Minneola, FL

"If the chimney ain't smokin, we ain't open". This is the slogan that you will see when you come to Jack's BBQ in Minneola, Fl. The slogan that they should use is, "Best dadgum BBQ in South Lake County!". I guarantee they will never use my slogan, simply because of the word "dadgum". You see dadgum is a word that Florida State Seminole Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden always says. When you walk into Jack's BBQ, you will see that they aren't so much anti-Florida State as they are die hard Florida Gator fans. You see where their allegiance lies immediately. Right there beside the cooler that houses the best potato salad I have ever had is an autographed Tim Tebow football. Beside that is a Jeff Demps signed picture. If that doesn't tip you off, maybe all of the pictures and all of the Gator Blue and Orange will let you know. In fact, rumor has it that the first question on their application is "Are you a Florida Gator Fan?".

Personally, I am a Florida State fan, but they still serve me. I've gotten a little ribbing for my FSU fandom, but it's all good. The Blue and Orange is a little blah for me, but to get to eat this great BBQ...I can deal with a little Gator color.

Honestly, as for meat, the only thing I have had there is the turkey. It is THAT good. I go in there often now and think about getting some of that great smelling pork or beef, but I always lean toward the turkey. I'm weird like that...I find something I like and I stick with it. I also get the potato salad, which is a no-no if you are on the P90X Weight Loss Program. I'll run an extra mile...the potato salad is awesome!! I always thought my mom made the best potato salad, but mommas salad has just been kicked to the curb!!!

I took my dad in there the other day and of course I got the same ole, same ole. However, he mixed it up a little and ordered the potato salad and the baked beans. I tried the baked beans and left wondering if Jack's baked beans are indeed manna from heaven!! And the sweet tea...don't even get me talking about the sweet tea. I am southern born and raised and I KNOW SWEET TEA. This stuff is good.

To the staff at Jack's, keep up the great work and I'll see you at lunchtime...where I hope to try something different!!

For those reading, stop by Jack's and tell them I sent you (it won't get you a discount though!). As for their hours of operation, I'm not sure, but if the chimney ain't smokin, they ain't open!!

Jack's BBQ-100 S. Hwy 27-Minneola, Fl. 34715

Phone: 352-394-2673

Davis Signature Realty LLC has compiled the following September 2009 Market Report for Clermont Florida from data gathered from the Mid Florida Regional MLS.

The 21 closed transactions was the highest total for a month posted by Minneola Florida in 2009.

Of the 21 closed transactions, 7 of those homes were sold by non-distressed sellers. That doesn't seem like a big number, but that is really great progress for the Minneola Real Estate Market. The average sold price was $126,461. This number is down about $2000 from last month, but the good news is, is that the average price per sqaure foot rose two dollars to $71.41. The average square footage purchased was 1771 sq. ft.

In my post yesterday about ICF Blocks, I mentioned that I had the opportunity to visit over at the African Inland Mission in Minneola, Fl. For those who may not know, the African Inland Mission is an area of about 23 acres where alot of retired missionaries live. They have been building a huge facility over there and I was introduced to the contractor a week or so ago and he invited me to take a tour of the new complex.

This new building is approximately 17,000 sq. ft. and it is the home of the dining hall, library, kitchen, offices and a few apartments.

The picture above of the dining hall isn't that great of a picture...I apologize. With all of the windows in this room, there was a glare everywhere I turned. You can't really tell from this picture, but this dining hall is beautiful. The ceiling has some beautiful exposed wood beams...I regret not taking a picture of those so that you could see them. I think the contractor told me that this room is about 6,000 sq. ft. Don't hold me to that, I could be wrong. This will be a great dining hall when it is completely finished. The library actually sits above and to the left of this room. It is glassed in and you can see what is going on in the dining hall from the library.

The lake above is the view that you will get from the dining hall. African Inland Mission is also planning to build another 12,000 sq. ft. building. This building will attach on to the new complex and will consist of more apartments for the retired missionaries to live in. I went inside one of the proposed apartments, and they are very nice. They remind me of a very luxury hotel room. In the picture below, the stair case will be removed and that big wall is where the new construction will begin.

I am very happy to see that these retired missionaries, after years of living in probably bad conditions, get to retire in a little bit of style. I really hope they enjoy it!!

In a previous blog entry, I told you a little bit about a great 501c3 Non Profit Faith Based Organization called New Beginnings. Some good things have happened for New Beginnings since that last entry. One major thing was the acquisition of the old Mulberry Inn in Clermont. The Mulberry Inn is being remodeled and will be a home for women with small children.

The reason for this new blog entry is because New Beginning's will be holding a "Fill The Truck" event at 2econd Life Resale, September 12th from 9:00AM -2:00PM. They will be collecting bags of food to "stock their pantry" to give to the needy. Help "Fill The Truck" and you will receive 20% off of all of your purchases at 2econd Life Resale that day.

I know we are in a National Recession and it is hard to put food on your own table, much less anybody else. You can get a bag of can foods for just a couple bucks. If you have a few extra cans, I know they will be very appreciative to receive them. This is a great way to "Pay It Forward".

Check out New Beginnings on their website http://www.newbeginningslake.org/

Davis Signature Realty LLC has compiled the following August 2009 Market Report for Clermont Florida from data gathered from the Mid Florida Regional MLS.

Of the 14 closed residential transactions in Minnneola Florida for the month of August 2009, 7 of these were REO/Bank Owned/Lender Owned properties, 2 were short sales and 5 were non-distressed sellers. The average sale price was $129,298. The average amount of square footage was 1873 sq. ft.

Here is a look at how Minneola Florida has fared so far in 2009:

Johnny Davis

Davis Signature Realty LLC

Broker/Owner

Certified Short Sale Professional

www.davissignaturerealty.com