Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
PINE ISLAND “HAPPENINGS” THIS WEEKEND
Tarpon Lodge presents live music with Dave Lapio, 6:30 – 9pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner. Monday – Thursday enjoy music by Kip Lawrence from noon until 4 pm.
American Legion Post 136 presents karaoke with Sandy and Dave, 6 – 10 pm. St. James City
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Deb & The Dynamics, 7:30 pm. Matlacha
Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon presents karaoke with Jimmy and Susie, 8 – 11 pm, Pine Island Road.
FRIDAY, MAR 30 –
American Legion Post 136 – “Clive Live” will be performing from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, with his “Jamaica Night Special.” Full dinner menu available. St. James City
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Bobby Hubcap at 7:30 pm. Matlacha
Bokeelia Cracker Café features the music of Tim Grobe (SAGE), Chris Young (Animal), and Kevin Colt (Scrap Iron) from 6 – 9 pm. Bokeelia
Bubba’s Roadhouse features music by Daniel Cook. Pine Island Road.
Ladies of the Elks are holding a bake and rummage sale, at the Elks Lodge near Pine Island Center.
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens offers an historical and ecological walking tour of Matlacha every Friday and Tuesday morning. 9 am. Groups or individual walk-ups welcome. Call the gallery at 239-283-6453 for details and reservations. $10 per person; complimentary coffee beginning at 8 am.
Tarpon Lodge – Mystery tasting with music by Michael Anthony, 6 – 8:30 pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Calusa Ghost Tours offers adventures, tours, demonstrations and stories throughout Lee County with its main office on Pine Island and locations in Bonita Springs and Ft Myers Beach. Our Snook Cowboy Fishing Club is also based out of Pine Island and Snook Cowboy offers fishing adventures all around Pine Island. Take this link to check out one of the fishing club videos. shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IEploJEFk8 . You can fish once a week somewhere around Pine Island with the Cowboy. Contact info 239-938-5342 or calusaghosttours@comcast.net
SATURDAY, MAR 31 –
American Legion Post 136 will be serving seafood chowder starting at 11 am until it’s gone. The “Farewell Snowbirds Party” with pulled pork/beans/slaw from 5 – 7 pm, with music by Mike & KC from 6:30 – 9:30 pm.
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents music by The New Vinyls at 7:30 pm. Matlacha
Bobby Holloway Memorial Fishing Tournament will take place at the Lee County Fishermen’s Co-op, on Maria Drive, with a shot-gun start at 7:30 am. Adult and child anglers will compete for a variety of prizes. Young anglers between the ages of 7 and 13 will have the opportunity to fish at no cost with a charter boat captain. Following the weigh in, there will be a fish fry, raffles, and more. Event proceeds go to scholarships for island students. To register contact Ernestine at 281-8225. www.hollowaytourney.org .
Matlacha Hookers will hold their annual “Bag N Tag” sale and Pancake Breakfast, starting at 8 am, at the Pine Island Moose Lodge. $ breakfast available until 11 am; Bag N Tag Sale runs until 2 pm. For just $5 for a paper grocery bag, shop the clothing (kids, ladies, men) section and fill the bag for this 1 low cost. Other items, appliances, tools, household items available at “negotiate” prices. Proceeds go to the Matlacha Hookers Scholarship Fund. Stringfellow Road, St. James City
St. James City Civic Association will have their “Spring Festival” with breakfast and flea market, starting at 8 am. St. James City – Lemon St & 4th Ave.
Bokeelia Cracker Café features the music of Tim Grobe (SAGE), Chris Young (Animal), and Kevin Colt (Scrap Iron) from 6 – 9 pm. Bokeelia
Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon will feature music by Perry English, Pine Island Road
Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Jerry Diaz, 2 – 5 pm. Lake Suzy (Port Charlotte)
SUNDAY, APR 1 –
American Legion Post 136 will hold their patio party from 1 – 4 pm., with music. Come enjoy one of “Doc’s” famous burgers. St. James City
Bert’s Bar and Seven Seas Bait & Tackle will hold the 13th annual “Manatee Roast” starting at 2 pm. Cost is $6 per plate, and proceeds will go to island student Skyler Hammer for his “People to People” ambassador trip this summer. Matlacha.
Bokeelia Cracker Café presents Second Chance, Chris & Tim, starting at 6 pm. Bokeelia
American Legion Post 136 presents karaoke with Sandy and Dave, 6 – 10 pm. St. James City
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Deb & The Dynamics, 7:30 pm. Matlacha
Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon presents karaoke with Jimmy and Susie, 8 – 11 pm, Pine Island Road.
FRIDAY, MAR 30 –
American Legion Post 136 – “Clive Live” will be performing from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, with his “Jamaica Night Special.” Full dinner menu available. St. James City
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Bobby Hubcap at 7:30 pm. Matlacha
Bokeelia Cracker Café features the music of Tim Grobe (SAGE), Chris Young (Animal), and Kevin Colt (Scrap Iron) from 6 – 9 pm. Bokeelia
Bubba’s Roadhouse features music by Daniel Cook. Pine Island Road.
Ladies of the Elks are holding a bake and rummage sale, at the Elks Lodge near Pine Island Center.
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens offers an historical and ecological walking tour of Matlacha every Friday and Tuesday morning. 9 am. Groups or individual walk-ups welcome. Call the gallery at 239-283-6453 for details and reservations. $10 per person; complimentary coffee beginning at 8 am.
Tarpon Lodge – Mystery tasting with music by Michael Anthony, 6 – 8:30 pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Calusa Ghost Tours offers adventures, tours, demonstrations and stories throughout Lee County with its main office on Pine Island and locations in Bonita Springs and Ft Myers Beach. Our Snook Cowboy Fishing Club is also based out of Pine Island and Snook Cowboy offers fishing adventures all around Pine Island. Take this link to check out one of the fishing club videos. shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IEploJEFk8 . You can fish once a week somewhere around Pine Island with the Cowboy. Contact info 239-938-5342 or calusaghosttours@comcast.net
SATURDAY, MAR 31 –
American Legion Post 136 will be serving seafood chowder starting at 11 am until it’s gone. The “Farewell Snowbirds Party” with pulled pork/beans/slaw from 5 – 7 pm, with music by Mike & KC from 6:30 – 9:30 pm.
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents music by The New Vinyls at 7:30 pm. Matlacha
Bobby Holloway Memorial Fishing Tournament will take place at the Lee County Fishermen’s Co-op, on Maria Drive, with a shot-gun start at 7:30 am. Adult and child anglers will compete for a variety of prizes. Young anglers between the ages of 7 and 13 will have the opportunity to fish at no cost with a charter boat captain. Following the weigh in, there will be a fish fry, raffles, and more. Event proceeds go to scholarships for island students. To register contact Ernestine at 281-8225. www.hollowaytourney.org .
Matlacha Hookers will hold their annual “Bag N Tag” sale and Pancake Breakfast, starting at 8 am, at the Pine Island Moose Lodge. $ breakfast available until 11 am; Bag N Tag Sale runs until 2 pm. For just $5 for a paper grocery bag, shop the clothing (kids, ladies, men) section and fill the bag for this 1 low cost. Other items, appliances, tools, household items available at “negotiate” prices. Proceeds go to the Matlacha Hookers Scholarship Fund. Stringfellow Road, St. James City
St. James City Civic Association will have their “Spring Festival” with breakfast and flea market, starting at 8 am. St. James City – Lemon St & 4th Ave.
Bokeelia Cracker Café features the music of Tim Grobe (SAGE), Chris Young (Animal), and Kevin Colt (Scrap Iron) from 6 – 9 pm. Bokeelia
Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon will feature music by Perry English, Pine Island Road
Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Jerry Diaz, 2 – 5 pm. Lake Suzy (Port Charlotte)
SUNDAY, APR 1 –
American Legion Post 136 will hold their patio party from 1 – 4 pm., with music. Come enjoy one of “Doc’s” famous burgers. St. James City
Bert’s Bar and Seven Seas Bait & Tackle will hold the 13th annual “Manatee Roast” starting at 2 pm. Cost is $6 per plate, and proceeds will go to island student Skyler Hammer for his “People to People” ambassador trip this summer. Matlacha.
Bokeelia Cracker Café presents Second Chance, Chris & Tim, starting at 6 pm. Bokeelia
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Pine Island
And another great thing about Pine Island is the library. Wednesday evenings they are open until 8pm. I stopped in there last night. The place was full. All the computers were occupied with young folks, to the oldest. People checking in and out. Very pleasant environment, and they are so helpful. Lots of books, videos, all kinds of stuff! And the Lee County library system sends everything around. So if it is not in one library they send it over. Super great!
Monday, January 9, 2012
New Short Sale Tax Ramifications
You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure
WASHINGTON – Jan. 9, 2012 – You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure after this year. Now is the time to make the hard decision: Are you going to walk away from your underwater home?Uncle Sam is still giving homeowners until Dec. 31, 2012, to go through a short sale or foreclosure without tax consequences – as long as the lender officially releases the debt.But on Jan. 1, 2013, the rules change: The amount a lender forgives, ether in a short sale or foreclosure, on a primary residence will be taxable on federal income taxes.So if a house sold $50,000 short of what is owed on the mortgage, then the selling homeowners will owe federal income taxes on that $50,000. Homeowners would owe $12,500 if they’re in the 25 percent bracket; $7,500 if in the 15 percent tax section.Homeowners would be on the hook even if the house sold but the bank had not formally forgiven the loan in a letter: The banks must officially sign off in writing before Dec. 31.“It’s a huge issue – it will be a shock to many taxpayers after 2012,” said Mark Steber, the Florida-based chief tax officer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.The law first came into affect five years ago as the housing market went bust nationwide.The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 “generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence,” according to the Internal Revenue Service. “Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure, qualifies for the relief.”Up to $2 million of forgiven debt can be forgiven this year, $1 million if married and filing separately, according to the IRS.Homeowners declaring bankruptcy could escape paying income taxes on any cancellation of debt income if the debt is forgiven in the bankruptcy even if the debtor is solvent, said Nick Jovanovich, a board-certified tax attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.“Bankruptcy trumps everything,” he said.Or homeowners might not have to pay income taxes on any cancellation of debt income to the extent that they are insolvent immediately before the cancellation – that is, their debts exceed the value of their assets, Jovanovich added.Steber and Jovanovich said homeowners should decide now what they are going to do – to give themselves time.Short sales can take a long time, said Timothy Singer of Coldwell Banker in Fort Lauderdale.He said he knows of one that had been pending for three years.But lenders “have been gearing up” and speeding up the process, Singer added.But even if banks quickly approve a short sale, the would-be buyer may get cold feet and the deal fall through, Singer said.Then the sellers have to begin again, he said.Copyright © 2012 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Donna Gehrke-White. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
WASHINGTON – Jan. 9, 2012 – You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure after this year. Now is the time to make the hard decision: Are you going to walk away from your underwater home?Uncle Sam is still giving homeowners until Dec. 31, 2012, to go through a short sale or foreclosure without tax consequences – as long as the lender officially releases the debt.But on Jan. 1, 2013, the rules change: The amount a lender forgives, ether in a short sale or foreclosure, on a primary residence will be taxable on federal income taxes.So if a house sold $50,000 short of what is owed on the mortgage, then the selling homeowners will owe federal income taxes on that $50,000. Homeowners would owe $12,500 if they’re in the 25 percent bracket; $7,500 if in the 15 percent tax section.Homeowners would be on the hook even if the house sold but the bank had not formally forgiven the loan in a letter: The banks must officially sign off in writing before Dec. 31.“It’s a huge issue – it will be a shock to many taxpayers after 2012,” said Mark Steber, the Florida-based chief tax officer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.The law first came into affect five years ago as the housing market went bust nationwide.The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 “generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence,” according to the Internal Revenue Service. “Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure, qualifies for the relief.”Up to $2 million of forgiven debt can be forgiven this year, $1 million if married and filing separately, according to the IRS.Homeowners declaring bankruptcy could escape paying income taxes on any cancellation of debt income if the debt is forgiven in the bankruptcy even if the debtor is solvent, said Nick Jovanovich, a board-certified tax attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.“Bankruptcy trumps everything,” he said.Or homeowners might not have to pay income taxes on any cancellation of debt income to the extent that they are insolvent immediately before the cancellation – that is, their debts exceed the value of their assets, Jovanovich added.Steber and Jovanovich said homeowners should decide now what they are going to do – to give themselves time.Short sales can take a long time, said Timothy Singer of Coldwell Banker in Fort Lauderdale.He said he knows of one that had been pending for three years.But lenders “have been gearing up” and speeding up the process, Singer added.But even if banks quickly approve a short sale, the would-be buyer may get cold feet and the deal fall through, Singer said.Then the sellers have to begin again, he said.Copyright © 2012 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Donna Gehrke-White. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Are you Truly Ready to Buy?
Are you a Shopper, or are you a Buyer?
People come into my office everyday saying that they want a screaming deal. I always ask them, "What would that look like to you?"
I watch the MLS everyday for many people. I see what is automatically sent to them. I am looking at properties everyday in all kinds of categories.
There were two amazing deals that went under contract this week in Matlacha. These were not your average priced, or over priced listing that sits on the market for 120-200 days begging for an offer. They were SCREAMING DEALS!
One was a gorgeous bay front home on Matlacha Ave. that went under contract at $325,000. (Can you believe it!) The other was a really cute canal front home at went on, and quickly pended at $174,900. (can you blame them?)
I immediately contacted 2 of my ready, willing, and able Buyers about these properties. My notice to them was, "These will not last at all. "
I called the listing agent and asked if there were contracts. She said in, but not signed. That will usually give me a 24 hour window for an additional offer to be considered. One of my Buyers came out, after waiting a 2 days, and then took pictures, and said he had to go talk to his wife about it. He called the day after that and said he wanted to make an offer. Well, the property had pended. "But, but, what if I offer full price? What if it is CASH?" He was obviously disappointed, and seemed frustrated that the Seller did not wait for him to make up his mind. When it is a SCREAMING DEAL , the Seller wants an offer, and they want to sell. The price shows how ready they are. I felt badly, but the boat had left the dock!
After there is an executed offer, everything else is a backup offer. Who would walk on a deal (or a screamer) like that?
My Buyer on the second property said he would check it out. Never called me back. In the meantime, I spoke with an agent who called to show one of my listings to buyers that he has been working with. He proceeded to tell me his buyers had just missed on a great deal on Bridgeview! Instead of committing to the offer, which allows due diligence, and the opportunity to cancel the offer, they waited, and they missed out.
If you have a Realtor who is working for you and your best interest, and they tell you this is a SCREAMING DEAL! I would advise that you make the offer.
Otherwise, you are really just shopping, which is nice, and it is part of the process, but when you are ready.......Make sure that it is your highest and best offer!
People come into my office everyday saying that they want a screaming deal. I always ask them, "What would that look like to you?"
I watch the MLS everyday for many people. I see what is automatically sent to them. I am looking at properties everyday in all kinds of categories.
There were two amazing deals that went under contract this week in Matlacha. These were not your average priced, or over priced listing that sits on the market for 120-200 days begging for an offer. They were SCREAMING DEALS!
One was a gorgeous bay front home on Matlacha Ave. that went under contract at $325,000. (Can you believe it!) The other was a really cute canal front home at went on, and quickly pended at $174,900. (can you blame them?)
I immediately contacted 2 of my ready, willing, and able Buyers about these properties. My notice to them was, "These will not last at all. "
I called the listing agent and asked if there were contracts. She said in, but not signed. That will usually give me a 24 hour window for an additional offer to be considered. One of my Buyers came out, after waiting a 2 days, and then took pictures, and said he had to go talk to his wife about it. He called the day after that and said he wanted to make an offer. Well, the property had pended. "But, but, what if I offer full price? What if it is CASH?" He was obviously disappointed, and seemed frustrated that the Seller did not wait for him to make up his mind. When it is a SCREAMING DEAL , the Seller wants an offer, and they want to sell. The price shows how ready they are. I felt badly, but the boat had left the dock!
After there is an executed offer, everything else is a backup offer. Who would walk on a deal (or a screamer) like that?
My Buyer on the second property said he would check it out. Never called me back. In the meantime, I spoke with an agent who called to show one of my listings to buyers that he has been working with. He proceeded to tell me his buyers had just missed on a great deal on Bridgeview! Instead of committing to the offer, which allows due diligence, and the opportunity to cancel the offer, they waited, and they missed out.
If you have a Realtor who is working for you and your best interest, and they tell you this is a SCREAMING DEAL! I would advise that you make the offer.
Otherwise, you are really just shopping, which is nice, and it is part of the process, but when you are ready.......Make sure that it is your highest and best offer!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Weekend Pine Island Events- November 18
FRIDAY, NOV 18:
Open House at Pine Island Elementary School, 2 – 7 pm, to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Enjoy live music at Bert’s Bar with Jim Morris, starting at 7:30 pm. Matlacha.
Miceli’s Restaurant features music by Dereck Trentholm, 6 – 10pm, Matlacha.
Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Rick Farner, 6 – 9pm. Located on Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.
Tarpon Lodge presents “Mystery Tasting and Music” with Sister Kaite, from 6 – 8:30 pm. Reservations recommended for dinner, Pineland.
SATURDAY, NOV 19:
Matlacha Mariners’ 12th annual SW Florida Blues Fest, noon – 9pm, gates open at 11:30. German-American Social Club, Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. Tickets $20 at gate, $15 at Traders Hitching Post and Pine Island Chamber of Commerce through noon, Friday.
Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Jim Morris from 2 – 5pm.
The Nav-A-Gator is now taking reservations for holiday or special celebrations. They can seat up to 100, call 941-627-3474 for more information. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.
Grand opening at Calusa Ridge from 11am – 4pm. Visit the newly completed model home, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win prizes. Located at 12401 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Cindy and Marshall, 7:30pm. Matlacha.
Miceli’s Restaurant features music by Soapbox, 6 – 10pm. Matlacha.
SUNDAY, NOV 20:
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents David Hardin at 2pm. Matlacha.
Bokeelia Cracker Café presents live music jam with TJ Brown & Dogfish, 2 – 5pm.
Miceli’s Restaurant features “Singing” Capt. Cathy, 12 – 3pm, and Stringtown, 4 – 8pm. Matlacha.
Nav-A-Gator presents live music by John Friday, 2 – 5pm. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.
Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Pine Island Activities This Weekend- November 11
FRIDAY, NOV11:
Veterans’ Day – be sure to thank all our military personnel, both active and veterans, for their service to our country. They keep the United States a country of freedom.
Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery celebrates “11-11-11” with special activities including yoga, Qi-Gong, poetry readings, labyrinth walks, and more. Activities run from 11am until 6:30pm. For details call the gallery at 239-282-1025. St. James City.
Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery features the works of local artist Marie Cahill this weekend, with special activities throughout the weekend. 239-283-1335. Matlacha.
Island Décor & More now has their nautical and tropical Christmas cards, along with art by local artists, hand-made towel racks, jewelry, “Fun Fish” to hang, and more. Fall hours are 10am – 6pm, Monday through Saturday, and 1 – 5pm on Sundays. Matlacha.
Sandy Hook Restaurant presents their “Creative Coast Drink Special” all weekend. This month’s special drink is the “Harvest Moon.” When ordering this beverage, be sure to mention the “Creative Coast” to receive special pricing on the beverage. A different “Creative Coast” beverage will be offered in December. Matlacha.
Mollusk Shells in the World of the Calusa at the Calusa Heritage Trail, Pineland. Join Dr. Bill Marquardt from 9 – 11am for a discussion and demonstration of how the Calusa Indians made use of shells in their daily lives. Fee charged, pre-registration required. 239-283-2062. Pineland.
Enjoy live music at Bert’s Bar – Captiva Band starting at 7:30 pm. Matlacha.
Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by John Reno, 7 – 10pm.
In honor of both the Marine Corps Birthday, November 10 and Veteran’s Day November 11, The Nav-A-Gator Grill and Marina would like to salute those who are serving or did serve by offering a 10% discount off your meal on those days. To get the discount it’s very simple; just tell your server the “code word” OORAH before ordering. So bring your best “OORAH” and join us for lunch or dinner, but remember the discount is for a limited time only, Thursday Nov 10 and Friday Nov 11. If you come in for lunch stop by the boat office after your meal so we can take a photo to add to our “local veteran’s” board. Need more information or directions call 941-627-3474. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.
SATURDAY, NOV 12:
Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Gary and Kerri from 2 – 5pm.
The Nav-A-Gator is now taking reservations for holiday or special celebrations. They can seat up to 100, call 941-627-3474 for more information. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents “Lunch with Annie (Wenz) & Friends” from 1 – 4pm, in the Gator Room; other local musicians welcome to drop in and play along with Annie. Music continues with Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, 7:30pm. Matlacha.
Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery will feature their crafters and artists, between 10am and 4pm, with a special book signing and workshop on waterfalls, by Claude Memoli and Carole Weise starting at 1pm. St. James City.
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens reopens the gardens this Saturday with events for everyone from 10am to 6pm. Matlacha.
SUNDAY, NOV 13:
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Gary and Kerri at 2pm. Matlacha.
Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery presents a special “Labyrinth Retreat” from 1 – 3pm. Come and enjoy the new labyrinth in the gardens, with a discussion on the purpose of labyrinths and a guided walk. Donation suggested. St. James City.
Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend. The public boat ramp in Bokeelia has reopened.
Music can be enjoyed at:
Bert’s Bar & Grill, Bubba’s Roadhouse, Miceli’s, Pine Island Moose, Pine Island Elks, Tarpon Lodge, Bokeelia Cracker Café.
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