Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

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Cypress Lakes - Active Adult Golfing Retirement Community in Lakeland Florida

Cypress Lakes - Active Adult Golfing Retirement Community in Lakeland Florida

Looking for manufactured homes in an active adult 55+ community?  Look no further...Cypress Lakes in Lakeland Florida has all the bells and whistles active adults can imagine. Located in North Lakeland just of Hwy 98 N when

Cypress Lakes - Lakeland Florida

 entering this community you are greeted by shining lakes, cypress tress and an array of well maintained manufactured home built primarily by Palm Harbor and manicured lawn that you never have to mow or remove snow as you make your way to the 24hr manned gated entrance and throughout this great community.

Cypress Lakes - Lakeland FL

Avid Golfer.... you are challenged by 2 picturesque 18-hole golf courses - Big Cypress South Champion Golf Course designed by Ron Garl - Big Cypress North Executive Golf Course designed by Chip Powel - both courses can place your skill level to test. Driving ranges and putting green are available to gain perfection in golfing.  Lessons are also available by on-staff resident Golf pros and a fully staffed pro shop.  Tournaments and leagues or taking place on a regular basis.

Cypress Lakes - Lakeland FL

Not a fan of Golf? There is plenty to do in the Cypress Lakes community where you can exercise body, mind, and spirit:

  • Zero entry pool
  • Two spas
  • Top notch Nautilus-equipped fitness center
  • Lap pool
  • Tennis courts
  • Lovely library and computers
  • Large ballroom with performances and gala events
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Media room
  • Big Cypress Restaurant for wine and dining
  • Barbecue area
  • Bocce and plenty of other vibrant activities
  • Newly renovated Mediterranian-Style Clubhouse, a hub for a vibrant gathering and much, much more.

The residents of this pet-friendly Cypress Lakes Golf Community in Lakeland FL enjoy active resort-style amenities filled with activities for all ages over 55 or if you just want to do nothing, feel free... you are retired!

Not all land is created equal and most of the manufactured homes in this community are lot rent only, however, if you are interested in a manufactured home, fell free to contact me and I will provide you a list of homes located in the Cypress Lakes Golf Community in Lakeland, Florida that are land owned.

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

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1 comment • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • August 31 2010 07:25PM

Lakeland Florida News – U.S. News & World Ranks Florida Southern College 8th In Southern Region

 

Lakeland Florida News – U.S. News & World Ranks Florida Southern College 8th In Southern Region

U.S. News & World ranked Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida 8th place in the Southern Region based on graduation, retention rates, faculty quality, class size.  


Florida Southern College - Lakeland Florida

Lakeland’s Florida Southern College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Methodist Church that offers outstanding liberal arts and science core, as well as great professional programs for business and the medical field.  Graduates of Florida Southern College become scientists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, business leaders, and volunteers contributing throughout our world.

And the buck doesn’t stop there!  Lakeland’s Florida Southern College, according to the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review, received top honors as one of the Nation’s Most Beautiful Campus.

A look back in History of Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College - Lakeland Florida

Florida Southern founded in 1883 originally named South Florida Institute, is the oldest private college in the State of Florida.  After several moves throughout Central Florida, Florida Southern College found its final destination in Lakeland, Florida in 1922.
Most notably – The 100-acres campus of Florida Southern College has the world largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright known as “Child of the Sun”, such as the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, Water Dome, and the Esplanades stretching along the campus grounds.  

Quick Facts according to Florida Southern College
Undergraduates: 2,185


Male/Female ratio: 41:59


In-state: 65%


Out of State: 35%


International: 4%


Student/Professor: 13:1


Mascot: Mocassins “Mocs”


Costs: Full-Time Residential $32,972 included tuition, fees room and board.


Full-Time Commuting $24,662 for tuition and fees


NCAA Div-II National Championships: 27
 Check out the video tour of Lakeland Florida and its beauty

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

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1 comment • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • August 18 2010 08:05PM

Looming Deadline to Appeal your Property Assessed Value in Florida

Looming Deadline to Appeal your Property Assessed Value in Florida

The property appraiser mails out Truth in Millage or TRIM Notices to Florida’s homeowners in mid-August.

Are you in disagreement with the assessed property value of your Polk County Florida home?
The Value Adjustment Board notices include three values
  • Market value
  • Assessed value
  • Taxable value
If you don’t agree with the market value, you have the right to appeal your tax assessment by filing a petition to the Value Adjustment Board.

Appeal Property ValueAn informal meeting is encouraged to have your estimation of the market value from the assessor’s property appraisal reviewed by going to the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office and discuss the matter. 

Filing a petition
You must file a “petition” in order to appeal before the Value Adjustment Board can hear your case.  Completed petitions must be filed with the Value Adjustment Board.  The non-refundable filing fee is $15 related to a single parcel, plus $5 for reach contiguous parcel.  The petition filing for single parcel in Polk County may also be filed online.

Timely Filing of Petition:
Petitions related to valuation issues may be filed at any time during the taxable year on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the TRIM notices of proposed property taxes. The Value Adjustment Board must receive the petition by the 25th day.
If a representative is acting on your behalf he or she must have written authorization from you the taxpayer, which also applies for immediate family members if their names are not on the deed.

Where to go, call or file in Polk County Florida?

Bartow Office
255 N. Wilson Ave Phone: 863-534-4777
Bartow, FL 33830 Fax: 863-534-4753
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)
 
Lakeland Office
912 E. Parker St. Phone: 863-413-2549
Lakeland, FL 33801 Fax: 863-413-2550
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Winter Haven Office
3425 Lake Alfred Rd. Phone: 863-401-2424
3 Gill Jones Plaza Fax: 863-401-2428
Winter Haven, FL 33881 Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (M-F)
 

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

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9 comments • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • August 11 2010 04:15PM

Lunch Date…not sure where to go – Give Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland FL a Try!

Lunch Date…not sure where to go – Give Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland FL a Try!

Recently I met with two wonderful ladies for lunch at Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, located on 205 E Main Street, Lakeland, Florida right across from Munn Park in downtown Lakeland.  

Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro - Lakeland Florida

I have been there on many occasions for a cup of coffee with a client or a gathering such as a tweetup, light dinner during First Fridays.  I have never been disappointed in their food or their service.

Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro - Lakeland Florida Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro - Lakeland Florida
  
Greeted by friendly staff who in no time served me the drink and provided me with their lunch recommendations.  There are plenty of choices for the most discriminating patron.  From the typical club sandwich and panini to the colorful Mediterranean Salad or a gourmet flat of Steak & Truffled Portobello at dinner with a vast selection for vegetarians.  

Albacore Tuna Salad Sandwich - Black & Brew Italian Chicken Panini - Black & Brew

I would go to my table where my lady friends waited.  The restaurant was rather full at lunchtime and to my surprise, lunch was served within ten minutes.  While reminiscing and eating we all were very pleased with our lunch selections.

The Mediterranean - Black & Brew


Next time when you are on a lunch date with friends, family or a client, give Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland, Florida a try.   Prices are reasonable too!

Business hours:
Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

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4 comments • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • August 10 2010 05:42PM

Lakeland Florida First Friday August 6th, 2010 - "Dog Days of Summer"

Lakeland Florida First Friday August 6th, 2010 - "Dog Days of Summer"
"Dog Days of Summer" is one of the most visited events of Lakeland Florida's First Fridays and the Lakeland Downtown Partnership has planned "Dog Days of Summer" successfully for six years now. This free family event will be held August 6th, 2010 downtown Lakeland around Munn Park from 6-9pm.

Lakeland FL First Friday - Dog Days of Summer
It is all about your pooches.... so leash up your four-legged family member, the evening is filled with fun and activities for the whole family and your dogs to enjoy.
  • Geodog Days of Summer and bandanas with your dog's paw prints at the General Store
  • Brooke Pottery - dog themed jewelry, junkyard dog garden sculptures and more 
  • Lakeland Police K-9 dogs - help support LPD K9 unit
  • Lakeland-Winter Haven Kennel Club - up close and personal with rare breeds, 
  • Live Music & Improv Comedy
  • Pooch Parade starts at 7:30 p.m. near Kentucky Avenue and Munn Park plus much, much more.....
Lakeland FL First Friday - Dog Days of SummerLakeland FL First Friday - Dog Days of SummerLakeland FL First Friday - Dog Days of Summer

Concerned about the hot weather....don't be! There will be plenty of water stations around and cool places in Munn Park for your four-legged friends to cool off. The SPCA and other dog groups will be there to lend a helping hand. Remember, Dog Days of Summer is in the evening from 6-9 p.m.


So bring your family and c'mon down to Lakeland and enjoy the activities filled for you and your pooches. Many streets are closed to accommodate the activities, plan to park in the Bay Street lot, Oak Street, or Main Street parking garage. Remember that Permit Only lots are FREE parking for the public after 5pm - take full advantage of the lots throughout Downtown Lakeland.

I'll see you there with my pooch "Sassie"

Lakeland FL First Friday - Dog Days of Summer

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

4 comments • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • August 04 2010 10:26AM

Reduced Lakeland FL Short Sale - 5920 Buck Run Drive

Reduced Lakeland FL Short Sale - 5920 Buck Run Drive - Deer Brooke Community - Southwest Lakeland

There are about 500 homes situated throughout the Deer Brooke neighborhood located in Southwest Lakeland.  It has a rural atmosphere with its tree lined scenery.  These homes were developed from the mid 1980's to present and currently range in price from the low $100's to $350's.  Deer Brooke community is surrounded by farms, horse farms, and homes with acreage.

 


View Larger Map
Lakeland FL Home for Sale - Short Sale!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood
$185,000
Single Family Home
For Sale
Main Features
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 2335 sqft
Lot: 0.40 acre(s)
Location
5920 Buck Run Drive
Lakeland, FL 33811

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:
Petra Norris

 Petra Norris

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. Real Estate Brokerage
(863) 619-6918
pnorris500@gmail.com
http://www.petranorris.com

       


Listed by: CDV TransAtlantic, Inc Real Estate Brokerage
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I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

3 comments • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • July 21 2010 04:05PM

Need a Vacation? Great Vacation Spot in Fort DeSoto FL

Need a Vacation? Great Vacation Spot in Fort DeSoto FL

Living in Central Florida and love to go camping using our travel trailer, it is not hard to find a spot to get away for a weekend or take a vacation.  My husband and I were in need of a vacation near the water and this year we decided camping over at Fort DeSoto Park's campground.  

Fort DeSoto Campground

Living in Lakeland FL, our weekend camping destinations are always less than two hours away and the State Parks, County Parks or Private Parks are a great get-a-ways for RVing and Camping in Florida.  Fort DeSoto's Park is located in Tierra Verde near St. Petersburg, Fl and it's park is being managed by Pinellas County, Florida Parks and Recreation.  

View Larger Map

Ft. DeSoto Park brings lots of amenities such as canoeing, fishing of the pier, swimming (Fort DeSoto Beach named America's Top Beach in 2009), dog park, biking, fitness trail and much, much, more...

During our vacation, we drove to St. Petersburg for the 4th of July fireworks, rented a boat to cruise, a jet ski to watch dolphins up close and personal, and fished near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 

Body, Mind, Spirit came to mind when I took these pictures watching the sunset over Fort DeSoto Beach at the Pier.

Sunset over Fort DeSoto Park


Sunset over Fort DeSoto Park


Sunset over Fort DeSoto Park

Next time you need a vacation, whether it is just for the weekend, a vacation or just to get away, consider the outdoors..... well not quite the outdoors since we graduated from a tent to a travel trailer.

Brown Pelican at Fort DeSoto

Greetings from Fort DeSoto - View of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while fishing

 

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

7 comments • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • July 20 2010 09:26AM

Lakeland FL 4th of July Celebration And A Whole Lot More

Lakeland FL 4th of July Celebration and a Whole Lot More

 

Lakeland FL 4th of July CelebrationLet me start out first with a “whole lot more” of events for this 4th of July weekend in this beautiful city of Lakeland, Florida.

 

Friday, July 2nd First Friday’s Sundown Celebration in Downtown Lakeland kicks off this great holiday weekend at 6:00 p.m. in and around Munn Park.  C’mon downtown Lakeland and start our country’s independence celebration with a family picnic filled with games and activities, such as bean bag toss, go fish, dunk tank, classic car shows, art and entertainment.

 

The highlight of the 4th of July celebration in Lakeland is the annual Red, White & Kaboom at Lake Mirror on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 starting at 6:00 p.m. with fantastic music by the popular band Williams Road. Bring your lawn chair and blankets for a great family evening with a brilliant fireworks display that is simply breathtaking. For your convenience, variety of vendors for drinks and food are located around Lake Mirror.  This is a free event with ample of parking in all city’s parking garages.

 

Lakeland FL 4th of July Celebration

 

This is not all folks, there is more…..

 

Lakeland’s Flying Tigers will host and All-American Red, White & The Blues 4th of July Celebration at Lakeland’s Joker Marchant Stadium, which kicks off with a Backyard BBQ at 1:00 p.m. with live music by the International Locals from 1:00-4:00 p.m., picnic, games, contests and fun. The Flying Tigers are up against the Dunedin Blue Jays in a Florida State League North Division.

 

A dueling fireworks display at the same time (9:15 p.m.) choreographed to patriotic music rounds out this fun filled weekend celebrating Independence Day on this 4th of July in Lakeland Florida.

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

1 comment • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • June 30 2010 11:10PM

Lakeland First Friday - Bicycle Night on June 4th 2010

Lakeland First Friday - Bicycle Night on June 4th 2010

Munn ParkThe Lakeland Downtown Partnership has done it again....coming up with great themes for First Fridays. Bicycle Night will be held June 4th, 2010 downtown Lakeland around Munn Park from 6-9pm. With every First Friday event held you can expect Art Reception, Dining, Entertainment, Classic Car Show and Stores open late.

If you happen to ride your bike around Lake Hollingsworth or cycling with your family around downtown, why don't you check out Bicycle Night and what it has in store for you:
Bicycle Night - First Friday June 4, 2010 - Lakeland FL
  • Unusual Bike Show from 7-9pm on N. Kentucky Avenue  
  • A kiddie bike course 
  • Decorating at the Exploration V Children's Museum
  • Bike Tricks - by Red Tail Racing, 
  • Roaming Stunt Riders and much, much more.....

Downtown Geocache Challenge - Lakeland FLHave you heard that with Bicycle Night, Downtown Geocache Challenge will officially kick off. What is geoaching? It is like a game of "hi-tech hide and seek", I'm sure you won't need a GPS system for this challenge and you can get the clues on S. Kentucky Avenue and pick up a tracking card at downtown Lakeland's General Store.

So bring your family and c'mon down to Lakeland and enjoy the activities filled with bicycles. Many streets are closed to accommodate the activities, plan to park in the Bay Street lot, Oak Street, or Main Street parking garage. Remember that Permit Only lots are FREE parking for the public after 5pm - take full advantage of the lots throughout Downtown Lakeland.

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

1 comment • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • June 03 2010 03:25PM

Lakeland FL Short Sale For Sale - 5920 Buck Run Drive Lakeland FL 33811

Lakeland FL Short Sale For Sale - 5920 Buck Run Drive Lakeland FL 33811

 

Beautifully Designed Home - Short Sale

5920 Buck Run Drive, Lakeland, FL 33811 View Map

This beautifully designed Lakeland Real Estate was built by Built-Well and is situated in the tree lined Deer Brooke community where you find no cookie cutter homes. The home features 4 bedrooms 2 baths, with a spacious kitchen, a breakfast bar and a separate laundry room that enhances the layout. Lovely large master bedroom suite with walk-in closets combined with a luxury master bath featuring large walk-in shower, garden tub and his and her vanity. The bedrooms are of nice size with space for your children belongings. The added bonus room upstairs is great for entertainment. A large open great room is the center for your family gatherings with french doors that lead you to the screened in lanai for your privacy, or inviting family and friends for a barbecue.

Details

Asking Price:
$195,000
MLS:
L4624870
Sq. Feet:
2335
Lot Size:
120x145
Bedrooms:
4
Bathrooms:
2
# of Floors:
2
Garage Size:
24x21
Subdivision:
Deer Brooke
Year Built:
2004

Property Amenities

    - Range/Oven
    - Sink Disposal
    - Microwave
    - Dishwasher
    - Satellite
    - Attic
    - Grass Lawn
    - Yard
    - Great Room
    - Central A/C
    - Central Heat
    - Walk-in closet
    - Tile floor
    - Bonus/rec room
    - Dining Room
    - Laundry area - inside
    - Covered Porch
    - Lanai - Screened

Community Amenities

    - Garage Parking

Contact Info

Petra Norris
Realtor



Cell 863-712-4207
Dir 863-619-6918
Email | Website


All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

1 comment • Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate, • May 18 2010 06:22PM