David Tipton

Seven years ago, nineteen men attacked our nation with a cruelty unrivaled in American history. As Americans around the country began their day, the unthinkable was broadcast to us on our televisions and radios: the World Trade Center buildings were under siege. We soon learned that terrorists on a suicide mission had taken control of commercial airplanes, and we watched in horror as the second tower was struck. Almost simultaneously, we saw the Pentagon, the symbol of our great nation's military strength, go up in flames. Also, the brave passengers of the fourth hijacked airliner, United Flight 93, launched America's war against terror with its first victory by preventing another attack on the Washington, DC area.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, we prayed and came together as a nation, and in our grief we united in our shared resolve to defeat an evil that threatened our way of life. Tomorrow, we honor the memory of our fellow citizens lost on that awful day, and we reaffirm our determination to not forget those lost to these attacks on our nation.

On Thursday, September 11^th, at 9:03 a.m., EDT, let's all observe a moment of silence for those lost seven years ago.

As we go about our lives tomorrow, let us honor those that lost their lives, and let us also pray that an attack like the one we witnessed seven years ago never happens again.

Labor day stands for different things to different people. In my belief,one of the best things about Labor Day is that it marks the traditional opening of the College and NFL Football seasons!

For all of you football lovers, it's been a long dry spell with no action, but football season is upon us. College football started over this past weekend. The NFL starts this week and High school and youth football is underway.

To check out the local teams click on your favorite below for their 2008 schedule.

Click here for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 Schedule

Click here for the University of South Florida Bulls 2008 football schedule

Click here for the University of Florida Gators 2008 football schedule

Click here for the Florida State University Seminoles 2008 football schedule

Click here for the 2008 Tampa area High School football schedules

Click here for ESPN's 2008 Monday Night Football schedule

Click here for Super Bowl XLIII Tampa, FL 2009

The Super Bowl XLIII will be played in Tampa, Florida on February 1^st 2009. We have no idea now who the two teams will be, but it will be interesting watching the season develope. By the way, no local team has ever played in a Super Bowl held in there home town. It could be a first if the Buccaneers go to this years Super Bowl.

Yeah.... I'm ready for some football!

For Your Convenience, Bookmark this post for quick access to local area football schedules!

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

What is Localism?

A new website has launched, called Localism. Localism is powered by Active Rain, which is an online real estate community with over 100,000 members nationwide. The members of Active Rain have been building content about local communities for over a year, and Active Rain has organized this information into Localism.Com.

Localism.Com is designed to allow neighbors and local merchants to share what's happening in their community. It's people collectively communicating the unique flavor and nuances of where they live, work, eat, and play.

Localism is 'Old-School' in a New World portal. It's reminiscent of an earlier day when people shopped where they lived, and everyone knew their butcher. Localism makes the world smaller and more personal. It reacquaints and re-establishes the lost bonds between neighbors. It revives and restores the relational elements of what neighborhoods used to be, and should be.

Localism provides the environment where residents and business owners can create a micro-social network uniquely attuned to their individual communities. Together, they use multi-media to paint a canvas of local color and texture. Localism for their community becomes an extension of who and what they are.

While Localism has its roots in the real estate community, it is becoming so much more... by design. It has the capability of being the "Local News Section" for hundreds of thousands of communities across the country. States, Counties, Cities and even subdivisions could have information that is tailored specifically to them and updated continuously.

Are you a Business owner?

Think of the possibilities... If you have a grocery store, you could feature information for consumers from various departments; recipes, tips on keeping food fresh, upcoming promotions, etc. If you are a Dry Cleaner, you could present information about keeping your garments looking like new for longer. City Managers could post about news for residents, and HOA's could keep their residents abreast of current issues. These are not ads, but relevant information about the community.

Here is an invitation...

Diamond Dwellings Realty is sponsoring a few communities here in Hillsborough County, Florida, specifically Apollo Beach, Brandon, Bloomingdale East and West, , FishHawk Ranch, Lithia, Riverhills, Riverview, and Valrico. We invite residents, business owners, Soccer Moms, PTA's, HOA's, city officials, churches and school administrators to join us in providing information for everyone in these communities.

In fact, regardless of where you may be in the country, chances are there is a Localism community in which you can join and participate. Some are still available to sponsor, others may be come available. But, whether a community is sponsored or not, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute and reach out to your neighbors.

Whether you are in Tampa, FL, Seattle, WA or Atlanta, GA, if you would like to take part in Localism and don't know how... feel free to let us know. We can get you set up with people that can help you out.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241

E-Mail: Dave@DiamondDwellings.Com

There are currently 315 homes for sale in the Apollo Beach Area between $199,000. And $4,500,000. Some are foreclosures, and some are regular homes for sale. We have done the research for you to identify what Diamond Dwellings Realty believes are among the Best Buys currently on the market in this area that are priced over $500,000. See also Apollo Beach, FL Best Home Buys Under $500k.

The criteria we used were cost per square foot of living area (heated/AC), condition, amenities and neighborhood. None of these homes are short sales, just bargains. Due to the space constraints of this medium we were forced to pick the best 12. If you don't see any that interest you, please give us a call. We will be happy to do an MLS search with your exact wants and needs.

MLS# T2264838 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $519,000. $174.14 Cost Per Sq Ft

One of a Kind 4 BR, 3 BATH, 2,722 Sq Ft Waterfront Home!!! Water views from three sides with its own private beach, dock and boat lift. Deep sailboat water just minutes from Tampa Bay. The home boasts of soaring 30 ft ceilings, upgraded lighting, neutral tile, new carpet, custom cabinets with Granite countertops. Screened outdoor entertainment area paired with open deck overlooking lush landscaping with outdoor lighting and paver walkway. This home is light and bright; it has been meticulously maintained and is ready for you to call home. Don't miss this deal, call today, 813-653-1241.

MLS# T2285078 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $529,000. $155.86 Cost Per Sq Ft

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Mira bay Community while living in the luxury of this tastefully decorated David Weekly home. Step through the front door into an open and warm floor plan featuring formal dining and living areas as well as a family room with two story volume ceilings and a dramatic open staircase. The kitchen is a gourmet's dream with 42" cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, and a food preparation island. The master bathroom provides plenty of room for his and hers grooming and the relaxation of a garden bathtub. The second level boasts a loft area overlooking the family room. With an abundance of storage areas this home is the perfect match for anyone who "has it all" and needs a place to keep it!

MLS# T2230616 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $558,776. $186.26 Cost Per Sq Ft

WATERFRONT- UNBELIEVABLE PRICE AND IT IS NOT A SHORTSALE! This one won't last- Just 2 minutes to Open Water. Sellers LOSS Buyers GAIN! Take Advantage of the Market Start Building your Wealth in this Key West Style Home while Prices are Still LOW! This Amazing home answers the question; Why Move to Florida? This Home has Southern Comfort and Charm in the Key West Style. Vibrant exterior Colors reminds you to Live Life to the Fullest! Bring your Boat, your golf clubs, swim suit and relax on your waterfront home while enjoying the VIEWS OF THE BAY! The cook will appreciate the appliances and features of this Stylish, Bright and Cheerful Kitchen. Relax in one of your four porches while viewing the Bay, or sit down with a good book in front of the fireplace. The Opportunity is Now. Ask about the discounted flood insurance with this home. Owner Financing May be Available. Call today to view 813-653-1241.

MLS# T2309287 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $563,000. $184.95 Cost Per Sq Ft

A luxury Key West style home in Hemingway Estates. 4 BR 3.5 baths on the water, minutes to Tampa Bay. Block construction with a metal roof is over 3,044 sq ft plus a den and 4 balconies featuring wood and ceramic floors. There are granite counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. 8 foot doors, security system and crown molding, California closet system, garden tub and huge shower in master. Every bedroom has its' own private balcony, and also the family room and living room. Lots of upgrades for the discriminating buyer. . Don't miss this deal, call today, 813-653-1241.

MLS# U7347507 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $579,500. $190.00 Cost Per Sq Ft

This 4 Br 4 Bath 3,039 Sq Ft home is a great waterfront opportunity in the prestigious gated community of Andalucia. Built in 2005, this Mediterranean style pool home offers 1st and 2nd floor master suites, granite kitchen counters, custom maple cabinetry with pull-out drawers, double pane windows with security film, entertainment center, slate tile, Berber carpet, and a beautiful caged pool with spectacular views. Bank Owned! Don't delay, Call Today for viewing! 813-653-1241

MLS# T2229466 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $599,000. $187.66 Cost Per Sq Ft

Fantastic 4 Br 4 Bath pool home on 1/3 acre cul de sac lot in the beautiful water front community of Andalucia. Includes boat slip at the Marina. Lot next door is available; if you should want to do an addition plans are available. Great home for entertaining with its great groom with soaring ceilings, formal dining and the lanai with pool and spa. The property is fenced by hedge for privacy. Seller to give $5000 credit for granite counters in Kitchen. The community features club house with pool and beach overlooking Tampa Bay, clay tennis courts, security, gated, playground, marina & a jetty going out into the Bay. Come enjoy a little of paradise!

MLS# T2311481 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $599,000. $180.64 Cost Per Sq Ft

NOT A SHORT SALE.... Just a great price. Enjoy sunsets from your dock with quick access by boat to the open bay. One of the best waterfront views in prestigious Mira Bay. This 2 story home is a David Weekly Sand Dollar model, 4 bedrooms with children's retreat, 3.5 bathrooms, 3384 SF, 3 car garage, covered front and back porches on large waterfront lot, plenty of room for a pool. Home boasts many upgrades including GE Profile stainless steel appliances, gas island cook top, classic maple upgraded cabinets, and granite counter tops. First floor master bedroom overlooking the water with French door access to back viewing porch. Master bathroom has dual sinks, separate shower, jetted garden tub, large walk-in closet and upgraded tile. Upstairs includes 3 bedrooms, large children's retreat or game room with closet and great views of water. Available immediately. Call 813-653-1241.

MLS# T2309879 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $650,000. $159.71 Cost Per Sq Ft

This beautiful 4 BR 4 Bath 4,070 Sq Ft Water front home with a spacious kitchen with granite, excessive maple cabinets, double ovens, center island, connected to family room with windows to the Waterfront and fireplace. The Bonus room upstairs has a balcony with great water views. Large master suite with master bath + den/study. Great cost per square foot. See it today! APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $699,900.

MLS# T2310385 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $699,900. $187.44 Cost Per Sq Ft

Wow! 4/3/3 + office + bonus w/approx. 3734 Sq Ft situated on stunning canal lot facing conservation! Features include hard wood flooring, gas fireplace, bonus room, two balconies, huge front porch, granite counters, upgraded cabinets, fenced yard, and lots! This home is situated on one of Mirabay's top 20 canal lots! So many features we can't name them all, including plantation shutters, professionally decorated and painted, fenced backyard, huge bonus room, master on main, coastal look with hard board siding, upgraded cabinets in kitchen and granite, tons of storage, upgraded lighting, third car tandem garage, hurricane/tint film on all windows, Nuvo audio system throughout house, every room with a view and no neighbors on other side of street or in backyard, pre-wired for pool, and lots more! Mirabay is Florida's newest most sought after coastal community with amenities including heated pool, fitness, day spa, activities director, playgrounds, sports courts, and two resort style pools.

MLS# T2311261 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $699,995. $167.66 Cost Per Sq Ft

This sales model furnished won't be around long at this price. It is only a buyer's market if you buy! Breath taking describes the way you feel when you walk in this home. This sales model has 5 bedrooms but the 5th bedroom is presently set up as a study and can be easily converted back into a bedroom. This room is the only bedroom on the first floor. Upstairs you will find a loft area with a built in entertainment center and computer area for the kids to study. The master suite is fabulous. Marble flooring leads into the master bath, two large walk in closets and bedroom. Also located on the second floor are two bedrooms connected with the Jack and Jill bathroom and a fourth bedroom with a private bath., all have large walk in closets. Please call 813-653-1241 to view or for more information.

MLS# T2315614 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $700,000. $144.00 Cost Per Sq Ft

This almost completed 5 Br 4.5 Bath 4,861 Sq Ft Custom home is built to Green specifications. With 4 car garage on salt water canal with dock, 2 master suites, elevator, with tile roof and brick pavers, office and theater room. See attachments for home features, elevations and floor plans. Home under construction can be ready quickly. This is an awesome buy at $144.00 per Sq Ft. Call us today 813-653-1241.

MLS# T2325894 APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 Price: $700,000. $189.34 Cost Per Sq Ft

This beautiful waterfront custom built home is situated on a large corner lot that is landscaped with citrus, avocado, coconut, and over twenty types of traditional and exotic palm trees. The private dock is located on a deep water canal that is suitable for sailboats and other large watercraft. The gorgeous dock was built using Trex for maintenance free pleasure, and has a covered area with Tiki Bar, chairs, fans, lights and stereo, making it perfect for relaxing and sipping your favorite beverage while the dolphin swim by. Five sets of sliders open to a 1,500 square foot paved and screened lanai complete with oversized heated pool and spa. The lanai also boasts an outdoor kitchen which is perfect for entertaining. This lovely home is filled with gorgeous custom European stone floor tiles throughout. The gourmet kitchen will delight your taste buds. Its separate breakfast area and built in desk will heighten your enjoyment. A large salt water aquarium divides the formal living and dining room and will provide hours of viewing pleasure. If this one floats your boat, give us a call... 813-653-1241

If any of these homes catch your interest, please give me a call. If not, I would be happy to research any parameters that you have for a home in Apollo Beach or any surrounding area.

Interested in selling your home? Ask me about our new video home tour, now available. Get your home video on the internet today...

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241

Local FishHawk Ranch resident, Chris Moulin received the devastating news last August when he was having problems with numbness in his hand. What started out as a routine doctor's visit to treat possible arthritis, ended weeks later with a diagnosis which left Chris and his wife with more questions than answers. Some doctors call Cordoma cancer and some don't. It's not categorized as a cancer and not benign tumor; however, for anyone diagnosed with a Cordoma, the lack of research is just one of many frustrating aspects of the disease. It's so rare there's really no information.

That was last August, now 10 months later, Chris has gone from fighting for his life to fighting for a cure. Chris put together his love of golf with his passion to find a cure to arrange his first, Swing for a Cure, golf benefit for H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. The benefit will be held at Summerfield Crossing Golf Club in Riverview, Saturday, August 9. Local residents, either singles, $85.00 or teams of four, $320.00 are encouraged to enter by August 2.

To register or for more information about Swing for a Cure, the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center benefit, visit www.summerfieldgc.com. If you love to golf but haven't found other golfers in the area, this benefit, not only is a great cause, but also will be a great way to network with golfers within our community. Any single players who would like to be paired with other FishHawk Ranch residents, contact Chris Moulin at 334-7520.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Localism: FishHawk Ranch