Gainesville Real Estate

November Calendar of Events for Gainesville Florida

2007-10-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

November 2007 Events, Festivals and Performances

Nov 1 "Painted Dreams," Santa Fe Gallery, 395-5464.
Nov 1 Celebration of Life and the After-Life on Dia de los Muertos, Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Nov 1 – 9 "Just Suppose" Photographs by Uelsmann & Taylor, University Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Nov 1 – 11 "Night of the Living Dead", Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
Nov 1 – 17 "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuff", Acrosstown Repertory, 375-1321.
Nov 1 – 25 "The Soul of Florida Landscapes" paintings by Gary Borse, Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Nov 1 – 26 ""European Travels" Photographs, President's Lobby, SFCC, 395-5464.
Nov 1 – Dec 7 "Ground Truth" Art Exhibit, Focus Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Nov 1 – Dec 30 Diana, Princess of Wales: Dresses for a Cause, Appleton Museum, Ocala, 352-291-4455.
Nov 1 – Jan 6 "Photographic Formalities: Ansel Adams to Weegee", Harn Museum, 392-9826.
Nov 1 – Jan 6 "Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived.", Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Nov 1 – Jan 6 "From Dürer to Renoir: European Prints", Harn Museum, 392-9826.
Nov 1 – Jan 11 "A Private Eye: Latin American Prints", Grinter Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Nov 1 – Jan 20 "The Ceramics of Toshiko Takaezu: Function, Form and Surface", Harn Museum, 392-9826.
Nov 2 2007 Homecoming Parade, Gator Gallop, and Gator Growl, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 392-1671 X400.
Nov 3 Alachua County 4-H and Open Horse Show, Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, Newberry.
Nov 3 UF Football vs. Vanderbilt (Homecoming), Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 375-4683.
Nov 3 2nd Annual Kaleidoscope Festival, Gainesville Community Plaza, 692-4978.
Nov 3 – 4 Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival, Micanopy, 466-7026.
Nov 3 – Feb 3 "Game Day! From Medieval Times to Modern Age" Art Exhibit, Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
Nov 4 Zehetmair String Quartet, University Auditorium, 392-1900.
Nov 4 "Diwali Show", Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 4 Gainesville Suzuki Players Concert, Thomas Center, 472-2106.
Nov 4 "Zehetmair String Quartet", University Auditorium, 392-2787.
Nov 5 – Jul 20 "Vision/Revision: Contemporary Art", Harn Museum, 392-9826.
Nov 7 Fifth Annual Lance Dalton Memorial Silent Auction and Locks of Love, Reitz Union Colonnade. Email: national@friendsforlife.com.
Nov 8 Styles for Life Fashion Show hosted by Haven Hospice Alliance, Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites, 271-4646.
Nov 8 Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Nov 8 9th Annual "Trashformations", Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Nov 8 UF School of Music Wind Symphony, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 8 – 9 Rural Folklife Days, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 386-397-4331.
Nov 8 – 12 Levy County Fair, Airport Complex, Williston, 221-0681.
Nov 9 Dan Zanes, University Auditorium, 392-1900.
Nov 9 UF School of Music Unbalanced Connection, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 9 Blues Concert, Kick-Off for 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8536.
Nov 9 American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball - Denim & Diamonds, Rembert Farm, Alachua, 376-6866 X118.
Nov 9 Florida Dance Festival Workshop, SFCC, 395-5310.
Nov 9 - 10 ProStar Motorcycle World Finals, Gainesville Raceway, 377-0046.
Nov 9 – 11 55th Annual Florida Folk Festival, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 1-877-635-3655.
Nov 9 – 11 AMA Pro Star Motorcycle Drags, Gainesville Raceway, 377-0046.
Nov 9 – 18 "West Side Story", Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
Nov 10 Florida Dance Association's "Young Dancer's Showcase", Phillips Center, 372-9898.
Nov 10 Hampton Fall Festival, Hampton, 468-1201.
Nov 10 Downtown Music Showcase, Downtown Community Plaza, 393-8536.
Nov 10 SFCC Florida Dance Festival Show, Phillips Center, 395-5310.
Nov 10 Russian Patriarchate Choir, University Auditorium, 392-1900.
Nov 10 15th Annual Alzheimer's Assoc. Memory Walk, Westside Park, 372-6266.
Nov 10 "Russian Patriarchate Choir", University Auditorium, 392-2787.
Nov 10 – 11 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, Historic Downtown Gainesville, 393-8536.
Nov 10 – Jan 6 Art Exhibit: "Gainesville Artisans’ Guild", Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
Nov 11 Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Nov 11 Gainesville Ballet Theatre Performance, Downtown Community Plaza, 372-9898.
Nov 11 UF School of Music Lewis Grad Recital, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 11 Works of Photographer Eric Zamora, Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Nov 11 7th Annual Bikers on Parade for the USA, Starts SFCC, Ends Alachua County Fairgrounds, 331-9706.
Nov 11 "Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández”, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 11 James King Memorial Veteran's Concert by the Gainesville Community Band, Gainesville High School, 472-7224.
Nov 11 Gainesville Chamber Orchestra's Annual Beethoven Concert, University Auditorium, 336-5448.
Nov 12 Veteran’s Day Observed Holiday
Nov 12 – 18 "Oliver" A Musical - "Please Sir, can I have some more?", Gainesville Community Playhouse, 376-4949.
Nov 13 The Actors’ Gang in 1984, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Nov 13 Bill Allred and The Classic Jazz Band, Savannah Grande Reception Hall, 379-0300.
Nov 13 Chamber Concert, SFCC Auditorium E, 395-5310.
Nov 13 Recital, Thomas Center, 262-4451.
Nov 14 Childlike Consulting presents "Mr. Al", Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 14 March of Dimes Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Best Western Gateway Grand, 378-9522.
Nov 14 "The Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band", Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
Nov 15 3 Mo’ Divas, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 15 Children's Home Society's "Celebrate Adoption", Haile Village Center, 334-0955.
Nov 15 Recital, Thomas Center, 335-3536.
Nov 16 Ahn Trio with the David Benoit Trio, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Nov 16 UF School of Music Percussion Ensemble-Steel Drum Ensemble, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 16 Slim Goodbody presents "The Bodyology Show", Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 16 – 17 Pinks All Out, Gainesville Raceway, 377-0046.
Nov 16 – 17 "The Illusion", Performing Arts Center at P.K. Yonge, 392-1554.
Nov 17 Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department's 2nd Fall Festival, Cross Creek County Park.
Nov 18 Yamato The Drummers of Japan, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 18 2nd Annual Family Fun Day, Partnership for Strong Families Building, 393-2740.
Nov 19 Foundation for the Promotion of Music Stellar Student Recital, Thomas Center, 376-5492.
Nov 19 – Jan 17 Art Exhibit: "Annual Fine Arts Faculty Exhibit", Santa Fe Gallery, 392-5464.
Nov 20 Tango Buenos Aires, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 20 UF School of Music Jazz Band, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 20 – Feb 1 Art Exhibit: "Graphic Studio: Word & Image Printmaking", University Gallery, 392-0201 X 229.
Nov 21, 23 Salzburg Marionettes, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 22 Thanksgiving Day Holiday Observed
Nov 23 – Dec 23 "A Tuna Christmas", Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
Nov 24 Cane Boil, Morningside Nature Center, 334-2170.
Nov 24 Farm to Family Music Concerts, Alachua, 386-462-5479.
Nov 24 – Dec 23 A Christmas Carol, Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
Nov 25 11th Annual Holiday Traditions Concert: "A Musical Celebration", Phillips Center, 377-2622.
Nov 26 – Dec 7 Art Exhibit: "Trees of Life", President's Lobby, SFCC, 395-5464.
Nov 27 UF School of Music Orchestra, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 28 Georgian State Show, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Nov 28 UF School of Music Symphonic Band, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 29 The Art of Poetry - A Reading of Poems, Harn Museum, 392-9826.
Nov 29 UF School of Music Orchestra, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Nov 29 – 30 Holiday Vocal Concert, Performing Arts Center at P.K. Yonge, 392-1554.
Nov 29 – Dec 16 "Oliver" A Musical - "Please Sir, can I have some more?", Gainesville Community Playhouse, 376-4949.
Nov 29 – Jan 17 Art Exhibit: Quilts Exhibit, President's Lobby, SFCC, 395-5464.
Nov 30 Gainesville Ballet Theatre's Performance Series for Children & Youth Presents Act II of "The Little Match Girl", Phillips Center, 371-3358.
Nov 30 – Dec 1 Gainesville Ballet Theatre's 30th Annual Production of the Full-Length Ballet "The Little Match Girl", Phillips Center, 371-3358.
Nov 30 – Dec 2 UF School of Theatre and Dance presents "Agbedidi", Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
Nov 30 – Dec 2 Suwannee Old-Time Music Weekend, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 386 397-4478.
Nov 30 – Dec 3 Florida Players present "The House of Yes", Phillips Center Black Box, 392-2787.

October Festival and Event Calendar

2007-09-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Oct 2007 Events, Exhibits, Festivals and Performances

Oct 1 Homecoming Pageant, Presented by Florida Blue Key, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Oct 1 – 14 Art Exhibit: "Nature and Still Life, Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
Oct 1 – 18 Art Exhibit: Gainesville Artisans Guild, President's Lobby, SFCC, 395-5464.
Oct 1 – 19 Art Exhibit - "A Dying Breed" Photography, Focus Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Oct 1 – 28 Art Exhibit: "Evolution", Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
Oct 1 – 31 Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived, Fl. Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Oct 1 – 31 From Dürer to Renoir: European Prints from the Harn Museum Collection, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
Oct 1 – 31 "The Soul of Florida Landscapes" paintings by Gary Borse, Fl. Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 X269.
Oct 1 – 31 Art Exhibit: "A Private Eye: Latin American Prints", Grinter Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Oct 1 – 31 Art Exhibit: "Painted Dreams, Santa Fe Gallery, 395-5464.
Oct 1 – 31 Exhibit: "Photographic Formalities: Ansel Adams to Weegee”, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
Oct 2 – 31 Art Exhibit: "Just Suppose" Photographs, University Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Oct 4 The Derek Trucks Band, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Oct 4 UF School of Music Wind Symphony & Symphonic Band, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Oct 4 – 7 UF School of Theatre and Dance presents "The Cherry Orchard", Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
Oct 5 Hank Williams III, The Venue, Info: ticketweb.com.
Oct 5 14th Annual Charity Golf Classic to benefit STOP! Children's Cancer, Inc, Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club, 377-2622.
Oct 5 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Jacare Brazil, Agbedidi Jellya, Marimba Ayin, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
Oct 5 The Everyday Theatre presents "American Buffalo", Civic Media Center, 376-4008.
Oct 5 – 6 Grassroots $ 2007 Challenge Drag Racing, Gainesville Raceway, 377-0046.
Oct 5 Feed-A-Frog Fridays, Morningside Nature Center, 393-8756.
Oct 5 – 6 56th Annual Jeannie Ball, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 386-397-2733.
Oct 5 – 7 Florida Players Presents "The Shape of Things, Phillips Center Black Box, 392-2787.
Oct 6 Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, University Auditorium, 392-1900.
Oct 6 4-H and Open Horse Show, Canterbury Equestrian ShowPlace, Newberry.
Oct 6 Literacy Fest, Downtown Headquarters Library, 334-3900.
Oct 6 2007 Latino Film Festival - "Mi Mejor Enemigo/ My Best Enemy", Hippodrome Theater, Info: riosim@ci.gainesville.fl.us.
Oct 6 150th Anniversary Celebration of Chartering, Gainesville Lodge #41, 332-0071.
Oct 6 Appraisal Fair, Micanopy Historical Society Museum, 466-3200.
Oct 6 "Vanguard Jazz Orchestra", University Auditorium, 392-2787.
Oct 6 – 7 23rd Annual Art Festival at Thornebrook, Thornebrook Village, 384-3642.
Oct 7 Gainesville Suzuki Players Concert, Thomas Center, 472-2106.
Oct 7 An Author Gala With Erik Larson, Savannah Grande, 334-3900.
Oct 7 Lecture: W.M. "Bill" Hunt, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826 X112.
Oct 7 "Edible Painting" and "Pumpkin Patch; 3D Glass", Gainesville Artisans Guild Gallery, 378-1383.
Oct 7 Shobana and Ensemble, Bharatanatyam Dance Concert., Phillips Center, 392-3787.
Oct 7 Pride Film Festival, Hippodrome, 375-4477.
Oct 8 Columbus Day
Oct 9 "Sammy Figueroa Latin Jazz", Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
Oct 9 United Way 50th Anniversary Dinner, UF Reitz Union Ballroom, 331-2800.
Oct 9 – 31 "The Ceramics of Toshiko Takaezu: Function, Form and Surface", Harn Museum, 392-9826.
Oct 10 "Jacare Brazil.", Phillips Center, 392-0223.
Oct 11 Family Fun Night at McDonald’s, 9620 NW 39th Ave McDonald’s.
Oct 11 UF School of Music Orchestra Concert, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
Oct 11 The Charles Dean Memorial Concert, Lincoln Middle School, 472-7224.
Oct 11 An Evening with David Sedaris, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Oct 12 Air Force Academy Band, Phillips Center, 392-3261.
Oct 12 "Celtic Woman", O'Connell Center, 392-1900.
Oct 12 “Crumbs From The Table of Joy”, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Oct 12 Waldo Fall Festival, Waldo Community School, 468-1451.
Oct 13 Saltwater Fishing Tournament to Benefit March of Dimes, Cedar Key Pier.
Oct 13 Melrose Pumpkin Festival, SR 26 in Melrose, 475-1533.
Oct 13 Hawthorne Hog Fest, Hawthorne YMCA Sports Complex.
Oct 13 High Springs Fall Festival, Downtown High Springs, 386-454-3120.
Oct 13 Fall at the Farm, Rocky Hammock, Historic Drummond Farm, Chiefland.
Oct 13 Marvin Hamlisch and Joel Grey, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 13 Kimball Wiles Fall Festival,Kimball Wiles Elementary School, 955-6955.
Oct 13 Adult Dodgeball Tournament, Sidney Lanier School.
Oct 13 12th Annual Open House and Fall Plant Sale, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 372-4981.
Oct 13 Hoggetowne Music and Muscle Car 2nd Annual Music and Car Fest, NW 13th St and 53rd Ave, 271-4772.
Oct 13 Gainesville Pride Festival, Downtown Community Plaza, 375-6236.
Oct 13 – 14 Fall Parade of Homes.
Oct 13 – 14 ButterflyFest 2007, Florida Museum of Natural History, 352-846-2000 X245.
Oct 13 – 17 Alachua County Library District Giant Used Book Sale, 430 N. Main St., 375-1676.
Oct 14 Harvest Moon Festival, Main Street, Alachua.
Oct 14 American Indian Dance Theatre, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 14 Talich String Quartet, university Auditorium, 392-1900.
Oct 15 ClubCorp Charity Classic, Haile Plantation Golf And Country Club,
Oct 16 – 18 Rinde Eckert – Horizon, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 18 “Delightful Duos, Terrific Trios”, Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, Thomas Center, 336-5448.
Oct 18 – 21 7th Annual Gainesville Senior Games, Various Gainesville Locations, 338-9300.
Oct 19 Fall Native Plant Sale, Morningside Nature Center, 393-8756.
Oct 19 – 20 Evita, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 19 – 28 Alachua County Fair, Fair Grounds, 372-1537.
Oct 19 – 31 Night of the Living Dead, Hippodrome, 375-4477.
Oct 20 McIntosh 1890’s Festival, Downtown McIntosh, 591-0438.
Oct 20 Fuzzy Friends Yard Sale to Benefit Humane Society of Alachua County, 2029 NW 6th St, 373-5855.
Oct 20 Meet The Artist Reception, Gallery Under the Oaks, Micanopy, 466-9229.
Oct 20 – 21 Fall Parade of Homes.
Oct 20 – 21 DragResultsResults.com Drag Racing, Gainesville Raceway, 377-0046.
Oct 24 Meyer/Bush/Douglas, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 25 5th Annual City Scream Haunted House, Rosa B. Williams Recreation Center, 524 NW 1st St.
Oct 25 Murray Perahia, Piano, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 25 Shelly Fraiser Mickle, Matheson Museum, 378-2280.
Oct 26 9th Annual Gram Parsons Tribute/Benefit Concert, Downtown Community Plaza,
Oct 26 Gainesville Woman’s Antique Show, Gainesville Womans’ Club,
Oct 27 4th Annual Quilt Exhibit, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 271-4998.
Oct 28 Opera Potpourri, Phillips Center, 392-0223.
Oct 29 – 31 "Ground Truth" Evidence of Paris through Drawing + Digital Media, Focus Gallery, 392-0201 X229.
Oct 30 Paul Taylor Dance Company, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
Oct 31 Halloween
Oct 31 TNT Open Competition, Gainesville Raceway,
Oct 31 "Boo at the Zoo", SFCC Teaching Zoo, 395-5601.
Oct 31 UF School of Music Organ Studio Recital, University Auditorium, 392-0223.

September Festivals and Events

2007-09-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

September 1 – 2 Best of Florida Bluegrass Reunion, Dixieland Music Park, Waldo, 352-468-3988.
September 1 – 2 Art Exhibit - "American Vision", Melrose Bay Art Gallery, 475-3866.
September 1 – 9 Exhibit: "Cuba Avant-Garde: Contemporary Cuban Art from the Farber Collection", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
September 1 – 14 Art Exhibit: "43rd Annual School of Art & Art History Faculty Exhibition", University Gallery, 392-0201 x 229.
September 1 – 30 Exhibit: "Refined Radiance: Chinese Glass Of The Qing Dynasty, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
September 1 – 30 "Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived.", Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 x269.
September 1 – 30 Exhibit: "From Dürer to Renoir: European Prints from the Harn Museum Collection", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
September 1 – 30 "The Soul of Florida Landscapes" paintings by Gary Borse, Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 x 269.
September 1 – 30 Art Exhibit: "Nature and Still Life", Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
September 3 – 30 Stained Glass Works of Martha Swift, Gallery Under the Oaks, Micanopy, 466-9229.
September 4 – 28 Art Exhibit: "A Private Eye: Latin American Prints", Grinter Gallery, 392-0201x229.
September 4 – 30 Art Exhibit: Gainesville Artisans Guild, President's Lobby, SFCC, 395-5464.
September 6 – 29 "An Evening of Monty Python Vignettes, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
September 7 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Charles Ray and the Righteous Kind, The Ones To Blame, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
September 7 – 23 "Beau Jest" A Comedy, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 376-4949.
September 7 – 30 "Doubt", Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
September 8 First Annual "Come To The River" Healing Arts Festival And Workshop, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 386/397-1920.
September 8 – 29 Children's Studio Classes - "Exploring the Harn through Clay Printmaking and Bookmaking", Harn’s Goforth Learning Center, 392-9826 x 112.
September 8 – 30 Art Exhibit: "Evolution", Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
September 9 North Central Florida Blues Society, Inc. Quarterly Concert, The Side Bar, 264-1573.
September 9 Opening for "Equinox”, Gainesville Artisans Guild Gallery, 378-1383.
September 9 Gallery Talk: Kerry Oliver-Smith, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
September 9 Jay’s Dress Shop presents "Bridal Expo, Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 392-2787.
September 10 – 21 Art Exhibit: "A Certain Physicality", J. Wayne Reitz Union, 392-2378.
September 11 "The Ira Sullivan Quartet", Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
September 11 Dave Matthews Band with the Wailers, Stephen C. O'Connell Center, 392-5500.
September 14 Parsons Dance Company, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
September 14 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series - Electronic Subsouth Presents Girls On Film, Indigo Vox, Oddknock, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
September 14 "Parsons Dance Company", Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 392-2787.
September 15 2007 Latino Film Festival, Hippodrome Theater, Info: riosim@ci.gainesville.fl.us.
September 16 UF School of Music Carillon Recital, University Auditorium, 392-0223.
September 16 Old Time Dance, Oleno State Park, High Springs, 386-454-1853.
September 16 – 30 Classes - "Introduction to Sculpture", Harn’s Goforth Learning Center, 392.9826 x 112.
September 17 – 28 Art Exhibit - "A Dying Breed" Photography by Randy Batista, Focus Gallery, 392-0201 x229.
September 17 – 28 Art Exhibit: "Painted Dreams," Santa Fe Gallery, 395-5464.
September 20 – 27 Classes - "Drawing Through the Museum", Harn’s Goforth Learning Center, 392-9826 X112.
September 20 – 27 Classes - "Introduction to Watercolor Painting", Harn’s Goforth Learning Center, 392-9826 x 112.
September 21 Blue Collar Comedian Ron White, Stephen C. O'Connell Center, 392-5500.
September 21 “Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Holopaw and Michael Holland, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
September 21 UF School of Music Unbalanced Connection, UF Music Bldg, 392-0223.
September 22 Civil War Expo, Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, 386-397-7005.
September 22 "Cleopatra : a rock ballet", Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 371-2986.
September 22 2007 Latino Film Festival - "Whisky", Hippodrome Theater, Info: riosim@ci.gainesville.fl.us.
September 22 Eric Yerman Memorial 5K Run & Family Walk, Westside Park, 377-3559.
September 22 Farm to Family Music Concerts presents Daryl Brewer and Friends, Jamie Defrates and Susan Brown, Quartermoon with Billy Gilmore, Alachua, 386-462-5479.
September 22-23 4th Annual Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, Oaks Mall, 338-9300.
September 25 – 30 Art Exhibit: "Just Suppose" Photographs by Jerry Uelsmann & Maggie Taylor, University Gallery, 392-0201 x 229.
September 27 Pamina Devi: A Cambodian Magic Flute, Phillips Center, 392-1900.
September 28 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Umoja Orchestra and Worldwide Zoo, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
September 28 – 30 UF School of Theatre and Dance presents "The Cherry Orchard", Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
September 28 – 30 Exhibit: "Photographic Formalities: Ansel Adams to Weegee", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
September 29 2007 Latino Film Festival, Hippodrome Theater, Info: riosim@ci.gainesville.fl.us.

August Festivals and Events

2007-07-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

August 2007 Events, Festivals and Performances

August 1 – 3 "H.O.T. Summer," a H.O.T. (Handbuilt or Thrown) Clay Ceramics Exhibition, FOCUS Gallery- UF, 359-9747.
August 1 – 19 "Gainesville Fine Arts Association Annual Members Show", Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
August 1 – 24 Art Exhibit- "In the House: Domestic Arts from the Horn of Africa", Grinter Gallery, 392-0201 x 230.
August 1 – 31 "7th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition", Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
August 1 – 31 Exhibit: "Refined Radiance: Chinese Glass Of The Qing Dynasty, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
August 1 – 31 Cuba Avant-Garde: Contemporary Cuban Art from the Farber Collection", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
August 1 – 31 ”Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived", Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 x 269.
August 1 – 31 Exhibit: "From Dürer to Renoir: European Prints from the Harn Museum Collection", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
August 2 – 12 The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged", Nadine McGuire Black Box Theatre, 392-1653.
August 3 “Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents The Captives, Pat Koch, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
August 3 – 4 18th Annual GSOC Golf Classic, Ironwood Golf Course, 352-338-9300.
August 3 – 5 "Shout! The Mod Musical", Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
August 3 – 31 Art Exhibit - "American Vision" - Photography by Jim Santangelo, Melrose Bay Art Gallery, 475-3866.
August 4 "Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band", Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 392-2787.
August 4 Williston Gospel Music Festival, Williston Elementary School,
August 9 Cuba on Film: "Cuba: Art and the Revolution", Harn Museum of Art, 392.9826 x 112.
August 10 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents 6th Street Rhythm and Blues Review, Rusty Swing, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
August 17 5th Annual "Arts 4 the Senses", Easter Seals at Altrusa House, 377-7708.
August 17 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Pol Parsley the Thai Elvis, Lightnin Harpo, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
August 17 – 18 18th Annual GSC Golf Classic, Ironwood Golf Course, 338-9300.
August 18 – 19 Seventh Annual "Art at the Oaks" Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, Oaks Mall, 331-1029.
August 20 Alachua County School begins.
August 24 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Oh Sanders, The Dauntless, Bang Bang Boom, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
August 25 – 31 Art Exhibit: "Nature and Still Life", Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
August 31 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents The Duppies, Spencer Garn Organ Trio, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
August 31 "The Wedding Singer", Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 392-2787.

July Calendar of Events

2007-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

July 2007 Events, Festivals and Performances

July 1 “The Producers”, Phillips Center for Performing Arts, 392-2787.
July 1 “Shout! The Mod Musical", Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
July 1 – 8 Art Exhibit: "Juror’s Choice: The Select", Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
July 1 – Sept 9 Exhibit: "Cuba Avant-Garde: Contemporary Cuban Art from the Farber Collection", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
July 1 – Oct 1 Exhibit: "Refined Radiance: Chinese Glass Of The Qing Dynasty, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
July 1 – Jan 6 "Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived.", Florida Museum of Natural History- UF, 846-2000 x 269.
July 2 – 13 Art Exhibit: Italy and Greece Through the Eyes of Santa Fe, President's Lobby, SFCC, 395-5464.
July 2 – 13 Art Exhibit: "The Millennium Portfolio," J. Wayne Reitz Union, The Gallery, 392-2378.
July 2 – Aug 24 Art Exhibit: "In the House: Domestic Arts from the Horn of Africa", Grinter Gallery, 392-0201 x 230.
July 2 – Aug 3 Art Exhibit: "H.O.T. Summer”, FOCUS Gallery- UF, 359-9747.
July 3 Fanfares & Fireworks, UF Bandshell, 392-5551 X1106.
July 4 Clamerica Celebration, Cedar Key, 352-543-5600.
July 5 – Aug 12 "The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged", Nadine McGuire Black Box Theatre, 392-1653.
July 6 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series, Performance Poetry hosted by Third Eye Spoken, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
July 6 – 8 "Our Town" by the UF School of Theatre and Dance, Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
July 6 –29 The Hot Mikado, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 376-4949.
July 6 – Sept 2 Art Exhibit - "American Vision", Melrose Bay Art Gallery, 475-3866.
July 7 – Aug 19 Gainesville Fine Arts Association Annual Members Show, Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
July 11 "Gainesville Jazz All-Stars", Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
July 13 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series, Used Blues & Third Stone, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
July 14 – Sept 3 Art Exhibit: 7th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition, Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
July 17 – Jan 6 Exhibit: "From Dürer to Renoir: European Prints from the Harn Museum Collection", Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826.
July 20 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series, Quartermoon and The Leadon Family, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
July 27 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series, Papercranes and Morningbell, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
July 28 Bell Wood Turners Demonstration Day, Bell Community Center, 472-2054.
July 29 "The Fab Four", Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 392-2787.

June Calendar of Events

2007-06-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

June 1 Yulee Railroad Days Concert at the Downtown Plaza, Gainesville, 495-1044.
June 1 – 2 “True West”, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
June 1 – 2 Yulee Days Celebration, Various Locations in Archer, 495-1044.
June 1 – 2 Yulee Days Melrose Connection Festival, Melrose,www.YuleeRailRoadDays.org.
June 1 – 2 High Springs Yulee Railroad Days, James Paul Park, (386) 454-1416.
June 1 – 3 Yulee Railroad Exhibits, Cedar Key State Museum, www.YuleeRailRoadDays.org.
June 1 – 3 A Railroad Time Machine, Matheson Museum, 378-2280.
June 1 – 3 Guided tours set in the Yulee era, Dudley Farm Historical State Park, 472-1142.
June 1 – 3 Hawthorne Historic Museum & Model Railroad Exhibits, Hawthorne Historic Museum, 481-4491.
June 1 – 3 Cross Creek Yulee Railroad Days, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. 495-1044.
June 1 – 29 “In the House: Domestic Arts from the Horn of Africa", Grinter Gallery, 392-0201 x 230.
June 1 – 30 "Ron and Janet Haase: Side by Side", Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery, 393-8532.
June 1 – 30 "Juror’s Choice: The Select", Thomas Center Main Gallery, 393-8532.
June 1 – 30 Folk Art Benefit for Haven Hospice Phil Robinson, Melrose Bay Art Gallery, 475-3866.
June 1 – 30 The Gallery Under the Oaks, Micanopy’s Log Cabin, 466-9229.
June 2 Micanopy Yulee Railroad Days, Micanopy Historical Society Museum, 495-1044.
June 2 53rd Annual Watermelon Festival, East Park Avenue, Chiefland, 493-2330.
June 2 Cotton Club Groundbreaking and Yulee Rail Road Days Fish Fry, The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 495-1044.
June 2 “Railroad Plantation Life” and “Talking Walls”, Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation.
June 2 Paynes Prairie by Bicycle, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 466-4100.
June 2 – 4 Waldo Yulee Railroad Days, Waldo Flea Market, 495-1044.
June 4 – 29 Summer Spectacular Camp: Session I. Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
June 8 Summer Musical, Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
June 8 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents Africa 2000, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
June 8 – 13 "Our Town", Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
June 8 – July 1 "Shout! The Mod Musical", Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
June 9 6th Annual Crape Myrtle Tree Sale, Oaks Mall Parking Lot, 338-3123.
June 9-10 DragRaceResults.com GoodYear Bracket Racing Series, Gainesville Raceway, 377-0046.
June 10 Old Time Dance with live music by the Flying Turtles String Band, Oleno State Park, High Springs, 386-454-1853.
June 12 Bill Pierce Quartet, Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
June 14 – 16 Theatre Santa Fe presents "Black Box Production", Aud. E – SFCC, 395-5464.
June 15 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
June 15 2nd Annual Bike Fest, Bradford County Fairgrounds, 904-964-5278.
June 15 Hike the San Felasco Hammock Preserve, Sponsered by Santa Fe CC, 246-7009.
June 16 Delicate Designs - Chinese Glass, Harn Museum of Art, 392.9826 x 112.
June 16 – 17 First Annual Juneteenth Festival and Juried Art Show, Lincoln Park, 273-1174.
June 16 – 17 A Triple Cross Dude Ranch Event DeLuca Toyota's PBR, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion – Ocala, 572-5589.
June 16 – Jan 6 "Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived.", Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000 x 269.
June 17 Father’s Day, Don’t forget !
June 22 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents The Soulphonics, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
June 22 Hike Paynes Prairie Along the La Chula Trail, Sponsored by Santa Fe CC, 246-7009.
June 23 Hershey Track and Field Florida Qualifier, Gainesville Sports Commission, 338-9300.
June 29 "Let's Go Downtown" Plaza Series presents The Legendary JCs, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
June 29 – July 1 "The Producers" the new Mel Brooks musical, Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 392-2787.
June 30 City-Wide Rally for Christians in Community, Downtown Community Plaza, 328-6354.

Leaving the Fort

2007-05-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

I must get at least 5 real estate magazines a month, and often it is hard to make it through all of them. Also, I have subscriptions to another 3 online trade email news services. This article was interesting, and I wanted to share it with you. Food for thought.

Leaving the Fort: Tips for Protecting Your Home While You’re Away
RISMEDIA, May 25, 2007-"On the road again" seems to be the summertime anthem, indicating that the vacation season is here. However, fun in the sun means being responsible and ensuring the safety of your family and your home. Peter McMurtrie, chief claims officer for Grange Insurance, offers up some advice for safe traveling and preparation.
According to McMurtrie, a few simple precautions made before you leave the house can ensure a much happier return. "The best way to ruin an enjoyable vacation is to come home to preventable problems," McMurtrie says.
Before an extended getaway, McMurtrie advises to:
- Give a trip itinerary and emergency numbers to a trusted friend or neighbor.- Remove all "hidden" exterior house keys.- Let your security company know you will be out of town.- Stop your newspaper, mail and package deliveries through the U.S. Postal Service.- Turn off the water and gas supply to prevent leaks or water damage while you're away.- Make arrangements for a friend, family member or neighbor to take care of your home, including maintenance of your lawn and care of the family pet.- Put lights, radios and televisions on timers to give the impression that your home is being lived in while you're gone.- Make sure that valuables are not in plain sight from exterior windows.- Consider engraving identification information on larger items such as stereos and televisions.- Check all doors and windows to ensure locks are working properly.
"It may seem like a lot to get done before a trip, but the peace of mind is far more important than anything while you're away," McMurtrie says.
Before hitting the road, have your car thoroughly serviced and filled with gas, and inspect your car safety kit to make sure it has all the necessities: water, jumper cables, flares, flashlights, equipment to change a tire and a first aid kit. It's also a great idea to pack non-perishable snacks, food and juice. Now you're ready to buckle up and go!
"These few simple precautions can make all the difference between coming back to a secure home or returning to a mess of troubles," McMurtrie says. "So head to that open road and return home safely."
For more information, visit http://www.grangeinsurance.com.

Housing Trust Funds

2007-05-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Your son’s fifth grade teacher can be a lifelong mentor but she can’t be your neighbor.

She and others who make up Florida’s workforce – nurses, firefighters, first responders and retail salespersons – can’t afford to buy a median priced home in most Florida markets. According to the National Housing Conference, an elementary school teacher in Florida’s highest priced market, Naples, earns $44,100 – far less than the $124,694 annual salary needed to afford a median priced home there. In fact, there are currently no major markets in Florida where a teacher earns enough to live near the school where they teach. The same is true for police officers, nurses and other community service employees.

In recent years, the average cost of an existing home in Florida has dramatically outpaced the average household income and thereby squeezed low-to-middle-wage workers out of the housing market. In 1992 the William E. Sadowski Trust Fund was established to address such a scenario. A documentary stamp tax on real estate transactions is what fuels this fund for Florida’s affordable housing programs. This program is the prefect partnership – as home values rise and more land is sold for development, the amount of money available for affordable housing programs rises, too.

Since its inception more than a decade ago, the Sadowski trust funds have helped thousands of families in all 67 counties become homeowners. In 2005, the Florida Legislature placed an annual cap of $243 million on these housing program expenditures, due to kick in on July 1, 2007. This is less money than Florida’s affordable housing programs received back in 2002, when the median existing home price was nearly $140,000. Since then, the cost of a median-priced existing home has increased by more than 80 percent.

This year, real estate transactions could generate $414 million for affordable housing programs – significantly more than the $243 million that will be available unless the Legislature removes the cap on the trust funds. The need is great and the funds are available. Allow the Sadowski Trust Funds to help working families become homeowners through a variety of public-private partnerships.

May Calendar of Events

2007-04-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Festivals and Events For May 2007

May 1 – 13 The Memory of Water, Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
May 1 – 28 Tibet, Mountains and Valleys, Castles and Tents, Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000.
May 2 Lord of the Dance, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
May 3 – 5 Beauty Queen of Leenanne, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
May 4 “Let’s Go Downtown” Voice of the People, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
May 5 26th Annual Williston Arts & Crafts Festival, Perkins State Bank, 528-2541.
May 5 – 6 Canterbury May Days Dressage US Equestrian Federation Qualifier, GSOC, 338-9300.
May 8 The Peter Appleyard Quarter, Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
May 11 “Let’s Go Downtown” Singer/Songwriter Greg McMillan, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
May 11—27 The Crucible, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 376-4949.
May 12 23rd Annual Windsor Zucchini Festival, Windsor Fire Station, 372-7814.
May 12 Newberry Watermelon Festival, Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, Newberry,
May 12 Let’s Explore Science Series, Shark Attack, Florida Museum of Natural History, 846-2000.
May 13 Mother’s Day – Don’t forget!
May 17- June 2 True West by Sam Shepard, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
May 18 “Let’s Go Downtown” Blues and Gumbo with Bill Wharton, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
May 18 – 20 Florida All-Star Chess North Central Florida Regional Championship, GSOC, 338-9300.
May 19 – 21 29th Annual Fifth Avenue Arts Festival, NW 5th Avenue, 372-0216
May 25 “Let's Go Downtown" Studio Percussion Spring Concert, Gainesville Community Plaza, 393-8527.
May 25 – 27 Florida Folk Festival, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 877-635-3655.
May 26 – 27 FAA Field Archery, GSOC, 338-9300.
May 27 Joni Messler Studio of Dance, 47th Annual Recital, Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 372-9898.
May 28 Memorial Day Holiday
May 30 – June 3 Yulee Railroad Days, Various Locations, Phil Denton, 495-1044.
May 30 – June 3 “A Railroad Time Machine” Exhibit, Matheson Museum, 378-2280.
May 31 Railroads of Alachua County by Harold McGee, Hawthorne Branch Library, 481-1920.

Rally in Tally

2007-04-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Great American Realtor Day. Occuring once a year, REALTORS® converge on their state capital to lobby for issues important to local homeowners. This year, as expected, taxes and insurance were the hot topics. The Florida Association of Realtors pushed hard for real reform on taxes. Their position was clear: Do something, and do it NOW!

Stories about people taxed out of their homes fueled the citizen’s petition drive that put the property tax cap, Save Our Homes, on the ballot in November 1992.

Fast forward 15 years and stories of homeowners unable to move up or down because of high property taxes have reached the state capital. Voters were clear in the last election that they expect substantial tax cuts this year. Since Save Our Homes took effect, owners of homestead property have enjoyed a 3 percent or CPI annual cap on property tax increases no matter how much the home appreciates in value. Once the home is sold, however, the new owner must pay property taxes on the updated value.

Given the red-hot housing market, that value is often tens of thousands of dollars higher than the previous assessment. In fact, many Floridians couldn’t afford to buy the home they currently own if they had to buy it at today’s market price – and pay the tax on that increased value.

In addition to this “lock-in” effect for homeowners, we are witnessing extraordinary tax inequities within neighborhoods. Owners of commercial properties and second homes pay much higher property taxes than owners of homestead properties. And escalating government spending is going unchecked because homestead property owners have disengaged from the process.

Comprehensive and meaningful tax reform must occur, and it cannot wait until the next General Election in November 2008.

Portability of Save Our Homes is one of the proposed solutions in response to the lock-in effect. REALTORS® support a one-time or limited statewide portability if coupled with comprehensive property tax reform. Ideally, counties would set the level of tax portability.

REALTORS® oppose an immediate doubling of the homestead exemption but would support exempting a higher portion of a home’s value if coupled with comprehensive tax reform to avoid simply redistributing the burden onto other property classes.

In light of double-digit property tax revenue increases in recent years, REALTORS® would like to see millage rates rolled back and a cap on the amount of money local governments can collect annually.

Assess property based on its “present use”, not “highest and best use.”

Allow a $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property. This will provide much-needed tax relief for businesses that own tangible personal property and eliminate the administrative burden small businesses face in filing returns on equipment valued at less than $25,000.

April Calendar of Festivals and Events

2007-03-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Festivals and Events

Apr 1 Gainesville Area Rowing Gainesville Crew Classic , Newnan's Lake, 256-1784.
Apr 1 Les Folies Russes, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Apr 1—7 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 376-4949.
Apr 1 – 8 The Man of Mode; or, Sir Fopling Flutter", Constans Theatre, 392-1653.
Apr 1 – 30 The Gallery Under the Oaks, Micanopy’s Log Cabin, 466-9229.
Apr 6 – 7 Antique Tractor & Engine Show, Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, 386-397-2733.
Apr 9 National Philharmonic of Russia, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Apr 10 Scott Whitfield Quartet, Savannah Grande, 379-0300.
Apr 12 Hungarian State Fold Ensemble, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Apr 12 – 14 16th Annual Florida Electroacoustic Music Festival, Phillips Center Black Box Theatre, 392-0223 ext. 240.
Apr 12 – May 5 Beauty Queen of Leenanne, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
Apr 13 Hats, Hearts & Handbags Luncheon, Hilton UF Conference Center, 373-4475.
Apr 13 The Art of Giving, Installation Number One, Thomas Center, 367-8295 or 393-8527.
Apr 13 – 15 Spring Antique Show and Sale, Gainesville Woman's Club, 335-5534.
Apr 14 3rd Annual AARP Spring Fest and Craft Show, Williston Linear Park, 528-3323.
Apr 14 Wildlife Walk, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 466-4100.
Apr 14 Paynes Prairie by Bicycle along the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, 466-4100.
Apr 14 Viva 2007 Bayou Bash, Rembert Farm, Alachua, 271-4662.
Apr 14 Shen Wei Dance Arts, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Apr 14 Pops on the Plaza, Gainesville Downtown Plaza, 336-5448.
Apr 14 Family Fun Day, Martin Luther King Center, 393-8750.
Apr 14 Community Garage Sale, Newberry Hitchcock’s, 472-4449.
Apr 14 – 15 Heart of Florida AirShow, Gainesville Regional Airport, 333-3555.
Apr 14 – 15 38th Annual Springs Art Festival, NE 1st Street & Thomas Center, 395-5355.
Apr 15 5th Annual Alachua Spring Festival, Downtown Alachua, 682-4345.
Apr 15 An Evening with Harold Pinter, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
Apr 20 – May 13 The Memory of Water, Hippodrome State Theatre, 375-4477.
Apr 21 Prairie Rim Ramble, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 466-4100.
Apr 21 La Traviata, Phillips Center, 392-2787.
Apr 21 Earth Day, Harn Museum of Art, 392-9826 x112.
Apr 21 – 22 31st Annual High Springs Pioneer Days Celebration, Downtown High Springs, 264-3636.
Apr 21 – 22 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key, 352-543-5600.
Apr 21 – 22 9th Annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival, Starke, 904-964-5278.
Apr 21 – 25 Alachua County Library District Book Sale, 375-1676.
Apr 22 An Evening with Sam Shephard, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 375-1321.
Apr 27 – 28 The Florida Voices Book Fair, Thomas Center, 888-917-7001.
Apr 27 – 28 Danse Fantasque 2007, Phillips Center, 372-9898.
Apr 27 – 29 Antique Market and Garden Show Benefiting Haven Hospice, Thornebrook Village.
Apr 27 – 29 Farm & Forest Festival, Morningside Nature Center, 334-2170.
Apr 28 19th Annual Fantasy Event to benefit Stop! Children’s Cancer, Location to be Announced, 377-2622.
Apr 30 American Cancer Society "Relay for Life" Golf Outing, University of Florida Golf Course, 335-7991.

Update on Property Tax Issues

2007-03-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

It appears that the people will have the final say in how much and how soon property tax relief will be a reality. We are moving, step by step, closer to some REAL results and savings for everyone.

HISTORIC PROPERTY TAX RELIEF CLOSER TO BECOMING A REALITY

~House Council Votes to Give Floridians the Last Word on Property Tax Relief and Reform~

Florida voters would be given the final say on cutting property taxes by $8.8 billion and the chance to completely eliminate property taxes on homestead properties under a measure approved Friday by the House Policy and Budget Council.

PCB/PBC 07-01, the second component of the House Property Tax Relief and Reform Act, was overwhelmingly approved Friday 21-12 by the House Policy and Budget Council.

This legislation is the second part of a comprehensive tax relief package being offered by House leaders. Specifically, it gives Floridians a chance to vote for even further tax relief by placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to eliminate $3.1 billion dollars in homestead property taxes statewide in exchange for an additional 1 cent state sales tax which is paid by Floridians and tourists. The amendment also provides the opportunity for even more tax relief, by forcing every county and school district to hold countywide votes by November 2010 on whether to completely eliminate property taxes on homestead properties.

Under the plan, homeowners could see a potential 100% savings on their homestead property taxes, while non-homestead owners will save at least 15%. The average commercial property owner will save $2,919 dollars on their property tax bills, with the potential to save an additional 24% through the $25,000 Tangible Personal Property exemption also approved as part of today’s proposal. At a minimum, all property owners will save $8.8 billion on their property tax bills if today's plan is approved by the voters.

The double whammie

2007-03-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

If it's not the high cost of our property taxes, then the cost for homeowners insurance will surely put a crimp in your housing dollar. If you have purchased a home lately, you know the hurdles you must jump to first off find a company that is writing policies, and secondly find a policy you can afford. If you are buying an older home, or a mobile home, that task is even harder. Before I share the article recently posted on the Florida Association of Realtors site, let me tell you a story shared with me by a soon to be homeowner I am working with. This buyer is purchasing their first home, and it is an older home that has been remodeled. Everything in this home has been updated, plumbing, electric panel, air system. But, the AGE of the home is over 35 years. So, off she goes to call insurance companies. What a shock! But, she did something I have never heard any other buyer do. She said NO. Flat out, no, I cannot afford that. I just will not buy the house. And, what a surprise, the insurance company said "let me look". And they called back with a lower quote. Again, she said NO. And again, they looked. This smart buyer saved over $500 on the annual cost of the homeowner policy. Maybe if more of us stood up to the insurance companies and said NO, we could all save a little bit. Something to think about.

Old homes get chance at insurance coverage
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 21, 2007 – Old homes get chance at coverage: New legislation says insurance firms can’t deny policies based solely on home’s age.
Been kicked around by insurance companies because you happen to live in a home that was built in the Cold War era? Well, relief may be on the way depending on how well your home is fortified to withstand wind damage. Some private companies in the state already are beginning to insure older homes as a result of legislation that grew out of January’s special session on property insurance.
“It said a company cannot refuse to issue a policy strictly based on the age of a home,” said Sam Miller, executive vice president of trade organization the Florida Insurance Council, Inc. “So the companies who had a philosophy based just on the age of a home can’t do that anymore.”
Bob Lotane, spokesman for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, said it’s too soon to know how many companies are writing policies on older homes, but there have been some.
“We do know that companies like Edison Insurance – which is a small company but they’re growing – they are willing to write on older homes,” he said. “I think the larger concern with that change in the law was not only so companies would potentially write older homes but to prevent them from wholesale non renewing them.”
In fact, doing so based solely on the age of a home can get a company investigated, Lotane said.
“If we’re hearing complaints of this we can order a market-conduct investigation,” Lotane said. “That’s probably going to be problematic. That’s something we want to hear about.”
Homeowners can report such activity to the Florida Department of Financial Services’ hot line at (800) 342-2762, Lotane said.
Prior to the law change, many companies were dropping or refusing to write new coverage on homes that were, on average, more than 10 years old. Companies still have leeway to turn down older homes if they don’t meet certain standards like roof age and condition of wiring and plumbing, Lotane said.
Other factors may also contribute to insurers opening up to older homes. Because state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s insurer of last resort, was ordered by the Legislature to maintain competitive rates – though not rates that are actuarially sound – some private insurers are seeing an exodus of customers to Citizens in search of lower rates.
State Farm Florida recently saw its first loss of policyholders ever, said company spokesman Chris Neal.
“Between Jan. 1 and now, we lost several thousand homeowners policies. That’s never happened to us before,” Neal said. “Now, granted, we have a million policies, so several thousand is not a lot. But we’ve never had a net loss of homeowners policies before.
“Looking at this new legislation, we expect to lose a lot of business to Citizens because their rates aren’t based on any actuarial basis or business basis. They’re set on a political basis.”
As a result, State Farm Florida plans to begin offering new homeowners policies on older homes that are 10 miles from the coast and have roofs less than 10 years old. That would also apply to wood-frame homes as long as they are up to code, Neal said.
“We’re basing it on how the home is built and if it complies with the current statewide building code,” Neal said. “It could be built at any time, but it has to comply with that code.”
Recent startup Northern Capital Insurance is taking on homes up to 54 years old, said local insurance agent John Laurie, a principal at BB&T-Wyman, Green & Blalock, in Bradenton, who serves on Northern Capital’s board. That’s largely due to changes Florida made to its Hurricane Catastrophe Fund that allows insurers to buy reinsurance – essentially, insurance for insurance companies – at a lower rate.
“They’ve (homes) still got to be concrete block and we’ve got to have an inspection to make sure it’s been upgraded, but that’s a huge cry from no coverage,” Laurie said. “That is due to the reinsurance that we can purchase from the state and there are other companies that are doing that. I think that’s a function of the new law.”
Copyright © 2007 The Bradenton Herald, Fla., Brian Neill. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News

Property Taxes

2007-03-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

The Florida House of Representatives has proposed a bold plan to transform the way we pay for government services.The proposed Constitutional Amendment would eliminate the property taxes on homestead property and reduce the tax on non-homestead properties by 20%. If you own property right now, you will save money. If you want to own property, the elimination of taxes on homesteads (the house you live in) would probably allow you to finally afford to buy your own place.Log onto http://www.nomorepropertytax.com/ and sign the petition to cut taxes in Florida.Once you have signed the amendment, forward the address above to your parents, your friends, and your family. Spread the news that Floridians need permanent tax relief. Share this Web site with a friend.WE ALL NEED TO VOICE OUR OPINIONS TO OUR LEGISLATORS SO THAT THIS GETS THE ATTENTION IT NEEDS!

Last of the Winners!

2007-03-17T04:10:00.000-07:00

By Friday, we had given away our final two prizes from the Home Show. Martha, ( not pictured) won the Olive Garden gift certificate and Chloe ( shown above ) recieved the rolling duffel bag. We hope both winners enjoy the goodies, and visit us again next year to see what we have.

Home Show Winner!!

2007-03-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

We had our first winner stop by the office today to pick up their prize. Grace G. won our CD player. We all think we will never win those drawings, but here is proof!! We also raffled off a gift certificate to Olive Garden and a rolling luggage piece. When those winners stop by, we will post thier photos as well, provided they give us permission. Just like they always say, you can't win if you don't play.

How long will it last?

2007-03-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Every time I show property to a home buyer, they always ask me how old the appliances are, or the roof, or the air conditioning. The reality is no one can predict when any of these systems will fail. However, a new study conducted by Bank Of America Home Equity and The National Association of Home Builders ( NAHB ) has attempted to give us all some guidelines. Keep in mind, these are averages. As we all know, maintenance of any system will effect the longevity.

Here is what they found:

According to the study, the life expectancy of a typical appliance varies. Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
Kitchen cabinets are expected to last up to 50 years, medicine cabinets for 20-plus years, and garage/laundry cabinets for 100-plus years. Closet shelves are expected to last a lifetime.
Natural stone countertops, which are less expensive than a few years ago, are gaining in popularity and are expected to last a lifetime. Cultured marble countertops have a life expectancy of about 20 years.
Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house exists, while vinyl and screen doors have a life expectancy of 20 and 40 years, respectively. Closet doors are expected to last a lifetime, and French doors have an average life of 30 to 50 years.
Copper plated wiring, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime, whereas electrical accessories and lighting controls are expected to last 10+ years.
Kitchen sinks made of modified acrylic will last 50 years, while kitchen faucets will work properly for about 15 years. The average life of bathroom shower enclosures is 50 years. Showerheads last a lifetime, while shower doors will last about 20 years. Bath cabinets and toilets have an unlimited lifespan, but the components inside the toilet tank do require some maintenance. Whirlpool tubs will function properly for 20 to 50 years, depending on use.
All natural wood floorings have a life expectancy of 100 years or more. Marble, slate, and granite are also expected to last for about 100 years, but can last less due to a lack of maintenance. Vinyl floors last up to 50 years, linoleum about 25 years, and carpet between 8 and 10 years (with appropriate maintenance and normal traffic).
The complete study is free and available in PDF format at http://www.nahb.org/components.

Gainesville Home Show

2007-03-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, this was a busy weekend for us at Help-U-Sell American Dream. We worked a booth at the Home Show. This is our second year at the Home Show, and we really enjoy having the opportunnity to talk with people and explain the Help-U-Sell business model. We also took time to visit the other booths, and were able to make some great connections with other home related businesses that are willing to offer discounts to our buyers and sellers! Just one more way we are out to save Gainesville property owners money. Our big red Help-U-Sell bags were also a huge hit, and we ran out about one hour before the show ended on Sunday. It sure was nice to look out into the crowd and see all those red bags!

If you have never attended the Home Show, you really should consider attending next year. The cost is only $3.00 and you will receive so much information, and most booths offer drawings for prizes and freebies!! I hope you all had as much fun this past weekend as we did. And, if Fred from LazyBoy Furniture is reading, you can drop off that fantastic leather recliner anytime :-)

Great News from UF

2007-03-10T03:20:00.000-08:00

Posted on the Florida Association of Realtor's website yesterday, the housing market got a boost from a recent UF study.

UF study: The price is right, so buy now

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – March 9, 2007 – Hopeful homebuyers in Florida should act now: The price is right as the state’s single-family residential housing market bottoms out, according to a University of Florida study released today.
“If you’re thinking of buying a house, there’s probably not much to be gained by holding out at this point,” says Wayne Archer, director of UF’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. “It doesn’t look like prices are going to fall anymore.”

The news was not quite as good for condos, which the study shows to still be overbuilt. We have been witness to that here, with a new complex springing up on every corner it seems. In the summer of 2004, the average count for condos in the Gainesville MLS system was under 100 untis available at any given time. Currently, there are over 1000.

We have been saying for the past several months that with interest rates still low, and more inventory to choose from, now truly is the best time to buy. It's nice to get some validation.

If you are interested in reading the entire article, go to: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-030907.cfm

If you want more information on UF's Research Center, go to:
www.cba.ufl.edu/fire/realestate/cres/findings.asp.

Happy Homebuying!!!!

Property Tax Update

2007-03-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

I recevied this today in our bulletin from the Florida Association of Realtors, and thought I would pass it along.

State House leaders fast-track bill to reduce property taxes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 8, 2007 – In a rush to show that lawmakers are serious about cutting property taxes, a House council passed a controversial bill Wednesday to sharply roll back local taxes, which would save property owners statewide as much as $5.8 billion.
The House Efficiency and Accountability Council ignored repeated calls from Democrats to slow down the debate and voted 10-5 along party lines for a measure to force counties to roll back local taxes to where they were in fiscal year 2000-01, plus an additional amount to account for population growth and inflation.
As Florida’s counties warned of “Draconian choices” they would have to make and Democrats complained of being railroaded, the discord put a quick end to the bipartisan harmony that House leaders said would mark the 60-day session that began Tuesday.
None of that mattered to House Republicans, who have adopted House Speaker Marco Rubio’s urging to “be a little impatient” about moving ahead on a plan, which has just one more committee stop before the full House votes on it.
The tax rollback would be the first step in a two-phase approach House leaders are touting; the second is a constitutional amendment to do away with all taxes on homesteaded property and replace them with a 2 1⁄2-cent hike in the statewide sales tax.
The proposed rollback would save taxpayers in Miami-Dade an estimated 35 percent on their county taxes. The hit to the county: between $613 million and $725 million. The savings to taxpayers in Broward: 22 percent. The hit to Broward coffers: at least $198 million.
“Counties must decide with this bill whether we’re going to fund libraries, the softball player at the recreational park, the child in the burning attic, the grandfather who has a heart attack, or the woman who has a burglar at her door,” Sarah Bleakley, a lobbyist for the Florida Association of Counties, told lawmakers. “Which one of those programs do you all think are frills?”
In Miami-Dade, county officials say $5.2 billion of their $7 billion budget is spending required by state and federal law, airport or port services contracts, or is being used to pay back debt. An additional $1.3 billion goes to county medical examiners, police patrols, jails and juvenile justice, the county health trust and elections offices.
“That leaves $500 million of expenses that someone says you don’t have to do,” said Jennifer Glazer-Moon, the county budget director. “But that includes the administration of the county, the parks department, human services department and cultural programs.”
Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman told the House committee that county officials agree Florida’s “archaic” tax structure needs an overhaul, “but we disagree this is the right fix.”
“You want to be careful as you’re pushing on one side you’re not creating a bigger bulge on the other side,” she said. She warned that Broward and other counties could be forced to start charging user fees for, say, borrowing books at the library.
Rep. Julio Robaina, a Miami Republican, said he felt no sympathy for county governments, blasting Miami-Dade County for squandering millions over the years. He predicted the rollback will “make the county commissioners more than ever vigilant over every dollar.”
Council Chairman Rep. Andy Gardiner of Orlando noted that the proposal allows counties to get around the rollback by a two-thirds vote of the county commission.
“So if there are concerns about ‘Draconian cuts’ or cutting police departments or softball players, can’t they go out, discuss that in a community and by a two-thirds vote override essentially what we’re asking them to do?” he said.
Who benefits
Owners of homesteaded property would see the smallest decline in their property taxes – $433 million across the state. Owners of second homes and other residential real estate, who have shouldered a larger share of the tax burden in recent years, would reap $767 million in savings, while business properties would see the greatest savings – $3.35 billion.
But Democrats complained that the fast pace of the bill’s progress, coupled by the short notice they were given to prepare for the vote, has forced lawmakers to vote on a measure even though they have no clear idea how their local governments will handle it.
By contrast, the Senate is taking its time on property taxes. As of Wednesday, senators had not yet come up with their own plan.
Criticism
Rep. Dan Gelber, the House Democratic leader from Miami Beach, noted that his city would be among the hardest hit in the state – a 51 percent cut in its tax rolls and budget. Because the city has paid for its growth, rather than resorted to issuing bonds, the House scheme blindly penalizes the city for being responsible, he said.
“We are about to make the biggest decision we’ve ever made in the dark,” he said. “One thing we will not do is cede this incredibly important issue to rank politics.”
The discord on the session’s second day wasn’t the first sign that party differences would dominate the debate.
The Florida GOP has launched a website touting the House’s tax plan and promoting the constitutional amendment. Rubio and his top deputies have sent out e-mails urging Republicans across the state to click on www.nomoreproperty tax.com.
Among the information on the site, it calls the governor’s proposed solution – doubling the homestead exemption – a “band-aid” approach to the problem.
Republican Party spokesman Jeff Sadosky defended the website, even though Senate Republicans have not endorsed the House proposal.
“What the party is endorsing is getting the issue out there,” he said.
Copyright © 2007 The Miami Herald, Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News. Miami Herald staff writer Beth Reinhard contributed to this report.

Property Taxes

2007-03-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Boy, Florida property taxes are sure a hot topic lately. Seems like not a day goes by that we are not reading something on taxes. Unfortunately, the rapid property appreciation seen in Florida over the past 3-4 years has really had a backlash when it comes to taxes. The homebuyer now has to not only contend with prices that have skyrocketed, but each time property changes hands, the home is re-appraised for taxes to current market rates. Then the shock hits when the next tax bill comes.

One proposal that has been in the news--totally do away with property taxes. Well, not totally because you would still have to pay school tax, but the city and county taxes would be gone. In their place would be a higher state sales tax. 8.5%, the highest in the US. Truthfully, I'm not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, the average homeowner would now have more disposable income to spend in their community. On the other hand, that extra disposable income would just be taxed a bit higher, but EVERYONE would be paying that, including our tourists, snowbirds, renters and homeowners . I wonder how that would impact our tourist industry?

What are your thoughts? I can say this, the high cost of homeowners insurance along with the high property taxes keeps many people from achieving the American Dream of homeownership.