's Pangea Café in the Spring of 2009). Betes originally created one painting of each flower and reproduces multiple copies of her images through the process of giclée (a high-quality method of making fine art print replicas of paintings), and is now offering this process for hire at her Clearwater store, The Digital Art Gallery.
Chef Theo Tillson will return to Nature's Food Patch as the Food Service Director after a long hiatus. Chef Tillson held this position for the health food store from 1997 to 2002.
Black Friday is the name given to the shopping day after Thanksgiving. This day marks the first day of the Christmas shopping season, and is a popular day for shopping since many people have the day off of work, and many stores offer wonderful sales.
The term “Black Friday” refers to the accounting practice of marking negative amounts in red ink, and positive amounts in black ink. It is supposedly such a lucrative day for retailers it makes their books go from “in the red” to “in the black,” hence the term, “Black Friday.”
DV&A Huge Warehouse Sale and to Take Place Dec 5 and 6
Written by Heidi Lux
Entertainment liquidators DV&A will open their Palm Harbor premises to the public for their Fifth Annual DV&A Warehouse Sale, on the weekend of December 5th and 6th. “It gets bigger every year,” says Brad Kugler, Chief Operating Officer of DV&A’s Florida offices, noting that this year is no exception. “It’ll be really fun.”
Intuition Salon and Spa Cuts Ribbon on New Location in Downtown Clearwater
Written by Joshua T. Gillion
Intuition Salon & Spa, a downtown Clearwater fixture for over eight years, has expanded again despite a tough economy. On October 16th, Clearwater City Councilman John Doran was on hand to help cut the ribbon on Intuition’s new location at 432A Cleveland Street (entrance on Ft. Harrison). The space is over three times the size of the former location on Laura Street, featuring twice the facilities to service clients with everything from hair styling and mani-pedi’s to spa treatments. Intuition specializes in natural and organic products and services, and owner Dawn Shannon thinks this, plus excellent customer service, contributes to her continuing success and growth.
"Plastic Handcuffs" - Credit Card Debt and One Man's Alternative to Bankruptcy
Written by Heidi Lux
Credit card debt is a problem for many people, but one man’s negative experience with it has inspired him to help others.
Peter Repak, president and founder of Clear Financial – a debt settlement company – emigrated from Hungary with his wife. In order to establish credit when he arrived in America, as is required in modern times, Repak got a credit card. He paid his bills on time, never missing a payment, but found himself in hot water when his wife became ill. She required two very expensive surgeries, and was unable to get health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. Under such financial strain, Repak called his credit card company, to ask if it would be alright to miss a single payment. The company said yes, assuring him there would be no penalties. However, Repak soon discovered the company had raised his interest rate from 6% to 29%. He was financially ruined.
Restaurants and Food on Display During Taste of Clearwater
Written by Heidi Lux
On September 15th, the Harborview Center in Downtown Clearwater played host to the Taste of Clearwater. This annual event provides attendees with the opportunity to sample food from more than fifty restaurants and five beverage providers in the Clearwater area. Samples and tastings were free with the purchase of the $20 admission ticket. An estimated 1,000 people attended the event this year. There was “a variety of dishes from American cuisine to more exotic fare – from hamburgers and spicy wings to sashimi and Thai food,” said Sherri Callahan of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The goal [of the event] is to bring the community together for food and fun.”
Plan B Expo Presents Diversity Means Business Expo on November 3rd
Written by Alice Roses
After the success of the Women Mean Business expo, Plan B Expo will be putting on their next expo, Diversity Means Business on November 3rd from 4 to 8 pm at The Conmy Center in Dunedin, Florida.
Diversity Means Business will be a “fun networking expo with something for everyone,” says event coordinator Lil Barcaski. The expected attendance is well over 500, since their last expo had nearly 700 people in attendance.
The Government Will Pay You $8,000 to Buy Your First* House
Written by Heidi Lux(*First is defined as not having owned a home in the last three years.)
The government is offering a one-time credit of $8,000, (or 10 % of the purchase price, whichever is the lesser amount ) of your first home. For example, if you buy a home for $76,000, then you would qualify for a credit of $7,600. But if you pay more than $80,000 for your new home, then you would qualify for an $8,000 credit.
How do you take advantage of this incredible offer? You must purchase a home that will be your main home before December 1, 2009. You will even qualify if you bought your first home after April 8, 2008. Then you have some options as to how you get your money from the government.
The fastest way that I know of is to do a Rapid Amended Return to your 2008 tax return. However, I heard a rumor that I’m tracking down that would allow you to get your money before you purchase a home. So far I haven’t confirmed that, but if I get that confirmation, I will write an update in my next column.
The other way to obtain the credit is to simply fill out a Form 5405 that you submit with your 2009 taxes.
Personally, I think amending your 2008 tax return might be the best way to go. You would get a check in the mail -- as long as you don’t owe the IRS any money, that is!
We’re running out of time to get your new home before December 1, 2009 and a tax credit from the government! So act fast and call me today!
Pam Ryan Anderson
Real Estate Broker, Ryan Realty
(727) 442-2822
Anytime Fitness Downtown Clearwater Location Cuts Ribbon Aug 27
Written by Heidi Lux
It is just after Labor Day, but in Downtown Clearwater it might as well be spring. It seems as if every day a new establishment is “springing” up, and blossoming in the Cleveland Street District.
On August 27th, the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce helped welcome the newest addition to the Cleveland Street District, Anytime Fitness, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
These days, we are bombarded with bad news by the mainstream media. We can scarcely open a newspaper or turn on the TV without being faced with the latest “scare-story” about swine flu, or another bank failure, or another trillion-dollars added to the national budget’s deficit. Reports giving dire warning of bad times getting worse and no hope on the horizon tend to be prevalent. It seems as even the mundane stories get a negative spin on them.
Do you, like me, get a headache or feel depressed or stressed after reading your city’s #1 paper? It’s because the constant bombardment of bad news by the mainstream media scares people, cultivating a pessimism that at best doesn’t make life any more livable. Those exposed to negativity on a daily basis tend to fall into agreement with the negativity. For instance, if someone was told every day for a decade that he couldn’t succeed in life, do you think in 10 years he would be successful? Most likely not. It is a constant invalidation and assault on people’s hopes and dreams for a better future. Why expose yourself to it? Shouldn’t it be possible to inform yourself honestly and accurately about the world and affairs around you, without being bombarded with pessimism and negativity?
How to Survive the Economic Recession - Crisis Buster Seminar by Patrick Valtin
Written by The Editor|
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Are you having a tough time with this economy?Don’t miss these proven practical, easy-to-implement ideas and tips that will help you TRIUMPH through hard times. WHERE: PostcardMania 2145 Sunnydale Blvd., B Clearwater, FL 33765 WHEN: September 19-20, 2009 9:30am to 5:30pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTERor Call 877-831-2299 |
Clearwater Arts Foundation Forms Alliance with the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
Written by CRCC
The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Arts Foundation are developing a closer partnership, which they believe will enhance the community through the infusion of the arts and boardroom boundaries of the business community.
Abe's Mugs Grill & Bar Formerly Mugs N Jugs Gets New Name But Keeps Quality Food and Service
Written by Heidi Lux
On July 21st, Abe Moussa, the owner of the newly renamed Abe’s Mugs Grill & Bar (formerly Mugs and Jugs) cut the ribbon to honor the name change and celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Missouri Avenue restaurant.
Abe Moussa began his restaurant career as a dishwasher at Sweetwaters, where he worked his way up to manager. He had set a goal, however, to own his own business by the time he was 30. When he turned 29, he found “Mugs and Jugs.” Unable to pay for the place at first, Moussa worked for the owner for six months to make the down payment. Since he took over Mugs and Jugs in 1998, Moussa has managed to turn the hole-in-the-wall into a successful, respectable chain of sports bars.
Review of Divino Fine Italian in Clearwater - "It's Divine!"
Written by Renee Belfort
Downtown Clearwater’s recent expansion includes the addition of three fine dining restaurants – Divino Italian Restaurant for fine authentic Italian food, La Cachette for fine French dining and Casanova for gourmet Italian cuisine.
The first to open is Divino, a restaurant that combines both casual and fine dining. From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you are transported to a Piazza in Italy, surrounded by the balconies of fine dining restaurants above.
More...
Sandpearl Residences on Clearwater Beach Announces New Designs
Written by Steve McAuliffe
CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2009) – JMC Communities, the St. Petersburg, Fla. based real estate development company, announced today that their award-winning Sandpearl Residences has just completed two newly designed models.
Jill Lifsey, owner of District Designs, Tampa’s first modern design center, created a fresh twist on coastal living in one of Sandpearl’s two-story City Homes. This model has views of both the Clearwater Harbor and the downtown area. Vibrant hues of green, turquoise and canary yellow combine with crisp lines and urban style to create a unique, stylish retreat in perfect harmony with its waterside location.
Divino Fine Italian Restaurant Opens in Clearwater
Written by Karla Jo Helms
Clearwater FL, July 28, 2009 - No matter the economy, two entrepreneurs aren’t letting that be an obstacle. 6 months and $500K later, Piero Caramella and Dmitry Lisovitsky, have announced that their fine Italian dining restaurant, Divino, is opening its doors – TODAY in the evening starting at 5pm – in downtown Clearwater, FL.
Women's Expo from the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce August 5, 2009
Written byClearwater, FL, July 20, 2009 - The Clearwater Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is continuing their mission of bringing the business community together, this time focusing on women. The CRCC is having their upcoming Women's Expo on August 5, 2009 from 9am-2pm to bring their women-owned businesses, as well as women professionals of the business community, the ability to connect to each other, a needed activity in today's business environment. The event will be hosted at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach. Dr. Joedrecka Brown of Morton Plant Mease Primary Care is one of the guest speakers.
Alejandro "Alex" Sanchez's Economic Future Predictions is Hope for Improvement in Economy 2009
Written by Heidi Lux
On the 24th of June, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce held an economic forecasting summit entitled “Banking on your Business,” featuring the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Bankers Association (FBA), Alejandro “Alex” Sanchez, who predicted an economic upturn in the near future. “Things are getting better,” he said repeatedly throughout his speech.
Postcard Mania Ribbon Cutting for New Building 2009 Featured
Written by Heidi Lux
On June 19th, seven employees of PostcardMania danced to “Let’s Get Postcarded in Here,” a take on the Black Eyed Peas’ hit song, entertaining the guests gathered in the green and purple offices of PostcardMania’s brand new building, just before Joy Gendusa, the tall and vivacious CEO and founder of PostcardMania announced, “I am the luckiest CEO on earth!”
Robert A. Freedman of Ruth Eckerd Hall Elected Chairman Elect of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Written by Katie Pedretty
July 7, 2009, Clearwater, FL – Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Clifford recently announced that Robert A. Freedman, President and CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, has been elected as the Chairman Elect of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. “The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce is extremely excited to continue the long tradition of highly respected business community leaders with the appointment of Robert Freedman as Chair Elect. His support of the chamber over the past five years has provided great insight and direction,” said Clifford.
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces New President Bob Clifford 2009
Written by Kathleen Peters
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is proud to announce that Bob Clifford has taken the position of President/CEO. Clifford has provided service and leadership to the Clearwater business community for ten years through his work on the CRCC Board of Directors. He served six years on the Executive Committee and two years as Treasurer.
Clearwater Restaurant Divino Brings in Italian Chef June 24 2009
Written by Karla Jo Helms
Tampa Bay, June 24, 2009 -- Spaghetti, probably the first image that comes to your mind when you hear “Italian food.” For some, it may be the extent of their knowledge of cuisine from the Mediterranean nation. It’s easy to oversimplify traditional courses when you’re in the melting pot of the world. But what then is authentic Italian food? Piero Caramella, a veteran Italian restaurateur and his partner, Dmitry Lisovitsky, recently flew in an award-winning Italian chef from Italy to help create the hallmark of true authentic Italian cuisine for their new venture, Divino.
Restaurants in Downtown Clearwater Will Open in 2009
Written by Heidi Lux and Joshua T. Gillion
This summer and fall, downtown Clearwater's Cleveland Street District can expect three new mouthwatering reasons for citizens to come downtown.
Divino Fine Italian, an authentic Italian restaurant, will be the first to open at the end of June at 22 N. Ft. Harrison Avenue, in what was formerly the location of the Majestic Lounge. Divino will offer European cuisine and café-style dining around a fountain, part of a charming décor reminiscent of an outdoor piazza, with fine dining served on overlooking balconies, providing an elegant atmosphere and charming ambiance in addition to the fine food. For more information on Divino Fine Italian click here.
La Cachette will be moving from their current location on Indian Rocks Beach, where they have been for more than 11 years, and will be welcomed with open arms to the district. They will serve their classic French cuisine in their new location at 635 Cleveland Street, beginning in October. For more information on La Cachette, go to www.lacachetteflorida.com.
The third new addition to the Cleveland Street District will be a new restaurant from the owners of Bellini in downtown Dunedin. The restaurant, called Casanova, is also scheduled to be open in October. Casanova will delight their patrons with gourmet Italian food at 811 Cleveland Street, where Fiore’s Gourmet Deli used to be.
“We are happy to have many progressive entrepreneurs interested in doing business in Clearwater. Even though the economy is in recession, they recognize the opportunities that are here. I am confident that our residents and visitors will welcome and enjoy these upscale dining establishments,” Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard said.
These new additions to the Cleveland Street District are part of the new growth the area has been experiencing, and will no doubt draw even more people into the area. They will provide both locals and tourists alike with a fine dining experience, adding to the quality that Clearwater is coming to be known and appreciated for.
Clearwater Downtown Partnership Momentum Awards Held at Ft. Harrison Hotel
Written by Brittany Perkins
(May 13, 2009) CLEARWATER, FL - To honor the dedicated efforts of local businesses and individuals, the Clearwater Downtown Partnership (CDP) held their aptly-named “Momentum Awards Ceremony” at the newly-renovated Ft. Harrison Hotel on Wednesday, May 13th. This is the second year for the Momentum Awards which encourage and acknowledge the positive efforts taken by Clearwater business owners and residents to build a healthy economic dynamic in the downtown area.