Real Estate Auctions In Clearwater Area - Some readers have mentioned that they noticed more local real estate auctions than in previous years. This real estate phenomenon is, of course, true.
In Belleair there was a recent auction of a residence that was thought to be valued at about $900,000. The highest bidder was at $585,000. On Island Estates in Clearwater, a home went to auction with, what some thought, was a value of about $1,300,000-- the high bid was for $850,000. Another Island Estates property will go to auction in a week or two, some local realtors expect a lower price than expected by the owner.
Auctions?
Yes, there seems to be growth in property auctions... and real estate experts believe the trend may continue for the next years. This is perhaps good news for some local buyers and bad news for some folks who are forced to sell property in a tough market.
Auctions in Clearwater and Belleair? Yes, and we might see more, say local realtors.
Belleair Beach Bridge Project -The construction firm developing the new highrise Belleair Beach Bridge is ahead of schedule... and making good progress in drilling footers for concrete bridge columns. If this progress moves along as expected, the new highrise Belleair Bridge should be completed within two years.
However, and when you drive across the current bridge, you can't help but wonder about how the county might use all of the land that will be under the new bridge. There is a lot of dry land that could be used by local citizens for enjoyment... or for more boat slips (so badly needed in Pinellas County.)
This could be an opportunity for a joint city/county project for more citizen recreational space and for more boat slip rentals. The City of Belleair Beach has a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a much needed marina project... that might help generate city revenues for years to come.
An Amazing Thing Happened In Tallahassee - This might come as a surprise to some readers, but for others it was expected news - politicians in Tallahassee have succumbed to pressure from paid lobbyists and may legislate property tax reforms that make no sense.
Double homestead exemptions? Revised exemptions for retired citizens? Nonsense, say most people who have followed state legislator's ideas for statewide property tax reform.
What ever happened with the idea to eliminate property taxes in favor of sales tax increases?
The answer lies with lobbyists who were (are) paid to pressure legislators by, none other than, our local city and county governments (yes, with your tax dollars) to not lower property taxes. Yes, local county governments are afraid to lose property tax revenues. Thus, the local county tax authority is fighting against the very same people that pay taxes in the county--the local taxpayers.
The end result?
More taxes.
What about Gov. Charlie Crist?
Good question. He was the one who wanted to lower property taxes and help solve the real estate dilemma in Florida.
Local legislators?
You will soon see their vote.
Is Jimmy Carter Serious? - When the peanut farmer from Georgia was elected President, many people said, "Finally, an honest man as President." Jimmy Carter was indeed an honest man.
However, American citizens learned about Carter's weakness as President. President Carter did not have a clue what was happening either within his administration or in world politics. He was indeed a nice, clueless President. President Carter botched more things than ... George W. Bush.
Both Carter and Bush will go down in history as mediocre Presidents; in fact, maybe two of our worst.
It is ironic that former President Jimmy Carter would attack President Bush for having a weak administration (the worst, said Carter.)
The way I see it, Jimmy Carter should stick with remodeling homes and avoid talking about his Presidency. After all, this is the same Jimmy Carter that lost election due to his incompetency as President
Bush and Carter. Bad and worse.
Where is Ronald Reagan? We obviously need his leadership in world affairs and national economics. The enemy is trying to open our borders to illegals and trying to explain why we need higher taxes.
Iran --Is there anyone who believes that when Iran has nuclear weapons they would not use them against the United States or Israel?
Right, Iran is planning to use nuclear weapons against Israel and the U.S.
Now, here is the big question: Should the U.S. bomb Iran's nuclear development facility before it develops a nuclear bomb?
With all of the trouble currently in Iraq, any decision to bomb Iran would be difficult. However, it is a decision that is becoming important for the safety of all Americans. Iran can't be trusted with nuclear bombs.
Blame the President and Congress if the U.S. bombs Iran? No, blame the terrorist leaders of Iran. Iran is begging for a confrontation over nuclear weapons, perhaps they will get their wish. Time will tell.
Israel? The way I see it, they might be forced to take care of this nuclear threat before the U.S. does.
Memorial Day - For those who gave their lives so we could live ours - you are not forgotten.
