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Florida
New Homes ~ Re-Sales ~Land
Fabulous Condo's close to the Peace River
Homesearch - the 'one stop shop' where you can purchase, rent, furnish, landscape and have your home managed by professionals
Florida is known as the Sunshine state.
Beautiful weather with plenty of sunshine and a great deal
of water! Florida is huge, with probably the most famous
part, Orlando to the North East. On the East coast beaches
stretch from Jacksonville in the North, past Cape Canavoral
down to Miami in the South.
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At the southern most tip of Florida you will find the
Florida Keys and the West Coast is devoted to more rural
settings with waterways, islands and the warm waters of
the Gulf of Mexico. Some areas of this coastline are still
relatively undeveloped and for those who enjoy a mixture
of plenty of things to do and the sheer luxury of 'chilling
out' this comes close to paradise for many people.
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The climate is very
pleasant with year round good weather being one of the main
reasons for Florida's popularity amongst its millions of
annual visitors. October through to April are usually warm
and mostly dry with January being the coolest month. July
and August are the hottest and the weather can be muggy
at this time of the year as the annual rainfall arrives.
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The heat is often relieved by inshore breezes from the
Gulf which provide a welcome break. When it does rain,
it usually rains in short bursts, sometimes for as little
as a few minutes, often in late afternoon or early evening
and can be accompanied by spectacular lightning storms.
The average temperature throughout the state is around
80 degrees.
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Florida currently has significant
international airports at Tampa, Orlando and Miami. Fort
Myers also receives some international flights and it is
worth checking this when you are booking a flight.
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Further information
We have chosen to
concentrate on Charlotte County as our premier area on the
Gulf Coast. Charlotte County lies on the West coast of Florida
mid-way between Sarasota and Fort Myers. An area which represents
good value and tranquil beauty, but like much of Florida,
there is no shortage of things to do. We fell under the
spell of this area when we first visited and our passion
for it has grown with each return trip. When you start your
drive to Charlotte County you begin to relax. The pace of
life slows down and you find time to enjoy the fabulous
views of the coastline.
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Our quality Properties can be built anywhere within Charlotte,
Sarasota and Lee Counties. Most usually this would be
in Charlotte County and if rentals are important, the
Rotonda and Gulf Cove areas are hard to beat. The greater
area does also includes Port Charlotte, North Port and
Punta Gorda.. Rotonda covers 2,600 acres containing inland
waterways, 6 golf courses, lakes, woodland and 6,000 acres
of conservation area. The County is approximately 11/2
hours from Tampa International Airport which is closest
or just 50 minutes from Fort Myers or Sarasota airports.
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On further exploration, the soft Gulf beaches
stretch for miles and never seem to be crowded. Most beaches
have public amenities and those around Englewood are safe
for young and old alike. If you prefer something with a
more Caribbean setting, take a trip over the toll bridge
onto Gasparilla Island. Caught in a time capsule, this beautiful
little island hosts multi-million dollar properties and
exciting beaches sharing their treasure chests of shells
and fossiled sharks teeth with collectors.
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These beaches are perfect, but be aware that swimming is
not permitted at the end of the island and most beaches
do not have lifeguards on the island. You swim at your own risk.
The reason for the swimming ban at the end of the island
will be apparent when you visit Boca Pass which is the main
exit point for both the Myakka and the Peace rivers into
the Gulf of Mexico. They come together and force their way
through the pass creating racing currents which are beyond
the average swimmer but dolphins love it there!
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Fishing is a 'must' for the enthusiast
and each year, the Tarpon game fish gather in the Boca
Pass and offer great sport to both local and international
anglers. The competitions are held just offshore and spectators
get a marvelous view of the boats from one of the lighthouses
situated at the waters edge.
For a more peaceful day, anglers will find plenty of opportunity
to take a boat out into the Gulf or the intercoastal waterway
with local experts and enjoy catching a wide range of
large fish.
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We can arrange fishing
trips for guests staying in our homes, or owners who are
visiting us. We use top local guides and whether you are
looking for sport fishing, or gentle backwater fishing,
we can offer you a never to be forgotten half or whole day
out on the water.
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Water
enthusiasts will be in heaven with the warm
waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the secret world of the
intracoastal waterways. You will share the Gulf with pods
of dolphins passing happily along the coast. The Intracoastal
waterway separates the land from the sea in many places
and is a boaters paradise playing host to a wide range of
wildlife including the gentle manatee and particularly birds
such as the 'white pelican', cormorants and the 'osprey'.
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They are actively encouraged to nest along the waterways
and you can see dozens of them while you are enjoying the
pleasures of boating.
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Golf
is a 'must' for many Americans and in an area where the
weather is good and life is for enjoying, golf courses
come as standard and you will be spoilt for choice. There
are currently 6 courses within the Rotonda Development
and upwards of 30 outside within a 15-20 mile radius.
From May to October the courses are quiet and tee times
can often be arranged the same day. (See our Golf Scoop
promotion for more details). Many of our homes offer the
'Golf Scoop' promotion which gives you 'free' golf in
low season and a minimal charge of $50 per person (max
2) in high season. See www.golf-gulf-florida.com
for full details.
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Many courses include an electric golf cart as part of the
fee and a few courses insist on their use. Our local offices
are happy to arrange golf holidays for individuals or groups
and this can be arranged through the Homesearch office or
via www.golf-gulf-florida.com
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Restaurants are everywhere and you can experience
friendly and attentive service while enjoying a spectacular
sunset or simply basking in the warmth of Florida's weather.
It is not expensive eating out here, but if you are prepared
to pay a little more, there are some excellent restaurants
in the area, particularly in Port Charlotte and Boca Grande.
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Did we hear Shopping?
Port Charlotte has its own mall (covered shopping center)
which can be enjoyed by everyone. Venice is just a few miles
up the road and has some very pretty shopping areas around
the coast. There are 2 discount outlets, one to the north
and one to the south. Between them they offer over 400 outlets!
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Attractions
are available, but don't miss the relaxed and leisurely
pace of life in Charlotte, voted best small place to live
in the South of the USA. You can kayak up the Myakka River,
visit the Shell Factory, take a day to tour Captiva and
Sanibel islands, visit nature reserves or even take a
trip on a swamp buggy. You will leave Florida with more
things on your list to do next time than you started with
at the beginning of your visit.
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Hints and Tips
are always handy. July and August are the humid months when
you can expect a short sharp afternoon shower on most days.
Other times of the year, rain is infrequent and Charlotte
County claims 360 days of sun a year! You will need a car,
as with most States in the USA, Local residents all have
their own cars so public transport is limited. This whole
area is full of surprises and you will want the freedom
to see as much as you want before relaxing beside your private
pool with a cool drink.
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