Archive for July, 2008
Celebrate Summer at FishHawk Ranch!
Posted By Dave Tipton on July 10th, 2008
At 7pm* every Friday night during the summer in Park Square Town Center (the heart of FishHawk Ranch) transforms into the perfect gathering place for family and friends as they present the Third Annual FishHawk Ranch Summer Concert Series. From classic rock and roll to rhythm and blues, the entire family can dance the night away.
Here are the remaining concerts scheduled during July:
July 11th- Feel the earth move with tremors from
“The Earthquake Horns”
July 18th- Time to saddle up with Wiley Fox
July 25th- Fiesta in the park with “Clara Salsa”
This is a very worthwhile program and it is an excellent benefit to being a FishHawk Ranch resident. We hope to see you out there.
Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty
813-653-1241 E-Mail: Dave@DiamondDwellings.Com
*Time subject to change without notice. Call ahead in the event of inclement weather: 813.685.7500.
If you have any questions, suggestions or announcements, please drop us an e-mail.
Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve and Park, Eastern Hillsborough County Gem
Posted By Dave Tipton on July 9th, 2008
Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve and Park
The Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve consists of 970 acres of natural habitat purchased for preservation under the Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program and the State of Florida’s Conservation and Recreational Lands Program.The preserve occupies both sides of the Alafia River and, together with Alderman’s Ford County Park, other preserve lands to the east and south, and the Alafia River State Recreation Area, forms part of a permanently protected riverine wildlife corridor of over 10,000 acres.
The hiking trail winds for roughly five miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in west central Florida. Some stretches follow along the banks of the Alafia River, which occasionally runs over limestone outcroppings, forming rapids during low water periods. Other stretches of the trail climb away from the river and enter high and dry forests of long leaf pine and live oak.
The wildlife is as interesting as the natural habitat and includes fish, turtles, alligators, birds, snakes, deer, river otter, bobcat and many other surprises for sharp-eyed hikers.
The trail is open year round during daylight hours but is best enjoyed during the cooler, drier months from October through April.
The main trail head and access point is on Turkey Creek Rd, 1/2 mile south of Keysville Rd. Parking is inside the small entrance on the west side of Turkey Creek (south of the security trailer). Another access point (walkthrough gates) is located on Pitt Rd. Facilities, including restrooms, water fountains and picnic shelters are located at Alderman’s Ford Park, located off CR 39 at 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Dr. or the Park’s canoe launch on Thompson Rd.
History abounds at this park. It was one of the first fording spots on the Alafia River and for many years a popular place for political campaigning in Hillsborough County. This scenic park includes the area where the Alafia River branches into its north and south prongs. The Alafia is one of the most popular canoe spots in the state, and the park includes a modern, erosion-free canoe launch. Several picnic areas are connected by a pedestrian/bicycle loop path, and a first-hand view of the abundant plant life is available on a self guiding nature study via accompanying boardwalk and foot bridges.
Preserve Rules:
• Hours: sunrise to sunset
• Remove all garbage from the preserve
• Dogs must be on hand-held leashes
• No unauthorized vehicles or bikes
• No swimming
• No firearms or hunting
• No digging or fires
• Fishing is allowed; a fishing license is required.
• All plants & animals are protected (Hillsborough County Ordinance 97-14)
Facilities: There are no restroom facilities on the preserve.
Facilities are available at Alderman’s Ford Park, located off County Road 39 at 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Drive or the Park’s canoe launch on Thompson Road.
Safety Guidelines:
• Bring a compass
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear insect repellent and sunscreen
• Poison ivy is present along parts of the trail
• Leave a plan with family and friends letting them know where you will be and what time you expect to return.
Directions:
Trail head address: 8911 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City FL 33567
• From I-75, take exit 250 (Gibsonton Drive) Head east (road name changes to Boyette Rd., then Fish Hawk Boulevard) for 8 miles to Lithia Pinecrest Road, Turn southeast, continue 4 miles to County Road 39.
• Head north on County Road 39 for 3 miles.
• Turn west on Keysville Road, continue 2 miles.
• Turn south on Turkey Creek Road.
• Trail head and parking is located on west side of road, approx 1/4-mile south.
• Total trail length = 5 miles
For More Information, Contact:
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department
Conservation Services Office
10940 McMullen Road
Riverview, Florida 33569-6226
(813) 672-7876 fax (813) 672-7880
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks
This is a fabulous way to get in touch with nature. Whether you cycle, hike, canoe or just picnic, it’s a great destination for the weekend or during the week. Get out there and enjoy the fresh air.
Dave Tipton, Broker, Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida 813-653-1241
Driven by our goals, respected for our integrity, chosen for our exertise.
Click here to connect with Diamond Dwellings website: www.tampabayrealtyprofessionals.com
Why Buy Instead of Rent? A Series For First Time Buyers
Posted By Dave Tipton on July 9th, 2008
When you’re thinking about buying your first home, it’s essential for you to be confident in your decision to buy instead of rent. However, you may not know about the many great reasons to buy a home! Here are just a few of them:
- Smart Investment- When you invest in a home, it offers the possibility for appreciation in value. The equity becomes yours when you’re still paying off your mortgage. You even get to live in it while your investment matures.
- Tax Advantages- Since both mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible, homeownership can save you significant amounts of money every year at tax time.
- Planned Housing Costs- You decide how much you to spend on your home, including repairs and improvements. Unlike renters, homeowners with a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs. Click Here for More Info. http://www.tampabayrealtyprofessionals.com/ApplyingforaLoan
- Improvements Made to Suit Your Taste- You can choose which improvements to make to your own property, such as a deck, kitchen remodel, or new paint, instead of needing permission from your landlord. Rental, what you see is what you get.
- Pride of Ownership- Owning your on home is the American Dream. This is a feeling that can not be defined by words, but when you have it, you will know.
Five Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes
1. Don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.
2. They aren’t able to act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.
3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the home-buying process.
4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.
5. They don’t think to the future about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four to five years.
If you have questions about making the decision to buy a home, please feel free to call or email.
Click Here: BrandonDwellings@verizon.net
Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida
813-653-1241
A Bike Ride to Lithia Springs Park
Posted By Rick Frissell on July 8th, 2008
Okay, I guess it is time to date myself.
When I was a young boy growing up in Tampa, not far from MacDill AFB, I remember to this day a family picnic. My dad threw all of five of us children in a 1956 pale green Chevrolet for a ride to Lithia Springs Park. Of course SUV’s had not been invented nor had seat belts for that matter. So the back seat looked like a mosaic of 5 children in an interesting mode of transportation. There were no interstate highways or Leroy Selmon Crosstown Expressway yet.
I was the oldest child and my next sister was two years younger and of course she was always Daddy’s favorite, or so I claimed. The trip along the country roads seemed tortuously long. “Are we almost there yet?”
As the years passed there were no trips to Lithia Springs. As a matter of fact I had long ago moved into Brandon and after many years after that from Brandon to Valrico. In the late 1990’s I found myself living in River Hills only a short ride to the hidden away Lithia Springs. In the time since my childhood Brandon had exploded. Besides my community of River Hills, Bloomingdale had exploded upon the scene. Further south a huge planned community of Fishhawk came into existence. But, nestled away in all this growth was old Florida, Lithia Springs Park.
Recently I was riding my bike and at my slower pace than a speeding car, I saw the very small brown sign - “Lithia Springs 1000 feet.” Oh the memories came flooding back.
I turned from my planned route on to the old road made the old fashion way of asphalt with rocks embedded. My bike vibrated on the road and I wondered how different it would look. At first I thought I had no memories of the spring, but once I was upon the spring, except for minor updates, my memories came alive. The water was faithfully bubbling up and beginning its journey down the Alafia River to its ultimate destination of Tampa Bay. In the middle of all today’s hustle was that destination point from my youth with the family.
How wonderful that moment was to relive. As I re-introduced myself to my old friend, I promised to visit her again soon. The next time I would pack my digital camera. But, I wonder if I can find my black and white pictures taken with my trusty Kodak box camera. Following my next trip, I will post the pictures. Or, go see it for your self: Lithia Springs Park - 3932 Lithia Springs Rd. (W. off Lithia Pinecrest Rd. S. of Bloomingdale Ave.)
Rick Frissell, Agent- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon, FL
813-653-1241 E-mail: rick@diamonddwellings.com
Diamond Dwellings™ and Brandon Dwellings Introduces Rick Frissell, Realtor®
Posted By Rick Frissell on July 7th, 2008
Let Me Introduce Myself.
Professional:
I am a real estate agent and mortgage broker living and working in the Brandon, FL area. I entered the real estate industry in 2000 following a down sizing at Eastman Kodak. I am very grateful for the 17 years I had with Kodak as I received a fabulous education in the field or marketing. I have focused on working with buyers since I have an opportunity to offer them the benefit of my years of mortgage broker experience. I have found that when I act as my clients mortgage broker and real estate agent, I am invited into a closer relationship and they become close friends during the process. This also allows me to maintain control over the loan process. I believe there is NO ONE that will give my buyer the attention that I give them when getting their purchase to be a success.
Personal:
I have a long a solid marriage to my wife Denise. We have been married for 36 years and have been blessed with 2 wonderful sons and 3 granddaughters.
My wife helps me in my business and she complements me with skills (such as keeping organized) that do not come easily to me.
My oldest son, Steve, is high school youth pastor at our church, Bay Life Church in Brandon, FL. He has really grown into a good man.
Ken is the youngest and recently graduated from fire fighter school. City and county budget cuts have kept him from finding a job in fire fighting at this time, but he is working his way through paramedic school, and the added education will boost his value significantly.
We have faced some significant challenges over the years, but our faith has delivered to far more blessings than adversities.
Please allow me to be your real estate expert in the Brandon area. Check back with our blog and you will find a wealth of information about the Brandon, FL area and the real estate industry.
Rick Frissell, Agent- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon, FL
813-653-1241
E-Mail: Rick@DiamondDwellings.com
