Friday, December 26, 2014

2015: Ring in the New Year Right!


I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday time with family and friends.  Now it’s time for 2015: Ring in the New Year right!  The annual New Year’s Downtown Countdown will start at 8 pm on December 31st in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.  Event is free and open to the public; included this year will be five stages of live music: UV (U2 tribute band) headlines on the city stage at Bay & Hendry Streets, Marty Stokes Band located in the Patio de Leon, Cherry Bombs will be at First and Broadway Streets, The Ben Allen Band on Hendry at Cowboy Up, and Redemption located on First & Jackson Streets. Stage start times will be staggered beginning at 8 pm with the main stage beginning at 10 pm. The annual midnight ball drop will be at Bay & Hendry Streets, followed by fireworks!
2015:Ring in the New Year Right
A New Year and a New Home; now it’s time to look for your new home, check out our Free Home Search site for downtown Fort Myers Waterfront Condos for less than $250k. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at barbara@topagent.com and/or (239) 489-4042 x 4564 with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District. I am here to serve you. 

Please be sure to visit TopAgent's Blog by Brett Ellis; this week he has very interesting information about our real estate market.  The River District's website also has the latestest on all future fun events for 2015. Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on January 16th starting @7pm. Art Walk is held 1st Friday of every month next Art Walk will be held January 2nd starting @6pm. 


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

River District Farmer's Market and Gardner's Park the Garden Art District

Tomorrow and Every Thursday year-round under the Caloosahatchee Bridge downtown Fort Myers ' River District Farmers' Market takes place. This lively green market offers a variety of local produce, seafood, nuts, flowers, plants & more for the discerning shopper.

The River District Farmers' Market is open every Thursday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Centennial Park parking lot, under the U.S. 41 Caloosahatchee Bridge (at the corner of Heitman and West First streets, just west of the U.S. Post Office).  A fixture of the downtown Fort Myers River District since 1994, the Market is popular with both tourists in season and locals during the summer months.  Be sure to stop by soon for a fun and rewarding experience! 

Also, please visit the new shopping and art galleries in downtown Fort Myers' River District Gardner's Park (the Garden Art District).  The following is information taken from their website:

"Gardner's is nestled in the center of Downtown Fort Myers.  Original settlers of our beautiful city found this area appealing for many wonderful reasons. It is now home to some of the area's most amazing venues. 

We celebrate our history and accomplishments of the second Mayor of Fort Myers Rev. William P. Gardner and Family. Arriving to Fort Myers in 1885, the Gardner Family purchased twenty-four acres in the heart of the City of Fort Myers.  Some of the only 332 residents,  they engaged in fruit growing and established the Seminole Canning Company. This became their guava canning factory, canning guavas and making fruit conserves, jellies and marmalades.

The Gardner's provided the finances for the first electric lighting plant. Electric Lights were turned on January, 1898. The following day, January 2nd, William Philbrick Gardner passed away, having lived to see his important local utility plant into successful operation. In 1901, the family put into operation the first ice manufacturing plant.  They called the operation Electric Light & Ice Plant.

Rev. Gardner's  family, R.H. Gardner, Son Albertus Alphonso and Daughter Miranda Melvina went on to change Fort Myers and Southwest Florida for many years to come, including achievements in  combating  fire prevention and water supply. Our merchants reside throughout Gardner's Park of the Downtown Fort Myers River District. We would like to thank the Gardner's and many other influential settlers that made the City of Fort Myers what it is today."

As always feel free to contact me by e-mail at barbara@topagent.com and/or (239) 489-4042 x4564 with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District. I am here to serve you.

Please be sure to visit TopAgent's Blog by Brett Ellis; this week he has very interesting information about our real estate market and remember to visit The River District's website for Holiday Fun Events in December. Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on December 19th starting @7pm. Art Walk is held 1st Friday of every month next Art Walk will be in 2015 (January 2nd). starting @6pm.
 

 
 

Gardner's Park (The Garden Arts District)



Gardners Park New Art Gallery District

 
 
 

Friday, December 12, 2014

Mystery Walk Block Party Comes to Downtown Fort Myers

I am so excited about the Mystery Walk Block Party that is being held tonight in downtown Fort Myers and business owners are thrilled as well. This is thanks to mastermind Rene Miville photographer (owner of Franklin Shops) and downtown organizers. Miville hopes that the Mystery Walk draws huge crowds and helps continue the rejuvenation of downtown Fort Myers. Three major monthly events could do that, he says.

"A third event brings such vitality," he says. "When you have these kind of events, you become an event destination. You become a mini New Orleans."

Please visit The River District's website for Holiday Fun Events in December and emember Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on December 19th starting @7pm. Art Walk is held 1st Friday of every month next Art Walk will be in 2015 (January 2nd). starting @6pm.


Mystery Walk Block Party Comes to Downtown Fort Myers


As always feel free to contact me by e-mail at barbara@topagent.com and/or (239) 489-4042 x4564 with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District. I am here to serve you.

Please visit TopAgent's Blog by Brett Ellis; this week he talks about Southwest Florida Real; Estate prices rise in October.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Fort Myers Downtown Hotel Gets Green Light

In February of 2014 City leaders were discussing building a new hotel in downtown Fort Myers and now its official--a lavish new hotel is coming to downtown Fort Myers and with it the hope to change an entire city.  City leaders gave the final approval to a new Sheraton Hotel to be built next to Harborside Event Center on Monday, December 1st.  This approval has been almost ten years in the making.  Downtown OASIS article in the Florida Trend  written 3/1/2005 talked about the struggles downtown Fort Myers had been going through for the last 20 years. "The plan involved rezoning property along the water and assembling sites to attract hotels, restaurants and boutiques -- and all-important residential development". Year 2015 is going to be a great year for Downtown Fort Myer's River District's because it will now attract even more restaurants and retailers to come into downtown.

There are still big hopes for Fort Myers Riverfront Redevelopment and I am ecstatic that the City Leaders have approved downtown's Sheraton Hotel.  Those who are interested in buying a condo in downtown Fort Myers should seriously consider doing so in 2015. View listings of Downtown Fort Myers High Rise Condos.  Make sure to check out this week's blog from Brett Ellis where he talks about Is There a Real Estate Bubble?
 Also, remember that Art Walk is held today, December 5th, the 1st Friday of every month starting @6pm. Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on December 19th starting @7pm. AND...don't forget  Family Fun Day and Brunch with Santa, he will be in downtown Fort Myers One Day Only on Sat, December 7th from 10am-2pm.


http://www.tuxandtrees.com/children-s-workshop

As always feel free to contact me by e-mail at barbara@topagent.com and/or (239) 489-4042 x4564 with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District. I am here to serve you.


Friday, November 28, 2014

River District Trolley has Resumed Route

The Fort Myers's trolley has resumed services for 2014-2015 season, please visit River District Trolley Route 500 for a map and schedule. What better way to enjoy downtown Fort Myers River District's quaint atmosphere than to travel on a replica trolley. Hop on and off as often as you like and never pay a fare.

The trolley makes stops at various high rises in downtown Fort Myers.   If you would want to know which high rises the trolley stops at please call me.  Also, view the new updated condos for sale in  Downtown Fort Myers High Rise Condos.


River District Trolley has resumed route



Please visit The River District's website for Holiday Fun Events in December.  One of my favorite River District events this year is the 2014 Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place tomorrow, Saturday, November 29th; The Mayor will start in Centennial Park then head over to Monroe St. and First St. at 6:00 p.m. to ride the Horse Drawn Carriage down First St. to Jackson St. turning left on Jackson St. and stopping for the Mayor to light the wreath at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The carriage will proceed to Bay St., and head West back... to Hendry St. The carriage will turn onto Hendry St. and stop to allow the Mayor to light the Christmas tree on Hendry St. The carriage will then loop around Hendry St. to Bay St. and then continue west to Centennial Park to drop off the Mayor. Please watch for road closures and detour signs to lead you around road closure and get there early for parking.

Also, remember that Art Walk is held the 1st Friday of every month.  Next Art Walk will be held December 5th starting @6pm. Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on December 19th starting @7pm.

Always feel free to contact me barbara@topagent.com with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District. I am here to serve our downtown Fort Myers' River District Community.

My contact information is barbara@topagent.com and my contact phone number is 239-489-4042.








Be sure to check out the Future of Real Estate Show November SW Florida Market Update



Sunday, November 23, 2014

Do you believe that events in downtown Fort Myers should be credited for business development?

I just read the article about Events credited for business development in downtown Fort Myers.  Read the article and share your thoughts with me.

I spoke to a business owner downtown this week and she loves the events downtown and she agrees with what Don Paight, the Downtown Community Redevelopment director, was quoted saying in the article.

"Events are a way of introducing people to the downtown area," 
Her only concern is parking and she is hopeful that the City Council approves the hotel partnership on December 1st because in their concept there is additional parking planned for downtown Fort Myers.

Several high rises in downtown Fort Myers also have opportunities to purchase additional parking spaces for their units. Buyers forget to negotiate an additional parking space with their purchase, call me if you are interested in a high rise in downtown Fort Myers and we can find the high rises that offer additional parking spaces. View listings of  Downtown Fort Myers High Rise Condos.

Please visit The River District's website for Holiday Fun Events in December.  One of my favorite River District events this year is the 2014 Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place Saturday, November 29th; The Mayor will start in Centennial Park then head over to Monroe St. and First St. at 6:00 p.m. to ride the Horse Drawn Carriage down First St. to Jackson St. turning left on Jackson St. and stopping for the Mayor to light the wreath at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The carriage will proceed to Bay St., and head West back... to Hendry St. The carriage will turn onto Hendry St. and stop to allow the Mayor to light the Christmas tree on Hendry St. The carriage will then loop around Hendry St. to Bay St. and then continue west to Centennial Park to drop off the Mayor. Please watch for road closures and detour signs to lead you around road closure and get there early for parking.

Also, remember that Art Walk is held the 1st Friday of every month.  Next Art Walk will be held December 5th starting @6pm. Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on December 19th starting @7pm.

Always feel free to contact me barbara@topagent.com with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District. I am here to serve our downtown Fort Myers' River District Community.

My contact information is barbara@topagent.com and my contact phone number is 239-489-4042. 




Be sure to check out the Future of Real Estate Show November SW Florida Market Update



Friday, November 14, 2014

Do You Think Downtown Fort Myers Can Be Transformed Into an Entertainment District?

I just read the article about downtown Fort Myers needs more entertainment.  I wonder if you think entertainment in downtown Fort Myers could mean big bucks?  Read the article and share your thoughts with me.

A couple of years ago while I served as a board member for the River District Alliance I had the opportunity of sitting in and hearing Mr. Jim Peters, president of the Responsible Hospitality Institute, speak about expanding night life in downtown Fort Myers; then, the real estate market crashed and new projects and ideas were put on the back burner, but a lot has happened since then and downtown Fort Myers has had an amazing face-lift thanks to the City and its efforts to continue revitalizing the area.  View listings of Downtown Fort Myers High Rise Condos.

If you haven't visited downtown Fort Myers' River District lately you must at least attend one event this month. Fort Myers Downtown Saturday Art Fair; Art vendors will be on the sidewalk at prominent businesses on First Street starting at Jackson Street and ending at Dean Street. Start your holiday shopping early! November 15th from 11am to 5pm.  

Music Walk is held 3rd Friday of every month; next Music Walk will be on November 21st starting @7pm. Art Walk is held the 1st Friday of every month.  Next Art Walk will be held December 5th starting @6pm. 

Also, please visit The River District's website for more information; and feel free to contact me barbara@topagent.com with any questions regarding event happenings, if you need recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District.

 My contact information is barbara@topagent.com and my contact phone number is 239-489-4042. 


Do You Think Downtown Fort Myers Can Be Transformed Into an Entertainment District?
Fort Myers Downtown Saturday Art Fair

Be sure to check out the Future of Real Estate Show November SW Florida Market Update





Friday, November 7, 2014

A New Condo HighRise in Downtown Fort Myers River District?

 I just read the latest news about possible new luxury condos in downtown Fort Myers' River District    This is great news for the health of Southwest Florida's real estate market and for the owners of  high-rises in downtown Fort Myers.

I was selling high-rise condos for a builder in downtown Fort Myers in mid 2004 and sold hundreds of them from 2004 to 2006; then, the real estate market crashed and halted all sales and closings.  A lot has happened since then and downtown Fort Myers has had an amazing face-lift thanks to the City and its efforts to continue revitalizing the area.  View Downtown Fort Myers High Rise Condos

 If you haven't visited downtown Fort Myers' River District lately you must at least try and attend Art Walk (1st Friday of every month-next Art Walk will be held November 7th starting @6pm-see e-flyer below) and/or Music Walk (3rd Friday of every month-next Music Walk will be held on November 21st starting @7pm). Also, please visit The River District's website for more information; and feel free to contact me barbara@topagent.com with any questions regarding event happenings, recommendations on restaurants and/or real estate advice about downtown Fort Myers's River District.

  My contact information is barbara@topagent.com and my contact phone number is 239-489-4042. 


A New Condo HighRise in Downtown Fort Myers' River District
Downtown Fort Myers River District