Lakeland Florida 16th Annual Pigfest - Tiger Town Sport Complex - January 27-28 2012
Where can you get the best barbecue around this time of the year? Lakeland Florida’s Annual Pigfest is the place to be. Not just best barbecue, best entertainment, and best playground for kids, best for all kinds of food. Best part, it is free!
Since 1997 Lakeland Florida has been the host to an annual barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The competition involves people of all ages, men and women. For more information on the history of the Pigfest, read my blog from last year’s event, by clicking the link right here.
This year gates open at 5:30pm on Friday, January 27, 2012 to enjoy an evening of music, food, and games. On Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:00 am is when the real competition begins. Competitors from all over the country will flock to Lakeland Florida to compete in four different categories including Ribs, Chicken, Pork, and Brisket.
There will also be a Kids-Q where children will compete on their own grills. The Kids-Q was started in 2004 when competitors came to the realization they did not want the art of Barbeque to disappear after they were no longer here so they have brought the kids into the mix by giving them a fun way to participate in the competition. And these kids are phenomenal cooks. Not to mention what a great family event! Read more about things to do with kids in and around Lakeland Florida.
Friday’s entertainment at Center Stage is to include nightriders at 6:00 pm and Soul 2 Earth from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. But don’t forget about the Backyard ‘Party Stage’ which will feature Cross Traxx and Vertical Circus. While Saturday Center Stage will include Pushin Eighties from 10:00 am- 1:15 pm followed by Brush Creek from 1:45 pm- 5:00 pm. And the Backyard ‘Party Stage’ will play host to The Sweeney Family Band, Madison Mckenzie, Cross Traxx, and Ace Jackson & The Jump Kings Performing throughout the day. LEGOLAND Florida will once again sponsor the Children’s corner and is said to include bounce houses and many other fun surprises.
The great things about this competition are the benefits it brings to Lakeland and its non-for profit organizations. While the event is free to attend, if you would like to enjoy any of the delicious food and drinks, and believe me you will, you will need to purchase ‘Pigbucks’ at the front gate or at any of the other various locations throughout the venue. All the proceeds from sales of “Pigbucks” goes toward non-for profit organizations in the Lakeland area to include the Junior League and Girls, Inc., just to name a couple. Since its inception in 1997 the Pigfest has given over $650,000 dollars back to our wonderful community. Both of these organizations have a focus on bettering those in our community through education. It is through education that people in our community can better themselves and then reach out to others in need.
I hope you are able to make it out to the 16th Annual Pigfest at Tiger Town Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday January 27-28, 2012. Come partake in the fun filled events and concerts. And bring an empty stomach to taste the world-class food being prepared at this event. Because of events like this is the reason why I love living in Lakeland Florida.
Living in Lakeland Florida
When it comes to moving to and living in Lakeland Florida, especially for parents of school age children, a move is a difficult decision to make. Parents are mostly concerned about schools, activities, and neighborhoods just to name a few. Having raised two daughters of my own, I’ve heard them say, “Lakeland is boring”. I’ll bet children say that in every town. For the most part kids growing up here, they always think there is not much to do but what I have come to learn is when compared to other locations I have visited there is plenty of choices in and around Lakeland, FL.
It wasn’t until I had the chance to see other cities around the country that I realized with all Lakeland, FL has to offer our kids can literally do anything they set their mind to. We have an array of theme parks to entertain any age group for a few days. We have free parks around the area to take our kids to and still not visit the same park twice in one week because each park comes with its own amenities. Our children have a choice to where they want to learn and focus their education. Many of these things don’t exist in other cities, states, or even countries unless you have the money to afford it, which makes living in Lakeland Florida a top spot.
One of the tough choices parents make when moving to a new area is where to live since every parent wants the best for the child so therefore one very common question is what is the best school district to live in. Here in Lakeland just like every other Florida city we have our zoned public schools all of which have their own attributes, which others may not demonstrate. However if you decide to move to an area because you love the house but do not want your child to attend the zoned school for one reason or another you have the option to enroll your child in one of the other types of schools Lakeland has to offer. Private schools, Montessori schools, Charter schools, and Magnet schools, Lakeland has them all. Schools where your child can gain more of a focus on the Math and Sciences or schools, which allow your child to gain experience in the Arts and everything in between. If it is the sports you want your child to be involved with we have nationally recognized sports teams also.
If you are afraid your child will be bored during the weekends or over breaks there are numerous parks for entertainment for them. There are Parks for children of all ages. The best part about each of these parks is they are free to visit and they foster kids in their education and social skills. Not to mention the ample opportunity for shopping in and around Lakeland. We have one of the nicest outdoor malls in the area with great restaurants and a movie theater that boasts the newest releases from Hollywood. With being only thirty-minute drive to the next big city it allows you to enjoy the amenities of those cities without the headache of traffic every single day. Orlando and Tampa offer some great activities to the Central Florida area but when it is time to unwind it is nice to know you can come back to Lakeland and escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
Lakeland FL is a great place to live and a wonderful city to raise a family. With the ample education opportunities, the city fosters the ability to develop into a well-rounded individual who cares about the well being of others. The people in Lakeland are the type of people who not only care about themselves but the development of others since it is our future generations that will continue help our wonderful city grow.
Are you thinking about moving to Lakeland Florida and looking for a home to raise your children, then please click on the search for Lakeland homes picture right here below. It’s free and no registration required.
Merry Christmas To Each And Everyone
This historic area of Lakeland in Polk County Florida is the perfect showcase for these astonishing historic homes and buildings that give this Lakeland town character and a reputation of true historic integrity. Lakeland Historic District homes for sale are bungalows that were built in the arts and crafts period between 1920 and 1930. You will also see examples of Victorian, Queen Anne, Spanish Revival homes, and the influence of Mediterranean homes in this area. Lakeland Historic District is a U.S historic community that was officially designated as such on November 30, 1985. This unique historic location has 557 architecturally significant buildings homes and bungalows that date from back to the 1920’s and continued to be built untill 1948.
Lakeland Historic District homes for sale in this unique neighborhood is definitely not a place that you will find any cookie cutter homes. They are unique in many different styles and layouts. The features that come with these homes are sure to accommodate the different needs and lifestyles of everyone. Lakeland is filled with many rural areas that is sure to offer a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere with its lush green landscaped properties, and highly maintained homes. You find that this area has an unmatched beauty and Florida charm that has outgrown many other areas of Florida.
You will love that this area is infused with scenic farms, equestrian spacious lots, and natural Preserve areas, including Lake Morton and Lake Hollingsworth, that surround the historic area.
Lakeland Historic District Homes for sale offers you a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This location is convenient to Interstate 4 (I-4). You are approximately 30 miles from Tampa and only a 45 minute commute to Orlando Florida. You will find that you are convenient to the beach with only a 30 minute ride. This Lakeland community is centrally located to everything in this vast state and love that you are in the middle of everything
The places that you will need to go on a day to day basis including grocery stores, banks, the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, and schools, are all conveniently located as well.
Lakeland Historic District homes for sale is convenient to the main streets of downtown including, Lake Morton Drive and Palmetto Street Avenue, Johnson Avenue, McDonald Street, Belmar Street, and Tennessee Avenue.
You will also find this location close and only minutes away from Downtown Lakeland, Florida Southern College, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Hollingsworth, Polk Public Museum and the County Library
Lakeland Historic District homes for sale is in a location that is a safe place for all residents, whether you are raising a family, attending college or looking for a great place to retire.
There are many attractions in the surrounding area of Lakeland as well. There are more than 550 freshwater lakes, scenic rivers, and man made water features where locals and residents find fishing and water sports a popular past time.
A few more local attractions near Lakeland Florida include Auburndale Speedway, Barnett Family Park, the historic Bok tower, a true gem in the community, Common Ground park, Cow Camp at Lake Kissimmee State Park, Fantasy of Flight, and Legoland Florida. You will also find much much more.
Lakeland Historic District homes for sale is close to Munn Park, also known as the heart and soul of this community. Here you will find the farmers market, neat little restaurants and shops surrounding the beautiful, colorfully landscaped park.
For the arts and culture lovers there is a rich and diverse selection of things to experience and admire. You can catch a movie at one of the unique movie theaters here in Polk County, you can enjoy their unique forms of art, at the Polk Museum of Art.
You will find that you have all the luxuries of a private, refreshing comfortable home, and peaceful atmosphere while never having to sacrifice the convenience of the everyday necessities. This is the perfect place to call home…Come and see why living here makes coming home the best part of your day!
For more information on Lakeland Historic District Homes for sale and other properties in the area click here.
Overall Average Polk County existing home prices increased from the previous month to $105,365 by a almost 1%. Polk County FL overall existing median prices have increased as well to $90,000 compared to $82,140 from August 2011 and for a long time an increase from the previous year. However, Polk County’s overall existing number of home sales in September decreased to a total of 588, compared to 641 Polk County Homes sold in August 2011. .
A look back in history of Polk County’s overall existing median home prices compared to September 2011 median price of $90,000:
September 2005 – median price $182,500 (-50.68%) – 930 homes sold
September 2006 – median price $185,000 (-51.35%) – 634 homes sold
September 2007 – median price $170,000 (-47.06%) – 343 homes sold
September 2008 – median price $139,900 (-35.67%) – 476 homes sold
September 2009 – median price $103,000 (-12.62%) – 601 homes sold
September 2010 – median price $85,000 (5.88%) – 628 homes sold
Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for September 2011 for existing home sales – single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and town homes -including distressedhomes in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service; it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| AUBURNDALE | 95,541 | 90,000 | 19 |
| BABSON PARK | 525,000 | 525,000 | 1 |
| BARTOW | 73,561 | 49,950 | 18 |
| BRADLEY | 23,000 | 23,000 | 1 |
| DAVENPORT | 126,433 | 118,250 | 114 |
| DUNDEE | 71,945 | 72,000 | 3 |
| EAGLE LAKE | 87,000 | 84,000 | 3 |
| FORT MEADE | 54,134 | 44,990 | 3 |
| FROSTPROOF | 91,200 | 30,000 | 5 |
| HAINES CITY | 94,559 | 90,000 | 27 |
| INDIAN LAKE ESTATES | 52,000 | 52,000 | 1 |
| KISSIMMEE | 101,080 | 84,000 | 11 |
| LAKE ALFRED | 89,667 | 111,000 | 3 |
| LAKE HAMILTON | 32,500 | 32,500 | 1 |
| LAKE WALES | 76,610 | 53,500 | 26 |
| LAKELAND | 114,886 | 100,000 | 186 |
| MULBERRY | 108,481 | 105,000 | 16 |
| POINCIANA | 84,024 | 75,000 | 51 |
| POLK CITY | 68,632 | 49,900 | 5 |
| WINTER HAVEN | 95,906 | 82,000 | 94 |
What did Polk County Home Buyers buy?
116 homebuyers bought at a price range of $49,999 and below
209 home buyers bought at a price range of $50,000 – $99,999
148 home buyers bought at a price range of $100,000 – $149,999
72 home buyers bought at a price range of $150,000 – $199,999
14 home buyers bought at a price range of $200,000 – $249,999
10 home buyers bought at a price range of $250,000 – $299,999
12 home buyers bought at a price range of $300,000 – $349,999
2 home buyers bought at a price range of $350,000 – $399,999
3 home buyers bought at a price range of $400,000 – $499,999
2 home buyers bought at a price range of $500,000 – $599,999
September sales in Polk County was even between foreclosures and short sales vs. traditional sales.
Most of Polk County home buyers paid cash, in fact 52% of all home buyers in Polk County paid cash.
Let me break down September 2011 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:
- 507 Single family homes – median price $100,000 – 178 Average Days to Closing
- 21 Town homes, villas and duplex units – median price $55,949 – 155 Average Days to Closing
- 26 Condominiums – median sold price – $49,750 – 127 Average Days on Closing
- 35 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $35,100 – 168 Average Days on Closing
Overall Polk County’s Foreclosure and Short Sales Prices – September 2011!
There were 292 existing Polk County homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $113,500 with 174 average days to closing. Traditional sales (equity sales) counted for almost 49.66% of our total sales.
The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales continues to dictate the Polk County real estate market as it accounted for 50.34% of our total sales for the month of September.
- 157 sold homes were foreclosures/REO Bank Owned – median price $64,934 – Average Days to Closing 109.
- 139 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $86,000 – Average Days to Closing 249.
Check out this interactive map of Lakeland FL Homes for Sale - I’m sure you will find great deals and best of all, you can move the map in any direction you want to move it to – all over the United States.
Relocating to Lakeland FL and not knowing who to call about who to call to turn on your water utilities can be a challenge. Living within city limits, the City of Lakeland FL water utilities are servicing you.- Customer Service: (863) 834-9535 Local
- (800) 929-4876 Long distance
Make sure that you keep these contact numbers in a convenient for quick reference.
At Lakeland FL City water utilities you can also gain quick access and take care of most business matters, or have questions answered by visiting them online at: www.lakelandgov.net
- Service Availability:
Lakeland City water utilities covers the greater part of Lakeland Florida. Water and waste water services should already be in place for you, however if you have any questions regarding this call their office directly at (863) 834-8316.
- Turning on/off water services: Whether you already have an existing water account, and need to transfer your service or open a new account with the Lakeland.
City water utilities company you can do this online or over the phone with one of the companies customer service agents. The contact numbers are above.
- Rates: Online at http://www.lakelandgov.net the Lakeland City water Utilities website has a comparison chart for rates that you can view. There is also valuable information on residential and commercial rates as well.
- Reporting a water main break: To report water main breaks or other water emergencies please call Lakeland City water utilities at (863) 834-4248 between the office hours of 7:30a.m to 4:30p.m. and for after hour and weekend emergencies contact (863) 834-4248. If there is a water emergency than please do not report this online. call the office office directly.
- Recycling/Bulk trash pick up Aside from your normal weekly trash pick up days, you will want to know when your when the Lakeland city water utilities will pick up your recycling and also when there is a bulk trash pick up. Normally this will depend on what your address is. For detailed information on recycling and the bulk trash calendar go online at www.lakelandgov.net.
- Water restrictions: There is currently water restrictions in the Lakeland area. For current information and the water restriction policies visit Lakeland city water utilities online at www.lakelandgov.net.
Lakeland city water utilities is a great informational resource to answer any questions that you may have. If you are moving into a home or selling your current home the list above and contact information above will surely put you in the right direction.
The annual Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival takes place around Lake Mirror and in the Downtown Lakeland Florida area on October 14 – 16, 2011. Best of all – it’s free!The honorary chairman for this year’s Festival is Bob Tullius, he is best known for his highly successful team Group 44 racing team. Mr Tullius is best known for creating the Jaguar XJR-5 protoype racing cars which competed in IMSA’s premier GTP class and the LeMans during the 1980′s.
Noon: Lunch Parade to the Lake Mirror Promenade led by Scottish bag-piper as tuxedo-clad Terrace Hotel waiters deliver lunch to Concours d’ Elegance participants.
Since I have been going for the past couple of years to Lakeland’s Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, I would like to share with you the collection of photographs I took. Enjoy!
Short Sale! Lakeland FL Home for Sale – No Deed Restrictions!
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Petra Norris
CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. Real Estate Brokerage
(863) 619-6918 pnorris500@gmail.com http://www.petranorris.com       
Listed by: CDV TransAtlantic, Inc Real Estate Brokerage |
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