Venice Bits

Summer is here and the days are hot (95 F)  with full sun. Even the Florida natives are enjoying the Gulf waters.  

Real estate sold units for May of this year as compared with May of 2008 were the same 118, which is a stable sign.  Sales for this year in May were $22,680,444 as compared with $28,753,350 for last year.   That brings the average sale price down from last year of $243,672 to $292,207.  It's still a buyers market.  Interesting fact is that condos this May  were up in volume to 34 units as compared with 18 in May 2008.  It's interesting as financing for condos has become more restrictive in the last year.  Single home units were 84 for this year and 100 for last May.

Good news for the local beach areas is federal funding to improve the current facilities for the public by building boardwalks, bathrooms, etc.  Caspersen Beach is to receive 3.5 million alone to  ensure it remains as natural and beautiful as ever.  The remaining 4 million will go to other Sarasota county beach areas.   

Most activity in Venice  during the summer is beach and boating but on June 20-21 there is a Centennial Park Craft Fair downtown.  It's always fun.

I took a very enjoyable canoe trip in Oscar Scherer Park.  Saw lots of alligators, scrubjays and a friend did sight a bobcat.   This is a great park to see and call ahead for camping in the park.   

Heading to Paws beach today for some fun in the water with the family dog. Have a great day outside.