[Jennifer has] been great to both Kathy and I and look forward to meeting with [her] again on our return to Florida. I couldn't ask for a more professional real estate individual to show all these homes.

-Rich & Kathy M. - April 2018

"Tonya Tibbetts was very friendly and extremely helpful to us to find our new home. She showed us many homes in different locations with different styles and prices. We feel we had an educated and very kind realtor helping us to make this big life changing decision. Everyone we have met has been very friendly and warm. We are very happy to have made this decision. Thank you Tonya for your assistance. It could not have gone better."

— Don Steffen, March 17, 2018

"Tonya Tibbets helped us sell our home when we needed to move closer to our family . From our very first meeting , I knew she was the realtor I wanted to work with. She not only was organized and on top of every step of the process, she is a very warm and caring person. Tonya is a good communicator and there was no question or concern that she could not handle. I seriously did not have to worry about anything. Such a blessing to me!!!!"

— Lynn Forte, March 18, 2018

Nicky and Lesley,

We would like to take a moment to acknowledge your professional abilities regarding selling
our last home and helping us buy the home we are in now.

We signed our listing with you and then we went on vacation the next day. We were amazed
that by the time we got to Pennsylvania, you called with a contract in less than a week. Sold
full price and we signed all the documents by email so we didn’t have to stop our vacation.

Selling and buying homes is stressful, with many unknowns, because we don’t do it often.
Knowing about appraisals, financing, inspections, pre-paid items including taxes and termites
are not things we deal with daily and cause questions, questions, and stress. You directed us
through both selling and buying procedures so everything was done on time. Our buyer was out
of state and had the same issues, but it all came together and we closed on time. Even the
closing was done “long distance” since the buyer was in Minnesota.

Please feel free to refer anyone with questions about Central Florida 55 Plus to us.

Nicky and Lesley, we could not be happier about our association with you.

Hug yourselves for us,

Ron and Carole Maye Friedmann

My husband and I enjoyed working with Diana Stone immensely. She is friendly, skilled, capable, knowledgeable, resourceful and smart. Our home wasn’t on the market long. We give Diana 100% credit for for the right buyer and quickly. We moved out of the area, but we will stay in touch with her always. We could not recommend Diana more highly. She is a real gem and we will always be grateful for her full service and dedication to us and the transaction.

Tina & Barry Dixon-Smith, February 2018

"Diana has gone over and above anything I would have expected from a realtor! I've moved several times in my life and I've never had someone who's been so hands on as Diana. Wow! I can't even describe how much she has done for us.

I can say, with no reservations, that if you have Diana working for you, you have the best person on your side. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Diana for being there to not only help us sell our house in Orlando, but to also help us buy our new house in Clermont.

As she cleverly says in her signature, "you're only a Stone's throw away" (and here's where I change what she says, by only a bit), 'from realizing your dreams." Psst, consider changing your signature."

Dean Oyler, December 2017

There’s no doubt about it—winter in Florida is fabulous. While the rest of the country is shivering in their booties, shoveling snow, scraping windshields and traversing icy roads; we Floridians are hanging out in our corner of the country sunbathing on the beach with a cocktail, only taking out our one winter coat (let’s be honest, it’s probably a sweatshirt) on those rare days it goes below 55!

1. The Weather: A different kind of winter wonderland

   We like our outdoor temperatures the same way we like our customers: 55 plus! Luckily, Central Florida in the winter gives us just that. While we get the occasional day (and a few more nights) that go under 55 degrees, most days could be described as “perfect”. The average temperature for a Florida winter day is 74°F, and the average winter month has less than 3” of rain. These beautiful warm, sunny days mean NO WINTER WARDROBE! That’s more closet space and money in your pocket to spend on all the fun things there is to do in Florida during the winter! We also get over an hour more daylight compared to our northern neighbors, which is great to enjoy more time in the sun!

2. Theme Parks: You’ll never go in the summer again

   October through February are the absolute best times to enjoy the Central Florida attractions. There are no lines to speak of, and even if you spend a short amount of time in line, it’s pleasant when weather is so nice. That means, you’ve got a great reason for your family to travel to you this Christmas, and they’ll enjoy more parks or more time at their favorite park during their stay! Most parks and attractions also have special winter/ holiday festivities. Check out Universal Studio’s recreation of the Macy’s Holiday Parade or Islands of Adventure’s Grinchmas. Universal’s festivities are included with the price of your park tickets. Of course, Disney World has it’s famous, Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party, among MANY other holiday celebrations. SeaWorld also features a Christmas Celebration through the month of December, including an opportunity to meet Santa.

   

3. The Beach: All year ‘round

The beach time fun doesn’t stop in Florida! While the oceans near Central Florida may be too cold for comfortable swimming, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the sandy shores without the tourist crowds and heat of summer time. It’s the perfect time for shelling—Sanibel Island is one of our favorite spots in Florida for this. If you are set on swimming in the sea, you can also head south for a weekend to enjoy warmer ocean temperatures. Off the shore of Miami, the ocean averages 72°F during the winter months.

4. Winter Wildlife: Snowbirds aren’t the only winter migrants

   We call winter-only Floridians snowbirds for a reason! Birds love to migrate to Florida in the winter. Along with a large variety of birds, another Floridian favorite stays for the winter: the manatee! It is the perfect time of year to go bird-watching not only for the variety of birds, but also because the weather is so nice you’ll want to be outside every chance you get! You can join a birdwatching MeetUp or participate in a river tour, where you can also see other Florida wildlife, including Manatee. That’s not the closest you can get to the friendly sea cow though. Check out all the awesome manatee tours you can do in Central Florida by clicking here!

   

5. Sunshine & Orange Juice: Two Florida staples

   Our state is abundant in sunshine and makes the best orange juice, but did you know the best time to experience both of these Florida elements is in the winter? During this season, you can tour a citrus plant, go explore the orange groves and pick fresh fruit, and buy some awesome Florida souvenirs to remind your friends and family how much you love spending your winter in The Sunshine State. See the many options you have to explore local farms here!

Why spend another year struggling through winter, when you could be enjoying t-shirts and shorts all year long? Why shovel snow when you could be shoveling sand with your toes on the beach? Why stay cooped up inside avoiding the elements for months, when you can spend every single day of this season finding ways to spend your time outdoors? Try a winter in Florida, and you’ll never have it any other way!

15 Fun “Winter” Holiday Events in Florida

So, put on your (entirely ornamental) scarves and boots, and let’s get into the spirit of all things frosty with these cool events.

Holiday Ice Skating

• Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park (Tampa; Nov. 17 – Jan. 5)
• RDV Ice Den Snow Fest (Maitland/Orlando; Dec. 16)
• Winter in the Park (Winter Park/Orlando; Nov.18 – Jan. 7)

Faux Snow Falls

• Nightly Snowfall with Carolers and more (Celebration; Nov. 25 and throughout Dec.)
• Miracle on Cleveland Street (Clearwater; Dec. 2)

Holiday Experiences

• Mount Dora Christmas (Mount Dora; Nov. 25 and throughout Dec.)
• St. Pete/ Clearwater Holiday Events (Nov. 24 and throughout Dec.)
• Christmas at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee; Nov. 21 – Jan. 7)
• Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours (DeLand; Nov. 15 – Jan. 15)
• Light Up the Night (Punta Gorda; Dec. 1)
• Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales; Nov. 24 – Jan. 8)
• Holly Days and Mangrove Nights (Historic Spanish Point in Osprey; Nov. 24 and throughout Dec.)
• Light Up UCF (Orlando area; Nov. 27 and throughout Dec. )
• Sarasota Area Holiday Events (Dec. 1 – 31)
• Christmas in the Square – take your family photo in a giant snow globe! (Sanford at Magnolia Square; Dec. 1)

Sub Zero Ice Bars

These ice bar options listed here are not holiday events, but open year round. It’s a unique way to experience “winter” here in Florida.

• Ice Bar Orlando (ages 21+ after 9pm)
• Minus 5 Ice Experience (Orlando, ages 21+ after 8pm)

Here’s to hot chocolate, winter fun and … flip flops. I wish you a fantastic season!

-Laura Huffman, originally posted on State27Homes

According to the Orlando Business Journal, South Lake Hospital is one of Central Florida’s top hospitals, and they’re getting even better by opening two new locations in Lake County. This means our friends and neighbors in the Central Florida 55 Plus communities have much more convenient access to healthcare. That’s not the only benefit! Leesburg City Manager Al Minner says, “The medical field is a targeted growth industry that provides additional jobs, investment, and opportunities. The health care pavilion fits in well with the city’s economic development goals.” This means that while your life and healthcare access is made easier, the cities you live in are also getting better and better. It’s a great time to retire in sunny Central Florida!

Blue Cedar is a 30,000 sq. ft., one-story building located in Leesburg at 22316 U.S. Highway 27 near Blue Cedar Road and Florida’s Turnpike, and will include an emergency department, outpatient imaging, laboratory services, rehabilitation center and medical offices for varied specialized practices, as well as family medical.

Joe H. and Loretta Scott Health Pavilion is a two-story, 40,000 sq. foot building, and is off U.S. Highway 27 just north of U.S. Highway 192. This is in Four Corners, the southern tip of the health district, at the intersecting point of four neighboring counties (Lake, Orange, Osceola and Polk). It will have the same state-of-the-art technology and similar services as the Blue Cedar location.

A call for easier access to healthcare throughout Lake County has been answered by South Lake Hospital in the form of these two brand-new, beautiful satellite locations featuring full-service emergency departments, allowing patients access to all the services available at the main campus closer to their homes. South Lake Hospital Health Pavilion at Blue Cedar is set to open in January of next year, and South Lake Hospital Joe H. and Loretta Scott Health Pavilion will open its doors in August. These satellite locations, as well as improvements to the main campus, are the hospital’s plan to accommodate a growing population in these areas. Conveniently located, state-of-the-art health care is just another reason to make Central Florida your destination for a fun & healthy retirement!

From our friends at www.EustisRoofing.com, by: Cheryl Reisman

Beware of storm chasers knocking on your doors and pressuring  homeowners to sign an “AOB form” before getting on your roof to investigate storm damage and even going as far as promising a free roof if you just sign the form before they’ll get on the roof.  BE AWARE and SMELL THE RAT!  What is an AOB form?  Assignment of Benefits – a form legalized to speed up claims by helping homeowners avoid having to pay up front money.  Unfortunately the form is being abused by unscrupulous contractors taking advantage of homeowners and our insurance companies.  Here’s a  great article written in the Orlando Sentinel.   This abuse will affect EVERY HOMEOWNER who has an homeowner’s Insurance Policy by causing our rates to skyrocket.  You can help STOP THE ABUSE – The Consumer Protection Petition  gives you the opportunity to  make a difference in asking the Florida Legislature to rein in this AOB abuse and protect consumers. Read about it HERE.

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