Madeira Beach Approves New Condo Development

 

Prepare to see aging apartments being replaced by upscale condos along Gulf Boulevard in the near future.  The plans have been approved by the city planning board and new developments are on their way.  The first project, named Astoria Beach Club, will be a five unit, three floor condo located at 13700 Gulf Boulevard.  A second project will be a four story, eight unit complex named Azul.  This redevelopment will combine two lots from 14107 and 14133 Gulf Boulevard. If you are interested in either of these two projects or any other similar properties in Madeira Beach, give me a call.

Florida abounds with Natural Springs

Freshwater springs, including the ones at Ichetucknee State Park, are this area's treasures.  The state boasts upward of 600 springs.  Some are so small they are easily missed, while others are large enough to feed a river.  Many of the state's first communities back in the 1800's centered around springs.  Popular watering spots include Ocala near Silver Springs, Daytona near DeLeon Springs, and Jacksonville near Green Cove Springs.  Dozens are held in the public trust while some are privately owned. Millions of gallons of fresh, 72 degree water pumps from these gems daily.  If you haven't experienced the a cool dip, just ask a local for their favorite natural park and jump in one day soon.

St.Pete Pier Could Soon Be Gone

This Thursday the St.Petersburg City Council will vote on a $3.1 million demolition contract.  If approved, the inverted pyramid pier could be dismantled soon.  Already issued, is a city demolition permit for the pyramid, since the structure does not touch water.  However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requires a permit to demolish the rest of the St.Petersburg Municipal Pier. Federal requirements include cultural mitigation.

The bridge and deck of the pier were part of a 1926 Million Dollar Pier, making them eligible for inclusion in the National Historic Registry.  City, State and Federal agencies together understand a draft memorandum calls for historic markers on the new St.Pete Pier, preservation of some artifacts, and documentation of the current pier.

According to St.Petersburg Preservation president Emily Elwyn, very detailed drawings can be done so that researchers in the future can go back and look at the pier to see how it was designed.  Also included will be documentation on the work of inverted pyramid architect William Harvard and other local architects.

The entire demolition is supposed to take 180 days with much of the concrete rubble used to shore up seawalls at nearby Albert Whitted Airport.

St.Petersburg Kicks Off New Recycling Program

Universal curbside recycling debuted on Monday, June 29, 2015.  The program began in the Old Southeast neighborhood of St.Petersburg.  Mayor Rick Kriseman watched as the first load of recyclables dropped from the bin into the truck. "I know that our residents will do the right thing for our city and for the environment," he said.  The city joined local cities of Gulfport, Pinellas Park and Tampa which already had universal curbside service. city workers have delivered thousands of 95-gallon bins to residents.  Plastics, glass, cans and other recyclable items will be picked up once every two weeks. Added to their monthly utility bill will be a $2.95 monthly fee.  This will pay for trucks, containers, maintenance, fuel and processing. Seven trucks have been purchased to implement the city's new recycling program.

Home Maintenance Checklist

Home Maintenance Checklist 

Many of us go about annual cleaning rituals to spruce up the appearance and cleanliness of our homes. This year you might consider taking a few additional steps to save on energy bills and ward off repairs later.

1. Have a licensed technician tune up your air conditioner. Dirty filters make your cooling system work harder which can increase energy costs and damage equipment. Check and clean the drains to remove sediment and algae which can cause clogs or water back up, making a home more humid or creating water damage.

2. Set your programmable thermostat to hold or vacation mode for a constant, efficient temperature.  Use fans when people are in rooms to make the settings more tolerable.

3.  If there are gaps around doors or windows, reapply exterior caulk.  Add weatherstripping around doors if any sunlight can be seen from inside.

4. Clean gutters of nature's debris. Add extensions to downspouts to carry water at least 3 feet away from the home's foundation.

5. Use a garden sprayer to apply a bleach and water solution to your roof.  This will remove dark streaks and stains which indicate an algae problem. Be sure to rinse.

6. Remove exterior dirt and mold from siding, decking, driveways and fences by pressure washing.

7. Clean your windows by washing the glass, vacuuming the sills and tracks, and clearing the weep holes.

8. Reseal wooden decking or replace any soft, spongy, decayed areas.

9. If you have a fireplace, call a chimney sweep to make sure the caps are in place and the damper is working properly.

10. Tune up your lawn mower so the blades are sharp.  This prevents grass tearing leaving it vulnerable to disease, sun damage and insects.