Here’s a look at free fireworks displays in the Greater Orlando Central Florida area. Hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July!
RED, HOT & BOOM
What: outdoor concerts with Simple Plan, Kate Vonegele, etc.
When: July 3 – 4 - 11pm
Where: Cranes Roost Park
Altamonte Springs Drive
Altamonte Springs
Contact: 407-571-8180
FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN
What: entertainment, food & activities for children
When: July 4 – 4 - 10pm
Where: Lake Eola Park
101 N. Rosalind Ave
Orlando
Contact: 407-246-31040
FLASHBACK 4TH OF JULY
What: music by Michael Andrew and The Atomic Swing Band
When: July 4 – 5 - 11pm
Where: Celebration Town Center
610 Sycamore St.
Celebration
Contact: 407-566-4007
SANFORD’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
What: music by Orleans and friends
When: July 4 – 5:30 - 10:30pm
Where: Fort Mellon Park
East 1st St.
Sanford
Contact: 407-330-5697
HERBERT L. SHUMAN MEMORIAL POPS CONCERT
What: music by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra
When: July 4 – 8pm
Where: Riverfront Park
603 Brevard Ave.
Cocoa
Contact: 321-242-2024
KISSIMMEE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
What: music by Pocket Change & Glenn Cumming and the Session Hounds
When: July 5 – 5 - 9:30pm
Where: Lakefront Park
100 Lakeshore Blvd.
Kissimmee
Contact: 407-518-2501
AVALON PARK’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
What: all day event of food, rides, entertainment, contests, etc.
When: July 4
Where: Founders Square
13001 Avalon Park Blvd.
Orlando
Contact: 407-658-6565
RED, WHITE & BOOM AT DAYTONA BEACH
What: music by Poco & Last Call
When: July 4 – 5 - 10pm
Where: Daytona Beach Bandshell
250 N. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach
Contact: 386-671-3421
RED, WHITE & BOOM OVER NORTH BREVARD
What: music, food, entertainment, vintage aircraft show, etc.
When: July 4 – 5 - 8pm
Where: Space Coast Regional Airport
660 Rico Road
Titusville
Contact: 407-321-1941
This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Orlando Central Florida area. The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Etc, On-Going and Plan Ahead. There is surely something for everyone.
ART
SUMMER FAMILY TOURS: QUEST OF BEAUTY – LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY
What: for elementary school children and their parents or guardians
When: Tuesday’s in June and July – 45 min. tour
Where: Morse Museum of American Art
445 N. Park Ave.
Winter Park
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-645-5311 x 117
INFORMED VISIONS
What: art of Jamie Baldridge
When: through Aug 1
Where: Millenia Fine Art
555 Lake Destiny Drive
Orlando
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-304-8100
THIRD THURSDAY’S
What: art in downtown Orlando at various locations from 6-9pm
Where: City Arts Factory (Orange & Pine)
The Office Gallery (47 E. Robinson)
A.K.A. Lounge (68 E. Pine)
Gallery at Avalon Island & Guinevere’s (Magnolia & Pine)
Cost: Free
THEATER
DIE MOMMIE DIE
What: comic melodrama by Charles Busch
When: July 11 through Aug 2
Where: Theatre Downtown
2113 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando
Cost: $18 adults; $15 seniors and students
Contact: 407-841-0083
MUSIC
TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS
What: the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
When: June 28 – 8pm
Where: OIA
1 Airport Blvd.
Orlando
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-825-2055
AUTHOR
THOMAS CAVANAGH
What: author of the Prodigal Son
When: July 11 – 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble
2418 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-894-6024
ETC
NATIVE PLANTS
What: landscape restoration of the Genius Reserve in Winter Park
When: July 1 – 7pm
Where: Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave.
Orlando
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-647-5233
ON-GOING
JUSTICE ILLUMINATED: THE ART OF ARTHUR SZYK
When: M-Th – 9am – 4pm
Fri – 9am – 1pm
Sun – 1pm – 4pm
Where: Holocaust Memorial Research and Education Center of CF
851 N. Maitland Ave.
Maitland
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-628-0555
OPEN MIKE POETRY
When: Wednesdays – 8pm
Where: Cup O Soul
906 W. Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-647-7685
It appears that this morning, I’m in Op-Ed mode as I’ve written a piece for the Orlando Sentinel and am sharing this one in response to an op-ed that was played out on the CBS Sunday Morning Show yesterday, June 22, 2008. Watch the video to better understand my letter to the editor below:
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4200929n
Wow!! I was originally incensed by Gil Schwartz’, aka Stanly Bing’s, rebuttal of Andrew Cohen’s op ed piece. His list of ‘liars’ amazed me when he threw in Realtors® in the #1 position. How dare he!?!
Yes, as with any industry, we have our black sheep. But, as a Realtor® and a member of NAR (the National Association of Realtors®), we also have a very strict and comprehensive Code of Ethics which must be followed. And is followed by the majority in this industry. It forces us to be accountable for our actions. The public relations industry does not have any such accountability.
Yes, the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) also has a Code of Ethics, but the Preamble simply states, that the “Emphasis on enforcement of the Code has been eliminated.” Yep, I see accountability here!
So, how can he describe Realtors® as in the #1 group of “really big prevaricators”?
And lets look at the public relations industry. Hmmm, lobbyists – oh no you won’t find any prevaricators there, will you? Mr. Schwartz was talking about ‘hacks.’ How about Spin Doctors? Oh yes, they only selectively present information to support their position. I guess since it’s only a partial truth, that is alright because they didn’t lie. Didn’t tell the whole truth either, but hey – that’s OK!
As a public relations person, I think you should think more clearly before you speak, Mr Schwartz. You are representing your industry just as I, as a Realtor®, am representing mine.
Marc Grossman
Apopka, FL
I think this sums it up! What more can one say!
The title sums up what I have to say on this topic. Additionally, this is quite unusual for me to touch upon politics except when it pretty much immediately relates to real estate. Part of my writing this article is two-fold. Firstly, because the idea itself is abhorrent to me. And secondly, because here our government goes again selling out to big business. Seriously now, they are the only ones that are going to profit from this.
With that said, I’m quite disturbed with the notion of our ending a 27 year moratorium on offshore drilling that was actually signed by Pres. Bush’s father and he is currently asking for congress to end. But before we go on with this part of the tale, let’s look at the implications of Offshore Drilling.
Gas prices are high and it’s affecting all of us. Unfortunately, those with less income are affected the most. But the fact of the matter is that gas prices are high and will remain so for a very long time. That’s just a simple fact. Even with Saudi Arabia stepping up their production, it will have little effect on the price of crude oil in the overall scheme of things.
For arguments sake, let’s say that we allow offshore drilling. Actually, let’s stop for one second for a further explanation, we are not just talking about offshore drilling, but that of also drilling in the wilderness. OK, with that said, if we were to drill, it would take 7-10 years before we’d see any results. On top of that the oil that can be uncovered will most likely not have much effect on prices anyway.
Now granted, we do have a major stockpile of crude. So much so, that at today’s consumption it would last us 2½ years. Maybe the government should consider tapping into that as opposed to our environment? Just a thought! I’m not suggesting depleting all of the reserves, but…
The purpose here is not to sway anyone from one party to another. It is not intended to be a political debate. It seems the two prospective presidential candidates are both on opposite sides of this issue. Sen. McCain is following in the President’s footsteps.
What really bugs the bejesus (see I said a nicer word that I really would have liked to say) out of me, is that I hear the Governor of Florida, Charlie Crist, doing a complete turnaround in an apparent political pandering to Sen. McCain because he’s looking for a place on his ticket or in his cabinet. Oh yes another, our illustrious Senator, Mel Martinez, has also supposedly changed his mind and is backing the removal of this moratorium. But we won’t go into his background and his abysmal stay at HUD.
It appears that a good part of this election will be putting the fear in people, just as we’ve seen in previous ones where they utilized so-called ‘terrorism.’ We know that a good part of that turned out to be a bunch of bunk, but by then it was too late. I hope again that history won’t be repeating itself as it so often has.
In his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln stated that we will have a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” The sad thing is that in this day and age we need to change the word ‘people’ to ‘big business’ and the saying will have a more accurate meaning. It doesn’t matter how this drilling will affect the general population. That’s of little or no consequence. Is it any surprise that we’re consistently widening the wealth disparity gap in this country?
Enough, let’s get back to the original premise here. The possible harm and destruction to the environment is too great a price to pay. We need to seek other alternatives and learn to wean ourselves off of petroleum based products. I am more concerned about global warming and the impact of fossil fuel on our lives and environment.
I have great concern that a major mistake will be made by opening up our shorelines and wilderness to the drilling for oil. The impact to our environment and lives can be more costly than the price of fuel itself. This is not something that should be taken lightly. Granted, neither should what we are paying for the price of fuel, but this type of consumption has been the American Way. Seriously, did we, as an overall society, learn a lesson from the embargos of the 70’s? Obviously not!
We need to wake up, if we haven’t already. The ‘Me’ society is over with. This idea of conspicuous consumption needs to be reigned in. What kind of legacy are we going to leave to our children? Yes, we as a society have progressed so very much, but at what cost? Enough already, or there won’t be any roses to smell!
This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Orlando Central Florida area. The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Etc, On-Going and Plan Ahead. There is surely something for everyone.
ART
THIRD THURSDAY’S
What: art in downtown Orlando at various locations from 6-9pm
Where: City Arts Factory (Orange & Pine)
The Office Gallery (47 E. Robinson)
A.K.A. Lounge (68 E. Pine)
Gallery at Avalon Island & Guinevere’s (Magnolia & Pine)
Cost: Free
HARRIET LAKE: THE CLOSET
When: through June 22
Where: Mennello Museum of American Art
900 E. Princeton St.
Orlando
Cost: $8 adults, $7 senior, $5 students, children under 12 free
Contact: 407-246-4278
THEATER
IT’S A GUY THING
What: musical cabaret
When: June 20 – 7:30pm
21st – 2 & 7:30pm
22nd – 2pm
Where: Winter Park Playhouse
711 B. Orange Ave.
Winter Park
Cost: $30 eves; 22 matinees; 28 seniors; 20 students
Contact: 407-645-0145
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
What: Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber musical
When: June 20 – 8pm
21st – 2 & 8 pm
22nd – 1 & 6:30pm
Where: Carr Performing Arts Center
401 W. Livingston St
Orlando
Cost: $35 - 61
Contact: 407-849-2577
AUTHOR
THOMAS CAVANAGH
What: author of the Prodigal Son
When: July 11 – 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble
2418 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-894-6024
ETC
GO DIEGO, GO LIVE: THE GREAT JAGUAR RESCUE
When: June 21 – 11am, 2 & 5pm;
June 22 – 2pm
Where: UCF Arena
50 N. Gemini Blvd.
Orlando
Cost: $14 - 35
Contact: 407-823-3070
CASINO NIGHT
What: benefits the Alzheimers Assn, Canine Companions & the
Employee & Student Volunteer Scholarship Fund
When: June 21 – 7-10pm
Where: The Heritage at Lake Forest
5433 W. SR 46
Sanford
Cost: $20
Contact: 407-322-2207
ALLISON’S TOURNAMENT OF HOPE
What: tourn, luncheon & auction to benefit the Greater Orlando
Children’s Miracle Network
When: June 21 – 7:30am
Where: Celebration Golf Club
701 Golf Park Drive
Celebrationi
Cost: $85
Contact: 407-346-4640
BABY LOVES DISCO
What: dance party for children and parents
When: June 22 – 2pm
Where: Club Firestone
578 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando
Cost: $12 or Free if you can’t walk
Contact: 407-872-0066
ON-GOING
OPEN MIKE POETRY
When: Wednesdays – 8pm
Where: Cup O Soul
906 W. Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-647-7685
PLAN AHEAD
TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS
What: the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
When: June 28 – 8pm
Where: OIA
1 Airport Blvd.
Orlando
Cost: Free
Contact: 407-825-2055
The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for May 2008. Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
25 homes sold during the month of May.
The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $322,606 with 167 days on the market.
The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $248,000.
The most expensive home sold for $999,999 and was on the market 378 days. It was a 5 bedroom, 4½ bath, 4-car garage 5860sf conservation lot home in an equestrian community with a screen enclosed pool & spa built in 2006 on .71 acre of land, with a slate fireplace, electric gate with security cameras, painted ceiling in foyer, in-law suite upstairs, master w/Jacuzzi, and a generator for possible outages. The HOA is $100/year.
The least expensive home sold for $126,000 after 139 days on the market. It was a bank-owned 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2- car garage 1305sf home built in 1973 on .19 acre of land with no HOA.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $293,061 with 119 days on the market.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
3 homes sold
The average sales price was $123,500 with 281 days on the market.
The median sales price was $123,500.
The most expensive condo sold for $164,000 and is new construction. It was a 3 bedroom, 2½ bath 1428sf townhome in a gated community with 42” cabinets, corian countertops, smooth top range, and crown moulding. The community offers a pool and playground with a maintenance fee of $290/month.
The least expensive sold for $83,000 and was on the market for 332 days. It was a bank owned fixer upper 2 bedroom, 1½ bath 1130sf townhome built in 1989 with fenced courtyard. The monthly maintenance fee is $203.
The average sales price a year earlier was $164,267 with 97 days on the market.
The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for May 2008. Winter Park is made up of the zip codes of 32789 & 32792. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
40 homes sold during the month of May.
The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $564,626 with 140 days on the market.
The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $276,250.
The most expensive home sold for $5.8M and was on the market for 89 days. It was a 6 bedroom, 7½ baths, lakefront home in 9040sf built in 1993 on 1.95 acres with a circular driveway and 2 garages that can house 6 cars, a boat house w/hoist and jet ski ramp, several fireplaces, aged heart of pine floors, 235’ lake frontage, verandas, etc. with no HOA. The home was listed as a 2-story Louisiana French Colonial.
The least expensive home sold for $124,000 after 113 days on the market. It was a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in 754sf built in 1950 on .14 acre with no HOA and was being sold as-is.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $574,155 with 157 days on the market.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
12 homes sold
The average sales price was $151,443 with 136 days on the market.
The median sales price was $167,495.
The most expensive sold for $300,000 after being on the market for 136 days. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in 1304sf built in 1981 with a fireplace in an elevator building and downtown Winter Park location. The community offers a pool and tennis courts monthly maintenance is $370.
The least expensive sold for $58,250 and was on the market for 112 days. It was a bank owned fixer upper 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in 1036sf built in 1974. The community offers a pool and tennis courts and a monthly maintenance is $327.
The average sales price a year earlier was $195,407 with 132 days on the market.
The following are the market sales statistics for Windermere, Orange County, Florida for May 2008. Windermere is made up of the zip code 34786. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
38 homes sold during the month of May.
The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $916,394 with a 179 days on the market.
The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $693,500.
The most expensive home sold for $5.05M and was on the market for 697 days. It was a 5 bedroom, 5 full baths, 3 half baths 8481sf lakefront home on a chain of lakes with a 4+-car garage, a swimming pool and spa built in 2003 on .93 acre lot in a gated golf community with a hand painted foyer ceiling, theater with concession stand, 2-story master closet, etc. The HOA $1404/quarter.
The least expensive home sold for $217,000 after 120 days on the market and was a short sale. It was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1694sf home with 2-car garage built in 2003 on .15 acre lot with a screen enclosed pool. The HOA is $180/quarter.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $1,021,107 with 175 days on the market.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
8 homes sold
The average sales price was $187,050 with 179 days on the market.
The median sales price was $182,000.
The most expensive sold for $224,000 and was new construction. It was a 4 bedroom, 3½ bath, 2-car garage 2074sf townhome with tile on the 1st floor, 42″ cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. This gated community offers a pool and clubhouse with a maintenance is $415/month.
The least expensive sold for $160,100 after being on the market 137 days and was a short sale. It was a 2 bedroom, 2½ bath, 2-car garage 1380sf end-unit conservation lot townhome built in 2004 and with 2 master suites & fenced courtyard. The community offers a swimming pool with a monthly maintenance $145.
The average sales price a year earlier was $241,598 with 102 days on the market.
(click images to enlarge)
The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for May 2008. Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
45 homes sold during the month of May.
The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $313,232 with 133 days on the market.
The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $185,500.
The most expensive home sold for $1.225M and was new construction. It was a 4 bedroom, 3½ bath, 2-car garage home in 4321sf built in 2007 in a gated/manned community on .51 acre lot with an infinity-edge pool, spa, tile roof, bonus room, tile and wood floors, double-sided fireplace, etc. The community offers a swimming pool and tennis courts with an HOA of $2200/annually.
The least expensive home sold for $60,150 after 25 days on the market. It was a bank-owned 3 bedroom, 1½ bath, 1-car carport home with 1008sf built in 1971 on .23 acre with no HOA. The home was listed as a handyman special.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $256,683 with 124 days on the market.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
12 homes sold.
The average sales price was $174,817 with 202 days on the market.
The median sales price was $163,000.
The most expensive sold for $245,000 after 185 days on the market. It was a 3 bedroom, 2½ bath, 2-car garage townhome in 1914sf with corian countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood floors. The community offers a pool with a monthly maintenance of $151.
The least expensive sold for $134,830 and was new home construction. It was a 2 bedroom, 2½ bath townhome in 1196sf. This gated community offers a pool with a maintenance of $410/quarterly.
The average sales price a year earlier was $178,896 with 97 days on the market.
