Annette Lawrence

As the song goes.. "it was always burning since the world was turning" but perhaps I can take some comfort in knowing I may have fanned the embers of hope into flames of possibility.

For nearly two years I have been tweeting about my observations during my staying fit activities in Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs Florida. For instance, today, at Lake Saundra Park in Dunedin, there is a Rosetta peacefully feeding along the shore. Two weeks ago I encountered three Great Horned Owls posing in the same Slash Pine by the Pinellas Trail at the Oasis.

These daily six mile exercise excursions involve a bit of running, exercise routines such crunches, push ups, leg lifts and lunges.

The most visible activity takes place at the Pinellas Trail overpass just north of Curlew Road. Activity alternates between 25 ramp runs or 25 stair climbs. On several occasions I have been accompanied by other like minded fitness citizens on my route as well as participating in the activities of other fitness groups in the area.

For the most part, I often question if anyone is getting the message. Here, in this little piece of paradise, one can be as fit as they choose and never set a foot in a fitness center. All you have to do is GET UP AND DO SOMETHING! "Is anyone listening?, I ask myself.

Last weekend, at the overpass, to my great surprise, one set of stairs is already in use by a young lady working on stair climbing. While I am working the alternate stairs, a bicyclist stops to join me in a stair climbing marathon. Nothing sets the goal higher than a challenging companion!

One can never be certain who will be encouraged or discouraged by our actions. I like to think many have observed my group and me celebrating this very special piece of paradise and decided "If she can it, I can do it also!". How about you? Are you taking care to feed your body the proper nutriants? Are you taking good care of yourself by getting regular cardiovascular exercise? Are you celebrating this piece of paradise by getting out and becoming more intimate with this environment? Join me and celebrate this incredibly unique place in Florida.

Annette Lawrence
ReMax ACR Elite Group, Inc
727.420.4041

Finally, I have discovered why home buyers choose to pursue short sales? In the HomeLink section of the St Petersburg Times, I found my answer.

There, on the front page, is shown a Carrollwood Springs home listed at $279,900 that sold, via short sale, for $173,000. WOW!! Now that's an incredible DEAL! If only it were true. :(

Suncoast Multiple Listing Service shows the listing price was $189,000. What appeared to be a nearly 50% savings turns out be be an 8% savings. Traditional Pinellas County home sales have statistically been closing at discounts of just under 10% of asking price. Traditional home sales routinely occur without the six month wait or the abuse one must endure during the short sale process.

If I were a home buyer and read the HomeLink article, I could believe Florida is having a real estate fire sale and that short sales present a once in a life-time, to good to be true, opportunity. It simply isn't true.

Work with a knowledgeable, experienced real estate professional. You will find good values in today's market. You will find willing and motivated sellers. Your agent will help you identify the community with the resources that compliment your quality of life parameters and will negotiate the best terms and price. They can share with you the facts on the ground; where the rubber meets the road.

When Magic Happens - Palm Harbor, FL
Bob and Chris, Stewart and Naomi, Lisa and Rallan, all recent residents of the Palm Harbor area, celebrated our slice of paradise with a 'Canoe with the Manatees' adventure.

Even when the temperatures are lurking around 60 degrees, the warm 74 degrees of the spring fed river created an enchanting adventure down the forest shrouded river. Diving perches high in the Florida Oaks, deep aquamarine pools of crystal clear water, river otters, eagles, osprey, reptiles, alligator gar, and of course.....Manatees! We don't always see manatees..but very often..Manatees happen!


For eight miles we drifted and paddled, practicing our skills of canoe pirouettes, mid-current stationary positioning, steering and flat out, all aboard full paddle sprints. With miles of watershed and surface tributaries, we explored to our hearts content. Others pass us by. We choose to have our section of the river to ourselves. Embracing the spirit of the place, letting tension escape, relaxing in the rivers embrace, imagining a simpler life.



Stealthily paddling into the shallows presented us with up close and personal, rare, opportunities to observe some of Florida's most beautiful native inhabitants. Some slipped off the logs to disappear, while others took to flight.

Riverside homes sustained the environmental theme, with Manatee Zone warnings in addition to islander tikis, thatched huts and mermaid statuaries.



New adventures, celebrating the incredible environment in which we live, and sharing it with friends, family and those new to the area are among the most rewarding parts of my business. As we each become more aware of our incredible habitat, we can each lift high the banner to protect and preserve. As our appreciation grows, we should commit to eliminate the 'privilege of the few' who choose to prohibit citizens access to Florida's pristine forests and waterways.

Have you decided you've spent your last season in the ice, snow, freezing rain, and snow plow berms? Are you thinking about a new Florida home? Let me show you the best kept secrets and attractions that make this part of the Sunshine State so incredibly unique. Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor - cities unique in character, rich in resources, lavish in opportunities to get up close and personal with natural Florida.

Annette Lawrence
ReMax ACR Elite Group, Inc
727. 420. 4041