The Poinciana Crane

1930s Florida Folk Life Recorded

If you have a taste for Florida history, check out National Public Radio's program, The Sound of 1930s Florida Folk Life.  The original recording of those who preserved a bit of Florida, including the original rendition and the only recording of the Jitterbug by its author.  The project was part of the Franklin Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration.

HUD Announces Sustainability Grants

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a notice to offer funding through the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program.  In the FY 2010 budget, Congress provided $150 million to HUD for the Sustainable Communities initiative, $100 million of which will be made available for regional integrated planning initiatives. The grant program is designed to support multi-jurisdictional regional planning efforts that integrate housing, economic development, and transportation decision-making through the preparation and implementation of Regional Plans for Sustainable Development. At least $25 million in funding will go to rural areas, but no single grant will be for more than $2 million.  And some parts of Poinciana are considered rural.  Funding availability will be published the week of April 12 and applications for funding will be due around the first week of June. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in early August. For more information and to submit comments, visit HUD.

Animated Video Explains Home-buyer Tax Credit

New video explains home-buyer tax credit. It's animated, fun and informative.

Already! There's an offer on the table for 2970 Marbella Drive in Villa Sol, Florida. If you want this one, now's the time to make your offer. In exclusive Villa Sol, this home features Mediterranean-style tile roofing. Community includes playground, activity center, Internet, as well as hiking trails, tennis courts. Near beaches, Disney World, and East Lake Toho, part of the Osceola's Chain-of-Lakes, the location of the International Bass Championship.

Puerto Ricans in Orlando and Central Florida

Published in 2006, this free eBook is available in our sidebar under Free Publications, or select our hyperlink to "Puerto Ricans in Orlando and Central Florida" by Jorge Duany and Félix V. Matos-Rodríguez.  It's a nice and provides a great amount of insight into the Hispanic movement into Florida.  Reference: Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños Hunter College (CUNY) Policy report | VOL UME 1 | NO. 1 | Spring 2006.

Florida's Jane Healy Nails It

Like Jane Healy of the Orlando Sentinel, we too have been struck by a particular stink coming from the seats of Osceola's Board of Commissioners.   It is, to say simply, all too much to bear.  To know that our locally-elected leaders continue to walk in the halls that taxpayers built, behaving as though they can just cut a bit of budget over there, maybe a few more employees-out-the-door here, oh, and how about a little across-the-board salary snip over there?

Ring Around the Posey

Before U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, broadcast's his frustration with the Obama administration's economic policies, he should check on the frustration of his constituents. The 13% unemployment rate in Osceola County represents a voting block that will remember the day you said government should not be there for its constituents.

Osceola-4-Homeowners

Since November 2008, Osceola's human services department has had a program designed to assist residents behind on mortgage payments. It's called the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program.  Apply online now.

Desde el noviembre de 2008, el departamento de servicios humano en Osceola ha tenido un programa diseñado para asistir a residentes detrás en pagos de hipoteca. Le llamo la programa de la prevención de la ejecución de una hipoteca de hipoteca. Ahora aplique en línea.

Wooded Residential Land for Sale

$13,000!  Wooded lot in established suburban area located in the heart of Florida's Chain-of-Lakes region. This 0.17-acre, corner lot is located in Lake Marion Village, a community within a picturesque area in southwest Kissimmee, Florida, named Poinciana.  Poinciana includes 18,000-acres of nature; outdoor activities; parks and pristine lakes; as well as competitive sports such as golf, tennis, handball, shuffle board, and swimming.   Disney Nature Preserve, Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Horse World Riding Stables, and Green Meadows Petting Farm are all located in the Greater Poinciana area.  You can enjoy all of these amenities as well as peace and serenity just minutes from shopping, fine dining, and the

Pool & Clubhouse Condo Under $26k

This last week of February 2010 may be your last chance to make an offer on this centrally located, first floor condo.  Excellent investor location.  Needs TLC.  Community association under new management. For as little as 3% down, you can own in Essex Park.  Close to public transportation and centrally located for easy access to shopping, employment, and entertainment in Orlando, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Disney, and all other major attractions in the area.  A superior snow bird location!

63% Homes Under Water in Poinciana

Given the large number of cash-ready flippers dominating our current "buyers" market, it seems safe to say that Osceola County's leadership does not learn from the past.  In the mid-2000's when families -- then speculators -- flooded the market, property values spiked egregiously high.  Flippers kept prices unnaturally high until the bubble burst in 2007.

After that, too many lost their homes while local leadership did nothing in their power to address it.  And, from all heard through the grapevine, they plan to continue to do ... nothing ... but "the white-tailed deer." 

Short Sales in 22 Days!

Although the list price of $44,900 was not even approved by the bank, we still got this one sold in only 22 days.  Who else can do that in Florida?  This cozy home, located in downtown Kissimmee, was a fixer-upper with a "like new" screen room over an in-ground pool.  Near Osceola County government offices, Kissimmee downtown attractions, public transportation, and employment in southern Orlando and Disney World.  Ready to sell your Kissimmee home today?  Add your note to us below, under Comments or connect with us on Twitter.

Economic Development Seeking Leaders

The Osceola County Industrial Development Authority is looking to fill four vacancies. The Industrial Development Authority, or IDA, finances projects for public purposes and fosters economic development in Osceola County. For more information, go to Osceola's IDA site. To be considered for one of the four vacant positions, complete the Citizen's Advisory Board Committee Application. The form contains all the information you need to apply.

In February, we will be expanding our property management superior servicing for owners Poinciana, Florida.

We are now members of Angie's List.