4th of July COVID-19 Edition
Published July 2020 4th of July Covid-19 Edition Summer plans may look different this year, due to the global health crisis. While many people would ordinarily be heading out on July 4th to see local fireworks displays, some towns have decided not to hold these festivities at all to avoid crowds and the potential spread of COVID-19. But even with all these snags to celebrating Independence Day, the fireworks shows will still go on — just online. There are a number of ways to stream 4th of July fireworks or watch them on TV instead of going out in person.St. Petersburg’s waterfront fireworks display and Tampa’s annual Boom by the Bay officially bit the dust last week amid concerns about crowds and the coronavirus. From Safety Harbor to Siesta Key, fetes for the Fourth are finished, for now.However, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law this year that makes setting off fireworks officially legal on Independence Day. (And on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, too.) And if you do plan to buy, buy early. Stores and roadside tents get especially crowded on July 3 and 4, and crowds are to be avoided. How to Stream 4th of July Fireworks How to Watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on NBC The Macy's 4th of July fireworks will be televised on NBC so that people outside the city can also see the fireworks. Usually it airs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. For those who don't have a television or cable subscription, NBC can be streamed online as long as you can input someone's cable information. You can also try a free trial of YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo TV to stream NBC online for July 4. Watch the D.C. Fireworks on PBS There's no livestream option for PBS, but people with TVs that include the public broadcasting channel will be able to watch A Capitol Fourth on July 4, 2020. It's a patriotic, star-studded concert event that also features the fireworks that go off above the National Mall in Washington D.C. Top 3 Hot Spots to buy Fireworks in Tampa Phantom Fireworks of South Tampa3642 W Gandy BlvdTampa, FL Pyro Junkie Fireworks11207 N Nebraska Ave.Tampa, FL Phantom Fireworks of Tampa1031 E Fowler Ave.Tampa, FL SAFETY TIPS:If you choose to partake, here are some tips from the experts: Light only one at a time. Keep a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher nearby. If a device does not ignite ― if it’s a dud — don’t stand over it to investigate. And do not try to relight it. Don’t drink alcohol or wear loose clothing if you’re lighting fireworks. Keep spectators a healthy distance away. From Siddle at Pyro Junkie: Customers should not be shy about asking questions. “Ask the sales staff if you don’t know what something does,” he said. Safety is particularly important this year “especially since there might be a big boost in people not familiar with it.” What to do instead Whether you want something relaxed or adventurous, this list will give you plenty of ideas for some fun 4th of July activities.If you want to stay at home, you can plan something as inexpensive as firing up the grill and baking patriotic desserts; or you can go all-out and plan a big barbecue for your quarantine pod. If you'd rather enjoy the warm summer weather and your day off work, you can get out of town and see something new or enjoy a staycation in Tampa Bay with the lens of a tourist.The 4th of July is often an exciting day of summer that involves friends and family coming together for a bunch of delicious food, fun outdoor activities, and, of course, to celebrate America's independence. But this year, due to COVID-19 and social distancing, your 4th of July probably won't look like it has in years past. But that's no reason to cancel your celebration; there are still plenty of fun 4th of July activities that you can do and still safely practice social distancing. If you do go out, make sure to abide by: Mask Rules HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY What are the rules? Face coverings must be worn inside all indoor establishments in Hillsborough County. When do I have to start following them? The order goes into effect Wednesday, June 24 at 5 p.m. What happens if I don’t wear a mask? You won’t be penalized, but you might be thrown out. Businesses are required to enforce the mask order and can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, a penalty of up to 60 days in jail, and/or six months’ probation, and a $500 fine if they don’t. What are the exceptions? The mandate does not apply to children under 2, persons with pre-existing medical conditions that would be worsened by a mask, hearing-impaired persons, those working in a profession that would be unable to perform their duties with a mask such as public safety, exercising, eating and drinking, or those already observing federal social distancing guidelines (the 6-foot rule). PASCO COUNTY What are the rules? Face coverings must be worn inside all businesses, government offices, and schools in Pasco County. When do I have to start following them? Enforcement will begin Thursday, June 25 at 5 p.m. What happens if I don’t wear a mask? You likely won’t be able to enter the business or will be removed once inside. Individual business owners are required to enforce the ordinance or may face a fine up to $250. What are the exceptions? The mandate does not apply to children under 2, persons with pre-existing medical conditions that would be worsened by a mask, hearing-impaired persons, exercising or engaging in indoor sporting activities, eating and drinking, or those already observing federal social distancing guidelines (the 6-foot rule). Its enforcement cannot conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act. PINELLAS COUNTY What are the rules? Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places in Pinellas County. When do I have to follow them? The order goes into effect Wednesday, July 24 at 5 p.m. What if I don’t wear a mask? You may be prevented from entering a business –– and you can also be fined by the police. Customers not wearing a mask can receive a civil citation of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third. Additional repeat violations may result in a misdemeanor arrest. What are the exceptions? The mandate does not apply to government entities or hospitals, persons under 18, those already observing federal social distancing guidelines (the 6-foot rule), persons with pre-existing medical conditions that would be worsened by a mask, hearing-impaired persons, exercising, or religious rituals such as singing. Its enforcement cannot conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional regulations are in place for restaurant and bar employees. TAMPA What are the rules? Face coverings must be worn indoors outside the home at all times in the city of Tampa. When do I have to follow them? The order went into effect Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. What if I don’t wear a mask? You could get a civil citation of up to $500. Businesses can also receive a $500 civil citation for failing to enforce the mask order. What are the exceptions? The city’s exemptions are the same as Hillsborough County’s. Celebrate on the beach We’re all lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach, pack up for a fun day in the sun. If you stay until the evening, expect to see locals setting off fireworks. Just check with the local authorities first to make sure the beach is open. Here’s some of Tampa Bay’s hidden gems:Fred Howard Park is a popular beach and nature preserve located on the north end of Tampa Bay's barrier islands. The Park is connected by a mile-long causeway to the charming town of Tarpon Springs home to the area's famous sponge docks. In addition to allowing visitors access to white sand expanses, the Park offers protection to endangered Florida habitat and wildlife. Visitors are likely to catch glimpses of local wildlife, including nesting ospreys and eagles as well as dolphins and manatees. Amenities include picnic areas and playgrounds.Recommended for Beaches because: Fred Howard Beach is both a gorgeous expanse of white sand and a protected nature preserve, perfect for beach and nature lovers.Indian Rocks Beach offers expansive white sand beaches with less emphasis on commercial development. It is a quiet, less crowed alternative to some of the more popular beaches. Public beach access is wonderful with over 20 entries to the sand but amenities are minimal with showers, restrooms and parking. The surrounding area features a mixture of residential and vacation rentals - you won't find any big chain hotels here. In spite of its laid-back atmosphere, there is still plenty to do here with skim boarding being a popular pastime. Check out the friendly surf shops to find rentals and lessons. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from when you want to take a break from the beach.Recommended for Beaches because: Indian Rocks Beach offers expansive white sand beaches with ample public access without the crowds and commercialism.Sand Key is the spot if you're searching for tranquil, family-friendly Tampa Bay beaches. Explore Sand Key Park just south of Clearwater. This beautiful park is both park and beach offering visitors access to both white sand and a boardwalk and nature trail. If you come at the right time of year, you can observe the sea turtles nesting on the beach. So, whether you're looking to view Florida wildlife or are just looking to swim and sunbathe, this is the ideal location. Situated on a barrier island between the Gulf and the Florida mainland, the park offers plenty of parking space, picnic shelters, shower and restroom facilities and a playground for the kids.Recommended for Beaches because: Sand Key Park offers visitors the best of both worlds with a beautiful sandy beach and family park amenities.Honeymoon Island is the jumping off point to Caladesi Island. Honeymoon Island has plenty of beautiful beach to offer visitors as well and you don't have to take a boat to get there. In addition to its 4-mile expanse of white sand, the Island includes a several nature trails and bird observation areas where you can find nesting Ospreys and a variety of water birds. Visitors can learn more at the Rotary Nature Center. The Island offers plenty of amenities including a concession and restaurant where, in addition to food, you can find umbrella, chair and kayak rentals. Families will enjoy the picnic area complete with playground and covered pavilions in case of rain.Recommended for Beaches because: Honeymoon Island is a natural paradise with four miles of white sand beach with full amenities and an undisturbed nature sanctuary featuring nesting Ospreys.Fort De Soto is the spot if you have ever wanted to camp on the beach. This is a great spot to do it! Fort De Soto Park consists of over 1,000 acres of preserved land that covers five interconnected islands. These islands are home to numerous forms of wildlife that live in the Park's beach grasses, mangroves, wetlands, and palm hammocks. The beaches are wonderful and there is a calm lagoon protected by sand bars that provides a safe place for little ones to play. There is also a 7-mile paved trail for biking and walking. Included in the park's extensive list of amenities are two piers where visitors can fish without licenses, a dog park and beach area, and kayak and bike rentals.Recommended for Beaches because: Fort De Soto Park is a family-friendly favorite with beautiful beaches and a host of other amenities including on-beach camping.For the full list click here. Lounge in the pool or have a Socially Distanced BBQ and use these recipes Sometimes with holiday plans, less is more. Make delicious summer drinks, play a few patriotic tunes, and kick back, relax, and soak up some sun. Take all of those adorable red, white, and blue recipes you made and celebrate with a picnic in the beach or park. Check out these recipes all in love of red, white and blue to make your party a hit! (Click the titles for the recipe) Mini Mousse Cakes Certain holidays call for meticulously layering blueberry, strawberry and vanilla mousse. Whether your celebration is small or large, these mini mousse cakes will be appreciated and gawked over all day. (via Eye Doc Bakes) Red, White, and Blueberry Caprese Salad It’s hard to beat the simple combo of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil — unless you add a handful of blueberries, too! (via Brit + Co) No-Bake 4th of July Pies No time to bake? No problem! Have pie, will travel (to the BBQ). (via Brit + Co) Berry Skewers with White Chocolate Drizzle If the holiday snuck up on you this year, these fruit skewers are the perfect last-minute patriotic addition to your BBQ buffet. Simply by threading blueberries and strawberries on a skewer and drizzling white chocolate on top, you’ll create a tasty treat that looks like it took you all day. (via Nourished Peach) Kids Recipes: Firecracker Popcorn This popcorn is decorated with ALL the sprinkles and is sure to cause a few fireworks. Fill paper bags with your popcorn, and gift them to your party guests as they arrive. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen) Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe The Fourth of July is the birthday of the USA, so it only makes sense that you make her a birthday cookie cake to celebrate. Use seasonal red, white and blue M&M’s and a ton of sprinkles to decorate. (via Crazy for Crust) Marshmallow Popcorn Balls Recreate your favorite childhood snack with a patriotic touch this year. These popcorn balls will be loved by both the adults and kids at the party, so they definitely won’t go to waste. (via Creations by Kara) Red, White & Blue Layered Finger Jello Kids will love helping you make (and eat!) this Jello treat. If you want to make a separate adults-only batch with a bit of vodka, we won’t judge you. (via Brown Eyed Baker) Click here for even more festive 4th of July recipes. Make homemade 4th of July Cocktails Red, White and Blue Wine Spritzer: White wine spritzers are a classic summer beverage for a reason. Add some blue and red and you’ve got yourself a killer cocktail for America’s birthday. (via pretty plain janes)Snow Cone Drinks: This drink is equal parts nostalgia and party-in-a-glass. Slightly on the sweeter side, we wouldn’t have too many or you can expect a killer hangover on the 5th. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)Shandies: It wouldn’t be a true July 4th shindig without an ice cold beer, now would it? Take your brew to the next level with this refreshing shandy recipe. (via Camille Styles)Red, White and Blue Jello Shots: It’s no secret that, here at Brit HQ, we love a good jello shot. So naturally, Independence Day called for whipping up a patriotic batch! (via Brit + Co.)Campari Basil Mojito: This unexpected flavor combo is definitely celebration-worthy. We’re also loving the more subtle red, white and blue shades here. (via Set the Table)Watermelon Blueberry Cooler: The only thing better than watermelon on a hot summer night is a delicious watermelon cocktail. (via Tasty Trials)Blueberry Coconut Sparkler: Fresh blueberries, coconut rum and ginger ale combine to make a festive drink with just the right hint of tropical paradise. The coconut flakes on the rim are a fun final touch. (via Pizzazzerie)Fourth of July Slushie: A perfect way to cool off, these slushies are super easy to make and super fun to drink, which is every party-thrower’s dream. (via A Healthy Life for Me)Purple Independence: Who says everything’s gotta be red, white and blue? This cocktail’s color makes it a little bit of (delicious) rebellion in a glass and a pretty addition to your table. (via A Year of Cocktails)Bomb Pop Jello Shots: There’s just something about the 4th of July that brings out the big kid inside all of us. These popsicle-inspired shots are the perfect way to indulge. (via That’s So Michelle)Star Spangled Spritzer: This fruity summer drink is easily made non-boozy by swapping out the white wine for ginger ale, making it a great option for a family-friendly affair. Just make sure to clearly mark your pitchers before serving! (via Celebrating Everyday Life)Patriotic Panna Cotta Shooters: Bring on the stars and stripes! We love a good spiked sweet and this gorgeous panna cotta definitely hits the spot. (via Sprinkle Bake)Click here for more 4th of July cocktails and mocktails. Looking to celebrate the 4th Out on the town?Check out these local events (Due to the nature of event cancellations make sure to check links for potential cancellations) Fourth of July Celebration at Starkey Market Join for a family fun event at Starkey Market on the 4th of July to celebrate! If you love southern BBQ and homestyle mac n cheese then don’t miss out on Big Art’s BBQ food truck! A locally owned Cold Stone Creamery truck will be there as well with your favorite ice cream!Live music by one of the best saxophone players around and his band! Private firework display around 9PM complementary of Starkey Blueberry Farm.JUL 4 | 5PM-10PMStarkey Market$30 4th of July with Josh Gilbert Band Celebrate America with a cold brew in hand, while showing off your dance moves. 3 Daughters Brewing will be ringing in America’s birthday with live music from the Josh Gilbert Band from 1PM-5PM. And if you’re a big fan of their beers, bring some home with you! All six packs will be BOGO all weekend long. JUL 4 | 11:30AM-6PM3 Daughters BrewingFREE July 4th BBQ Celebration If you want to feel like a kid again, then head to Time Out Seminole for a BBQ cookout to celebrate America. There will be cornhole tournaments, Giant Jenga, Connect 4, flip cup and trash can pong for the big kids (at heart) to enjoy.For the real kids? There will be sandbox digs, spin wheel, water balloon toss, ring toss and more. What more could you ask for?! Ok, fine, let’s give you more! There will also be food and drink specials, and prizes for all of the games that will be played. JUL 4 | 12PM-4PMTime Out SeminoleFREE Bert's is Celebrating Freedom - 4th of July Bash Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson just made finding 4th of July plans easy. Nothing screams ‘MERICA like a good ol’ fashion hot dog eating contest, spiked watermelon eating contest and Blueberry pie contest. Which would you win? The spiked watermelon eating contest is calling our names!There will also be a blood drive, food and beer to enjoy! And did we mention it’s kid friendly? If you didn’t know where to celebrate before, you do now. JUL 4 | 9AM-5PMBert’s Barracuda Harley DavidsonFREE 4th of July Our Way Shuffle over to Tampa Heights and dance all night long. For $25, you get to enjoy a concert, keg beer, hot dogs and hamburgers. Tribal Style will be performing from 4PM-6PM and Sunsetters will play afterwards from 7PM-9PM.Spend your 4th of July listening to some reggae, staying 6 ft. apart, and wearing a mask. But above all, have fun!JUL 4 | 4PM–12AMShuffle$25 We're Happy to Help! Make sure to follow me by clicking below and like my personal page and business page forcontinued real time updates on community resources. --> Share Tweet Forward Please share FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM VISIT OUR BLOG AND PAGE FRIEND ME ON FACEBOOK Copyright © 2024 The Kincheloe Group, All rights reserved.You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.Our mailing address is: The Kincheloe Group 711 S. Howard Ave. Ste. 200 TAMPA, Florida 33606 Add us to your address book 813-336-5835Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
June 2020 Digital Magazine
Published June 2020 JUNE 2020/VOL 2/ISSUE 6 TAMPA BAY INSIDER FEATURES, TRENDS, AND EVENTS FROM: --> J.C. Penney's plans for a retail REIT could lay out some major redevelopment opportunities in Tampa Bay Part of J.C. Penney Co. Inc's turnaround plan includes cashing in on its real estate — and it is sitting on some prime sites for potential redevelopment in the Tampa Bay area.Dallas-based J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, and part of the retailer's tentative plan calls for the creation of a real estate investment trust that would collect rent from its stores, Bloomberg reports. J.C. Penney could sell up to a 35 percent stake in the REIT to generate cash if its lenders approve the plan. The retailer said its bankruptcy filing will result in some store closures; it needs to reduce its retail footprint, given the company's financial performance even before the novel coronavirus pandemic. It currently has 800 stores."One of the most immediate priorities is the closure of underperforming and bad space," said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. "J.C. Penney is exposed to a high number of weak malls and locations and it needs to quickly cut its losses."J.C. Penney's REIT plan is like a strategy Sears deployed in 2015 when it spun off Seritage Growth Properties. Seritage has moved forward with several redevelopments of Sears' real estate in the Tampa Bay area. In Clearwater, a portion of Sears at Westfield Countryside was redeveloped to make way for Whole Foods Market Inc. In St. Petersburg, Seritage redeveloped the Sears at Tyrone Square Mall into Dick's Sporting Goods, PetSmart, Five Below and Hitchcock's Markets, which took over the former Lucky's Market space.J.C. Penney does not own its WestShore Plaza real estate, which is arguably its best property in the Tampa Bay region. Washington Prime Group, the Ohio-based owner of WestShore Plaza, owns the J.C. Penney box. Simon Property Group, the owner of Tyrone Square Mall, also owns J.C. Penney's real estate at that mall. QIC, which owns the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, also controls J.C. Penney's anchor box there.But J.C. Penney does own real estate throughout the region, including the following: 150,741-square-foot anchor box on 9.35 acres at Westfield Brandon 172,337-square-foot anchor box at Westfield Countryside in Clearwater 133,573-square-foot anchor box on 9.37 acres at Westfield Citrus Park In recent years, restaurant and entertainment concepts have become the go-to businesses to occupy real estate vacated by traditional retailers. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, retail redevelopments have become more complicated. Many food, bar and entertainment concepts face an uncertain financial future and looming bankruptcies. Movie theaters, which have become an anchor at many malls in recent years, have been devastated by the pandemic. J.C. Penney's three owned properties in the Tampa Bay area are in high traffic areas — areas that are ripe for new types of development, including multifamily, education and medical office space.Bloomberg reports that J.C. Penney says in court documents that it wants to list shares of its new REIT on a national securities exchange “as soon as reasonably practicable." But the plans for the REIT are not yet a done deal: The retailer has until July 14 to agree on a plan with its first-lien lenders.But even without the REIT, it seems like most if not all of J.C. Penney's real estate will be in play. If it does not come to terms with lenders and get its necessary funding by Aug. 15, it will have to pursue a sale. Craig’s Take: There is going to be wave of redevelopment opportunities as our economy changes and consumer behavior changes. Retail stores have and will continue to close due to many consumers preferring to shop online. Most of these locations are prime real estate located in convenient high-traffic areas. The bigger question is what is going to replace these large spaces. What is going to be the highest and best use of these spaces? There is not a universal answer to this question as it will depend on each location. If I were to provide a universal answer, I believe many will be replaced with residential real estate and service-based businesses. COVID-19 has created many uncertainties, and as a result, I do anticipate many of these locations will set vacant for a while. Many developers and companies are going to want to wait and see the lasting impact of COVID-19 on people’s behavior before taking on large scale projects like redeveloping spaces of this size. This is an area I will be watching closely as it will no doubt impact residential real estate values surrounding these locations. --> This Month's Market Trends inTampa Bay CLICK IMAGE FOR UPDATED INFO --> WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH: CLICK EVENT FOR DETAILS Imagine our Florida’s Virtual 5KRun or walk at your own pace for this fundraiser benefiting Imagine our Florida. Once you sign up, you’ll receive a link to self-report your time. You can run on a treadmill, around the block, or even out in nature. You have until December 31, 2020, to complete your run.$25 Father’s Day Lunch & Dinner CruisesSunday, June 21, 12:30pm & 5:30pmGive Dad a break from the grill this Father’s Day with a spectacular cruise on the water! The entire family will enjoy a lavish meal prepared by the Yacht’s Executive Chef, while experiencing the best views of Tampa Bay. Includes a 2-hour cruise with an upscale entree selection, reserved table, and DJ entertainment. $59.95/person (plus $2 marine fee and sales tax) VIRTUAL EVENTS The Ringling’s Museum from HomeThe Ringling is allowing you to tour the Bayfront Gardens from the comfort of your home, view Art Chats, send a digital postcard, explore over 100 different species of trees using TreeKeeper, and more! You can also find Ringling archives, Ringling staff favs, and the object of the week posts on The Ringling’s Facebook page. Shine Mural Festival Virtual TourExplore St. Pete’s multitude of murals from the comfort of your home via the SHINE Mural Festival Virtual Tour. The virtual tour allows you to see photos, watch videos and find out about the artist and the artwork.FREE --> COVID-19Updates Curious whether people in your neighborhood are testing positive for coronavirus? The Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection has launched an online tool to map cases of coronavirus by ZIP code. For real time COVID-19 updates for Florida data click here. If you do not receive updates from the City of Tampa make sure to sign up by texting: TAMPAREADY to 888-777. --> Tampa FoodieBrioche Café and Bakery Check out South Tampa’s newest Café and Bakery. Brioche Café & Bakery combines the best of European and Mediterranean flavors with the comfort and convenience of limited seating, carry-out and grab-and-go options. They offer artisanal breads, elevated soups, salads, sandwiches, and rotating daily specials. On the sweeter side, Brioche presents an assortment of desserts, pastries, cookies, tarts, and confections. From the time she was a young child, Brioche chef and owner Badia Verona had a passion for cooking. She moved to the United States from Switzerland in 1999 and earned her culinary degree from the prestigious Le Cordon Blue Academy.Brioche offers breakfast, lunch, and early dinner selections Monday through Friday with weekend brunch.Make sure to check them out:Address: 407 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609Hours: Monday-Friday • 8AM – 6PM, Saturday and Sunday • 9AM – 3PMPhone Number: 813.443.4409We can’t wait to try: The Brioche Lox and the Café au LaitClick here to go to their site. --> Bayshore’s first condo tower in 15 years completed,residents moving in tomillion-dollar units The first condo tower built on Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard in 15 years has completed the construction phase and is ready for its residents to begin moving in.Residents are paying at least $1 million for each of the luxury units in the 24-floor tower, though some went for more than $5 million apiece. Most of the condos range in 2,400 to 3,400 square feet and all have their own private elevator entrance, according to the news release. Amenities include an infinity pool overlooking Bayshore as well as a pet grooming facility with dog-washing equipment called a “pet spa.”The two top floors each consist of a single penthouse, with 6,700 square feet and 360-degree views of Hillsborough Bay, South Tampa, and Downtown Tampa.Even though the coronavirus pandemic has affected many luxury apartment complexes in Tampa Bay — prompting many of them to offer free months of rent or other perks — Virage’s sales were largely unaffected. That is because much of their units were already secured before the pandemic began, with all but four having been sold by this time last year.One of the units on the seventh floor was purchased by four-time Tampa Mayor Dick Greco back in 2017, though he said at the time that he hadn’t decided yet whether he and his wife would live there or if they would keep it as an investment property.The luxury condo tower was announced in late 2016, and since then at least two others were underway. Construction crews’ broke ground in November 2017. Today, 69 of the 71 units have been pre-sold — totaling more than $120 million in real estate. Final closing of those sales began May 15 and will continue over the coming weeks.The pandemic did affect construction crews, as workers completed temperature checks every morning and wore colored bracelets every day to show they passed the screening. Contractors on site also were required to wear face masks and fewer people rode in elevators at the same time. Craig’s Take:This project is proof of concept for the demand of high-rise luxury condo living along beautiful Bayshore Blvd. After nearly a decade without any condo construction many wondered if the demand would be there if a developer were to build one. That question has been answered. There was so much pent-up demand that the pace of sales exceeded most expectations. The question many have is who these people are purchasing these luxury condos. Most of the buyers are Tampa empty-nester couples looking to ditch the large home with all the maintenance for the maintenance free lifestyle, with a great location, and superb amenities. Simply put, they are trading size for what they perceive as a better quality of life as they enter the next chapter of their life. Now that the proof of concept has been established, other developers believe the demand has still not been met and as a result, you are seeing other luxury high-rise condos being built-- for example, Hyde Park House, which is also located on Bayshore Blvd. The question remains: is the demand strong enough for the more than 1,000 condos priced around $1 million that are proposed or under construction between Gandy Blvd and downtown Tampa. My belief, based upon studying the market every day, is that demand has not been met at this point. I do think the velocity of sales will be much slower than they have with buildings that started preselling in 2015-2017. I also believe some buildings that do not offer an exceptional location, breathtaking views, and unparalleled amenities will struggle to make sales. Stay-tuned for continued updates from me on the luxury condo market. --> Tiny home community opens in Tampa You can now live large but on a smaller scale in Thonotosassa. ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village, a community of tiny homes off Hwy. 301, is now open and leasing. “ESCAPE is a new 21st century way of the tiny house. We do it with a twist. We take it one step further and we are RV certified,” said David Peterson, Development Director for ESCAPE.Each energy-efficient tiny home is a minimalist’s dream. Peterson says these homes are not only affordable, but they are sustainable. “Say a person has a 2 to 3 bedroom home, with these, the size of square footage, the cost to heat them, the cost of electricity, the cost to light them is all minute compared to a normal home,” said Peterson.The tiny homes are also big on style and feature panoramic windows, full kitchens, large bathrooms, large first floor bedrooms, washer/dryers, plenty of storage, full climate control, LED lighting. “These are fancied up, top of the line from appliances to counter tops to installation,” said Peterson. The tiny homes have also been engineered for extreme weather events like hurricanes and are strapped down.Currently, 10 units are available at ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village. According to Peterson, their tiny homes range from $75,000-$106,000. He predicts these homes will be popular among millennials and retirees. For more information on ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village, visit their website here. Craig’s Take: Tiny homes have become increasingly popular on the west coast over the past several years. Cities like Durango, CO, Fresno, CA, Portland, OR and recently Spur, TX. Many times, the location of these communities is convenient to nature and ideal for people who enjoy outdoor activities. They are also often found in areas that have a high cost of living. The first step to an area being attractive for tiny housing communities are zoning laws that are tiny home friendly. Many municipalities have been putting a focus on different ways to make housing affordable for more people. Changing zoning laws that allow for tiny houses to be built is one way to increase affordability. Many people have questions on how Tiny Home communities work. I want to explain how Escape Tampa Bay Village works first. You rent the lot like a mobile home or RV park. The lot rentals at Escape Tampa Bay Village range from $400-$600 per month. If you are looking to finance the Tiny home, they are financing them over a 15-year term. Depending on the design, you go with mortgage payment range from $465-$706 per month with a 15% down payment. So, if you add the mortgage with lot rental your total monthly expenditure ranges from $865-$1,177. I will say the homes are incredibly attractive and have high quality materials you would never expect in a home in this price range. My belief is this could be a low-cost way to live in a quality home for people who do not need a lot of space. That said it is not a good long-term investment. Not owning the land is what makes this a poor long-term investment. Tiny homes are likely to depreciate like a car, RV, or trailer. In real estate, the part that appreciates the most is typically the land and not owning the land means the home will likely depreciate over time. I would look at it as being a glorified renter. --> Tampa BayCOVID-19Market Health A recent report from ATTOM Data Solutions, a property data company based in California, found that the housing market in most of the counties making up Tampa Bay are among the least vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.The two exceptions are Hernando and Polk counties, which fall within the top 60 most vulnerable. To determine each county’s vulnerability, the report looked at the total percentage of income it took in Q1 2020 to buy a home, percentage of homes underwater, those which the mortgage loan was higher than its market value in Q4 2019, and percentage of foreclosures in Q4 2019.Based on that data, the report found Pinellas County is most resilient to coronavirus effects in Tampa Bay. An average Pinellas resident needs 31.7 percent of income to purchase a home, one of the better percentages in the bay area. The county also had 9.4 percent of homes underwater and a 12 percent foreclosure rate.Pasco and Hillsborough counties are the next resilient, according to the report. For Pasco, a resident would need to spend a little under 30 percent of their income to buy a home. The county did have a higher percentage of homes underwater at 14.5 percent, but it also had a lower foreclosure rate than Pinellas at 10 percent.The report found Hillsborough is a little more vulnerable than Pasco with 29 percent of a resident's income needed to purchase a house. The county had 12.3 percent of homes underwater and a 15 percent foreclosure rate.Polk and Hernando counties rank among the most vulnerable counties. Polk landed at No. 59 with a high underwater rate and foreclosure rates of 15.2 and 17 percent, respectively. Hernando landed at No. 35 with the highest percentage of properties underwater at 15.9 percent and a foreclosure rate of 22 percent.ATTOM did note that it is too early to tell the full effect of the coronavirus, but the impact will be significant. The purpose of the report was to identify markets that may be significantly at risk.“It’s too early to tell how much effect the coronavirus fallout will have on different housing markets around the country. But the impact is likely to be significant from region to region and county to county,” Todd Teta, chief product officer with ATTOM Data Solutions, said in a statement. “What we’ve done is spotlight areas that appear to be at risk based on several important factors. From that analysis, it looks like the Northeast is more at risk than other areas. As we head into the spring homebuying season, the next few months will reveal how severe the impact will be.”Overall, Florida had 10 counties fall within the top 50 with Flagler, Lake, Bay, Clay, and Broward among the most vulnerable; Sumter, Pinellas, Alachua, Brevard, and Seminole were among the least vulnerable.Craig’s Take:This is an excellent article that covers two of the four most important aspects on projecting how any real estate market will fair during and after COVID-19. Those are the percentage of homes currently underwater and the percentage of income needed to qualify to purchase a home. It is missing the unemployment figures for homeowners as well as the percentage of homeowner equity in 2020. Below is a pie chart that outlines those figures nationally. Many of my clients I speak with are shocked by these figures. Especially the fact that 42.1% of Americans own their home free and clear of a mortgage. Obviously, the more equity someone has in their home the less likely they are to let the home go to foreclosure. Additionally, it also allows people who can qualify to refinance or obtain home equity line of credit should they need cash to get through these times. The key words being those who qualify. For those unemployed or furloughed they will be unable to obtain any such financing regardless of their equity position. Expect me to expand more on these topics in future editions. --> COVID-19 Helpers Carla Bristol, left, waves goodbye to Jackie Hersey after Hersey picked up a head of collard greens during a giveaway organized by Bristol at Atwater's Soul Food Restaurant in St. Petersburg. [BOYZELL HOSEY | TIMES | Tampa Bay Times]Fred Rogers once said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”Carla Bristol is always on the move - sewing bags at night from donated T-shirts, sharing fresh produce to groups such as Daystar and checking on her 92-year-old neighbor. Lately, she has also been funneling nonperishables to Eric Atwater, who is serving free meals at his restaurant, at the corner of 18th Ave. S and MLK St. in St. Petersburg.“I felt comfortable with Atwater’s,” she said, “because I knew everything would be safe, and that’s where people in the community were already coming to - a place where people from four neighborhoods could walk to.”Bristol normally leads the St. Petersburg Urban Youth Farm on the campus of Pinellas Technical College. She said she learned early, from her mother, to be charitable. In Guyana, where she grew up, her family had chickens and mango and avocado trees. They shared the bounty with neighbors.Bristol moved to New York in 1980 and then to St. Petersburg in 1996. She raised two children here and grew to love the culture and community of the Southside. It reminded her of home.Now, amid this pandemic, she is connecting to a network of resources, helping however she can. So, when a stranger reached out to tell her about a farm in Lakeland that was struggling to offload its produce, she found donations to purchase 350 heads of collard greens at a greatly reduced rate. Then she gathered a small team to bag everything and make them available at Atwater’s.“So many people and organizations have stepped forward in this time of need,” she said. “If people know your spirit is good, they’re not opposed to welcoming you in and helping out.” --> Tampa Bay FeaturedJUST SOLDLuxury Listing An opportunity to own part of Tampa's history, this vintage home was originally owned by the Garrison Channel family. It is secluded in the city's premier Golfview neighborhood located on quiet brick streets with walkability to Palma Ceia golf course, restaurants, shops and Bayshore. While keeping its character of the 1920's, renovations and expansions include extensive woodwork and moldings with attention given to detail. The open formal living and dining rooms make for great entertaining and family gatherings. A sunroom connects the custom kitchen to the family room giving the feeling of bringing the light and outdoors in. Ten sets of French doors open as needed to the patios overlooking the pool and expansive yard. Two wood burning fireplaces downstairs add to the charm of this home. Over 4200 square feet of living space allows versatility of use. Currently used as a 5 bedroom with an office, the unique floor plan allows for a playroom, workout area, or nanny space accessible from a second staircase. The detached 416 sf guest cottage is ADA compliant with door openings and a full walk in shower. It can be used as a pool house or separate private office. A portion of the two-car garage is currently used as an added bedroom in the guest cottage, but it can easily be converted back to garage space. This home is located at: 3212 W San Nicholas St. Tampa, FL 33629.Craig’s Take:The owner originally purchased the home in 1986 for a bargain of $236,280. It is in one of my favorite South Tampa neighborhoods of Golfview. What I like most about Golfview is it offers all the convenience of being in the middle of the city while at the same time offering a beautiful countryside feeling. The lots are large offering exceptional privacy and the streets are tree lined lending to its countryside feel. The buyer is going to be someone who appreciates the above, the character of a 1920’s home while also being accepting of the quirks and awkwardness that comes with a 1920’s home. It is currently the most affordable home listed for sale in Golfview. Even with all the homes in Golfview being in the luxury price range they still typically sell relatively quick with a median day to contract of 114 days. It is not uncommon for tear downs in Golfview that set on larger lots to sell for $1 million to $1.4 million. I know for many that can be hard to wrap your mind around especially given these homes/lots are not on the water. It is all about location, lot size, lack of inventory, and the strong demand. --> Tampa Bay FeaturedLuxury Listing Former Toronto Blue Jays all-star and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar has sold off his sprawling Tampa home, 901 Palacio De Avila, Tampa, FL 33613. Alomar's 18,000 square-foot-home on 3.4 gated acres in Avila has sold for $4 million.The home sale is among several major residential transactions to close since the coronavirus pandemic began. The highest priced spec home ever sold in Tampa closed in April, and luxury real estate agents say they aren't seeing a slowdown in business.Alomar bought the home in 2010 from JPMorgan Chase Bank, which had foreclosed on it 2009. He paid $2.4 million, according to Hillsborough County property records. The buyer was not disclosed, and a deed for the transaction has not yet been filed.The home has eight bedrooms, nine full and three half baths and has marble floors, custom millwork and resort-style amenities. It also includes a wine cellar, indoor and outdoor pools, eight-car collector's garage and a sports court.Craig’s Take:This home was previously featured as a luxury listing in March’s edition of Tampa Bay Insider. Roberto Alomar did an exquisite job remodeling the home after purchasing as a foreclosure. The home was purchased by Dr. George Giannakopoulos and his wife Emilia. Dr. Giannakopoulos is a practicing neurological surgeon specializing in spine surgery in Pasco and Hernando Counties. The most interesting aspect of this transaction was the timing. The contract was signed by all parties on February 22nd right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Tampa Bay area. The buyers did not get alarmed enough to cancel the contract. They continued forward with the sale and closed on May 5th. As, the article mentioned this is one of many luxury sales that happened during the middle of the pandemic. All of which are signs the wealthy still feel optimistic about the Tampa Bay luxury real estate market. In my next month’s edition of Tampa Bay Insider, I will get into why the wealthy feel optimistic about Tampa Bay’s luxury real estate market. Note from Craig:We are in unprecedented times on many levels. We all have been impacted on some level. I am here to answer your questions about the real estate market, local economy, residential lending, and home building. I study these topics daily and have the numbers, data, and facts to share with you. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Much of it is based on opinion and/or emotion. Reach out to me as I am committed to be your resource. Send me an email, text me, or click on the link here to schedule a phone or video appointment. --> GET TO KNOW CRAIG KINCHELOE-CLICK HEREKNOW SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING-SEND THEM THIS LINK TO SCHEDULE A STRATEGY SESSION WITH CRAIG Follow us for updates: Share Forward Copyright (C) 2024. The Kincheloe Group. All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:The Kincheloe Group711 S. Howard Ave. Ste. 200TAMPA, Florida 33606Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
May 2020 Electronic Magazine
Published May 2020 MAY 2020/VOL 2/ISSUE 5 TAMPA BAY INSIDER FEATURES, TRENDS, AND EVENTS FROM: --> Major Tampa Bay ProjectsStill on Track forSuper Bowl 55 In early February, with exactly one year to go before Super Bowl 55 in Tampa, contractors said they were working to open seven projects with a combined value of more than $1 billion for the championship.For the most part, that’s still the case despite the economic turmoil created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a project-by-project update: St. Petersburg's new pier as seen from North Shore Park last month. [DIRK SHADD | Times] St. Pete Pier800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg Once scheduled for May 30, the opening date of the new $92 million pier was postponed “a little bit longer,” Mayor Rick Kriseman said last, because of the likelihood of continued restrictions on public gatherings. The centerpiece of downtown St. Petersburg’s urban waterfront, the new pier will include 26 acres of reconfigured public space with a $1 million wooden playground, public art, a fishing deck, new places to eat and drink and a discovery center with hands-on marine exhibits. “Stay tuned for a new date,” Kriseman said. “It will be worth the wait.” Aerial image of the new JW Marriott under construction at 510 Water Street, alongside the current Marriott Waterside pictured on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 in Tampa. [LUIS SANTANA | Times] JW Marriott510 Water St., Tampa The website for the $200 million-plus JW Marriott hotel in the Water Street Tampa mega-development says the hotel will open in November, which is consistent with what the hotel’s general manager said last month. When finished, the 26-story hotel will include 519 rooms, a big ballroom and what’s touted as the highest rooftop bar in the city. By connecting it with the neighboring Tampa Marriott Water Street via an elevated walkway, the two hotels will offer a combined 1,200 hotel rooms. The dual-branded Aloft and Element hotels under construction at Midtown Tampa. (The Bromley Companies) [The Bromley Companies] Midtown TampaNortheast corner of N Dale Mabry and W Cypress St., just south of Interstate 275, Tampa “We haven’t missed a day of work” and “have had little to no disruptions in the supply chain,” said Nick Haines, president and chief executive officer of The Bromley Companies, the developer of the $550 million Midtown Tampa project. “The schedule remains (for) substantial completion by the Super Bowl.Construction crews topped out the eight-story Midtown One office building on March 15 and the dual-branded Aloft and Element hotel on March 26. A new Whole Foods Market is scheduled to be turned over to the grocery store company in late July. The 22-acre project also includes specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op, 400 apartments, and restaurants ranging from a new location for local chef Chris Ponte to the Oprah Winfrey-backed True Food Kitchen to the bay area’s first Shake Shack. The $52 million Hotel Haya in Ybor City at 1402 E Seventh Avenue in Ybor City is taking reservations for September. (Aparium Hotel Group) Haya Hotel 1412 E Seventh Ave., TampaThe $52 million Hotel Haya in Ybor City is taking reservations beginning Sept. 1. The four-story hotel includes 176 rooms, a 152-seat restaurant and 42-seat cafe. The location is one of Ybor City’s most storied sites. In 1898, cavalrymen from Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” are said to have ridden into the dining room at the Las Novedades restaurant in “the Charge of the Yellow Rice Brigade.” Later it was the home of the notorious El Dorado casino. An artists' rendering of the $90 million Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement in downtown St. Petersburg. [Courtesy of Alfonso Architects] Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement355 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg “I can say with confidence that there are many, many major events planned around the Super Bowl, and we certainly intend on being part of the festivities,” Tom Magoulis, the executive director of the organization behind the 137,000-square-foot Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, said in an email. “Unfortunately, given the situation around the COVID-19 and the uncertainty it presents, we hesitate making any new announcement around an opening date,” Magoulis said. “We would not want museum-goers from around the country making travel and lodging arrangements to visit on a certain date when there is still so much up in the air." Collector Rodolfo “Rudy” Ciccarello is financing the $90 million museum privately and stocking it with his collection of more than 2,000 pieces of art, furniture, ceramics, glass, lighting and other objects from the American Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century. Finishing touches are underway on the building, and fixtures and art are being moved in, Magoulis said. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium near Clearwater Beach is working to complete an $80 million expansion. (Rendering courtesy Clearwater Marine Aquarium) [Clearwater Marine Aquarium] Clearwater Marine Aquarium249 Windward Passage, Clearwater Mid to late this year is still the projected opening date for an $80 million expansion of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the home of Winter the Dolphin, near Clearwater Beach. The expanded facility will have a total of 103,000 square feet of guest space, five times what it has now, 400 more parking spots and more living space for rescued dolphins, more education space and more room for more wildlife rehabilitation. Rising next to Tampa City Hall, the combined 17-story, 230-room Hyatt Place hotel and a 115-room Hyatt House hotel will have about 4,000 square feet of meeting space, 3,200 square feet of ground floor retail space and 220-space public parking garage. (Rendering courtesy HRI Properties/Baker Barrios) Hyatt House/Hyatt Place hotelsSoutheast corner of N Florida Avenue and E Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa HRI Communities of New Orleans is looking at opening its new dual-branded hotel in the first quarter of 2021. “We really won’t be able to refine the project opening date until September,” HRI Communities president Josh Collen said in an email. The 17-story building is going up on a former parking lot across from Tampa City Hall and will have a 230-room Hyatt Place Hotel and a 115-room extended-stay Hyatt House Hotel, plus meeting space, ground floor retail space and a public parking garage. Craig’s Take: These projects are critical to the Tampa Bay areas impression on the many visitors anticipated to be traveling to Tampa for Super Bowl 55. The bigger story in my opinion is that construction services are considered essential businesses per the governor’s executive order. This is not only important for the completion of the construction projects listed above for the Super Bowl but is also vital to our economy. Construction has more of an impact on Florida’s GDP than it does for the country. In fact, in Florida construction contributed to 5.1% of the of our states GDP compared to only 4% of the U.S. GDP. Additionally, Florida had 48,100 construction firms in 2015, of which 92% were considered small business (1 to 19 employees) That number is much higher right now as Florida’s has seen a steady increase in construction employment since that time. Construction employment in December 2018 totaled 554,000, an increase of 6.7% from December 2017, but 20% less than the state’s peak in June 2006. The effects of the real estate crash are still being felt in the construction industry 14 years later. The reality is many of the construction workers and business owners left Florida during that time or left the construction industry for other industries with no intention of ever coming back. Currently, the biggest factor holding back residential and commercial construction is the lack of skilled workers. According to Associated General Contractors of America 79% of construction firms in Florida reported difficulty filling salaried and hourly worker positions. In my own research and experience, builders, developers, and the public are all experiencing the lack of construction workers. If we lose any more people in this industry it will have a significant impact on our economy. It is for these reasons, in my opinion, it is vital to our state’s economy both in the short-term and long-term the construction industry and workers are still able to work during the pandemic. --> April's Market Trends inTampa Bay --> WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH: CLICK EVENT FOR DETAILSONLINE EVENTS:CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: The Dali Virtual Tour Need a vacation? Escape to The Faroe Island Lego Land Virtual Tour Stream Live Workouts KIDS EVENTS THIS MONTH: CLICK EVENT FOR DETAILS Cooking with Small Children Miami Children’s Museum Kid’s Yoga Classes Play dough recipe --> COVID-19/Corona VirusUpdates Curious whether people in your neighborhood are testing positive for coronavirus? The Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection has launched an online tool to map cases of coronavirus by ZIP code. For real time COVID-19 updates for Florida data click here. If you do not receive updates from the City of Tampa make sure to sign up by texting: TAMPAREADY to 888-777. --> The Florida Aquarium is Making Coral Reef History The Florida Aquarium has made a breakthrough that will help save "America's Great Barrier Reef," the third largest coral reef in the world. For the first time in world history, the aquarium in Tampa, Florida has successfully reproduced ridged cactus coral in human care. The corals are just one of a variety of species rescued from Florida's waters by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and NOAA Fisheries after coral reefs in the state began undergoing a major disease outbreak that started in 2014.Scientists are now caring for the rescued adult coral colonies to breed and reproduce them in hopes of someday restoring the reefs once the disease is gone. While reproducing these species, scientists are discovering for the first-time basic information on their biology, such as when they have babies or what their larvae look like.To read more click here. --> Looking for ways toHelp Your Community? The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay has created the Nonprofit Needs List to connect businesses, foundations and individual donors with local nonprofits that are providing key services and addressing emerging issues like social isolation and learning loss. The Nonprofit Needs List shows local nonprofits’ greatest needs during the pandemic and the specific dollar amounts needed to fund each project. It includes requests from more than 300 local nonprofits, totaling more than $13M. See the Nonprofit Needs List.To date, the Community Foundation has processed $833,000 in donations with a 1-to-3 match. The Community Foundation thinks it's only a portion of the donations as it's been encouraging donors to give directly to nonprofits from the Nonprofit Needs List. The Community Foundation has also created a Rapid Response Fund for people who want to help, but may not know which nonprofit to support. The Rapid Response Fund addresses immediate and mid- to long-term community needs through grants to local nonprofits. Through these efforts and others, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay has already infused nearly $3 million to sustain local nonprofits' operations and ensure nonprofits can continue to provide essential services in our community. --> Tampa Foodie Love In-N-Out Burger? We’ve Got You! Tampa chef Ferrell Alvarez and his partners are launching a new pop-up concept — a riff on West Coast icon In-N-Out Burger — to bring back some of the employees whose jobs were cut by the coronavirus pandemic. The Nebraska Mini Mart space for NMM-N-Out Burger, which is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.Just like the original In-N-Out, the menu is limited; it”s burgers, fries and soft drinks. The meatless Impossible Burger will also be available. Customers can order on Uber Eats, GrubHub or call in for carryout orders. A double cheeseburger, fries and a drink is $12.75; the same combo with the Impossible Burger is $14.25. Burgers, fries and soft drinks are also available a la carte.The PHG team reacted swiftly to the coronavirus pandemic. After laying off 41 of 53 employees, the group consolidated all three of its concepts into Rooster Redux — essentially opening a ghost kitchen in the Rooster & the Till space in Seminole Heights, offering a limited menu for pickup and delivery.Rooster Redux opened with 11 employees; over the last month, Alvarez has brought back another 10. NMM-N-Out Burger, he says, should allow him to bring back another eight to 10 employees. Read the full story here. --> Tampa Bay Road Work is Speeding Ahead Roads are barren in Tampa Bay due to the stay-at-home orders to decrease the spread of corona virus, but that has created a silver lining for much-needed road projects."With less traffic, the department is able to accelerate certain projects. For example, depending on the project, the hours for lane closures could be extended allowing for more work to be completed," a Florida Department of Transportation District 7 Communications Manager Kris Carson said in an email to the Tampa Bay Business Journal. One example is the Interstate 275 Operational Improvement Punch-Through Project, a roughly $31 million project, which will add a lane where currently there are two lanes from Kennedy Boulevard northbound to State Road 60. It involves adding an extra lane in each direction, that would alleviate a choke point at the Howard Frankland Bridge northbound. The project's contract time is through September, but FDOT anticipates it will finish early. The slated date was fall 2020. As an example, the contractor was able to complete work in three days, and it would have normally taken five to seven days. Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the acceleration of road construction in the state during a press conference, including the $864 million Howard Frankland Bridge project. The new bridge will include four non-tolled/general use lanes, two tolled express lanes in both the north and southbound directions, and a 12-foot shared use path adjacent to the non-tolled/general use lanes. "You have the ability to operate a long time during the day, you can close down more lanes because the traffic isn't what it was and really start to make progress on these key projects," DeSantis said at the time. The bridge is a design-build project, so it will not see significant construction until later this year as it is still in the design phase, Carson said. Read the full article by clicking here. Craig’s Take: This is one of many silver linings from the stay-at-home order. As, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have seen rapid growth over the past 5 years we all know commute times have increased exponentially. Commute times have major impacts on the lives of Tampa Bay area residents. The Howard Frankland project is a significant project that will have a major impact on commute times for those who cross the bay on a regular basis. The project involves building an eight-lane bridge and a bike pedestrian trail. There will be four general use lanes, two northbound/eastbound express lanes plus the bike pedestrian path. The goal is for the bridge to be complete by 2025. The other project that will allow Tampa Bay area residents to travel across the Bay more quickly is the Selmon Extension which is a 1.9 mile toll lane that connect the existing Selmon Expressway to the Gandy Bridge. This is going to be a game changer in cutting down commute times for all who travel in that area. --> Yoga Anyone? We are all under a new type of uncharted territory when it comes to stress. If Yoga and positive energy, are a welcome addition to your day, we’ve got local and YouTube favorites to help you get your zen on. TAMPA BAY YOGA STUDIOS WITH VIRTUAL CLASSES Bella Prana Yoga Bella Prana is a local yogi wonderland that is now offering a virtual studio! There you can enjoy yoga classes on any level including workshops, live stream classes and so much more! You can even see a virtual tour of the studio to get your head in the right place before your practice. If you’re interested in a class package or aren’t a member reach out at info@bellaprana.com. Lotus Pond Yoga This tranquil yogi escape in Citrus Park is now offering online classes and teacher training as well! Their classes are On-Demand in their digital library where you can choose from 100+ yoga classes from the best Lotus Pond Teachers and all frontline healthcare workers have access to FREE stress relief and meditation sessions. Gaze Hot Yoga This Seminole Heights Yoga studio known for their hot yoga is offering online, virtual Zoom classes on a daily basis. Classes are around at least an hour or more and are a great way to release any stress, tension, steam, and toxins. Sign up for a class today and get moving. YOUTUBE YOGIS TO CHECK OUT Adrienne Mishler – Yoga with Adriene When you type “yoga” into the YouTube search bar the odds of Yoga with Adriene popping up are incredibly high. A long time YouTube yogi, Adriene has amassed over 7 million subscribers with hundreds of yoga videos for all seasons of life and all intensity levels. Whether you’re just starting out or are a full-blooded yogi – Adriene has a video for you. Briohny Smith – Yoga with Briohny Ever heard of Alo Yoga? If so, you might recognize YouTube Yogi from their YouTube videos. Now posting her own content, Briohny offers a variety of yoga-inspired classes and workouts as well as awesome “how-to” videos. Her following is quite smaller than Adriene’s with 31.7k subscribers, but her videos are awesome nonetheless. Sarah Beth – SaraBeth Yoga Sara Beth is another yogi who is bound to pop up on your Yogi YouTube search. With almost 1 million subscribers – Sarah’s flows are intentional, straightforward, and full of variety from morning yoga to power yoga – Sarah has it all. Cat Meffan Cat Meffan is the yoga teacher you need if you want to sweat and learn. She is intentional, witty, and her flows vary in experience and speed. She also offers awesome yoga classes if you’re looking for more of a sweaty workout sequence vs a traditional vinyasa flow. --> Tampa Bay FeaturedJUST SOLDLuxury Listing Classic Mediterranean on two lots! The property includes 804 and 806 Idlewood Avenue. Combined over one-quarter acre in the heart of Beach Park. Surrounded by million-dollar homes and Old Tampa Bay. A-rated schools. You will appreciate the timeless architecture; soaring ceilings, gleaming wood floors, expansive rooms, windows galore, French doors, crown molding and two fireplaces. The impressive formal living room greets you as you walk in the front door. A huge dining room easily accommodates 8-12 and has French doors that lead to an expansive brick patio that is perfect for alfresco dining and accessible from both the living and family rooms. The kitchen/family room combo boasts a fireplace and easy access to the kitchen as well as French doors to the generous yard. Bay windows stream sunlight into the casual kitchen eat-in area, while overlooking the sizable kitchen. Custom-wood cabinets exhibit vintage charm. Large center island. Butler’s pantry with sink. Upstairs is host to a master suite that includes a large walk-in closet, en-suite master bath with garden tub, separate shower and double sinks. The spacious master bedroom has French doors to a private balcony as well as beautiful views. Three additional bedrooms upstairs and two baths and a downstairs bedroom with en-suite bath. Detached two-car garage with attached imagination space that could be guest quarters, office or gym. Just waiting for your personal touches. Make it yours today! Craig’s Take:The home was last sold on October 1, 1987 for $340,000. If the property sells for $1,300,000 that would be an average appreciation of 11.57% per year. I think we all can agree appreciation of 11.57% per year is very good. Think about all the ups and downs in the economy over that 33-year period. The savings and loan crisis in 1989 that caused -3.6% GDP in 1990. The 2001 recession caused by the dotcom bust. The 9/11 attack that also caused negative GDP and high unemployment rates. Then the great recession in 2008-2009 caused by the subprime mortgage crisis. This was the greatest real estate collapse in US History. Yes, real estate values were hit harder during the Great Recession than they were during the Great Depression. Even through all those ups and downs the data continues to support US real estate is a great long-term investment. --> Tampa Bay FeaturedLuxury Listing A contemporary home on the South Tampa waterfront has sold for $6.4 million — the highest price ever paid for a home built speculatively in Tampa, according to the listing agent. The home at 38 Sandpiper Road wrapped up construction last week. The builder acquired the property in April 2018 for $1.75 million, according to county property records. Valley National Bank provided a $2 million loan for the project. Speculative luxury homes are a big bet on the Tampa economy — builders, banks and investors spend millions building them without a buyer in place. The Beach Park home is just over 7,600 square feet with six bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms. Beach Park has several fingers of land that jut out into the bay, and 38 Sandpiper sets right on the tip of one, making for sweeping waterfront views and open water access. The sale is a testament to the Tampa Bay luxury market, is thriving despite much of the U.S. economy being shut down since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Craig’s Take: This new construction home is a modern piece of art situated on a lot that has breathtaking views of Old Tampa Bay. The lot is located at the end of Sandpiper which means it is on the point of the finger allowing for the most incredible views. The modern design features large windows all centered around the magnificent views. This sale is the second highest sale in Tampa over the past year. To think it happened during the middle of a pandemic is amazing. It is a sign of confidence the wealthy have in the Tampa luxury real estate market. --> Storytime with Craig: WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT ... I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa. For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial and family crisis. For some that live alone they are facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest and time with their mother, father, sons and daughters. With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales. Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0. Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend. Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine. Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday. Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal. Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come. So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing. We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey. Realize that and be kind. Unknown author Craig’s Final Thoughts: A friend shared this story with me, and I thought it was apropos with the current times. I would like everyone reading this to understand I am here to help in any way I can. Obviously, I can help with any real estate questions or needs you may have. If someone you know is having trouble making their mortgage payment have them call me before they do anything. I have a deep understanding of the various options available and can help guide them through each of the options to make sure they do not get taken advantage by their lender or others. I can also be a resource if anyone you know is looking for a job. Most of us, unfortunately, know someone who has lost their job due to COVID-19. I have a vast network of friends and colleagues who are hiring in a wide range of industries. There are still companies out there hiring even given the circumstances. I can help with any matter. I am here to support and be a resource for you and your family. Be safe and together we will get through this. --> GET TO KNOW CRAIG KINCHELOE-CLICK HERESEARCH THE LATEST HOMES FOR SALE FROM YOUR MOBILE DEVICE-CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APPKNOW SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING-SEND THEM THIS LINK TO SCHEDULE A STRATEGY SESSION WITH CRAIG Follow us for updates: Share Forward Copyright (C) 2024. The Kincheloe Group. All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:The Kincheloe Group711 S. Howard Ave. Ste. 200TAMPA, Florida 33606 Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
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