The Willee Skibbe Blog

Boutique Real Estate Company does Big Business

2012-01-30T13:02:00.000-06:00

With one location and fewer agents, Destin Real Estate Company produced more in average sales volume than any other company on the Emerald Coast in 2011 and is second in total sales volume.

If you're thinking about selling or buying, give me a call 850-865-0891 or drop me an email willee@destinproperties.com.

Gulf-Front Homes: Sale Price and Volume up from 2010

2011-12-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

So far this year, 43 Gulf-front homes have sold from Destin to Rosemary Beach compared to the 27 Gulf-front homes sold in 2010. Plus, an additional six Gulf-front homes are currently under contract and scheduled to close by the end of 2011.

Not only have sales increased in volume from last year, but they also shifted up in sale price. At present, the low sale is $775K and the high at $8.1M, while 2010’s sold homes ranged from the $400K sale of a 1,400 square-foot, 1970-built home situated on a flag-shaped lot in Dune Allen Beach with 20 feet of beach front to the $7.25M sale of a 5,800 square-foot, newly-built home with 76 feet of beach front just steps from Seaside, Florida.

If you’re looking for breathtaking sweeping Gulf views and dramatic sunsets, I know a one-of-a-kind Gulf front home in historic Grayton Beach that you need to check out. Click here for details.

Even if you’re not looking for Gulf-front, I can assist you in finding your perfect fit. Search properties on my website, www.willee.destinrealestatecompany.com or contact me anytime at 850-865-0891 or willee@destinproerties.com.

Best Priced 2nd Row Quality Construction Home on Hwy 30-A

2011-10-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

Shell Seeker's Cove

Good Deals are getting harder to find and this one won’t last long at this price. With the high quality construction, gulf views and direct gulf access, this is the best you will find.

OCTOBER EVENTS

2011-09-28T14:18:00.017-05:00

Destin Fishing Tournament
October
Weigh-ins daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. behind AJ's. complete details and times

Destin Seafood Festival
Saturday & Sunday, October 1st & 2nd
The 33rd annual Destin Seafood Festival at Destin Harbor, Sept 30 - Oct 2, featuring more than 15 award-winning Nashville songwriters performing and some of the area's best seafood restaurants and vendors.

Seaside Community Yard Sale
Saturday, October 1st from 8:00am-2:00pm
The semi-annual Community Yard Sale features nearly 100 vendors from across the country with a variety of unique offerings. Entertainment will be provided by 30A Radio.

Tennis Tournament to benefit Cancer Fund
Saturday, October 1st
All Proceeds go to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Breast Cancer Fund. Event includes Breakfast of Champions, Men and Women Round Robin Tournament Play all double levels, Silent Auction Items, lunch at Graffitti's, surprise celebrity appearances, prizes, music and fun. Cost is $100 per person. Sign Up at Sandestin Tennis Center, (850)267-7060.

Pumpkin Fest
October 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30, from 10:00am-5:00pm
Pumpkins of all sizes for purchase. Sand art, pony rides, hayrides and a jump house. Face painting and pumpkin painting. Take your camera and spend time with the horses, including a collection of mini horses and mini mule Frank. Hotdogs, nachos, chips, cotton candy and beverages available. more information

Seaside Tailgate Party
Saturday, October 1st from 6:30am-9:30pm
"Tailgate” with the Seaside Merchants and then head into the Amphitheater to watch the game of the week, Sept. 10, 17 and 24, on the giant 35-foot screen. Game time is at dusk.

Destin Fishing Rodeo 5K Run
Sunday, October 2nd
To benefit Destin Charter Boat Association and Miss Destin Scholarship Fund. (850) 496-0590

Seaside REP Presents 'The Turn of the Screw'
Tuesdays & Thursdays, October 6th-22nd at 7:30
This gripping ghost story tells the chilling tale of a young governess who is hired to care for a charming bachelor‘s niece and nephew. As it unfolds in a grand Victorian mansion in the English countryside, sinister events place lives in jeopardy. Tickets $25

Swing For the Arts Golf Tournament
Friday, October 7th from 1:00-2:00pm
Support art, music and education in Okaloosa and Walton Counties by participating in Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's tournament at Emerald Bay Golf Club. Shotgun start. Corporate sponsorships still available. register

Purses with a Purpose
Friday, October 7th from 6:00-8:00pm
Saturday the 8th from 10:00am-12:00pm
An auction new and lightly used designer purses are auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting Shelter House, Domestic Violence Center. Enjoy mimosas and muffins as you shop the purses. $5 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Shelter House (850-243-1201) or the day of the event.

Habitrot for Humanity - Half Marathon & 5k
Saturday, October 8th from 6:00-11:00am
Come join running enthusiasts for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's first annual Habitrot for Humanity. This half marathon and 5k run will benefit Habitat for Humanity whose vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This flat course will start and finish at The Village of Baytowne Wharf and wind throughout the entire resort. register

Breakfast with a Ranger
Saturday, October 8th, from 9:00-10:00am
Breakfast with a Ranger and ask them all the questions you can think of about park life. This program is fun for the kids and ideal for the whole family to enjoy. To cover the cost of food, please bring $4, which goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Inc. to enhance the park or bring your own breakfast. Park fees waived to participants.

Sacred Heart Guild's Duck Regatta
Saturday, October 8th from 11:00am-2:00pm
More than 1,000 rubber ducks line up at 1 p.m. and begin their trek towards the finish line for valuable prizes. Ducks are available for adoption prior to the race for $10 at Sacred Heart Gift Shop, Duckies Shop of Fun in Seaside or online. Lots of fun events for the entire family. To benefit the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Guild. Located at the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Lagoon.

6th Annual Ghost Walk and History Tour
Saturday, October 8th from 5:00pm-8:30pm
New stories, pre tour entertainment and activities are planned. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Parking is limited to the handicapped. For more information, Lynn Cherry at (850) 215-4651 or lcherry@cdc-s.com.

Destin Fishing Rodeo 5K Run
Sunday, October 9th
To benefit Destin Charter Boat Association and Miss Destin Scholarship Fund. (850) 496-0590

Band Fest
Sunday, October 9th from 4:00pm-9:00pm
To benefit the South Walton Boys & Girls Club. Silent Auction, Food, Beverages. Advance tickets $20; Day of $25; VIP $100. more info

Back to Nature Festival
Saturday & Sunday, October 15th & 16th
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures: Sunrise meditation, Deer Lake shorebird and beach walk, Peach Creek kayak tour, Stand up paddling at Grayton Beach State Park, wildflower and butterfly hike in Point Washington State Forest, longleaf Greenway trail bike cruise, astronomy walk at Grayton Beach State Park, tracking the wild critters at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Western Lake kayak tour, forest ecology hike and Hogtown Bayou sunset paddle. details

Rootin' Tootin' Rodeo Round up for kids
October 15th from 9:00am-10:00am at the Okaloosa Island Pier
Fishing for children 12 and under beginning at 9 a.m. and ending with lunch on the dock at noon. Cost is $10 per child and includes pier fee for angler and parents, T-shirt, bait, rod and reel to keep and lunch.

Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery Annual Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 15th from 9:00am-6:00pm
Enjoy samples of Chautauqua wine and enjoy live music. Car Cruise in, crafts and barbecue cook off. (850) 892-5887

Blue Mountain Beach Half Marathon and 10K
Sunday, October 16th at 7:00am
The races will start and end at Blue Mountain Beach . Contact Andy Kennedy 225-772-2737.

Bayou Arts Center Grand Opening
Thursday, October 20th from 4:00pm-7:00pm
The Bayou Arts Center will host their Grand Opening & CAA Family Fun Day and annual meeting. Scheduled activities include: food trucks, mini art workshops, face painting, site tours, bayou tours, silent auction, art exhibit, live music, CAA membership drive.

Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
Friday, October 21st
This popular festival features 40 on-site craft brewers, over 100 domestic and international beers, seminars and samplings and live music. Beer novices to beer lovers will be able to sample domestic and international options, including specialty, seasonal and not-yet-released beers. more information

Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
Friday, October 21st from 4:00pm-6:00pm
Bring your four legged friend to Fonville Press at Alys Beach for the 5th annual Howl*O*Ween and Pet Parade benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. Pumpkin painting, face painting and a prize for the Best Owner & Dog Costume will be awarded.

5th Annual Fall Festival
Friday & Saturday, October 21st & 22nd from 6:00pm-10:00pm
5th Annual Haunted Hay Ride and Fantasyland. A fully-frightening Hay Ride for adults and children over 12 for $5 a person, or Fantasy Land for the younger children with fun games with prizes and face painting for a $1. Drinks and food available; donations will be accepted. Park entrance fees.

Get Spooked On Jolee Island
October 21, 22, 28 & 29 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Take a spooktacular self-guided tour of Sandestin’s Jolee Island this Halloween. Visitors will receive a map of Jolee Island with landmarks to visit along the island’s outer trails. At the locations, scavenger hunt clues will be given and some sweet treats for braving the dark and scary trails. Cost is kids $10, adults with paying child and children 2 and under are free. (850) 267-7000

Halloweener Derby at Seaside
Saturday, October 29th at 8:30am
Calling all Dachshunds, or just mutts, to the Halloweener Derby Day, a FUNdraiser event for 30-A Radio and the Alaqua Animal Refuge. After the race be sure to stick around for the Trick n Treat Pet Parade, All-Breed Costume Contest, plus live music at the Amphitheater. registration and times

16th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts
Saturday & Sunday, October 29th & 30th from 9:00am-5:00pm
Recognized as one of Northwest Florida's premier art shows, 100 premier artists from around the United States compete in more than 18 mediums for cash prizes. Live entertainment, kids' events, and food. Parking only available in front of Beall's Department Store.

Harvest Market & Monstrous Halloween Celebration
Saturday, October 29th from 10:00am-5:00pm
Enjoy the crisp, autumn air at Rosemary Beach while perusing artist booths filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry and other hand-crafted items. At 3:30, Trick or Treating & Kids' Halloween Bash through town center businesses and the Harvest Market artist's booths! We'll also have a pumpkin carving contest with prizes, a moonwalk, face painting, games, music and more! FREE and everyone is invited!

Trick or Treat Street at Baytowne
Monday, October 31st from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Experience this family friendly Halloween event. Trick or treat through the Village and visit merchants as they hand out their favorite Halloween treats from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Dance on the stage to the frighteningly good tunes and hang around for a spooktacular fireworks show at 8 p.m.

Seaside Halloween
Monday, October 31st from 4:00pm-6:00pm
It’s time for ghosts, goblins and princesses to go door-to-door collecting candy from the Seaside merchants to feed their sugary appetites. Hop on the haunted hayride, hear spooky stories with the Seaside Rep Theatre, and do the monster mash with terrifying tunes from 30A Radio.

Lake & Gulf Views with Deeded Beach Access

2011-09-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

Lot 9 Loon Lake Drive
Beautiful lot with STALLWORTH LAKE & GULF VIEWS and deeded access. A rare opportunity for someone looking for spectacular views at a reasonable price. Located on a quiet street, South of 30-A. No build out and no homeowner fees. Very close to Butler Elementary School. Easy proximity to Gulf Place, Grand Boulevard, grocery stores, vetrinary, etc.
more information

Upconing Events

2011-09-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

Rosemary Beach Fall Writers' Conference
Wednesday –Saturday, September 21st -24th
This four-day conference in beautiful Rosemary Beach, FL, will provide opportunities for attendees to hone their writing skills, make professional contacts, and learn new ways to get their work published. more details

2nd Annual Blind Wine Voyage
Thursday, September 22nd, from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Join us for our 2nd Annual- Blind Wine Voyage- A unique wine tasting competition and Get Corked for a Cause! Entry fee: $25 per person + 3 bottles of Identical Red wine per team. Teams may consist of 1-3 people. Winner will leave with 40+ bottles of wine! Event will take place on SunQuest Cruise's Solaris Yacht. Light food provided. Resort Casual.

33rd Annual Destin Seafood Festival
Destin Harbor, Sept 30 - Oct 2
Featuring more than 15 award-winning Nashville songwriters performing and some of the area's best seafood restaurants and vendors. Part of the Destin Fishing Tournament. Festival Event Coordinator Melissa Steffen, (850) 218-0232.

Click here for the End of Summer Edition of What's Up Along Our Emerald Coast E-Newsletter.

Emerald Coast's Destin one of GMA's 10 Most Beautiful Places in America

2011-08-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

abcnews.com

Good Morning America is out to finally settle the debate of "What's the Most Beautiful Place in America?" If you've visited the Emerald Coast, then you are not surprised to see one of our beach towns on the list.

Click here to read the full article and vote for your favorite.

May Events

2011-05-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

ONGOING:

Every Saturday, Seaside Farmer's Market, 9a.m.-1p.m.

Artwalk at Central Square & Shops of Ruskin Place in Seaside. First Friday of each month, 5p.m.-8p.m. , No charge & a fun evening of live music and artists' demos.

Baytowne Wharf's Wednesday Night Concert Series
Wednesday Nights from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Enjoy the continuation of the Wednesday Night Concert Series through the month of May. We'll be tantalizing your musical taste buds with an array of musicians to entertain all of our guests! Village Events Plaza.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation 'Concerts in the Park'
Thursdays Nights at 7:00pm
Please join us for our 15th season of Concerts in the Park! Bring your favorite chair and picnic or purchase dinner prepared fresh each week on site from Carrabba's Italian Grill. A portion of concession sales will benefit the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.
Parking at Grace Lutheran Church, Destin.
$5 Adults per concert, Kids under 12 free
850-650-2226 for more information

MAY:

2011 YOLO Board Stand-Up Paddle Series - Presented by Destin Real Estate Company
From May 2011 to August 2011 at the WaterColor BoatHouse at Western Lake in WaterColor. Scheduled race dates (weather permitting) are: May 26th, June 23rd, July 14th, and August 11th.
For more information, contact 850-622-5760.

Sand Sculpting with Sand Odyssey
Thursday, May 26th from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Thursday afternoons feature a continued tradition this summer filled with all things sand, as Seaside offers free sand sculpting lessons by sand master Mark Flynn from Sand Odyssey. Learn exciting techniques on how to construct a sculpture that will wow your friends and family. Pick up your wristband from Seaside Beach before the event, as space is limited.

Memorial Day Weekend Festivities at Baytowne Wharf
Friday through Monday, May 27th-30th
Come kick off your summer at this family fun-filled weekend. Live music begins on Friday and lasts all weekend long. Enjoy bands on the Events Plaza stage each night and children's activities will be featured in the Events Plaza, as well. The weekend will also feature a patriotic fireworks show. On Monday, the Village will host a Memorial Day program, presented by Sandestin veterans.

Seaside Memorial Day Weekend Festivities
Saturday and Sunday, May 28th-29th
Kick start our summer season with this weekend of exciting family fun beginning. Events will include live music Saturday, as well as a movie on Sunday evening. Sunday may be the end of the weekend, but it's just the beginning of another very busy summer of events at Seaside!

Sinfonia Goes Pops
Sunday, May 29th from 7:30pm-9:00pm
Enjoy the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast under the palms in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. Bring blankets or low back chairs. Concert is free and open to the public.

"Kids Rock the Block" Party!
Tuesday, May 31st, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Bring the family for a rockin' night of fun in Rosemary Beach! Moonwalks, face painting, airbrush tattoos, arts & crafts with Gigi's, hula hoops, bubble machine and more! FREE and everyone is invited! Sponsored by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach.

Find more events, properties and articles in the May edition of WHAT'S UP ALONG OUR EMERALD COAST, my online newsletter.

If you would like to receive my e-newsletter, please contact me:

willee@destinproperties.com or 850.865.0891

2011 YOLO Board Stand-Up Paddle Series Coming to WaterColor May 26th

2011-05-17T14:05:00.000-05:00

Whether you call this fast growing sport YOLO (You Only Live Once) boarding, YOLOing, paddle surfing, stand up paddling, or SUP, it is a fun, easy way to go play on the water. With minimum equipment, you can paddle anything from ocean surf to lakes and rivers—no waves required.

Paddle boarding combines canoeing or kayaking with surfing allowing the paddler to stand while pushing themselves through the water with side to side paddle strokes. Stand-up paddling offers an amazing full body workout and is becoming a favorite cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes. Some people even compare the experience to “yoga on water.” And since you're standing at your full height, you'll enjoy excellent views of everything from sea creatures to what's on the horizon. It's almost like walking on water!

Choosing the right board is determined by a combination of paddler weight and skill, your intended use and the local conditions. Paddles have an angle or “elbow” in the shaft for maximum efficiency. Choose a paddle that's roughly 6” to 8” taller than you are. Make sure you wear clothes that move with you and can get wet, have adequate sun protection like sunscreen and glasses, and since The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, always wear a PFD (personal floatation devise) whenever you're paddling navigable water.

Destin Real Estate Company is the presenting sponsor of the 2011 YOLO Board Stand-Up Paddle Series that will run from May 2011 to August 2011 at the WaterColor BoatHouse at Western Lake in WaterColor. Scheduled race dates (weather permitting) are: May 26^th, June 23^rd, July 14^th, and August 11^th. For more information, contact 850-622-5760.

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Some common beginner mistakes that are easy to make include: bad posture, staring at your feet instead of the horizon, the paddle elbow facing you, having both hands on the paddle shaft (your top hand belongs at the very top of the paddle, on the grip), and standing straight-kneed - it is much easier to balance with bent knees. Try to avoid these and you’ll have a lot more fun in the water!

Vision Airlines adding flights at Northwest Florida Regional Airport

2011-01-18T14:38:00.000-06:00

January 17, 2011 10:44 AM
Associated Press

SUWANEE, Ga. — Vision Airlines said on Monday that it is adding to its commercial passenger service in the Eastern U.S. with flights beginning March 25.

The small carrier has mostly been a charter operator, handling flights for the military as well as for tourists. On Monday it said it would add flights between Northwest Florida Regional Airport and cities including Asheville, N.C., Atlanta, Miami, the Orlando area, and other cities in Florida and the South.

According to the Tucson Citizen, "Vision says fares, some initially as low as $49 one way, will go on sale Tuesday for trips between the beach communities of northwest Florida and such cities as Baton Rouge, Knoxville, Tenn., and Little Rock starting March 25."

“The communities that they’re going to be flying to are difficult to get to via hub connections,” says Donovan, who adds that fares on larger carriers such as Delta and US Airways are often more than vacationers want to pay. “I think it’s going to bring back many people we’ve lost to driving,” Donovan told the Citizen.
Vision is set to announce the expansion at Destin's Emerald Grande Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Last month it added twice-a-day flights between Louisville, Ky. and Atlanta, and from Niagara Falls International Airport in New York to cities in Florida. Some of Vision's routes will compete with those flown by other carriers, such as Southwest Airlines Co.'s flights out of Buffalo, N.Y., which is near Niagara Falls.

Vision's fleet includes six Boeing Co. 767s and nine 737s.

32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival - September 17th - 19th

2010-09-13T13:57:00.000-05:00

On Sept. 17-19, the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival will set up right on the Destin Harbor at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf! Headliners are Starship Starring Mickey Thomas on Friday and LOVERBOY on Saturday. This 3-day event boasts fresh local seafood from some of the area’s best restaurants, live entertainment, arts & crafts, children’s activities, and more. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Destin Fishermen’s Fund.

For details, including festival hours, admission, entertainment schedule, and more, please visit www.DestinSeafoodFestival.org.

click here for more local events

Via Colori Street Painting Art Festival - Saturday, Sept. 18th

2010-09-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 18, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Via Colori Street Painting Art Festival
This unique art festival will turn Grand Boulevard's Town Center into an artist's canvas of street paintings. This community favorite brings together artists, volunteers and businesses in a unique community project to support Seaside Neighborhood School, one of the first charter schools in Florida. Most of the main street of Grand Boulevard will be closed off for this pedestrian-friendly event. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 850-654-5929.

click here to search more area events

JUST SOLD - Gulf Front Condo

2010-09-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

Adagio Condominium Unit B303

4 Beds | 3 Baths
Approximately 2,220 sq ft | $401/sq ft

Offered at $892,000

JUST SOLD

To search available gulf front properties, visit my website www.willeeskibbe.com.

ANOTHER Price Reduction - $46,000 this time. Seller is Ready to Sell!

2010-08-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

61 Rue Caribe

3br, 3ba, 2686sf, $849,000

Please contact me personally (850-865-0891) for your viewing of this beautiful home in the gated Neighborhood of Caribe. Don't forget to visit my website, www.willeeskibbe.com.

Short Sale: South of 98 on 2/3 Acre - Asking $79,000

2010-07-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

60 Rachel Road is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with sun and bonus rooms that could convert into extra bedrooms. It's located South of Hwy 98 on 2/3 acre in a private setting across from the state forest but also near the new Publix and upcoming Walmart. The interior has been updated and the fenced-in backyard offers a covered patio with pavers. Other features include a master bath with double vanity sinks, shower/tubs in both bathrooms, walk-in closets, and an open floor plan. $79,000

More pictures and info here.

South Walton & Destin Independence Day Celebrations

2010-06-30T14:52:00.000-05:00

Red, White and Baytowne - (Saturday, July 3, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Join us for our 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, an evening that lights up the sky and family activities all weekend long.Admission is free. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

4th of July Celebration! - (Saturday, July 3)
Enjoy a day-long celebration sponsored by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach. All events are free of charge unless noted. Bike Decorating Breakfast & Bike Parade 7:30 am, North Barrett Square.

Bring your bike, or rent one from Bamboo Bicycle, and join us for a FREE bike decorating breakfast party. Create a star-spangled masterpiece with red, white and blue decorations, enjoy doughnuts & juice and get ready to ride along at 8:45 am in the annual bike parade through town. Prizes awarded for Most Original Use of Decorations, Most Patriotic Theme, Best 6 and Under Decorated Bike, Best Family Entry and Best Overall Decorated Bike. Family Field Day 9:00 - 11:00 am, Western Green.

Bring the kids and enjoy a morning of fun. We'll have sack races, three-legged races, hula-hoop contests and a water balloon toss....plus music, face painting, "go fish", balloons and moonwalks. Barbecue 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Eastern Green.

Event: 'Independence Day Fireworks & Festival'
Destin Commons Center Plaza (Saturday, July 3, 9 p.m.)
Bring the entire family out for a spectacular fireworks show at Destin Commons to see this annual extravaganza. The 49-head Pop Fountains will also be shooting water up and down for the kids to frolic in as they listen to America’s favorite patriotic songs and watch the sky light up.

July Fourth Extravaganza at HarborWalk Village (July 3 & 4 from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

Join us on the Harbor for our Fourth of July Extravaganza featuring live entertainment, family activities, children's crafts, face painting, inflatables, games and prizes. A mini air show and a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor.

The South Walton 4th of July Parade, Live Music & Fireworks - July 4th at 8a.m. from the Seagrove Plaza to the Seaside Amphitheater where there will be music by 30A radio. Dread Clampitt plays with Special guest Sam Bush at 7 p.m. in the Seaside amphitheater followed by fireworks.

Where America's Money is Moving

2010-06-18T15:05:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this article I read recently with you, written by Jon Bruner with Forbes.com.

Florida Dominates List
Surprise: America's wealthy like warm weather and low taxes. That's the takeaway from IRS data, analyzed by Forbes, on moves between counties.

Topping the list: Collier County, Fla., which includes Naples. Tax returns accounting for 15,150 people showed moves to Collier County from other parts of the country in 2008, the latest year for which IRS data is available. Their average reported income: $76,161 per person equivalent to $304,644 for a family of four. Although slightly more taxpayers moved out of Collier County than into it, the departing residents' average income was just $26,128 per person.

In second place is Greene County, Ga., with a population of just 15,743 at the Census Bureau's last estimate. The IRS data show that in 2008, 788 people moved to the county, about 75 miles east of Atlanta.

Rounding out the top five: Nassau County, Fla., near Jacksonville; Llano County, Texas, 70 miles northwest of Austin; and Walton County, Fla., 80 miles east of Pensacola.

Tax Benefits
The dominance of the list by Florida and Texas - the former has eight of the top 20 counties, the latter four - makes sense to Robert Shrum, manager of state affairs at the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C., since neither state has an income tax. "If you're a high-income earner, then that, from a tax perspective, is going to be a driving decider if you're going to move to one of those two states," Shrum says.

After accounting for property taxes, Shrum's analysis shows that Texas has the fourth-lowest personal tax burden in the country, and Florida has the eighth lowest. Shrum also points to eight states that have targeted wealthy households with extra-high tax brackets: California, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Hawaii, Oregon, Connecticut and Wisconsin. Six of the top 10 counties the rich are fleeing are located in those states.

Top 5 Places Where America's Money is Moving

No. 5: Walton County, Fla.
Arriving average income per capita: $45,591
Departing average income per capita: $28,360
Total arriving people: 3,939
Total departing people: 3,230

No. 4: Llano County, Texas
Arriving average income per capita: $44,324
Departing average income per capita: $22,541
Total arriving people: 1,192
Total departing people: 1,018

No. 3: Nassau County, Fla.
Arriving average income per capita: $51,833
Departing average income per capita: $29,312
Total arriving people: 4,785
Total departing people: 3,690

No. 2: Greene County, Ga.
Arriving average income per capita: $56,414
Departing average income per capita: $25,432
Total arriving people: 788
Total departing people: 778

No. 1: Collier County, Fla.
Arriving average income per capita: $76,161
Departing average income per capita: $26,128
Total arriving people: 15,150
Total departing people: 16,802

Click here to see the full list of Where America's Money Is Moving.
Search for Real Estate here.

201 Dune Drive - SOLD

2010-06-01T14:14:00.000-05:00

201 Dune Drive

SOLD May 26, 2010

3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 1712 square feet

Visit my website, http://www.willeeskibbe.com/, to search available properties.

544 Defuniak Street - Reduced $1,000,000

2010-05-24T14:21:00.001-05:00

One of a kind beach front home with incredible gulf views in Historic Grayton Beach.

- over 2,000 sq.ft. of porches

- private heated pool on the 2nd floor overlooking the sugar white sands

- 4404 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths

Now Offered at $2,999,500

More info here.

Just Reduced - 61 Rue Caribe

2010-05-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

Reduced $100,000 to $895,000

61 Rue Caribe boasts shuttered porches and is nestled in the gated gulf front neighborhood of Caribe.

Visit my website for more information on this and other fine beach properties.

2010 YOLO Board Stand Up Paddle Series Begins May 13th

2010-05-12T14:27:00.001-05:00

The dates and locations of the 2010 YOLO Board Stand Up Paddle Series, presented by Destin Real Estate Company will kick off on May 13th at Eastern Lake. The race series consists of male and female division four-member teams along with a new Men's Elite Team division of experienced paddlers competing in a series of five relay races that will take place from May to August at various area locations. Race paddlers vie for the champion title “2010 YOLO Board Cup Series” to be awarded after the final race in August.

A new addition to the 2010 series are three ‘Family Day’ competitions scheduled throughout the season that allow family members to compete as teams in lighthearted, fun-filled races designed for all ages.

Race Dates

Scheduled race dates (weather permitting) are:

May 13th at Eastern Lake
June 3rd at the WaterColor Boathouse
June 25th at Baytowne Marina
July 15th at Eastern Lake
August TBD.

Family Days will be held on:

May 16th at Eastern Lake
June 6th at the WaterColor Boathouse
July 18th at Eastern Lake

For local events, visit my website: http://www.willeeskibbe.com/.

22nd Annual Arts Quest: May 6-9

2010-04-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 6 | Back to Grayton Beach
A gathering of friends, old and new, in the place where the spirit of ArtsQuest was born over 20 years ago as the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival
5 - 7pm
Hibiscus Cafe
85 DeFuniak Street, Grayton Beach
Bring a dish to share and your own beverage; non-alcoholic beverages provided.
Free and open to the public
Live music!

Friday, May 7 | ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
4 - 8pm
Downtown Seaside
Free and open to the public
Park & Ride from Publix in WaterColor Crossings

5 - 7pm
Preview Night Gala
Great Southern Cafe in downtown Seaside
$30 per guest
Purchase tickets online or by calling 850.622.5970
Experience the opening night of ArtsQuest in celebratory fashion. Enjoy great wine and Chef Jim Shirley's delicious creations, mingle with other art lovers and then stroll through Seaside and get a first chance to purchase the work of 120 fine artists.

Saturday, May 8 | ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
11am - 8pm
Downtown Seaside
Free and open to the public
Park & Ride from Publix in WaterColor Crossings
5 minute air-conditioned shuttles from Sunshine Shuttle will run from 10am - 8:30pm.

Sunday, May 9 | ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
11am - 5pm
Downtown Seaside
Free and open to the public
Park & Ride from Publix in WaterColor Crossings
5 minute air-conditioned shuttles from Sunshine Shuttle will run from 10:30am - 5:30pm.

View all local events on my website www.willeeskibbee.com.

JUST SOLD - Unit 403, Inn at Blue Mountain Beach

2010-04-19T14:01:00.001-05:00

This gulf view, 4th floor condo located in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida closed in just two weeks and sold for 96.8% of the list price! If you have property in my area you are thinking about selling, please contact me. You can also check out my website, http://www.willeeskibbe.com/.

JUST LISTED in the Neighborhood of Caribe

2010-04-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

244 Rue Caribe

Meticulously maintained home close to beach access and pool in Caribe. 12' ceilings downstairs. Crown moulding and deep baseboards throughout. Downstairs are very open spaces with living area, dining & separate den/office, kitchen & spacious master bedroom with large bath & 2 walk-in closets. A screened side porch offers bug free dining and relaxation. Two large bedrooms, each with private bath and separated by a sitting area, provide comfortable & private sleeping areas upstairs. The home has shell stone and hardwood flooring, with carpeting in the bedrooms. Caribe is very conveniently located in close proximity to shopping, medical facilities and all of the Destin and Sandestin activities.

3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2624 SF, $995,000

Visit my website to view the virtual tour and more information on this and other propertes.

April's Wednesday Night Concert Series - The Village of Baytowne Wharf

2010-04-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

This month The Village of Baytowne Wharf will offer a Tribute to the Classics. Put on your boogie shoes and come dance the night away to some of your favorite hits from the past! Enjoy the continuation of the Wednesday Night Concert Series from 6 pm - 8 pm. All performances are free and held in the Village Events Plaza.

APRIL'S CONCERTS

April 7- Emerald Coast Blues Brothers- A Blues Brothers Tribute Band
The Emerald Coast Blues Brothers have been performing together for 8 years. They love putting on show, making people smile and having a good time. This is a show you don’t want to miss. They even have a movie authentic Bluesmobile! The Emerald Coast Blues Brothers are the real deal!

April 14- The Return- A Beatles Tribute Band
The Return is one of the most authentic Beatles Tribute Bands in the United States. This band personifies the original Beatles in every way. They sound, look and act like the Fab Four. They have an extensive playlist including: Help!, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Eight Days a Week and A Hard Day’s Night.

April 21-The Last Waltz- A Tribute to Bob Dylan and the Band
The Last Waltz progressively plays the music of Bob Dylan and The Band. Their playlist includes over 70 Bob Dylan, The Band and related songs. They never play the same set twice, taking their audience through some of the most timeless music in history.

April 28- A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel
This double performance of two great musicians is guaranteed to dazzle any audience! The show will feature costumes that go from bizarre to breathtaking and an amazing 5-foot baby grand piano that will shower you with lights, smoke, lasers, and a few surprises! This is a show not to be missed!

For more local events, visit my Calendar of Events page at www.willeeskibbe.com.

The Weather Channel Visits Destin and South Walton.

2010-03-30T15:09:00.000-05:00

The segment "Why I Love Spring" will be filming through April 2 along the beaches of Destin. The show began doing a seasonal segment last year, according to Jeff Thein, vice president of program development. When the time for spring rolled around, The Weather Channel decided Destin's sugar sand beaches and emerald green waters were ideal. (Picture & Information from NWF Daily News)

Click here to read the full story, see more pictures and a video of The Weather Channel's visit to our beaches.

235 Rue Caribe - Featured Listing

2010-03-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

Caribbean style home in Destin's finest beach neighborhood. 12' ceilings down & plentiful french doors opening to covered verandas, bringing the outdoors in & capturing cooling beach breezes. Large living area with gas fireplace, separate dining room, eat-in kitchen, wet bar, 1/2 bath & 2 private bedrooms w/separate baths on 1st floor. Upstairs is reserved entirely for lg master suite w/french doors opening to private porch, vaulted tongue & groove ceiling, sitting area, built in cabinetry, wet bar, dressing area, lg walk-in closet & lg master bath w/whirlpool tub & separate shower. Other features include interior and exterior columns, deep baseboards, crown molding, recessed lighting, surround sound, alarm system, built-in cabinetry & shelving, central vac, trash compactor, 2 HVACs, freshly sanded & refinished oak floors through entire 1st floor. Recent renovations include 2 coats of Elastomeric paint on entire exterior of home & garage, new screens throughout, refinishing and re-sealing of downstairs hardwood flooring, re landscaping & new irrigation computer, all new stainless steel appliances, new granite countertops, new under mount sink & pull out faucet, new quartz island w/new GE glass cook top, new mini bar with new granite, under mount sink & faucet, new marble countertops in master bath & dressing area. Detached garage is perfect for parking as well as storage, or could be converted into a private carriage house for your guests. Rental income for 2007 grossed over $60,000 and 2008 grossed over $50,000, with part of year blocked out for renovations. Visit http://www.willeeskibbe.com/, for more information.

Spring Fling Family Fun Nights

2010-03-23T14:17:00.002-05:00

Get ready for games, music and lots of family fun!

On Tuesday nights, join us on the Western Green from 5:00 - 7:00 as we play GIANT games like Twister, Scrabble and Jenga. Also, get signed up for the Guitar Hero competition that starts at 7:00 pm!

On Thursday nights, bring a lawn chair and enjoy a great night of live music from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on North Barrett Square.

All events are FREE! Sponsored by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach.

Welcome to the Willee Skibbe Blog

2010-03-23T14:08:00.002-05:00

Please visit this blog for the latest local real estate news, current events and activities in South Walton and Destin, Florida. My website, http://www.willeeskibbe.com/, is also a great resource for other local information, not to mention available luxury real estate along our beautiful sugar sand beaches!