Palm Coast Is Now "Jingle Worthy!"

   When I first came to Flagler County, Florida, I didn't even know that Palm Coast existed.  It was 1999 and I was thrust here, by chance, for a family wedding.  The bride and groom lived in Flagler Beach and we stayed at the Topaz Hotel (home of "Blue at the Topaz," my favorite Flagler County eatery)

   I had flown from Virginia to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale for Real Estate conventions and training in the 90's, but had never driven around or gotten a feel for the Atlantic Coast.  I graduated from the University of Tampa in 1973 and had ties to Sarasota and Port Charlotte... I was more of a self-declared "Gulf Coast guy."  The wedding was in St. Augustine, so all we did was drive up and down A1A.  Who knew what goodies ITT and the team of "Ponch and Garfield" had to offer across the bridge?

   Well, unforeseen events moved me here in 2001 - and the first few years were akin to "Real Estate Heaven."  Then 2006 happened and my crystal ball has been in for repair ever since!  How can it be, that someone could buy a 6,500 square foot building lot (not on the ocean) in Hammock Beach, for $580,000 in 2005... and sell it for "what the market would bear" in 2011... for $65,000?!?!?  Ouch!

Getting Back on Track!

   So, here we are in the infancy of 2012.  Are those flickers of hope I see?  Will we really start to come out of this quagmire?  Both Flagler County and Palm Coast have renewed and re-energized "Economic Development" initiatives in the works.  The County has a new "Economic Opportunity Advisory Council" and it's new boss, Helga van Eckert, will be on board later this month.  I'm blessed to be a member of this council and we all feel a real responsibility to take decisive action to bring jobs and revenue to Flagler County.  Palm Coast is also doing the same.  See what's going on at:

• www.PalmCoastGov.com
• www.DiscoverPalmCoast.com
• Check out the new Palm Coast video and jingle:  
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pYRP-NNzD3A
• Also, visit the Flagler County site at:  www.FlaglerCounty.org
• For Economic Development news, follow the topic at:
• www.FlaglerLive.com
• www.PalmCoastObserver.com
• www.news-journalonline.com

   Recent political debates and discussions across the country tell us of the burning issue on people's minds, as we struggle to get going again and hear Bill Clinton whispering, "It's the economy, stupid."

Palm Coast, FL Real Estate Heating Up?

  Back in the day (1986-1990 and 2000-2005), when the market was "hot," multiple offers were common.  Properties sold for more than the asking price all the time.  Sellers were happy!  Buyers were happy, because if they paid a lot, it didn't matter.  Everyone "knew" (we were all so very wise) that it would keep going up anyway!

   Then 2006 happened.  Everyone sort of knew what a foreclosure was, but what the heck was a "short sale?"  And then when we found out, a lot of us said things like, "I'm not going to do short sales or foreclosures... They're complicated and a lot of work... blah, blah, blah."  And then time went by... and the market fell further... and the distressed market became 60% of total sales (which were precious few to begin with).

   But guess what?  The bottom of the market is now "hot."  These things are selling.  If you find one that is low and priced correctly, it will fly.  Anything under $100,000 that is clean... and not a short sale... is like a diamond.  People will fight over them.  And, unfortunately, it often brings out the worst in many.  Ethics get cloudy.  It used to be that if we asked, "Is this unethical?" the answer was, "Probably."  Now the answer to that question is often, "Whatever!"  I guess it's that old adage, that "desperate times create desperate people."

   Remember studying "Supply and Demand" in school?  And the concept of "Caveat Emptor" (Let the Buyer Beware)?  I'd advise reading up on both if you are jumping into the real estate market - as a buyer or a seller.  And shop around for a good Realtor.  Ask hard questions about how they handle bank and short sale issues and multiple offer scenarios.  Listen well and their answers will tell you a lot about them...

Waterfront & Golf in Palm Coast & Flagler Beach, FL

   It's another gorgeous Saturday, here in the Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Ormond Beach, Florida area... 

      I just showed a nice guy from New Jersey (currently living in Central Florida) one of our amazing listings on Oceanshore Blvd (A1A) in Flagler Beach.  I got there early, turned on all the lights, and sat on the upper deck porch, being lulled into peacefulness by the waves, the breeze, and the blue-cloudless 82 degree day...

     Our potential buyer pulled up in a convertible - good choice for a great day in a beach town.  Unless I'm losing my touch, I think he loved it... and what's not to love?  4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Pool, Lots of Tile, Metal Roof,  2 Car garage (a Big Deal on the beach to protect your Bentley... or whatever), 2 levels, Huge Porches and Ocean and River views, 2,465 feet under air/heat, and on a half acre lot with pristine lawn and landscaping... for $489,000!  Are you kidding me?  It's crazy, because just the LOT would have been way more in 2005!  I'm hoping he calls me back and says his wife and family want to see it...

     Here are some Real Estate facts about Flagler County, Florida that should get your attention:

• There are lots of Ocean properties, all the way up to $7,700,000 right now, however, there are 27 single family homes today that are either "Oceanfront," or "Ocean View,"  for between $179,900 and $499,900.
• How about over 300 homes on "Saltwater Canal, Intracoastal Waterway, River, or Lake" ... with 100 of them being below $300,000!
• Or over 100 homes on our area's beautiful Golf Courses, 31 of which are priced between $105,000 and $299,000!

     If you have a "Florida Itch," or more specifically, a "I Want a Great Buy on a Florida Ocean, Water, or Golf Course Property Itch" - We'd love to hear from you!

• Frank Zedar or Maritssa Vazquez
• Parkside Realty Group, Flagler Beach & Palm Coast, FL
• Cell/Text:  386-931-1987
• email:  frankzedar@gmail.com                                            

"Ormond Beach & Flagler Beach, FL - Ocean Condos"

The following will give you a peek at the current condo market in Flagler Beach, FL and Ormond Beach, FL, to include Ormond By The Sea.  For purposes of this blog post, I have included ONLY those condos which offer an "Ocean Front or Ocean View" frontage:

(*Financing Note:  It's more difficult to obtain financing for condos in these challenging financial times.  It's not as tough as Miami, yet not a piece of cake either.  Because of high "Rental to Owner Occupant" ratios, as well as condo fee defaults, short sales, etc., "cash is king."  FHA loans are very tough and often require 35% down (well above the old 20% norm).  Your mortgage professional can guide you, regarding these matters.)

Flagler Beach:

Flagler Beach is a great town in Flagler County and offers a waterfront and beach counterpoint to the "old Florida" County Seat of Bunnell and the newcomer/fastest growing US city of Palm Coast.  Because of zoning and city ordinances, high rises are few, limited to one North of the pier and a small handful South of the pier, near the landmark water tower.

• There are currently 170 ocean front - ocean view units For Sale.
• They range from $99,000 (a 425 square feet, 1BR and the lone unit under $100K) to a high of $2,800,000.
• The upper end units tend to be at the Northern Peninsula end of town in exclusive gated, golf course communities.  They are often referred to as "Flagler Beach," but are actually a Palm Coast mailing address.
• A challenge to investor buyers (and a perceived blessing to some full time residents) is that renting a unit can be a city ordinance violation.  One must be in possession of a coveted "Rental License."  If your unit is not grandfathered, they are tough to come by... perhaps easier if you are in the city's "Tourist Commercial" area, between 9th Street, North and 9th Street, South.
• There are 24 units listed below $200,000.
• Past six month statistics:  
• Sold Prices
• Low = $101,000
• High = $1,150,000
• Avg = $343,000
• Median = $273,000
• Price Per Square Foot
• Low = $90
• High = $300
• Avg = $177
• Median = $169
• Days on the Market
• Average = 272 days

Ormond Beach - Ormond by the Sea:

Ormond Beach is a great beach town which basically extends South from Flagler Beach and ends at Daytona Beach.  For our purposes, we'll say that the "Ormond Beach Peninsula" extends a short way up A1A from Route 40 (Granada Blvd.) and comprises the direct beach front high rise condos.  "Ormond by the Sea" condos are low rises and are on the West side of A1A, with access to the beach by way of "dune walkovers."

• There are currently 88 condos For Sale.
• They range in price from $95,000 to $699,000. 
• 55 of them are under $200,000.
• Generally, with the exception of some of the pricier high rises, these units are easier to rent than their Flagler Beach cousins.  Most have a rental restriction of a 1 week to a 1 month minimum.  How strictly these are enforced, varies from condo to condo.
• Past six months statistics:
• Ormond by the Sea:

• Sold Prices:
• Low = $79,000
• High = $319,000
• Median = $139,000
• Average = $150,000
• Price Per Square Foot:
• High = $150
• Average = $108
• Median = $108
• Days on the Market:
• Average = 192
• Ormond Beach (North of Rt. 40):
• Sold Prices:
• Low = $82,000
• High = $240,000
• Median = $170,00
• Average = $165,000
• Price Per Square Foot:
• Average = $124
• Days on the Market:
• Average = 385                                                    

...So there you have it!  What does this mean?  You can get a great condo with a great ocean view... or direct ocean front, for under $200,000.  Many of these were selling closer to $500K in 2005/2006. Call me if you have questions... or want to go see property for yourself:
Direct: 386-931-1987  or  email: frankzedar@gmail.com 

"Flagler County, FL Waterfront Homes - 2010 Recap"

     I know it's only December, but here is a recap of waterfront home sales for the first 11 months and 2 days in Flagler County, FL for 2010.  Areas include the Palm Coast, FL zip code 32137 and Flagler Beach, FL zip code 32136.  "Waterfront" is defined as "On a Saltwater Canal, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), or the Atlantic Ocean."  This does not include fresh water canals, golf course ponds, ocean views, marshes, etc.  These homes were "on the water."

For all of this year, there were only 109 such sales.  In the heyday of 2001-2005, it would not have been a stretch for this number to have sold in just one month!

                                                          Here is a statistical summary of these sales:

• Sales Prices:   
• High = $1,000,000 (on the ocean)
• Low = $150,000 (on a canal)
• Average = $320,000
• Mean = $280,000

• Average price/square foot = $148

• Average Days on the Market = 198

• Type of sale:
•  Total sales = 109
• "Normal" = 73 = 67%
• Foreclosures = 11 = 10%
• Short Sales = 25 = 23%

• Number of sales, by month:

• Jan = 3
• Feb = 4
• Mar = 5
• Apr = 10
• May = 10
• Jun = 14
• Jul = 13
• Aug = 10
• Sep = 13
• Oct = 16
• Nov = 10
• Dec =  none yet... (Hey, it's only the 2nd!)

All I can say is "Holy Cow, Mama!"  A $280K Median... and $320K Average price for a Florida waterfront home?!?  If you were here in 2000-2005, you are scratching your head now.  At the 2005/early '06 peak, canal LOTs were in the $300Ks!  ICW LOTs were $495K-$750K!  And Oceanfront LOTs were over $1,000,000!  If you want waterfront... GET IT NOW... or be telling your grand kids about how you should have... back when it was cheap!

"Flagler Beach, FL - Clandestine Paradise!"

Flagler Beach, Florida, is a Clandestine Paradise!  Drive up and down the Atlantic Ocean Coastline and you will know what I mean.  St. Augustine is nice, but prices in the beach towns are "ouch!"  Go south to Daytona Beach and it's nice too... but mingled with the sights and sounds of wild and wooly biker events twice a year, various Spring Break themes, and Speedway events, etc., it can be a bit  "honky tonk" for some tastes.  Mind you, however, that some go there specifically for that buzz... For me, I like being near it, yet not in it... I'm just sayin.'

Go farther north and it starts to get "Georgia chilly" and farther south gets "tropical hot & humid," as well as very crowded.  Most of the US East Coast shoreline is "stupid developed" with monster condos and hotels blocking views and public access to the ocean.  Not so in Flagler Beach!  It's a throwback to Old Florida and it's a slower, more sane pace of life.  There's plenty to do, with clubs and activities galore... just not in your face.  Flagler Beach's proximity to the "city" of Palm Coast and the venues of Flagler County are a big plus, also.  Plenty of shopping nearby, yet when you cross over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge and see the little town of Flagler Beach and the sun glistening off the ocean water... you just know it's a special place!

The beaches are clean and not crowded.  Even on 4th of July weekend, you can find a spot to park along the beach road (A1A) and go plant your feet in the sand.  And talk about "Old Florida," people come to the beach from miles around on Friday and Saturday mornings for the bountiful Farmer's Market.  At the market, you have the opportunity to step back in time to simpler days when vendors come from farms and cottage kitchens to sell their wares. The Farmer's Market has become a Flagler Beach institution as folks shop for fresh locally grown produce and homemade delicacies, plus handmade goods such as pottery, baskets and jewelry.

And right now, in November of 2010, Flagler Beach is "FOR SALE."

Prices are crazy low and are down by AT LEAST 50% from what they were in 2005.  You can buy a HOUSE... ON or NEAR the OCEAN for what a LOT cost in 2005!  Here's a little breakdown: 

• Detached Houses:  There are 113 for sale, between $72K and $998K.  6 sell a month (in an average of 192 days).  That's a 20 month supply!
• Condos & Townhouses:  There are 63 for sale, between $67K and $495K.  2.5 sell per month (in an average time of 250 days).  That's a 26 month supply!
• Building Lots:  There are 108 for sale, between $20K and $949K.  1 sells per month!  That's a 108 month supply!

Here's the rub... There are really two MLS's!!!  There is the part that is in fantasy land - deep in denial - priced way too high for the market.  And there is the part that knows what's going on and wants to sell!  Evidence is that 70% of listings never sell.  Hint:  Priced too high!

Soooo.... Call an experienced LOCAL Realtor (like me) and let me help you figure this out.  If you are a Seller, I can help you price it right (provided you are motivated).  If you are a Buyer, I can help you sort through the mess an find the motivated Sellers!



New Real Estate Company in Palm Coast

August/September, 2010 -   

An exciting new real estate firm has recently launched in Flagler County, Florida...  Parkside Realty Group, LLC, has opened its doors and is ready to serve the real estate needs of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and all of Flagler County.  This dynamic team of five agents and brokers comprise an astonishing combined experience base of over 80 years!

New Broker/Owner, Sam Perkovich, has been a perennial top producer in town for the past dozen years.  Her dedication and leadership within the Arts community in Flagler County has led to high visibility and a unique service orientation.  Sam's vision for Parkside includes an intense focus on the local market and a passion for the personal touch.  Parkside's view is that often, when a firm becomes "too big," they lose sight of their purpose.  National or international "Headquarters" calls the shots... and forgets that "all real estate is local."  Sam says, "We won't lose that local intensity here at Parkside.  It is precisely why we are in business.  We won't be reporting to Denver or Los Angeles or  Parsippany, because our allegiance is to Flagler County, Florida.  Period."

Realtor and Office Manager, Carol Monachese, brings in-depth administrative, managerial, and sales expertise to the Parkside mix.  Formerly a resident of South Florida, Carol enjoyed a successful real estate career in Westin, FL, prior to relocating to Palm Coast.

Frank Zedar, Associate Broker, has assisted families and investors with their real estate needs for 25 years in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.  Although not an attorney, Frank received his certification as a Real Estate Negotiator and Mediator from Harvard Law School in 2003.  His skills and mind-set allow him to be comfortable and capable in the luxury market and also lead him to assist families facing foreclosure, in finding their best options. 
Frank's Real Estate experiences have seen him as a top sales agent, as well as the sales manager of many high volume real estate offices.  His affiliations have included Mount Vernon Realty, Century 21, GMAC, and RE/MAX. 
After Viet Nam, Frank received his BS in Industrial Management at the University of Tampa (Go, Spartans!) and his MBA at Georgia Tech (Go, Yellow Jackets!).  His real estate designations include the GRI, CRS, CDPE and CLHMS. 
As a certified national real estate trainer, he has also been on the adjunct business and economics faculty at both the University of Maryland (Heidelberg Germany campus) and George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia.  He has served as the Chairman of the Flagler County Association of Realtors Grievance Committee and currently is the Secretary of the FCAR Board of Directors.
Frank's twenty years as a US Army Officer have taught him that hard work and attention to the details are keys to a successful real estate career.

Maritssa Vazquez Zedar, Sales Associate, has been a sales top producer and came into real estate by way of the Title industry.  Having owned her own successful businesses in the past, she understands the challenges of today's complex economic environment.  Maritssa is fluent in Spanish and works comfortably within the international community.
Maritssa and her husband Frank have been real estate partners since 2004.  "We each do our own business," says Maritssa, "however it's great that we can always be there to cover each other's back."
First time buyers, who need a calming influence, really appreciate what Maritssa brings to the table.  On the other hand, when aggressive action is needed in a high stakes transaction, her reputation as a focused negotiator is most welcome!

Margaret Sheehan-Jones heads up the Commercial Division at Parkside Realty Group, LLC.  A former CPA and business owner, she brings a wealth of investment experience to the firm.  A long-time Flagler County resident, Margaret has seen - and been an integral part of - this area's growth.  Setting herself apart, she has followed an extremely rigorous path to become a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member).  Currently a fully qualified CCIM candidate, awaiting certification, Margaret will soon join the top 6% within the commercial real estate field with this achievement.

The team at Parkside Realty Group, LLC is ready to serve you and your residential and commercial real estate needs here in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Flagler County, Florida.  Come have a cup of Starbucks or Teavana with us at our new office at 210 Old Kings Road South, Suite 500, Flagler Beach, FL 32136.  We are just south of Rt. 100 (Moody Blvd.), across from Old Kings Elementary school.  We share our business plaza with EQ Financial, Seagate Homes, and Alure European Day Spa.  See you soon!

"Palm Coast, FL Neighborhoods"

When I moved to Palm Coast, a few weeks before 9-11, I thought it was odd that people lived in "The F's" or "The W's" or "The R's."  Who thought that up?  Those guys in the back room at AT&T had to be smokin' something.  Don't even get me going on the "We don't need no stinkin' sidewalks" travesty.  I would joke and say, "I thought The C Section was for Obstetricians only."  Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk. 




Well, the past nine years have flown by and the real estate scene has sure changed, hasn't it?  Here's what's bothering me today... It's the old "My neighborhood is better than yours" thing.  A client of mine, to whom I sold a house two years ago, emailed me to call  me out for selling them a home in "a less desirable part of town."  They had been there over two years... and never thought that... until someone else voiced an off-the-cuff opinion.  It makes me crazy when people say you should stay away from one section of town or the other.  I guess human nature is alive and well.  It's no secret that crime is up... all over the country.  This economy creates desperate situations for many. 


A call to the Sheriff's office revealed what I thought - that crime is spread around fairly evenly.  Also, not surprisingly, high priced areas in gated communities experience less crime.  Welcome to the world as it is.  If you think that your area is getting labeled unfairly, call the Sheriff's office and ask hard questions.  Get the facts.  If something needs to be done, exert your rights as a tax paying citizen of Flagler County.  Peace, out.

"Eating Out in Flagler County, FL"

How about you?  Do you love to eat out?  We sure do!  Understand that we make our living as Real Estate Sales Professionals, so the past couple of years has been more "fish sandwiches and buffalo wings," than "filet mignon and lobster bisque."  However, there's just something very nice about the social benefits of a meal at a great eatery, not to mention "no cooking and no dishes."




 Well, I picked up the Daytona Beach News Journal "Flagler County Section" this morning and read a dining review of a Flagler Beach restaurant... "Blue at the Topaz"... which happens to be our favorite local place, when we "fancy up."  It was a great review and accurately rated it as terrific.  However, (and it's a big however) the article started out with this stomach punch:  

"In her never-ending and... too often futile quest to find good food in Flagler County,... Blue at Topaz was like a breath of fresh air for News-Journal staff writer Kari Cobham."

Wow!  Them's fightin' words!  Is Ms. Cobham trying to elevate the "Nouvelle Victuals" in Volusia (Hooter's Girls vs. Wing House Girls) as superior to Flagler?  Is she sayin' Blue at the Topaz is "all we got?"  Now, I'll admit that we are not an urban melting pot of haute cuisine, however, Flagler County has some great places to eat - from "family to fancy."


So, what are your favorite places to eat in Flagler County?  What do you like and why?  You can post your comment just below this post (you know... where it says "comment"... sorry - just had to do that) OR go to my "Frank Zedar" page on Facebook and vote for your favorite!

"Bill Delbrugge - One of a Kind"

Photo: Bill Delbrugge, Superintendent of Flagler County Public Schools) (Web: http://www.flagler.k12.fl.us/ ) I remember it so vividly... first day of Kindergarten, August, 1992... Mantua Elementary School, Fairfax, Virginia. Zach was five and he and the backpack were about the same size. He and his best buddy, Ross, were cranked; and had been for a week. The kids and the parents all waited together on the corner for the bus to come - and for lives to change... A true Norman Rockwell scene. When it arrived and the kids scrambled aboard, Zach fell on the steps, under the weight of his new pack. True to form, he jumped up like nothin' happened and ran to the back of the bus. As it pulled away, he and Ross pressed their hands and faces hard against the window. Funny like crazy... and never to be forgotten. He was the last, preceded by Andi and Suzy and Chelsea - all with their own unique tales of "the first day of school." Now it's sixteen years later and Zach just turned 21. He's been "finding himself" for a bit, but now is on the brink of a real adventure. He starts Firefighter Academy in Tampa on Saturday morning... Today, I was briefing Bill Delbrugge, Flagler County Superintendent of Schools, on a new program for teachers. He asked me how Zach was doing and remembers details about him and the FPC Class of '05. Zach made ok grades, but left his mark as the class president, a good athlete, the "crazy morning news"... and a big heart. He always talked so positively about "Mr. Delbrugge" and his efforts to make things better in our Flagler County Schools. He was "The Man," yet the kids could talk to him... He went out of his way to make himself approachable and available to them. As parents, we could always see that this was a man on a mission. Informed, passionate, vulnerable, professional, dedicated - the complete package. After our briefing, I asked him what was going on in the schools these days. From our conversation, three things struck me:

• Educators in Florida are really concerned about budgets and funding. "It's such a volatile issue," he said. "We get nervous when the lawmakers start changing the rules." Traditionally, the bulk of school funding has come from property taxes. "If we ever get to where we are funded by a State sales tax, it would be very difficult to predict revenues... and, therefore, more difficult to make meaningful plans."
• If the current economy sends property values, and hence property taxes, much lower... there's trouble ahead. In case you missed it, Flagler is still the fastest growing county in Florida. Matanzas High School is now FPC's "cross-town-rival"... more elementary and middle schools... more kids... more teachers needed. Wait a minute, doesn't that take more money to run the show? I couldn't help but think that Florida's median age is steadily dropping... and that means more kids. We better be prepared to fund their education!
• It seems as though our kids are making headway. Those in charge seem to have more faith in the young folks, as key negative statistics (teen pregnancy, violence, drop-outs) have taken a downward trend. "We're investing in them where it counts." In less than five years, the county schools have gone from about 2,000 computers to about 8,000! "We're doing our best to teach them about relationship building, technology, and economic globalization." "America is not all about assembly lines, like in previous generations... that's why we are focusing on teaching the students problem solving skills. We want them prepared for the realities of the world they will face."

Oh, that program for teachers I was there to brief? It's called: www.RealEstateForHeroes.com and has been created for "Military Forces, Law Enforcement Personnel, Firefighters-EMT-Rescue, Federal Agents, Nurses, and Teachers." It has been set up to provide real, usable, no-nonsense assistance for our community's every day heroes. It helps in a big way, when they choose to purchase or sell real estate, either for personal or investment purposes. To learn more, go to the website or call me direct at 386-931-1987.

So what's the last thing "Mr. Delbrugge" says to me? "Give my best to Zach... and tell him if there's any way possible, I'll be at his Firefighter Academy graduation." That's what we in real estate call "service after the sale..."

"Beautiful Bulow - One of Many Area Secrets"

It started out as a lazy Saturday. I know you know the drill: "What do you wanna' do today?" "I dunno,' how about you?" "We really should plan the weekends better, so we don't ever waste one." "I agree. We need to do better at that. It seems that if we don't plan our off time, we end up working. We work plenty and need to re-charge." So, when I got back from walking Spike ("Spike" - isn't that a great name for a 15 lb. Min Pin?), I brewed up some Starbucks Italian Roast (Life is too short to drink cheap coffee - more on that next week!) and we started brainstorming. "I'm not in the beach mindset yet, are you?" "No, the only sun worshippers there right now are the ones from New Jersey, visiting grandma. They're over there at Christmas, for goodness sake, because 50 degrees at the beach here in Flagler is better than the 14 degrees and snowy they left in Newark." "OK, how about yard work? We could go over to Home Depot and get some plants and..." "No, no, I've got it, let's go to a park!" Honest - that's how it started. My partner's son, Alex (His name is actually Alexis, but everyone calls him Sammy, for some puzzling reason), said he used to run in some of the parks and that he liked Bulow Plantation. Alex, I mean Sammy, used to run for FPCHS and in 2003 he broke (and still holds) the FL State schoolboy record for the mile... a blistering 4:03! It's the fastest ever in Florida and was the second best high school time in the US that year. He's running again now, as an "independent" and trying to decide how far he wants to go with it. (Her daughter, JD, was also a very good runner at FPC and is now an over-achieving student at DBCC: "Mom, I got a 105% on my Anatomy test today, but I should have done better!") Anyway, based on Alex-Sammy's recommendation, we headed off to Bulow State Park. Top down... 91 degrees... radio blasting The Blizzard (93.3 FM in Flagler Beach)... and yes, we blew past our exit - by a lot. We were supposed to get off I-95 at Old Dixie Highway and it was only halfway between the new Harley Heaven, Destination Daytona, and the Granada Blvd. exit that it hit me. "Ha, ha, we did it again," I said. "No, we didn't," said she, "you did." Details, details. Then, capitalizing on the beautiful weather, I claimed the cheap victory. "It's better this way, really... like serendipity. We get to enjoy a little longer ride in the Florida sunshine." (I said nothing about the recent $3.09 cents/gal. premium gas fill up.) Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is easy to find. It's just across the Volusia line into Flagler County, right off Old Kings Road, coming North from Old Dixie Highway. We put the top up to avoid the dust from the gravel road and drove the mile or so into the park, instantly consumed by the primitive feel of Old Florida. Towering palms, massive old oaks festooned with hanging moss, the smell of the pines... "Keep your eyes peeled for gators, rattlers, and water mocs," I said, all in the spirit of fun. "Thanks a lot - that's just what I needed to hear to set me at ease." Heh, Heh - girls sure are funny. We paid the $3.00 entry fee/per car (honor system) - got our parking pass and pulled up to a pleasant picnic area. A friendly park employee chatted us up and we got the scoop on the hiking trails. We walked a gorgeous path to the old Bulow Sugar Mill ruins and immersed ourselves in the rich history of the plantation. It's now a "ruins" because the place was burned to the ground in 1836, as a casualty of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). Because of the coquina construction, enough is left to tell a compelling story. The plantation produced four major crops - sugar cane, cotton, indigo, and rice. The sugar mill spun off molasses, "Liquid Gold," and shipped it to the Caribbean for the making of rum. The other crops found their way up the river to St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Savannah, GA. Of course, the overriding social implication of the plantations was the dependency on the slave trade. I found myself trying to imagine the palpable sense of frustration and anxiety these slaves must have experienced during their years in bondage. I'm quite sure I didn't come close. Later, we walked down by the water and wallowed in the tranquility of this place, although the sign that read: "Beware of Alligators - No Swimming" kept us on our toes. As we drove away, we promised to make a list of all these places in our Central/Eastern Florida backyard - and visit them all! "When we get home, I'm going to watch the Golf Channel to see if Zach Johnson can follow up his victory at The Master's... If you like, you could wash the dust off my car." "We already left Bulow, big guy, your walk in the park is over."