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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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Featured Friday: 636 Geneva Place October 7, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna

Enjoy the best of urban living at 636 Geneva Pl on desirable Davis Island. This immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow features over 1,300 sqft of amazing details and upgrades; Sit fireside while reading a book from your built in library casings or relax by the pool with friends amidst the lush tropical setting. Tampa Realtor, Elaine Weiner shared a few more of the luxuries you will enjoy from this fabulous Tampa home for sale.

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: This stylish 1949 Florida Bungalow is a hidden treasure on Davis Islands, tucked away in a lush Florida-friendly tropical garden setting. From the portico entry to the stone circular drive- this is a wonderful waterfront pool home situated on a wide curve of Currituck Channel leading directly to the bay.

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A: The home’s completely renovated and fully equipped kitchen and up to date baths allow you to move right into luxury. The living room and den feature walls of detailed built-ins with a beautiful rustic finished fireplace.

Q: What amazing views will ho be able to enjoy?

A: The contemporary glass french doors across the back of the Tampa home open to sparkling deep free form pool surrounded by travertine. Relax and enjoy the view overlooking the waterfront in your tropical garden setting.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell us about this home?

A: The Davis Island home features a detached 8×16 “boathouse” studio with wood interior and vaulted beamed ceiling providing private respite. The 29.8 x 11.8 finished dock with davits is ideal for boating and relaxing. This urban jewel is most affordable Davis Islands waterfront at $520k.

This fabulous property at 636 Geneva Pl, Tampa, FL 33606 is nothing short of perfection. Contact Elaine today to arrange a showing!

About Elaine:

With almost 40 years of local real estate experience, Tampa realtor, Elaine Weiner has gained a vast knowledge of the area she calls home. Priding herself on her unparalleled marketing techniques and personalized service, Elaine is the top choice for any buyer or seller.

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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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Feature Friday: 3101 West Fair Oaks Avenue September 30, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna

Today’s featured property is a beautiful Spanish Mediterranean home located at 3101 W Fair Oaks Ave. This spacious 3,651 sqft South Tampa home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a 2 car garage and sits just one block away from Tampa‘s infamous Bayshore Boulevard. St. Pete Realtors Debbie Newman & Scott Allen shared a few details on this beautiful house:

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: The expansive great room and kitchen makes this the ideal home for entertaining and cooking. Custom surround sound acoustics and scene lighting will make you feel like you’re in a movie theater on family movie night!

Q: Can you describe the architectural style of the home?

A: This Tampa home is a classic Mediterranean style perfected by builder Devonshire Custom Homes. Enjoy of clean lines, open spaces and lot’s of light.

Q: What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?

A: The home is located in the heart of South Tampa, just a block from Bayshore Blvd. Downtown Tampa is minutes away and a commute to downtown St. Petersburg is under 30 minutes!

Q: Does the community have any amenities we should know about?

A: Grocery shopping, restaurants and the local YMCA are less than 5 minutes away – some restaurants within walking distance! The annual Gasparilla parade, Children’s parade and fireworks show all within quick walking distance.

Q: Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?

A: This is an ideal home for “man’s best friend”! The current owners have installed electronic “doggie” doors that are controlled by remote sensor in dog’s collar so they can access the gated side yard on their own!

If you are looking for a family (and pet) friendly home in the Bay area, look no further than 3101 W Fair Oaks Ave, Tampa FL 33611. Contact the Newman/Allen Team to take a personal tour!

About The Newman/Allen Team:

Known for their integrity, discretion and the complete sell out of Signature Place, one of downtown St. Pete‘s luxury high-rises, St. Pete Realtors Debbie Newman & Scott Allen are quite the dynamic duo. The two joined forces in 2003 and and have experience working with all sides of the industry from investors and developers to maintaining relationships with past clients and local residents. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or learn more about the Bay area, The Newman/Allen Team are here to help!

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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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Introducing Grand Central at Kennedy September 27, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

Grand Central at Kennedy is one of Smith & Associates‘ premier high rises in downtown Tampa located on Kennedy Boulevard between Meridian Avenue and Channelside Drive. Homeowners can enjoy prime urban living (without the out of this world price tag that normally accompanies) while still feeling right at home.

Some of the luxury amenities Grand Central has to offer are people-friendly pools and expansive sundecks, private cabanas, social greens and outdoor grills, clubhouses, fitness centers, jogging paths, pet walks, 24/7 security, concierge service, and covered parking. But the great thing about this downtown Tampa location is that internal amenities are not all they have to offer. Hop on the elevator and within moments, you can enjoy fabulous dining, the Powerhouse Gym, a locally owned dry cleaner, and various professional offices. According to their blog, Grand Central is always “actively pursuing additional retailers and specialty stores slated for future occupancy, including a large-scale grocer.” So there is more excitement to come!

Amenities and material greatness is not all you will find ant Grand Central at Kennedy. They are fully equipped with an amazingly knowledgeable team ready to assist you in finding your next Tampa home. Let’s meet the Grand Central Sales Team:

Dominique Despointes – After spending five years as the National Sales Manager for Opus Imports, Dominique needed a change. In 2003 he began his career working for The Condo Store selling luxury condos from downtown to the beaches. While working for them, he was the Sales Manager for Several Tarragon Corporation properties all around the Tampa area. His most recent project Majestic Point Condominiums on Island Estates sold out in four months.

David B. Moyer – David graduated from Saint John Fisher College with Honors. He joined Smith & Associates Real Estate over 7 years ago, and has closed over 500 homes, including but not limited to, Towers of Channelside, Box Factory, Victory Lofts, Meridian, One Bayshore, Art Center and Christainsted. He explores and constantly broadens his services and experiences through education. He is extremely active in the Downtown Tampa community.

The Grand Central Sales Team is available 7 days a week at 813.226.8735. These units are selling quickly and have some AMAZING last minute deals going on! Give them a call or visit http://grandcentralatkennedy.com to see one of these fabulous condos today!

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History Appreciation: The Tampa Theatre September 26, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

I cannot walk through downtown Tampa without taking pictures of the ever so amazing Tampa Theatre. (literally…EVERY time) As I look at the brick walls and well lit vintage sign, I can’t help but revert back to my younger ways of make-believe and pretend it is the 1920′s. My hair is perfectly put together in a tight knit finger wave bob, I have my 25 cents and my husband and I are going on a date to see the silent film. Well, I declare!

So, when I come back to reality and realize it is 2011, we are walking to Pizza Fusion in the Skypoint building, and I am daydreaming in the middle of the street, camera in hand, tourist style, I quickly come to. I do however continue to appreciate the beauty that one historical building can bring to an area filled with modern luxuries.

According to an article in the October 15, 1926 Tampa Tribune, Theatre architect John Eberson was quoted on how he got the magnificent idea for the design of the Tampa Theatre. “I have been wintering in Florida for the past several years, and it is from this state that I got the atmospheric idea. I was impressed with the colorful scenes that greeted me at Miami, Palm Beach and Tampa. Visions of Italian gardens, Spanish patios, Persian shrines and French formal gardens flashed through my mind, and at once I directed my energies to carrying out these ideas.” And we sure are glad he carried them out. A city is always much more fun when filled with history and beauty- just another amazing reason to appreciate our Tampa Bay home.

A few fun facts & vintage photos I found on the Tampa Theatre website:

Opened: October 15, 1926
Architect: John Eberson
Architectural Style: Florida Mediterranean (includes touches of Italian Renaissance, Byzantine, Spanish, Mediterranean, Greek Revival, Baroque, and English Tudor)
Original Construction Cost: $1.2 million
Restoration Costs, to date: $2 million
First Movie: “The Ace of Cads” starring Adolph Menjou (silent film)
Opening Night Ticket Price: 25 cents
Acquired by the City of Tampa: 1976
National Register of Historic Places: 1978
Tampa City Landmark: 1988
Longest Employment Tenure: 45 years 1926-71 (Blondelle Gladney, box office cashier)
Seats: 1,446
Annual Events: 600+
Average Annual Attendance: 150,000+
Programming: specialty film, classic movies, concerts, special events, corporate events, field trips, weddings, graduations, production location, tours

If you are looking for something to get you out of your Tampa home, support local history. Check out the upcoming events at the Tampa Theatre by visiting their site at www.TampaTheatre.org.

Have you ever been to the Tampa Theatre? What is your favorite historical monument in the Bay area?