Saturday, November 4, 2017

12 Reasons to Move to Boca Raton, FL

12 Reasons to Move to
Boca Raton, FL

Boca Raton offers up the classic Florida dream, and much more
By on 

Boca Raton, FLCourtesy of Wikimedia.org
“We’re a city that has it all, good schools, great employment, beautiful weather and world class quality of life.”
Susan Haynie
Mayor of Boca Raton

Living in Boca Raton means you get the kind of romantic Florida beach living idealized from the mid-20th century onward in books, music and movies. But the city is more than its beaches, with its rapidly growing economic environment, A-rated public schools, five colleges, abundant public parks and spaces, and a vibrant art culture. There’s also a thriving tourism industry, with a plethora of resorts catering to travelers looking for golf, the beach or just an escape. Reasons to move to Boca and make a home are myriad. Here are a few reasons we think living in Boca Raton is a wise choice.
“We’re a city that has it all,” says Mayor Susan Haynie. “Good schools, great employment, beautiful weather and world-class quality of life.”

1. Great Neighborhoods

Whatever your ideal arrangements are, from high-rise condos along stretches of sandy beach to gracious golf course-centered homes, to quaint mid-century single-family houses in Florida style, all can be found in Boca Raton across its 29.6 square miles. As an added bonus, Boca has a low tax rate, resulting in part from the highest assessed value in Palm Beach County.

2. Abundant Economic Growth

Boca Raton’s business climate has generated some 8,000 new jobs over the past five years. That includes a burgeoning tech industry and reputation as a solid tech startup hub. Other major employers, according to Mayor Haynie, include education (with 28 public and private K-12 schools, plus five colleges), Office Depot’s corporate office, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Garda, ADP Payroll Services, IBM and Jarden Consumer as well as the insurance and medical industries and the city itself, with 17,000 employees.

3. Higher Education

Boca Raton is home to Florida Atlantic University, its largest university, plus smaller colleges Lynn University, Palm Beach State College, Everglades University and Digital Media Arts College. Mayor Haynie says that brings in a student population of 40,000. “When new companies move into the area, the first question they ask is often ‘Do you have an educated workforce to build from?’” says Mayor Haynie. “The answer is a resounding yes.”

4. Outdoor Living

Boca Raton has some 46 parks, covering 16,000 acres of parkland and trail. Two continuous north-south trail routes connect the Tri Rail system to Florida Atlantic University, so that students living farther out can then bike from the train station safely. The city also has 4 miles of beautiful public beach, left in its natural state rather than commercialized. Boca Raton also has one of the only dog beaches in Palm Beach County for pet owners.

5. Public Spaces and Experiences

Built in a Mediterranean Revival style, Mizner Park serves as one of the focal points of the city for residents and tourists alike. The epic Town Centre Mall (mixed indoor and outdoor shopping), which includes Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, is the largest mall in the region. A vast mixed-use project, Mizner offers a diverse collection of things to explore. The Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park sits at the north end, along with an amphitheater and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

6. Arts

Speaking of those arts locales, Boca Raton’s Festival of the Arts, each March draws tourists from all over. An extraordinary celebration of the arts across the board, the festival offers up classical music, jazz, dance, film, writers and more. The goal is not only celebration, but sharing all aspects of the arts with all ages.

7. Sports

Of course, the world flocks to Palm Beach County for golf and the chance to swim, boat or go snorkeling off the splendid beaches, but Boca also hosts the Allianz Championship golf tournament, which brings visitors in annually to see outstanding PGA Senior Tour players battle it out on the greens. Boca Raton’s institutions of higher education, particularly Florida Atlantic, also provide plenty of collegiate sports to cheer. The biggest new sports draw for the city is the Boca Raton Bowl, held at Florida Atlantic University’s stadium. The city recently signed a six-year contract with ESPN for coverage, with a playing date immediately before Christmas. “Last year, Marshall was one of the colleges playing, and their band actually went out and practiced on the beach,” Mayor Haynie says. Boca also has huge organized youth sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse and plenty of available facilities to make both youth and adult participation possible.

8. Great Restaurants

Boca Raton’s dining options seem to be getting better every year. For those interested in keeping things fresh and local themselves, the farmers market runs each Saturday from October through May. The farm-to-fork Farmer’s Table at the Wyndham Hotel Boca Raton sets an example for local sourcing done well. Other favorites include Yard House, Max’s Grille in Mizner Park, Gluttonous Goat, Rebel House and more. A number of high-end chains also thrive in Boca, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Morton’s. The city is currently working with upscale chain Houston’s to plan a destination restaurant on the waterfront, according to Mayor Haynie.

9. The Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club and The Sanctuary

Having some of the most expensive gated communities in the entire country in your town makes for great property values for everyone. It also makes for a great tax base, which works in everyone’s favor. The Royal Palm and Sanctuary communities are two of the country’s most elite locales, where famous Hollywood residents rub elbows with some of the biggest names (allegedly) in organized crime.

10. It’s Miami Beach without the crowds

Boca has everything Miami has. But with a metro population under 100,000, it still keeps that small(ish) town feel. You might end up paying for what you get, but for those who can afford the Boca lifestyle, you can’t beat its exclusive feel.

11. Ferry rides to the Bahamas

About 85 miles due east of Boca Raton across the Atlantic is the second-most populous city in the Bahamas – Freeport. If you’re feeling tropical, you’re just a short puddle jumper flight away, or if you’ve got your sea legs, a ferry ride in first class might call your name.

12. Barrel of Monks Brewing

Craft beer is a hot commodity these days and Boca Raton is home to a stellar brewery. Barrel of Monks is the city's first production brewery, making small batch beers that pay homage to Belgium monks who perfected the art of beermaking for centuries. The Tasting Room is open Tuesday through Friday starting at 4 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Journalist Stephanie Stewart-Howard is the author of The Nashville Chef's Table and the forthcoming Barbecue Lover's Guide to Memphis and Tennessee Style and a yet-to-be named book on whiskey ...

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Prive Island - Premium Unit

$3,795,000
5500 Island Estates Drive, Aventura, FL, 33160
Residential | Active | RX-10363722



Prive is the last of South Florida's private islands! It is comprised of two 16-story towers with 80 residences each on an eight-acre island. Approximately 70,000-sq-ft of indoor social spaces and has several acres of outdoor amenities. Enjoy the two-story gym/spa totaling 10,000 sq ft in each tower and expansive pool deck with two oversized swimming pools. There is a private marina for yachts up to 150 ft in length. Unit 708S is a spectacular corner unit with direct intracoastal and ocean views.
PROPERTY DETAILS
COMMON
County: Miami-Dade
Liv Area SqFt: 3799
Price per sq. ft.: $998
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms Full: 5
Bathrooms Half: 1
Year Built: 2017
MLS#: RX-10363722
Status: Active
Property Sub Type: Condo/Coop
Price: $3,795,000
SPECIFIC
Unit Floor #: 7
Subdivision: Prive
Subdivision Info: Exercise Room, Lobby, Pool, Sauna, Tennis
Driving Directions: 95 South to exit 16 at Ives Dairy Road. Go east to Biscayne Blvd then turn south. At NE 183rd Street, turn left. Make a right on Island Blvd., then left onto Island Estates Drive.
Zone: res
Total Floors/Stories: 15
Membership Equity: No
Homeowner's Association Fee: 3200
FEATURES
Construction: CBS, Concrete
Cooling: Central, Electric
Equipment: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Range - Electric, Refrigerator, Smoke Detector, Washer
Flooring: Other
Front Exposure: East
Furnished: Unfurnished
Garage #: 2
Governing Body: Condo
Heating: Central, Electric
Hopa: No Hopa
Interior Feature: Volume Ceiling, Walk-in Closet
Pets Allowed: Yes
Possession: Funding
Private Pool: No
REO: No
Restrictions: None
Rooms: Laundry-Inside
Short Sale: No
Utilities: Cable
Waterfront: Yes
Waterfront Desc: Intracoastal


ann@brealtors.com 
brealtorsinc.com
Direct: (561) 702-2257
Office: (561) 571-0027


All listings featuring the BMLS logo are provided by Beaches MLS, Inc. Copyright 2017 Beaches MLS, Inc. This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed. © 2017 Beaches Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
This content last updated on 10/12/2017 03:53 PM.





East Boca, Single Family, under $300k!



KNOB HILL - EAST BOCA RATON

Tile Roof completed in 2005. The garage door has a pull down phantom screen as another added feature. Pets are welcome in this 55+ community. Cable and Lawn Care included!

PROPERTY DETAILS
COMMON
County: Palm Beach
Liv Area SqFt: 1429
Price per sq. ft.: $180
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms Full: 2
Year Built: 1972
MLS#: RX-10365223
Status: Active
Property Sub Type: Single Family Detached
Price: $257,900
SPECIFIC
Subdivision: KNOB HILL SUB
Subdivision Info: Clubhouse, Pool
Driving Directions: Spanish River Blvd. west of 2nd Ave to NW 3rd Ave. Go north. Make your first left into Knob Hill. House on left.
Zone: R1D(ci
Total Floors/Stories: 1
Membership Equity: No
Homeowner's Association Fee: 210
FEATURES
Construction: CBS
Cooling: Central, Electric
Equipment: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Range - Electric, Refrigerator, Washer, Water Heater - Elec
Flooring: Carpet, Ceramic Tile
Front Exposure: North
Furnished: Unfurnished
Garage #: 1
Governing Body: HOA
Heating: Central, Electric
Hopa: Yes-Verified
Interior Feature: Walk-in Closet
Lot Description: < 1/4 Acre
Pets Allowed: Yes
Possession: Funding
Private Pool: No
REO: No
Restrictions: Buyer Approval, Lease OK, Up to 2 Pets
Rooms: Family, Laundry-Garage
Short Sale: No
Utilities: 3-Phase Electric, Public Sewer, Public Water


This lovely and well maintained home is located in the desirable and rarely available community of Knob Hill in East Boca. The oversized lot is one of the largest in the community and offers plenty of green space. Some notable features include an 8000 watt generator wired into the home, newer paver driveway, a 2 year old A/C, newer washer/dryer, newer hot water heater, and a sturdy Barrel 



Courtesy of Ann Monaco Pearson, B REALTORS


Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Aria on The Bay - New Construction!


NEW CONSTRUCTION

Aria on The Bay

Luxury Waterfront Condos In Miami
 
Aria on the bay is elevated into a truly exceptional level. Its bay-front location provide residents with multiple atmospheres they can explore anytime, while gorgeous residences and breathtaking architecture make it a unique, luxurious paradise within the city. It is the best located waterfront new construction in Miami.
 
 
Aria on The Bay
 
Superior Location
Walking distance to Museums & Parks
 
  • Site Address: 1770 N. Bayshore Dr. (Close to Venitian Causeway)
  • Construction Progress: Topped Off
  • Delivery Date: Q1 2018
  • 53 floors
  • Starting Prices: $420k up to $2M
           Buyer Deposit Schedule:
  1. 20% at contract
  2. 80% at closing Q1 2018
           
Introducing The Exclusive "A" Model
Water views from every room
 
 
Model "A" Kitchen View
 
 
Unique and spectacular floorplan, 2 private elevators only for Model A owners, private foyer, large master bed with 90 degrees views of the bay, walk-in closets, separate Studio/Office with its own bathroom for a total of 3 beds and 4 baths + Den.
 
 
AC: 2362 SQ. FT.
Balcony: 600 SQ. FT.
Total: 2962 SQ. FT.
 
Delivered completely finished and move-in ready with 7 different flooring options to choose from, 600 square feet terrace for the enjoyment of panoramic views of the bay and morning sunrises year-round.
 
Model A Starting Price: $1.29MM
Contact Gary Youngman @ 561.306.7653
B Realtors - Boca Raton

Boca Raton may use eminent domain to preserve beach

Along the Coast: Boca Raton may use eminent domain to preserve beach

Related story: A Line in the Sand: At issue is whether building should continue east of the Coastal Construction Control Line
By Steve Plunkett

    The Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District is considering dusting off its power of eminent domain to block construction on the beach of a four-story house and a four-story duplex.
    District officials also would negotiate with the owners of two long-occupied, neighboring properties, seeking to raze the structures and connect the undeveloped parcels to Ocean Strand, 15 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway they have been saving for a future park.
    The vacant parcels are 2500 N. Ocean Blvd., which has permission from the state but not yet the city to build a four-story residence east of the Coastal Construction Control Line, and 2600 N. Ocean. The city is awaiting a final report from its environmental consultant on the duplex planned at 2600 N. Ocean.
    The district also has its eyes on a duplex at 2330 N. Ocean Blvd. Longtime resident Al Petruzzelli lives in the northern side; Philip Gori, who lives in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, owns the southern half.
    Petruzzelli’s nephew David, who lives on nearby Lago Mar Lane, said his uncle was not aware of the district’s proposal and that the property has been in the family for more than 70 years.
“I don’t think his position has changed at all,” David Petruzzelli said. “He is not a willing seller.”
Lawyer Keith Poliakoff, who represents Natural Lands LLC, owner of 2500 N. Ocean Blvd., said the state found its proposal will have no environmental impacts and his client has the “absolute legal right” to develop the parcel.
“In the event that the [district] attempts to ‘take’ this property, my client will not hesitate to protect its legal rights,” Poliakoff said. “The [district] will have the herculean effort to demonstrate that this taking has a legitimate public purpose or necessity.”
Boca Raton City Manager Leif Ahnell sparked the discussion on eminent domain, calling it “an option available to acquire properties for public use, when there is not a willing realistic seller.”
    “As you know, the city has a strong desire to preserve oceanfront properties in the city for public use,” Ahnell wrote in a late August email.
    District commissioners asked Arthur Koski, their executive director and lawyer, to investigate the process. At their Sept. 5 meeting he reported “significant pre-suit requirements” must be met, chief among them getting an appraisal of each parcel and sending it along with a notice of intent to the owner.
    Then both sides negotiate, with the district filing a lawsuit to condemn the property only if they cannot settle on a price.
    “If there’s going to be a fight over it, that’s what the fight will be — over the valuation,” Koski said.
    The district also must show a need to take ownership of the property, “which could very well be the simple desire to acquire beachfront property or the preservation of the dune, protection of A1A,” Koski said.
    Beach and Park Commissioner Susan Vogelgesang worried about the occupied parcel.
    “One of these properties does have a home on it,” she said. “How does that work? Do you condemn it and just move the poor person out of his home?”
    Koski said one solution would be for the district to take title but agree to let the property owner stay in the home for the rest of his life.
    “I am in favor of doing whatever can be done to acquire those properties,” said Golden Harbour resident Al Zucaro, who leads the BocaWatch website. “The beach is important, it needs to be preserved, and the general sentiment that I’m aware of across the board in the city of Boca Raton is that it’s a travesty that buildings are going to be built on the beach.”
    Because 2500 N. Ocean and 2600 N. Ocean are undeveloped, they would be subject to a “quick taking,” in which the district takes possession of the properties and a jury sets their value afterward. The district has the power of eminent domain in its 1974 enabling legislation, but has never used it.
    Mayor Susan Haynie asked the district in December 2015 to investigate buying any undeveloped beachfront parcels a week after she and the rest of the City Council reluctantly granted a zoning variance allowing the home at 2500 N. Ocean to be built. That same month furious residents formed the Boca Save Our Beaches group to fight the proposal.
    The state issued 2500 N. Ocean a “notice to proceed” in October 2016, ruling that the project would not “weaken, damage or destroy the integrity of the beach and dune system.” 

Boca Raton agrees to buy golf course

BOCA TOWERS BLOG: Boca Raton agrees to buy golf course: Boca Raton: City Council, Beach & Park District agree on golf course purchase Posted by  Mary Kate Leming  on October 4, 2017 at ...

Friday, September 29, 2017

Friday, September 22, 2017

Politicians - and we need them for?

A very interesting column. COMPLETELY NEUTRAL
Be sure to Read the Poem at the end.
Charley Reese's final column for the Orlando Sentinel...
He has been a journalist for 49 years.
He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.
Be sure to read the Tax List at the end.

This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican nor democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day.

It's a relatively short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!

545 vs. 300,000,000 People- by Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.

The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash.

The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. 

Who is the speaker of the House now? He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ... If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses, provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

What you do with this article now that you have read it... is up to you.

This might be funny if it weren't so true.

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table, at which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay, he works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways to tax his ass.
Tax all he has, then let him know that you won't be done till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers; then tax him some more, tax him till he's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod into which he's laid...
Put these words upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me to my doom..."
When he's gone, do not relax,
it’s time to apply, the Inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom, if agreed, stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 545 times!!!

YOU can help it get there!!!

GO AHEAD. . . BE AN AMERICAN!!!