State Approves Funding for Braves Spring Training Complex September 1st, 2017

From Sarasota County News Page on 9/1/17

SARASOTA COUNTY - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on Thursday conditionally approved $20 million in funding for the new Atlanta Braves spring training complex being developed in West Villages in North Port. Earlier this summer, The West Villages Improvement District, along with Sarasota County, the City of North Port and the Atlanta Braves, filed the grant application seeking funding to help with facility construction costs. This is the final piece of funding necessary to move the project forward. "We are pleased to have the state join the partnership of the city, county, West Villages Improvement District, Mattamy Homes and the Atlanta Braves to make this a reality," said West Villages Improvement District Chairman Martin Black, AICP, ICMA-CM. "We are excited to be building a state-of-the-art spring training facility in this beautiful community," said John Schuerholz, Atlanta Braves Vice Chairman. "We have truly found some incredible partners in Sarasota County, West Villages and the City of North Port, and we look forward to training and playing there for many years to come."

The city and county commissions and West Villages Improvement District will have final reviews scheduled for their respective meetings on Sept. 12. If all of these elected boards approve the final agreements on that date, the project's full funding will be committed and construction can start to meet the 2019 spring training season. "We are thankful for the state's positive response to the Braves spring training project and its benefits to our region," said Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer. "This is an important milestone that will allow the construction to move forward with the support of the elective bodies. We will continue to work with the team, West Villages, the City of North Port, state officials and the rest of the community as we prepare the necessary agreements to bring the Braves to Sarasota County."

MEDIA CONTACTS: Sarasota County Media Relations news@scgov.net, 941-861-NEWS (6397)
(Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA/Pages/default.aspx.)

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

West Villages Realty's Website 

Link to our main blog page

Our Gran Paradiso Blog Page

Our Venice Florida Real Estate Website

Our West Villages Real Estate Site

Our Gran Paradiso Website

Our IslandWalk at the West Villages Website

Our Sarasota National Website

Thanks for reading!
Ali

Gran Paradiso Area Events: Venice Main Street's September Craft Festival This Weekend

Venice MainStreet's September Craft Festival

Date:          09/02/2017 - 09/03/2017
Times:        10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location:   Miami Ave W, Venice, FL

This event showcases variety of ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works, etc. in the Gifts & Handicrafts industry.

Come down and join in the fun!

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

West Villages Realty's Website 

Link to our main blog page

Our Gran Paradiso Blog Page

Our Venice Florida Real Estate Website

Our West Villages Real Estate Site

Our Gran Paradiso Website

Our IslandWalk at the West Villages Website

Our Sarasota National Website

Gran Paradiso at the West Villages: Some Getting Anxious for Stadium to Break Ground

From https://tomahawktake.com/2017/08/26/atlanta-braves-still-not-started-construction-florida/

Atlanta Braves still have not started construction in Florida

by Alan Carpenter

Posted 8/26/2017

There is still time, but it’s getting tight.  Still two more hurdles to leap before the new Spring training digs can start being… dug.

At least the Atlanta Braves know where they will be Wintering come February:  the facilities at the Walt Disney World/ESPN Sports Complex.  It’s where they’ve been for 20 years.

That lease has been extended by one year through the 2018 season, so at least there’s no angst about what happens then.

It’s the 2019 season that is getting more interesting (probably for some on-field reasons, too, but that’s another story entirely).

In short, the city of North Port, the Braves, and the developers are in a holding pattern.  They are waiting for the bureaucratic wheels to turn with the State of Florida:

For the complex to open in February 2019, however, design and construction work will need to commence shortly. And while there’s no deadline for the state to respond to the West Villages application for $20 million in funding, officials usually respond in a timely manner.

It was three months ago when we reported that the parties were “two to three weeks” away from submitting their grant funding application to the State.  2 to 3 weeks after that, we got wind of the economic impact study that was to be submitted as part of that application.

Since then… nothing.

Recent History

It was on November 9, 2015 that the Nationals and Astros held a ground-breaking ceremony for their joint Spring Training complex in West Palm Beach.  Despite the size of this facility and the extra cost ($144 million) involved, they opened on time – barely – on February 28, 2017.

Even so, there were still several ‘finishing touches’ that didn’t quite get done in time.

So if that date represents a time bogey of sorts, the Braves now have about 11 weeks before the construction needs to begin.

Once the State does it’s part, there’s still one more approval needed… but from 3 different local governing bodies:  the city of North Port, the West Villages development board, and Sarasota County.

While all parties are primed to do so, it will still take time to get those boards together to do the public’s business.

But the clock is ticking.

Article copied from /https://tomahawktake.com/2017/08/26/atlanta-braves-still-not-started-construction-florida/. Check out the website for more Atlanta Braves commentary and stats.

Posted by Ali Johnston of West Villages Realty. Check out area homes at http://www.westvillageshome.com/

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

West Villages Realty's Website 

Link to our main blog page

Our Gran Paradiso Blog Page

Our Venice Florida Real Estate Website

Our West Villages Real Estate Site

Our Gran Paradiso Website

Our IslandWalk at the West Villages Website

Our Sarasota National Website

Thanks for reading!

Ali

Gran Paradiso at the West Villages: WVID Regular Board Meeting for August 2017 Notice Published

Taken from http://wvidfl.blogspot.com/2017/08/notice-of-next-regular-board-meeting.html


Sarasota Herald-Tribune
8/18/2017
Miscellaneous Notices

WEST VILLAGES
 IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of the West Villages Improvement District will hold a regular Board Meeting on August 29th [Tuesday], 2017, at 11am in the Chambers of the City of North Port located at 4970 City Hall Boulevard, North Port, Florida 34286.

The purpose of the Regular Board Meeting is to conduct any business properly coming before the Board. The meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. A copy of the agenda for this meeting may be obtained from the District's website or by contacting the District Manager at
(561) 630-4922 and/or toll-free at
1-877-737-4922.

From time to time one or more Supervisors may participate by telephone; therefore, a speaker telephone will be present at the meeting location so that Supervisors may be fully informed of the discussions taking place. The Regular Board Meeting may be continued as found necessary to a time and date specified on the record.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at this Regular Board Meeting, such person will need a record of the proceedings and such person may need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made at his or her own expense and which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based.

In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations or an interpreter to participate at this meeting should contact the District Manager at (561) 630-4922 and/or toll free 1-877-737-4922 at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the meeting.

Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice.

WEST VILLAGES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
www.westvillagesid.org
PUBLISH: SARASOTA HERALD TRIBUNE 08/18/17


Hope to see you there!
Ali



Check out area neighborhoods  and new construction options at www.WestVillagesHome.com. You can also search the MLS for resale homes.

See more posts about the district at wvidfl.blogspot.com.
Thanks for reading!

Gran Paradiso at the West Villages: West Villages Final Budget Approved for 2017-2018

Here are the final budget budget documents as approved at the Meeting of the West Villages Supervisory Board on August 10th, 2017. Contact me at westvillagesrealty@gmail.com if you would like me to send you the pdf version. I can also provide a link to audio of that meeting.

Thanks,
Ali Johnston
West Villages Realty LLC

Check out information about the various area communities at westvillageshome,com, and check out our West Villages blog at wvidfl.blogspot.com!

Or, check us out at westvillagesrealty.com

Gran Paradiso at the West Villages: Metrostudy report for the area shows it is booming!

This was taken from http://www.metrostudy.com/sarasota-bradenton-housing-2q17-new-home-starts-decline-2q17-best-quarterly-closings-since-recession/

Local Markets

SARASOTA / BRADENTON HOUSING 2Q17: New Home Starts Decline, As 2Q17 Has Best Quarterly Closings Since Recession

Metrostudy NewsAugust 7, 2017

- 2Q17 Quarterly New Home Starts Down 1.5% YoY & Annual Starts Up 2.2% YoY

- 2Q17 Quarterly Closings Up 8% YoY & Annual Closings Up 10% YoY

- New home production continues to trend to higher price ranges, with starts over $250K up 9.7% YoY


Metrostudy’s 2Q17 survey of the Sarasota-Bradenton housing market shows 1,457 single-family units were started in the second quarter of 2017, down 1.5% compared to 2Q16 but a 7% increase from 1Q17. The annual start rate totaled 5,515, up by 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year.  Single-family quarterly closings totaled 1,540 units, 5.8% higher than 2Q16 levels. The annual closings rate was 5,380 units, 10% above the rate in 2Q16.


“The second quarter of 2017 had the best quarterly closing rate since the recession, but the first two quarters of 2017 have been down in terms of new housing starts versus the same quarter of 2016,” said Tony Polito, Regional Director of Metrostudy’s Sarasota/Bradenton market. “This may be reflective of some price pressure however, Manatee County’s average closing price per square foot was level at $145/SF with the 2016 rate, and Sarasota County saw its average price per square foot fall from $157 to $154 over the same period. Even with this slight decline in housing starts, the Sarasota/Bradenton market is building at 119% of its 20-year moving average and it is one of only two Florida markets building above the long-term average. Naples/Ft. Myers is the other.”


For the twelve months ending June 30, 2017, annual new home starts in price ranges under $250K totaled 1,277 units, down 16.7%% from 2Q16. Annual new home starts in prices over $250K were up 9.7% from the rate at the end of 2Q16. The marginal 118-unit increase in the annual start pace was split: 256 fewer units under $250K and 374 more units above $250K.

In 2Q17, Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties were the region’s top three markets based on annual starts. Manatee County recorded 2,649 annual housing starts, up 0.6% from 2Q16. Sarasota County had 2,114 annual starts, up 2.9% from the same quarter last year. Charlotte had 746 annual starts ending 2Q17, a 6.7% increase from 2Q16. During the second quarter of 2017, Manatee County recorded 629 starts, down 7.2% from the prior quarter and down 5.3% from 2Q16. Sarasota County recorded 482 starts, down 18.4% from 1Q17 and down 13.9% from 2Q16. Venice is now building 174% of the volume of North Manatee but 60% of the volume of SE Manatee County.


Total single-family inventory, which is composed of units under construction, finished vacant and models, equaled 2,832 units on the ground at the end of the second quarter, a 6.3-month supply and up 5% from last year. Compared to last year, under construction inventory rose by 17 units to 2,077. Finished vacant inventory increased by 28.6% YoY to 463 in 2Q17. However, the number of move-ins exceeded completions during the quarter and FV inventory decreased by 33 units. We consider FV equilibrium between 1.5 and 2 months. As of June 30, 2017, the months of supply of FV units for all of Sarasota/Bradenton stood at 1.0 months. All told, total inventory of 6.3 months is at the low end of equilibrium, but price increases may be difficult.


The table below ranks the top ten communities in the market by annual starts:


Community (Area)                                      Annual Starts

Lakewood Ranch ……………………………………901

The West Villages …………………………………..428

Palmer Ranch…………………………………………229

Del Tierra……………………………………………….207

Grand Palm ……………………………………………185

South Gulf Cove ……………………………………..171

Rotonda …………………………………………………168

Punta Gorda Isles …………………………………..160

Milano…………………………………………………….153

Sarasota National ……………………………………131



About Metrostudy: Metrostudy is the leading provider of primary and secondary market information to the housing and related industries nationwide. Metrostudy provides research, data, analytics and consulting services to help builders, developers, lenders, suppliers, retailers, utilities and others make investment and business decisions every day.

About Hanley Wood: Hanley Wood is the premier information, media, event, and strategic marketing services company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries. Utilizing the largest editorial- and analytics-driven construction market database, the company produces powerful market data and insights; award-winning publications, newsletters and websites; high-profile executive events; and strategic marketing solutions. To learn more, visit hanleywood.com.



Let us know how we can assist you today!


West Villages Realty LLC
www.WestVillagesRealty.com
www.WestVillagesHome.com

And, check out our West Villages blog at wvidfl.blogspot.com

Gran Paradiso: West Villages District Budget Meeting Notice

Taken from www.wvidfl.blogspot.com



Sarasota Herald-Tribune
7/21/2017; 7/28/17
Miscellaneous Notices

WEST VILLAGES
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018 BUDGET AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' MEETING

The Board of Supervisors of the West Villages Improvement District will hold a Public Hearing on August 10, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as can be heard, in a Meeting Room of the City of North Port located at 4970 City Hall Boulevard, North Port, Florida 34286 for the purpose of hearing comments and objections on the adoption of the budget of the District for the Fiscal Year 2017/2018. A regular board meeting of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it.

A copy of the agenda and budget may be obtained from the District's website or at the offices of the District Manager, 2501A Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410, Telephone: (561) 630-4922 and/or toll free at 1-877-737-4922, during normal business hours.

The public hearing and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for special districts. The public hearing and meeting may be continued to a date, time and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when staff or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.

Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (561) 630-4922 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.

Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearings or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice.

Todd Wodraska, District Manager
WEST VILLAGES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT


Thanks,
Ali

Thinking about buying or selling your home in this area? Our in-depth knowledge and experience here is exceptional, as you can see, and can be of particular value to you throughout the process. Contact us today and find out all of the ways we can be of help to you!

Ali H. Johnston, MHA, MBA in Real Estate

Realtor®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

Office: 941-460-3179

www.WestVillagesRealty.com

WVID Blogspot

Gran Paradiso Blogspot

NewHomeVenice.com

West Villages Home Site

My Gran Paradiso Site

My IslandWalk Site

My Sarasota National Site