Benefits of living in Florida

 

Some benefits of living in Florida include:

1. Warm weather and plenty of sunshine year-round
2. Access to beaches and other outdoor recreational activities
3. No state income tax
4. A diverse population and culture
5. A variety of entertainment options, such as theme parks and professional sports teams
6. A large and growing economy, with many job opportunities in industries like tourism and healthcare.

Spanish Wells Golf and Country Club Bonita Springs

 

Spanish Wells is a beautiful gated community located in Bonita Springs, Florida. The community offers a variety of amenities for residents to enjoy, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a community pool.

The homes in Spanish Wells range in size from 1,500 to over 3,000 square feet, and offer a variety of styles, including single-family homes, villas, and townhomes. Many of the homes in the community have been recently updated and feature modern amenities such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tile flooring.

One of the best things about Spanish Wells is its location. The community is just minutes away from some of the best beaches in the area, including Barefoot Beach and Bonita Beach. In addition, residents are just a short drive away from some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment that Bonita Springs has to offer.

Another great feature of Spanish Wells is the community’s golf course. The course is a par 72 and offers a challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels. The course is surrounded by natural preserves and lakes, making it a beautiful setting for a round of golf.

Overall, Spanish Wells is a great community for those looking for a beautiful home in a convenient location. With its wide range of amenities, great location, and beautiful homes, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to call Spanish Wells home.

8 things to consider before purchasing a second home

 When purchasing a second home, you should consider the following:

1. Financing: You will need to decide whether to pay cash or finance the purchase. If you choose to finance, you will need to determine what type of loan is best for you.

2. Location: Consider the location of the property and whether it will be used as a vacation home or as a rental property.

3. Property condition: Have the property inspected to ensure that it is in good condition and that any repairs or renovations needed are identified.

4. Insurance: Make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your second home.

5. Tax implications: Be aware of the tax implications of owning a second home, including property taxes and income taxes if you rent out the property.

6. Maintenance costs: Be prepared for ongoing maintenance and repair costs.

7. Zoning and regulations: Understand any zoning laws and regulations that may affect the use of your property.

8. When you are ready to dive into owning a second home, give me a call at (239)383-3800

Manatee Park - Ft. Myers

 

Manatee Park in Fort Myers, Florida is a must-see destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a large population of West Indian manatees, also known as sea cows, which congregate in the warm waters of the park's adjacent power plant.

Visitors can observe these gentle giants from a viewing platform or from the water by taking a guided kayak tour. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led tours, which provide insight into the manatees' behavior and habitat.

In addition to the manatees, the park is also a haven for birdwatchers and birders with a variety of species of birds call this park home including ospreys, great blue herons, and roseate spoonbills. The park's walking trails and boardwalks offer visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, including the park's wetlands, marshes, and mangrove forests.

Manatee Park is also a popular destination for picnickers and families, with picnic tables and a playground available for visitors to enjoy. The park is open year-round, with winter being the best time to visit as the manatees are more active and numerous.

Overall, Manatee Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors and learn about the natural world. Whether you're a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or just looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family, Manatee Park is a great choice.

Things you may not know about Sanibel Island

 

Sanibel Island is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. The island has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, when the Calusa and Seminole tribes inhabited the area.

The island was first discovered by Europeans in the early 1500s. Famous explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is believed to have discovered Sanibel Island – which he named “Santa Isybella” after Queen Isabella — in 1513 while searching for his “Fountain of Youth.”. The island remained largely uninhabited for the next several centuries, although it was occasionally visited by pirates, sailors, and traders.

In the late 1800s, the island began to attract the attention of developers and entrepreneurs, who saw its potential as a vacation destination. The first hotel was built on the island in 1884, and soon thereafter, the island began to attract a growing number of tourists.

In the early 1900s, the island's population began to grow rapidly, and it became a popular destination for sportsmen, artists, and writers. The island's famous "shell beaches" also began to attract visitors from all over the world, who came to collect the unique shells that washed up on the island's shores.

In the 1930s, the island was hit hard by the Great Depression, and many of the island's residents and visitors were forced to leave. However, the island's fortunes began to improve during World War II, when the government established a military base on the island.

After the war, the island's population and tourism industry began to recover, and the island has continued to grow and prosper to this day. 

On September 28, 2022, Sanibel Island took a direct hit by Hurricane Ian.  Most of the island was devastated.  Residents and business owners are working hard to get it back to the beautiful island it was pre-Ian.  Sanibel Island is a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and second-home owners, and is known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife preserves, and laid-back atmosphere.

Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs, FL

 Bonita Bay is a beautiful coastal community located in Bonita Springs, Florida. With over 2,400 acres of lush greenery and sparkling waterways, it's no wonder why so many people are drawn to this picturesque area.

One of the most appealing aspects of Bonita Bay is the wide variety of housing options available. Whether you're in the market for a cozy starter home or a luxurious waterfront estate, you're sure to find something that suits your needs and budget.

The community features over 3,300 single-family homes, villas and coach homes, and high-rise condominiums. The homes and condos in Bonita Bay offer a wide range of styles and prices. The community features homes starting in the $500,000s and condos starting in the $300,000s.

One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Bonita Bay is the Estuary. This exclusive gated community offers residents breathtaking waterfront views, as well as access to a private marina and boat slips. Many homes in the Estuary feature private pools and boat docks, making it the perfect spot for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Other popular neighborhoods in Bonita Bay include The Brooks and The Promenade. The Brooks is home to a variety of single-family homes, as well as the community's only golf course, The Brooks Golf Club. The Promenade is a luxury high-rise condominium community featuring spacious units with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay.

Bonita Bay also boasts an impressive array of amenities, including five waterfront parks, 12 miles of biking and walking paths, and a private beach club. The community also features three championship golf courses, a full-service marina, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Bonita Bay is a fantastic choice for those looking for a beautiful coastal community with a wide variety of housing options and top-notch amenities. With its picturesque scenery, waterfront living, and endless recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people are drawn to this special place.

The Historical Everglades Wonder Gardens

 Everglades Wonder Gardens is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Bonita Springs, Florida. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including a collection of alligators, tropical birds, and other reptiles.

The gardens were originally built in the 1930s. Lester Piper opened the wildlife attraction with his brother Bill on Feb. 22, 1936 to create a place where visitors could see and learn about the diverse wildlife that calls the Everglades home. Today, the gardens are a popular destination for visitors of all ages, who come to see the alligators, tropical birds, and other animals that call the gardens home.

One of the highlights of a visit to Everglades Wonder Gardens is the alligator exhibit. The gardens are home to a large collection of alligators, including both adult and baby alligators. Visitors can see the alligators up close and learn more about these fascinating creatures through educational displays and talks.

Another highlight of the gardens is the tropical bird exhibit. The gardens are home to a wide variety of tropical birds, including parrots, macaws, and toucans. Visitors can see the birds up close and learn about their natural habitats and behaviors.

In addition to the alligators and tropical birds, Everglades Wonder Gardens also has a collection of other animals, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. Visitors can see these animals up close and learn more about them through educational displays and talks.

Everglades Wonder Gardens is a great destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the unique plants and animals that call the Everglades home. The gardens are open year-round, and admission is reasonable. 

BONITA SPRINGS RESIDENTS RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH WITH PROOF OF RESIDENCY.

If you're planning a trip to southwest Florida, consider a visit to Everglades Wonder Gardens.