All Blog Entries by Tracy Jones

A day on the boat in Venice, Florida will make it crystal clear how beautiful and healthy the Gulf of Mexico is off the shores of Venice, Florida.  From the miles of clean spotless beaches to miles out into the Gulf,  sea life abounds and astounds.  This leatherback sea turtle was spotted 12 miles west of the Venice Inlet in the Gulf of Mexico.

Swimming alone, it surfaced repeatedly giving a rare opportunity to observe it’s behavior.  Leatherbacks grow to a length of six and one-half feet and 2,000 pounds.  They are the only sea turtle that doesn’t have a hard bony shell and are considered endangered.   Only a few hours later this loggerhead turtle was also spotted off the Venice coastline.    This species is considered endangered worldwide.  One third

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Living in the Venice Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida has its privileges.  Besides the beautiful homes, secure staffed gated community, and natural scenic environment, there is GOLF!

The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing homes jumped 10 percent from August to September 2010.  This represents the largest monthly gain in 28 years, rising to an annual rate of 4.53 million units.  This was considerably higher than expected but economists warn it is too early to celebrate.

Wayne Welsh with Venice Shores Realty sold this Luxury Bayfront Estate on Manasota Key which closed today.  This home offers full bayfront views,  boat dock and lift, pool, and a deeded beach access.

Gulf Shores Realty offers their customers, buyers and sellers,  so much more than red carpet service and their real estate expertise.  Their marketing is second to none.

Call Wayne Welsh, with Gulf Shores Realty at 941-488-6644 for

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Wayne Welsh, of the “Welsh Team” with Gulf Shores Realty saw a news story about Sarasota In Defense of Animals.  The story depicted a non-profit charitable organization that cares for animals that are unwanted by others or would be destroyed if they did not take them in.  This big hearted organization was feeling the impact of the world financial crisis and was in danger of having to close its doors.  Decreased donations were placing this organization and the animals that depended on them in jeopardy.

The Welsh Team donated from their personal funds to assist this organization in their time of need.

Sarasota in Defense of Animals has dogs, cats, goats, cows, geese, ducks, rabbits, and a host of other wonderful creatures that they provide lifetime

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Venetia is a gated community in Venice Florida best known for it’s cascading waterfalls that adorn both entrances.  The entrances are head turning and set the stage for the beautiful homes inside.  Venetia has an Italian Renaissance theme reminescent of it’s namesake.  The deed restrictions help to maintain the quality and appearance of the community and property values.  Venetia consists of  four subdivisions;  with 375 single family homes, 108 maintenance free villas, and 160 maintenance free condominium units.

Amenities include a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and basketball courts.  The community pool is resort quality and is surrounded by towering royal palms.  The pavered pool deck is inviting and there are plenty of chaise lounges for everyone

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Sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May 1 to October 31, is nearing the end and reports are that it has been a very productive year.  Loggerhead sea turtles are the main sea turtle that nests on Florida Beaches.  Sea turtles crawl from the surf and drag themselves onto the beach, dig holes and lay up to 100 golf  ball sized eggs, which will later hatch.  The hatchlings then scramble for the water and swim out to sea hopefully before being eaten by predators.

Loggerhead sea turtle nest counts have suffered over the past ten years.  Counts this year were 30 percent higher than the ten year average.  This past years Horizon oil spill and extreme cold weather had scientists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission worried but the

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We live in the land of the free and have the right to freedom of speech.  This becomes blindingly obvious near election time as political signs pop up like mushrooms after a summer rain.  I believe that whether democrat or republican, conservative or liberal, left wing or right wing, we all have one thing in common.  We get tired of political signs by the end of the elections.   Venice, Florida like every other city is covered with brightly colored, attention grabbing political signs.   I can’t help but wonder if all those political signs equate to pollution and affect the value of properties.

Don’t get me wrong.  The issues are important and who we elect can make a difference.  Political signs, however,  do not express the issues at hand or the 

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WHERE to RETIRE magazine featured Venice Florida in its September/October 2010 magazine as a “walkable town which entices with ‘calming’ design, great beaches, and a sense of community.”  The writer Karen Feldman noted Venice’s Italian Renaissance architecture, white-sand beaches and palm-lined downtown district.  When guests visit Sharky’s on the Gulf and the landmark 700 foot-long fishing pier and gaze into the aqua gulf waters, they grow to understand the city’s mantra:  “Come for a weekend, stay for a lifetime.”  With such positive attributes, it is no wonder why Venice Florida real estate is in such demand.

The U.S. News and World Report featured Sarasota County in it's September 10, 2010 edition with an article Where to Buy a Home for Less Than $800 a Month. The article addresses the fact that mortgage rates have fallen to an average of 4.32% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage, the lowest rate in 40 years. In addition serious declines in real estate values present opportunities for buyers. Median home prices in the Sarasota area plummeted from $311,000 in 2007 to $185,000 in the second quarter of this year. To see some of the best deals in Sarasota County Real Estate, visit GulfShoresRealty.com.

Venice, Florida will host its 19th Annual Shark’s Tooth Festival from April 8 through the 10th, 2011.  The event is a benefit for Special Olympics of Sarasota County.  Venice, Florida is known as the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World and tourists and locals can find their own fossilized teeth along the waterlines of our beautiful beaches.

The Shark’s Tooth Festival is a terrific event which has something for all ages.   Over 100 artists will feature their talents for viewing and purchase, food, rock climbing walls, rides, food, educational booths, wildlife exhibits, live entertainment, and the Mote Marine live touch tank where children can touch and experience marine life.  Most importantly, fossil vendors from throughout the region will display

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