Extension of State Road 56 into Wiregrass & Meadow Pointe

Recently Pulte Homes Corporation submitted the final plans for the first 3.4 miles extension of State Road 56 of the 5 miles road that will eventually connect to Morris Bridge Road.

Speaking with a Pasco County Growth Management representative on the phone this past week, I was told that the initial extension will at least take it to the Wiregrass High School and Middle School currently under construction at Mansfield Road in Meadow Pointe, and possible could connect to Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

Once State Road 56 is connected to Mansfield and Meadow Pointe Boulevard, I would anticipate a considerable reduction in traffic on County Line Road.

Interested in Buying or Selling a home? Give me a call or contact me via e-mail:
Russ Perlowski Exit KG Realty
(813) 494-2124 (800) 718-3948 R_Perlowski@msn.com
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

New Tampa High School Plans

According to District leaders, the chances for another new high school in New Tampa are dwindling as there: "isn't a lot of land left in New Tampa".

Plans to open a new high school in the New Tampa area in 2010 have been modified with the possibility of a new high school being built in another area that could affect the New Tampa boundaries.

Plans are underway to build classroom additions at the Wharton and Freedom New Tampa High Schools.

Tampa Home Values

The Tampa Tribune reported on July 1, 2006 that "Property values rose to unprecedented levels this year in Hillsborough County, setting a record for the biggest single-year leap in taxable property dollar-value in the county's history."

The Tribune stated that homes rose an average of about 20 percent compared to a traditional 8 percent increase.

Interested in Buying or Selling a home?
Contact:
Russ Perlowski Exit KG Realty (813) 494-2124 (800) 718-3948

www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

New Hospitals in New Tampa Update

This past week, the two proposed hospitals in New Tampa / Wesley Chapel that presented their application/petition to the State for the Certificate of Need were denied. Additionally, the third proposed new hospital in the area (Connerton) was also denied. There were a total of ten hospitals that were petitioning to add/build in the state. Nine of the ten were denied, and the tenth withdrew its application.

Spokespersons for the proposed new hospitals in the area indicated that they would appeal.

Russ Perlowski, Real Estate Agent, Exit KG Realty

www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

New Tampa Meat Market to open in July

Brother's Market is scheduled to open in Live Oak (New Tampa) in July. The family owned business will sell beef, pork, & chicken along with deli sandwiches, & take out entrees.
Store hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. M-F, and from 10 to 5 on Saturday. The Market's location is: 20305 Bruce B. Downs

Florida Home Appreciation 2nd Highest in Nation. Tampa Homes in top 20 cities!

The Tampa Tribune reports that Tampa was among the nation's top 20 metro areas with the highest appreciation. According to a report from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, existing home sales rose 27 percent during the first quarter of 2006 compared to the previous year. The rates of appreciation within Tampa, varied by neighborhood with the homes in the hottest communities of New Tampa and South Tampa generally benefitting from the highest appreciation percentages.

The rate of appreciation is slowing; summer has brought slower appreciation due to a decrease in demand and higher inventory. According to Andrew Leventis, an economist with the housing enterprise oversight office: "Housing prices have risen, inventory is rising, and it's taking longer for folks to sell their homes."

Interested in buying or selling a home? Contact Russ Perlowski, Exit KG Realty---(813) 494-2124
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

April Home Sales Stats for New Tampa & Pasco from Greater Tampa Association of Realtors

New Tampa had 72 reported sales in April with an average sales price of $420,040. Average Days On Market was 44.

Pasco County had 298 home sales in April, with an average sales price of $251,300 and the average days on the market was 55.

Note: These numbers do not reflect private sales or new construction.

Interested in Buying or Selling a home? Give Russ Perlowski, People's Choice Realtya call at (813) 494-2124 or (800) 718-3948. Also visit my website at:
www.TampaHomesOnTheWeb.com

Another New Tampa Brunch Option!

Ciccio & Tony's is now serving Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
They are located at 16019 Tampa Palms Blvd, in Tampa Palms (813) 975-1222.

The Shoppes of Wesley Chapel -- More shopping in "New Tampa"

It appears that New Tampa / Wesley Chapel will soon become the shopping mecca of Tampa. With the announcement of so many malls (see previous posts) to be built in such a small area, those of us fortunate enough to live here should have access to easy shopping. The Shoppes of Wesley Chapel will be located on Bruce B. Downs 1/2 mile North of S.R. 56. With a proposed 42,000 square feet, the $15 million shopping center will include a latin cafe, a Quiznos, and another Exit Realty office. Exit Realty, an international real estate firm now has over 140 offices in Florida alone and continues to grow rapidly.

The Shoppes of Wesley Chapel will be close to homes in Seven Oaks, Meadow Pointe, and the planned Wiregrass Ranch community.

Interested in Buying or Selling a home? Contact Russ Perlowski: Exit KG Realty.
(813) 494-2124. www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

New Homes & Road Extension in New Tampa

For over a year there have been rumors about Kinnan St. in Cross Creek being extended to connect to Mansfield. This would provide Live Oak Residents who reside in Hillsborough County another route in and out of their community. Three builders have plans to build 2,500 new homes in this area of Tampa and a 200,000 sq. ft. shopping center in the K-bar ranch.

Meadow Pointe residents however oppose the Kinnan-Mansfield connection as Mansfield is only a two lane road that currently dead ends at the two new Pasco County schools currently under construction. Once S.R. 56 is extended, it will connect to the Mansfield extension as well as Meadow Pointe Boulevard. Many Meadow Pointe residents prefer that Kinnan road be connected to Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Pasco Co.

Pasco County Assistant Administrator, Bipin Parikh opposes the application to connect the roads until S.R. 56 is extended. The extension of S.R. 56 could take another year or so. So, in the meantime there appears to be a standoff between the two counties and a road may be in the process of being extended that will go to nowhere!

CDD Communities in Pasco County

CDD communities continue to be very popular with developers. The Pasco Tribune reports that there are 33 CDD communities in Pasco with three additional up for consideration by the Pasco County Commissioners. Pasco County attorney, Robert Sumner was recently quoted as saying: "Soon, we will have more people in CDD's than not in CDD's.

County commissioners recently had a one hour workshop regarding CDD communities and whether the county is giving sufficient oversight of the CDD's. This, in view of the fact that most new large developments are choosing CDD's and it appears that more and more homes in Pasco County will be in CDD communities.

In the New Tampa / Wesley Chapel area, the largest communities are CDD communities, with the homes in Meadow Pointe, Seven Oaks, and Lexington Oaks all under CDD.

For more information regarding CDD communities please refer to my previous post in January, under archives.

Thinking about Selling your home? Call me for a free market analysis:
Russ Perlowski, Exit KG Realty: (813) 494-2124
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Shops at Wiregrass in New Tampa / Wesley Chapel Update

Developers recently revealed the artist renderings of the Shops at Wiregrass. Located at the corner of S.R. 56 and Bruce B. Downs in Wesley Chapel, the Shops will have three anchor stores: J C Penney, which is already open, Dillards, and a third yet to be named retailer. With a scheduled opening of Fall, 2007 the Shops at Wiregrass will feature brick paved sidewalks, clay-tiled roofs, limestone accents, fountains and outdoor benches for seating. Additionally, tree lined semi-circular streets and an upscale restaurant area will be features of the Mediterranean styled architecture.

Wiregrass Ranch, is a 5,000 plus acre project that will eventually have 16,000 homes and a total of over 4 million square feet of retail. It is located just a few miles east of the proposed Cypress Creek Town Center, with a projected 1.3 million square feet of open air shopping.

Thinking about Buying or Selling a Home? Contact Russ Perlowski, Exit KG Realty, (813) 494-2124. www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Miniature Golf in New Tampa at Pebble Creek?

At a special homeowners association meeting this week about 100 residents showed up opposing the addition of miniature golf being added to the Pebble Creek Golf Course in New Tampa. The new owner of the golf course, Bill Place is asking the Hillsborough County commissioners to add miniature golf near the entrance to Pebble Creek. Place will host meetings this week at the golf club to respond to questions about the project, and if approved intends to start building the miniature course in November for a January 2007 opening.

Interested in a free market analysis on your home? Contact Russ Perlowski,
Exit KG Realty:
(813) 494-2124 www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Outlet Mall Proposed for S. Pasco County

A large new 430,000 square foot outlet mall with approximately 120 brand name & designer outlet shops is in its early plans with a location just a few miles north of New Tampa, just south of S.R. 52 along I-75.

This announcement by the Chelsea Property Group was made recently and if built will only be a few miles north of our neighborhoods in New Tampa and a short jaunt from our homes. Stores in its already operating outlet mall in Orlando include Versace, Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Dior, & Ferragamo.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Home? Contact me, Russ Perlowski of People's Choice Realty, a realtor in New Tampa.

(813) 494-2124, or visit my website at: www.TampaHomesOnTheWeb.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Restaurants not far from home.

Applebee’s
28422 S.R. 54
Wesley Chapel
994-6444

Beef O Brady’s
10920 Cross Creek
Tampa
982-9233

Beef O Brady’s
27315 S.R. 54
Wesley Chapel
994-1511

Bennigan’s
18001 Highwoods Preserve
Tampa
971-1797

Boston Market
17513 Preserve Walk Lane
Tampa
632-3399

Cap’s Tiki Hut
28107 SR 54,
Wesley Chapel
929-7440

Chili’s
17643 Bruce B. Downs
Tampa
903-0039

China City
16049 W. Tampa Palms Blvd.
Tampa
979-0406

Ciccio & Tony’s
16019 Tampa Palms Blvd
Tampa
975-1222

Circles New Tampa Bistro
19651 Bruce B. Downs
Tampa
973-7703

Cracker Barrel
Bruce B. Downs & Bearss
Tampa
977-8988
Cracker Barrel
27725 S. R. 54 (off Oakley Blvd.)
Wesley Chapel
973-4884

Denny’s
27807 S.R. 54
Wesley Chapel
973-1904

Fushia Asian Bistro
15317 Amberly
Tampa
903-6705

Golden China
17503 Preserve Walk
Tampa
632-6688

Johnny Carinos
28444 S.R. 54
991-1116

Joy O Wok Chinese Café
15309 Amberly
Tampa
972-9252

Kado Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
19050 Bruce B. Downs
Tampa, FL
971-7375

Las Palmas Spanish Café
19751 Bruce B. Downs
Tampa
907-1333

Lee Roy Selmon’s
17508 Dona Michelle
Tampa
977-3287

Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine
17515 Bruce B. Downs
Tampa
978-1225

Macaroni Grill
17641 Bruce B. Down
Tampa
977-7798

Mazzola’s Little Italy Deli
10032 Cross Creek
Tampa
907-9600

Moe’s Southwest Grill
17509 Bruce B. Downs
849-6357

Olive Garden
17011 Palm Pointe Dr.
Tampa
866-5253

Outback Steakhouse
5710 Oakley Blvd.
Wesley Chapel
973-7717

Panera Bread
18011 Highwoods Preserve
Tampa
979-6981

Peabody’s & the Palm Lounge
15333 Amberly
Tampa
972-1728

Pizza Suprema II
Super Target
Wesley Chapel
907-2878

Polos Italian Grill
19040 Bruce B. Downs
615-0087

Red Lobster
17021 Palm Pointe
Tampa
866-0052

Ruby Tuesday
17520 Bruce B. Downs
Tampa
979-0007

Saddlebrook Resort
-Cypess Restaurant
-Dempsey’s Steak House
4700 Saddlebrook Way
Wesley Chapel
973-1111

Starbucks Coffee
17525 Preserve Walk Lane
Tampa
866-9552

Starbucks Coffee
Super Target
Wesley Chapel

Stonewood Grill & Tavern
17050 Palm Pointe Dr.
Tampa
978-0388

Sukhothai
18101 Highwoods Preserve
Tampa
615-2345

Sushi Tsu Japanese Steakhouse
15363 Amberly
Tampa
910-9404

Thai Orchid
10022 Cross Creek
Tampa
994-1178

Thai Ruby
15319 Amberly
Tampa
558-0570

Winners Grill
16023 W. Tampa Palms Blvd
Tampa
615-1475

New Tampa Library

Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library have initiated a campaign for an expansion. Currently with 25,000 square feet, the library which opened in 1997 is the county's second busiest library with 55,000 items checked out in January.

Possible expensions include adding a second floor with 10,000 additional space of square footage and/or adding to the first floor with 10,000 additional square feet. The Tampa Tribune reports that if the expansion is included in the 2008 budget for the New Tampa library, the expansion could be completed by 2011.

Thinking about Buying or Selling a home? Give me a call:
Russ Perlowski, Exit KG Realty, (813) 494-2124
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

New Tampa Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Those of us fortunate to live in New Tampa still must prepare ourselves and our homes in New Tampa in the event of a Hurricane. While we have been fortunate to live in an area that has been virtually free of Hurricanes, we still must be prepared. The following is a suggested list to use for hurricane preparedness. While it is not intended to be an all inclusive checklist, it serves us all as a good starting point to be prepared.

Florida’s Sales Tax Holiday on Hurricane Preparedness: May 21-June 1, 2006
□ WATER: Drinking water—at least 1 gallon per person/day for two weeks
□ MEDICAL: 4 weeks supply of prescription medicines, First Aid Kit, antiseptic, pain reliever, bandages, & insect repellent
□ ICE CHESTS: Two, one for ice, one for food & don’t forget the ice
□ CASH/GAS: ATM’s, credit cards, & gas pumps may not work
□ REPAIR SUPPLIES: Plastic tarp for windows or roof repair, duct tape
□ TOOLS: Manual can opener, hammer, nails
□ PAPER/DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS: Paper towels, disposable plates, cups, toilet paper, & eating utensils
□ INFANT NECESSITIES: Medicine, sterile water, formula, diapers, bottles
□ BATTERY OPERATED APPLIANCES: Radio, camera, portable television, fans, and batteries
□ CLEAN UP SUPPLIES: Mop, buckets, towels, plastic garbage bags, bleach/disinfectant
□ FIRE/LIGHT: Charcoal, lighting fluid, propane, matches, lanterns/flashlights and batteries
□ LINENS: Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses Try to wash all laundry prior to storm.
□ PERSONAL HYGIENE: Deodorant, disposable wipes, contact lens solution, toothpaste, etc.
□ NONPERISHABLE FOOD: Powdered/canned milk, canned/bottled juice, canned meats & fish—Spam, chicken, ham, tuna, cereal, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, bread
□ WATER TIGHT CONTAINERS FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE: Place insurance policies, birth certificates, wills, etc. in water tight containers

The city's first Neighborhood Fair & Hurricane Expo will be held at Raymond James Stadium on June 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gate D. 50 exhibitors will be there to assist you with your preparations for the hurricane season.

If you feel that this checklist will be of help to friends and families, click on the arrow below to e-mail them the post.

Thinking about selling your home? Call me for a free market analysis!

RUSS PERLOWSKI Exit KG Realty (813) 494-2124
www.NewTampaHomes.blogspot.com www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Organic Farm & Market not far from New Tampa

The Sweetwater Organic Community :

features organic produce and provides for tours of the organic farm too! Open Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Farm is locateed at 6942 W. Commanche Ave., Tampa, FL 33634 and is a short drive for those of us living in New Tampa. Visit their website at: www. sweetwater-organic.org .

Kids Summer Camps in Tampa

Quilting and Sewing Camp

For ages 10 to 15 in June and July, offered by Keep Me In Stitchesa sewing retailer. Additional classes include two and three day classes. Available to beginners and intermediate users. Located in South Tampa and in Carrollwood. (813) 908-3889. www.kmisinc.com

Golf Skills

A program pf the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA that teaches golf skills to children ages 7-18 in weekly sessions. Visit www.thefirstteetampabay.org

Summer Learn to Sail offered by the David Island Youth Sailing Foundation. 1/2 day and two week sessions offered where kids learn sailing and boating concets. www.diyc.org

Capoeira Brazilian Martial Arts

Brazilian martial arts that includes dance, acrobatic movements, singing, etc. www.tampacapoeira.com

Creative Classes in Lutz:

Creative Hands Enrichment Center Summer Camp in Lutz for children from 8-14. Cooking, clay, sewing, etc. Call (813) 948-0341

Photography

Insight Studio in Tampa is offering Summer Fine Art Photography Camps. (813) 390-3422

Performing Arts

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; Patel Conservatory is providing 1/2 day and full day camps on dance, music and acting for one week or longer. www.patelconservatory.org

Busch Gardens Adventures

Kids get "up close" to animals and have fun on the rides. Lots of programs to choose from. www.swbgadventurecamps.com (866) 468-6226

Interested in Buying or Selling a Home in Tampa? New Homes? Resales? Contact:
Russ Perlowski, (813) 494-2124 with Exit KG Realty.
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Wiregrass Ranch in New Tampa / Wesley Chapel Update

Initial approval of the Wiregrass Ranch Master Planned Development was granted by the Pasco County Development Review Committee for the first phases of construction of three subdivisions in Wesley Chapel / New Tampa.

Located east of Bruce B. Downs and North of S.R. 56 the 1500 acre development will include retail, office, and commercial space as well as residential units including single family and multi-family homes.

The first phase by Del Webb is over 150 acres located in New Tampa on the east side of Bruce B. Downs and south of the future extension of Chancey Road. Del Webb plans over 260 single family homes in a 55 and older community. West of Phase I will include 198 townhomes on over 36 acres. Additionally, the DRC gave preliminary approval for Phase I of Village Walk, (to be developed by DiVosta on the North side of the Chancey Road extension), a retirement community including over 400 single family lots. Construction is not expected to begin for some time since the infrastructure is not yet in place.

For more information on Buying or Selling a home in Tampa, please contact Russ Perlowski, Exit KG Realty at (813) 494-2124 or (800) 718-3948. Also visit my website:
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

March Stats for New Tampa Home Sales from Greater Tampa Association of Realtors

The following statistics were recently released for the month of March by GTAR:

Qty of New Tampa Sales for March---------82--------Avg Sales Price----------$398,372.
Qty. of Pasco County Sales for March------290-------Avg Sales Price---------$244,123.
(Includes Wesley Chapel)

Time on Market for all sales not including private sales or new construction:
0-30 Days-------538 Units
31-60 Days-------672 Units
61-90 Days-------423 Units
91-120 Days-------310 Units

Interested in Buying or Selling a Home? Contact Russ Perlowski, Exit KG Realty:
(813) 494-2124 (800) 718-3948. Also visit my website at:
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

May Wine Festival

The Florida Estates Winery will host a wine festival from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on May 13 and May 27. The event will offer food, crafts, music etc. in addition to the opportunity to sample the winery's wine. The winery, not far from New Tampa is located four miles west of I-75 at 25241 S.R. 52 near Land O'Lakes. For more information, visit their website: www.floridaestateswines.com

Interested in Buying or Selling a home? Contact Russ Perlowski @ Exit KG Realty, (813) 494-2124 or visit my website at: www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

LIFEPOINT Church purchases Winn-Dixie New Tampa Site @ Hunter's Green

This week LifePoint Church announced their purchase of the Winn-Dixie building in Hunter's Green on Bruce B Downs in New Tampa. The 47,000 square foot building includes over seven acres of land.

The reported asking price for the property was $7.75 million. Lifepoint reports that it averages between 1,500 and 2,000 people attending at least one of the eight services each month, currently held at the New Tampa Family YMCA.

Interested in Buying or Selling a home in Tampa Bay? Please visit my website at:
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Things to do in and around New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Lutz

Take a Working Ranch Tour!


J.B. Starkey's Flatwoods Adventures is located at 12959 S.R. 54, odessa, FL 33556, just 18 miles west of I-75 on S.R. 54. Tours are by reservation only.
(813) 927-1133, or (1-877-734-WILD).

Check out their website at: www.flatwoodsadventures.com for the neat things they have to offer and all you city slickers will be donning your cowboy hats and pulling on those boots!

Hayrides, bonfires, horseback riding, and even a Pavillion for corporate functions and other occasions!

"Come, let me share with you the Florida where I grew up, and discover the continuing wonder of its unique features--the plants, animals, people, land, and climate, and their relationship throughout the years. You will get a glimpse of how it was, and how it can be if we take care of it." J.B. Starkey Jr.

Note: J.B. Starkey was recipient of the 1997 Florida Agriculture Environmental Leadership Award, and currently owns and operates the ranch today.



Interested in Buying or Selling a home? Give me a call at (813) 494-2124, (800) 718-3948 or visit my website at:
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com


New Tampa's Rec Center to be the City's CROWN JEWEL!
Tampa city officials recently showed the plans for the $3.7 million center at the New Tampa Community Park which features a 20,000 square foot building. Included in the plans are a 12,500 square foot gymnasium and two multipurpose rooms. Bids are being requested with a planned opening in the fall of 2007.

Interested in Buying or Selling a home? Visit my website at:
www.MyRealtorInTampa.com

Visit a BREWERY in Tampa....

The Yuengling and Son's Brewery offers two tours; one at 10:00 a.m. and one at 1:00 p.m. The Yuengling Brewery is reported to be the oldest continually operating privately owner brewery in the United States. Adults may sample up to six different beers. Its location is on N. 30th street in Tampa.

For more information call: (813) 972-8529. Their website is www.yuengling.com

Parke Family Hydrofarms (Strawberry Picking)

The Parke Family HydroFarms is a place where you can pick your own berries, that are grown using hydroponics!

Located at 3715 Tanner Road in Plant City/Dover, it is a short drive from New Tampa. Hours are typically between 1-5 on Sunday, and 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday. Call them first at: (813) 719-2904 or (813) 927-4049.

Save Our Homes Property Tax Portability

The Florida State Legislature is currently looking at extended benefits previously provided in the 1992 Save Our Homes constitutional amendment.

There are currently three options under consideration:

• Provide tax portability to everyone within the state that currently qualify for benefits from the Save Our Homes legislation regardless of where they move within the State or the frequency of their moves.
• Setting geographical limits on portability such as applying it only within the same county.
• Providing portability only to senior citizens or the disabled.

The legislature are looking at providing some relief to home owners who currently benefit from the Save Our Homes legislation since that benefit is lost upon the sale of the home. Many homeowners are finding that they no longer can afford to move because of the significant increase that they would have to pay in property taxes on their next home.

For more information on Buying or Selling a home, please visit my website at:

www.MyRealtorInTampa.com