Let the Sun Shine In!

Florida sunshine…now that’s something we’d like to wrap up in a box and send to our northern, wintry friends. There’s no hint of “seasonal affect disorder” around here…even on a cold day you can usually work on a tan, and we don’t have that many cold days. It’s no wonder Florida is known as the Sunshine State! Wouldn’t you like to bottle up those rays?

Wait a second…that’s what solar energy is all about—harnessing the power of the sun, that fierce ball of flame perched at just the right distance from our small planet to keep us in a delicate balance of life. And right here in our backyard, we’ve just learned of a planned solar energy project that may be the country’s largest. According to a recent Biz941 daily news bulletin:

“The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice announced yesterday that it is pursuing a partnership with a major power company to create a $350-million solar project on 300 acres that it owns within the city of Venice, east of I-75 off Laurel Road. The facility could produce at least 40 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity, or enough to power 4,800 homes, making it the country's largest solar project. Groundbreaking is expected sometime in 2009.”

By the way, if you aren’t from around here, Venice is a small city just to the south and inland of Casey Key. Known as the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” it hosts an annual Shark’s Tooth festival to celebrate the abundance of fossilized shark’s teeth that can be found on its beaches. When the grandchildren come to town, take them to the “shark’s tooth beach” to hunt for those tiny, black teeth…when you get there, ask around for tips on how to find them. You’ll see beachcombers with strainers and even spaghetti colanders sifting through the sands. By the way, Venice isn’t the only beach with shark’s teeth…Casey Key’s beaches also are known for excellent shark tooth finds. But don’t worry—we rarely see sharks. These are prehistoric teeth.

So back to sunshine—we’re excited about the developments in solar energy. Many homeowners are already capturing the sun through passive pool heating systems, solar landscaping lights, and other passive solar technologies.

Let Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron of The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group help you find your place in the sun—right here in Casey Key, Florida, one of Sarasota’s beautiful barrier islands. Casey Key is home to some of the most beautiful beach-to-bay properties in the nation, where your backyard dock stretches out into the bay and your front yard extends to your own sandy beach right on the Gulf of Mexico. Sunrise on the bay, sunset on the beach, and plenty of solar energy to fuel your winter desire for warmth and light. Also featuring properties in Venice, Nokomis, Sarasota, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key.
Featured Venice properties:

811 The Esplanade, Venice, FL #708 Reduced: $1,599,000
Beleza on Venice Beach...the newest luxury condo with fantastic Gulf, bay & city views. Marble floors, granite counters, jetted tub, expansive terraces and private elevator. Fitness room, pool & spa.

158 Montelluna Drive, Venice, FLReduced: $447,000Views of second hole from salt waterfall lagoon pool and spa at this wonderful golf course home. Great outdoor living on the lovely enlarged Lanai and a fire pit. So many upgrades: lighted tray ceiling, Herringbone wood floors & large ceramic tile on the diagonal, surround sound, granite kitchen counters.