Clearwater Florida Homes Condos Real Estate

Public Notice....Beware! - A man eating Venus Flytrap was spotted in Saint Petersburg. 

 Gottcha....The man eating plant is actually harmless because it's the Audrey 2 and is the star of this years American Stage play, Little Shop of Horrors. 

Every year Jack and I go to the American Stage's Play in the Park. It's held at Demen's Landing which is a city park is located on the site of the first railroad pier in St. Petersburg, This city park is in the heart of the St Petersburg's Sailing district.

We always arrive early (at least an hour before the gates open) to get great seats in the park. our favorite are those on the border of the blanket section and the low chair section.

 This way we can throw down our blankets to picnic the 2 hours before the play begins and then move into our chairs for the 2 hours play (we're not getting any younger (lol));

This year's musical play, Little Shop of Horrors, was American Stage's 22nd year under the stars, and they did not disappoint. We have been going for the last 15 years - it's a "tradition" and a great excuse to have some old fashioned fun.. we pack an elaborate potluck picnic, have a Chinese gift exchange and relax under the stars for great fun, food and friends.

 Do you have plays in the park where you live? Have you ever been to one? Is it something you enjoy? I'd love to hear about your experiences.... 

Oh and for those of you who want to check it out - good news, this funny and entertaining play has been extended through May 6^th and I would highly recommend it. Take some friends and make it an annual event - I guarantee you'll look forward to it each year. And if you want to plan on going next year - mark your calendar the weekends of April 11-27, 2008 - they'll be doing Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. Maybe we'll see you there

Have you visted the Real Estate Resource for Clearwater / Clearwater Beach and surrounding areas home and condo information? Visit our Clearwater Beach Real Estate blog that Includes info for all of Pinellas County.

PART 2. FRUIT INSPIRED DESTINATIONS IN CLEARWATER: Head north 2 miles from the Clearwater Beach roundabout and just before your reach Mile Marker 25 you'll find a Mango of a different kind.

No tropical fruit here, as shared in Part 1. like Papaya, this is the name of a little street in the residential section of North Clearwater Beach's Mandalay community.

 Mango Street's western most point is the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico and is also home to the City of Clearwater's Public Beach Access #5. 

 It is located at the intersection of El Dorado (the street that runs north and south along the beach) and Mango (which runs east to west) or as I like to say - from shore to shore!

 There are many unique beach homes in the Mandalay community.

Here are a few to give you a flavor for what you might find when you visit.  

As you head east from the beach, you'll cross Mandalay Avenue which is the main road through North Clearwater beaches residential district. Then you will cross Bruce, then Lantana, then Narcissus and finally you will end at Bay Esplanade - this is the north -south street that runs along the Intercoastal Waterway.

From here you can look across and see the lovely waterfront homes and condos of Island Estates - a boater's paradise.    

 As I've said many times before, and I know I'm partial but Clearwater Beach is just a great place to live. We enjoy a great Florida Lifestyle and if you are looking for the perfect Clearwater Beach home or condo - please give us a call - we'd love to show you all Clearwater has to offer.

in the meantime, if you can't join us here, treat yourself to a Mango and enjoy some of the Fruits of the Tropics. 

Real Estate Resource for Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home and condo information- Visit http://www.ClearwaterHomeConnection.com/ - you can request a community or neighborhood Market Trend report for FREE.

PART 1. What do Clearwater Beach & Papaya Have in Common? Take a tropical fruit, Papaya and a tropical place, Clearwater Beach and it's easy see what would prompt them to name a street here - Papaya Street. I'd like to share with you why I think that Clearwater Beach's Papaya Street is one Sweet Tropical Waterfront Destination. 

You see Clearwater Beach doesn't lack in places to eat, sleep, shop or just relax...and Papaya street won't disappoint. Check out this interesting waterfront beach destination!  Clearwater Beach Waterfront offers beaches to Intercoastal Waterways and in just 3 short blocks Papaya Street has it all!  

When Colleen Kulikowski issued her recent FRUIT CHALLENGE,asking other realtors to report on interesting streets in their community that use Fruit Names. We decided to feature Papaya Street on North Clearwater Beach and also share a little more about our community. 

On a personal note, I could use your help &  feedback. I've been writing for Active Rain and Localism for a while and have earned almost 27,000 points, however my writings have never earned a coveted featured article designation, if you like what you read please don't forget to rate it on a scale of 1-5. Lets see if Papaya brings the sweet taste of a feature for me (lol) - regardless, I hope you enjoy my Insights from Clearwater Beach - it's just a great place to live the Florida Lifestyle! 

(picture by TeleAtlas)

 As you enter Clearwater Beach and navigate the "infamous" Clearwater Beach Roundabout. Continue North on the main drag, Mandalay Avenue, and you will immediately see the Clearwater Beach Hilton Hotel on your left.

   The Hilton is a 3 diamond, Clearwater, Florida Oceanfront resort with 416 guest rooms most of which have balconies with great beach view. The Hilton is located next to the popular Pier 60 - home of Clearwater Beach Celebrations at Sunset - visit Jack Haydon's earlier article to learn more about the fun to be had nightly at Pier 60. We highly recommend it.

 The Hilton has a great poolside bar if you're looking for a place  to just relax and enjoy the tranquility of the beach.

The resort takes up a whole city block itself.   

 Continue north and you'll quickly find your tropical destination, Papaya Street, it's just 1 block north on Mandalay Ave and is the first street you come to. Papaya Street is an east west street on Clearwater Beach.

Don't let Papaya Street's small size deceive you, it's got several hot spots to check out.

If you go as far West as you can on Papaya Street you will be at the sands of Clearwater Beach, and you'll see why this beach was voted "Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico".

Now if you look East just 2 blocks east and you'll find that Papaya Street dead ends at Clearwater Beach's waterfront intercoastal at East Shore.

Hot spots along Papaya Street in Clearwater Beach, Florida  

At the intersection of Papaya and Mandalay Ave heading west (towards the beach) you'll find:The Surf Style Shop  and The Mandalay Beach Club, home to some of the finest condos on Clearwater Beach. The Surf Styleshop immediately on the corner of Papaya and Mandalay Ave is a popular Clearwater Beach store for anything you need to enjoy the beach for the day or a great place to get a souvenir T-shirt to remember your visit to Clearwater Beach's sugar white sand.  

The Mandalay Beach Club - where Papaya ends at the Gulf of Mexico!

Go

As you look down Papaya Street to the East and you'll see Bob Heilman's Beachcomer and Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar. Bob Heilman's Beachcomer Restaurant - been popular with locals and tourists alike since 1948. You'll find a unique Florida casual, elagant dining experience here. We highly recommend it.

  At the intersection of Papaya and Poinsettia you'll see the Blue Wave Motel- the kind of quaint accommodations that Clearwater Beach has always been known for. Properties like this are getting harder to find because of the effect of property taxes on commercial real estate.  It's located on the east side of Poinsettia.

The west side of the street is home to the parking lot for Bob Heilman's Beachcomer and Bobby's Bistro and Wine Bar. 

You should make time to relax and enjoy their piano player or large  selections of fine wines.

As I was visiting the 3rd Street that intersects Papaya Street, East Shore Drive I got a pleasant surprise. Papaya dead-ends at the Clearwater Beach intercoastal waterway. When I went to take some photos I caught a wedding in action - an actual Wedding on the Water- this is one of the unique services available in our popular marriage and honeymoon destination. Looking for a unique wedding - this floating chapel might just fit the bill for you....

So what do you think of our sweet tropical destination: Papaya Street in Clearwater Beach, Florida? In 3 small blocks we have some of life's finest luxuries:

• the finest Clearwater Beach condos,
• a family friendly vacation resort,
• fabulous Florida food and traditions,
• great beach shopping,
• world renown beaches with refreshing water and our famous sugar white sand,
• lovely one-fo-a-kind weddings or vow renewals,
• wide selection of fine wines,
• and waterviews.

 All this makes Papaya Street ~ a sweet treat!

If you would like to live on Clearwater Beach just blocks from Papaya are a wide selection of Clearwater beach condos and a little over 1 mile north are highly sought after single family beach homes. Jack & I would love to show you our special beach community - if we have this much in 3 blocks, imagine what you'll find in our 5 miles of beach living here on Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Search over 2700 Waterfront Beach Homes and Condos at http://www.SearchClearwaterProperties.com 

Cyndee & Jack Haydon, Your Clearwater Beach Realtors - specializing in the Bluest Backyards in Tampa Bay.

Island Estates Waterfront Homes & Condos ~ Relocating to Clearwater ~ Clearwater Beach Properties ~ Sand Key Beach Homes & Condos ~ Specializing in our Florida Gulf Beaches.               

Newly announced Real Estate Resource for Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home and condo information- Visit Sandbars to Sunsets

Clearwater, Florida - Calling all Clearwater / St Petersburg / Gulf Beaches home and condo buyers and Real Estate Investors - The real estate numbers in Clearwater as well as all of Pinellas County, Florida are in your favor! 

If you're wondering what's the Real Estate market is doing in Pinellas County right now (which includes Clearwater, St Petersburg, Palm Harbor and the Gulf Beaches) we can show you. 

Right now we continue to have more homes for sale in Clearwater, St Petersburg, and all of Pinellas county than home buyers to purchase them.

So what does that mean to you?

It is still a buyer's market!

So if you're looking to purchase a home or condo in Clearwater, St Petersburg, Palm Harbor and Gulf Beaches area then NOW is a great time and Jack and I are here to help. We specialize in helping our buyers as their advocates. We educate, empower, negotiate and handle all the transactional details for YOU!

We can also refer you to some of the best mortgage professionals in Tampa Bay, like Leah Ross and Katrina Madewell, who ensure you get the best possible mortgage options when you're ready to buy.

Here's a snapshot from The Pinellas Realtor Organization's website showing the number of homes for sale continues to rise, the home that are adjusting prices (mostly down) continues to rise while the number that sell each month continues to say pretty steady.

Want to search all the Pinellas County Florida real estate currently for sale that meet your critieria? Just visit: www.SearchClearwaterProperties.com to immediately see homes and condos with pictures.

Jack and I are always just a phone call away and ready to help with all your real estate needs so just call if you need us.

My cell :(727) 710-8035 & Jack's cell: (727) 710-8036  

 Have a great weekend, Cyndee Haydon

P.S. I want to give my personal thanks to Kristal Kraft who is an amazing realtor in the Denver area and she has been coaching me on how to improve my articles for you- If you like the chart I included it's her we need to thank.

Home, Condo, Villa, Townhome ~  Clearwater Property ~  Prime Real Estate  ~ Easy Clearwater Relocation! 

We also have an additonal Real Estate Resource for Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home and condo information- Visit http://www.ClearwaterHomeConnection.com/ Let us know if you're looking for a Clearwater/St Petersburg/Tampa Bay Home or a Clearwater Beach Condo or whatever else you're looking for. We can help!

We have a lot of debate here in Clearwater, Florida regarding the cost and availability of property insurance on our homes and condos- but this same debate is taking place all over Clearwater / St Petersburg / Tampa Bay Florida...

How do we handle the skyrocketing cost of Clearwater area insurance?

Those of us that are Clearwater home owners and condo owners  have seen the amount we pay for taxes and insurance skyrocket. I remember my surprise a few years ago when I realized the amount we paid for our home's property taxes and insurance was now larger than our home mortgage principal and interest payment each month.

A few years back, voters in Florida passed Save our Homes - a measure that caps our home's property taxes for your primary residence - the goal was to prevent long time residents and those retired on fixed income to be forced out of their homes due to rising property taxes. Well ironically - who would have guessed that it would be the property insurance on our Clearwater homes that would cause many to have to do that.

Like many local real estate agents, we've received those distressing calls from a friend or neighbor on a fixed income asking us about the real estate market and about coming to sell their home because they are in the hole each month with no way to keep up.

We all keep searching for answers - The National Hurricane Conference which ended this past Friday was held in New Orleans.  While there they discussed this issue at length. One of the concerns voiced by one of the chief economists, Robert Hartwig, was the growing exposure insurance companies have in Florida (reaching $7 Trillion)- just look at all the new construction on our beaches, especially places like Clearwater Beach.

Did you know that insurance companies lost $10 Billion because of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and lost another $10 Billion in Florida in 2004 and $4 Billion in 2005.

When Jack & I were newly married we lost everything in a fire in our home so we truly appreciate the value of insurance - but I also appreciate the value of the company being there to quickly and fairly settle your claim.

I hope we see some innovative solutions to our current system because I'm concerned about the effect the status quo will have on all of us - especially on our real estate market.

What do you think we should do about property insurance for our homes in our coastal communities like Clearwater, FL?

Cyndee & Jack Haydon

Your Real Estate Consultants.....for Life

Home, Condo, Villa, Townhome ~  Clearwater Property ~  Prime Real Estate  ~ Easy Clearwater Relocation! 

We also have an additonal Real Estate Resource for Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home and condo information- Visit http://www.ClearwaterHomeConnection.com/ Let us know if you're looking for a Clearwater Home or a Clearwater Beach Condo or whatever else you're looking for. We can help!

Easter Bunny visits Clearwater Beach, Florida Oceanfront  Home! 

Guess what the Easter Bunny left in the backyard of this Clearwater Beach home. Our kids had a ball collecting Easter Eggs, Flying Kites and just having a great day in Paradise. 

At home with Friends, Food, Fun and Family  - Does it get any better than this?

How did you spend this Easter?

Peacefully,  Cyndee & Jack Haydon 

Your Real Estate Consultants... for Life 

Interested in buying or selling a Home or Condo on one of our Gulf Beaches - We can help! 

Free Search of all Homes, Condos and Properties currently for sale...Visit: www.SearchClearwaterProperties.com 

or feel free to call us directly at (727) 710-8035.

Home, Condo, Villa, Townhome ~  Clearwater Property ~  Prime Real Estate  ~ Easy Clearwater Relocation! 

We also have an additonal Real Estate Resource for Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home and condo information- Visit http://www.ClearwaterHomeConnection.com/ Let us know if you're looking for a Clearwater Home or a Clearwater Beach Condo or whatever else you're looking for. We can help!

Ever curious about our what Waterfront Homes are going for in the Tampa Bay Market?

Today we previewed 2 lakefront estate homes in Odessa, FL in Pasco County and 1 in Tierra Verde on the open waters just north of our world renown #1 Beach in America in 2005, Ft Desoto Beach. Thought you might enjoy an insiders preview.  

As usual, Sarah Cooper inspires me with her use of RES and so I decide to share these 3 of the Luxury Waterfront Home Buyer Tours we put together while doing research for our out of town buyers. 

All are waterfront estates so the Home Buyer asked us to focus on the outside of the homes, the neighbors, neighborhood views, waterviews, etc. There are some interior photos- but that wasn't the purpose - just a bonus in some. W

hen Relocating or purchasing a second home out of your area - we're always happy to provide the home buyers we're working with this kind of information. I also did one today for a $199,900 Waterfront /Beach area townhome in St Petersburg so from $200,000 - Multi-Million dollar Estates -  this is just one of the unique services we offer our clients.     

Turn on your Speakers and click these links and Enjoy....

 The Wayne Rd Lakefront Estate on Lake Keystone

Michigan Ave Lakefront Home in Odessa includes:

1997 Oceanview Waterfront Home in Tierra verde 

Thinking of Buying a Luxury Home, Condo or Townhome on the water - we can help!

 We are your Clearwater / St Petersburg / Tampa Bay Waterfront Property Experts. We specialize in helping our clients Find the Perfect Waterfront Real Estate and Lifestyle - Imagine boating, fishing, swimming, walking in the sand - Deed Restricted or Not Deed Restricted, We match your exact requirements to show you ALL the homes that match your criteria and the best part is our services are FREE to you ...Never any pressure just world class consulting, negotiating and management of all the transactional details - you deserve a real advocate helping you.

If you are interested in receiving information on the homes, condos and properties that match your exact criteria, we offer a FREE Search of all Tampa Bay Properties at www.SearchClearwaterProperties.com    

How did you enjoy the tours? 

Would this be helpful for you?

While these are some of the Finest Properties in the Tampa Bay area, we have Waterfront Properties for sale in the  Clearwater / St Petersburg / Tampa Bay area starting at around $199,900 - let us educate and empower you to make your dream home a reality. We're always just a phone call away if you'd like to talk to us - (727) 710-8035 or (727) 710-8036.

Cyndee and Jack Haydon

Your Real Estate Consultants....for Life    

Home, Condo, Villa, Townhome ~  Clearwater Property ~  Prime Real Estate  ~ Easy Clearwater Relocation! 

We also have an additonal Real Estate Resource for Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home and condo information- Visit http://www.ClearwaterHomeConnection.com/ Let us know if you're looking for a Clearwater Home or a Clearwater Beach Condo or whatever else you're looking for. We can help!

St Pete Beach's Silver Anniversary 

I found myself on St Pete Beach with the boys and was reminded that St Pete Beach is actually celebrating a milestone - this is St Pete Beaches 50 Year Anniversary in 2007.

St Pete Beach was beautiful today - sunny and warm and enjoyed by a wide variety of people.

Alex, Sean, my sons and I actually took a little time off to build a  traditional "drip sandcastle" - Did you ever build them as a child? It was theraputic and fun to just relax with them and reflect on how lucky we are to live in Paradise all the time.

I had my camera with me and took some shots to share Upham Beach with you. No matter where you are right now - Sit back, Turn on the speakers and take a moment to relax and enjoy our tour of St Pete Beach -

Cyndee and Jack Haydon, Your Area Beach Property Specialists.

FREE Search of all Beach Homes and Condos for Sale, Visit: www.SearchClearwaterProperties.com

Thinking of buying a home or condo:  Request our FREE Guide to St Pete Beach Homes & Condos; or you can call us at (727) 710-8035 to get immediate help with all your real estate needs.    

St pete Beach Homes ~ St Pete Beach Condos ~ St Pete Relocations made Easy ~ Investors Welcome

Calling all Clearwater Sailboat and Powerboat Owners......  

Island Estates is Clearwater Florida's premier waterfront homes and boating community. The reason it's so popular is that it's close to the open Gulf of Mexico waters and can accomodate large boats unlike much of Pinellas Counties shallow waters. Also, it's minutes from Clearwater Beach and close to the Tampa Bay Regional Airport.  

You may have found a home for your lady of the sea- your boat can now call Island Estates home....There are currently 9 boatslips for sale on Island Estates ranging in price from $119,900 to $199,000. 

If you need help learning about Boater friendly homes and communities in the Pinellas and Pasco county area we can help. Clearwater Florida is a great place to bring your boat - we'd love to show you why!

We offer a FREE Search of the Clearwater MLS and all waterfront homes or condos in the Tampa Florida Real Estate market - not just the Clearwater, Clearwater Beach area - just visit: http://www.SearchClearwaterProperties.com or we're always just a phone call away at (727) 710-8035. 

Cyndee and Jack Haydon, specializing in Clearwater Florida Real Estate ~ Clearwater Beach Real Estate

Your Waterfront and Luxury Home Specialists

FREE HOME & CONDO NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE & INFO 

Email us to request any of our FREE Clearwater Area Home Buyer Guides:

• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Home;
• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Beach Home;
• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Waterfront Home;
• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Golf Community Home;
• FREE Guide: I want to buy a Clearwater Deep Water / Boating Home;
• FREE Guide: I want to buy a Clearwater Vacation Home;
• FREE Guide: I want to buy a Clearwater Beachfront Home;

Email us to request any of our FREE Clearwater Area Condo Buyer Guides:

• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Condo;
• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Beach Condo;
• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Waterfront Condo;
• FREE Guide: I want to Buy a Clearwater Golf Community Condo;
• FREE Guide: I want to buy a Clearwater Deep Water / Boating Condo;
• FREE Guide: I want to buy a Clearwater Vacation Condo;
• FREE Guide: I want to buy a Clearwater Beachfront Condo;

Home, Condo, Villa, Townhome ~  Clearwater Property ~  Prime Real Estate  ~ Easy Clearwater Relocation!