Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sand Key, Island Estates, and Clearwater Beach Residents Seek Independence

The Islands Independence Initiative, a group of residents from Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates are looking into whether the 3 island communities can secede from Clearwater and start their own city. They will present their case tonight at the Island Estates Civic Association meeting. The idea is in its early stages, and they don't know how exactly the de-annexing would work. The will be exploring the legal and practical issues for the next 90 days.

They say they are dissatisfied with the service they're getting from Clearwater and have hired an attorney to represent them. Officials say they're doing their best to serve the barrier islands as well as the rest of the city and are disappointed by the initiative. They site Clearwater Beach's library, marina, BeachWalk, and the Sailing Center on Sand Key, among other benefits to the island communities.

The group decided to explore alternatives after many disappointments with the city. Among them -

  • a lack of a beach parking garage while the city builds boat slips downtown;
  • a refusal to use Penny for Pinellas money to underground utilities on Island Estates;
  • unenforced short-term rental rules on North Clearwater Beach;
  • the approval of the Cabana Club project on Sand Key;
  • allowing a developer to seek a rezoning for the Shoppes at Sand Key.

Clearwater officials say it would be difficult or impossible to accomplish a secession. All Clearwater taxpayers — not just the island taxpayers who pay 40% of the taxes — own much of the public buildings and infrastructure along the beaches. And, the new city would need to assume its share of Clearwater debt. It would be extremely complicated, and expensive.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Coast Guard Offering Navigation Class

Flotilla 11-1 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering an 8 session program, the "Weekend Navigator" starting Monday April 6th and ending April 30. It will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Sailing Center at 1001 Gulf Blvd in Sand Key.

Participants will learn how to use charts, plotting tools and a GPS. Registration starts at 7 p.m. Monday. Participants are welcome to bring their GPS. The $75 fee includes books, study guides, charting software, and plotting tools. It is open to adults and youths. Call 469-8895 or visit http://a0701101.uscgaux.info.

Sand Key Real Estate Transactions Jan - March 2009

The following sales closed during January, February, and March 2009. Data is obtained from the Realtor MLS data.

Property Address / Subdivision / Sale Price / # Days On Market

1581 Gulf Blvd #103 / Harbour Condo / $235,000 / 179
1501 Gulf Blvd #202 / Sand Key Condo / $279,000 / 373
1230 Gulf Blvd #1006 / Landmark Towers / $310,000 / 22
1501 Gulf Blvd #104 / Sand Key Condo / $345,000 / 113
1270 Gulf Blvd #802 / Harbour Light / $325,000 / 93
1380 Gulf Blvd #808 / Sand Key Club / $360,000 / 325
1501 Gulf Blvd #307 / Sand Key Condo / $331,000 / 0
1540 Gulf Blvd #304 / Ultimar / $432,500 / 154
1180 Gulf Blvd #804 / Grande on Sand Key / $530,000 / 370
1180 Gulf Blvd #904 / Grande on Sand Key / $515,000 / 327
1180 Gulf Blvd #1603 / Grande on Sand Key / $590,000 / 175
1290 Gulf Blvd #801 / Lighthouse Towers / $675,000 / 29
1370 Gulf Blvd #401 / Bella Rosa / $825,000 / 42
1180 Gulf Blvd #2006 / Grande on Sand Key / $830,000 / 30
1560 Gulf Blvd #601 / Ultimar / $949,000 / 140

Average Sales Price $492,167
Average number of days on market 169
Number of properties sold: 15

For more Sand Key Real Estate information & a Free CMA for your Sand Key Condo call PropCo Real Estate 727-585-0800, or visit SandKeyProperty.com

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