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The Newman & Allen Team Have Done It Again October 19, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

If you have been following us for a while, then you know that there’s no party like a Signature Place party and this past Friday, St. Pete Realtors, Scott Allen (pictured below right) and Debbie Newman did it again! After this pair sold out one of downtown St. Pete‘s luxury high rises, Signature Place, they decided that the residents deserve to have regularly scheduled events that will not only allow them to get to know their neighbors but to gain an appreciation for the amazing community as well.

On Friday, October 14th, the Chihuly Exhibit closed it’s doors to the public from 6-8pm, allowing for a private more intimate atmosphere open to only the Signature residents and their guests. While the museum was closed, that doesn’t mean it was empty; The event summoned up an amazing turnout with upwards of 140 in attendance. Guests enjoyed great company, food & wine as well as a documentary on Dale Chihuly and a private tour of his installations & works residing in the St. Petersburg exhibit. Many attendees have already visited the museum but loved the opportunity to visit again with friends & neighbors. According to feedback from Scott Allen, “Those that visited the museum for the first time were thrilled and impressed.”

While the Newman & Allen Team continues grow their market share in the Bay area, they will never cease to take care of their community and the Signature residents. Scott claimed that “The Morean Arts Center’s relationship with [Smith & Associates Real Estate President/CEO] Bob Glaser (pictured above middle) was key to this event’s success”. However, we know that not only the event’s success but St. Petersburg as a whole would not be the same without he & Debbie either. The Newman & Allen Team is one of the top producing collaborations in the area, yet their humbleness is always present and genuine.

To see more photos from the event, click here. Have you attended one of the Newman/Allen events? What did you think?

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Smith Agents & Bay Area Residents are Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 17, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

Are you or someone you know making strides against breast cancer? If so, then you may be aware that October has officially been deemed “Breast Cancer Awareness Month“, meaning that communities come together, hosting events nationwide to celebrate lives that have been saved and to raise money in hopes of finding a cure.

This month, the American Cancer Society (ACS) encourages women to “Put on your pink bra and join us in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The pink bra is an empowering symbol of how personal the fight against breast cancer is. During our Making Strides events, a sea of participants in pink bras will join together to take up arms against the disease. This noncompetitive, 3.2-mile walk that celebrates breast cancer survivors and raises funds to save lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and fighting back.”

Smith & Associates Real Estate has formed a team to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 22nd and are accepting donations online at www.putonyourpinkbra.com. Look for Team Smith & Associates or drop off a check at our Tampa office (3801 Bay to Bay Blvd), made payable to “American Cancer Society, Making Strides.” Donations of all amounts are welcomed and any amount over $100 or more will get you an event t-shirt!

Tampa Realtor, Janet Mendez welcomes & encourages friends, family, survivors & and clients to decorate a pink bra, wear it over your t-shirt and join our team for the walk. It’s a great way to show your children & grandchildren how a lot of people doing a small part for a big cause makes for huge results!

Event Details
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Saturday, October 22, 2011
7:30am Registration
9:00am Walk Begins

Location:
St. Pete Times Forum
401 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602

A few fun facts on the American Cancer Society & why we are so eager to support them:

Helping people get well and stay well:
* The American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines are the gold standard for doctors and patients.
* Every 30 seconds someone calls the American Cancer Society and breast cancer is the top reason for calling. ACS provides support and information 24 hours a day via 800-227-2345 and online at cancer.org.
* The ACS is there with a sympathetic ear, cancer information, a ride to treatment, help accessing other resources in their community and many other services.

Finding Cures:
* The American Cancer Society has been involved in nearly every major breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer, helping make less radical surgery possible and finding lifesaving treatments such as Herceptin and Tamoxifen.
* ACS funds more research than any other nonprofit, next to the federal government.
* Fourty-four ACS funded researchers went on to win the Nobel Prize.
* The American Cancer Society invests more in breast cancer research than any other cancer type. Today, ACS invests $115 million in 220 breast cancer research projects nationwide and more than $6 million for 11 research initiatives in Florida.

Figthting Back:
* The American Cancer Society is the leading voice for cancer patients in the Florida capital as well as Capital Hill. Because of their advocacy, Florida developed two cancer research programs over the past decade and since just 200, has funded $7 million in breast cancer research.
* ACS is currently fighting for state funding to ensure ALL women in Florida have access to mammograms and breast cancer treatment.
* Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events bring communities together and give people a voice to fight back against the disease. The events raise both awareness and vital funding to make more progress and save lives.

If dropping off donations at the office, look for our “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” flags and for a $25 donation, a pink flamingo will be placed in our yard honoring or remembering a loved one of the donor’s choosing. Have you or someone you know fought the battle with breast cancer? What are your favorite supporting charities?

(Photos courtesy of American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer)

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Let’s Talk Facebook for iPad… October 12, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

The networking monster we call Facebook has completely changed the Social Media game. With over 750 million monthly active users world-wide, they seem to be ahead of the times when it comes to technology, except for in one area…the iPad. If you are anything like the majority of the Apple loving Social Media population, you have been (ever so patiently) waiting to work (possibly read lurk) on Facebook via iPad. Well, my friends, the day has come. Say goodbye to all of those 3rd party Facebook applications and the anti-touch screen capable website because today is a new day and you are getting the Facebook app for iPad right from the comfort of your Tampa home.

While this app looks very similar to the one that was previewed a few months back, to many it is new and absolutely fabulous. It is built in layers to keep everything clean and prevent the need to navigate away to an external source so users can watch videos, play games, browse photos and chat all at the same time without leaving the comfort of the application. There is also a swipe-down feature (similar to the iPhone app) that allows you to refresh your feed without much effort at all and a nifty little “nearby” section that actually pulls up a google map showing all of your closest friends…in the most literal sense possible. Not to mention, photo functionality is superb and you can now experience everything in HD.

Due to the longstanding anti-Flash view Apple has, this new exciting new Facebook app was developed in HTML5. What does that mean to all of us non-tech savvy folks? According to an article on Arctic Startup, “HTML5 allows the game play to continue across devices in a seamless fashion as users don’t need to install any specific apps. More concretely, you can play a game in the office, continue on your mobile as you walk towards the bus and take out your iPad and continue where you left off.” Not that I am promoting gaming at work but for those of you that have a little “free time” every now and then and a passion for Facebook games, this app is for you. Apparently having this HTML5 platform is quite revolutionary so keep an eye out for new games to come!

Of course there are always going to be things that need improvement. After all, it is only version 1. For us newbies, the layers can be a bit confusing. It is difficult to navigate at first use, however once you get the hang of it, it sticks. (we all know Facebook is ever changing though, so don’t go getting too attached). My personal biggest peeve is the inability to quickly share links and posts that you have seen on other users’ pages but in all honesty, it has been my only true complaint so far, making it an over all success in my book.

Have you tried the new Facebook iPad app yet? What did you like or dis-like? Would you benefit from an app that made it easier to find your next Tampa home?

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Morning Meetings Just Aren’t What They Used to Be. October 11, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

When thinking about a top of the morning sales meeting, the first sound you probably hear is a groan and attendance is often forced. At Smith & Associates Real Estate, however, we try to stand out from the crowd by making our Tuesday morning rituals a bit more entertaining while still delving into “the facts”. Being October, this month will feature a few exciting Tuesdays with a “Reality TV” costumed meeting and a pumpkin carving contest but we can talk about (and share fun pictures of) those later. A re-cap of today’s meeting is a good place to start…

Community involvement plays a huge role in Real Estate. Not necessarily because your community is filled with potential clients but because it is great to give back. With October not only comes fun meetings, but it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well. We have several agents participating in runs, walks and golf tournaments, but today we got to see the fruits of a particularly spectacular fundraiser…a bra decorating contest! Yes, you heard correctly. Two of our Tampa Realtors, Laurie Garrett and Janet Mendez (pictured right) modeled bras that they recently decorated at an event to honor all of the birthdays that have passed due to breast cancer research made possible by grants, donations and fundraisers nationwide. BRA-vo to them on their creative skills.

This Tuesday also gave us a chance to meet one of our newest staff members (whom you will be hearing from on the blog as well), our talented Relocation Director, Jane Gowarty (pictured left). Jane has been in Real Estate for the past 19 years, starting in land development and has spent the past 10 years focused on relocation. She will be the first point of contact for out of towners looking to call Tampa Bay home, introducing the city and learning about clients’ stories in order to match them up with a like-minded realtor. You may have seen Jane speak at several Leading Real Estate or Relocation conventions and we are excited to stand by her side as she continues to educate others on the importance of her department.

All in all, this has been a successful Tuesday. What are your favorite things about meeting with your colleagues and what kind of community involvement would you like to see from Smith in the future?

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Davis Islands, It’s Elementary, My Dear. October 10, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

At the mouth of the Hillsborough River, you will find one of the most sought after places to build a Tampa home, Davis Island. While many now know the area for the quaint, pet-friendly business district and the reported future 7 bedroom, 9 bath waterfront home of baseball phenomenon, Derek Jeter, among other celebrities, Davis Island possesses quite the historical back drop.

In the 1920′s, at the peak of Florida’s land boom, mud was dredged from the bottom of Tampa Bay in order to build two man-made islands atop two small natural islands. What was once known as “Little Grass Key” and “Big Grass Key” (they were grassy, I would presume) would now be called Davis Islands. This project was started by Tampa native D.P. Davis (pictured below) who purchased the newly dredged land for a whopping $350K with the intentions to build an elaborate resort community consisting of several hotels, a golf course, airport and swimming pool. Right as the land boom wound down, Davis sold 306 of the original lots for $1,683,582. Quite the profit.

The story gets interesting surrounding Davis’ alleged death on October 12, 1926. The last place D.P. Davis was seen was aboard The Majestic, a sister ship to the Titanic and the largest ship in the world at her time (pictured below), en route to Europe. Some claim he was at a party when he was blown overboard through one of the ships large portholes. Others claim he was alone with his girlfriend and it couldn’t have happened without force. Few think he was looking to jump. And, as a body was never recovered, many of us believe he was a modern day Machiavelli studying the Art of War and looking to free himself of his debts.

Many of the original Mediterranean-syle homes & structures still grace Davis Island and have been nationally deemed as Historical. As for D.P. Davis, if he isn’t still walking the Islands, unbeknownst to the world, may his soul rest in peace.

(Historical Photos courtesy of www.DavisIslandCivic.com)

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Tampa Bay Just Got Awesome October 5, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

And we mean that in the most literal way possible. According to their website, “the Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Sciences is an ever-growing, worldwide network of people devoted to forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe”. What does this mean exactly?

Well, there are several different chapters of the Awesome Foundation in cities all over the world including: Boston, New York, Montreal, Seattle, Sydney, DC, Berlin, San Francisco and our very own Tampa Bay. Ten different chair people local to the specific city will get together to form a board. Each month, the board members will donate $100 per person (in the name of awesomeness, of course) which makes up a $1,000 grant. Local residents will submit applications for awesome ideas they have to improve their city and the board members will vote on who gets the grant based off of the applications. Awesome, right?!

Some of the awesome ideas that have been funded in other cities are a monstrous colorful graffiti mural on the wall of a Boston school, a live re-inactment of the Indianna Jones and the Alley of Doom scene where locals get to play the role of Mr. Jones running from the gigantic boulder in DC (see photo to the right for a visual courtesy of the Awesome Foundation blog), polka-dots painted on top of San Francisco buildings to create the worlds largest game of connect the dots (picked up by Google Map satellites), and a winter Warmth project dedicated to keeping the homeless warm in Melbourne through backpacks filled with food, gloves, toothbrushes and information on assistance organizations.

The Awesome Tampa Bay chapter is brand spanking new, so they haven’t funded anything yet, however they are currently taking applications and eager to make our Tampa home more awesome than ever $1,000 at a time. For more information or to submit your ideas, visit their website at www.AwesomeTampaBay.org.

What awesome ideas do you have to improve Tampa Bay?

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Smart Phone, Smarter House October 4, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

Living in the age of smart phones, we have become accustom to having nearly everything at our fingertips. I always find myself in deep thought, wondering “what can I do with my handy little iPhone next?” Well now I know…

When driving down West Bay Way Place in Beach Park Isle, you may come across one of the most amazingly modern 3 bedroom 3.5 bath homes in the area. Not only does this fabulous Tampa home feature a 13 seat movie theater, air conditioned 1,700 sq ft garage with a 2 car lift, an elevator, and a state of the art kitchen with custom wood cabinetry and a dual sub zero refrigerator (and we are not talking about mortal combat here), but the majority of this fabulous man cave can be remotely controlled by none other than the iPhone 4 itself. Welcome to the future!

Forget to lock the doors, turn off the theater screen, shut the blinds or adjust the a/c before you left for work? No problem! And, just to be sure nothing fishy went on before you were able to lock up, you can check the footage from the 4 cameras watching the home….all from your iPhone via a special $50 app. Well worth the money.

While we haven’t found a way to beam you up to a listing appointment yet, Tampa Realtor, Larry Pollin would be happy to show you around until we do.

If controlling this Tampa rental with your iPhone is the present, what kind of stuff do you think we will see in the future? I’m seeing a viewing party…

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It’s a Hole-In-One Race for the Cure October 3, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

It’s that time of year. We are seeing Susan G Komen “3-day” banners, t-shirts, runners and walkers popping up everywhere and now we are seeing golfers too! On Sunday, October 9th, one of our very own Belleair Realtors, Ted Anderson will be sponsoring a hole and handing out goodie bags at the 6th Annual Bosom Buddies Forever Golf Classic. The event takes place at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club in Belleair and the proceeds will be given to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

If you have a heart for both golf and charity, then this 4-person scramble is for you. Entry is only $100 per person and includes green fees, golf cart, on-course beverages, awards, lunch, dinner and participant prizes. For $100, you can also promote your business and support the cause via hole sponsorship. Or if you’re feeling confident in both your company and your golf skills, for $450, grab a couple of work buddies for a Corporate Team and hole sponsorship combo.

Various local merchants will be donating items for participant goodie bags and there will be prizes given out for competitions including: hole-in-one, putting contest, closest to the pin on all par 3s and longest drive for men & women. If you show up in this awesome breast cancer awareness themed golf cart, I vote automatic win!

The shotgun start is at noon but be sure to leave your Belleair home with enough time to get there before 11am for open registration and a light lunch. Enjoy on-course drinks throughout the day and the award dinner will begin at 5:30pm. All in all, the day should be delightful. Nothing like a fun competition for a great cause to kick off the fall weather!

We do however, know competitions can get serious, so choose your team wisely…Who will you have on your side?

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Designer Thursday: We’re Crazy About Pumpkins! September 29, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

Fall is finally here and despite the fact that Florida doesn’t see much of a color change, we love a season that allows for pumpkin spice lattes and Smith-y orange foods, clothes and decorations!

When decorating for fall, what better to use than pumpkins: the most versatile little (or big) squash of all? There is just so much you can do with this fabulous food! After spending the morning researching cheap & easy DIY ways to decorate my St. Petersburg home , I wanted to share my findings with you.

Fall decorations don’t have to be difficult, which it is a huge relief when attempting to cram seasonal decorating into an already busy schedule. Prepping your Tampa home for Autumn can be as easy as filling your unused fireplace with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes (above), placing candles & lantern glass on top of mini pumpkins to be used as centerpieces, carving out the insides (baking the delicious seeds of course) & creating environmentally friendly flower pots and candle holders, or paint them shiny fall colors and add a few twigs and berries for an out-of-this-world front porch decoration (below).

If you want to make amazing and colorful fall foods, pumpkin ingredients are also a MUST in my book. (Did I mention baked pumpkin seeds yet?) You can easily edit your stuffed pepper recipe to read stuffed pumpkin, and how about these adorable bite-sized pies for your fall get together? (below) For a little extra fun, blend a slice of pie with a cup of milk (or milk replacement) & vanilla ice-cream then top it off with a pumpkin pie mini for a fantastic milkshake to share with friends. (recipe found here)

When it comes to pumpkins, pies and fall decor, whichever route you choose, you can’t go wrong. The beautiful colors pared with the breezy weather and a handful of pumpkin seeds make for the perfect start to an amazing season.

What’s your favorite simple ways to decorate for fall? Do you have a secret pumpkin pie recipe you’d like to share?

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Take a Load Off at the Tampa Bay Food & Wine Experience September 28, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

The Tampa Bay Food & Wine Experience grew from the four year Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival that once graced St. Pete Beach. The Experience will take place September 29th- October 2nd and will feature an array of amazing local cuisine and of course…wine! Talk about a great early start to the weekend.

The event will kick off tomorrow night with a delicious culinary dinner by one of Smith & Associates‘ favorite caterers, Mise en Place. For $65, attendees will joy a scrumptious four-course meal paired with southern Italian wine.

Don’t let the morning hangover set in because there will be even more fun happening on Friday! The invitation only Trade & Media Grande Experience Tasting will take place at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa where local delicatessens will make it onto the grid from 1-4pm followed by the Mini Treats evening soiree at the Creative Loafing space in Ybor from 8-11pm. The Mini Treats event is (surprise?) hosted by Mini Cooper and will share various delicious bite-size morsels (that according to their site will “will send you diving into the deep end of the delicious pool”) with the public for $45 per person. It may be fall, but this is Florida and I am ready to go swimming in that pool!

Everyone will reconvene at Curtis Hixon Park for The Grande Experience Tasting Saturday at 1pm, where you will wander around, wine glass in hand to experience the fruits of some of the world’s greatest wine makers. You will also have the change to explore each restaurant exhibit to sample some of the finest local food and attend one of the Grande Tasting Seminars to learn how to properly please your palate at home as well! (The Grande Experience will be $75 ahead of time & $85 at the door or get VIP entry an hour early for $100.) After a long day, head back to Mise En Place from 6pm-9pm for the After Glow & Trade Chill where, for just $15, you will enjoy appetizers and signature drinks while relaxing with new friends and old alike.

The Experience will go out with a bang at the (much needed) Jazz & Wine Maker Brunch at the Wine Exchange in Old Hyde Park Village (pictured right courtesy of unleashyourpalate.com). Allowing you to sleep in a bit after the weekend’s excitement, the event takes place from noon-3pm. For $65, enjoy what is said to be the best brunch in town- European style creations paired with the wines of Frog’s Leap Winery. Or step up to the Bloody Mary bar for the perfect cure to the morning after a wine filled weekend while listening to the soothing sounds of CBS Radio.

I don’t know about you but I am pretty sure I have made up my mind about this weekend’s plans and I am ready to start tomorrow! Get out of your Tampa Bay home for the weekend and join us at the Tampa Bay Food & Wine Experience! For more information or to purchase event tickets in advance, visit their website at http://www.unleashyourpalate.com/2011/ Are you coming or what?

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