Sign of the times

Real Estate Office
With continued weakening of new and resale homes and fewer sub-prime loans available from lenders, slow real estate sales are taking their toll on real estate agencies — and St. Augustine is no exception.

There has been some consolidation in the local market; some real estate franchises have been sold to out-of-town investors and some independent and franchise agencies have been closed altogether.

Deputy Oke rescues swimmer

Swimmers rescued
When a boat and its four passengers capsized in the Atlantic Ocean at Matanzas inlet yesterday, one of those stranded on a sandbar attempted the dangerous maneuver of swimming through the strong currents to shore.

The swimmer quickly got into trouble but luck was on her side.

Big brother: Traffic Cameras

Traffic camerasI’ve read several articles and witnessed the installation of traffic cameras in surrounding areas and have to wonder if traffic surveillance cameras are not inevitable in our future.

Last week, red light cameras were activated at six heavily trafficked Palm Coast intersections.

CRA’s boost community redevelopment

Vilano Beach workers
The staff at The St. Augustine Record published an editorial rightfully supporting CRA’s that allow a local government to target an incremental increase in property taxes from an area for a certain period of time to erase blight.

In fact, CRA’s may well provide the biggest ever boost to much needed community redevelopment in many St. Johns County neighborhoods.

Pirates of Penzance at Pedro

First Coast Opera - Pirates of Penzance
Some of you may not think you would enjoy Pirates of Penzance. Trust me. You’ll like it!

First Coast Opera has assembled an outstanding cast for a show that combines the need for good actors with the need for good singers. Jean Rahner has done her usual outstanding job of directing. Sam Clein is music director.