Last week was a great week for Northwest Florida. Dr. Rick Harper of the Haas Center in Pensacola predicted a robust market for real estate in our area for 2011!
The Haas Center is a renowned research center and Dr. Harper has been tracking the local economy for many years. His outlook over the past three years has been very much in tune with the times—slow real estate sales. The fact that he has turned his prediction around for Okaloosa County is huge!
Dr. Harper predicted that there will be 2300 new jobs created and cited two main reasons:
1. The 7th Special Forces will be bringing almost 2000 military, plus families and civilians which, in turn, will create even more jobs off the base in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties.
2. Vision Airlines is bringing almost 20 new direct flights to our Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located right in the heart of Okaloosa County. These non-stop flights will bring people from all over the Southeast and mid-West, as vactioners and for business.
These two events will stimulate all sectors of our economy, and real estate will be right up there at the top of the list. When people are buying and selling houses, and builders are building new houses, the general economy is also doing well.
Housing is a true driver of the economy and anyone who came on earth prior to 2001 knows this. We don’t want to see another boom like we had between 2002-2006, but steady or even robust growth is what will help our economy bring new jobs to our area.
Gloria Frazier
Broker/President
ERA American Realty
You can’t top the Panhandle area of Florida, and Niceville, is the jewel in the Panhandle’s crown, nestled atop Choctawhatchee Bay. This town is primarily a family-oriented place. Niceville is a wonderful place to raise children and have a slow, stress free life and Niceville real estate is reasonable priced as well. Niceville, Florida lives up to its name. It is a “Nice” town to live in and raise a family. Niceville’s name was originally Boggy, named thus by Boggy Bayou, where this portion of Northwest Florida was first settled. Later, the township decided they needed a more descriptive name for this growing community and the name “Niceville” was selected.
Full service marina facilities are available throughout the area. Natural harbors dotting the Gulf of Mexico in Choctawhatchee Bay and along the Intercoastal Waterway offer overnight protection for boaters. Boat rentals are available for all types of boats, from small single sail varieties of catamarans to large charter boats or sailboats for overnight trips. Powerboat, windsurfer and jet ski rentals are available as well. For the novice boater, trained captains are on hand for lessons and to act as guides.
Golf courses abound in the area—you just have to decide which one fits you best. Each beautifully manicured Emerald Coast golf course has a personality of its own and offers a challenge to the golfer. From full-service resorts to country clubs to municipal courses, the Emerald Coasts boasts 177 championship holes of golf. Most are open to the general public for specified green fees. Eglin’s golf course is in Niceville.
The fishing is always good in the area waters, the streams and lakes are full of bounty and canoeing and other activities are available here. The bay offers a variety of fishing and fun as well. If you prefer salt water fishing the Gulf has much to offer. The Emerald Coast is without a doubt one of the most exciting sport-fishing locations in the world. Destin boasts one of the world’s largest sport-fishing fleets, with charter boats available for hire and crews waiting to help bring home a trophy. Tournaments abound on the Emerald Coast with shark rodeos, billfish tournaments and other competition throughout the summer. October is the month for the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which awards a cash purse and attracts avid fishermen from around the world. This area is known for its bountiful and delicious seafood and fare. Bottom fishing, trolling, surf fishing, or if you prefer fishing from a pier—all are available. Want to take a dive? There are plenty of dive places just waiting for you to experience. Surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, and other water sports are favorite pastimes to enjoy most of the year.
In addition, there are many festivals, concerts, air shows, and other features throughout the year. The shopping and restaurants are great as well; one of the other advantages that come from living in a tourist destination.
In the winter, the Emerald Waters of The Gulf of Mexico absorb the sun’s heat over the summer and then retains it, keeping the shores and temperatures mild. Temperatures in the beach areas of the Emerald Coast are significantly warmer during the winter months than inland, creating a perfect outdoor environment to work and play. The average temperatures on the Emerald Coast are 64 degrees in the winter, 80 in the spring, 89 in the summer and 79 in the fall. The average annual water temperature is 75 degrees. Spring and Fall have almost perfect weather and temperatures. Niceville and the surrounding areas are spectacular! This is truly a place for all seasons.
Be sure to check Wednesday’s Bay Beacon (12/22/2010 issue) for a list of the finalists in our “Yard of the Month” contest. This month we are focusing on holiday displays throughout our community. You can still nominate your yard or another yard’s light display by calling us at 850-678-1196. Deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, December 15, 2010. Let’s get the word out that we have some creative lighting designers here in Niceville – Valparaiso.
“Geek Lights 2010″ in Bluewater Bay
On another note, while you are out looking at the Christmas lights, check out “Geek Lights on the Corner” in Bluewater Bay. I haven’t been there but hope to check it out this season. The 2010 “Geek Lights on the Corner” event is a public event and is held on the corner of Bluewater Boulevard and Antiqua Way. It runs through New Years. Shows begin on the hour and half hour starting at 6 p.m., with the last show starting at 9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Christmas themed displays are all apparently “ran” by computer programming and are synced to music. There will be a moment of silence during each show to honor our military. This is the event’s third year and they say, with the addition of a couple more yards, there are 40,000 lights in the event. And to think I have a problem keeping 1000 going on one tree!
As a sampler, below is a video from the finale of the first year’s show. Geek lights is the technical wizardry of Jeff Werner.
Sharlyn Thomas with young friends on the Christmas float
We want to shout out a thank you to all of you who helped us with decorating and participating in the Niceville & Fort Walton Beach Parades. It was a lot of fun for all of those who came along to enjoy the festivities. We are excited about the results from our first entry – we won 3rd place in the Commercial Division. Way to go TEAM ERA.
Thanks to Gloria Frazier for giving us the support. We enjoyed having you with us Monday night. Thanks to Mike White for driving our float in both parades. A gigantic thank-you to Linde Bowman for getting us in the Fort Walton Parade the last minute.
Also, thanks to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Beach Community Bank for donating the beads and candy for us to throw. Your support is greatly appreciated.
And, most importantly, thanks to our community for being there to cheer us on.
The first of December. At last, we can legally play Christmas songs without others raising their brows. Our team has been busy. We’re building a float for Saturday’s Christmas Parade. We hope to see you there. Niceville’s parade is Saturday, December 4, 2010, beginning at 10 a.m. This year the theme of the parade is, “2010 – A Christmas Odyssey.” Be sure to keep an eye out for us. The parade starts at John Sims Pkwy at the intersection of Palm Blvd and travels on to Partin Drive. There the Parade will turn and travel down Partin between the Children’s Park and Ruckel Middle School. Can’t make it that day? Stop back by here. We plan to have some photos posted.
Even the wheels get trimmed for the Christmas Parade
Our own Debbie K. Lewis, also known as “The Christmas Lady”, works months ahead to build a wonderful Holiday display, “Animation in Motion”. It opens Saturday, so maybe you will want to make a day of it – take in the parade in the morning, lunch and shopping after, and then on to the lights display. Remember it is in a new location this year. Details are below.
Address: 100-A Heart Street, Niceville (Down the street from Cain’s AC and HW 85N)
Show Dates: Saturday December 4th -Monday Dec 27th 2010. Open nightly 6-9 P.M.
Attention all you Eagle Fans! Our hometown team plays in the first round of playoffs Friday, November 19, 2010 at 7:30 at the Eagle Stadium. Lets pack the house Friday Night Eagle fans! We need to Protect Our House! Come cheer our Eagles on to victory against the Navarre Raiders. Yes, the Navarre Raiders are playing with heart from the teammate who is fighting cancer but let us not forget the heart of Niceville’s Seniors as they will be playing for their fallen teammate Taylor Haugen who past away August 30, 2008. His memory has not been forgotten as you see the maroon bracelets that many of the players, friends and family wear in his memory. Those words Don’t Quit, Never Give Up! These words will be a fighting force for our Niceville Eagles Friday Night. The Spirit of the Eagle will Soar! Make sure to dress warm as the weather is going to be cool but the spirit of the night will be filled with warmth as we cheer our hometown team on to V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! Pack the house with Maroon & White! Go! Fight! Win! Go Niceville! Go Eagles!
Game Time: 7:30p.m.
Place: Eagle Stadium
General Admission: $7.00
Reserve Seating: $8.00
Tickets are on sale at Niceville High Front Office.
The Niceville office of ERA American is pleased to serve as a drop-off point for donations for Sharing & Caring. Our community is so blessed this Holiday Season, however some of our neighbors have a rough year. We ask that you open your heart to their situation and give to this food drive. Details are below.
As of October 29, 2010, the Christmas Lady of Niceville struck a deal with a local business to occupy their warehouse space for this year’s 16th annual “Animation in Motion” Christmas display.
We are currently looking for voulunteers to help put this year’s display together. If you only have even an hour to spare, please consider us, as your help will be greatly appreciated. Set up begins Saturday November 6th.
The details are as follows:
Address: 100-A Heart Street, Niceville
Down the street from Cain’s AC and HW 85N
Show Dates: Saturday December 4th -Monday Dec 27th 2010
Times: Nightly 6-9 P.M.
Cost: FREE!! This is a great family fun event! Consider making this event a family tradition year after year.
Santa arrives Christmas Eve at approximately 7P.M.
Some new things that will be added to the display this year are: caroling, illusionists, and refreshments. Stay tuned to find out more details as they are confirmed. For more information please contact Debbie Lewis, “The Christmas Lady”, at (850) 678-5355 or Debbie.Lewis@ERA.com
As it was said last year, the season all comes down to this, Friday Night 7:00 p.m. at Crestview Stadium. A win for the Eagles makes them District Champs for the 4A Division. So come join us for Friday Night Lights! Fans you better bundle up for this game for the temperatures are to be low and breezy. This is the showdown of the season and with Holidays just around the corner Crestview has challenged Niceville to a toy drive for Toys for Tots. Make sure to bring a new toy to deposit in the Niceville box. Lets show are Eagle Spirit. We are looking forward to the maroon and white black out in Crestview. Make arrangements to come early as sitting is limited on the visitor side of the stadium. As always the cheerleaders, spirit club and the best band “The Eagle Pride” will be on hand to cheer our Hometown Team to Victory. It was exciting to watch them last week in Auburn as they are gearing up for the playoffs. Thanks coach Hicks and the rest of the Coaching Staff for your dedication to the players. Go Niceville Eagles! Beat the Bulldogs!
Game Time is 7:00 p.m.
Crestview High School
1250 N Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
It was a great evening in Auburn, Alabama last Friday as we watched our hometown favorite compete against the Auburn Tigers. It was great to see everyone who traveled up to watch the game. The first half was full of excitement with Niceville Scoring the first touchdown making 7-0. By half time the score of was 14 – 17 in Auburn’s favor. The 3rd quarter should have been the turn around for Niceville, unfortunately we were unable to capitalize on offense. Though we might have not won the game we the hearts of the fans and football team at Auburn High School. They loved us. Thanks boys for playing hard and with good sportsmanship. We gained a lots of knowledge playing a 6A team that should build us up for the playoffs. Hold you heads high Niceville Eagles, we are proud of you! Thank you to the Eagle Pride for traveling to support our team – you truly do make a difference for the TEAM! Go Eagles!
This website is sponsored by: ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida, Inc. – specifically our Team Niceville. But, it is not about us. It is about our community and what makes it so “nice” to come home to. We want this site to be about you, our neighbors. If you see something we’re missing, please let us know. We will be continually updating this site, so stop by and visit us often.
