Grab your wetsuit, the recent stormy weather in Northwest Florida shouldn't keep you indoors. The surf has been up on the Florida Gulf Coast! Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the water temperaturehas been around 62 degrees. While I may think the water is too cold to swim, many vacationers from the northern climates (especially Canada) think the water is just fine. I'll leave that to them and wait until summer when the water around Destin, Florida; Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and Navarre, Florida averages 82 degrees. It's like floating in a bathtub.
If you are interested in learning to surf, the Ride On Surf Schoolis located in Destin, Florida next to Pompano Joe's Seafood House. They offer private lessons, as well as rentals.
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Emerald Coast. Check out the Destin Beach Cam. Every time I look at this, I want to turn off the T.V. and head for the beach.
Fantastic news for homeowners living withing the city limits of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The city is offering assistance for roofing and exterior painting. You may be eligible if your primary residence is within city limits, a single story, and in need of a new roof or exterior paint. Your income cannot exceed the following limits:
1-person household - $35,050
2-person household - $40,100
3-person household - $45,100
4-person household - $50,100
5-person household - $54,100
6-person household - $58,100
Anyone interested in more information should contact Cathy Ducharme at (850) 833-9598.
Well, I missed Mardi Gras on the island in Fort Walton Beach, FL. It was on January 19th this year, and it slipped by me without notice. However, there is still time to catch the Pensacola Mardi Gras on February 2nd. This is a 4 day event, that is full of fun. Pensacola, Florida is 40 miles from Fort Walton Beach, Florida and 65 miles from Niceville, Florida. Another hour west of Pensacola is Mobile, Alabama and they have the claim to fame as the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in America. Beginning on January 5th and culminating on February 5th (Fat Tuesday), the streets of downtown Mobile are transformed with marching bands, floats, and of course moon pies. Mobile prides itself on having a "family friendly Mardi Gras" experience.
There are many more upcoming events in the Fort Walton Beach area that I don't want to miss. Especially, "Annie" coming to the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at Okaloosa Walton Community College. Visit Fort Walton Beach.com to stay abreast of the many activities available in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Niceville, Florida, and Destin, Florida.
| January 27 |
| From Baroque to the Beatles Move over Victor Borge and make way for today's concert pianist with a Cheshire Cat sense of humor! Direct from world famous stages such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, the Emerald Coast Concert Association presents the world renowed, award winning concert pianist Vladimir Zaitsev. Event Time: 7:30pm at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Phone: 850.729.6000, 850.362.9356, 850.837.1742. |
| January 30 |
| Annie Leapin' Lizards! Annie is coming to Niceville! This timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will give a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope, while warming the heats of those who remember it as a cherished old friend. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," Annie is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. Don't miss this all-new production that Variety calls "A winner!" and Chicago Sun Times called "As engaging as ever...a handsome, entertaining, and engaging production." Event Time: 7:30pm. Phone 850.729.6000; website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 1 |
| Ring of Fire The music of the Man in Black ignites the stage in this new Broadway musical featuring 38 songs from the legendary Johnny Cash. Stories of passion, redemption, humor, and salvation will set the stage ablaze in this musical celebration of the world's most famous rebel. Hits include; "Walk the Line," "Hurt," "Jackson," "I've Been Everywhere," "Folsom Prison Blues," "A Boy Named Sue," and the title track "RING OF FIRE". With smashing medleys and a hearty bounce in its guitar-driven step, this shindig will have you stompin' your feet and shoutin' for more. Event Time: 7:30 p.m. Phone: 850.729.6000; website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 2 |
| American Gospel Ministries The Village Singers (Bluegrass) Concerts begin at 6:00 P.M. and conclude at approximately 8:00 P.M. On the first Saturday of each month the concerts are held at First Baptist Church located at 622 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, Florida. Phone: 850.862.6211; website: http://www.villagesingers.com/ |
| February 5 |
| First Tuesday Lecture Series "What's Hot, What's Not: Decorating for Today" Carol Stearns, NWFL Daily News decorating columnist, Lecture Series programs with coffee and cookies at 10:00 a.m. Crestview Public Library 1445 Commerce Drive (behind the Post Office)Crestview, FL 32539 850.682.4432, wbsite: www.cityofcrestview.org/library.htm |
| February 7 |
| MOTHERHOOD: The Myth, The Magic, The Madness Success Coach Desley Parker. For women of childbearing ages in Okaloosa and Walton counties, learn how to define your visions and goals, learn to live in balance and identify your support network. At the Two Trees Restaurant / Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. $10 registration fee, form can printed off our website at http://www.healthystartokawalton.org%20./ |
| February 10 |
| OWC Soundsations Show Choir, Snowbirds Concert Tickets available through local Snowbird clubs. OWC's talented group of fine and performing arts scholarship students perform. Website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 16 |
| Capital Steps, Sponsored by WUWF Public Radio MTickets available December 1 for the national tour of this popular NPR political comedy/satire, call WUWF at 800-239-9893 or e-mail Lynne@wuwf.org ;website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 16 |
| Capital Steps, Sponsored by WUWF Public Radio Tickets available December 1 for the national tour of this popular NPR political comedy/satire, call WUWF at 800-239-9893 or e-mail Lynne@wuwf.org ;website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| I Love A Piano End Date: February 17; Duration: 2 Days The Emerald Coast Concert Associations presents Brian Curl and Company in "I Love A Piano". This years show stars pianist, vocalist, and entertainer Brian Curl together with Joey MacDonald, drummer Eddie Graham and Joe Bruno on bass. Join them as they create a colorful, panoramic journey into a world of music featuring a fantastic variety of styles including ragtime, rock ‘n roll, tin pan alley, showtunes, jazz, semi-classical, and pop favorites. Saturday February 16, 7:30pm and Sunday, February 17, 2:00pm at Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. For information call 850.729.6000, 850.362.9356, 850.837.1742. |
| February 20 |
| The Producers Experience the biggest Tony Award winner in Broadway history with the Mel Brooks musical comedy, "The Producers" -- "Simply the funniest, most fearlessly irreverent thing ever seen on stage!" (USA Today). This is a laugh out loud, ‘I can't believe they just did that' extravaganza of quick wit and one show-stopping number after another. The nationally touring show features an energetic 22-member ensemble cast, luscious costumes designed by William Ivey Long, and brilliant choreography all wrapped around a howlingly funny plot. Phone: 850.729.6000; website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 22 |
| Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Stars of Tomorrow MPrestigious Concerto Competition winners will dazzle with their polish and virtuosity as they perform with the NFSO, the region's premiere professional symphony now in its 21st season.Phone: 850.729.6000; website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 23 |
| 11th Annual Florida Sportsman Fishing Show End Date: February 24; Duration: 2 Days Held at Northwest Fairgrounds. Florida Sportsman Magazine will host the 11th annual Fishing show. |
| Fort Walton Beach Coin Club Show End Date: February 24; Duration: 2 Days Westwoood Retirement Resort, 1001 MarWalt Dr., Fort Walton Beach (across form FWB Medical Center). Saturday hours 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4 pm. Free parking, free admission. Twenty dealers from throughout the southeast will be on hand to buy, sell and trade coins, currency, tokens and medals from ths United States and around the world. Of interest to novice and serious collectors alike. Free state quarter to each attendee (while supplies last). More info: Dave Parenteau, 850.936.4892. |
| February 25 |
| Movin' Out Five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp joined forces to create this spectacular Broadway musical that Time Magazine declares "The #1 show of the year!" More than 24 Billy Joel rock classics are brought to electrifying new life as Movin Out tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. - including their post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical with songs like "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "We Didn't Start the Fire," and "Pressure" that all come together to weave a poignant narrative. Phone: 850.729.6000; website: www.owc.edu/arts |
| February 28 |
| The Magic of Ireland Championship Irish Dancing at Mattie Kelly Art Centre MThe Magic of Ireland Championship Irish Dancing including Stunning music, Singing & Dancing Performing at Mattie Kelly Art Centre at Okaloosa Walton College Tickets Phone: 850.729.6000; website: www.owc.edu/arts |
source: http://www.ftwalton.com/pages/Localevents/default.aspx
Congratulations are in order to Baker School in Baker, Florida and Laurel Hill School in Laurel Hill, Florida for placing in the U.S. News & World Report's "Top 1000 Schools" in the United States. Both of these schools, located in Okaloosa County, were chosen after U.S. News & World Report studied the academic and enrollment data from more than 18,000 public high schools. The high school programs at Baker School and Laurel Hill School were praised for their students' preparation for college and readiness for facing life in the "real world".
Okaloosa County residents have long been aware of the quality education that our public school system offers our children. Not only did Fitch Ratings give the Okaloosa County School system an A+ for having ample reserves and low debt burden, but our schools boast some impressive rankings and awards of their own.
In addition to the schools mentioned above, in the Niceville, Florida area all of the schools from K-12 are A+ recipients from the Florida Department of Education. Niceville high school is also a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and is ranked #22 amongst Florida high schools. The OWC Collegiate School in Niceville, Florida is ranked # 3 in the State of Florida, and is also a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Fort Walton Beach High School, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is ranked # 33 and Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach is ranked # 53. Crestview High School is ranked at # 69. That means that in the Tri-city area of Niceville Florida, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Crestview, Florida our high school programs are in the Top 100 schools in the State of Florida!
A big "Thank You" is in order to everyone associated with the Okaloosa County School District, but most especially to the educators who have dedicated their lives to ensuring our children are educated in such a fine public school system.
There are many other elementary and middle schools in Okaloosa County that received an A+ rating. To rank your Florida school, visit School Digger .
Are you wondering how Niceville Florida real estate fared for 2007? Below is a market analysis of homes sold in Niceville, Florida by area. If you are ready to sell your home, this will give you a good idea of what you can expect your house to sell for in your area. If you are interested in purchasing a home, this market analysis will give you an idea of which areas of Niceville Florida best fit your budget. Of course real estate prices change often, so for a complete assessment of your real estate situation, please contact me at (850) 543-8617 or visit my website at www.thinkbeth.com .
Niceville Real Estate
Market Analysis of Sales by Area - 2007
Valparaiso North and South of Tom's Bayou
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $113,000 | $555,000 | $206,621 | $135.21 |
Total Averages | $113,000 | $550,000 | $206,621 | $135.21 |
Niceville North
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $74,000 | $235,000 | $173,129 | $131.33 |
Total Averages | $74,000 | $235,000 | $173,129 | $131.33 |
Niceville South Of I-20
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $120,000 | $1,350,000 | $318,007 | $146.17 |
Total Averages | $120,000 | $1,350,000 | $318,007 | $146.17 |
Rocky Bayou Area
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $219,900 | $765,000 | $410,702 | $156.27 |
Total Averages | $219,900 | $765,000 | $410,702 | $156.27 |
Bluewater Bay Area
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $162,449 | $265,000 | $221,202 | $144.81 |
Total Averages | $162,449 | $265,000 | $221,202 | $144.81 |
Seminole, Villa Tasso, Choctaw Beach
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $129,116 | $300,000 | $227,056 | $134.76 |
Total Averages | $129,116 | $300,000 | $227,056 | $134.76 |
I have been a Realtor in the Northwest Florida area since 2003. In the past I have concentrated mainly on preexisting homes and new construction, but chose recently to narrow my focus strictly to new construction (I love walking through new houses, don't you?). I am from the Birmingham, Alabama area, where I graduated from Jefferson State College with a Nursing degree. When I moved to the Niceville, Florida area I decided that a change in location was the perfect time to do something I have always loved...sell Real Estate. I have sold millions of dollars of real estate in Okaloosa County, mainly Niceville FL, Crestview FL, Fort Walton Beach FL, and Navarre FL. I went into nursing because I have a natural desire to help people, and feel empathetic toward each customer I work with. Real Estate was a natural transition for me because I am still able to help others, just in another capacity. If you choose a Whitworth Builders home, you are choosing one of the best builders in our area. If you choose a home in Wind Meadows Subdivision you will get to work with me, an experienced, knowledgeable, caring Realtor.
I specialize in New Construction in the Crestview, Florida area. I work for Whitworth Builders selling pre-sale and spec homes in Wind Meadows Subdivision. This is a distinguished neighborhood located in Northwest Crestview on Old Bethel Road. The homes in this neighborhood range from 2156 to 3233 square feet of living space, and the prices are between 250,000 and 336,000. There are 61 tree'd lots to choose from. The average size of a lot is 100 x 140, however there are some larger ones.
Come by and see our Model Home located at 5904 Wind Trace. It is a 2008 Parade of Homes Award Winner. It is open daily 12 pm to 6 pm.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
