Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor

Sunset shot taken on Fort Myers Beach to remind me why I fell in love with this place !

Shot taken with my Canon point & shoot. No editing/processing. Please do not use without my permission !

Looking for some fun family outings for your Independance Day on Fort Myers Beach ? ALways lots to do here on the island and the 4th of July is no different.

4th of July Parae: 10 AM - Starts at Beach School and ends at Lynn Hall Park. Important: The Matazas Bridge will close at 9:30 AM and reopen about noon. There is no bus service on July 4th - the trolly will run from Summerlin Square to Bowditch Park from 7 AM till midnight and from Bowditch Park to Lovers Key from 6:45 AM till 11:40 PM . On Friday, all routes will operate on a Saturday schedule.

4th of July community Family Fun Fair @ Chapel BY The Sea. Watch the parade then stay for a Community Carnival from 10 - 2 PM. Carnival food, games, prizes, face painting and more !

4th of July Fireworks - provided by Semmer Electric starts at dusk at the pier.

Adventures in Paradise: Fireworks cruise - 7:30 PM Call 472 - 8443

Getaway Marina - Fireworks cruise - 8 PM - Call 466-3600

Capt Tony's Fishing Adventure - Fireworks cruise - 7:30 PM Call 415 - 0515

Baywalk @ Times Square Goes All American -

Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill - hot dog eating contest @ 3 PM ( sign up by 1 PM for $10 ) and patriotic costume contest: 1st prize $100

Shipwreck will have pirates from Pieces of Eight holding court in front of the store on Old San Carlos.

Snug Harbor is hosting a kids coloring contest. Steel Drums are on the agenda at 1:30 PM.

Smokin Oyster Brewery and Matanzas Inn Restaurant are offering great Happy Hour, lunch and dinner specials along with entertainment to add to the festivities.

Island Arts Foundation presents Willia Pooch - July 4th from 4 - 7 PM

Gather up the littler ones and enjoy a great day and evening here on the island. Enjoy

The Florida Association of Realtors released May 2009 housing data and it shows a continued strengthening in housing across the market.

" Statewide sales showed gains over the previous month's sales level in both the existing home and existing condominium markets. Also, for the first time in many months, the statewide median sales price in May for existing homes and for existing condos rose over the previous month's figure. "

"The improving sales of existing single family homes and condos is a trend we have been seeing for several months in Florida. What is new in this month's data release is that we are seeing evidence of prices beginning to firm," says Dr. Sean Snaith, director for the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Competitiveness.

© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

This most recent data supports the view of many analysts that the market may be in a prolonged recovery period. With actual sales up and prices showing additional signs of firming the Florida housing market looks better and better.

Sometimes good things come to those who wait. Sometimes, people who wait too long miss out ! You may remember about 6 months ago I suggested that here on Fort Myers Beach the combination of excellent inventory, historically low financing and sellers who appreciate a well qualified buyer combined to makes this a classic buyer's market. Even the local News Press is suggesting that people sitting on the fence should act now. There is increased activity in every reliable market indicator.

While all real estate is local in nature it seems pretty clear that our island market is beginning to form support for well priced listings. In fact, a few recent properties have had multiple offers and eventually sold above list price ! Are you ready to climb down off the fence ?

The 2009 USA Open Water Swimming Championships will be held on Fort Myers Beach this Friday and Sunday, June 12 & 14, 2009.

This event will serve as the qualifyer to land a spot on the 2009 US World Championship Team. Swimmers will compete in 5K and 10K distances. The 10K event will serve as the qualifyer for the 2009 US World Championship Team.

Olympians Mark Warkentin and Chloe Sutton will compete in the 10K division on Sunday.

Additional info available at: www.usaswimming.org