Jeff and Ginny Mitchell

Cruising south on the Intracoastal Waterway between the Merrill Barber causeway bridge and the south bridge, barely visible in the background (2 of the 3 causeway bridges in Vero Beach that provide convenient access to and from the island) - what a lovely way to spend an afternoon. The fresh water Indian River flows down the middle of the waterway between the mainland and the barrier island at Vero Beach, Florida. The Sebastian and the Fort Pierce inlets create a brackish lagoon that rises and falls with the tide. The lagoon is a veritable nursery for a myriad of species.

Visit www.MyVeroBeachRealEstate.com for a PHOTO TOUR of Vero Beach, Florida.

We have loved Vero Beach for a lifetime, but we are especially proud that our quality of life is widely documented and recognized. Recently I posted the news about the outstanding air quality we enjoy, among the very best in the nation. Now we have learned that our beaches are among the cleanest also. No beaches in our county of Indian and also nearby St Lucie County had pollution levels above the federal standards, which is cleaner than most areas elsewhere in the state of Florida as well as the whole nation, according to a new study by the National Resources Defense Council. Clean, clean -- good to know.

Now for the happy news that Indian River County ranks #11 in the nation for the best body mass index. Even so, alas, we have a way to go with our current ranking. Indian River posted 25.51 on the scale while the number 1 ranking was earned with a body mass index score of 24.48. Let's all celebrate our achievement and work for an even better ranking next year! One more lap in the pool each day should do it.

The Vero Beach Art Museum will feature the "Florida Visual Art Fellowship Exhibiltion" through mid-September. The next special exhibit beginning in mid-September until mid-December will be Jon Davis' "Lighted Wall Constructions" in addition to "Glass from the Ancient World and Contemporary Reflections" from mid-October to mid-December. Following from mid-January to mid-March will be "Painting Italian Landscape: Views from the Uffizi." The Vero Beach Art Museum is location at 3001 Riverside Park Drive and is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1-1:30 on Saturday. Phone 772-231-0707 for further information or visit www.vbmuseum.org

The latest comprehensive Real Esatate update for Vero Beach and Hutchinson Island, Florida broken down by area and type of property has just been published on our blog - http://www.myverobeachflhomes.com and reprinted here (obviously with my permission as the author):

Local Real Estate Update

The sales graphs for each report below compare current inventory and sales from 2004 to 2008 as of June 30, 2008.

Local Real Estate Update With 15 sales, June was the slowest month since Jan 2008 and almost 50% lower than June 2007. Current inventory for single family homes on the barrier island is now 559 - down 9 from last month. Average time on the market was 15 months and average list-to-sales price was 72%. Both of these figures are a result of the high inventory of single family houses on the Barrier Island. Nothing sold in less than 6 months, and one home is Seagrove was originally listed for $1,300,000 and sold 22 months later for $475,000. When you list, consider current comparable sale prices so your home will sell in a reasonable time. Buyers are aware of the high inventory and are asking their Realtors to negotiate diligently for the best possible price. Buyers are moving on to the next property or just walking away when the seller is not realistic.

Sales of condos on the island also fell to 17 but were still higher than June of the previous years. This has been the trend for the last 4 months and tends to confirm our belief that the part time residents are continuing to buy in the Vero area. With the opening of the 2 newly renovated upscale hotels on the beach, the Vero Hotel and Club and Costa d"Este, Vero is enjoying a resurgence of tourists. Inventory increased by 5 units in June but is still down by approximately 7 % in the last 4 months. Time on the market is still lengthy and the list-price to sales-price ratio is still far apart. Actual sale prices ranged from $138,000 in the Del Mar Condo complex to $1,100,000 in oceanfront Sea Quay. Four Sea Oaks condos sold in the $600 to $700,00 range. We believe this market will continue to improve as buyers take advantage of the appealing opportunities among the 394 condo homes currently for sale.

Sales of single family houses on the mainland fell for the 2nd month to 113 sold-lower than June 2007. The general economy has more influence on this sector, and as we all know the economy is not good. Now that Piper Aircraft has decided to expand their plant with 400 more jobs, however, we should see sales of single family homes on the mainland begin to increase. Prices are also in the buyer's favor. The median price has dropped from $224,000 in June 2007 to $170,000 in June 2008. More than ample supply is available and with the lower prices and more jobs, the demand will begin to go up. From the tax records the year-to-date sales of single family residences in Indian River county through May 2008 was 828. Sales for all of 2007 were 2656. At this rate of sales, by year end, sales will be down 26%.

Mainland condo sales increased to 45 sold, which for the 4th month exceeded last years sales. Inventory has decreased 13% in the last 4 months to 1078 units - an indication that the part time and retired residents are buying. Prices ranged from under $40,000 for 2 units in Vista Royale to $860,000 for a Grand Harbor unit on the river. In general, these prices and most of the sold prices reflect sales prices for 3 to 4 years ago. Tax records indicate that the median condo price in Indian River County fell 16% from April 07 to April 08. Part of the reason sales are picking up in the condo market is because the prices are falling.

North Hutchinson Island experienced a dismal June with only 2 sales, one at $183,000 in Ocean Harbor North and the other in Tiara for $315,000. There are 256 properties for sale down 5 from last month. A new 18,000 sq ft commercial development is being built that will include 2 restaurants and a branch bank, which should help bring more buyers to this area of wide soft beaches. Right now, there are a lot of good bargains and sellers are willing to negotiate.

Many experts are suggesting that now is the bottom of the market. We will only know for sure looking back from the other side.

On weekend evenings this summer, young people 18 and older will enjoy local bands, piano bar, and even karaoke nights at the new Riverside Theatre Club 3250. Folk-bluegrass singer Ben Prestage will perform July 11. July 26 will feature rock band, J2 of Kings of the Highway, Elido, and Ghosts of Gloria. See Unmasked on August 9. Check other upcoming events at myspace.com/riversidetheatre Remember that you must prove you are 21 with a photo ID to order adult drinks.