Thursday, June 10, 2010
Local Builder's Industry Association Visits Fort BRAC (Present Home of 7th Special Forces)
The local BIA visited Fort Bragg and participated in a local forum to assist families of the Army's 7th Special Forces Group in moving to our area. Of this attending, a number of folks participated in an informal survey to discuss their housing needs. The results of this survey by the BIA is noted below. As a former Military Housing Director, I would be more than happy to share some thoughts on this matter. You must understand, this move of this type of military personnel is much different than what this area is accustomed. Many different needs.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
WARNING: VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 4 IN NOVEMBER 2010 ELECTION
If you have any property in the State of Florida and desire to sell or develop, you must learn about Amendment 4, which is being placed on the November 2010 Ballot. Basically, Amendment 4 will allow the general population to vote on Comprehensive Landuse Changes in their area. Have you heard, NIMBY (Not in My Backyard). If this gets voted in, property with the entitlement you need would be worth more. If it does not have the entitlement you desire, it could be worth much less. My opinion, VOTE NO!!!! If you need further clarification, visit www.florida2010.org.
Monday, May 31, 2010
STATE ROAD 285 FROM MOSSYHEAD TO NICEVILLE TO GET FACELIFT
Another infrastructure project to help in the growth of the area with the thousands of new military personnel being assigned to our area and their supporting casts. With recents improvements in Mossyhead (i.e. New Golf Course Community, New School, New Parks, New Dollar General Store), this road will surely see alot of traffic in the very near future.
SR285 facelift to begin
By ANGEL McCURDY
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4432 amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com
NICEVILLE — A resurfacing project for State Road 285 will be giving the roadway a facelift starting June 7. The effort, however, will take about seven months to complete. The 9-mile project will resurface the roadway from north of College Boulevard to the Walton County line, according to a Florida Department of Transportation press release. Crews from Anderson Columbia will be working on the $2.9 million project. “We’re just going to resurface the existing roadway with new asphalt,” said Tommie Speights, public information officer for the DOT. “Basically, we’re preserving existing roadway.” The construction is part of a five-year program with the DOT to work on milling damaged roadways. The week of June 7, crews will focus on clearing the right of way, drainage work and preparing the site for resurfacing, the release states. Along with resurfacing, the roadway will have guardrails replaced, drainage upgrades, minor safety improvements and placement of new signs and pavement markings within the project limits. Motorists can expect lane restrictions during construction. However, there will be no lane closures weekdays between 6 and 8 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m. Speights said the construction will have a flagger on site for the one-lane closures. He said the DOT does not foresee extensive traffic backup based on the times crews will be working. “ This road badly needed repairs to preserve the existing roadway, so that’s what we’ll be getting started on shortly,” Speights said.
SR285 facelift to begin
By ANGEL McCURDY
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4432 amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com
NICEVILLE — A resurfacing project for State Road 285 will be giving the roadway a facelift starting June 7. The effort, however, will take about seven months to complete. The 9-mile project will resurface the roadway from north of College Boulevard to the Walton County line, according to a Florida Department of Transportation press release. Crews from Anderson Columbia will be working on the $2.9 million project. “We’re just going to resurface the existing roadway with new asphalt,” said Tommie Speights, public information officer for the DOT. “Basically, we’re preserving existing roadway.” The construction is part of a five-year program with the DOT to work on milling damaged roadways. The week of June 7, crews will focus on clearing the right of way, drainage work and preparing the site for resurfacing, the release states. Along with resurfacing, the roadway will have guardrails replaced, drainage upgrades, minor safety improvements and placement of new signs and pavement markings within the project limits. Motorists can expect lane restrictions during construction. However, there will be no lane closures weekdays between 6 and 8 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m. Speights said the construction will have a flagger on site for the one-lane closures. He said the DOT does not foresee extensive traffic backup based on the times crews will be working. “ This road badly needed repairs to preserve the existing roadway, so that’s what we’ll be getting started on shortly,” Speights said.
Friday, May 28, 2010
F-35 INSTRUCTOR GETTING IN HIGH GEAR AT EGLIN AFB
As you will read, Eglin AFB is getting serious about their F-35 Training Program. With all of the talk about the Army's 7th Special Forces Group coming, the news of the F-35 Training Program gets lost. I expect that will change shortly. As people will become aware, this program will have as much of an impact to our local economy, if not more, very quickly. The affect of this program will be felt around the globe because of the international participation in this state of the art fighter jet.
Mona Moore
2010-05-27 21:30:01
EGLIN AFB — With a series of training devices, software and instructors in place, the F-35 Joint Training School is ready for a dry run. After months of preparations, the F-35 team of instructor pilots and engineers will be testing the school curriculum on those slated to fly the planes first: the instructors. The dry run will not only prepare the instructors for their initial flights but test the syllabi they had a hand in preparing. Though the initial operational capability (IOC) – the date the F-35 program is expected to be at full capacity with 59 aircraft – has been pushed back to 2015, the school will be operational by this fall. “IOC isn’t driving what we’re doing here,” said Col. David Hlatky, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing. “Operational testing and 33FW core cadre haven’t changed. We still plan to have them trained next year.” Hlatky has spent the last few months getting his staff to stop looking at calendars and thinking about the IOC. In its infancy, the F-35 training school has plenty of work to do before changes in the IOC will have any effect on the daily tasks of its staff. The school has a timeline that spans the next 18 months. By fiscal year 2011, the training center will have more than a thousand people under its roof, including students and instructors. The school also will have a few F-35s in use. “We’re gonna have jets in the fall,” Hlatky said. “If, magically, the jets don’t show up, we’re okay. If it doesn’t show up, we’re gonna go out and start playing golf.” With advanced virtual instruction for pilots and maintainers, Hlatky will not be scheduling a tee time in the near future. Hlatky’s focus is on equipment, facilities and instructional processes. The Academic Training Center, dorms, dining and recreation facilities are still under construction but Hlatky has set up instruction for the current pilots in an existing facility. Pilot training aids are step one for pilots training on F-35s. After the computer programs, they graduate to a sophisticated computer system that includes touch screens, operating sticks, voice activation systems and simulated software. The advanced systems, called Mission Rehearsal Trainers, acclimate pilots before they move on to Full Mission Simulators. Maintainers have a similar process involving avatars with simulated tools and aircraft. A simple operational system and a host of software make flying the F-35 easier than previous generations, said instructor Greg Wilder. He won’t be taking the planes in the air but wishes he could. Wilder said the training program and the plane itself is beyond anything he trained on when he flew F-16s. He remembers learning to fly under hard conditions by turning the lights off in his simulator. The first time he did a refueling mission with a tanker, it was in the air. “I joke that the guys shouldn’t even be able to get flight pay anymore, it’s so simple,” Wilder said. Hlatky prepared an update of the 33rd Fighter Wing that included his ideal answer to the question of runways for the F-35 program. He would build landing pads for the Marine version of the F-35 at Choctaw Field. The rest of the F-35 flight training would be done at Duke Field. The decision is not up to the commander but he has shared his opinions with the Air Force staff.
Mona Moore
2010-05-27 21:30:01
EGLIN AFB — With a series of training devices, software and instructors in place, the F-35 Joint Training School is ready for a dry run. After months of preparations, the F-35 team of instructor pilots and engineers will be testing the school curriculum on those slated to fly the planes first: the instructors. The dry run will not only prepare the instructors for their initial flights but test the syllabi they had a hand in preparing. Though the initial operational capability (IOC) – the date the F-35 program is expected to be at full capacity with 59 aircraft – has been pushed back to 2015, the school will be operational by this fall. “IOC isn’t driving what we’re doing here,” said Col. David Hlatky, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing. “Operational testing and 33FW core cadre haven’t changed. We still plan to have them trained next year.” Hlatky has spent the last few months getting his staff to stop looking at calendars and thinking about the IOC. In its infancy, the F-35 training school has plenty of work to do before changes in the IOC will have any effect on the daily tasks of its staff. The school has a timeline that spans the next 18 months. By fiscal year 2011, the training center will have more than a thousand people under its roof, including students and instructors. The school also will have a few F-35s in use. “We’re gonna have jets in the fall,” Hlatky said. “If, magically, the jets don’t show up, we’re okay. If it doesn’t show up, we’re gonna go out and start playing golf.” With advanced virtual instruction for pilots and maintainers, Hlatky will not be scheduling a tee time in the near future. Hlatky’s focus is on equipment, facilities and instructional processes. The Academic Training Center, dorms, dining and recreation facilities are still under construction but Hlatky has set up instruction for the current pilots in an existing facility. Pilot training aids are step one for pilots training on F-35s. After the computer programs, they graduate to a sophisticated computer system that includes touch screens, operating sticks, voice activation systems and simulated software. The advanced systems, called Mission Rehearsal Trainers, acclimate pilots before they move on to Full Mission Simulators. Maintainers have a similar process involving avatars with simulated tools and aircraft. A simple operational system and a host of software make flying the F-35 easier than previous generations, said instructor Greg Wilder. He won’t be taking the planes in the air but wishes he could. Wilder said the training program and the plane itself is beyond anything he trained on when he flew F-16s. He remembers learning to fly under hard conditions by turning the lights off in his simulator. The first time he did a refueling mission with a tanker, it was in the air. “I joke that the guys shouldn’t even be able to get flight pay anymore, it’s so simple,” Wilder said. Hlatky prepared an update of the 33rd Fighter Wing that included his ideal answer to the question of runways for the F-35 program. He would build landing pads for the Marine version of the F-35 at Choctaw Field. The rest of the F-35 flight training would be done at Duke Field. The decision is not up to the commander but he has shared his opinions with the Air Force staff.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
U.S. SHOPPING CENTERS CONTINUE TO INCREASE DESPITE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
The commercial markets are looking good. Not as bad as the experts have predicated. Imagine that. With the growth of our area and the infusion of additional military personnel being assigned; our area will be needing a lot of commercial properties (i.e. Restaurants, Retail Shops, and Office Space). See below for some eye opening details on Shopping Centers.
Daily Real Estate News May 24, 2010
Despite Downturn, More Shopping Malls Emerge The number of U.S. shopping centers has continued to increase despite the economic downturn. There were 104,148 shopping centers in 2008, 104,919 in 2009, and by the end of 2010, there are expected to be 104,990, according to CoStar Group Inc., a commercial real estate information company that compiled information on behalf of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)."The prospects for the retail real estate industry appear to be improving and the sector, in time, will likely regain its investment luster," says Michael Niemira, ICSC’s vice president, director of research, and chief economist..
Daily Real Estate News May 24, 2010
Despite Downturn, More Shopping Malls Emerge The number of U.S. shopping centers has continued to increase despite the economic downturn. There were 104,148 shopping centers in 2008, 104,919 in 2009, and by the end of 2010, there are expected to be 104,990, according to CoStar Group Inc., a commercial real estate information company that compiled information on behalf of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)."The prospects for the retail real estate industry appear to be improving and the sector, in time, will likely regain its investment luster," says Michael Niemira, ICSC’s vice president, director of research, and chief economist..
Monday, May 24, 2010
Emerald Coast Partners Unveils Majestic Oaks Vineyard in Crestview, FL
Majestic Oaks Village is a 204 lot, master-planned residential community nestled in the quiet and peacefulness of nature in north Crestview. Enjoy beautiful countryside living surrounded by magnificent oaks, magnolias and pine trees, all indigenous to the area. Lots range from one-quarter acre to one-half acre and each home is sited to create a large landscaped yard but still leave some natural treed areas.
The homes are Custom Style Craftsman designs with great attention to the aesthetic use on exterior materials and a color palette that blends quite beautifully with the natural setting of the community.
The community features great amenities including Lake Majestic and the Natural Pavilion ("Oaks Pavilion"). In addition, Vineyard Park will be near the main entrance and will feature a basketball/hockey sport court, a children's play structure, a viewing/picnic pavilion and a large playfield. Every aspect of Majestic Oaks was designed to enhance your family experience in your new community, so enjoy a friendly game of basketball or soccer in the playfield, and bring the kids out after school to enjoy the great play structure and meet your neighbors.
Majestic Oaks is a new community fashioned from an old idea...........enjoy a community that brings people together, brings your family together like when you were growing up.
With the enormous growth of the Crestview market, the beautiful setting of this development, and Majestic Oaks Vineyard being designated a Featured Site for the 2010 Builder's Industry Association's Parade of Home, Lots and Homes will be a great investment. Lots starting at $35,000 and homes starting at $160,000, you can't miss on this investment. I can assure you the prices can't stay this low. Demand is great and supply is running low.
Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.MajesticOaksVineyard.com and by calling me at 1-888-389-3665.
The homes are Custom Style Craftsman designs with great attention to the aesthetic use on exterior materials and a color palette that blends quite beautifully with the natural setting of the community.
The community features great amenities including Lake Majestic and the Natural Pavilion ("Oaks Pavilion"). In addition, Vineyard Park will be near the main entrance and will feature a basketball/hockey sport court, a children's play structure, a viewing/picnic pavilion and a large playfield. Every aspect of Majestic Oaks was designed to enhance your family experience in your new community, so enjoy a friendly game of basketball or soccer in the playfield, and bring the kids out after school to enjoy the great play structure and meet your neighbors.
Majestic Oaks is a new community fashioned from an old idea...........enjoy a community that brings people together, brings your family together like when you were growing up.
With the enormous growth of the Crestview market, the beautiful setting of this development, and Majestic Oaks Vineyard being designated a Featured Site for the 2010 Builder's Industry Association's Parade of Home, Lots and Homes will be a great investment. Lots starting at $35,000 and homes starting at $160,000, you can't miss on this investment. I can assure you the prices can't stay this low. Demand is great and supply is running low.
Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.MajesticOaksVineyard.com and by calling me at 1-888-389-3665.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
New Panama City International Airport Begins Operations
What a great feeling to see the newest Airport opened since 9-11 in our own backyard. Great fanfare and energy filled the air as the first Southwest Airlines plane lands with their newest passengers.
It is quite obvious there are some big plans for this area as you drive on to the Airport grounds and walk through the Airport. So, be ready folks, as the Panhandle of Florida becomes the destination for people around the country and around the world.
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