Life In Bonita Springs

Check out this handy dandy website! Florida Realtors, Bonita Springs, Florida Homeowners and Florida Home Buyers - rejoice!

Shop and Compare Rates Dot Com

Because many Bonita Springs, Florida homeowners are finding it difficult and frustrating to compare the cost of homeowners insurance this site was set up as a starting point compare rates and to demonstrate the importance of shopping around. This is a one stop shop to find the coverage and terms you need to protect your home. Whether you're a current home owner or in escrow to purchase this is THE easiest way to compare rates.

Use the table below to help shop and compare rates for your Bonita Springs home or condo. Check out the HUGE disparity in rates between Insurance Companies for a typical Lee County Residence, $150,000 - Citizens is the State run Insurance company, by the way. Looks like State Farm isn't "wild" about insuring in Florida.

Lee County

If you're in the market to secure an insurance policy for a Bonita Springs or Estero Home, Contact Jones & Jones Insurance. They're on Bonita Beach Road. 239-498-6499

The Residences at Coconut Point

Coconut Point Mall is a Simon Mall built near the city line between Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida on US 41. It is accessible from Tamiami Trail - US 41 and Coconut Road with access roads built behind and around the entire facility. Click the link if you are looking for a Coconut Point Mall directory map. The official site of the mall is here.

By popular demand and special request from one of our northern Michigan friends I took a trip through Coconut Point which includes The Coconut Point Mall, The Residences at Coconut Point and Rapallo. A buyer of one of The Residences condos by Kosene and Kosene (which are mixed use and built at the mall) lives thousands of miles away and wants to see what stage the development is in. We chatted for about 20-30 minutes this morning and I told him I'd be in the area and it wouldn't be a big deal at all to take some new photos to share. He was my third call in so many days asking about the Residences at Coconut Point.

Unfortunately, the sun hasn't cooperated for two straight days. Bummer, it's cloudy in Bonita Springs but the work still goes on. They're wrapping up the buildings right now.

The streets have opened and most of the construction materials, dumpsters and supplies have been removed from the site. The gates to under building parking are closed and locked. The Residences pool is full and sparkling. The mall is just as busy as ever. You'll notice that the photos of the shopping area have apartments over them in some areas.

Call today if you're interested in finding a condominium home at The Residences at Coconut or more information about availability at The Residences. A complete list of Residences at Coconut Point is listed below:

Year after year, Bonita Springs' Lovers Key makes the short list of Florida's most popular state parks.

With near perfect beaches, trails and boat ramp, the Bonita Springs Park ranked as the fourth most popular destination among the 160 parks and historic sites in the entire state park system. Lovers Key State Park saw more than 850,000 visitors between July of last year and the end of June.

Those figures weren't enough to top the visitor counts at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, though.

• With 975,000 visitors, Honeymoon Island broke the attendance record Lovers Key set in the 2005-06 season and has yet to top: 970,000 visitors.
• St. Andrews State Park in Panama City and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo also had attendance figures that edged out Lovers Key this year.

This was a record-setting year for the Florida Park System. There were 19.5 million visitors to parks around the state, up from last year's figures.

Attendance at Bonita Springs Lovers Key is imprecise. At the park's northern access point, for instance, fees are collected on the honor system and attendance is self-reported. The entire island is also accessible by boat with no paid or recorded access for boaters.

Park attendance at Bonita Springs, Estero and North Naples areas.

• Lover's Key State Park, Bonita Springs - Fort Myers Beach: 850,000 (approx.)
• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples: 461,819
• Koreshan State Historic Site, Estero: 64,585
• Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero: 11,708
• Mound Key Archeological State Park, Estero: 3,283

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Dolly's Restaurant Bonita Beach Road

The next best thing to eating at home or eating at your Mom's house is at a local place. You know one of those joints that all the local yokels hang out at. It's a meeting place of sorts for all sorts of people. Dolly's on Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs is that place.

Today, I stopped in for lunch with "goofy Brad - the landscaper" and Al Gorithm. I got my regular "salad sandwich" (hold the onions & side of onion rings. It's my own private Idaho) and listened to the toils and troubles of Brad, the would-be farmer. He just bought some acreage in Golden Gate that he's working on. He's not really had to deal with the perils of wooded land before and has gone through a variety of rashes, bites, stings, cuts, tick, tick removal, some sort of chicken parasite and he's had to deal with a white cat with ½ a head - the likes of which belonged in a Steven King novel. It's kind of like "Green Acres" but Brad isn't married to a city girl.

This may sound like disgusting conversation for a lunch table, but:

1. We know and expect this from Brad.
2. Brad is funnier than all-get-out.
3. The environment leads to comfortable conversation between friends, even if it's skeevy subject matter.

I snapped some pictures that, of course, won't do it justice. Where else in Bonita Springs can you dine in a restaurant that is always crowded that doesn't take reservations? The original building was a fine Bonita Springs motel at one time. I'd suspect the ‘50's. Next time you're there, check out the ceiling. You can figure the floor plan and where the bathroom was. The doors are still installed and chain locked and painted shut across the front of the building. It's a time capsule, a little bit of Bonita Springs history.

Other highlights include:

• None of the chairs really match.
• Most of the tables do not match.
• None of the dishes match.
• None of the silverware matches.
• I think the drinking glasses match.
• There are home made craft pictures from about the 7-8^th grade art class.
• Adopted, framed needle point artwork.
• A Christmas wreath is still on the wall - and plugged in!
• There is a table of 100% authentic home made pies and cookies to eat in or take home.
• The potted plants on the window sill are in abandoned electric coffee pots.
• You can buy farm fresh "grown in Bonita Springs" tomatoes out front on your way home. Not really, the tomatoes are probably from Immokalee.

Dolly's is THE place to see and be seen in Bonita Springs, Florida. Accept no substitutions.

A (not from Bonita Springs) friend of mine that I met on the Active Rain network sent me this photo tour in an email.  Thank you, Karen Rice for sharing your seasons with us.  It had probably never occurred to her that most people in other parts of the country don't always get to see snow and fall leaves.  Karen was gracious enough to let me share her tour with you here, in Bonita Springs.

Bonita Springs does have sublte season changes, but most people don't really notice.  I actually live on a preserve with maple trees, so I do see spring and fall.  No snow, thankfully. 

If you're living in the Bonita Springs - Estero area and you've been living here for a while you might find yourself missing the big season changes.  If you're from this midwest this might be just for you; fall leaves, snow on apples.  Enjoy!  Your comments are welcome below.

Just north of Bonita Springs in Estero, Florida you'll find the Estero Community Park and Recreation Center. Estero Community Park is the largest facility within the Lee County Parks and Recreation system.  The community center is located in Estero Florida on Corkscrew Road, midway between US 41 and Three Oaks Parkway. 

The Estero Community Park encompasses 55 acres and houses 2 bocce courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 3 sand volleyball courts, shelters of varying sizes, a children's play area, 4 lakes, a 5K cross country course, a tortoise preserve, an outdoor amphitheater along with a 40,000 sq/ft. recreation center and an off leash dog park.

Those of you who looking for a place to take man's best friend now have a brand new, safe and FREE facility to take the entire family; including Fido, for an afternoon of fun.  The dog area is located near the playground area on the east side of the complex.  There is ample parking, large trees for shade and a multi-gated entry and exit system to keep your four-legged loved one from sneaking through the gate and escaping. 

Dogs are everywhere!  It's great just to be a spectator. 

If you're going to visit dog park with your dog, remember:

• Dogs must be vaccinated and have their license.
• Dogs must be on leash outside of the run.
• No aggressive dogs.
• Clean up after your dog.

Thank you!  Please leave a comment if you've visited the site or you're the volunteer models at the park.

• For other local parks also read:  Lee County Parks 
• To find Lee County Parks with boat Ramps also read:  Bonita Springs Boat Ramps 
• Learn more about dog friendly facilities:  Dog Beach Bonita Springs

Housing discrimination is alive and well and happing in a city near you. It can be found in every city, undoubtedly even in sunny Bonita Springs, Florida.

What did these bikes do that they are not permitted to live inside the bike corral at Bonita Springs Middle School?

In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

Race or Color - Notice that there are no pink bikes on the "outside" of the fence.

National Origin - Is it only the bikes that were made in China that are not allowed to live there?

Religion - Clearly the rust bike on the left is Muslim you can tell by the fabric the seat is made out of, right?

Familial Status - Families with Children Under 18 or Pregnant - It's obvious to me the yellow bike on the right has a fuller frame than the rest, clearly with child. This is NOT a 55+ adult corral, for the record.

Disability - Do only the "outside" bikes have rusty chains?

If you're thinking that this is ridiculous and some of the accusations are speculative you need to know that real life fair housing violations are quite similar. The only difference between the example of bikes and "real" people is wheels versus feet. The only difference between this happening in Anytown, USA and the Bonita Springs Area is just geography.

If you're a Bonita Springs homeowner or a landlord you need to know that your real estate agent cannot screen tenants or buyers for you with regard to the protected classes listed.

Finally, if you think you're a victim of housing discrimination in Bonita Springs contact HUD to file a complaint.

To learn more about housing discrimination and the rights of tenants and buyers of real estate visit the official HUD website.

Home is where you hang your heart.  Does it matter what the shape of the home is?

Located in South Fort Myers, Florida just a few miles north of Bonita Springs is the New University Pyramid Park.  Pyramid Park is a quaint development of homes in unique shape, form and design.  The shape and location of the pyramid structures is said to bring vitality and wellness to those who dwell in the homes.  The buildings are specifically arranged in such a manner around the lake to receive optimum alpha and omega waves.  Additionally, the spring fed lake is said to also offer wellness properties.

Although there are influences of Beethoven, including an enormous statue bust in his likeness at the entry, it is not certain how it relates to the project.  The Pyramid Park website does not elaborate on that facet of the project.  There is also a huge statue of a head near the pool and faux beach; however, I don't know whose likeness it is. 

The homes are built to be storm resistant.  The construction is said to be more economical than typical building styles.  The construction is the only known of its style in Southwest Florida.

Pyramid Village currently has a couple dozen residences, a large community lake/pool with sand beaches, children's play areas and a cabana bar area.

The residences at Pyramid Village can be rented for both short and long term vacation rentals at this time and market primarily to the European vacationer.  Check out their site to learn more about the Pyramid Village.

If living or vacationing in a Pyramid isn't your cup of tea rest assured that the Fort Myers and Bonita Springs area offers a variety of homes that will surely suit your personal style. 

Where should you spend a Saturday afternoon in Bonita Springs, Florida?  If you're not boating or taking in the parks and Bonita Springs  landmarks you should make an effort to visit Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs.

Barefoot Beach is located at the south end of Barefoot Beach Blvd.  Follow Bonita Beach Road east until you almost reach the gulf, turn left at the traffic light that is Barefoot Beach Blvd.  Barefoot Beach Preserve is a park that charges a small fee to enter, but it's worth it.  There are excellent facilities that include showers, restrooms, snack and beverage center, kayak and umbrella rentals and the park are has ramps and walks so it is easily accessible for those physically challenged or those pushing strollers.

Barefoot Beach Preserve is over 340 acres of designated gopher tortoise preserve.  You'll see them everywhere.  Be mindful to check under your car before you back out and never put them in the water, as they cannot swim.

A map to the park is located: Map

Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.  Trash and debris (even cigarette butts) endanger the future of species at the preserve.

Other nearby beaches include:

• Wiggins Pass State Park
• Lover's Key State Park
• Bonita Beach
• Dog Beach at Lover's Key (pet friendly)

A few weeks ago I received a phone call. The gentleman on the other end of the phone had read an article on CNN Money, regarding real estate auctions in Southwest Florida. He was particularly interested in an auction that involved a developer liquidating some standing, surplus inventory.

After I explained that the auction was last week I questioned him as to what he was looking for. Of course, killer deal, great investment, a steal were all terms that he used. I went on to explain that the Bonita Springs real estate market and the inventory on hand provides for a "killer deal" in almost any Bonita Springs neighborhood. It all depends upon equity the seller has or the amount a seller is willing to sell short, plus the buyer holding the property 3-7 years. Silence...

I can almost hear the voice in the buyer's head: Three to seven years? I want to flip it just like I see on HGTV!

The fact of the matter is, there are not home run, slam dunk deals like this sort of buyer wants. If was that simple real estate agents would be spankin' them out of the park left and right and working their own deals, not the public's deals.

I often wonder if some of the buyers looking for real estate "deals" aren't interested in getting a deal as much as they are interesting in seeing somebody weeping on the Lee County courthouse steps or crying at a closing because they've lost their Bonita Springs HOME. There is this morose, icky feeling I get when I see the saliva dripping from the teeth of a buyer that want this sort of a deal.

Simply put, "real life" real estate still happens. Sadly, people still get sick, die, get divorced, relocate, get job transfers and they have to sell their real estate in Bonita Springs. When sellers are motivated their real estate is priced to sell and priced to move, to meet their urgent needs. A real estate professional can help you find a home or condo, just like these seller's are selling.

So Buyers, what is the right way to find a great deal in the Bonita Springs real estate market?

• Buy quality Bonita Springs real estate
• Thoroughly research that neighborhood and the market in Bonita Springs
• Be certain to buy Bonita Springs real estate at a price that is a value
• Use and enjoy your Bonita Springs property for 3-7 years
• Call your C.P.A. to properly utilize IRS codes that will save you money over the life of the property ownership

When you're ready to find a home or condo in Bonita Springs contact Chris Griffith.