Condo in Sun Village Court, New Smyrna Beach, FL Now Available

A super location in Sun Beach Club awaits you! Being so close to the no-drive beach in New Smyrna will entice you to the white sandy shores! This could be a great rental property with long term tenants in place who want to stay. The unit features cathedral ceilings, ceiling fans, inside laundry, architectural windows framing a nice view of tropical woods, loads of privacy, a deck, and is a short distance to shopping, dining, biking and trails. All appliances are included and a fireplace for the chilly winter evenings. Complex has pool and lawn. Seller will include some furniture – dining room, living room, beds, and dressers.

Maint Fee Covers: Building Insurance , Common Area , Exterior Paint , Lawn , Pest Control , Pool . Maint Fee: 315

Directions: South on I95 to SR44 to New Smyrna Bch, so on Atlantic Ave to right on Sun Village.

Contact me for a private showing. 386-679-3191, sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

Nesting Black Skimmers Prefer Daytona Beach

On Tuesday morning, a pair of the federally and state-protected birds was discovered with an egg in a nest on the beach in front of the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Jennifer Winters, who oversees Volusia County's beach habitat conservation program, suspects it's the same pair of skimmers that nested here the past two years. The county had mounted a concerted effort with 14 wooden decoys to attract the birds to undeveloped dunes in Ponce Inlet, but the birds had other plans. Typically this bird nests in large colonies or groups throughout Florida and many other coastal states from New York to Texas.

The first year the birds nested in a vacant lot at Sun Splash Park in Daytona Beach, Winters said. Since the birds had moved south last year, Winters and a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Alex Kropp, had hoped to entice them a little farther south this year. Instead, the birds moved more northward, and settled again in Daytona Beach.

Winters is rounding up volunteers to help protect the nest and pass out educational fliers to teach people about the skimmers. Volunteers will be needed for about six weeks. It takes up to 25 days for an egg to hatch and up to another 30 days for a chick to be able to fly on its own. According to David Hartgrove, president of the Halifax River Audubon chapter, black skimmers are not always good parents, and usually use large colonies as a form of protection for the chicks to be sheltered by the sheer numbers of birds in one area.

Environmental Management staff has cordoned off the area around the nest and will be monitoring the situation daily. They also are coordinating with state and federal wildlife officials as required by the county’s federally approved HCP which governs how the county protects sea turtles, piping plovers, nesting shorebirds, and other coastal wildlife and habitat.

Visitors to Volusia County beaches near the nest can expect to observe the parents in the vicinity of the nest, taking turns protecting the egg and skimming the water to feed on fish. If the birds appear agitated, there may be another type of bird preying nearby. People crowding too close also can disturb the birds and delay the incubation time. Onlookers should remember to keep their distance if they visit the nest area.

Resource: Volusia.org. For information about Volusia County’s Habitat Conservation Plan and efforts, visit www.volusiaseaturtles.org.

For updated beach information, please call (386) 239-SURF (7873).

We have such a variety of wildlife and beautiful habitat here in Daytona Beach, it's really a pleasure to live here. Contact me for a Daytona Beach Relocation Package so I can share our lifestyle with you, and use this link to search the Daytona Beach MLS.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Home for Sale in LPGA Community of Daytona Beach

I wrote earlier about the beautiful LPGA community in Daytona. Here is an example of a home for sale in the Centennial section of LPGA on the golf course, on Zaharias Circle, priced at $339,900. It is 3 bedrooms/2 baths, 2008 sq ft, has a screened pool with salt system, patio, solar heat, central air, with a formal dining room, large master with sitting area, and stucco/concrete construction. Appliances included are dishwasher, microwave, range, and refrigerator.

You can see the quality and architecture typical of golf course homes in the LPGA in the slideshow below. If you are a golf enthusiast, LPGA is the community for you. HOA is $100/quarter.

Contact me for a private showing, and visit the LPGA page on my web site for more details.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/

Daytona Beach part of Volusia County Purchase Plan for Foreclosed Homes

Using $5.22M in federal funds, Volusia County will begin dealing with the foreclosure crisis. The County Council June 4 approved a plan that effectively makes the county a major player in the market for homes already repossessed or abandoned.

The county received $5.22 million under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, from the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, and has 18 months to spend the funds.

Community Assistance Director Ed Jasper said, "The lion’s share of the grant — 60 percent — must be spent to buy homes in targeted areas identified by the HUD as having a high risk of foreclosure. The primary target areas are DeLand, Edgewater, Holly Hill and Orange City. Secondary target areas are DeBary, Lake Helen, Ormond Beach and South Daytona."

According to the West Volusia Beacon, here are some requirements of the program:

1. Prospective buyers in the program must qualify for assistance in the deal, and any housing purchased with the funds is subject to county approval.
2. The homes — single-family dwellings, town homes or condominiums — must be listed for sale at no more than $189,750. Prices will be determined by professional appraisals.
3. In addition, the homes must be unoccupied and owned by the lender. Jasper said the county will seek to buy the foreclosed homes at a discount, perhaps as much as 15 percent.
4. The home must have been foreclosed as a result of the sub-prime market.
5. None of the grant funds may be used to help distressed homeowners avert the loss of their homes.
6. First-time home-buyers may qualify for financial assistance based on their income in relation to the median income of the area and the price of the home. Assistance may be given to households with an income equal to 120% of the area’s median income.

To read the full article, and find out how the county will deal with repairs and resales, visit West Volusia Beacon Online.

I can help you avoid foreclosure. Contact me now if you are having trouble paying your mortgage.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
Certified Distressed Property Expert
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

Daytona Beach Sellers Now Have More Flexibility with Freddie Mac Changes

In a move aimed at furthering the success of President Obama's Making Home Affordable Program, Freddie Mac has announced several changes to its refinance offering under the program.

Freddie Mac's Relief Refinance Mortgage is designed to assist borrowers who are current on their mortgage payments but who would benefit from refinancing into mortgages with terms that better position them for long-term homeownership.

Once these changes are available, borrowers will be able to refinance a Freddie Mac-owned or guaranteed mortgage with any lender affiliated with Freddie Mac. Previously, borrowers had to work with the lender who currently services their mortgage. In addition, to help reach more borrowers, Freddie Mac is increasing the amount of closing costs that can be rolled into the new refinance mortgage.

Freddie Mac will allow the lesser of 4 percent of the new refinance mortgage amount or $5,000 of closing costs, financing costs and prepaids/escrows to be rolled into the new refinance mortgage.

Borrowers should visit https://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/ and complete the online form to determine if Freddie Mac owns their mortgage.

Contact me if you need help with refinance programs. I'm a CDPE: Certified Distressed Property Expert - and I can help you avoid foreclosure.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Team wants to Broaden Reach of Marine Center in Ponce Inlet of Daytona Beach

Kent Sharples, president of Daytona State College, and Volusia County Manager Jim Dinneen want to construct a second building on the Ponce Inlet Marine Center campus, where some of the center's functions could be moved and a new college environmental science program could be housed.

Their vision is to expand access to environmental learning in the area, to form a partnership that could attract more people to Volusia as students and eco-tourists, and create green jobs for the County.

Their current plan is to use a nearby location, the eight acres west of Sailfish Drive and south of Beach Street known as the Pacetta Preserve. The County Council placed the acquisition on its agenda for the June 18 meeting.

For the college, which hopes to establish an environmental science bachelor's degree by 2011, the site would give students and professors access to saltwater, brackish water and freshwater environs, as it has deep-water access to the Intracoastal Waterway, convenient for ocean-going vessels.

Sharples said he envisions forming partnerships with landlocked colleges and universities, such as Vanderbilt and Ohio State universities, where their students might spend summers doing marine science research at Daytona State College.

Contact your City Council representative to express an opinion.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/

http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

The LPGA Community of Daytona Beach

One of the most varied and spectacular communities in Daytona Beach is the LPGA, a premier upscale residential community in Daytona Beach that serves as the home of the LPGA. Actually 12 neighborhoods are built around the LPGA Golf Club, also home to the Florida Tennis Center, United States Tennis Assn, and 2 world-class golf courses.

For the avid golfer there are two 18-hole golf courses—the Champions by Rees Jones (the 1st course in the history of golf designed for women) and the Legends by Arthur Hills, plus the LPGA Golf Academy and the LPGAs National Headquarters office building. Nature trails and preserves wind around the courses.

June is Women's Golf month. There will be programs throughout the month to promote women playing golf, and the LPGA website lists the specials for ladies. Play Golf America Program is a 5 day program which will introduce new players to the game. There are summer golf lessons, leagues, a Junior Golf Summer Camp, Champion's Club, and special events eery month.

LPGA offers a state-of-the-art practice academy, 5 putting greens and chipping areas, bunkers, and a driving range. Both golf and social memberships are available, for residents to also enjoy the clubhouse and community pool.

Lionspaw is the newest community, and the only gated one. Homes range from $630,000 to over $700,000, with pools and golf course or lake frontage. HOA fees are about $160 quarterly. Some neighborhoods, such as Acclaim at Lionspaw, offer new construction, where top builders present affordable upscale homes. Others, like Lionspaw Grand, is a neighborhood where the perfectly manicured landscaping of gorgeous mansions line the fairways.

Names of other communities evoke the beauties of Florida: Opal Hill, Gray Hawk, Master Glen. Older single family houses are available starting in the $270,000s. A new home will be close to $600,000 with a pool on the golf course. Most are one story, and maintenance fees vary widely, from $90 to $420, depending on size of lot and location.

Townhomes and single family attached dwellings are also available here, priced in the low to mid-$200,000s. LPGA has it all - a home for your budget, and a style to match your life. Use the widget below to search for LPGA homes for sale, and visit the LPGA page on my web site for more information.

I can help you preview or investigate any property you find in LPGA. This is my community, my neighborhood.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

Worried about Mold in Daytona Beach after our Heavy Rains?

Daytona Beach was deluged by rain last week, some 21+ inches, and even the International Speedway was flooded to waist level. This makes me worry about mold, because it can be dangerous for residents, can be hard to get rid of, and is a disclosure item if a seller knows the home has a mold problem.

Realtor.org has excellent information on Everything You've Always Wanted to Know about Mold, from What is It to How to Get Rid of It. Here are some hints.

"What causes mold to develop?

Mold requires nutrients, water, oxygen and favorable temperatures to grow. Nutrients for mold are present in dead organic material such as wood, paper or fabrics; mold can also derive nutrients from some synthetic products such as paints and adhesives. Mold requires moisture, although some mold species can obtain that moisture from moist air when the relative humidity is above 70 per cent. Many molds thrive at normal indoor temperatures; few if any molds are able to grow below 40 F or above 100 F. Outside this range molds may remain dormant or inactive; they may begin to grow again when the temperature is more favorable. Temperatures well above 100 F will kill mold and mold spores, but the exact temperature required to kill specific species is not well established.

How much mold exposure is harmful?

No one knows the answer to this question for several reasons. Individuals are very different with respect to the amount of mold exposure they can tolerate. Children under the age of one year may be more susceptible to the effects of some molds than older individuals. Measuring or estimating “exposure” levels is very difficult. “Exposure” means the amount of mold (microscopic spores and mold fragments) that gets into a person usually by breathing, but also by eating or absorption through the skin. For example, a building may have a lot of mold in the walls but very little of that mold is getting into the air stream. In that case the people working or living in that building would have little mold exposure.

If mold is present, what’s the best way to get rid of it?

The answer depends on how much mold is present and where it is located. If the mold is on furnishings or boxes simply discard the materials. Moldy materials are not considered hazardous waste; they can be sent to a regular landfill. However, it is smart to seal the mold material in heavy plastic to protect the people who handle it in transit and prevent spreading large amounts of the mold into the building as you carry the material out of it.If the mold is on a hard surface but occupies less than 10 square feet wash the area with soapy water (scrubbing with a brush may be necessary), rinse and allow the area to dry before repainting. If you have asthma, severe allergies and a weaken immune system get someone else to do the clean up.Larger areas (greater than 10 square feet in area) should be cleaned by someone with experience in doing this type of work. Remember, determine what caused the moisture problem and correct that problem. Otherwise, mold is likely to recur.

Where can I get more information about mold?

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html Environmental Protection Agency’s information of Mold/Moisture/Mildew

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/ Center for Disease Control’s information on Mold under Air Pollution and Respiratory Health

http://nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html - New York City Department of Health “Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments”

Author: Dr. Nathan Yost, MD is a Principal with the Building Science Corporation, a building and construction consulting firm."

There is more information on the Realtor.org site if you are concerned you may now have a mold problem. Don't let it go - in our climate, mold will not go away by itself!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com

Oceans Six Condos in Daytona Beach Shores

The rainy weather we've had over the last week makes condo living look inviting - no soggy lawn or debris on the driveway, plants under water, etc. Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores offer many beautiful oceanfront condos at a wide variety of price ranges. Oceans Six is one in a row of several, from Ocean One to Ocean Eight.

Built in 1992, the concrete block building features an indoor pool, fitness room, a clubroom, outdoor ocean front pool with huge pool deck, underground parking and a spa that overlooks the ocean. Each unit has in-suite laundry facilities. There are an on-site resident manager, and full time maintenance staff. A spacious lobby and central elevator service the homes. Units have central electric heating and central air conditioning.

From Oceans Six, a grocery store is nearby, it's close to retail shopping, near medical facilities, and Orlando is only 50 minutes away.

The oceanfront units provide some of the best Atlantic Ocean and Halifax River views in Daytona Beach Shores. Enjoy the panorama of the whole Daytona Beach coastline all the way down to Ponce Inlet. Experience the luxury of waking up in the morning to the gentle sounds of the waves crashing on Daytona Beach.

The home I have listed is priced at $349,900, with 2 bedrooms/2 baths, walk-in closet, a kitchen that provides views overlooking the balcony, a formal dining room and living room. The condo has been a winter home for many years so it’s in great condition.

The maintenance fee in Oceans Six includes: Building Insurance , Common Area , Exterior Paint , Pest Control , Pool , Sewer , Trash. Minimum rental term is 1 year, and there are pet restrictions.

Consider the purchase of a Daytona Beach condo either as an investment or 2nd home or come down year-round. You can't go wrong with oceanfront property - there will never be enough!

Visit the Condo page on my Daytona Beach site to learn about more of the buildings and contact me for information on any listing.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/

Buying a Daytona Beach Short Sale

Short sales are making up a larger percentage of distressed home listings and total sales in real estate closings in the Daytona Beach area and Volusia County as a whole. While it's Buyer Beware, and a buyer can't be in a hurry for closing, the banks aren't helping speed the process.

Here are some reflections on my experience with short sales, so you will know what you may expect if your offer is accepted.

Often, mass confusion and exhaustive delays are the norm at a bank’s loss-mitigation department. It is not unusual for the transaction to fall apart because of the extremely long period of time it takes to get any meaningful response from the financial institutions, or they decide to change the agreed-upon terms at the last minute. The buyers by then have found another home or don't want to change (or can't qualify) to meet the new requirements.

Because short sales are more frequent and represent a growing percentage of real estate sales, servicers, who are set up to receive and process mortgage payments, are faced with managing and approving home sales. Short sales are complicated and take time. It’s not like submitting a bid to a private owner. The servicer has to do its due diligence, both for its own purposes and on behalf of the investor or the entity that actually owns the mortgage on the property. Each offer must be evaluated individually, which clogs the pipeline and slows the process.

On the buyer's side, presenting a very low offer makes the process longer as well. Just because it's a short sale and the bank doesn't want to own the property, the bank is not going to sell the home far below what it has determined is the true market value of the property.

Buying a short sale is not for those who want to close quickly or get a bargain price. I'm a CDPE, or Certified Distressed Property Expert, and have handled many short sales for both buyers and sellers. I know how to present the package properly to the lender to expedite approval.

And I definitely know the Daytona Beach area real estate market - which asking and offer prices are fair and reasonable. Contact me with your questions on short sales.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Daytona Beach Launches Assets for Independence

Through a partnership with the federal government, local United Way, private donations and area agencies, about 64 Daytona Beach families could become homeowners -- some as early as next summer.

It's a nationwide program to help low-income, working individuals and families get a down payment to purchase their own homes. Although the program has been working nationally since 1999, this is the first attempt at the program locally, and other agencies have been doing it statewide. The first local participants will be clients from Family Renew Community, the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia and Flagler Habitat for Humanity.

The program -- intended as a hand up, not a hand out -- teaches people not only how to save toward their home but makes them prove they can maintain a budget. Experts say the Assets for Independence program benefits not only the person who gets into stable housing, but sparks the economy. The homeowner will pay property taxes, which helps police, fire and other municipal service departments, and may occupy a vacant foreclosed home. "You have a real economic multiplier," said Ray Salazar, executive director of the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, whose Community Foundation dedicated money to start the program. "The new homeowner becomes a small economic engine that produces wealth and opportunity for other people."

According to News-JournalOnline, the program works this way: "The prospective homebuyer steadily saves up to $2,000 and attends about 10 classes, such as budgeting, savings, household management and credit repair. In return, they'll get another $4,000 toward the purchase of a house -- $2,000 from the Community Foundation and $2,000 from the federal government."

"The whole program is teaching them the habit of being successful in their home," said Renee Gay, project director for the United Way, which is administering the $300,000 program. "We don't want to put people in a home that they can't keep and will be foreclosed upon."

Read more about this beneficial and truly rewarding program at News-JournalOnline, or for more information, call Renee Gay at 386-253-0563 or go online to liveunitedinvolusiaflagler.org/CommunityFoundation/afi/index.htm .

Pelican Bay in Daytona Beach

Pelican Bay is one of Daytona Beach's premier gated communities, featuring 2 championship golf courses that wind around waterways and lush foliage. Other amenities include a driving range, putting area, and short game practice area, swimming pool, 9 lighted tennis courts - 6 hard court, 3 clay, 3 clubhouses, golf and tennis pro shops, golf and tennis professionals, 2 restaurants, and loads of golf and social activities. Social as well as golf memberships are available, and many residents use the interlocking canals for fishing.

Pelican Bay, like LPGA, actually includes several communities within its gates. The master HOA fees are $575/year, and each neighborhood has its own maintenance fees.

Single family residences are divided by community or neighborhood, but more by frontage, whether north or south golf course, or canalfront, or lakefront. The architecture is as varied as the surroundings - colonial, cape cod, tuscan, bungalow, contemporary - you get the idea, and many custom homes are available for resale.

Housing prices range from condos under $200,000, single family attached homes from $145,000 - $329,000, and single family houses from $168,900 - $765,000. You can live and play in Pelican Bay in a modest townhome or purchase a luxurious custom house.

Visit my web page on Pelican Bay in Daytona Beach, and request a Relocation Package. Also watch the slideshow of Pelican Bay photos on my Active Rain blog. It's a beautiful community with plenty of choices for your home needs. Use the widget below to search homes for sale in Pelican Bay, and sign up for email alerts of new properties.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/

April Brings Turnaround for Homebuilders in Daytona Beach

For the first three months of 2009, homebuilders in Volusia and Flagler counties received 194 single-family and multi-family residential construction permits, down 63 percent from 531 in the first quarter of 2008, according to a report Monday from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence. Single-family home permits declined 49 percent while multifamily permits slid 88 percent in the region.

According to News-Journal Online, "The January-through-March quarterly numbers come on top of last year's dire report that the 905,000 home building permits issued in 2008 was the lowest since 1945 when there were half the people living in the United States. The 2008 total was down 35 percent from 2007 and down 67 percent from 2005 when homebuilding permits peaked at 2.155 million. The year-to-year decline was worse in Volusia than Flagler. Home building permits in the first quarter fell 68 percent, from 465 to 150."

Bob Fitzsimmons, of Gallery Homes of DeLand, agreed the first quarter was very slow, but in April, more buyers visited the models and more contracts were written, 6 compared to 2.5 in previous months. Sales centers for ICI Homes have seen increased activity in recent weeks, and a company spokesperson said April was the best month for sales in the last 3 years. Daytona-based ICI builds in East Volusia, Palm Coast, and other central Florida areas.

New home costs are down as much as 25%, interest rates are at historic lows, and the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit are all strong incentives to purchase real estate in Volusia County. Although builders have plenty of new home inventory, the properties still are competing with resales of foreclosures and short sales. That's why they have slashed prices, raised incentives, and generally have become more aggressive in marketing their new home products.

Contact me to find out where in Volusia County you can shop for a new home, and which builders are offering the best incentives.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com

Daytona 500 Tickets go On Sale May 16

Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – will go on sale on Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. (EST).

Prior to Saturday, May 16, only renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will be taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway.

Tickets for the Daytona 500 will start at $55 and, for the first time since 1982, there have been no ticket price increases for any seat locations.

Race fans that purchase Daytona 500 tickets on Saturday, May 16 will be eligible for a special one-day offer where they can take advantage of Daytona’s monthly payment plan. With the plan, they will be able to get tickets to the Daytona 500 for as low as $10 per month.

“The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s most coveted ticket and we encourage our guests to purchase their tickets early to ensure the best seats,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Race fans are still facing challenging times and we hope that the continuation of the $55 tickets as well as the monthly payment plan opportunity will make it more affordable for everyone to witness ‘The Great American Race’ in person.”

The Daytona 500 race is an important event in Daytona Beach and impacts our economy very positively. It energizes our city and is a lot of fun. Come experience our Daytona Beach lifestyle and contact me for your Daytona Beach Relocation Information package.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
http://www.daytonabeachfl.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

(resource: WhoWon)

Daytona Beach Condos Selling Again

"Deals of a lifetime" is how a spokesperson for developer Ambling Land & Resorts described the prices last week at their auction of 30 units in Ocean Vistas of Daytona Beach Shores. He continued, "I think the auction set the bottom of the market and we have adjusted our new sales numbers accordingly," said Steve Brooks. "Bid prices were just less than $200 a square foot. We could not build for that today."

The auction brought 88 bidders and almost $14 million in sales. Originally homes in Ocean Vistas, open in 2006, listed at $700,000. Today's prices range from $320,000 to $495,000. A penthouse at the auction went for $667,000.

The Florida Assn. of Realtors reported that falling prices have led to a slight increase in condo sales through the first three months of the year as compared to previous years. There were 273 condos sold in Volusia and Flagler counties in January through March, which is more than the 244 sold in the first quarter of 2008.

Nationwide, buyers are taking advantage of the combination of low prices, low rates, and high inventory. Don't let the bottom of the market pass you by - think 2nd home, think rental, think investment - but think Daytona Beach real estate!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Daytona Beach Pier to be Restored

The Daytona Beach pier has a rich history and is an important part of the consciousness of the city. Orignally, the pier was constructed in 1900 by Thomas Keating, and called the Keating Pier. In 1919, it burned down, and was rebuilt. In 1924, T.J. Wright bought the pier for $27,000, tore it down, and rebuilt from scratch.

In 1925, the 1,000' pier opened with a casino and room for 2,000 dancers. In the 1930's to 1950's, there was a skating rink and stairway to an upstairs garden, dance bands and bathing beauty contests, charity balls, and a maritime museum. Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey played there; Sally Rand and Gypsy Rose Lee entertained there. In 1966, Harry Doan bought the pier and sold helicopter rides, and built the Sky Lift and Space Needle. In 2004, Theresa Doan deeded the pier to the city which has leased the concessions to private businesses.

Now the city of Daytona Beach and private investors want to make some changes, long-needed repairs, and create a possible addition to replace footage lost in hurricanes, especially Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

According to News-Journal Online, "The city's support services director, J. Paul Wetzel, is in the middle of surveying other Florida cities to see how their piers are run. He plans to report his findings to the Pier Committee in about a month, and after that city commissioners expect to decide whether they want to stick with the current lease or solicit proposals from other businesses seeking to run the pier."

Assistant City Manager Paul McKitrick said, "Officials would like to see the pier better maintained, and have discussed pouring $2 million into repairs and upgrades such as hurricane windows and doors for the historic casino building. The city would like to keep the sky ride, use part of the restaurant building for receptions and parties, and attract a large chain restaurant like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co."

McKitrick added that "If a second pier is built, the city envisions a modern, concrete structure with rides that could be a tourist destination in and of itself. But the second pier is not permitted, and any private developer who would pursue those permits could be in for a challenge."

Many local residents would like the pier to be restored to the "glory" of its bygone days. Regardless of how long you have lived here and used the pier, or if you remember what it used to be, the structure remains an important landmark in Daytona Beach and a gathering place.

Learn about our other places and lifestyle, and consider investing in real estate in the Daytona Beach Area. It's a buyer's market - the best conditions in a generation to buy real estate. Contact me for a Free Relocation Package to Daytona Beach.



Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

Tax Break Ballot Proposal to Help Daytona Beach Buyers

Delivering on a priority for Gov. Charlie Crist, the Legislature voted to put a tax break for first-time homebuyers on the 2010 ballot, in the hopes of stimulating our real estate market. First-time homebuyers would be exempt from paying taxes on 25 percent of their home’s value. Any buyer who hasn’t claimed a homestead exemption in the previous eight years would qualify. The savings phase out over five years.

The proposed constitutional amendment also would lower the annual cap on assessment increases for businesses, rental properties and vacation homes from 10 percent to 5 percent. To become law, 60 percent of voters will have to approve the amendment in the November 2010 election. The tax breaks would apply in 2011.

Supporters say there are still 300,000 homes in the inventory to be sold. “Right now, our homes are not being sold at all,” said Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, the sponsor. “People are dropping their payments. They’re walking away from their homes. Nothing is selling.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel, critics say "the property tax amendment would deal another blow to to schools, cities and counties. The first-time break is expected to cost schools and local government just $10 million statewide in the first year, but that number would rise over time.

"The House sponsor, Rep. Carl Domino, R-Jupiter, said he believed the amendment would actually be a boon for governments by warding off further declines in real estate values if fewer homes are sitting empty. 'If there are 100 homes in the neighborhood and 40 of them are up for sale … the consequence of that is the property assessors would have to lower the value in that neighborhood,' Domino said."

The measure passed the House 104-13, and the Senate 26-11.

Personally, I'm optimistic. We won't have 300,000 homes in our inventory by the time this would become law. And I'll keep helping buyers and sellers of Daytona Beach homes get fair prices for their real estate in any market.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

Condo Rentals in Daytona Beach

1401 S Palmetto Ave, Daytona Beach is now available for rent, $600/mo plus security deposit. This 2nd story one bedroom/one bath home of 630 sq ft has a deck, community pool, fitness center, clubhouse, and car wash. Located in Preserve at River's Edge, the small complex borders the Halifax River and is nestled in hammock groves and mature oak trees. There is central air and heat, ceiling fan, dishwasher, refrigerator, range, washer/dryer. Tenant pays water and sewer. No pets or smokers please.


216 Glenview Blvd, Daytona Beach, is now available for rent also, $650/mo plus security deposit. This ground floor 2 bedroom/2 bath home of 1050 sq ft has a community pool, and is located close to the beach in the El Conquistador complex. There is central air and heat, ceiling fans, dishwasher, range, and refrigerator. The building is concrete block with a south orientation. Laundry is in the building. No pets or smokers please.



Visit the rental page on my web site to submit an application, or contact me for details.



Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
386-679-3191

First Friday Daytona Beach Festival - Be Ready for June

The Daytona Beach Downtown First Friday Festival, presented by the Daytona Beach Partnership Association, the Art Promenade and Concert in the Park series, is a downtown revival that transforms the Beach Street shopping strip into a series of galleries for local artists to exhibit work. Folks can talk shop, wander and watch artist demonstrations and listen to local bands play at Riverfront Park.

First Fridays showcase existing businesses and available retail locations that lend out display space. It also makes art more accessible to everyday people by providing space for artists to show their work.

If you missed yesterday's fun, it included paintings and sculptures from the Art League of Daytona Beach, works from the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Southeast Museum of Photography from Daytona State College, and music by the Halifax Contraband, a folksy swamp music band that weaves tales of Florida history into song.

The festival attracts all ages, but more in their 20's and 30's, who are learning about the local arts scene. Plan on attending June 3 - here's the information from News-Journal Online:

WHAT: Downtown First Friday Festival Art Promenade and Concert in the Park
WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Downtown Daytona Beach, Beach Street area from International Speedway Boulevard to Orange Avenue
INFO: Free. Meander through galleries and check out live music. Some food and drink offered at select locations. 386-258-8150.

Daytona Beach offers a vibrant lifestyle full of recreational opportunities, active residents, and plenty of fun activities. That's why folks are coming here, and taking advantage of our low real estate prices. As a Relocation Specialist for Daytona Beach, I've helped many folks relocate to our central Florida area, and can guide you into a Daytona Beach home which will suit your needs. Give me a call or email -

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Good News on National Real Estate Prices

Prices of single-family homes in 20 U.S. metropolitan areas in February were down 18.6 percent from a year earlier, and the fact that the rate of decline slowed signaled some hope for the housing market, reported Tuesday by the Florida Assn. of Realtors.

In 15 markets, annual declines were in excess of 10 percent and average home prices nationwide hit 2003 levels, according to the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index.Yet the drop in the 20-city index was less than the 19 percent year-over-year decline in January. Also, it was the first time in 16 months that annual declines didn’t set records.

The National Association of Realtors said last week that home prices rose more than normal from February to March and that the market may be stabilizing.

Our Daytona Beach real estate market is still experiencing a glut of inventory of foreclosed homes, which will keep prices down until they have been absorbed into the market.

A new plan announced by the administration will help even more borrowers. The new plan may reduce payments for up to 1.5 million at-risk homeowners, as the government taps a $50 billion housing fund, to entice mortgage servicers to modify second mortgages and cut monthly payments for borrowers.

According to our Realtor Association, "Half the troubled mortgages have second loans, given by lenders to help buyers avoid mortgage insurance and reduce their down payments. The second loans make it harder to modify first loans, because more parties are involved, and the home may still be unaffordable even if a first loan is changed, the administration says."

Daytona Beach sellers are certainly dealing with troubled times, but Daytona Beach buyers have a great opportunity. Contact me for details.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Daytona Beach to get Skate Park

In a few months, a new skate park in Daytona should be open for use. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Thursday in Bethune Point Park, and construction should wrap up by the middle or end of this summer, said Percy Williamson, the city's leisure services director.

Skateboarders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters of all skill levels will be welcome at the roughly 30,000-square-foot skate park on East Bellevue Avenue, Williamson said. Street scenes, ramps and a bowl will be some of the features at the park. There will be no charge to skaters and bikers.

The $800,000 park is being funded by a $400,000 Volusia County ECHO grant and another $400,000 in leisure services impact fees.

(source: News-Journal Online)

Bethune Point Park is on the inland waterway half way between Daytona and Daytona Beach Shores.

Curious to see what real estate is around the park? The widget below is set for 3 miles from Bethune Point Park, single family homes, in zip code 32114. Contact me if you see a home you'd like to preview.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
386-679-3191

Daytona Beach Real Estate Sees Rise in March

As reported by the RealEstate Channel, "Florida's existing home sales increased in March, making it the seventh month in a row 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). March's statewide sales also increased over the previous month's sales level in both the existing home and existing condo markets.

"Florida Realtors also reported a 25 percent rise in statewide sales of existing condominiums in March, continuing a trend in recent months for higher statewide sales of both the existing home and existing condo markets compared to year-ago levels. Statewide existing condo sales last month increased 37.2 percent over the total units sold in February.

"Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5 percent last month, down significantly from the average rate of 5.97 percent in March 2008, according to Freddie Mac. FAR's sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. "

For Daytona Beach, 577 sales closed, up from 486 in March, 2008, a 19% gain. Sales of condos rose to 104 from 71, a 46% increase.

This is great news for sellers and buyers of Daytona Beach real estate.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Read the full report at RealEstate Channel.

Your Finances can be Green Too in Daytona Beach

The celebration of Earth Day yesterday made me think through all the ways we, in our own lives, can help the environment and be greener, and here are some small ways we can make changes to become more earth-friendly.

1. Donate your time or money to Green causes: buy from green-friendly stores, like Ben & Jerry's or Patagonia, that give part of their sales to earth-friendly causes, buy gifts from companies that use organic products such as coffee or chocolate, or volunteer in your neighborhood or the greater Daytona Beach area to save plants or beach habitat.

2. If you are fortunate to still have enough money left over to invest, consider the many Green mutual funds available. As reported in RisMedia, "The GreenMoney Journal recently released its new Top 10 list of mutual funds that invest in companies devoted to alternative energy, clean water, organic products and those that avoid alcohol, tobacco, gambling or weapons. The annual list is a mix of new funds and those that have changed or enhanced their investment mix to be more environmentally conscious, said Cliff Feigenbaum, founder and president of the Green Money Journal, based in Santa Fe, N.M. 'The funds represent different ways people can align their money with their values,' said Feigenbaum, who has published the journal since 1992. 'Our goal is to make money and make a difference.'”

3. In your personal finances, use estatements, ebanking, ebilling, PayPal - there are many options. PayItGreen is a coalition of financial services companies that promotes electronic billing. According to the coalition, if the average U.S. household switched to electronic payments, it would annually:
-Save 6.6 pounds of paper.-Save 0.079 trees.
-Eliminate 4.5 gallons of gasoline (consumed by mailing and delivering all those paper payments).
-Prevent 63 gallons of wastewater released.
-Eliminate 171 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (the equivalent of 169 miles of driving or conserving 24 square feet of forestland).

4. Have plastic cards around the house unused or out of date (those gift cards, phone cards, etc. you never used)? Mail to Earthworks System in Solon, Ohio. The company "gathers up millions of pounds a year of scrap PVC card plastic and reprocesses it into '100 percent recycled sheets' that are sold back to credit card manufacturers. Most of the material comes from 'skeletons, overruns and obsolete' stock left over from plastic card manufacturers. Other contributors are retailers like Rite-Aid, GAP, Applebee’s and Whole Foods, as well as movie theaters, hotel chains, even universities that ship him leftover student IDs."

This is just a short list - watch your habits for a day or two, and you'll see many ways you can become more earth-friendly.

As Relocation Expert for Daytona Beach, I help folks moving here become aware of our resources and the beauty of our area. We all need to help keep it a great place to live by doing our share to protect and value our Daytona Beach real estate.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

New Park Proposed for Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach city commissioners have voted to purchase a vacant piece of land along the eastern bank of the Halifax River and create a park. They would write a grant proposal for more than half of the $2.7million asking price.

The city is working with The Trust for Public Land on the grant and the purchase of the land located just south of Main Street at 42 S. Halifax Ave. The plan is for the trust to buy the 1.58-acre parcel, and then the city would buy the land from the trust. Currently, the Trust already is under contract to purchase the land.

According to News-Journal Online, the city may consider adding a boat dock. "Commissioner Shiela McKay-Vaughan said the park would be 'a good kick-start for the area' and improve property values, and Commissioner Pam Woods said it could become an important tourist attraction."

Daytona Beach real estate has been hard hit by the economic downturn, but it's a Buyer's Market. Contact me for ideas on how and where to buy in areas that have the best future appreciation potential.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

How to Sell a Vacant House - not just in Daytona Beach

Everyone's writing about Daytona Beach foreclosures and short sales, and how tough they are for sellers to market and buyers to get offers accepted. This type of market is going to be with us for awhile, until the inventory of "distressed properties" is absorbed by the buyers.

If you are an investor, and bought that Daytona property to rent but it is now vacant, or if you are a seller who had to move, here are a few tips to market the Daytona Beach home for a better price.

1. Make the property looked lived-in: park a car in the driveway (don't block access to the front door), have someone open and close the drapes, clean the cobwebs away from the front entry, take in mail and old yellow newspapers.
2. Remember - there is only one chance to make a first impression. Keep the yard and exterior looking inviting, even if it just means mowing the grass.
3. If missing furniture exposes holes where pictures were hung, spots that need paint - then paint. It's worth the money! Use rugs to cover floor problems.
4. Leave some furniture, even if just an end table and lamp, a few colorful towels, a bed - these give buyers a sense of space. But it is better to leave nothing, than to leave old broken down furniture if that is all you have.
5. Keep the utilities on. If you can't pay for them, list your house with a realtor who will negotiate with your lender about the utilities. Previewing a house on a rainy dark day or in the evening without lights won't get you an offer.
6. Keep the house clean. If you can't do it, hire someone to help. Again, your price will only come down if the property is dirty and buyers feel it's a distress situation.
7. The lender will require you keep your homeowner's insurance policy in force. Check with the company so you know how you are protected with a vacant property.

These are just some basic ideas. Contact me to discuss your individual situation - don't get to foreclosure - there are options! I've handled many short sales for buyers and sellers, and just finished the course to become a Certified Distressed Property Expert. I can help!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/
386-679-3191

Bike Week, Spring Break, and now Hypnosis Week in Daytona Beach

Hypno-Expo will be held Memorial Day weekend at the Daytona Beach Hilton, May 20-26. This year's event highlights lectures, workshops and courses from every aspect of the educational spectrum, collectively offering over 115 choices in hypnosis, hypnotherapy, NLP, scientific research, business practices, legal issues and marketing strategies for hypnotists, hypnotherapists and complementary healthcare professionals.

The expert faculty will speak on subjects that include adult education, alcoholism, anchoring, birthing, body language, clinical interviews, coaching, codependency, infertility, marketing, medical hypnosis, sexuality, smoking, spirituality, sports and practice building. International educators from Canada, Taiwan, Singapore and the United Kingdom round out the eclectic and diverse faculty of speakers. Several best selling authors are participating in the event.

If you are interested in attending the 3rd Hypno-Expo, registration information can be viewed or downloaded at www.imdha.com or www.iact.org. Call 570.869.1021 to request a catalog.

It's all part of our great Daytona Beach lifestyle!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

(source: PR Web)

Daytona Beach International Festival

Thursday starts the Daytona Beach International Festival, which runs through May 2. More than a dozen artists and music groups will present nearly 100 performances in various area venues.

Read the full schedule of events at the News-Journal Online. Here's a sampling:

Lalo Schifrin with the London Symphony. April 30, Peabody Auditorium.

Jazz trumpeter Chris Botti playing Miles Davis, digital duo with Dean Martin, and pop. April 16, Peabody Auditorium.

Tiempo Libre, a Miami band composed of Cuban immigrants, playing Latin sounds. April 23, Athens Theatre, April 24, Plaza Resort & spa.

London Symphony, "Firebird Suite" and "Carmina Burana." May 2, Peabody Auditorium.

Giant puppets in a stage production of "Hansel and Gretel" by the troupe Theatre Sans Fil. April 25-26, News-Journal Center.

Mozart's Letters - a Musica Voyage by chamber quartet of London Symphony musicians on flute, violin, viola, and cello. April 28, Athens Theatre.

There's so much - read the full schedule on News-Journal and plan to attend something, anything - enjoy the arts in Daytona and these great talents offered to us in our home town.

This is our life here in Daytona Beach - come join us.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

News from Embry Riddle

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has become the first university in the U.S to establish a simulation laboratory to train pilots for the onset of altitude sickness.

Long the leader in aviation safety and training, Embry-Riddle expects to train up to 500 flight students per year in the lab, which will accommodate 8-10 students per training session.

According to BizJournals, The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has documented 40 aircraft accidents related to altitude sickness, known as hypoxia, between 1965 and 1990. The condition was believed responsible for a Greek Helios Airways crash that killed 121 people in 2005 and a crash that killed golfer Payne Stewart and five others aboard a Learjet in 1999.

Embry-Riddle specializes in aviation and aerospace and offers more than 30 degree programs to more than 34,000 students annually at its campus in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
600 S. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3966
(386) 226-6910
www.embryriddle.edu

Embry-Riddle is just one one many ways our Daytona Beach area looks to the future. Become a part of our life.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Easter at Volusia Speedway Park

Here Comes Peter Cottontail this Saturday at Volusia Speedway Park as the Easter Bunny brings an Easter Egg Hunt with candy and special surprises to the fans. All kids are invited to bring their Easter Baskets and have a blast at the Easter Egg hunt which will start at 7 pm.

After the special visit by the Easter Bunny, fans will be entertained by the Taylor Racing Products Sportsman, Budweiser Modifieds, UMP DIRTcar Street Stocks, Thunder Stocks and the Aero-tec Aluminum 4-Cyl Challengers. Late Models will have the night off.

Pit gate will open at 4:30 this Saturday with the grandstand gates opening at 5:30 pm. Regular adult admission is only $10.00 with students 11-15 $5.00. Kids 10 and under are free and drive-in parking is only $10.00 per car.

Volusia Speedway Park is located 15 miles west of Ormond Beach, FL on State Road 40. Additional information available at www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com or you may call 386-985-4402.

Information courtesy of WhoWon.com.

Have fun and Happy Easter!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com

Solar Power Coming to Volusia County Schools

Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) will install power arrays at six schools in its service territory to help teach future generations about the benefits of renewable energy. Each school receiving a Next Generation Solar Education Station will be able to generate emissions-free electricity and provide students with a hands-on tool to learn how solar power works. The school chosen in Volusia County is Hinson Middle School, Daytona Beach.

Each FPL Next Generation Solar Education Station will provide 5 kW of solar electricity. The solar installations will save the schools about $800 each year in electricity costs, while giving teachers a way to focus science education on essential energy technologies of the future.

To learn more about our solar resources, visit SolarIndustryMagazine.

The sun is one of our most attractive reasons for living in Daytona Beach. Let's help green our economy by learning more about using solar resources in our own lives.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
Search Listings for Daytona Beach Homes for Sale

Daytona Beach Community Development

Improvements planned by the Community Development Agency of Daytona Beach will slow but not stop due to the current economic situation, as reported in the annual report Tuesday . In the 2005-2006 budget, Volusia County approved the Community Development District, for $67.6 million in a 15-year time frame.

Assistant City Manager Jim McCroskey said, "At the end of the fiscal year 2008, the CRA had produced a total of $4.6 million. The city has approved $17 million in improvements for the CRA through bonds and a loan." Projects include 308 off-beach parking spaces, replacement and burying of overhead utilities, with street lights and banners, signs, and new benches and sidewalks.

3 sites within the district have been purchased for open space parks, and 2 already dedicated: Seaspray Park and Beachcomber Park, both on S. Atlantic Avenue. The third, still in planning, may be the Shores City Center.

Daytona Beach continues to improve its facilities for residents and quality of life. For real estate opportunities and potential, let's discuss Daytona Beach.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com
386-679-3191

Daytona Beach on May 2 - a Bach Festival

Classical music lovers - mark your calendars for May 2, Saturday, at Peabody Auditorium, for the Bach Festival Choir, which will partner with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Daytona Beach International Festival. They will perform Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, one of the few classical 20th-century works embraced by popular culture. Stravinsky's Firebird Suite is also on the program.

The Bach Festival Choir and London Symphony first paired in July 2007 to perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 to critical acclaim. The Orlando Sentinel said of that performance: "Friday's first-rate performance showed the Winter Park choir was every bit the equal of the world-class London Symphony Orchestra."

During the year, the Festival Choir performs 5 major choral works, donating more than 26,000 hours of time. Bach Festival Society Artistic Director and Conductor John V. Sinclair will prepare the choir for this performance with the London Symphony Orchestra and says, "It is truly a pleasure to sing such great repertoire with one of the world's greatest orchestras. I am proud to be a part of this fantastic partnership." The choir and London Symphony will be under the baton of conductor Daniel Harding for this performance.

For more information about the concert or to order tickets, contact the Florida International Festival at 1.866.978.3243 or visit www.dbif.com . Broadway World comments, "Located in Daytona Beach, the Florida International Festival is the greatest achievement of the Central Florida Cultural Endeavors, presenting the biannual Festival to East Central Florida for over three decades. The highlight of each Festival season is the 10-day residency of the London Symphony Orchestra."

The Daytona Beach area offers entertainment and activities for every interest. It's a great place to live!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Daytona State College Offers Great Cooking Classes

Several culinary education classes will be offered by Daytona State College, that combine lectures with hands-on training and interaction with Chef Costa Magoulas.

First is Seafood Cooking Class," from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 27. Learn to create seafood appetizers, soups and entrees such as oysters rockefeller, crab and avocado salad, coconut seafood cream chowder, seared tuna with salsa verde, baked fish Mediterranean and seared scallop with remoulade sauce. A quick and easy Key lime pie will top off the meal.

Chocolate lovers interested in the history of chocolate won't want to miss "The Wonderful World of Chocolate," class from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Learn to prepare a chocolate fondue or fountain, a molten chocolate cake, chocolate tiramisu, simple chocolate mousse, Aztec chocolate drink and the classic turkey mole poblano.

Reduce fat without losing flavor in "Healthy Vegetarian Cooking," scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. April 3. Make salad dressings without an aftertaste, experience vegetarian dishes that taste and look great and learn how to prepare gluten-free foods.

Classes are held in the Mori Hosseini Center, Building 1200, Room 128, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Cost for each class is $75. Space is limited. Register by calling 386-506-3859 or visit Daytona State College.

(Resource: News-JournalOnline)

Daytona Beach Center for Business Excellence

The Orlando Business Journal reports that the Center for Business Excellence in Daytona "has received about $4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"The organization that serves as the regional workforce board for Flagler and Volusia counties will use the funds to support employment and training activities, according to a release.

The funding came from $165 million of the $13 billion received by the state. According to the release, Florida is one of 16 states selected to be tracked by the federal government on stimulus performance. The Center for Business Excellence is a Daytona Beach-based employment and training provider for Volusia and Flagler counties."

The Center provides recruitment-related services, human resource information and training opportunities to our business and job seekers community. Their services are funded through various public and private sources. Their job is to help the business community reduce recruitment costs, and provide the information and resources they need to attain and maintain qualified employees at no additional cost to the business and job seekers.

Contact info:
329 Bill France Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
1-386-323-7074
http://www.centerforbusinessexcellence.net/

Volusia State of County Address

Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno focused on county accomplishments in his State of the County speech Thursday, citing the newly expanded Ocean Center convention center, slated to cost about $81.5 million in resort tax money, including nearby streetscape improvements and late additions.

Bruno also cited county investments in Community Redevelopment Areas and its work securing grants, including $2.3 million to support building a new International Speedway Corp. national headquarters in Daytona Beach, and projects such as building the Beach Safety headquarters in Sun Splash Park and a collaborative effort with Deltona to build an outdoor amphitheater at Deltona Regional Library.

But, with local residents and businesses struggling and Volusia governments facing a budget year in which property values could be down by 20 percent, the news was hardly all good. Bruno warned about the lack of money to build and maintain roads and the dwindling money for public education.

As residents, we have a lot to be proud of living in Volusia County and the same economic challenges which face most of the country - ones that our officials seem committed to face.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Daytona Beach Community Service

35 kids and 5 adults spent Saturday painting Roderic Williams' home on Alamanda Street. These weren't just any kids helping a neighbor - they were Campbell Middle School students and adults from the Rec Group of United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Florida.


Last year, Dan Lucas, a Campbell Middle behavior specialist, brought some students to this same street to paint the home of Eunice Williams, who lives next door to Roderic Williams, although they are not related. "We thought, 'You know, the house next door needs some help, too,' " he said.

Lucas persuaded Walmart to donate the paint and cookout fixings, and then he coaxed the students into showing up, one of whom walked three miles from his home to participate. Fifteen-year-old Majid Sulimen said it was only the prospect of helping people that got him out of his usual Saturday morning routine of hanging and watching movies: "It's awesome," he said.

The experience had Dotti Bernhard, a United Cerebral Palsy recreation specialist, thinking she'd like her group to partner more with Campbell Middle School students.

"Here we have young and old, interracial, people with disabilities, people without," she said. "People who don't get out and see this are missing something that's still good in the world."

The media reminds us daily of all the bad news in the country and world - it's nice to just look inside your own community and find Good News!

Sherry Armstrong, REALTOR
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

iMPACT Invitational Coming to Daytona Beach

The iMPACT Invitational Golf Tournament, a benefit for the American Lung Assn. of Florida, will be held at the LPGA International, Legends Course, April 3-5, 2009. Purse will be $100,000, and winner $14,000. For information, visit iMPACT Enterprises Invitational.

Women's professional golf has surged in popularity and this event promises to showcase the next wave of young stars. Long-term rivalries to be played out on the LPGA Tour over the next few decades will begin here on the Duramed FUTURES Tour. The players you watch during the week come from as many as 24 countries around the world, and begin the season with great credentials and previous success in amateur and collegiate golf.

As the LPGA’s developmental tour, the Duramed FUTURES Tour has graduated more than 300 players to the LPGA Tour. Many of these professionals have become the world's top-ranked players. This year's event offers you the chance to watch players who most likely will move on to the LPGA Tour. Mexico's Lorena Ochoa was the 2002 Player of the Year on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, became the LPGA's top rookie in 2003, then went on to earn honors in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as the LPGA's Rolex Player of the Year. Tour alum Angela Park was the LPGA’s top rookie in 2007. Inbee Park won the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open Championship. This year 31 Duramed FUTURES Tour alumnae will join the LPGA after earning membership based on their performances in 2008.

Visit the Golf Page on my web site for information, map, and links (pun intended) to all the golf courses in the area. See you at the tournament!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Census Shows Florida Still Growing

Census numbers released yesterday show that in central Florida, Flagler County is the fastest growing, 3.5% last year, but Volusia County shrank 0.3%. Palm Coast was the fourth fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation between July 2007 and July 2008.

Volusia County population is now estimated at 498,036 as of 7/1/2008, down from 499,734 on 7/1/2007. Brevard County, Seminole County, and Orange County grew less than 1%.

Other fast-growing counties were Sumter at 3.7%, Osceola at 3.1, and Lake at 2.3%.

It will be interesting to see how demographics change as we turn from a boom to a recession to - hopefully - some economic stability. Central Florida is a great place to live and now the real estate opportunities are the best in a generation.

Contact me to discuss your options, and search our MLS at my web site.

Sherry Armstrong
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Daytona Beach Pier to be Restored

Daytona Beach is taking over development rights of the yet-to-be built amusement pier and putting up a couple million dollars to restore the landmark. The City Commission still has to approve it, but a new lease with Diland Corp. limits the developer's involvement in the landmark pier to the next 25 years, while the city picks up the tab for major upgrades that will restore it to its former glory. "Everyone wants to see the pier look like it did 20 years ago," Deputy City Manager/Administrative Services Paul McKitrick said.

According to News-Journal Online, "Diland paid $1 million for the development rights of the pier five years ago and has made more than $2 million worth of significant improvements, but the slipping economy plus bureaucratic red tape have delayed the second amusement pier."

Built in 1925, the pier has been remodeled to its Victorian-era resemblance to the Weston-super-mare pier in London since Diland took over, Fincke said. The city is hoping to secure Ecological Cultural Heritage Outdoors (ECHO) grants from Volusia County to help pay for some of the costs to bring it back to its heyday.

The city's plans for the pier's future still include the adjacent Santa Monica-style amusement pier Diland Corp. was supposed to build as part of the original agreement, City Manager Jim Chisholm said.

Read the full article at News-Journal Online.

Sherry Armstrong
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
ww.sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Riverfront Park in Daytona Approved

The News-Journal Online reports that the Daytona Beach city commission voted 7-0 to turn the $2.8 million riverfront land parcel on Halifax Avenue into a park.

The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that acquires land for public use, proposed a partnership with the city that would require the trust to purchase the 1.58-acre property just south of Main Street. In turn, the city would buy it from the nonprofit -- with all the title changes, environmental surveys and paperwork completed by the trust. From there, the trust would help the city get a grant from the state's Florida Communities Trust Program to pay for half the cost -- about $1.4 million.

Area redevelopment funds would be tapped to pay for Daytona's portion. Mayor Glenn Ritchey said he hoped the city has the opportunity to secure the grant and move forward with the comprehensive land changes and purchase next year.

Read the full article on News-Journal Online.

Sherry Armstrong
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191