Author: Debbie Roney Smith

To Sell or Not to Sell?

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A new report from real estate experts at Los Feliz, Realtor.com, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Florida has the highest rate of new home listings in the country; there are 248 active listings per 10,000 homes.(1) Florida has gained an estimated 2.7 million new residents since 2010, making the state the 3rd most populous after California and Texas. “Florida’s economy and lifestyle continue to attract people who want to live and work in the Sunshine State,” says 2023 Florida Realtors® President G. Mike McGraw, a broker-associate with RE/MAX Central Realty in Orlando.(2) 

The Florida Panhandle is experiencing a boom in listings, an increase in the average price of those listed homes, and a significant amount of commercial construction creating a strong demand for available homes by buyers. 

Illuminights at Jacksonville Zoo

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The Jacksonville Zoo is hosting Illuminights once again! From now until August 11th, visit the zoo on Fridays to enjoy the twilight hours with the animals as they wind down to sleep. After dark, the magical lightscapes set the garden paths aglow. The lightscapes are interactive; this year’s special highlight is Starry Night. The show features meteor showers and twinkling stars. There will also be an interactive laser show, acrobatic performances, Glow Party, animal stilt walkers, DJ, and a live band. Please note that all the animal exhibits close at 8 p.m. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo website to learn more by clicking here. 

Naval Aviation Museum is BACK OPEN

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The National Naval Aviation Museum is back open! It closed to the general public in the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The Museum is home to more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 lovingly restored aircrafts. The selection includes aircraft representing the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. There are also cockpit trainers, flight simulators, and a large-screen, 4K theater experience. Visit July 25-26, August 1, 16, 22-23, or the 29th to enjoy the Blue Angels. Blue Angels demos include practice flights and an autograph session. Learn more by visiting the NNAM website here. 

 

Museum Collections Revealed

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The Museum of Florida History and Florida Historic Capitol Museum is hosting a special event to showcase special works. The Unseen: Museum Collections Revealed will be held only on July 20th and August 17th. The special events will give guests a one-hour private tour featuring works usually not displayed to the public. The tour will also show guests the behind-the-scenes of museum curation: see how items are collected, processed, and cared for. These tours are open to only 10 guests per date; advance registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot. 

Sip & Shop Market

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Southern Fields Brewery is hosting its first Sip & Shop Market this Sunday. The event kicks off with a  Pints and Paint at 2pm. The Market will run from 3-6pm. There will be beer, food, a waterslide for all ages, vendors, AND live music performed by Dylan Kelley starting at 4pm. Learn more by visiting the event’s Facebook page HERE. 

 

Grand Opening: Late Bloomer

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Panama City welcomes a new small business – Late Bloomer is having its grand opening today! Open from 9am-3pm, you can visit this fresh flower shop at 556 Harrison Avenue. Late Bloomer Flower Shoppe has a bouquet bar, everlasting flower bar, gift shop, elopement corner, and more. They are offering 20% off the first 20 customers, a subscription giveaway, and a surprise contest. 

Back to School Bash

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Emerald Coast Hospice is hosting a Back to School Bash. There will be free school supplies for kids of all ages: pencils, crayons, backpacks, and more! The event will begin at 1pm and run until 3pm or while supplies last. Come to 3015 Jefferson Street in Marianna next Friday, July 21st, to participate. 

Pensacola Splash Fest

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The Pensacola Splash Fest is this Saturday! Come to the Community Maritime Park in Pensacola to enjoy the family-fun festival. There will be water slide bounce houses, a dunk tank, water-themed obstacle courses, and class slip-n-slides. But the fun doesn’t end when you get out of the water: the festival will also have food trucks, craft vendors, games, and a watermelon-eating competition. If you’d like unlimited water rides, you must purchase a wristband. Wristbands are $15 for adults or $5 for event entry only. Wristbands for children 17 and younger are $10; kids 5 and under get in for free. Learn more by visiting the Splash Fest website. 

 

Greenwood: A Gorgeous Place to Call Home

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The Town of Greenwood was established in 1824, though the area was settled earlier. A charming small town, it remains a largely historic Antebellum community. Incorporated in 1927, Greenwood is a burgeoning town that offers a peaceful atmosphere. The town has a rich history, especially in regard to the Civil War. For instance, in 1853, Greenwood attracted national attention when a slave managed to injure a plantation owner. After failing to escape, he chose to take his own life by diving headfirst down a well rather than be captured, whipped as punishment, and returned to slavery. The incident was widely publicized by abolitionist editors as evidence of the cruelty of slavery. 

Greenwood is also home to seven homes and one store that are eligible for the National Registry. The store, Pender Store, is open for business to this day. Many of the homes can be viewed from State Highway 71. Additionally, Greenwood is close to a number of parks such as Torreya State Park, Florida Caverns State Park, and Falling Waters State Park. Visit Greenwood or move here today!

Swamp Stomp Music Festival

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The Swamp Stomp Music Festival is happening this weekend! Come out to the Tallahassee Museum and enjoy a lovely evening of live music. Come early and make a day of it! The Museum offers a 52-acre park, walking trails, a treetop zipline adventure, explore historic buildings, and more. Music will begin at 4pm; there will be a selection of folk, blues, contemporary acoustic, highlands, and more. For more information including a detailed lineup, visit the Museum event page here.