A year ago, August of 2007 I told you about how these 3 rare birds had captured the hearts of people around Daytona Beach and managed to block off the beach to cars in my post: Rare Birds Put The Breaks On Beach Driving In Daytona

That post remained on the first page of Florida Information, Volusia County Information and Daytona Beach, FL Information until just recently. You all loved it that much!

Just recently Mom and Dad returned to Daytona Beach, they must love our hospitality! My hairdresser spotted them in the exact same spot they were at last year and we began to wait for the arrival of the baby.

Sunday evening I received a email that the first baby hatched on Friday and a second hatched on Sunday, however the Mom and Dad were not at the same spot, they were further south! I headed out early Monday morning in search of them.

My problem being I have a foot injury right now and am supposed to stay off my foot as much as possible. My friend told me he hiked 2 miles north to find the birds after parking near the Dunlawton Bridge. I can't afford to do that with the foot injury, so I stopped at two beach approaches and asked the gate person what they knew, and both knew nothing! Giving up I went to work and pulled up the newspaper onlineto see what I could find there.

BINGO! The newspaper told me exactly where I could find the happy couple and their new arrivals! Once again on a beach frequented by cars, they have blocked traffic in the area where the birds have nested (YAY!). Midori suggested I look on the internet and find the closest beach walkover and to my delight the walkover is right at the birds location. Now, to just find parking...

I left my house early this morning, found the address easily, parked at a store which warns anyone parking over 30 minutes will be towed. No problem there, I won't be that long! I then found the walkway to the beach and it is a narrow sidewalk between two tall condos, if you don't know it is there, you'd walk or drive right by it.

As I got to the beach, there they were... the proud parents... one baby was out running around with them, all were inside the area blocked off to keep them protected. It is so funny how they know that the area is just for them.

I took almost 200 photos in the 15 minutes I was there, of course I won't bore you with all 200, I picked out the best and will let you browse through them. The baby you do see I think is the one that was hatched on Friday. I am going to try to go back early on Saturday and see if the other baby is out walking around yet.

Hover your mouse pointer over the photos and you'll see a short description on each.

You're probably wondering how I know which bird is which? I really don't, I am going by what I read in the newspaper yesterday. It said that the male bird is smaller then the female.

I'm so excited I got to see this happy little couple again. This is the 2nd pair of birds (different species) that have returned back to Daytona from last year, that is something I've never been able experience before!

If you're interested in moving to the area of Daytona Beach FL, and you're a golfer, you're probably just as interested in the golf courses as you are in the real estate. And even better yet would be a residential golf community, and we have plenty of those. Let's start with what is probably the most well known of all the Daytona Beach golf communities.

LPGA. TheDaytona Beach LPGA residential golf community has two world-class courses. The Champions golf course, designed by Rees Jones and opened to the public in 1994, has natural marsh areas, strategic mounding, numerous expanses of sand bunkers and more, and is playable for all skill levels. Also at LPGA is the Legends golf course which opened to the public in 1998. The Legends golf course, designed by Arthur Hills, offers strategic hazards, rolling greens, tight fairways, and water on more than half the holes.

LPGA is one of the largest communities in the entire Daytona Beach area, with a restaurant, Knickers Bar and Grill, with it's own award-winning chef, a spectacular clubhouse, banquet center, catering and more. LPGA also features multiple subdivisions. Among these many subdivisions there are currently 54 homes on the market with townhouse prices ranging from $129,900 to grand-scale houses at $999,900.

Another residential housing and golf community is Indigo Lakes. Indigo Lakes was one of the first of it's kind in Daytona Beach and is one of the more affordable courses to play. Indigo Lakes also has it's own restaurant, Major Moultries, a pro-shop, clubhouse, banquet center, and wedding packages. Indigo Lakes also has several of it's own subdivisions with condo prices starting at $83,000 and housing prices up to $499,000.

Next on the list of popular Daytona Beach Golf Communities is Pelican Bay. Although Pelican Bay is not the newest of the Daytona Beach golf communities, it is very large, and the most secure community, controlled by security guards at both the East Gate and the West Gate, which are the only entrances to this highly popular community. Pelican Bay also has two golf courses: 1 is open to the public, and 1 is reserved for members only. Pelican Bay also has a fabulous clubhouse, restaurant, tennis courts and more. The main housing section of Pelican Bay consists of homes that are all on either a course, or a canal. This main section is laid out in a large loop that runs from entrance-to-entrance. The different subdivisions all extend from the main loop. Being that Pelican Bay is such a huge community, there are currently 98 homes on the market there. The current asking prices are as follows. The condo prices start from $99,900, and traditional housing prices go up to $497,500.

That's it for the most well-known golf courses in Daytona Beach. And of course, as indicated, these are all residential housing as well as golf communities. The great thing about buying real estate in a golf community is that it's easier to sell your house or condo when you're ready to move. There are many real estate buyers who want to buy a home either on a golf course, or on a lake. Golf communities have both. Many real estate buyers also like communities that have plenty of amenitites like clubhouses, community pools, tennis courts, etc. Most golf course communities have these as well.

This list has only covered the golf communities actually in Daytona Beach itself. Within the next few days, I'll post information on the golf communities in Ormond Beach and Port Orange. And if I have time, I'll include New Smyrna Beach as well, since we wouldn't want to leave out Venetian Bay, with their recently opened golf course!

Stay tuned for upcoming info on more of the area's golf communities. And for all your real estate needs, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa C. Hill with Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS®.

Make a Smart Choice and get your Daytona Beach area real estate information from the best real estate web site in Volusia County!

View my Real Estate MLS listings.

View my Real Estate Listing Videos.

Daytona Beach Real Estate, Golf Communities. Buy or Sell with the Smart Choice, Lisa Hill and Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS®. (Golf photos are Creative Commons.)

If you're a resident or visitor of the Daytona Beach area, and most especially those of our surfer crowd, here's an exciting event for you! Yesterday, I posted a blog about the Surf Exhibit at the Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum. But here's something a little more upbeat. On July 12 and 13, 2008, come enjoy the first ever Boards and Waves Expo at the newly remodeled Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center.

This 2 day event will consist of more than 60 exhibits including surfboard-shaping demos, surfboard painting, a vintage surfboard collection, and information on the new styles, shapes, fins and functions of the next generation of surfboards.

This venture is sponsored by Global Wave Ventures whose president is an avid surfer himself, who consults for the action sports industry. (Follow the link for more info and details.)

Don't forget to mark your calendars for July 12 and 13! The event cover charge is $5.00, children under 12 are admitted FREE. 2 surfboards will be raffled off, each day. For more information about the Boards & Waves Expo, call the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center at 386-676-2223, or call Global Wave Ventures at 949-466-4110. You can also email info@boardsandwaves.com

Many surfers enjoy living in the Daytona Beach or New Smyrna Beach areas. If you're interested in buying or renting real estate in these areas, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill with Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS®. Lisa Hill is a Daytona Beach native and expert real estate agent with experience selling real estate in all of east Volusia County.

Races in Daytona over 4th of July Weekend

Here they come, the boys of NASCAR are in town for the 4th of July race. 400 Miles of super speedway racing on Saturday night, followed by a sensational firewords display.

The races can be exciting for fans, but a pain in the neck for others. If you don't need to be in Daytona Beach, especially around International Blvd., stay away. There are races on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The races start around 8:00 pm, but traffic builds up hours earlier and after the race is a mess. Gates open at 9:00 am on Thursday, noon on Friday, and 2:00 pm on Saturday.

There's qualifying or practice everyday, but the worst traffic will be four hours or so before the races on Friday and Saturday night.

Don't get stuck with the track between you and your destination. One year, I was caught in Port Orange trying to get back to Ormond Beach - a normal trip of about 25 minutes. Bad timing resulted in a 2 hour trip. My advice, enjoy the race if you're going, but stay away if you're not. So this weekend I'll take a break from selling Daytona Beach homes and relax in beautiful Ormond Beach.

Plaza Resort & Spa

600 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118

One of the best condo-hotel Resorts in Daytona Beach. Recent conversion, started with very brisk sales, but the market died leaving the developer with about 100 unsold units, however, the developer is the hotel operator, and they run one of the best occupancies if not the best in the area.

Prior to conversion, the property underwent a multi million dollar renovations and is a real Daytona oceanfront gem.

All 322 oversized guest rooms have been upgraded to include specially designed pillow top bedding for a most comfortable nights sleep. Each room offers a refrigerator/microwave/coffee maker with coffee/in-room safe/ironing board with iron/blow dryer/cable television with HBO/telephones with data ports and more.

The Plaza Resort and Spa is home to a variety of venues for entertainment. Whether you are here with your family for a relaxing vacation or for a meeting or convention you will find everything you want to do under one roof. Family Recreation Program - During season our family recreation program is available and is geared to those ages 5 - 12. Activities may include ice cream social/water aerobics/movie night/crafts and more. Pool Deck - our oceanfront pool deck features an Olympic sized pool over looking the Atlantic Ocean.

Dining at The Plaza. Magnolias Cafe- Southern-style Cuisine. A restaurant with an open kitchen catering to a wide range of tastes and cravings. On Saturday nights join for the ultimate in Seafood Feasts featuring all-you-can-eat Crab Legs/Carved Top Round/Baked Mahi Mahi/Fried Grouper/Popcorn Shrimp/Fried Clams/Peel and Eat Shrimp/Seafood Jumbalaya/Carved Turkey/Rice Pilaf/Corn on the Cob and more. Cafe Al Fresco on the pool deck. Light snacks and tropical drinks. Mercado. A general store with an upscale deli serving everything from ice cream to salads to sandwiches and fast entrees to go.

Currently there are 56 units on resale (plus there are available units from the developer). Prices start from the distressed $69,900 for a unit with city view to $459,000 for a direct oceanfront studio.

There is one unit sold in the resort for $110,000 since January 2008.

However, right now you can buy units there for less than initial price from the developer, and this is an exeptional property in terms of quality, amenities, and location.

If interested, contact us at 386-255-5355 or call me on my cell: 386-405-4408. It may sound strange today, but prices for units here would go up very significantly.

Jon Zolsky, your Daytona Beach connection
www.DaytonaCondoHotel.com

Oceans Jewels Club

935 South Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118

150-room oceanfront condo-hotel was built in the 70s. Operates under Travelodge flag. Three years ago the management company was sold. New management company is not enjoying high occupancy, and in a dwindling Daytona economy is affecting the performance of the resort.

Recently one of the buildings underwent the upgrading.

There are 2 Pools(1 heated) plus a Kiddie Pool. Fitness Center, Oceanfront BBQ Grill and Picnic Tables. Complimentary wireless access is available in the lobby.

This hotel does not rent to area locals. No pets policy. No RV/Trailer/Semi parking available.

Presently 39 units for sale from $49,900 for a studio with no vew to $179,500 for a one-bdr unit. The mere number of units for sale is indicative of slow performance. Especially if you notice that there were only 2 units sold since January 1, 2008. One for $39,000 for a studio and a one bdr unit for $85,000.

Harbour Beach Resort, 701 South Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Built in 1975, the Resort had seen better days. Until 5 years ago we considered it a nicer property and liked to bring our customers there. Then the property started slowly deteriorating, management and maintenance going down the hill.

They did not have luck with the management company, three companies within the last 4 years made a big dent in trust between the onwers and the management. The Board failed to set the goals to preserve the and increase the rentals. It is just mind boggling what can people do to diminish the value of the property for the owners. No decent rentals, the whole front desk is missing...

Last year the resort started serious work on replacing concrete balconies. They also are replacing the windows and sliding doors to those heavy hurricane resistant one that are meeting the codes. Not only they are hurricane resistant, they are double pane and this adds a lot of sound and temperature insulation. The North side has been completed. The main part of the building will start now, and it wil take 12 to 18 months to complete. During this time the pool will not be in operation, according to staff.

There are 9 unit for sale as of June 7, 2008. Prices start from from $69,000 for a street view unit, $92,500 for an oceanfront studio and all the way to $159,900 for a tiny 483 sf one bedroom.

No sales since 2006. It is a bit paradoxical: no sales for 2 years, but prices are high. Go figure.

If interested in inexpensive alternative to oceanfront vacation property, call us 386-255-5355.

Jon Zolsky, your Daytona Beach connection

www.DaytonaCondoHotel.com

Daytona Inn

219 South Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

157-unit older condo-hotel right in the heart of Daytona Beachside on the corner of International Speedway Blvd and Atlantic Ave. Built in 1962, this 4 story condo-hotel has 157 rooms, half of them studios, and the other half are suites.

22 units on resale as of June 7, 2008. Prices range from $68,900 for a courtyard view studio and to 700 sf one-bedroom unit for $170,000.

Since January 2008 2 studios sold. One for $87,000, the other one for $105,000.

Looking for inexpensive alternative to vacation home or condo? Talk to condo-hotel gurus. 386-255-5355

Jon Zolsky, your Daytona Beach Connection

www.DaytonaCondoHotel.com

Daytona Beach Resort

2700 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.

Daytona Beach Resort is one of the largest condo-hotels in the area, if not the largest with its 315 studios and one-bedroom units.

Property that took the longest to convert. I f I am not mistaken, they started converting in 1999, and they still have a few dozen units unsold.

This is one of the nicest condo-hotels in appearance. Very nice and presentable.

35 units for sale on MLS as of June 8, 2008.

Prices start from $65K for a city view studio, $89,500 for a nice ocean view studio, and all the way up to $279,000 for a 640 sf direct oceanfront true one bedroom.

Since January 1 6 units were sold. This is the biggest number of sold units in the area, actually 33% of all condo-hotel units.

4 studios sold from $70K to $98K, and 2 one-bedroom units sold one for $150K, and another for $170K.

If you are interested in Condo-hotels, talk to the gurus.

Jon Zolsky, your Daytona Beach connection
www.DaytonaCondoHotel.com

On Thursday, I ran out of the office at 4:15 pm to attend a Broker's Open/Open House/Art Show in one of Joy Mitchell's luxury home listings located in Halifax Plantation listed below $460,000.

For further details of this home or any others, please contact Joy Mitchell, your luxury home specialist!

Visit ThisIsDaytonaBeach.com to view the virtual tour!

Art LaMay presented his artwork. Just beautiful and top quality. Joy offered some delicious eats and the best cheesecake squares and pink champagne.

Joy had a great turnout and I among other's had a wonderful time.

Mr. Lamay sold a few paintings! There were REALTORS, buyers and neighbors all together!

Thanks Joy it was quite luxurious, perfect for this Ormond Beach Home!

Meet some of the Ladies of CENTURY 21.

Joy Mitchell, Ormond Beach REALTOR in Red, our hostess and listing agent for this spacious luxurious home.

In Black and mother to be (I'm her lamaze coach) Anna Lukyanova, CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Daytona Beach Office.

And in stripes, Patti Morris, CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty's Mortgage Advisor.

Thanks again Joy, you gave us an opportunity to gather and enjoy an incredible spread, some great company and beautiful artwork.

Now that is what I call creative marketing! Congrat's Joy it was a huge success! I know you will find a buyer for this beautiful home.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller AKA Daytona Beach Real Estate Trainer and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.