Key West and Monroe county to have own wind rates
from the 4/22 Key West Citizen
Citizen Staff The governor and Cabinet on Friday approved a pilot project for windstorm insurance that will treat the Florida Keys differently than the rest of the state. Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said Citizens Property Insurance Corp. no longer will base Monroe County's rates on what the top 20 insurance companies charge. By law, Citizens had to charge more so it didn't compete with private companies. Citizens has no competition in the Keys. Although two companies provide policies, it is only when Citizens transfers them out. Citizens will base its rates on actuarial studies instead. McCarty told the governor and Cabinet that he rejected Citizens' first actuarial rates and next week will ask the corporation to submit new rates within 30 days. "The rates will stay where they are until the filing," McCarty said.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Building a Home in the Florida Keys
Building a Home in the Florida Keys
Buying a lot and building your dream home may be the way to go. The cost of building will vary widely from $50.00 per square to $300.00 and up.
Basically lots in Florida as far as price goes will run as follows.
Most expensive
• Open-water—Atlantic or Gulf
• Open-water Inter-Coastal or other Rivers-Lakes
• Canal Homes with Open water views (Bay or Atlantic-Gulf)
• Canal homes-Boat able and quick access to open-water
• Dry Lots—price widely varies based on the community and area.
*As to canal lots and how boat ability affects prices.
If the depth of the canal and the width allows for a 50ft boat or sailboat-it will be more expensive than a lot on a canal that is shallow and usually not as wide. The bigger the boat, the more room needed to turn around.
*Access to open water is another factor that influences prices.
If you’re only minutes (half hour) to good fishing-diving, expect to pay more.
Also homes on shorter canals will generally have better water quality. In the Keys we call these swimming canals. The tides flush them out easier and the water is clear.
As of September 2005, per an MLS search,
Vacant lots-Location-Number available and starting price.
• Key Largo, 89 starting at $30,000
• Marathon, 446, starting at $35,000
• Key West 20, starting at $275,000
For prices on the individual keys see the real Estate section and contact a REALTOR. The prices will vary depending on depth of boating etc—see information below.
Permit prices and restrictions will vary in each community. Generally the more environmentally sensitive the area is, the more restrictions there are in getting a permit. (Since the water is one of the main reason people want to be here, the state and the communities want to keep it that way.
Important:
Regarding pricing. The closer to the water and the deeper the boating,(boat draft-a 50 foot requires deeper water and wider canals than a flats boat) the higher the prices.
Another thing to do is find out what flood zone the property is in per FEMA maps and then talk to a local insurer on how that will affect your rates. Do this ahead of time.
#In all cases if you find a lot that you like, my suggestion is that you ask for a letter of build ability from the local zoning commission as a clause in your sales contract. Always-always, talk with the county yourself to get the update on the laws.
So, yes, you can build here and it’s done all the time, but make sure you ask all the necessary questions and if you can, get it in writing.
Buying a lot and building your dream home may be the way to go. The cost of building will vary widely from $50.00 per square to $300.00 and up.
Basically lots in Florida as far as price goes will run as follows.
Most expensive
• Open-water—Atlantic or Gulf
• Open-water Inter-Coastal or other Rivers-Lakes
• Canal Homes with Open water views (Bay or Atlantic-Gulf)
• Canal homes-Boat able and quick access to open-water
• Dry Lots—price widely varies based on the community and area.
*As to canal lots and how boat ability affects prices.
If the depth of the canal and the width allows for a 50ft boat or sailboat-it will be more expensive than a lot on a canal that is shallow and usually not as wide. The bigger the boat, the more room needed to turn around.
*Access to open water is another factor that influences prices.
If you’re only minutes (half hour) to good fishing-diving, expect to pay more.
Also homes on shorter canals will generally have better water quality. In the Keys we call these swimming canals. The tides flush them out easier and the water is clear.
As of September 2005, per an MLS search,
Vacant lots-Location-Number available and starting price.
• Key Largo, 89 starting at $30,000
• Marathon, 446, starting at $35,000
• Key West 20, starting at $275,000
For prices on the individual keys see the real Estate section and contact a REALTOR. The prices will vary depending on depth of boating etc—see information below.
Permit prices and restrictions will vary in each community. Generally the more environmentally sensitive the area is, the more restrictions there are in getting a permit. (Since the water is one of the main reason people want to be here, the state and the communities want to keep it that way.
Important:
Regarding pricing. The closer to the water and the deeper the boating,(boat draft-a 50 foot requires deeper water and wider canals than a flats boat) the higher the prices.
Another thing to do is find out what flood zone the property is in per FEMA maps and then talk to a local insurer on how that will affect your rates. Do this ahead of time.
#In all cases if you find a lot that you like, my suggestion is that you ask for a letter of build ability from the local zoning commission as a clause in your sales contract. Always-always, talk with the county yourself to get the update on the laws.
So, yes, you can build here and it’s done all the time, but make sure you ask all the necessary questions and if you can, get it in writing.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Florida Keys Transportation
Florida Keys Transportation
Due to it’s location, the Keys can seem hard to get to and from. However, that’s the way most of the locals like it.
If there were 6 roads coming in here we’d be inundated. Whatever your form of transportation though, when you get here you’ll be glad you cameStatistics:
There is one major Highway in, US Highway 1
Automobile
• US 1
Driving distances throughout Florida from Key West
• Daytona 405
• Fort Lauderdale 177
• Jacksonville 493
• Miami 155
• Orlando 371
• Pensacola 792
• Tampa 387
For driving distances to other Florida and US locations go to: http://www.ersys.com/usa/12/1216525/distance.htmAutomobile
Air
• Key West International Airport, 3491 S Roosevelt, Key West.....305 296-5439
• Cape Air.....305 293-0603
• Delta, Reservations & Information.....800 221-1212 Key West-Atlanta
• Cape Air.......800 352-0714 Key West-Ft Meyers-Naples-Ft Lauderdale
• Continental Connection.....305 294-9460 800 523-3273
• Florida Coastal Airlines.....305 296-9725
• Marathon Airport, Marathon.....305 743-2155
• Paradise Jet Support......305 743-4222
Other:
• Conch Air Bi-Plane Rides.....305 289-5558
• Coral Reef Air Tours.....305 747-2249
• Paradise Air.....305 289-0007
• Tropical Fighters.....305 743-4222
• Sugarloaf Key
• Fantasy Dan's Airplane Rides, US Hwy 1.....305 745-2217
Key West
• Air Key West.....305 923-4033
• Aviation Alternatives.....305 248-1100
• Aviator Services Inc.....305 292-6402 (877) 700-7755
• Cape Air, 3491 S Roosevelt Blvd.....305 293-0603
• Island Aeroplane Tours, 3471 S Roosevelt Blvd.....305 294-8687
• Seaplanes of Key West/Dry Tortugas Trips, 3471 S. Roosevelt Blvd
• 305 294-0709 800 950-2FLY
Bus
• Greyhound Lines
• Makes numerous scheduled stops between Miami International Airport and the Keys, including Key Largo. 1-800-231-2222 or 305-296-9072.
Ocean
• The Key West Bight Ferry Terminal.
• The Key West express
• Travels between Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island on Florida's Gulf coast. The trip takes approximately 3.5 hours.
• For information go to http://www.keywestshuttle.com/
Cruise ships
• Arrive daily from all over the USA-
• Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean all visit Key West on cruises ranging in length from four to 14 days. Not only from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa, but also from such distant ports as Houston and Galveston, Texas, and even Boston.
Wouldn’t it be nice to go on vacation and never go back. In the keys you can live the dream.
Due to it’s location, the Keys can seem hard to get to and from. However, that’s the way most of the locals like it.
If there were 6 roads coming in here we’d be inundated. Whatever your form of transportation though, when you get here you’ll be glad you cameStatistics:
There is one major Highway in, US Highway 1
Automobile
• US 1
Driving distances throughout Florida from Key West
• Daytona 405
• Fort Lauderdale 177
• Jacksonville 493
• Miami 155
• Orlando 371
• Pensacola 792
• Tampa 387
For driving distances to other Florida and US locations go to: http://www.ersys.com/usa/12/1216525/distance.htmAutomobile
Air
• Key West International Airport, 3491 S Roosevelt, Key West.....305 296-5439
• Cape Air.....305 293-0603
• Delta, Reservations & Information.....800 221-1212 Key West-Atlanta
• Cape Air.......800 352-0714 Key West-Ft Meyers-Naples-Ft Lauderdale
• Continental Connection.....305 294-9460 800 523-3273
• Florida Coastal Airlines.....305 296-9725
• Marathon Airport, Marathon.....305 743-2155
• Paradise Jet Support......305 743-4222
Other:
• Conch Air Bi-Plane Rides.....305 289-5558
• Coral Reef Air Tours.....305 747-2249
• Paradise Air.....305 289-0007
• Tropical Fighters.....305 743-4222
• Sugarloaf Key
• Fantasy Dan's Airplane Rides, US Hwy 1.....305 745-2217
Key West
• Air Key West.....305 923-4033
• Aviation Alternatives.....305 248-1100
• Aviator Services Inc.....305 292-6402 (877) 700-7755
• Cape Air, 3491 S Roosevelt Blvd.....305 293-0603
• Island Aeroplane Tours, 3471 S Roosevelt Blvd.....305 294-8687
• Seaplanes of Key West/Dry Tortugas Trips, 3471 S. Roosevelt Blvd
• 305 294-0709 800 950-2FLY
Bus
• Greyhound Lines
• Makes numerous scheduled stops between Miami International Airport and the Keys, including Key Largo. 1-800-231-2222 or 305-296-9072.
Ocean
• The Key West Bight Ferry Terminal.
• The Key West express
• Travels between Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island on Florida's Gulf coast. The trip takes approximately 3.5 hours.
• For information go to http://www.keywestshuttle.com/
Cruise ships
• Arrive daily from all over the USA-
• Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean all visit Key West on cruises ranging in length from four to 14 days. Not only from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa, but also from such distant ports as Houston and Galveston, Texas, and even Boston.
Wouldn’t it be nice to go on vacation and never go back. In the keys you can live the dream.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Key West and the Keys Recreation
Key West and the Florida Keys Outdoors and Recreational Opportunities
Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
• 47 Marinas
• 13 Parks,
• 3 Golf Courses
• 10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps
•
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below
• http://www.floridastateparks.org/FndaParkRegion.cfm?Dist=Southeast
Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats
Other places to visit.
• Audubon House- original Audubon engravings (not Audubon's residence)
• Conch Tour Train-
• Curry Mansion Inn - 305 294-5349 511 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Haitian Art Co. - 305 296-8932, 600 Francis St., Key West FL 33040
• Heritage House Museum - 305 296-3573, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Historic Seaport at Key West Bight.
• Key West Aquarium - 1 Whitehead St., Mallory Market
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Custom House - 281 Front Street, Key West FL 33040
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502. Built in 1829. This is Key West's oldest house.
Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
• 47 Marinas
• 13 Parks,
• 3 Golf Courses
• 10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps
•
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below
• http://www.floridastateparks.org/FndaParkRegion.cfm?Dist=Southeast
Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats
Other places to visit.
• Audubon House- original Audubon engravings (not Audubon's residence)
• Conch Tour Train-
• Curry Mansion Inn - 305 294-5349 511 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Haitian Art Co. - 305 296-8932, 600 Francis St., Key West FL 33040
• Heritage House Museum - 305 296-3573, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Historic Seaport at Key West Bight.
• Key West Aquarium - 1 Whitehead St., Mallory Market
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Custom House - 281 Front Street, Key West FL 33040
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502. Built in 1829. This is Key West's oldest house.
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