Bonita Springs Florida Central

Two days ago I was driving through a gated community in Bonita Springs, Florida and passed a lawn maintenance truck with a Southern Cross license plate on the front bumper of his truck.  My stomach turned.  It bothered me enough to say it out loud.  Say what?  "I'd never hire that guy to mow my yard because he's stupid enough to think that's cool".  I am not a huge fan of being "P.C." just to be P.C. but the darn thing bothers me.

The Confederate battle flag, called the "Southern Cross" or the cross of St. Andrew. It's described now,  as a proud emblem of Southern heritage and as reminder of slavery and segregation.

In the past, several Southern states flew the Confederate battle flag along with the U.S. and state flags over their statehouses. Others incorporated the controversial symbol into the design of their state flags. The Confederate battle flag has also been appropriated by the Ku Klux Klan and other racist hate groups. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, more than 500 extremist groups use the Southern Cross as one of their symbols.

Personally, I've struggled with the Southern Cross flag and it's meaning.  Years ago my own boys wanted to put one in the bed of their pick up truck.  Similar to the way you might have seen American flags mounted in trucks driving around shortly after the Towers went down.  The boys just didn't "get" it. 

1. They couldn't explain to me what the flag meant to them and why they wanted to parade around town with it on their person. 
2. They couldn't explain to me why they wouldn't bleed to death if someone shot them because they thought they were Klan or something worse.

They just didn't know better and I wasn't havin' it.  The flag didn't get mounted in their truck.  End of story.

I just wonder how many other little symbols like this cost you, me and other people business just because we don't know better.  If you have any examples to share, make yourself at home in the comments.

To Learn More Read:  The Anti Defamation League

Even when the sun isn't out, it's still beautiful.  This photo was taken on Vanderbilt Beach, Naples, Florida at the site where Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park entry gate is located and the new Moraya Bay Tower Condominium is being built.  There are miles of beach heading north to Wiggins Pass that is all preserve and protected from development.  It's a must see when you visit the area.

I'm a lucky ducky.  A few weeks ago I had carpet cleaned at one of my Estero real estate listings.  It had an odor that proved to not be a pet, after ultra violet testing.  Aroma Carpet came to me as a referral from a fellow KW agent in my office.  Everything went well and the house smells great!

The bacon saving came just a few days ago.  A listing I had was cleaned but the carpets just looked soiled and worn.  I recalled how nice the cleaned carpets looked in the last listing Aroma cleaned for me so I called them.  It was 8:00 p.m. and I got Ayman's voice mail.  I told him I had a condo I needed cleaned straight away and if he could fit me in it would mean the world to me.  My phone rang at 10:00 p.m. and it was Ayman.  He had arranged to squeeze in my little condo listing in Estero between appointments.  How great is that?

The carpet looked like new and for a reasonable fee the buyers walked into a sparkling condo!

If you're in the Bonita Springs or Estero area and need:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Carpet Stretching
• Leather Protection
• Pet Odor Removal
• Tile and Grout Cleaning
• Marble and Stone Care
• 24 Hour Water Damage Clean Up
• Drying Services
• Pressure Washing

Call Ayman at Aroma Carpet 239-947-8515

If you're under contract to purchase a unit at Moraya Bay or you're watching and waiting for progress reports, this is it.  There isn't a whole bunch happening at the site, but ground has been broken and the concrete is being poured.

For those who may not know, the Vanderbilt Inn is no longer.  It has been demolished to make way for Moraya Bay, a luxury high rise condominium tower. 

The building is located near Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park.   With the Gulf of Mexico steps from the building the primary focus is the beach and stunning sunsets. 

Additional amenities include an 18 hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, plus access to The Floridian Club which is a fully-staffed beach club which offeris members & their guests food and drink service, a swimming pool and private beach access.

If you're interested in learning more about Moraya Bay or Aqua at Wiggins Pass, call today.

To learn more about the Naples, Florida area, read also:  Naples Florida Information

Today while driving down Bonita Beach Road I nearly passed Safari Golf before I swooped in for a picture.  Oh, the memories... 

How many birthday parties and family nights have Bonitians spent here?  I know my family has nearly worn out the course.

The last party we had at Safari Golf (when I was on the verge of being on the outside looking in at teenager-dom) was a birthday party. I guess the kids were about 13 or 14.  They were embarassed by my plan...at first. 

We loaded up all the kids from the party and hit the course at Safari Golf.  One rule and one rule only:  The penalty for every swing a putter takes with the ball does not go into the hole is one balloon.  One balloon blown up and safety pinned to their clothes.  Within a matter off minutes they all looked like the Fruit-of-the-Loom grape guy.  They all had a blast.  It was alot of fun to watch, too.

If you're in the area and you're looking for an affordable, good time, stop in at Safari Golf on Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs, Florida and play a round.  BYOB (Bring your own balloons).

Safari Golf Map

Enjoy the photos, slightly overcast, but Bonita Springs is still pretty none the less.

While the Bonita Springs and Estero areas await the completion of the Arts District it's important to note the other venues that offer the arts and entertainment.

Most notably, The Naples Philharmonic Center - Daniels Pavilion more commonly know to locals at "The Phil" and Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.  Bonita Springs is located dead center between the two venues. 

The fall season for performing arts is just kicking off.  Tickets are available online and at the box office for a variety of shows, concerts, ballet and acts. 

Personally, I've had the opportunity to attend performances at both Halls.  At The Phil I've seen the Nutcracker performed by the Miami City Ballet, Brigadoon, The Army Field Band and a variety of other shows that were part of being a field trip chaperone for Lee County Schools.  Most recently I've been to Barbara B. Mann Hall to see Tony Bennett, Cheryl Crow and Carrot Top (don't judge).  Ron White, the comedian will be coming soon.

In addition to the two halls, Germain Arena in Estero Florida hosts a variety of events, concerts and activities.

For more information about local concerts at any of the venues also read:

• The Phil
• Barbara B Mann Hall
• Germain Arena

If you're outside of the area and  looking for the local newspaper or news outlets for Southwest Florida, which includes: Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, this is a great place to start.

Print Media

• http://www.bonitabanner.com/  Bonita Banner - Bonita Springs, Florida
• http://www.news-press.com/  Fort Myers News Press - Fort Myers, Florida
• http://www.naplesnews.com/ Naples Daily News - Naples, Florida
• www.marconews.com  Marco Island Eagle - Marco Island, Florida
• www.lehighnewsstar.com Lehigh Acres News Star - Lehigh Acres, Florida
• http://www.swfl-news.com Southwest Florida News

Television - Cable Media

• http://www.nbc-2.com/ NBC Television Fort Myers, Florida
• http://www.winktv.com/ CBS Television Fort Myers, Florida
• www.abc-7.com  ABC Television Fort Myers, Florida

*updated*

Hallelujah!  We're on the cusp of entering October and we've not seen a storm yet!  If you're not familiar, June through November is prime storm (hurricane) season in the southeast.  A few years back we took a beating down here in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Well, this year we had a reprieve; a well earned respite from tropical winds.

The fact of the matter is Southwest Florida  and the Bonita Springs area has enjoyed a long history of very few storms.  What?!  Southwest Florida has actually seen fewer storms than most of the Southeast.  Take a look at this hurricane history map.  Bonita Springs is locate in the areas where hurricane Isabell came ashore on the gulf coast of Florida.

It's never been a better time to buy Bonita Springs and Estero Florida real estate.  The property values have adjusted, inventory offers choice and we're just about to enter our most beautiful time of the year.  We're just weeks away from powder blue sky's and our world famous, near rain free winters.

You will not find another home of this quality in Wildcat Run!  This home offers 4 bedrooms + den, 3.5 baths.  Over 3,136 square feet of living space with it's own private pool, spa and brick paver driveway.  Additional parking area is also brick pavers.  This home must be seen to be appreciated and has recently be repriced for a fast sale.  This estate home on a 1/2 acre home site is offered at $925,000

Spectacular golf course and lake views. This is one of the most amazing opportunities in Wildcat Run.

This is new construction.  No detail has been overlooked!

• Windows and doors all imported from Germany and exceed hurricane standards.
• Roof tiles are terracotta (not concrete).
• Granite on all counter-tops.
• Porcelain tile (not ceramic).
• Tumbled Marble, Crown Moldings, Tray Ceilings, Framed Accent Panels, Framed Mirrors, Custom Woodwork throughout.
• All walls are metal framed and insulated in the entire home.
• Flooring is "furniture grade" hickory hardwood in bedrooms and den.
• Solid core panel interior doors.
• Outstanding outdoor kitchen.
• Attic space above garage is floored for storage.
• Garage extended and insulated.
• Upgraded lanai package, upgraded outside lighting package, upgraded landscape package, upgraded pavers on driveway with expanding parking areas and sidewalks.
• Well for irrigation.

If you are looking for the best built home in Wildcat Run, look no more. This is security, quality and peace of mind at its best!

Wildcat Run boast very large lots with sweeping golf course, lake and cypress preserve views.  To learn more about Wildcat Run and the amenities also read Wildcat Run - Estero Florida - Golf & Country Club

Call today for more details about this fine estate home.  Chris Griffith 239-273-7430  Keller Williams Elite Realty, Inc.

Wildcat Cove is an enclave of 40 single family villa homes in Wildcat Run in Estero, Florida. 

There are four floor plans available (on a resale basis) from 2,160 to 2,475 square feet of air-conditioned living space 3,075 to 3,571 total square feet.  The floor plans in Wildcat Cove are also available in Pelican Sound, Gateway and Pelican Preserve - Fort Myers.

All owners in Wildcat Cove are social members of the Wildcat Run Country Club. 

Golf equity memberships are available for the 18 hole, championship, Arnold Palmer designed course. 

To learn more about the amenities of Wildcat Run also read:  Wildcat Run - Estero Florida - Golf & Country Club

Villa pricing at Wildcat Cove starts in the high $400,000's.