Blog
ERA and MDA team up - 08/19/2007
ERA Real Estate and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) have created the Home Grown Hero program, a new online fundraiser that makes it easier than ever for you to help support this worthy cause. The Home Grown Hero program gives all ERA® members the opportunity to participate in the network's fundraising activities for MDA on an individual basis. By creating your own Home Grown Hero profile you can send customized e-mails to your clients, business associates, family and friends to collect and track donations online using MDA's secure Web site.
Using this program provides many rewards, not the least of which is the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to "Home In On A Cure" for neuromuscular diseases. In addition, ERA members who collect a minimum of $1,000 for MDA during the course of the year through the Home Grown Hero Web-based program will earn the ERA/MDA Home Grown Hero designation and will receive:
An ERA/MDA Home Grown Hero Award certificate
Commemorative ERA/MDA Home Grown Hero pin
Special recognition on TeamERA.com and in TeamERA magazine
Invitation to the MDA Awards Reception at the ERA International Business Conference
In addition to the recognition you'll receive from family and friends will admire your efforts to give back to the community.
Okaloosa County Transit Website for Northwest Florida area - 08/19/2007
Visit the Okaloosa County Transit Website: www.RideOCT.org
Whether you are commuting, shopping, or just visiting, let OCT get you where you're going. When you use public transit, you help our community and the environment by easing traffic congestion and reducing harmful emissions.
Summer
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 7:00pm
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
*Shuttles Arrive at designated stops every 20 minutes.
Winter
September through May
*Shuttles Arrive at designated stops every 45 minutes
Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 7:00pm
ERA wins 3 years in a row - 08/19/2007
ERA REAL ESTATE RECOGNIZED BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW
PARSIPPANY, N.J., - ERA Real Estate announced it is the recipient of the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." This marks the third year in a row that ERA Real Estate has received an award from this prestigious organization.
Last year, the company was the recipient of the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." In 2004, ERA Real Estate received the award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms."
"Being recognized for customer satisfaction once again by a well-respected organization such as J.D. Power and Associates is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our sales associates and brokers," said Brenda W. Casserly, president and CEO for ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. "This award is a reflection of our promise to our customers to be 'Always There For You' throughout the homebuying and selling process."
ERA Real Estate's host of products, services and materials dedicated to meeting the unique needs of sellers contributed to its award-winning satisfaction ratings. A customer favorite is the ERA Sellers Security® Plan, a unique, guaranteed sale program that offers sellers the freedom to close on their next home, even if their current home has yet to sell.
About the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM.
ERA received the highest numerical score among national full service real estate firms for repeat home sellers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 3,709 total responses measuring real estate firms and measures opinions of homebuyers and sellers. Study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in April through May 2006. Your experiences may vary. Study conducted for Realogy Corporation by J.D. Power and Associates.
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. ERA Real Estate was recently named the recipient of the prestigious 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." The ERA® network includes more than 38,700 brokers and sales associates and nearly 3,000 offices throughout the United States and 29 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation (NYSE: H), the world's largest real estate franchisor. ERA® information is available to consumers at ERA.com.
ERA welcomes new affiliate companies - 08/19/2007
ERA REAL ESTATE WELCOMES 18 NEW AFFILIATE COMPANIES TO ITS GLOBAL NETWORK
Network strengthens its presence in California with the addition of 9 new affiliate companies and 14 new offices in total
PARSIPPANY, N.J., - ERA Real Estate announced that it has grown its global franchise network with the addition of 18 new companies during July and August 2006. In addition, 10 existing ERA® affiliate companies expanded their presence through new office openings or mergers/acquisitions during the same period.
ERA Real Estate continues to strengthen its position in California, with the Golden State accounting for the largest area of growth within the ERA network with nine new franchised brokerage companies and four existing affiliates combining to open 14 new ERA offices. Year to date, ERA Real Estate has added nearly 70 companies and 130 offices to its global real estate network. The ERA network now has nearly 3,000 offices and more than 38,700 sales associates and brokers throughout the United States and 29 other countries and territories.
"ERA Real Estate continues to expand our global network of dedicated brokers and sales associates through both external and organic growth," said Brenda W. Casserly, president and chief executive officer for ERA Real Estate. "During the past two months, we have increased our footprint in a number of key regions, led by our growth within California."
New Company Affiliations
Listed below are real estate companies that affiliated with ERA Real Estate during July - August 2006:
Company Office(s) State
ERA Consolidated Realty Group Simi Valley CA
ERA Elite Elk Grove CA
ERA Gold Key Highland CA
ERA Home Professionals Daly City CA
ERA Platinum Properties Walnut Creek CA
ERA Promerica Realtors Santa Ana CA
ERA Rocklin Real Estate Rocklin CA
ERA Showcase Real Estate Yuba City CA
ERA South Coast Realty Orange CA
ERA Southern Exposure Realty Jupiter FL
ERA Ammons Realty Samford NC
ERA Compass Real Estate Barnegat NJ
ERA 1st Independent Realty Newburgh NY
ERA Glad Realty Services Uniondale NY
ERA Anderson and Associates Real Estate Stroudsburg PA
ERA Ritter Real Estate Smyrna TN
ERA Legends Realty San Antonio TX
ERA Terry Harper Real Estate Forney TX
Expanded Operations
Listed below are existing ERA affiliate companies that expanded their operations through mergers and acquisitions or by opening new branch offices during July - August 2006:
Company Office(s) State
ERA Home Traditions Real Estate Fairfield CA
ERA Dream Team Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe CA
ERA Shields Real Estate Colorado Springs CO
ERA Tides Realty Group Mt. Pleasant SC
ERA Faust Realty Group Lehigh Acres FL
ERA Pacesetters Partners Murfreesboro TN
ERA Preferred Properties Sacramento CA
ERA Caporale Realty, Inc. Chicago IL
ERA American Dream Chino CA
ERA Real Estate First Grove City OH
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. ERA Real Estate was recently named the recipient of the prestigious 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." The ERA® network includes more than 38,700 brokers and sales associates and nearly 3,000 offices throughout the United States and 29 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation (NYSE: H), the world's largest real estate franchisor. ERA® information is available to consumers at ERA
Crestview History located in Okaloosa County in Northwest Florida - 08/19/2007
The City of Crestview received its charter from the Florida Legislature and was officially incorporated in 1916. Crestview's name was chosen because it is located on the peak of a long woodland range between the Yellow and Shoal rivers, which flow almost parallel on the east and west side of the city. After Okaloosa County was formed by the State Legislature in 1915, from portions of western Walton County and eastern Santa Rosa County, Crestview became the County Seat in 1917 and remains so today.
With a population of more than 17,000 citizens, Crestview is located at the junction of three major highways; U.S. 90, State Road 85, and Interstate Highway 10, which resulted in its acclaimed designation as the "Hub City" of northwest Florida. The City is 50 miles east of Pensacola, 120 miles west of Tallahassee, and 30 miles inland from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Crestview's elevation of 235 feet above sea level places it as one of the highest points in the state. It receives 65 inches of rainfall annually...the most in the State of Florida. Also, the city was designated as a main street city in 1997 by the Florida Department of State.
The CSX, Inc. Railroad runs through Crestview. Parallel with this railroad is the Old Spanish Trail which extends from Jacksonville west to El Paso, Texas, thus being one of the great truck lines of the country and rich in tradition and history of the Indian, French, Spanish and English settlers in this nation.
If one should wonder what has happened to make Crestview the thriving, friendly, fast growing city we know today, it might be said that it was a fabled fountain of gold or silver. In actuality, it was the dreams and visions of the staunch and sturdy few who were living here in 1915. These early residents realized the natural advantages offered at this particular site for the building of a city and they set out to provide the foundation for such an undertaking.
The City of Crestview formally adopted the Community Redevelopment Agency Concept in 1995 for the expressed purpose of development and redevelopment within the Community Redevelopment area, which encompasses all of the downtown area. This organization adopted a Community Redevelopment Plan, which was sanctioned by the Florida Department of Community Affairs.
In 1997, the City applied, and was approved, for a Main Street program designation by the Secretary of State. This program is embraced nationwide and encompasses the tasks of scheduling and promotion of events such as block parties, downtown days, street festivals, parades, sidewalk sales and cultural events to cultivate and enhance downtown redevelopment.
In 1998, the City hired a full time Director and assisted in the establishment of the Crestview Main Street Association, Inc., whose membership consists of business owners, citizens and other interested parties desiring to revitalize the downtown area. Today, the organization boasts 90 members who are pledged to support the City in their development efforts.
Starting in 1996, the City began a three-phase development effort to construct a major streetscape project in the CRA area. All three phases were earmarked for the restoration of Main Street to the tune of $3.7 million, funded by Tax Increment Financing Funds, grants and general funds.
In 2001, the City Council designated a Historic Preservation District and applied for a grant funding to research and document the histories for 200 structures within the CRA area and district. The survey entailed having all structures surveyed, evaluated, and documented with their histories, qualifying them for a State or National historical significance designation. Properties classified on State or National Registries may seek grant funding for historical restoration as part of the redevelopment efforts.
The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial, Inc., an organization established to honor deceased veterans during wartime, a War Memorial adjacent to the County Courthouse was dedicated in March 2003. Meanwhile, business owners and merchants are busy restoring commercial properties to meet the new Florida Building Code. A new zoning code is being formulated to focus on downtown properties to compliment historic preservation efforts underway.
Here in Crestview you will find an assortment of comfortable homes, churches, schools, recreational facilities, businesses, and industries all working together as a happy, growing city. The health, fire, and police departments, under a stable and prosperous city government working to make this city a wonderful place to live, protect all these things while the related services of the city ensure we uphold our commitment to provide services second to none.
History of Niceville in Northwest Florida Okaloosa County - 08/19/2007
Evidence shows that perhaps up to 10,000 years ago Native Americans were living in the area now occupied by the City of Niceville. A number of projectile points have been found and burial mounds dot the area offering mute proof of times long past. Conflict arose between these native populations and the European explorers who began arriving in the area around 1500-1700. This was a time of proud Native Americans, conquering Spanish conquistadors, and thieving pirates.
By the early 1800s the new American government had settled in, and established its own systems of politics, religion, and trade, much the same way the Native Americans had done centuries earlier. During these times the fishing industry thrived on mullet caught in the sandy-bottomed bays of the area. One such bay was called Boggy Bayou, named for a great deposit of peat discovered at the mouth of Juniper Creek. It wasn't long before a tiny fishing village was established along the shores of the bay. The village, named Boggy after the bayou itself, was the starting point for what would later become Niceville.
In 1842 a cattleman from Louisiana named Jessie Rogers drove his herds to the head of Boggy Bayou and settled in the area. Permanent settlement began as the Civil War ended, and the war's victims left their devastated homes behind to find a new life. Boggy provided them with abundant sunshine, waterway transportation and inexpensive tracts of land. It was around this same time that a legislative act established two counties in the area, Santa Rosa, and Walton. It was from these two counties that the county of Okaloosa, in which modern day Niceville is located, would be created in 1915.
The settlement continued to grow when a gristmill was established by John Nathey and his father, to serve the increasing number of farms in the area. Part of that mill still stands on what is now the Eglin AFB golf course. A general store and a sawmill further improved upon the primitive conditions the homesteaders endured, and a number of turpentine distilleries began operating in the area. As trade began to expand beyond the local community, the need for a postal service was realized. Dr. James C. White was named the first postmaster, and on August 17, 1893 the U.S. Postal Service officially recognized the city of Boggy. A few years later the residents decided that 'Boggy' was an unflattering name to represent a respected and growing community, so on November 5, 1910 the city was renamed 'Niceville.' Some residents still were not happy with the name, and on May 24, 1919 the city was again renamed, this time to 'Valparaiso' which is Spanish for 'Vale of Paradise.' One mile from the town, another community was developing, and it was dubbed 'New Valparaiso.' This created confusion among the residents of the two towns, and all but halted the mail delivery. After much discussion the town's name was changed back to Niceville on November 1, 1925 and it has held the name ever since.
Over the next decade Niceville continued to develop their small, thriving community. Some type of local government was needed to represent the interests of its citizens. On July 7, 1938 a mass meeting of the qualified voters was held to organize a municipal government and to elect officers. They decided to incorporate the city using its official name of Niceville. The bounds of the territory limits were decided on, and a circular disk with the inscription 'City of Niceville, Florida' was selected as the seal. Two petitions were drawn up, one opposing the proposed incorporation, and the other in agreement with the proposal. Of the 329 registered voters who took part, only four opposed the incorporation. The chairman declared the name duly selected, the seal duly adopted, and the territory limits definitely designated by metes and bounds. J. M. Reynolds was elected the first mayor of the City of Niceville on July 15, 1938 and J. W. Windham was elected the first clerk. C. G. Meigs, Wallace Spence, Herman Anderson, Thomas Powell, and G. B. Anchors were the first five councilmen. Hughey Holmes was elected Marshall of the city.
The first recorded school in Niceville was constructed in 1922. Two other schools, established in the 1920's close to the site of the present Edge Elementary, were demolished, the first by fire and then in 1936 its replacement by a hurricane. Classes were conducted in various locations such as the present-day Valparaiso Community Center and a dance hall on Howell Hill until 1938, when the school was again rebuilt. This school, constructed by the Works Progress Administration, consisted of only the front section of the present Edge Elementary School building. The auditorium and additional wings were erected later.
In the spring of 1963, a high school was established in the City of Niceville. Prior to this time, high school age Niceville students attended Choctawhatchee High School with other students in the area. The first class of seniors graduated in the spring of 1966. One year later, the new Niceville Senior High School was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the next few years the school was expanded to include a gymnasium, an auditorium, a band room, a wing of classrooms and an industrial arts building. Another wing has been constructed that will house science labs, a home economics suite, general purpose classrooms and administrative offices.
Today the municipality of Niceville remains a small, close-knit community of just under 20,000 with ever increasing public services. The population is served by one high school, a middle school, two elementary schools, a private center of education and a community college
History of Fort Walton Beach in Northwest Florida - 08/19/2007
From a population of 90 in 1940 to over 175,000 in 2002, the Greater Fort Walton Beach area has enjoyed growth in many areas. Undiscovered for many years, the area abounds with both large and small businesses, beautiful residential neighborhoods, sophisticated condominium complexes, an active industrial park engaged in light, clean industry, and many opportunities for outdoor sports and activities. A civic auditorium, council chambers, library complex, and attractive parks give the city its core of activity. Fort Walton Beach has an unusual number of fine restaurants and entertainment facilities. A top rated educational system provides students with the opportunity of a kindergarten through graduate school education. The city has many churches of every denomination as well as numerous clubs and civic organizations. Situated on the beautiful white sands of the Emerald Coast on the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Walton Beach draws from a business area of more than 177,000 people.
Many factors go into making Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County the vibrant area it is today. However, there are five important areas that stand out: the military impact in the community, the high tech industry located here, the abundant educational opportunities, the cost of living and the life-style advantages. Browse through the community section to see things that make the Fort Walton Beach area such an attractive place to work, live and play.
Fort Walton Beach is rapidly earning the reputation as the "Technology Coast." Dozens of small and mid-size companies designing and manufacturing a vast assortment of products for military/industrial use have chosen our area as their home. These businesses often keep a low public profile due to their military and defense connections, but their impact on Fort Walton Beach is great. Their presence means an influx of professionals who are highly skilled, highly educated and highly paid. As the "Technology Coast" grows - and by all indications it will do so by leaps and bounds - so will the Fort Walton Beach metro area.
History of Destin Florida located in Okaloosa County in Northwest Florida - 08/19/2007
Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the 7th century A.D. Spanish explorers surveyed Florida in 1538. Don Francisco Tapia was commissioned to survey the Florida coast and in 1693, drew the first known map of East Pass and its shores. Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Captain Leonard Destin, who moved here from New London, Connecticut, and settled in Northwest Florida in about 1845. Captain Destin pioneered the fishing industry and Destin has maintained this heritage to the present.
With the growth and development of Destin from a small fishing village to a major tourist resort came the need for a local government structure. The City of Destin was originally chartered as a municipality under the laws of the State of Florida in 1984. However, the community of Destin, in existence for more than one hundred and fifty years, has a long history as a fishing village and premier resort destination.
Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida docks at the Destin Harbor. In addition to fishing, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis and watersports, including diving and snorkeling. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. The City of Destin is home to 11,119 full-time residents (2000 US Census).
Baker Florida located in Okaloosa County Northwest Florida - 08/19/2007
About Baker
Baker
Electricity/Gas
CHELCO Electric
1-800-342-0990
Gulf Power
1-800-225-5797
Okaloosa Gas
(850) 729-4700
Baker
Water/Sewer
Holt Water Systems
(850) 537-4113
Okaloosa County Water and Sewer
(850) 651-7171
City of Crestview
(850) 682-6131
Auburn Water Systems, Inc.
(850) 682-1258
Baker
Garbage
Waste Management
(850) 862-7141
Baker
Telephone
Sprint
1-800-SPRINT1
BellSouth
1-888-757-6500
AT&T
1-800-222-0300
Baker
Satellite/Cable
Cox Communications
(850) 682-5131
DISH Network
Ask me about a gift card for free installation!
DirecTV
1-800-347-3288
Baker
Miscellaneous
Department of Motor Vehicles
106 Hollywood Blvd. SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 833-9122
(850) 833-9123 - appointments
Northwest Florida Commercial property located in Crestview Florida - 08/19/2007
Commercial Crestview Florida Fast growing area over an acre Corner lot ListPrice: $230,000
These four lots, all adjacent and totaling 1.13 acres, are on the west side of Bay street between Blakely Ave and Springhill Court. The three other Parcel IDs are 20-3n-23-0000-0043-0000, 20-3n-23-0000-0045-0000, and 20-3n-23-0000-0050-0000. Located in an area with lots of building activity. Convenient to Main Street Crestview and Hwy 85
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