Pasco Pet Fest 2016 Florida Estates Winery

Pasco Pet Fest 2016 is in it’s fourth year and promises to be better than ever.  It is being held on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Florida Estates Winery on SR 52 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Florida Estates Winery is located at 25241 Highway 52, Land O’Lakes, FL.

There will be vendors selling unique items including all kinds of pet-centered products, live music, food, and since it is a winery, wine-tasting will be available.  Also, raffles, pets for adoption and other activities.

Pasco Pet Fest 2016

This year’s beneficiary is The Furbabies Foundation, Inc., a great organization that fosters and finds homes for homeless pets.

You can find out more about the Pet Fest  at their Facebook page. Also, take a look at Doggy Cakes who is sponsoring the event. Doggy Cakes here.

So, if you’re looking for something fun to do, especially if you’re an animal lover, head out to Florida Estates Winery on Saturday. It will be a fur-filled and fun-filled day.

To get to Florida Estates Winery,  head east on State Road 52 (or west if you’re coming from that direction. You can reach it from I-75). 

Be sure to splash on the sunscreen, maybe wear a hat, and don’t forget your sunglasses. It may be Autumn somewhere but here in our area, it’s still hot and sunny. 

This event is brought to you as a courtesy by Toni Weidman of Florida Luxury Realty.  If you have further questions, please contact Pasco Pet Fest at their Facebook page above. To take a look at last year’s post, click here.

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
To search Homes For Sale,
Search here

Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

To Save A Life: Adopt A Shelter/Rescue Pet

Pasco Pet Fest 2016

Lowry Park Zoo – Creatures Of The Night

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo – Creatures Of The Night is a brand new experience for the season. This is a fun and non-frightening celebration of Halloween.  Fridays and Saturdays, Oct 7 through the 29th. It’s included with an all-day admission ticket or pay $19.95 after 4pm. 

You will love this and so will your kids. You can visit scare zones, or encounter animals, or maybe dance the night away at a ghoulish party. Lowry Park says no horror or gore, just startles and scares.

Asia, Africa, and Primate worlds are now illuminated for night viewing. You’ll see animals lurking till 10pm., or shudder at the creepy, crawlies at the eerie canal. You can stop by Wolf Haven Village to scout for passing werewolves; or the Slither Swamp to check out the reptiles (don’t hang around too long); and for the littlest ones in the family, there’s a fall harvest with friendly farm animals.

Photos courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo.

Dining at the Zoo includes seasonal items like pumpkin parfaits. Or older adventurers can visit the new beer garden.

Lowry Park Zoo – Creatures Of The Night has some rules.

***In particular, these items are prohibited: toy weapons, face masks, face paint, wigs, or costumes for anyone 12 or over.

I’m sure you know where the Lowry Park Zoo is but just in case, here’s a map.

Finally, This event is brought to you as a courtesy by Toni Weidman and the Weidman Team using information found online. Please contact the Zoo (website is above) for further information or questions. And have a great time when you go.

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
To search for homes for sale, click here.
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

Save A Life; Adopt A Shelter Pet

Lowry Park Zoo – Creatures Of The Night

Kitten Meets Sandhill Cranes First Time

Kitten Meets Sandhill Cranes First Time. This post was originally written on another blog site several years ago. I thought it was cute and thought I would re-share on WordPress.

Shayna was a kitten (SPCA Suncoast alumni) back a few years ago. And, there were many firsts for her. It was fun watching her react to them. She discovered all kinds of weird and wonderful things; now, of course, they are simply the known and familiar so she sleeps through it all.

We always have a Sandhill Crane family or two around so every year we see them with their youngsters. The Sandhill Crane family includes Mom, Dad and 2 kids wandering around the Timber Greens golf course. One day, Shayna and the Sandhills got up close and personal. Maybe it’s not only beauty that is in the eye of the beholder? 

Shayna: Whoa, what are those really strange creatures? And why are they coming over here?

Shayna: They are so weird looking.

Papa Sandhill Crane: She thinks WE’RE weird looking? Somebody get this kitten a mirror!

Sandhill Cranes are about 3-4 feet tall when fully grown. The families stay together and usually have 2 babies. Mom and Dad split the child-rearing duties between them. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and if one dies or is killed crossing the busy roads around here, the other mourns for a few weeks by making very loud calls and wandering all over looking for the missing one. If a baby is lost/killed, the whole remaining family mourns.

Babies are born with bright yellow feathers and after a couple of months go brown, then develop the gray coloration like their parents; except for the red spot on the head. That doesn’t show until they are 8-9 months old. They grow rapidly from tiny bundles of fluff, and babies stay with the parents until they can fly which takes about 8 or 9 months.

To search homes for sale, buzz over here.

Toni Weidman
Broker-associate
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

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A post shared by Toni at Trinity Pet Sitters (@toni_trinitypetsitters)

Kitten Meets Sandhill Cranes First Time

Classic Cars & Skeleton – Shops At Wiregrass

Classic Cars & Skeleton – Shops At Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. Shops At Wiregrass has a car show just about each month. And, we had time last weekend to go to this one. You can check out their  event schedule here.

The next Cruisin’ At Wiregrass Car and Truck show is Oct. 2, noon to 6pm. 

To quote Wiregrass: Classic cars and great shopping just seem to go together at The Shops at Wiregrass! Nearly 200 antique, classic and custom cars line the Wiregrass streets as thousands come to enjoy these rare beauties.” Those registering cars should be there between 10am and 12 noon. For car registration information, visit here

With this in mind, let’s get back to:

First, here’s the skeleton part.

To begin with, this guy/gal was just lounging around at Pottery Barn waiting for cooler weather to happen.  He’s very quiet and, in fact, seemed to be asleep. I just couldn’t pass him/her by without a picture.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Horseback Div. was there too.

Second, the classic cars:

It’s always fun to go to a car show, you get to see the most beautiful cars, trucks and motor cycles. Classics that are polished and shined to the max.  Custom cars and trucks that make you say wow.  The added bonus at Shops At Wiregrass is that you can pop into your favorite stores; or take a break and have lunch at a great restaurant. (There are lots of them there).

We go quite often and there is always something fun going on. We especially enjoy the Musical Christmas Tree at the holiday season. Several pet events are fun: the dogs are wearing costumes.

I hope you enjoyed the car show and the skeleton.

Toni Weidman
Broker-associate
In the meantime, you can search homes  here

Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

Dancing Skeleton Clip Art courtesy of Pandaclip.com; collage by Toni.

Classic Cars & Skeleton – Shops At Wiregrass

Coastal CleanUp Day 2016

Coastal CleanUp Day 2016 is Saturday, Sept. 17. 8 am to 12 pm (noon).

Keep Pasco Beautiful is partnering with Pasco County to organize the annual International Coastal Clean Up. Each year, volunteers band together to pick up trash along fragile coastal waterways and in Pasco County streets.

There will be teams participating in locations throughout Pasco County. Sites include Anclote Gulf Park and Strauber Memorial Highway in Holiday, City of New Port Richey, Werner-Boyce State Park in Port Richey, Hudson Beach in Hudson, Lacoochee, City of Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Crystal Springs. Supplies such as trash bags and water are provided.

To find out how you can volunteer with the Pasco County Coastal Cleanup call (727) 856-7252 or email kking@pascocountyfl.net .

In fact, Coastal Clean Up Day has been happening since 1985 when a group of volunteers met at beaches and coastal waterways to take part in Coastal Clean-up Day by the Ocean Conservancy. Beach clean-up is necessary to our health, our wildlife, and the economy. You can take a look at my 2015 Coastal Clean Up post for more information.

Florida does it’s part;  in 2014, 23,000 volunteers picked up 285,000 lbs. of trash from beaches and waterways in the state. Furthermore, if you wish to participate in the clean-up; click here to visit the Ocean Conservancy website.  Most state parks waive entrance fees for clean-up volunteers. 

To quote Ocean Conservancy:  “Three decades of Cleanups have yielded more than 210 million pounds of trash being collected and saved from polluting our ocean. Over 11.5 million volunteers have covered more than 360,000 miles of coastlines across the world.” “More than 18 million pounds of trash was collected by nearly 800, 000 volunteers during the 2015 clean-up”

Keep Our Oceans Clean

Finally, help keep our oceans clean and healthy for us and all the ocean creatures. Two things you can do is skip the straw when you order beverages, and use reusable water bottles instead of throw-aways. 

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
To search for homes; click here.
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

Coastal CleanUp Day 2016

 

Oaks At River Ridge Home Sales

Oaks At River Ridge Home Sales. Lots of conservation areas back up to many of the homes, and it’s close to River Ridge Golf and Country Club if you like hitting that little white ball around. Shopping and restaurants abound within easy access.

The River Ridge School complex is just down the street with both middle and high schools. And easy access to Trinity shopping and medical facilities. Elementary children attend Cypress Elementary.

In general, The Oaks At River Ridge is reasonably priced. Built in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Square footage range from 900 square feet to 1,600. The Oaks At River Ridge is a non-age restricted, family-oriented neighborhood with a community pool.

To clarify: Homeowner Fees currently are $534/annually which includes the pool and clubhouse maintenance, and the common areas.

Conservation areas border many of the homes, and it’s close to The River Ridge Golf and Country Club if you enjoy hitting the little white ball around.  

In fact, Starkey Park with all its wonderful nature, hiking and bike and horse riding trails, and many community festivals, and picnic areas is close by.

Although at this time, there is only one home available for purchase, sales were good. It’s listed at $148,500; has 1,409 sf and was built in 1989.

Active With Contract (1) and Pending (3) break down this way: The AWC is listed for $138,900. with 1,341 sf.
The Pendings range from $112,000 for 1,234 sf.,
$138,900 1,341 sf, and $145,000 for 1,658 sf.

Furthermore, 15 homes sold so far this year. 
Ranging from lowest listed price of $60,000. for 1,494 sf built in 1987.  To a high listed price of $185,000 for a 4/3 with 2,023 sf, built in 1986.

In conclusion: Averages are:
Listed Price: $134,400.
Closed Price: $125,527.
Price per square foot: $88.40
Days on Market: 36
Listed to Sold Price Ratio: 93%

To search homes for sale Click here

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

Save A Life; Adopt A Shelter Pet

Oaks At River Ridge Home Sales

American Heroes Car Show 2016 Dunedin

American Heroes Car Show 2016 Dunedin is really named American Classics, American Heroes Car Show but that ‘s too long for me to use as a title so I’ve amended it a bit.

On Saturday, Oct 8. starting at 9 am to 2 pm. On Main Street and Broadway in downtown Dunedin, FL., the classic and custom vehicles will start to arrive to show off their stuff.

In the first place, this great car show always starts with a special veterans ceremony in Pioneer Park. Representatives of Veterans organizations will be there too. Items will be available for purchase to benefit non-profit veterans  support organizations. The car show is FREE to register. For more info, or click here for their website.

 

American Classics, American Heroes Car Show, The event features a wide variety of classic & custom vehicles; including trucks and motorcycles from all over the area, bringing in over 175 auto enthusiasts and attracting over 3,000 happy spectators. There will be food, vendors, and entertainment

Entertainment Includes: The Alex Lopez Xpress, Gloria West, Big Jim, DJ Fader,  and more.

Again, all brought to you by the Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association and The City of Dunedin in partnership with CMJ Productions.

To register your car for the show please Visit This Link

As  there were over 175 cars at last year’s show. I’m sure there will be even more this year. Our car club, AACA-Richey Region, is always well-represented. We all enjoy going to this show. And downtown Dunedin is so interesting with its quirky and varied shops.

Hope to see you there.

***please contact the organizers of the show if you have questions, Posted by Toni Weidman for your information. You can also go to our Classic Car Shows Facebook page here for all the lastest car show info.

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
Search Florida Homes For Sale
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

American Heroes Car Show 2016 Dunedin

Timber Greens Home Sold – New Port Richey

Timber Greens Home Sold – New Port Richey 

And Closed. It should have closed Friday but there was a few days delay due to Hurricane Hermine and the holiday.  We received all the paperwork today and the home is officially Sold.

The home is a 3 bedroom or 2 Bedroom/and Den style. The 2nd Bedroom was used as a study and has an up-to-date Murphy Bed that disappears after your company goes home. The 3rd bedroom is on the other side of the home for privacy with the guest bath next door.

And, the spacious great room opens to the large enclosed lanai. A lovely breakfast room looks out at the garden.

Timber Greens Home Sold – New Port Richey

In addition, Timber Greens Country Club is a 18 hole golf community. The residents must be 55 plus to buy a home or villa there. It is one of the top 10 golf communities in Tampa Bay and Ron Garl designed. My  golf playing friends tell me the course is a challenging one. The many conservation areas surround Timber Greens and the scenery is beautiful.

Furthermore, the 18-hole championship course at Timber Greens Country Club in New Port Richey, Florida features 6,133 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 71.5 and it has a slope rating of 124 on Bermuda grass.  

Certainly, the residents enjoy the fabulous pool, the clubhouse with many activities, the restaurant/bar, the dining room, and the pro-shop if you are a golfer. Many of our residents don’t play golf; they bought in Timber Greens because it is such a great place to live. The residents are fun and friendly.

Timber Greens is a gated community with guards 24/7 monitoring the gate and patroling the community.

Home Owners Fees for single-family homes are  $190/month. Villas and condos can be found in Timber Greens Country Club. To explain: the home owner fees vary depending on which complex you are talking about. 

Search homes in Florida, Click Here  or give us a call.

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

Timber Greens Home Sold – New Port Richey

 

 

 

Why Does Lightning Change Colors

Why Does Lightning Change Colors. After Storm Hermine in New Port Richey FL things are much quieter. Last night, well it was early a.m. today, the storm was spectacular. Noisy, and full of lights and colors.

The lightning during that storm was red, yellow, orange, blue or plain old white.  I thought I imagined it (the effect of not enough sleep and too much storm) but I searched Google and, yes, lightning does appear as different colors depending on the atmosphere.

 

From Dan Robinson,  Storm Chaser/Photographer

 Lightning traveling through open air emits white light, but can appear in different colors depending on local atmospheric conditions. Distant lightning can appear red or orange the same way the setting sun does, due to moisture, haze, dust, etc in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Light emitted by lightning has a similar visible spectrum as sunlight (white light), so the atmosphere should shift the colors of both the same way – given there is enough distance between the lightning and the observer.

Since shorter wavelengths are scattered more, red light is more likely than blue light to reach your eyes directly from the source, and blue light is more likely than red light to reach them after being scattered.

Hurricane Hermine is gone from here now.

 

It was a very exciting show of lightning and I hope I get to see it again sometime. I even woke my husband who said (grumpily, I thought), “Oh, nice” and promptly fell asleep again.

Hurricane Hermine did lots of damage to our area but no loss of life. Flooding is a big problem in some neighborhoods. Trees fell down like matchsticks. The trees roots and the ground around them become 

saturated and cannot support the tree so down it goes. Unfortunately, they tend to target cars, roofs, and screen structures around pools.  The insurance companies will be busy. What a disastrous start to the Labor Day Weekend. 

In the meantime, I have a closing today in Timber Greens Country Club (where I live) where there is no flooding, no trees down. 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend and stay safe and dry.

Toni Weidman
Broker-associate
To search for homes for sale, Click here
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083 (direct to Toni)

Why Does Lightning Change Colors

Pasco County Schools Closed Thurs Sept. 1

Pasco County Schools Closed Thurs Sept. 1 As a result all Pasco County schools and Government Offices will be closed. All after school activities today are cancelled.

Pasco County Schools Closed Thurs Sept. 1

That means all public schools. If you’re child attends a private school, be sure to get their plans for tomorrow.

Sandbags can help keep water out of your home, here are some places you can find them. Best to bring your own shovel, it will go faster that way then waiting for one to become available.

Sandbags are available at the following locations from 7 am to 8 pm

West Pasco Government Center, 7356 State Street, New    Port Richey
 C-Barn, 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio (self-serve)
 Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson     (self-serve)
Mitchell Park, 4825 Little Road, New Port Richey (self-  serve)
Land O’ Lakes Rec Center, 3032 Collier Pkwy, Land O’    Lakes
Fire Station, 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills
6240 Pine Hill Road, New Port Richey (self-serve)
38042 Pasco Ave., Dade City (self-serve)
Port Richey City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road, Port Richey  (self-serve)

Pasco County is under a Hurricane Watch at this time.

TS Hermine may bring flooding to our low-lying areas so please drive carefully. If a street looks flooded, do not drive onto it. 6 inches of fast moving water can knock an adult down and carry them away. 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car.

Remember: when flooded, turn around. Don’t Drown.

Pasco County has dealt with some flooded streets and subdivisions during previous storms. Some have been upgraded but some have not. 

Those of you who are new to our area, don’t panic. Most areas do not experience flooding. Hopefully, when you bought your Florida home, you checked out the Florida flood zone maps before purchase.

Finally, if you are heading for a shelter, be sure to ask if you can take your pet(s) with you prior to heading over there. Or find a boarding kennel that is accepting pets for the storm period.

Toni Weidman, GRI
Broker-associate
Florida Luxury Realty
727-237-0083

Pasco County Schools Closed Thurs Sept. 1