The leaders of the Freedom Walk Community Development District show their support for the Joint Striker Fighter Mission. This show a support is just another step in the committment Emerald Coast Partners, the Developer of Freedom Walk, and the Board of Supervisors have in letting the community know they are beyond the military values our Armed Forces display on a day to day basis. GO TEAM EGLIN.
EYEBROW: GUEST COMMENTARY
Freedom Walk announces support for Joint Strike Fighter mission
The Freedom Walk Community Development announced its unanimous support for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integration Training Center at Eglin AFB with an adoption of resolution 2009-01.
Resolution 2009-01
A resolution of the Board of Supervisors of Freedom Walk Community Development District, welcomes and supports the incorporation and bed-down of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter integration training center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Whereas, Freedom Walk Community Development District (hereinafter the “District”) is a local unit of special-purpose government created and existing pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, being situated entirely within the City of Crestview, Okaloosa County, Florida; and
Whereas, the District’s Board of Supervisors (hereinafter the “Board”) is statutorily authorized to exercise the powers granted to the District.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Freedom Walk Community Development District:
Section 1. Intent
The Board welcomes and supports the incorporation and bed-down of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integration Training Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
a. Air power is a vital part of America’s Military arsenal.
b. The current fighter fleet is aging and is being replaced as required for our national security.
c. The Joint Strike Fighter, called F-35 Lightning II, represents a quantum leap in capability to the Department of Defense and our international partners, providing precision engagement and global attack for our Air Forces.
d. Eglin Air Force Base’s Test and Training Complex is a national resource with world-class capabilities and the capacity to absorb new missions.
Section 2. Purpose
a. Eglin Air Force Base was selected by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process as the optimum mission location and most cost effective solution for establishing a Joint Integrated Training Center for the bed-down of the F-35.
b. The F-35 mission at Eglin Air Force Base will ensure America’s air dominance and Eglin Air Force’s sustainability in the strategic defense of our country.
c. The Board welcomes and supports the incorporation and bed-down of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integration Training Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is committed to working with Eglin Air Force Base for resolution of compatibility issues associated with this mission.
Section 3. Effective Date
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
Passed and adopted this 12th day of January, 2009.
The Freedom Walk Community Development District is an approximately 180-acre mixed-use development in Crestview, less than a quarter-mile from Crestview High School and Davidson Middle School. The Freedom Walk Board of Supervisors consists of Bruce Houle (Chairman of the Board, the Managing Partner of Emerald Coast Partners), Ken Wright (Vice Chairman of the Board, a Niceville native, retired military officer, local real estate professional and Vice President of the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association), James Moore (Board Supervisor, a Crestview native and an attorney), Bob Lynn (Board Supervisor, a retired Crestview educator and civic leader) and Randy Wise (Board Supervisor, a Niceville native, real estate developer and homebuilders).
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH CHANGING THE STREETSCAPE OF DOWNTOWN AREA
It is refreshing to see the City of Fort Walton Beach making an investment into the Historic Downtown District. This investment is just one of many being planned to improve the commercial attraction of this area and bring more people to this part town, which means more dollars to the City of Fort Walton Beach.
Despite the inconvenience, business owners in downtown Fort Walton Beach say the new streetscape will be worth it
By MONA MOORE Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4443 monam@nwfdailynews.com
FORTWALTONBEACH—Walking along Miracle Strip Parkway isn’t easy these days. Work on the downtown sidewalks has pedestrians weaving through flower beds, dodging traffic and using businesses’ back doors whenever possible. Front-door access was precarious recently for Navarre resident Sandra Colapreto. “For someone with a cane, this is really bad,” she said. Colapreto doubted patrons in wheelchairs could maneuver to get to Unwind, the yarn shop she visited. “They’d have to wheel them on the street,” she said. “We come in from Navarre once or twice a week,” Colapreto said. “If I could come in less, I would.” But shop owners say they can live with a little inconvenience for the heavy dose of progress that comes with it. At Maas Coffee Roasters, employee Ed Noone credited a drop in business to the work outside. “While the construction is going on, I would say business is off 20 to 25 percent but I think it will be worth it,” he said. “You have to suffer through this to get to the other end. It’s going to make the downtown area a lot nicer than what it was.” Other business owners also praised of the project. “This is, for a lot of people, the first impression of Fort Walton,” said Michelle Murphy, co-owner of Coach and Four Gifts. “As a main thoroughfare, we have to put our best foot forward.” “It’s absolutely wonderful because progress is fantastic,” added Debbie Fisher. Fisher’s downtown law office shares a garden with Maas Coffee Roasters and the Frances Pryor Memorial Camellia Garden. Like the new street improvements, the garden was built to encourage more foot traffic and improve downtown’s image. “This is the city park. We worked with the city to make it a garden, to make it more pedestrian-friendly,” said Fisher, pointing to the Pryor Garden as she walked along the connecting path. “We’re invested in downtown. (With this new project) it’s nice to see everybody else is.” Work along Miracle Strip includes replacing Bradford pear trees with sabal palms, laying decorative pavers and installing new lighting. Some downtown business owners also have opted to lay pavers in front of their stores to match the work being done on the right of way. “I think it all works together, unifying the area. It gives it a sense of destination,” said Bobby Nabors, owner of Liquid Surf and Sail. Many business owners said the greatest benefit will be the ability to see the shops from the street. “When people pass through, they’ll see there are viable businesses down here,” said Murphy. She was impressed with the progress of the project. The work that started last week with the removal of Bradford pears continued this week with the planting of the palms and routing for new light posts. “I’ve told (the construction workers) every day what an awesome job they’re doing,” Murphy said. “I think they have tried to make our discomfort as small as possible.” She said the changes were long overdue. “Those Bradford pear trees were only supposed to be here for five years because they knew they’d get too big,” Murphy said. The pear trees were planted in the early 1990s. City staffers have been working on the replacement plan since late 2002, when a downtown property owner complained that one of the trees had grown to block her tenant’s business sign. “They got so huge. You saw buildings but could not make out what they were,” Murphy said. The trees bloomed four times a year and littered streets with the foliage. “That’s an alleluia for me,” Murphy said. “I think it always made it seem like it was unkempt.” Murphy has heard complaints from patrons. Once she shared her problems with the trees, Murphy said the customers understood and agreed with business owners. “I think part of people’s perception or negativity is because they’re not informed,” she said. “I’m really excited to see it. We needed a facelift,” said Ellen Nixon, who owns Unwind. “And the inconvenience is only going to be a few days.” Just outside her front door, a 20-something man tripped over the curb as he tried to navigate through the construction area and watch the activity inside the small shop at the same time. “We’ve been here so long, most people know our back door. I like to think of our back-door customers as our best customers,” Murphy said. “There’s never been a point where people couldn’t use our front door.” “I think it’s worth a little inconvenience for a week or two,” said Niceville resident Leslie Frank. She came early to Unwind for the morning “sit-andstitch” session. Nixon said the store was packed for the event. Despite the construction, customers continued to pour across the piece of wood that replaced her front sidewalk. “Apparently, customers are hot for construction workers,” laughed Unwind employee Ginny Petersen. “That’s another plus,” Nixon said, joining the table of knitters in a laugh.
Despite the inconvenience, business owners in downtown Fort Walton Beach say the new streetscape will be worth it
By MONA MOORE Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4443 monam@nwfdailynews.com
FORTWALTONBEACH—Walking along Miracle Strip Parkway isn’t easy these days. Work on the downtown sidewalks has pedestrians weaving through flower beds, dodging traffic and using businesses’ back doors whenever possible. Front-door access was precarious recently for Navarre resident Sandra Colapreto. “For someone with a cane, this is really bad,” she said. Colapreto doubted patrons in wheelchairs could maneuver to get to Unwind, the yarn shop she visited. “They’d have to wheel them on the street,” she said. “We come in from Navarre once or twice a week,” Colapreto said. “If I could come in less, I would.” But shop owners say they can live with a little inconvenience for the heavy dose of progress that comes with it. At Maas Coffee Roasters, employee Ed Noone credited a drop in business to the work outside. “While the construction is going on, I would say business is off 20 to 25 percent but I think it will be worth it,” he said. “You have to suffer through this to get to the other end. It’s going to make the downtown area a lot nicer than what it was.” Other business owners also praised of the project. “This is, for a lot of people, the first impression of Fort Walton,” said Michelle Murphy, co-owner of Coach and Four Gifts. “As a main thoroughfare, we have to put our best foot forward.” “It’s absolutely wonderful because progress is fantastic,” added Debbie Fisher. Fisher’s downtown law office shares a garden with Maas Coffee Roasters and the Frances Pryor Memorial Camellia Garden. Like the new street improvements, the garden was built to encourage more foot traffic and improve downtown’s image. “This is the city park. We worked with the city to make it a garden, to make it more pedestrian-friendly,” said Fisher, pointing to the Pryor Garden as she walked along the connecting path. “We’re invested in downtown. (With this new project) it’s nice to see everybody else is.” Work along Miracle Strip includes replacing Bradford pear trees with sabal palms, laying decorative pavers and installing new lighting. Some downtown business owners also have opted to lay pavers in front of their stores to match the work being done on the right of way. “I think it all works together, unifying the area. It gives it a sense of destination,” said Bobby Nabors, owner of Liquid Surf and Sail. Many business owners said the greatest benefit will be the ability to see the shops from the street. “When people pass through, they’ll see there are viable businesses down here,” said Murphy. She was impressed with the progress of the project. The work that started last week with the removal of Bradford pears continued this week with the planting of the palms and routing for new light posts. “I’ve told (the construction workers) every day what an awesome job they’re doing,” Murphy said. “I think they have tried to make our discomfort as small as possible.” She said the changes were long overdue. “Those Bradford pear trees were only supposed to be here for five years because they knew they’d get too big,” Murphy said. The pear trees were planted in the early 1990s. City staffers have been working on the replacement plan since late 2002, when a downtown property owner complained that one of the trees had grown to block her tenant’s business sign. “They got so huge. You saw buildings but could not make out what they were,” Murphy said. The trees bloomed four times a year and littered streets with the foliage. “That’s an alleluia for me,” Murphy said. “I think it always made it seem like it was unkempt.” Murphy has heard complaints from patrons. Once she shared her problems with the trees, Murphy said the customers understood and agreed with business owners. “I think part of people’s perception or negativity is because they’re not informed,” she said. “I’m really excited to see it. We needed a facelift,” said Ellen Nixon, who owns Unwind. “And the inconvenience is only going to be a few days.” Just outside her front door, a 20-something man tripped over the curb as he tried to navigate through the construction area and watch the activity inside the small shop at the same time. “We’ve been here so long, most people know our back door. I like to think of our back-door customers as our best customers,” Murphy said. “There’s never been a point where people couldn’t use our front door.” “I think it’s worth a little inconvenience for a week or two,” said Niceville resident Leslie Frank. She came early to Unwind for the morning “sit-andstitch” session. Nixon said the store was packed for the event. Despite the construction, customers continued to pour across the piece of wood that replaced her front sidewalk. “Apparently, customers are hot for construction workers,” laughed Unwind employee Ginny Petersen. “That’s another plus,” Nixon said, joining the table of knitters in a laugh.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
FLORIDA HOME AND CONDO SALES RISE IN DECEMBER 2008
Florida’s existing home, condo sales rise in December 2008
Related Story:
Existing-home sales show strong gain in December, says NAR
ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 26, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in December, making it the fourth consecutive month that sales activity demonstrated gains in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). December’s statewide sales also increased over November’s figures in both the existing home and existing condo markets.Existing home sales rose 27 percent last month with a total of 11,053 homes sold statewide compared to 8,712 homes sold in December 2007, according to FAR. December’s statewide existing home sales were 28.9 percent higher than November’s statewide sales.Florida Realtors also reported a 12 percent gain in statewide sales of existing condominiums in December, marking the third recent month (following September and October) for higher statewide existing home and existing condo sales compared to year-ago levels. Statewide existing condo sales last month increased 37.7 percent over the total units sold in November.Sixteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing-home sales in December; 11 MSAs also showed gains in condo sales, marking the sixth month in a row that a number of markets have reported increased sales activity.Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $155,500; a year ago, it was $213,600 for a 27 percent decrease. According to industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), there remains a significant downward distortion in the current median price due to many discounted sales, including a large number of foreclosures. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in November 2008 was $180,800, down 12.8 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $285,680 in November; in Massachusetts, it was $283,000; in Maryland, it was $262,109; and in New York, it was $210,000.While overall sales have softened nationally in recent months, NAR’s latest housing outlook noted a trend of increasing activity in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada markets. “Sales are rising in areas with large numbers of distressed properties as bargain hunters take advantage of discounted home prices,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “It is imperative to provide incentives for homebuyers to get back into the market. It also depends on how effectively Congress and the new administration can help facilitate the short sales process and unclog the mortgage pipeline – impediments remain for some buyers with good credit.”In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 3,138 units sold statewide compared to 2,814 sold in December 2007 for a 12 percent increase. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $130,600; in December 2007 it was $192,600 for a 32 percent decrease. In the latest data available at press time, NAR reported the national median existing condo price was $185,400 in November 2008.Last month, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.29 percent, significantly lower than the average rate of 6.10 percent in December 2007, according to Freddie Mac. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. Among the state’s large to medium-size markets, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton MSA reported a total of 638 homes sold in December compared to 467 homes a year ago for a 37 percent increase. The existing home median sales price was $246,000; a year ago, it was $337,900 for a 27 percent decrease. In the year-to-year comparison for the existing condo market, a total of 527 units sold in the MSA last month, up 26 percent compared to 419 condos sold the previous December. The market’s existing condo median price was $112,900; a year ago, it was $161,400 for a 30 percent decrease.
Related Story:
Existing-home sales show strong gain in December, says NAR
ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 26, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in December, making it the fourth consecutive month that sales activity demonstrated gains in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). December’s statewide sales also increased over November’s figures in both the existing home and existing condo markets.Existing home sales rose 27 percent last month with a total of 11,053 homes sold statewide compared to 8,712 homes sold in December 2007, according to FAR. December’s statewide existing home sales were 28.9 percent higher than November’s statewide sales.Florida Realtors also reported a 12 percent gain in statewide sales of existing condominiums in December, marking the third recent month (following September and October) for higher statewide existing home and existing condo sales compared to year-ago levels. Statewide existing condo sales last month increased 37.7 percent over the total units sold in November.Sixteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing-home sales in December; 11 MSAs also showed gains in condo sales, marking the sixth month in a row that a number of markets have reported increased sales activity.Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $155,500; a year ago, it was $213,600 for a 27 percent decrease. According to industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), there remains a significant downward distortion in the current median price due to many discounted sales, including a large number of foreclosures. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in November 2008 was $180,800, down 12.8 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $285,680 in November; in Massachusetts, it was $283,000; in Maryland, it was $262,109; and in New York, it was $210,000.While overall sales have softened nationally in recent months, NAR’s latest housing outlook noted a trend of increasing activity in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada markets. “Sales are rising in areas with large numbers of distressed properties as bargain hunters take advantage of discounted home prices,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “It is imperative to provide incentives for homebuyers to get back into the market. It also depends on how effectively Congress and the new administration can help facilitate the short sales process and unclog the mortgage pipeline – impediments remain for some buyers with good credit.”In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 3,138 units sold statewide compared to 2,814 sold in December 2007 for a 12 percent increase. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $130,600; in December 2007 it was $192,600 for a 32 percent decrease. In the latest data available at press time, NAR reported the national median existing condo price was $185,400 in November 2008.Last month, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.29 percent, significantly lower than the average rate of 6.10 percent in December 2007, according to Freddie Mac. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. Among the state’s large to medium-size markets, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton MSA reported a total of 638 homes sold in December compared to 467 homes a year ago for a 37 percent increase. The existing home median sales price was $246,000; a year ago, it was $337,900 for a 27 percent decrease. In the year-to-year comparison for the existing condo market, a total of 527 units sold in the MSA last month, up 26 percent compared to 419 condos sold the previous December. The market’s existing condo median price was $112,900; a year ago, it was $161,400 for a 30 percent decrease.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
NEW OVERPASS BETWEEN CRESTVIEW AND FORT WALTON BEACH HIGHLY DESIRABLE FOR STATE
This connection, which will be located near the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, will make it that much easier for the Northern County residents to enjoy the South part of the County.
Officials lobby for overpass for SR 123
By DUSTY RICKETTS Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4448 dustyr@nwfdailynews.com After years of delays, there finally is some hope that the proposed overpass at the southern intersection of State Roads 85 and 123 could become a reality. The Florida Department of Transportation has had plans for a flyover ramp to connect SR 85 to northbound SR 123 for years. The flyover would reconfigure the congested intersection and eliminate the need for a traffic signal there. The estimated $30.6 million project has been delayed numerous times because of the cost. “The intent is to free up the traffic at that intersection by providing a flyover and some at-grade improvements,” said Tommie Speights, spokesman for the DOT’s Northwest Florida district. “The design on that is not complete.” In 2001, construction was scheduled to begin in fiscal 2007. However, the DOT has delayed the project three times since then. Most recently, Okaloosa County officials were notified in December that the project had been pushed back again from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013. Rather than accepting another delay, the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization met with DOT officials and the overpass has been added to the list of projects proposed by the state to be funded by the federal economic stimulus program. Okaloosa County commissioners will write letters to their state and federal legislators seeking help to get the overpass approved. Commissioners hope the project will start before 2013. “The plans are being updated to current standards in anticipation of potential funding from the economic stimulus package,” Speights said. “The plans will be ready for bid advertisement within a month should funding become available.”
Officials lobby for overpass for SR 123
By DUSTY RICKETTS Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4448 dustyr@nwfdailynews.com After years of delays, there finally is some hope that the proposed overpass at the southern intersection of State Roads 85 and 123 could become a reality. The Florida Department of Transportation has had plans for a flyover ramp to connect SR 85 to northbound SR 123 for years. The flyover would reconfigure the congested intersection and eliminate the need for a traffic signal there. The estimated $30.6 million project has been delayed numerous times because of the cost. “The intent is to free up the traffic at that intersection by providing a flyover and some at-grade improvements,” said Tommie Speights, spokesman for the DOT’s Northwest Florida district. “The design on that is not complete.” In 2001, construction was scheduled to begin in fiscal 2007. However, the DOT has delayed the project three times since then. Most recently, Okaloosa County officials were notified in December that the project had been pushed back again from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013. Rather than accepting another delay, the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization met with DOT officials and the overpass has been added to the list of projects proposed by the state to be funded by the federal economic stimulus program. Okaloosa County commissioners will write letters to their state and federal legislators seeking help to get the overpass approved. Commissioners hope the project will start before 2013. “The plans are being updated to current standards in anticipation of potential funding from the economic stimulus package,” Speights said. “The plans will be ready for bid advertisement within a month should funding become available.”
AIR FORCE RESORT ON OKALOOSA ISLAND MOVING FORWARD
As I have noted in previous weeks, the Planned Military Resort on Okaloosa Island is alive and well. Many thanks to the Military Officer's Association is making it known that this parcel of land would be a great place for our service men and women from around the country to spend time with their families after the many deployments being placed on them. Also, this will draw all military, active, retired and reservist, to this area to enjoy the many things it has to offer. As I have mentioned before, there is more more on the horizon coming to our area.
Eglin: Build Air Force resort on Okaloosa Island
Andrew Gant
January 22, 2009 - 4:45PM
OKALOOSA ISLAND - Eglin Air Force Base officials say their piece of valuable beachfront property here is "underutilized," but a 17-acre military resort on it "could provide a steady income stream."
In a pair of drafts released Wednesday, the Air Force presented its Emerald Breeze Resort proposal as the best possible use for Test Site A-5, a long-coveted but mostly bare parcel next to the Four Points By Sheraton hotel on Okaloosa Island.
"The resort is expected to be a commercial hotel that caters to the military but is open to the public," Mike Spaits, spokesman for Eglin's 96th Air Base Wing, said in a press release.
The A-5 property has about 600 feet of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, bookended by resorts. All that stands behind its fences today is an access road leading to a small storage building with antennae and other utilities - which are only "occasionally used to support test missions," the Air Force said in a 180-page environmental assessment.
But the military imagines a 250-room resort "similar in size and facilities" to the rest of the properties along U.S. Highway 98, including parking, restaurants, bars, swimming pools and some shopping. Alternative energy and other green features would be required "wherever feasible," according to the Air Force's plan.
It has been an interesting several years for Test Site A-5.
As part of the Air Force's 215-acre "Dunes Parcel" - previously valued at $730 million - the test site was once rumored to be part of a proposed land swap between the Air Force and Niceville developer Stephen Alford. For his part, Alford offered acreage in Taylor County for a missile and bomb test range for Eglin. In return, Eglin's beach land would be open for development.
But Alford defrauded investors in the deal, taking an estimated $12 million even though there was no swap. He's since been sentenced to federal prison.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller introduced legislation to require all of Eglin's "surplus" beach property to fall under protection as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. There would be no more talk of swapping.
For Eglin, the resort idea followed.
"Most of the rooms at the resort will be for public use, with a select number of room blocks dedicated for DOD and USAF personnel," according to a "Finding of No Significant Impact" drafted by the Air Force. Part of the rooftop would be secured and reserved for military receivers, sensor equipment and offices to keep A-5 operational.
Under the proposal, the Air Force would contract with a private developer to build and run the resort. Similar military lodges exist at Walt Disney World in Orlando, on Waikiki in Hawaii and in the German Alps.
Eglin officials say no Environmental Impact Statement was necessary because any potential harm to the beach would be minor. Eglin did release summaries of its environmental studies.
Construction could affect essential sand dunes. The Air Force said a restoration plan must be approved in case the dune system is degraded.
The project also must account for existing wetlands and areas where sea turtles hatch.
Spaits said the Air Force will accept public comments on the proposal until March 12. The documents are available here, at www.eglin.af.mil or at libraries in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre and Crestview.
Eglin: Build Air Force resort on Okaloosa Island
Andrew Gant
January 22, 2009 - 4:45PM
OKALOOSA ISLAND - Eglin Air Force Base officials say their piece of valuable beachfront property here is "underutilized," but a 17-acre military resort on it "could provide a steady income stream."
In a pair of drafts released Wednesday, the Air Force presented its Emerald Breeze Resort proposal as the best possible use for Test Site A-5, a long-coveted but mostly bare parcel next to the Four Points By Sheraton hotel on Okaloosa Island.
"The resort is expected to be a commercial hotel that caters to the military but is open to the public," Mike Spaits, spokesman for Eglin's 96th Air Base Wing, said in a press release.
The A-5 property has about 600 feet of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, bookended by resorts. All that stands behind its fences today is an access road leading to a small storage building with antennae and other utilities - which are only "occasionally used to support test missions," the Air Force said in a 180-page environmental assessment.
But the military imagines a 250-room resort "similar in size and facilities" to the rest of the properties along U.S. Highway 98, including parking, restaurants, bars, swimming pools and some shopping. Alternative energy and other green features would be required "wherever feasible," according to the Air Force's plan.
It has been an interesting several years for Test Site A-5.
As part of the Air Force's 215-acre "Dunes Parcel" - previously valued at $730 million - the test site was once rumored to be part of a proposed land swap between the Air Force and Niceville developer Stephen Alford. For his part, Alford offered acreage in Taylor County for a missile and bomb test range for Eglin. In return, Eglin's beach land would be open for development.
But Alford defrauded investors in the deal, taking an estimated $12 million even though there was no swap. He's since been sentenced to federal prison.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller introduced legislation to require all of Eglin's "surplus" beach property to fall under protection as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. There would be no more talk of swapping.
For Eglin, the resort idea followed.
"Most of the rooms at the resort will be for public use, with a select number of room blocks dedicated for DOD and USAF personnel," according to a "Finding of No Significant Impact" drafted by the Air Force. Part of the rooftop would be secured and reserved for military receivers, sensor equipment and offices to keep A-5 operational.
Under the proposal, the Air Force would contract with a private developer to build and run the resort. Similar military lodges exist at Walt Disney World in Orlando, on Waikiki in Hawaii and in the German Alps.
Eglin officials say no Environmental Impact Statement was necessary because any potential harm to the beach would be minor. Eglin did release summaries of its environmental studies.
Construction could affect essential sand dunes. The Air Force said a restoration plan must be approved in case the dune system is degraded.
The project also must account for existing wetlands and areas where sea turtles hatch.
Spaits said the Air Force will accept public comments on the proposal until March 12. The documents are available here, at www.eglin.af.mil or at libraries in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre and Crestview.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
FLORIDA SNOWBIRDS SEEING LOWER TAX BILLS
It looks like some of our favorite investors are starting to see lower property tax bills this year. This along with them finding the Panhandle of Florida, lower interest rates, and new insurance carriers entering the Florida market place should make 2009 an interesting year. So keep your eye on the ball and don't forget to get your market update from the "Trust Platinum Blog".
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – Jan. 21, 2009 – Florida snowbirds, so long left out in the cold when it comes to lower taxes, may find their property tax bills falling this year – along with real estate market values.“The people with the biggest break this year will be non-homesteaded property owners whose values dropped,” said Dale Friedley, a tax analyst with the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.“In most cases those values are dropping between 8 and 15 percent. If their values went down 10 percent and millage is the same, they’ll save 10 percent, compared to last year’s bill,” Friedley added.About 95 percent of Manatee nonhomesteaders will likely pay less on their tax bills this year, Friedley estimated, assuming that the millage rates stay the same.About 78 percent of homesteaded owners saw actual savings last year on their tax assessments, though maybe not as much as they would have liked.A state rule passed in 1995 requires assessed property values to grow by 3 percent or by the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less, as long as the property’s market value doesn’t dip below the assessed value.That means even homeowners whose property’s market value dropped over the past year might see lower savings or even a slight increase in their taxes, he said, adding that’s especially true for valuable homes.“Generally, if you’re just looking at your tax bill, this will probably be the first good year for snowbirds in awhile,” said Kurt Wenner, director of tax research for Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit research foundation.“Snowbirds are probably going to see a reduction in their taxes, or at least are not going to grow at the rate they’ve been growing,” he added. “The tax shift occurred over the last 15 years, it might be a little shifted back this year.”“This could be the first year where people under Save Our Homes taxes go up, and people with non-homestead properties go down,” said Wenner.Still, it all depends upon what local government decides when it comes to setting millage rates, Wenner emphasized. The higher the amount of revenue government requires, the more taxpayers can expect to pay, he noted.Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1 last year. It effectively doubled the homestead exemption on nonschool taxes for primary homeowners to $50,000; made the Save Our Homes tax protection more portable; and created a $25,000 tax break on tangible personal property for businesses. Amendment 1 also placed a 10 percent cap on yearly increases in assessments for nonhomesteaded properties, saving snowbirds from the astronomical tax increases they’d seen in years past.However, the 10 percent cap this year may seem irrelevant to snowbirds, since values for most of them are dropping.Copyright © 2009 The Bradenton Herald, Fla., Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – Jan. 21, 2009 – Florida snowbirds, so long left out in the cold when it comes to lower taxes, may find their property tax bills falling this year – along with real estate market values.“The people with the biggest break this year will be non-homesteaded property owners whose values dropped,” said Dale Friedley, a tax analyst with the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.“In most cases those values are dropping between 8 and 15 percent. If their values went down 10 percent and millage is the same, they’ll save 10 percent, compared to last year’s bill,” Friedley added.About 95 percent of Manatee nonhomesteaders will likely pay less on their tax bills this year, Friedley estimated, assuming that the millage rates stay the same.About 78 percent of homesteaded owners saw actual savings last year on their tax assessments, though maybe not as much as they would have liked.A state rule passed in 1995 requires assessed property values to grow by 3 percent or by the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less, as long as the property’s market value doesn’t dip below the assessed value.That means even homeowners whose property’s market value dropped over the past year might see lower savings or even a slight increase in their taxes, he said, adding that’s especially true for valuable homes.“Generally, if you’re just looking at your tax bill, this will probably be the first good year for snowbirds in awhile,” said Kurt Wenner, director of tax research for Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit research foundation.“Snowbirds are probably going to see a reduction in their taxes, or at least are not going to grow at the rate they’ve been growing,” he added. “The tax shift occurred over the last 15 years, it might be a little shifted back this year.”“This could be the first year where people under Save Our Homes taxes go up, and people with non-homestead properties go down,” said Wenner.Still, it all depends upon what local government decides when it comes to setting millage rates, Wenner emphasized. The higher the amount of revenue government requires, the more taxpayers can expect to pay, he noted.Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1 last year. It effectively doubled the homestead exemption on nonschool taxes for primary homeowners to $50,000; made the Save Our Homes tax protection more portable; and created a $25,000 tax break on tangible personal property for businesses. Amendment 1 also placed a 10 percent cap on yearly increases in assessments for nonhomesteaded properties, saving snowbirds from the astronomical tax increases they’d seen in years past.However, the 10 percent cap this year may seem irrelevant to snowbirds, since values for most of them are dropping.Copyright © 2009 The Bradenton Herald, Fla., Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
GREEN HOME FEATURES GROWING IN DEMAND
WASHINGTON – Jan. 20, 2009 – Today’s home buyers are asking for more green features as a means of lowering costs, becoming more environmentally friendly, and adopting a healthier lifestyle.“Green features are becoming one of the top three priorities, after price and location,” says Joseph Himali, Washington’s Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors Board of Directors president.Green features focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and indoor air quality and include such elements as Energy Star appliances, low-flow shower heads, carpets and paint with low volatile organic compounds, and building materials procured from local suppliers.The average green buyer will shell out $12,400 – on average – for green features, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) green-building standards program manager Kevin Morrow expects the market share of green-certified homes to rise to 20 percent in 2010 from about 10 percent in 2009 and 2 percent in 2006.Tax credits and other financial incentives, coupled with green certifications, makes it easier for buyers, builders, and real estate professionals to go green.Source: Washington Times, Lisa Rauschart (01/09/09)
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