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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Certified International Property Specialist
NAR Liaison to Austria
Tampa Real Estate
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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Plant High School Rowing Team Takes “The Best” from The State… to National Regatta Finals

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

Plant High Rowing AssociationH.B. Plant High School ranks 38th in the “Top 100 High Schools in the US”. Known for it’s Academic Achievers, and consistently rated on the “Best Schools” list, this year the Plant High Rowing Association has plenty to brag about, as well.

In the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sweeps, Plant High Rowing Association had it’s best showing in history, placing Third in Overall Points Statewide…Six Boats, and 58 members of the Plant High Rowing Assocation, qualified for the SRAA National Championships Regatta in Camden, New Jersey, to be held May 25 and May 26. This is a well-deserved honor for these athletes who train six days each week, on the water, rain or shine!

Here is the line-up for the outstanding athletes from Plant High School, who will be heading to the National Finals.

Plant High School Rowing Association offers “Learn to Row” summer camps, for middle school and high school students, who attend any school! For more information about Plant High School Rowing, or to help support the athletes, visit their website, or contact the club!

If you are traveling Memorial Day weekend and spot a large “sea” of “Yellow and Black” at Tampa International Airport, congratulate the Plant High Rowing Team for a fantastic year!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.09.2012

Moving to Tampa? Be Prepared to Move Quickly! Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, Real Estate News, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

Moving To Tampa? Looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? When families are moving to Tampa, everyone is looking for the same thing…”The Best”….it could be the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, it could be the Best Waterfront in Tampa, The Best Schools in Tampa. The family situation may be unique, but, “The Best” is always part of the househunting equation.

My role, as the Buyer’s agent, with nearly 20 years of experience, is to guide those relocating to Tampa to find what is “Best” for them. I ask a lot of questions about lifestyle and their current neighborhood, city vs. suburbs, commute time, work location, ages of the children, any special needs…you name it, I ask it! Lately, I have had to inform the potential buyers that our market has changed. The “Best” houses, and the “Best” neighborhoods are selling quickly. Multiple offers are common. I tell buyers to focus on a few neighborhoods that they like because the house they saw on the internet yesterday, might, very well, be under contract today. If you are planning a move to Tampa, please contact me as soon as possible, so I can start to search the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. There is no substitute for “seeing” a neighborhood in person, or chatting with me on the phone about all of your options.

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate .

For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, the Plant High School District, which is #38 in the US, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

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I also LOVE Great Food, so check out my Restaurant Reviews on the Urban Spoon….!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.25.2012

Natural Gas Explosion “Rattles” a Neighborhood!

Filed under: Tampa Real Estate

The Latest on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Neighborhoods and the International Real Estate Market….

I follow some of my fellow Real Estate Bloggers around the US and one of my favorites, Mary Pope-Handy, in Los Gatos, California, recently experienced a “natural gas explosion” in her neighborhood! Many of my clients LOVE to cook with Natural Gas and having “gas” in the neighborhood is a “plus”, as not all Tampa neighborhoods have gas lines in the street, so homebuyers would have to install a Propane Tank. Few of us realize the implications, or possible dangers, of having gas lines underground, so let’s see how Los Gatos handled the gas explosion and how Mary Pope-Handy blogged about the gas explosion, so neighbors could stay on top of a very dangerous situation.

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate .

For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

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I love great food, too, so check out my Tampa Restaurant Reviews on Urbanspoon!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.28.2012

Boca Kitchen Bar Is “Smokin”…New Restaurant Opens in Hyde Park

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, CIPS, Hyde Park Real Estate, Living in Downtown Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent

I have been driving past Boca for several weeks, in the old “Smoke” space on Platt St.   Happy to see “Smoke” evaporate(you can find that review here, too), I was looking forward to a new look, AND, a much better menu.
I made reservations for lunch, and was joined by my favorite “foodie” friend, which is always an epicurean adventure of multiple courses! Thankfully, they have enclosed the outdoor patio, so the space itself is much roomier AND air conditioned. We were promptly greeted by Erika, who, truly, ranks among the “rock stars” of wait staff. She was beyond attentive and, by the time we got to dessert, I think she was “reading our minds”. More on that later…
We decided to share one of the Flatbreads as a first course, and my friend wanted one with the Burrata Cheese, so we ordered the So-Cal…Spicy Tomato Jam, Tomato, Burrata Cheese and Basil Pesto. The toppings were absolutely the freshest, but the crust was a little tough and it needed some salt. No salt, or pepper, on the table, is one of my pet peeves, but Erika promptly brought us some fresh sea salt and pepper. ** Note to all restaurants**…please put salt and pepper on the table!
Our Entrees were the Steak & Egg Salad, and one of the day’s specials, an Oyster PoBoy with Homemade Chips.
I like my steak to “moo” and my eggs to “cheep”, or they are too well done. I am very specific when I place an order and the kitchen delivered the dish perfectly…Grilled Flank Steak, Grilled Radiccio and Frisee Greens with a fresh fried egg and a blue cheese crumble vinaigrette, all done with the appropriate “rareness”. It was fabulous…and HUGE!


Not a fan of Oysters, I had to trust my friend when she showered praise on her PoBoy, especially the house-baked Ciabbata bread and fresh horseradish on the side. Now, really full, but what’s a food review without dessert, right? In deciding to “share”, we were discussing our options in front of Erika and had narrowed it to Hot Chocolate Truffle “Bon Bons” with Strawberry Fields Cream or The Homage to Ybor…a red apple cobbler with dolce de Leche Ice Cream, Nutella Ganache and smoke Coconut Crumb. We never actually “told” Erika what our choice was, but she overheard me discuss my aversion to Strawberry(and only Strawberry) Ice Cream and placed our order for the Homage to Ybor. Great service!
Upon exiting, we were greeted by the chef, Chad McColgin, who took our “flatbread” critique very well and we chatted about our enjoyable dining experience. We left with a basket of assorted, locally grown tomatoes, as Boca Kitchen Bar is also a “market” for some local produce and unique products made in-house.
I can’t wait to head back to Boca for dinner!
Boca Kitchen Bar Market on Urbanspoon

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.21.2012

New Homes in Tampa…Builders are Busy Again! Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Avila, Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

In the past few years, there was little new construction in the Tampa Real Estate Market, but the “New Home” Market in Tampa is busy again. Builders in Tampa are buying lots, building custom homes and starting to build “spec houses” again. Most of my clients are looking for NEW homes, or “Newer” homes, so I am thrilled to see more New Construction on the market.  If you are looking for the Best Places to Live in Tampa, The Best Tampa Neighborhoods, The Best Schools in Tampa, or a new home in Tampa, just send me an email. I have been selling Real Estate in Tampa for over 17 years, so if you are looking for a local “expert” in the Tampa Real Estate market, you are in the right place.

New Home in Tampa

If you are looking for a new home, that is BRAND New Construction, in the Tampa Real Estate Market, and you are not working with an agent, it is VERY difficult to find what you are looking for. Most New Construction is not listed in MLS, or on Realtor.com, and is often under contract before the slab is poured!  The demand for new homes is high, so if you are relocating to Tampa, and you need expert advice, contact me today!

What is the cost of a “new” home in Tampa?

That depends on size, and, of course, location. Prices range from $300,000 to several million. Let me know if I can help!

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park Historic District, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me! Just give me specifics of what you are looking for and you will receive the newest listings on the market!

 

You can search my site, on the right sidebar, for any article related to Tampa Real Estate, Neighborhoods, or

Restaurants. Just type in a search word in the search box!

 

You can read my restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon, too! Any questions about Tampa Real Estate? Contact me today! And, if you like this post, please share it on Twitter, using the “Tweet” button below!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.16.2012

Moving to Tampa With Time Warner? Find The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and the Best School Districts in Tampa

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, New Tampa, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

We are busy in the Tampa Real Estate Market. Unlike many cities in the country,  Tampa has plenty of families moving to the area for new positions and many job opportunities!  The school year has started, but families are hoping to relocate before the new year and the beginning of the next semester. This is the time when many families are searching for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market to move right after the holidays. With Time Warner announcing it’s move to the Tampa Bay Area, more than 500 employees will be looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and The Best Places to Live in Tampa. The big question is…”Where are the best schools and the best neighborhoods in Tampa? The answer…it is different for every family and every “desired commute”.

Tampa is a great, family-oriented city. Located between the attractions in Orlando and the Gulf Beaches, along with one of the Best School Districts in the U.S., it is a fabulous place to live! I promise that you will NOT have to drive in snow, sleet, or freezing rain!

For more in-depth information on Tampa Schools and Tampa Neighborhoods, you should contact me today. I have been relocating families to the Tampa area for 17 years. I have three children who have been educated in both the public and private schools, along with the Magnet Schools. Most of my clients are busy professionals, or  families with children and I counsel them about the BEST choices for THEIR families.

Tampa is a large metropolitan area with many neighborhoods and many options at all price ranges, ranging from Gated Communities to Waterfront to City Living.  I can set up an online search for your specific needs, so send me an email, or give me a call, at 813.629.5757, so I can help narrow your options and find the Best Place to Live in Tampa for YOU!

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.21.2011

Cafe Pont Pleases the Palate

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in St Pete, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Things to do in Tampa

Located in an unassuming strip mall in Largo, Cafe Pont is the perfect example of “Never Judge a Book by it’s Cover”! I have been enjoying this fabulous restaurant for many years, but after a recent dining experience with some friends who had never been there, I had to put it back on my “dine more often” list.

Osso Bucco

From start to finish, Cafe Pont is always amazing.  We enjoyed sips of Mushroom Bisque and Pumpkin Curry Crab Bisque, while awaiting our first course.  All agreed that our choices were delicious: from the Beefsteak Salad and Beet Salad  to the Sea Bass and THREE orders of Osso Bucco, we were very happy.  For dessert, we ordered a Raspberry Creme Brulee, Chocolate Tart and Artisinal Cheese Plate.  A selection of assorted chocolates topped the finish to a lovely evening. A bottle of Ferrari Carano Tresor was the perfect wine on a perfect night!

Cafe Ponte on Urbanspoon

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.10.2011

Downtown Tampa Restaurants…Samaria Cafe is a MUST

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Downtown Tampa Events, Florida Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent

I have recently discovered a little “gem” of a family-owned restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch in Downtown Tampa! The Samaria Cafe, owned by a lovely couple who always stop by to “chat”, and check on the food, and the service, is THE place to go.

The menu is filled with so many choices, the hardest decision is “what to choose”!! Everything is fresh, and homemade. In many visits, I have never been disappointed! I usually order Quiche, or Eggs Benedict, but last time I was really in the mood for a “Croque Madame”, which is popular in France, and simply a  Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich, with a fried egg on top. Not on their menu, so I asked if I could have the Monte Cristo with a Fried Egg on top…No problem and it arrived with TWO eggs, perfectly cooked to my request. The owners and staff are so wonderful and the food is fabulous, it is the BEST breakfast spot in Downtown Tampa!

Samaria Cafe on Urbanspoon

While I am a “foodie”, my REAL profession is REAL ESTATE, so if you are looking for that perfect condo in Downtown Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island, Hyde Park, South Tampa, or anything in the Suburbs, or need help finding the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, just contact me!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.17.2011

“Pearl in the Grove”…A Little Jewel in Dade City…Make the Drive!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate

My friend has been trying to get me to drive to Dade City to try “a great new place” for many, many months.  It’s about an hour drive from South Tampa. She coerced me with some antique shopping AND agreed to drive, and it was DEFINITELY worth the trip! To my surprise, I had met the chef/owner, Curtis Beebe and his wife, Rebecca, many years ago, at a dinner party in South Tampa.  Thirteen years ago, they left South Tampa for Dade City,  have raised their three boys there,  and opened “Pearl in the Grove” last year. It was great to see them again.

The dining room was full on Saturday night.  We were warmly greeted by Rebecca and promptly attended to by our server, Boyce.  The menu is a “twist” of Southern specialties with a “nibble” of hot boiled peanuts to start. The bread was  unique, with a touch of corn meal in the batter!   The “Geeno” chips are a MUST! Decadent and delicious…Fried Sweet Potato Chips, topped with melted blue cheese and balsamic vinegar.  The portion would feed a party of six!

The Underground Salad was a fresh, and light, medley of locally grown herbs, watermelon, goat cheese, a hint of mint, and a kumquat and vidalia vinaigrette.  We also tried the Summer Relish Plate with the Fried Green tomatoes, field pea “caviar” and bread and butter pickles.  Aside from the yummy pickles, of the entire meal, this was my only disappointment.

Our entrees were the Catfish and Grits and the Porkbelly Roulade.  At this point, we were feeling a little “porky” ourselves and decided it was time to share.  The tasty catfish beignets were served with a spicy homemade remoulade, smoked tomato grit cakes and some fresh grilled okra and green beans.  The  Hickory Smoked Pork Belly was rolled with carmelized onion and served with a potato tart, along with the grilled vegetables.  If you like bacon, you will “die” for that pork belly.  It was  all fabulous.

Totally satiated, but determined to “taste everything” , our dessert plate was a trio of  the Rich Chocolate Cake, a Lemon Cake with Strawberry Buttercream frosting and a slice of Curtis’ Homemade Lemon Cheesecake…that was the clear winner, though the Chocolate Cake was moist and yummy, as well.

We enjoyed a Block Nine Pinot Noir with the meal, though you can bring your own wine, if you prefer.

Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.  Trust me…make the trip to Dade City.  And tell Curtis, Rebecca and Boyce that I sent you.  It was clear from all of the great food ,and local diners, that night that “Pearl in the Grove” is well on it’s way to being a bright spot on the Restaurant Scene in the area!

You can read my other restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon!
Pearl in the Grove on Urbanspoon

Looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, The Best School Districts in Tampa, or need help with Relocation to Tampa? Contact me today!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.21.2011

Luxury Homes in Tampa/Where are Luxury Homes in The Best School Districts

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are relocating to the Tampa Bay area and looking for a home in the “Luxury Home Market”, you have several options. For resale, of course, remember it’s all about…Location, Location, Location.  Even if you do not have children, you must be concerned about the Best School Districts in Tampa and the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, when you are buying a home in the Tampa Bay Area.  Also important, is the proximity to the Best Restaurants in Tampa and Shopping, etc.

One of the nicest areas, Lutz, is in the Steinbrenner High School District.

This is home features 6 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, den and media room with 6000 square feet, on a golf course and pond  lot. In a gated community, with 24 hour guard gate, priced at $889,950.

Convenient to the Veteran’s Expressway, it is an easy commute to Tampa International Airport and just fifteen minutes from the upscale shops at International Plaza.

For information on this home, or any home in the Luxury Real Estate Market in Tampa, contact me today!

If you would like to receive new listings, in any price range, as they come available, just send me an email and tell me about your housing needs and the type of neighborhood that you are looking for.

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Listing and Photo Courtesy of IDX

 

 

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.30.2011

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