Newsletter 17

A NEW HIGH IN TOURISM : The state shattered a record for the number of visitors it hosted in 2013, eclipsing the record-breaking 2012 mark. Nearly 95 million people visited the state, an increase of 3.5% over 2012. During December, Sarasota County set an all-time record for hotel and vacation rental occupancy (61.2%), and the lodging average daily rate of $155.83 came close to beating the 2006 record. All signs point towards 2014 shattering the records from 2013. Click on the link to read more: State Tourism Breaks Records

FLOOD INSURANCE FIX PURSUED ON TWO FRONTS :  Congress cleared a major hurdle in efforts to provide thousands of property owners in Florida and other states with relief from skyrocketing flood insurance premiums, moving to essentially undo a law passed two years ago. Florida has 40% of all of the homes in the National Flood Insurance Program. Follow the link for more on this story: Flood Insurance Fix Advances. In addition, Florida lawmakers are pressing ahead with legislation that they hope will eventually yield lower premiums for Florida homeowners. The state House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee unanimously approved legislation that is designed to entice more private insurers into a market now dominated by the National Flood Insurance Program. Click here to read more : Florida Also Pursues Flood Rate Relief

SPORTS TOURISM FILLING HOTELS : As Southwest Florida and the state continue to post record-breaking visitation numbers, local tourism officials and hoteliers are preparing for the added influx of athletes and fans to a variety of sporting events. In addition to spring training, there are: tennis tournaments, equestrian events, swimming championships, the start of regatta season, triathlon competitions and the state rowing championships….among others. Click here to learn more: Spring Suncoast Sports

SARASOTA ARTS ARE SIZZLING : Winter attendance at Sarasota area arts organizations is up 15% overall and up 31% for single-ticket sales. The follow organizations are proudly announcing ticket sales increases: Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra, The Ringling, Players Theatre, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Manatee Players and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Click on the link for more on this story:  Sizzling Arts Attendance

CASH IS STILL KING :  Cash buyers continued to make up the bulk of Southwest Florida’s residential real estate transactions. Sales of single-family homes and condos accounted for 67% of all transactions in Sarasota County in January, up from 62% in December and 45% one year earlier. Follow the jump for more: 67% of sales are cash

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ON THE FLORIDA BALLOT :  A sharply divided Florida Supreme Court has cleared the way for voters to decide this fall if Florida will join 20 other states in allowing the use of medical marijuana. The item will be on the November ballot. There’s more here: Medical Marijuana Moves Forward

We’re here all year to help you make your dreams come true. If that’s assistance with finding your dream home in the Suncoast area or carefully watching your southern property when you return to the north or to your home country …. you can count on us. Visit our website for more information: Suncoast Home Concierge