Foreclosures Can Be A Great Deal!

July 25th, 2010

Even with the increasing demand for existing homes in Florida, purchasing a foreclosure can still be a fantastic deal! You must remember, the days of offering 30-50% off the asking prices, are over. Most banks are no longer even counter offering on these offers. When you compare today’s prices to the prices in 2005-2006, these homes are all absolute steals!

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In many cases, you can still offer 10-15% under the asking price and get a counter offer or sometimes even an acceptance. It totally depends on the condition of property, location and age. In some instances, you can still get homes for far less. Usually these properties generally require extensive repairs, are of an older age and many cannot be financed for these reasons. This puts most buyers out of this market, so the banks will negotiate even more on these ‘super’ distressed properties.

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The demand for these discount homes has gotten quite heated. Many times, on a highly desirable property, a bidding war will break out. There can be multiple offers and the bank will come back with; ‘give me your highest and best offer’.

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What do you do when this happens? It is up to you. You must remember if you are financing that the property must appraise in order to obtain financing. You cannot spend $10K more for a house and expect the bank to finance it. Those days are over.

Even with this demand, the deals are still out there. Houses in the higher price ranges are now starting to come available, so if you are looking for a property in the $500K-$2 mil range, currently there’s an exceptionally nice inventory available. If that is your price range, do not hesitate because these homes are selling at an extremely rapid pace, sometimes in just a few days!

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Sometimes you have to make a decision and stick with it. This is not for the faint of heart or the wishy washy. We can help you make an informed decision.

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Here are just a few benefits of purchasing a foreclosed property:

1. A foreclosed property can be an excellent way to own that house you have always wanted that now fits into your budget.

2. The foreclosed properties that belong, to the government or the banks, there is virtually no risk in buying such a property, since you will receive a free and clear title with title insurance.

3. The returns on a foreclosure property can be assumed to be higher once the economic crisis is over. If you decide to sell later, you should realize a greater return on your investment.

4. Sometimes a profit can be gained from buying a foreclosure property at a low price and then selling it at a higher value in the open market. This is sometimes called, ‘flipping’ and you usually have to buy a property that needs some renovation and have the necessary skills to accomplish this. Again, if you do not have the skills to do this, do not try this.

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Even though the term foreclosure has a negative connotation to many, there can be many benefits to reap from purchasing a foreclosed property. Please contact one of our Real Estate Professionals today and we will be happy to assist you through the process of acquiring that ‘perfect’ home.

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Foreclosure or Short Sale?

July 25th, 2010

A foreclosure is a legal term that means that the bank or lending company that holds the lien on the house or property has taken possession of the property in order to recover part or the full amount of money owed on the property. In more straightforward terms, it means that if someone has taken a mortgage to buy a house, they have to pay the mortgage as agreed.  In the absence of timely payments, the lender, who holds the security interest or lien, on the property, will take possession of the real estate in order to recover monies owed. Once a property is foreclosed on the home is put on for sale at a public auction with the highest bidder getting the house. Most times these properties are listed with a local realtor.

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There are a number of reasons foreclosures happen. Someone voluntarily agreeing to a foreclosure is rarely seen. It is usually the unpredictable events that make one to go into foreclosure. These reasons can be:

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• Laid off from the job or reduced income.

• Excessive debt.

• Inability to work due to a medical condition.

• Dispute with the co-owner, example divorce.

• Transfer of job to another state.

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Plus many other reasons not listed. If you are on the verge of foreclosure please contact us or a realtor that you’re positive has the experience to handle the sale, through a short sale, of your home before a foreclosure happens.

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This procedure is called a “short sale”. This simply means that the bank or lending institution will accept less than the owed balance on your property to sell the property. Most times this can be beneficial to you as a seller as most short sales are listed on your credit as ‘paid in full”, in most cases you can apply for another mortgage in 2 years and the banks have no additional legal expenses involved with having to go through the foreclosure process on your property.

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We will be happy to give you a free evaluation on your current situation and will show you how we can help you. Just contact us today by following one of the links below to the area in which you live, take our quick survey and fill out a contact form.

www.stopyourdaytonaforeclosure.com

www.stopyourpalmcoastforeclosure.com

www.stopyourstaugustineforeclosure.com

St. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE

June 11th, 2010

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a recreational facility located on A1A in St Augustine, Florida, US. It is an avenue for gatherings and outdoor concerts. The capacity of the Amphitheatre is 3,943. St. Johns County Parks & Recreation department manages the amphitheatre. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is considered the best venue for various arts, music and festivals on the north east coast of Florida. St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosts national and international acts. It also organizes community events and festivals.

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In honor of the 400th anniversary of the St. Augustine Foundation, the amphitheatre started in 1965. The area used to be part of Anastasia State Park. It was constructed in one of the coquina quarries which were used to provide materials for construction for the Castillo de San Marcos and St. Augustine.

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Paul Green a famous playwright and a Pulitzer Prize winner, wrote a play to be performed at the theatre. The play was Cross and Sword; It was a drama on Spanish settlements, a musical presentation of the initial years of St. Augustine.

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In 1973, Cross and Sword was announced by the Florida Legislature as the official state play. Budget constraints forced the authority to stop the show after more than 30 years in 1996. The use of the theatre was very infrequent in the following years with only a few Shakespeare Festivals hosted from 1997 to 2003.

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In 2003, a renovation was completed costing $8.7 million. It happened after St. Johns County acquired the facility. The newly renovated theatre opened in August 2007 which included the fiberglass tensile canopy.  Many local, regional and international acts have since been booked here with overflowing crowds. The atmosphere and facility are par excel lance. Come and enjoy a pleasant evening at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre!

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The box office hours are:

Monday – Friday – Morning 10 to 6.

Saturday – Morning 9 to 1.

For a complete list of events, please visit the official website of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Visit Website Here

PONTE VEDRA – A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

June 8th, 2010

Ponte Vedra is a one of the most desirable place to live in Florida. World class luxury homes, condos, sophisticated golf courses, beautiful weather and sandy beaches have made Ponte Vedra a real estate package. Ponte Vedra is also known for its mix culture.

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Ponte Vedra has gained international renown for its real estate value.

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Here are some benefits and amenities that can be enjoyed in Ponte Vedra.

  • World Class and Professional Golf Courses.

Ponte Vedra is known for its world class golf facilities. The international

Headquarters of the PGA is located here. It’s an ideal place for individuals having interest in either playing or watching golf.

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  • Amazing Beaches.

Ponte Vedra provides access to various beautiful beaches. The sand dunes here are very amazing as compared to the other local beaches. The beaches are less crowded and are one of the finest in the world. Also, the beaches are known for safety and security.

  • Association of Tennis Professionals

Ponte Vedra is known for ATP.For those interested in tennis, it provides a variety of different courts.Pro Tennis Classic is hosted by ATP every October.

  • Impressive Hotels and Resorts

Resorts here provide all amenities for a comfortable and relaxing vacation.

The world class resorts and with many activities available here, Ponte Vedra makes a great choice for visitors.

  • Easily reachable Intercoastal waterways

Boat slips are available at the door steps providing easy access to the intercoastal waterways.

  • High quality education.

The school system in Ponte Vedra Beach area also attracts many families. It has an award wining school system. Public schools here are among the top ranked ones in Florida. Every school in Ponte Vedra has been awarded an “A” grade by the grading system of state of Florida. Education being one of the important aspects of life, it’s drawing many new families towards Ponte Vedra.

  • Luxury oceanfront mansions.

 

Ponte Vedra beach provides the best view if you desire to have a house on the oceanfront.

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To sum up, the natural beauty of Ponte Vedra, the golf courses and the beauty of its beaches provide an ideal environment for fulfilling one’s dream of leading a luxurious life.

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Time To Plant Some Tomatoes

March 31st, 2010

It’s that time of year again. It’s time to put out your tomato plants if you haven’t already done so.

Tomatoes are an important part of everyone’s diet. This is the reason why many people grow tomatoes in their own home rather buying them from the grocery store. You can choose to grow them pesticide and chemical free while saving some money and having some fun!  If you have never had a garden and want to try vegetable gardening then this is one of the easiest plants to gain some experience with. You can grow tomatoes both indoors and out, the choice is completely yours. I only grow my tomatoes outdoors, so that’s what we’re going to focus on here.

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In Florida the best and really only time, in my opinion, to plant tomatoes is in the spring. The plants will produce throughout the spring into early summer, usually stop producing during the real hot months and then start producing again in the fall until the first hard frost. I recommend that you start with a spot that doesn’t get direct sunlight throughout the day. The best mix for me has been to find a spot that gets morning and early afternoon sun and only indirect or shade the rest of the day. You may have to try different locations around the outside of your home to find the best location for your plants.

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When planting the tomatoes I use a mixture of organic compost and peat to put my plants in. I will dig the hole 3-4 times the size of the root ball and fill the hole with my 50/50 mix of compost & peat. I will then place the plant into the middle, push the mix around the base and lightly pack the soil with my feet. I will usually place the plant just a little deeper than the current soil level as it seems to help the plant adjust and grow faster. I will then place a metal cage around the plant to support it growing upright rather than along the ground. Make sure you stake in the cage so it won’t fall over when your plants get really large and full of fruit.

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Daily watering of the tomato plants are recommended, especially during the first month or two after planting. Once the root system has set you can cut back on the watering, but if you see any withering of leaves, yellowing or dryness you will then want to pick up the number of waterings a week you do. Along with the watering, make sure you give the plants weekly feedings of a quality liquid fertilizer. This will give you a strong plant which equates into plenty of great tomatoes for you to eat. You also need to figure out how to keep the critters from eating your tomatoes as they will become a crowd favorite. I plant mine inside of the pool cage for just this reason. Insects can also be an issue. You can choose to use a chemical pesticide or a natural form. This information is available at your local nursery or on the internet. The method you use is completely up to you.

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If you are a condo owner and plan on growing tomatoes on your condo balcony they now have some new methods of growing tomatoes upside down. You can find plenty of information about this method on the internet and where to purchase if you so desire. I have no experience with this method so I cannot give an opinion. Another method is to grow in a flower plant. Try one or both methods and see which one will work best for you.

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There are hundreds of tomato varieties available today. Personally, I like the beefsteak variety which produces a large meaty tomato juicy just like a steak. Another one of my favorites is the cherry tomato which is great for salads or just popping in your mouth for a refreshing treat. Check with your local nursery about the varieties available in your area. Another point is, try using plants started at a local nursery rather than ones grown somewhere else. These plants seem to do much better having not been shipped large distances in closed trucks and they are already climatized.

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I hope this information has helped you in your quest to grow that perfect tomato. Now all we have to do is make some BLT’S…Enjoy!

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Foreclosures in St Augustine, Florida

March 3rd, 2010

St Augustine Beach, Florida is one of the finest beaches in the world. St Augustine Beach Florida has many beautiful homes, waterfront properties and luxurious condo complexes. The natural beauty and amenities makes St Augustine an excellent place to live. If you are looking to invest in a new home, St Augustine Beach, Florida is the place for you.

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The foreclosure process depends on the state the property is located. There are two types of foreclosures, non–judicial and judicial. Each state has different laws. Florida law calls for the judicial method of foreclosure. In Florida, the foreclosure process normally takes about five months but it now can take up to 2 years.

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The St Augustine Beach real estate market is attracting buyers from all over America and the world. Property and homes in St Augustine Beach are always in high demand. However, as in all other parts of America and Europe, foreclosures have hit St Augustine Beach, causing lower prices and better values for the buyers of properties.

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There is large number of foreclosures listed for sale in St Augustine Beach. As the real estate market grew by leaps and bounds in the last decade, the prices of property skyrocketed. Many could not pay their monthly loans on time and some discontinued paying their mortgages all together. Hence, all these properties were/are being taken back by the banks and listed for sale. Currently it shows 2,000+ foreclosure properties have been listed for sale in St. John’s County of Florida. The average foreclosure sale price in this area is $207,611.

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In the current environment, where we have low rate interest rates as well as lower property values, now is the best time to invest in St. Augustine properties. The demand for foreclosed homes in the St Augustine Beach area has remained high and it sometimes outpaces the supply. As per the experts, now is the best time to buy foreclosed property in St Augustine Florida.

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As we all know St Augustine Beach, Florida is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, its rich history and small town feeling makes it one of the best places to live in America. It’s a great place to live, work and retire. Keeping all this in perspective, buying a foreclosed property in St Augustine Beach, Florida would be a bargain for anyone.

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Median Home Prices in Palm Coast Florida for the Years 2005-2009

March 3rd, 2010

 

Palm Coast is a city in Flagler County, in the State of Florida. The city was originally developed in 1969 by the ITT Community Development Corporation. Palm Coast Florida has the largest population of any city in Flagler County, with a population of 68,013 as of 2006. In 2007, Palm Coast Florida was designated as a principal town of the Palm Coast, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The area has experienced a rapid growth in population in recent years; with the population of Palm Coast Florida in 1990, at 32,732, increasing by more than 17,000 to 49,832 by 2000 (all population figures are from the records of the US Census Bureau). Many of the local residents of Palm Coast Florida work in the nearby cities of Jacksonville and Orlando and make daily commutes to and from these areas. Additionally, the city is a bedroom community of sorts for workers from Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. 

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The total land area originally owned by ITT spanned 68,000 acres, but ITT’s development plan only included about 42,000 acres, and included plans for 48,000 homes. That plan also included paved streets, central water, and a sewer system to serve all of the originally planned lots. ITT also designed a water management system to replenish the 46 miles of freshwater and 23 miles of saltwater canals that make up the water table of the area. 

In 1985, the Palm Coast Fire burned down 131 homes in one of the city’s subdivisions. The same subdivision was struck again by fires in 1998. An evacuation of the entire county was ordered, displacing 45,000 people. However, a massive suppression effort, in which 44 states participated, minimized the destruction caused by this fire to only 71 homes. 

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Development services, a fire department, the construction and maintenance of streets, parks, and recreational services are all provided by the city. Law enforcement is provided by the Sheriff’s Office of Flagler County. Plans for the construction and development of a town center, new fire stations and City Hall, and parks are currently being implemented. 

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The median prices of homes in Palm Coast Florida have fluctuated greatly over the past five years. From 2005 to 2006, median home prices increased steadily. Starting at around $190,000 in the first quarter of 2005, the median prices had risen to about $260,000 by the first quarter of 2006, and were around $270,000 or higher by the end of the fourth quarter of 2006. Home prices reached their highest point in recent years at around $280,000 in the first quarter of 2007. 

During the rest of 2007, however, home prices began to drop. By the last quarter of 2007, they had fallen to around $215,000 and have continued to gradually decline since then. By the first quarter of 2008, they had fallen below the median home price in the first quarter of 2005, and by the end of 2009, the median price was around $135,000. 

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As of January 2010, 1,936 new and resale homes were on the real estate market in Palm Coast Florida according to Trulia. For the week ending January 20, 2010, the average price of homes that were for sale were $315,098. 

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The history of real estate prices in Palm Coast Florida has certainly been hectic in recent years. However, this reflects the situation in other parts of the country, and the real estate business in the area is hopeful for the future of Palm Coast Florida.

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Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida

March 2nd, 2010

Bike Week is an annual motorcycle festival held in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is the largest motorcycle event held in the world with approximately 5 million people attending annually. People travel from all parts of the globe to attend this mega event. Some of the events that are held during this 10 day event are motorcycle racing, motorcycle shows, parties, festivals and concerts.

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Each year this event happens during the first week of March. The root of this event goes back to the Daytona 200 race which was first held on January 24, 1937. The first race was 3.2 miles long and was won by Ed Kretz, of Monterey Park, Calif., on an American Indian. No races were run from 1942-1946, because of WWII, racing resumed on February 24, 1947.

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People from around the world anticipate this mega event. They prep their motorcycles all winter with the latest equipment to show off during bike week. You will see all types, models and brands of motorcycles from a bone stock Harley-Davidson to a custom designed Boss Hog V-8 engine trike, to a Ducati road racer to a $150K fabricated custom chopper. All bikes and bikers are welcome. Trailers and haulers fill the parking lots. Motorcycles line the streets of Downtown Daytona Beach and now with the opening of Destination Daytona, the party has been expanded to Rt.1 in Ormond Beach.

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This year Daytona Bike Week has been scheduled from Feb 26th, 2010 through Mar 7th, 2010. This event has numerous activities scheduled each year such as motorcycle racing, coleslaw wrestling, rat’s hole custom bike show, music concerts and parties galore. You can buy anything for and about bikes from the many vendors and shops that line the streets. Enjoy the concerts from one of your favorite bands; catch a glimpse of some motorcycle celebrities such as the Teutles of Orange County Choppers, Arlen Ness or other famous people from TV and movies. A full week of fun, enjoyment, amazing races, parties, and rallies awaits you each year during Bike Week.

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While visiting Daytona Beach for Bike Week, don’t miss out on the nearby attractions. A few of them are the Kennedy Space Center, Saint Augustine, which is the nation’s oldest city, Sea World, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. Or you can just take a ride along the famous ‘loop’ and enjoy the beauty that is Daytona Beach, Florida.

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So if you’re a bike lover or just love to have a great time, Daytona Beach, Florida is the place for you to visit in March each year so you can enjoy the most happening motorcycle event in the world.

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St. Augustine Lighthouse, A Historical View

January 23rd, 2010

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The St Augustine Lighthouse is located on the north end of Anastasia Island, in St Augustine Beach, Florida. The port of St Augustine had always been a challenge for the mariners to navigate safely. So Pedro Melendez, who founded St. Augustine in 1565, decided to build a tower made of wood on the north end of Anastasia Island. This tower was built to help the incoming ships safely identify the harbor of St. Augustine. In 1683, the Spanish government decided to replace the old wooden tower with one constructed of readily available coquina rock. The new tower compound also included a lighthouse keeper’s home, guard house, and ammunition storage shed.

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As time passed, the coquina rock of the tower became weak and dangerous. Along with the sea eroding away that part of the island, it was evident that the coquina lighthouse was on the verge of collapse. In 1871 it was decided that a new tower constructed of concrete was needed. The construction of this new concrete tower was completed in 1874. About 5 years later, the old coquina lighthouse keeper’s house fell into the sea and the old tower soon disappeared.

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This new lighthouse was converted from lamp fuel to kerosene in 1885. In 1886, the St. Augustine Lighthouse was caused to sway violently by the Charleston earthquake, luckily no damage was found. The lighthouse was very useful during World War II as the coast watch used the lighthouse as a lookout post for enemy ships, spies and submarines.

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In 1936, the St. Augustine Lighthouse was then converted to electricity. Since there was no oil to carry or soot to clean off the lens, the number of lighthouse keepers was reduced to two. In 1955, the service of the St Augustine Light House was transferred to the Coast Guard and was fully automated.

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Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is owned and operated by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Inc. (SAL&M). It was opened to the public in 1994. SAL&M’s job is to preserve the history of this great monument located in the oldest known city in the US. The museum board also helps in preserving other such lighthouses in Florida.

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The St Augustine Lighthouse is a must visit in northeast Florida. It takes approximately one hour to tour the site and climb the tower. So the next time you’re visiting St. Augustine Florida, make sure you include the lighthouse into your travel itinerary.

Peabody Auditorium, Arts & Music in Daytona

January 23rd, 2010

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The Peabody Auditorium is located at 600 Auditorium Boulevard, adjacent to the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. This historic building which was dedicated on October 6, 1949 is the area’s focal point of arts and entertainment. The London Symphony Orchestra, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society and the Daytona Beach Civic Ballet have performed many events here. The Peabody Auditorium also plays host for many events featuring local school, colleges, national performers and artists.

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Open for more than 60 years, the Peabody Auditorium has been organizing events which has attracted global stars and entertained audiences throughout Florida. The world famous London Symphony Orchestra started its love affair with the Peabody Auditorium 34 years ago. The Daytona Beach Symphony Society has made the Peabody Auditorium its home for the past 58 years.

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World famous performers such as Elvis Presley, Liza Minelli, James Taylor, Jerry Seinfeld and many other world famous artists have performed at the Peabody Auditorium.  This year, Peabody Auditorium has brought in a number of wonderful events in a mixture of musical and comedy genres. Cirque Dreams IIumination, Tap Dogs, The Christmas, Avenue Q, Bob Newhart, etc have played at The Peabody Auditorium recently. The 2009-2010 series in Peabody Auditorium which started October 5 features some of the great entertainers of our time. A few of the headliners this year are, Manheim Steamroller, Vince Gill, Cabaret, Jackie Mason, The Irish Tenors and the Peking Acrobats are but to name a few.

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The Peabody Auditorium offers a special membership package to its loyal patrons. Some of the benefits of this package are, purchase tickets prior to public offering, receive invitations to special events and members only presentations, Limited Edition Peabody Auditorium Memorabilia, fully tax deductible contributions and recognition as a supporter of the Peabody Auditorium.

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The Peabody Auditorium Rose Room gives national and regional artists the opportunity to showcase their talent throughout the year. The current exhibition is a  “Florida Retrospective” running between January 8, 2010 and February 25th, 2010. This features, “an invitational exploring the images from evolving Florida culture and natural habitats through manmade structures”.

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Another scheduled exhibition this year is, Cacophony of Fiber, running from March 24, 2010 through April 29th, “an invitational of international artists using fiber in exciting and novel ways through weavings, quilts, etc.”.

Many other events and exhibitions are on the schedule at the Peabody Auditorium. You can get all details of these current and future events from their website: http://www.peabodyauditorium.org/.

So, if you are a lover of the arts, good music or some great comedy, you should plan on attending an event soon at the Peabody. Hope to see you there!

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