Bonita Springs Florida Central

Pelican Landing is a masterfully planned on 2,365 acres of land in Bonita Springs, Florida.  It is bordered on the south by Spring Creek, which the State of Florida designated an "Outstanding Florida Water," and on the west by Estero Bay, an aquatic preserve leading to the Gulf of Mexico.  The northern boundary is Coconut Road. 

The Pelican Landing is located west of US 41 in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Bonita Springs is south of the city of Fort Myers and north of the city of Naples.  From Interstate 75, exit 116 is the closest exit.  Southwest Florida International Airport is approximately 20-30 minutes away.  The new Coconut Point Mall is within biking distance.

Preserving the pristine natural beauty of this community has been achieved through careful planning.  Towering, mature live oaks, pine trees, and cypress trees are intertwined with winding roads.  Intimate neighborhoods are landscaped with wild palmettos, slash pines, and Florida's state tree, the sabal palm.  Homeowners are encouraged to use existing vegetation in their landscape plans and to supplement with native plants as much as possible. 

Pelican Landing began in 1985 with the creation of the 18-hole Pelican's Nest Golf Club.  The course architect is Tom Fazio and is set on 369 acres.  It was originally planned to be a sister community of Pelican Bay.  The developer of Pelican Landing, WCI Communties, began purchasing property in the surrounding area to expand development.  It wasn't long before Pelican Landing became one of the premiere Bonita Springs communities.  The course now boasts 36 holes.

Pelican Landing's housing styles include single family homes, villas, coach homes, garden condominiums, mid-rise condominiums, and bay front highrise tower  condominiums with sweeping bay and gulf views.

The Pelican Landing Community Association, Inc. (PLCA) is the master association for the community.  The Association is dedicated to maintaining the community, preserving it's natural beauty, controlling access to the community, and managing recreational amenities.  The PLCA management office is located at:  24501 Walden Center Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.

Pelican Landing offers a variety of amenities.

Fitness Center:  The Fitness Center, located in the Community Center, is a Pelican Landing Community Association amenity.  The Association maintains this 2,400 square foot, state-of-the-art Fitness Center equipped with cardiovascular and resistance equipment permitting both aerobic and strength training for a balanced exercise program.  The Fitness Center offers the opportunity for any resident of Pelican Landing to get physically fit.  A list of personal trainers is available from the Activities Director.

Entry and access can only be gained by a photo I.D. card. 

Beach Park:

A beautiful 34-acre gulf island Beach Park is one of Pelican Landing Community Association's amenities.  It is located at the northern end of Big Hickory Island, the Beach Park is accessible by Pelican Landing's boat shuttle from Coconut Point Marina.  Visitors may enjoy swimming, sunning, shelling, bird watching, or even fishing.  Facilities include a beach house with open decks, restrooms, shower facilities, nature library, two open-air picnic pavilions, and a large screened in picnic pavilion with deck.  Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided.

Sailing Center:

Open sailing, courtesy sailboat rides andfFree sailing lessons and qualifications sessions are available by appointment.  Races and other activities are available, also.

Bocce Court

The bocce courts are located behind the Community Center.  During the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. daily, bocce courts can be reserved for play.  Residents may reserve a bocce court up to three days in advance by visiting the Community Center front desk.  For all other hours, bocce courts can be used by those who have their own equipment on a first come, first served basis.

Tennis Center:  Twelve state-of-the-art tennis courts are available to residents and their guests seven days a week.  The Tennis Center is managed by an experienced tennis professional.  Club events such as tournaments, resident tennis socials, and league play are organized and available to residents.  Lessons are available.

Canoe/Kayak Park:  The Canoe Park is located on Pelican's Nest Drive.  It is one of Pelican Landing Community Association's amenities.  The canoes and kayaks are for residents to use on Spring Creek, a quiet creek that leads to Estero Bay.  The Canoe Park includes a launch, docks, scenic boardwalk, and picnic area.  In addition, there are canoe/kayak racks for resident-owned vessels. 

The Communities of Pelican Landing:

Click:  THE TIDES AT PELICAN LANDING If you are looking for information specifically related to The Tides, as it is not a community within Pelican Landing.  It is simply built next to Pelican Landing.

There are 299,968,595 people in the United States of America. If everyone in the U.S. lined up single file, the line would stretch around the Earth almost 7 times. That's a lot of people.

The U.S. Census Bureau statistics tell us that there are at least 88,799 different last names and 5,163 different first names in common use in the United States. Some names are more common than others.

There are 49,535 people named John Smith in the United States.  There are 1,048 people named James Bond, 113 people named Harry Potter , 503 people named George Bush, and 2 people named Britney Spears (don't you feel bad for the other one?).  However, Johnny Cash (39 people) songs aside there are, statistically speaking, no boys named Sue. 

There are 106 people named Chris Griffith (don't you feel bad for 105 of them?).

What about you? How many people share your name? Enter it and find out how many of you there are.

http://www.howmanyofme.com/

Now, you just have to know this isn't a tutorial, it's a rant, right? 

Currently, I have a handful of listings in Spring Run at The Brooks in Bonita Springs, Fl.  The owner of one of my fine listings has tenants for the month of February.  There have been a few small items that popped up that needed repaired.  I took care them as they popped up.  The tenants took care of one small detail.  It looks like someone broke the glass to the fire extinguisher near the condo front door.  I guess the home owner association property management company sent someone out and the glass was replaced.

A few days ago I received a call regarding the garage door at the condo.  It wasn't working and would only go part way up or down.  The tenants left for the weekend to a seminar in central Florida.  I took a very tall, mechanically minded friend over to give the door a look before we ordered a new opener and spent the big bucks.  It was a minor fix.  (This might be to technical, LOL)  We surmised that the sun was shining on the "beamer" and the door woudn't operate due to the safety feature "beamer".  When the door wasn't working correctly the tenants fiddled with the rope over ride and it became unlatched from the track rendering it useless.  A 5 minute fix, thankfully.

I left a note for the tenants in the kitchen and left.  On the way to the car I noticed the fire extinguisher.  What I saw made my blood boil. It's all about the details.  Whoever "fixed" the glass needs to be brained.  I realize replacing the glass isn't rocket surgery, but come on!  Can you not pick up the old glass? 

On the way to the front door, the homeowners and any potential buyers are greeted by a pile of glass under the extinguisher and a pile of glass in the fire extinguisher box.  In addition, the screws were never replaced at the top of the box by whomever repaired it.  Looks like Monday morning I'll take the box apart and make it look how it's suppose to look.  It shouldn't be too difficult since THE SCREWS ARE MISSING.  The devil's in the details.

Today was return day at the Home Expo in Naples, Florida.  The house I'm remodeling is getting closer to the end and the "left over" parts are starting to go back.  Every time I tour the Expo plaza there is a truck there that just cracks me up.  The first truck that cracked me up was a rolling FSBO advertisement:  Real Estate Fer Sale In Florida.

I was running late because I picked up hitchhikers.  I was taking photos in Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs and stumble onto a couple ladies and a young girl whose car was pulled over with the hood up.  They were hardly a danger so I dropped them off safe at home, but it put a chink in my time frame.  Well, I pulled in the plaza and had to get to the Expo before 3:30 p.m. so I had to pass the truck.  It was there!  On a day when I had my camera, too!  Well, I got in and out of the store in a few minutes.  My trusted buddy Jack (yes, he IS a dog, Marc!) was waiting.  We circled the lot and it was gone!  I couldn't believe I was DENIED! 

I made a last ditch effort and swung by Earth Outfitters and there it was, parked in front of the store.  I hopped out and snapped this shot.  By the way, everyone at Earth Outfitters is so nice.  They help hook me up for my ski trips.  I hope you all enjoy their promotional moose truck as much as I do!  I'm sorry I missed him at Christmas, he was decorated appropriately!

The fantastic beaches of Bonita Springs, Florida have attracted visitors from around the world.  Lucky home and condo owners get to live right on the Bonita Beach or Barefoot Beach and see those fantastic sunsets almost every day of the year.

A local resident couple decided to capture the beauty every single day of the year for one year.  The result is:  "Skyblue Pink: 365 Days of Sunsets From Florida's Gulf Coast".  It has been compiled into book form and is now available at their website:  www.skybluepink365.com

I first heard the story of this book a few months ago.  I had actually taken the time to go see the sunset and afterwords I stopped at my favorite local restaurant,  Toucan Grille on Bonita Beach Road.  When I walked in with that "wind blown" look the owner of the restaurant asked how the sunset was.  He recognized the look, as many visitors stop by the restaurant after sunset.  He then shared that he had heard of a a couple of local residents that are taking photos at the beach, and publishing a book.  They're making a one year long book of sunsets.  Now, fast forward a few months.  I actually received an email from Jason and Kristyn Schwarts, the authors, inviting me to their website to view and perhaps order a book.  They must have seen some of my sunset photos on Active Rain and the Bonita Banner Newspaper website. 

I was really impressed with the book and most especially the great price.  Cost: $29.95 + $3.00 S/H per book and it's even autographed by the authors.  It occurred to me that anyone that is in the real estate industry in SW Florida may want to know about this book for a few reasons:

• Consider using SkyBlue Pink a a closing gift. 
• It's a beautiful portait of the beaches and it would be a great coffee table book.
• It's a great gift to give to local friends.
• It's a great gift to give to someone that is seasonal or misses the area.

To read more about the SkyBlue Pink also read:  Bonita Daily News, Naples Daily News, and Wink News.

The photo is courtesy of Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Realtor.  Yes, my own photo.  Additional photos will be posted from the book when I receive permission from the authors.

A couple of years ago I flew from Bonita Springs Florida to Sun City, Arizona and took the SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist Course by SAREC.  It was very informative and I learned a lot about marketing to Seniors and products  and services that benefit our aging population of Baby Boomers. 

Shall we say say I've celebrated my 18th birthday a couple times... I'm not a eligible for AARP, but I've noticed an increasing issue with getting jars and bottles open.  I have actually even called my son to come by to pop a lid on his way to work. 

I've dragged my feet a bit, but I think it's time for professional help.  

I'm an excellent candidate for an electric jar opener.  In my research I found this little beauty.  It looks very fashionable, but I think it's missing an important feature.  The bottle opener.  I drink a lot of pint or quart bottles of water.  I often grab one on my way out the door.  I'd like to, at least, break the seal before I leave the house.

I feel compelled to buy fashion over function, but the functions of the Lids Off® Open-It-All® Center have really swayed me.

Features of Lids Off® Open-It-All® Center:

• It's new this year - it includes and automatic can openers and bottle opener.
• It saves counter space with 3-in-1 appliance: jar, can and bottle opener.
• Requires absolutley no hand strenght.
• Opens Jars in seconds with the touch of a button.
• Opens all size cans, even the tallest ones, with hands free operation.
• Bottle opener!

The prices run from about $35-55.  More information on both of these products can be found at the Black and Decker website.   I welcome any comments of review from anyone that may already have one of the two products above.

More information about SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialst, can be found at their website, here:  Seniors Real Estate Specialst.

More infomation about Bonita Springs 55+ Active Adult communities can be found at my website.

Also read:  Senior Savvy  and Senior Discount for more tips.

Bonita Fairways is a 3400-yard, par 61, 18 hole executive golf course designed by Gordon Lewis. It is a Bonita Springs Golf course that  and is located on West Terry Street in Bonita Springs, Florida.

This course challenges your short game as well as your long game. There are seven par 4's; the remainder are par 3's. The front nine feature hills and valleys, sand traps, and several small waterholes. The back nine keep you on your toes with larger waterholes, sand traps, and doglegs--all surrounded by a pristine nature preserve. After play wind down at The Gator Hole Pub & Grill for a great lunch, cold drinks, or just a little friendly conversation and bragging. 

Bonita Fairways hosts a 19,000-square-foot clubhouse.  This two-story structure features a fitness room, library, commercial kitchen, card room, billiards and poker table, stage, meeting rooms, and the banquet room, overlooking lake and fountain. 

Other amenities include lighted tennis and shuffleboard courts, a lushly-landscaped pool and whirlpool spa, the putting green, driving range, and a public, 18-hole executive golf course designed by Gordon Lewis.

Home of Bermuda Links.

So many people are thirsty for information on Active Rain.  If it were possible to read blog posts for 24 hours most would be found to be dripping in eager anticipation of what could happen next, tons of questions asked and hope to find better ways to be a blogger/realtor/stager/mortgage broker, etc.  But where do those awesome blogs begin?  How did that intriguing, influential author begin to master and wrangle words into motivating and informational posts?  There are so many people waiting or wondering for answers.  They may feel they weren't told where the line to successful blogging starts.  They may be lurking, just waiting for the point to jump in.

Remember the first time you found Active Rain?  Remember filling out the profile and posting that first blog? Boy, a lot of times that first blog is kind of rough.  Maybe juvenile.  It's the Internet's version of the first bike ride without training wheels.  I have always left my first rotten post up, unedited so that anyone (newbies or those that are intimidated)  could see that my first post sucked eggs.  Code doesn't work, or it didn't at the time of that post; who knows it may in the future and this link would be irrelevant. Feel free to look at my First Post, be sure to rate it a 5, too LOL.  That's the point of this blog.  Show it all, the bad posts....and the good.

Seriously, anyone can blog.  It's almost like a muscle.  It gets easier with time and practice.  (Oh, and those are my abs, don't make me show the before, too)  I don't claim to be a Picasso of Blogging, but thank gawsh I got better than that first one.

The Active Rain Challenge Of The Week:  Post a link to your first blog, warts and all.  Roberta Lee, that means even if it's not good. :)  The prize for the Worst Post Ever Nomination Contest is:  You are invited to also post a link to a blog you wrote that you feel was exceptionally good material.  Maybe it was one of those posts that was really good, but it just slipped through the cracks and not many people recognized it.  It get's a second chance.

Since I've already shown my worst post, this is a nomination for one of my better "missed" posts:  Bonita Springs Florida - Buying A Home Long Distance  .

This is a great opportunity to show others or newbies the growth you have made as a blogger and show the new bloggers that it is a process.  Plus, you might have more exposure to your favorite blog post that was overlooked.

Oh, an you can rate this blog, too.  :) 

Several days ago I wrote a blog titled:  Internet - With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty Basically the blog was about being responsible and swift when dealing with internet leads.  There is almost no time to waste when responding to a request that comes via the Internet, be it your website or blog.  The client/customer will quickly move on to the next agent; the agent that answers that email or phone call.

I spent the day yesterday with Buyers that I was introduced to through the Internet.  I'm not sure where they found me, but I'm thinking they did end up on localism.com  since they shared with me that when they were doing their research I was "all over the web".  There aren't a lot of agents in my area contributing to Localism, so the Bonita Springs, Florida page kind of, sort of ...uh....looks like a tribute to ME.  ME-Me_mi-mE-ME!  Anywho, this was a research trip for them.  I wasn't expecting a check book to come out on this trip.  Late yesterday I received an email from the buyer asking for the current listings in Bonita Bay.  Today, they will be golfing with friends in that community and I think they want to drive around.  I promptly sent the listings.  This morning I had an email in my box that read:

Chris, I received all three emails. Thanks very much for your quick turn around. I'm always a bit concerned doing things over the internet for the first time but we could not have found a more professional and responsive agent to work with. We appreciate all your time and effort. I will be in touch with you next week or call you later today if we have any questions.   Regards, XXX

Even when you think there is no payoff, you realize there is a payoff.  That email made my day, by the way.  It proves that I'm doing it right.  I know that when the Buyers return to Bonita Springs they will call me.  They shared with me that they had looked in several locations across Florida.  I got the feeling that they had never had anyone really deliver the information they were looking for.  I'm so glad I set the bar high!

What a day. Is it a full moon?  The phone never quit ringing and every time I was on the phone another call slipped into voicemail.  I see on caller I.D. that Marc Blasi called, while I was on the phone with Colleen Kulikowski .  I'll have to get back to him tomorrow.

In the midst of this strange and busy day I received a call from an agent that showed one of my listings in Spring Run, which is a golfing community in Bonita Springs, Florida.  She had buyers that were really interested.  So interested that they wanted to golf the course to make sure it was THE place for them.

Now, my fellow Florida Realtors will get a kick out of this story.  The "potential buyers" are a "few" people that are interested in purchasing the home with an LLC.  No big deal and permitted by the association bylaws.  The next statement was followed by an fantastic request.  There are four, yes four, couples that are buying under this LLC.  They all want me to find a way to get the golf pro to get them on the golf course tomorrow, which is Saturday, in peak tourist season and it's a private course. 

That would be a total of eight, 8, ocho, 4x2=8 people, that haven't put anything in writing but want me to ride my unicorn into the clubhouse, trade magic beans for a tee time and eat a bowl of porage, I guess.  Well, Goldie Locks needs stiches on her chin because her jaw hit the floor. 

(Oh, one more thing.  This is a two bedroom + den villa.  It currently sleeps 4.)

I actually spoke with the Pro so I wouldn't get bad Karma just for calling the agent back and saying no.  I even spoke with the home owner to make sure he didn't "know people" or know a loophole.  No dice.  When I called back with my report I found that the "potential buyers" then wanted to know how to coordinate the ownership of the golf membership.  It is transferrable and the membership allows for two free transfers, any transfers after that are $200 a crack.  The agent then tells me, "But they all want to golf at the same time".   I kindly explained, "I think I misunderstood exactly (all of) what you were asking, here is the phone number of the golf pro". 

Apparently, this group of buyers wants a golf membership in Bonita Springs.  They have invited their entire high school graduating class to the LLC and they all want equal priveledges to the country club amenties. 

Seriously, I admire the effort.  All joking aside, it's a s_t_r_e_t_c_h.  I admire the creativity, but I don't think it's going to work.  The rest of the world would have already circumvented paying for golf memberships in lieu of this type of golf membership time-share.  Heck, my crafty parents and their renegade golf league, called "The Bandits", would have grifted this one years ago.