Marvel of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
November 15, 2021
More than 20 years ago my friend Lisa, an avid bird lover took me to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This extraordinary 140 thousand acre sanctuary is an incredible retreat from the hustle and bustle of cars, computers and even cell phones, if you leave them in the car.
My mother-in-law Mary, Lisa and I, recently spent a wonderful morning at the MINWF. Lisa had this to say about our adventure, “The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful escape. It’s natural, original Florida with its flora and fauna. The winter is a great time to see some amazing migratory birds. My absolute favorite are the white Pelicans which are not commonly seen. You can also see Roseate spoonbills which are beautiful with their pink feathers. There are also glossy ibis, white ibis, a variety of heron and egret, ducks and other birds. On my last visit, we saw two otters walk across the path in front of us and head to the water where we watched them swimming around for a while. Alligators can be seen as well as the occasional snake. You can take the drive but you can also stop and take a walk along a path to a tower to look out over the land, seeing for miles around. The Visitor Center is also recommended. The rangers there provide helpful information and they have a nice display of information, photos and animals on display.
There are also tours and seminars offered.”
- Established August 28,1963
- 140,000 acres
- Seven distinct types of habitat
- 15 Federally listed Threatened or Endangered Species
- More than 500 species of wildlife
- More than 1,000 species of plants
Lisa and I especially enjoy hiking the 5 mile loop at Black Point Wild Life Drive. A self-guiding brochure (available near the drive entrance) provides information on things to look for. One to two hours after sunrise and one to two hours before sunset are typically the best times to view wildlife actively feeding in the impoundments. Driving time is approximately 40 minutes.
Lisa, mother and I are planning a bird tour, it’s the height of the season and we hope to see a flock of Lisa’s favorites, the White Pelicans. Who knows we might even get to see the otters scampering across the road again. None the less, we know nature will be enjoyed, along with relishing serenity in the peace and quiet. We invite you to explore the beauty and wonder of the Merritt Island National Wild Life Refuge. Who knows, you might see the otters too!
The Beauty of Florida
March 5, 2011
Michael McClure captures the beauty of Florida through his lens . . . breath taking moments that last lifetime! Beaches in Florida while the sun sets at cocktail time, just spectacular!!
Loving Life in Florida, it’s no mystery why.
Florida Snowbird Thoughts?
March 4, 2011
Real Estate Investing Made Easy
March 3, 2011
With countless short sales and foreclosures infiltrating the market, it’s a daunting task to search for real estate investments. Many variables come into play with real estate investing, however rate of return is always a factor.
Real estate investments are plentiful, but sifting through properties is a major under taking. Automation now makes it easy in many markets to receive automated updates on properties that match your criteria to purchase. When you receive MLS property alerts those properties were matched to your requirements which can include; location, size, price range and other preferences. Alerts can be set fo9r just foreclosures and short sales. If you investing in real estate, more than likely, you are in the position to wait out the tedious process of lender approvals.
An investment property bought in this quirky real estate market is way below market value in a stable real estate market. Holding on to investments in real estate for the next five to eight years could very easily bring in a decent
profit for real estate investors.
If you’re in search of great deals on real estate investments, the MLS property alert is sure to save you time and
money. Click here to learn more
Beaches of Florida Grayton Village
February 22, 2011
One of the great places to stay in Florida
Eat, Pray, Love Florida
What to see, where to eat, what to do and where to stay.
I’m a champion for all things Florida and welcome being your guide to the wonder of the sun shine state …
Share some place you love to eat, play, stay in Florida!
Florida Weather in Feburary
February 11, 2011
While most of the country suffers with single digit temps, Floridians enjoy the warmth of the midday sun– that’s our weather in February. Florida life allows us to be out doors having barbecues on the patio, taking walks on the beach and boating on the rivers and seas.
If you have had it with cold, snowy, icy winters — Click here if your ready to explore being a Florida Snowbird or here if your Contemplating Loving Florida in Life full-time.
Are More Snow Storms ‘Driving’ You Crazy?
January 23, 2011
News reports predict, the northeast will be hit with snow storms again. If you didn’t think Florida Snowbird last snow storm, being stuck inside, maybe now you’re ready to perooz Florida winter retreats.
Just going to the grocery store requires scrapping and warming up the car. Or better yet shoveling it out because it’s buried in a couple feet of snow. Ice becomes a severe hazard and sub zero temperatures aren’t the best conditions to take a stroll.
Florida, which hasn’t exactly been sun tanning weather, is at least snowless. Mid afternoon generally warms up making it nice to take a walk and get some sunshine vitamin D. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
So if your searching for your place in the sun for the cold weather months your timing is perfect. Real estate bargains are every where across the sunshine state. Short Sales and foreclosures have drastically reduced prices making it realistic to buy a winter retreat.
Just click here to receive more info about properties for snowbirds in Florida.
Only State in the Union with NO SNOW!! Hello Snowbirds!
January 12, 2011
While the temps may be dipping below the 40’s in the sunshine state, it’s official — there is NO SNOW in Florida. News reports show
the north east getting hammered again, predicting more than 2 feet of snow in various locations. The snow can be quite beautiful but treacherous at the same time. Icy conditions cause fatal problems for elderly folks, not to mention being trapped inside for prolonged periods of time. It’s why we yanked my mother-in-law out of Illinois years ago to become a Snowbird. Here in Florida, she gets plenty of sunshine, keeps active and remains in excellent health. At nearly 82 years old, she can walk 3 miles, with just a little sit down at the half way point.
The 64 thousand dollar question is, how many seniors will take advantage of the phenomenally low real estate prices to grab a winter retreat in Florida. The sunshine state is chock full of distressed 
properties just waiting to get scooped up for a steal!! In Brevard County, FL alone there are more than 700 properties for sale $60k or lower. Here’s just one I found, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and just over 1200 sq. feet for $50k — and that’s the asking price! There were more than 50 others also available for sale with the same criteria in various locations throughout the county.
Florida caters to Snowbirds with all kinds of businesses and services designed to assist while your here and when you go back to your primary home. Like Property Watch, who offer peace of mind to their clients in Brevard County, FL by providing a personal approach to the monitoring of their home while they are away.
If your buried in piles of snow, trapped inside and craving some warm sunshine, give some serious thought about life as a Florida Snowbird. Just so happens, I am connected to an incredible real estate network throughout the entire state of Florida. My mission is to be an expert with not only every ideal place to live, but to eat, play, stay and enjoy in the sunshine state. You can follow FloridaEpicure (fabulous places to dine on and off the water) and FLFunVacations for Twitter updates! Plus you can click to LIKE Loving Life in Florida on Facebook.
Here’s a way to start investigating the possibilities with no cost and no obligation. You can do a property watch and receive automated updates with properties all over the state of Florida that match size, price and all of your preferred preferences, just click here to learn how.
Basking in the Sun Shine State
January 9, 2011
Eat, Play and Love Florida
What to see . Where to eat . What to do . Where to stay.
I’m a champion for all things Florida and welcome being your guide to the wonder of the sun shine state …
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Living on the Indian River is one of the true joys of my life. The amazing expansive views are breath taking even when it
rains. The birds, fish and yes sometimes dolphins are visible from our balcony. I created the Loving Life in Florida Blog to share not just my experiences, but those of others who love living in the sun shine state.
Our state has suffered much from real estate catastrophes, but we Floridians are surviving the real estate hurricane of our times. We love our state, we love sharing all the amazing beauty with visitors from all over the world.
There is much to see, do and enjoy in the Sunshine State. I invite you to be a feature writer, photographer or videographer and share your perspectives. See our categories, don’t see one the fits, we are open to adding others. Drop a comment, what do you love about life in Florida?
Compliments of the ePro Real Estate Team
Loving Florida Life 
Written
on August 24, 2022