Venice Bits

Totals for the second quarter, (May, June, July) are above  last years figures.  Total units sold in 2009 was 480 with a volume of $83,437,135, compared to this years units sold of 515 for a total volume of $96,671,533.  The median price for 2009 was $160,000 as compared to $154,000 for this year.  Average price in 2009 was $202,517 compared to 2010 of $187,712.

Buyers are taking advantage of the low prices and low interest rates.  Cash accounts for 61% of the purchases, financing account for 35% with 4% other.  These are indications of a continuing, progressive upward market for a year now.

In the Sarasota Herald Tribune headlines read " Oil Risks Seen As Low Here".  The long-term chance of oil as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, that  use computer modeling to estimate the chances of oil reaching  Sarasota and Venice,  Florida, as less than 1%.  The loop current flows clockwise in the Gulf,  causing oil to shift away from our area along with a continental shelf stretching more that 150 miles off our coast.  Last week I've had the opportunity to spend some time on the nearby beaches and it was clean and the water was warm and clear with sandbars and waves.

Venice appears close to a resolution with the Federal Aviation Administration about the local airport.  This is good news for residents of the Gulf Shores neighborhood.  Changes to the airport would includes shifting one of the runways toward the intracoastal waterway and adding  a crushable concrete bumper at the end.  The Lake Venice Golf  Club would remove the driving range and reconfigure two holes on its course.  Venice City council will have a look at the preliminary plan at its July 13 meeting. 

Venice did another dazzling fireworks show this Fourth of July.  Many spectators who weathered the rain drops agreed it was worth the trip. 

Hope you had a wonderful July 4th and  hope to see you this summer. 

Alice