Marathon Real Estate

Fl Keys arts and culture

2009-10-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

The Keys are made up of small towns and communities. However, due to the strong economy from our tourist base, the Arts are a primary part of our culture. Most weekends bring festivals and street parties throughout the Keys and especially in Key West. Photography of wildlife here is also great.
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts does a great job in supporting Art in the Keys.
Also see the Key West Arts and historical society.

Music:
• The Keys Community Concert Band. Susan Bazin 451-4530.
• Keys Chamber Orchestra. Call Inga-Lisa Wright, 305-744-0508
• The Key West Pops, Inc. - 305 293-7658,
• Note to musicians-There are about a zillion Tiki bars etc, that have live music. The times range from the afternoon through the evening. The pay is generally better than you'll find working in a regular club in the rest of the country. In addition to that, most outdoor venues shut their music down about 11-so the hours are shorter.

Museums and Culture:
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136.
• Flagler's Station Historeum®--305-295-3562.
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913,
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012,
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990.
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911.
• Lofton B. Sands African Bahamian Museum - 305 293-9692.
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502.

Theater/dance:
• Middle Florida Keys
• Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 O/S Hwy.....305 743-0994
• Key West Theatre
• Island Opera Theatre.....305 296-1520
• Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St (Rear).....305 296-9911
• Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square.....305 294-5015

Art Galleries/ Visual Arts:
• Over 90 galleries throughout the Keys
• Note to Artists: Regardless of the medium, there is a place for you in the Keys. The Keys strongly support resident artists.

Key West Art Galleries
Alan S. Maltz Gallery
Archeo Gallery
Black Pearl Fine Art
Charest-Weinberg Gallery
Cuba Cuba Gallery
Gallery Key West
Gatoville Gallery
Gingerbread Square Gallery
Glass Reunions
Island Arts Co-Op
Joy Gallery
Kent Gallery
Key West Folk Art
Lucky Street Gallery
Monkey Apple Art Factory
SoDu Gallery
South Pointe Gallery
Wild Side Gallery
Zbyszek Gallery
Art @ 830
Audubon House Gallery
Boy & His Dog Gallery
Foot's Artworks
The Gallery on Greene
Gallery Uno
Guild Hall Gallery
Hatian Art Company
Helio Gallery
Island Style Gallery
Key West Art Center & Gallery
Kate's Gallery
Kennedy Studios Gallery
KW Light Gallery
90 Miles to Cuba
Mary O'Shea's Glass Garden
Red Door Gallery
Roy John-Karl Gallery
Sign of Sandford Gallery
Seven Artists
Stone Soup Gallery
Harrison Gallery
Writers groups in all genres (from screenwriting to novels) are spread throughout the Keys. There is definitely a reason so many world class writers and Play-rights have made and do make the Keys their home. Especially Key West.(“Ernest Hemingway” ) The musician and actor community here is strong.

In conclusion, the arts community in the Keys is strong and will even grow stronger. If you like the arts and a small community with lots of outdoor opportunities, The Florida Keys could be just your place.

Wouldn’t it be nice to vacation here and not have to leave!

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.
Fax #: (305)743-7012
Mobile: (305)731-6219
Office Phone: (305)289-6504
Toll-Free: (800)366-5181 ext. 6504
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon,FL 33050
karen.angle@cbschmitt.com
http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

Hawks Cay residential income property

2009-10-14T11:17:00.000-04:00

This unit is the best buy in the Sunset Villa section of Hawks Cay. The Duck Key Upgrade completed, all assessments paid. Enjoy direct Oceanviews from this beautiful 2 bedroom unit. New furniture, paint, blinds and A/C. Enjoy one of the Top Resorts in all of the Keys:Marina,Beach,4-Pools, Restaruants,Cafe's, etc. Swim With Dolphins and never have to leave the Resort. Rental history available.

547926 Residential Active $299,900

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon Fl short sale home for sale

2009-10-14T11:15:00.001-04:00

Short Sale. Bring offers. This cute conch home has been updated with tile, marble, brick pavers, metal roof, etc. Larger than appears from outside. Large back yard completely fenced in for privacy.
547958 Residential Active $235,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys open water beauty is priced to sell with almost 3/4 of an acre

2009-10-14T11:12:00.001-04:00

WOW! This open water beauty is priced to sell with almost 3/4 of an acre. Watch the sunset every night from your private piece of paradise. Completely remodeled 2/2 stilt home with amazing 180 degree direct bay views from your private yard and deck. Bayfront property allows easy access for kayaks or small shore launched boats. Boat ramp in community available for larger boats.
Directions: Pelican Rd. runs directly off US 1 behind the marina in Grassy Key. Last property on left.

548639 Residential Active $750,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon fl short sale

2009-09-14T12:09:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Duck Key-Hawks Key Investment opportunity

2009-09-14T12:06:00.002-04:00

This unit is the best buy in the Sunset Villa section of Hawks Cay. The Duck Key Upgrade completed, all assessments paid. Enjoy direct Oceanviews from this beautiful 2 bedroom unit. New furniture, paint, blinds and A/C. Enjoy one of the Top Resorts in all of the Keys:Marina,Beach,4-Pools, Resturants,Cafe's, etc. Swim With Dolphins and never have to leave the Resort. Rental history available.
547926 Residential Active $299,900

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon Fl waterfront short sale

2009-09-14T12:04:00.001-04:00

Brand New Direct Oceanview Beauty. Hang out in the Hammock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Granite and stainless throughout. This stately appointed home is located close to all the conveniences in Marathon. Short Sale.
Directions: US 1 to 105th St Ocean, property on left almost to end.
547959 Residential Active $535,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys-Grassy Key Open Water home for sale

2009-09-14T12:01:00.002-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Garssy Key-Boaters Dream--just $110,000

2009-08-13T09:45:00.001-04:00

INVESTOR ALERT***Priced to Sell***Motivated seller Boaters dream with direct ocean access. This 1/1 has large bonus room with water view for an office/den/bedroom. Located just steps away from the protected deep water boat basin and dockage with ramp. HOA offers Marina/Dock/Boat Storage-Fee $50/mo. Also a Community Pool, laundry, rec room, tiki hut, and fishing jetty access for $100/mo.
Directions: MM 58 Oceanside across street from Dolphin Research Center. Lion's Lair Co-Op. Middle driveway near end on right.
547837 Residential Active $110,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys-Grassy Key Home with almost 3/4 of an acre

2009-08-13T09:43:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Sombrero Beach Home for sale

2009-08-13T09:41:00.000-04:00

Remarks - Consumer: Located in the desirable Sombrero Beach area. This stilt half duplex offers an eat-in counter, high ceilings, screened porch overlooking canal, 50 feet of deep water dockage, fenced yard and much more. This comfortable half duplex is a must see. Downstairs enclosure is non-conforming. Easy access to shopping, beach, schools, post office, etc. Potential Short Sale.
Directions: From US#1 to Sombrero Beach Road. Just past the high school turn right, then right again at Anglers Drive North. 1/2 duplex is on the right.
547957 Residential Active $335,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys New Oceanview-waterfront Home

2009-08-13T09:38:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Hawks Cay residential income, investment opportunity

2009-07-13T12:02:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

marathon fl short sale

2009-07-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Key Investment opportunity

2009-07-13T11:57:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys open water home with 3/4 of an acre

2009-07-13T11:54:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

marathon fl short sale

2009-06-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Hawks Cay residential income, investment opportunity

2009-06-10T11:48:00.000-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon fl waterfront real estate duplex

2009-06-10T11:46:00.001-04:00

Located in the desirable Sombrero Beach area. This stilt half duplex offers an eat-in counter, high ceilings, screened porch overlooking canal, 50 feet of deep water dockage, fenced yard and much more. This comfortable half duplex is a must see. Downstairs enclosure is non-conforming. Easy access to shopping, beach, schools, post office, etc. Potential Short Sale.
Directions: From US#1 to Sombrero Beach Road. Just past the high school turn right, then right again at Anglers Drive North. 1/2 duplex is on the right.
$399,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon fl waterfront real estate

2009-06-10T11:44:00.002-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.
Fax #: (305)743-7012
Mobile: (786)281-8117
Office Phone: (305)289-6504
Toll-Free: (800)366-5181 ext. 6504
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon,FL 33050
karen.angle@cbschmitt.com
http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

Hawks Cay residential income, investment opportunity

2009-05-13T14:42:00.002-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Grassy key boaters dream-just $160,000

2009-05-13T14:39:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon waterfront real estate

2009-05-13T14:37:00.001-04:00

This canal front home has it all. Walk to Sombrero Beach, pool, hot tub, canal, boat lift and it pays for itself! In 2008 it earned $75K in rental revenues. 2009 has $55K already. Established rental program running with minimal effort. Owner will train, stay on, or turn it over to agency. See http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/15620.html for calendar. New pool, dock, A/C, carpet.
547967 Residential Active $875,000

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Grassy Key, open water beauty is priced to sell with almost 3/4 of an acre

2009-05-13T14:34:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys Short Sale. Bring offers

2009-04-13T12:51:00.000-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Fl Keys sombrero beach waterfront home

2009-04-13T12:49:00.000-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Marathon fl waterfront real estate

2009-04-13T12:47:00.000-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

fl keys waterfront home-walk to the beach

2009-04-13T12:44:00.001-04:00

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

My Real Estate Services

2009-03-19T10:48:00.001-04:00

Karen Angle
REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Schmitt, Inc, specializes in the sale of fine Homes and Condos in the Lower Florida keys. Since 1997, she has provided buyers and sellers with in-depth professional assistance in the sale and purchase of residential property. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, and want the professional assistance of a seasoned expert, who will work diligently in an effort to satisfy your needs, please call Karen anytime at 786-282-8117. Hopefully, you will find this web site to be comprehensive, interesting, and informative. Please bookmark this site (http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com), for fast and detailed real estate information at your fingertips.

To my Buyers:
As a buyer of property, you will receive personalized, professional assistance in both locating the property that suits you, and in negotiating the deal. Before buying any property, you will be an educated buyer, having learned sales prices and asking prices of comparable properties in the area of your choice, so that you have the necessary information to make an educated decision.

To my Sellers:
As a seller, your property will be marketed locally, nationally, and internationally. Your property will be featured on more than 6 real estate web sites. A full color brochure will also be produced. Plus there will be effective target marketing of your property to financially capable prospects.
These are just some of the many marketing tools that will ensure that your property is "SOLD".

Karen Angle is one of the Top Producers in real estate sales, is admired by her fellow realtors, and has earned the respect of buyers and sellers who have come to her, to seek the assistance of an expert in Florida Real Estate.

KAREN ANGLE
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon Fl, 33050
(305) 743-5181 Business
(786) 282-8117 Cell
(305) 743-7012 Fax
1-800 366-5181 Ext 6504

www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

Florida Keys Mortgage Loan sources

2009-03-19T10:46:00.000-04:00

Loan sources

ALL KEYS MORTGAGE, INC. 99101 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo FL 33037, 305-451-9898, Fax: 305-451-9897
Ameri Mortgage Corp, 1300 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West 305-294-1141
American General Finance Services, 1105 Key Plaza Shopping Center, Key West 305-296-8586
Armstrong Kelly, 2505 Flagler Ave., Key West 305-296-2434
Bankers Mortgage Corporatin, 300 Atlantic Dr., Key Largo 302-451-5880
Casstle Mortgage Corp., 529 Whitehead St., Key West 305-292-0064
Century Funding Corp., 101925 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo 305-451-9224
Choice Mortgage Company of the Florida Keys, 102025 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, 305-451-4822
CitiFinancial, 2800 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West 305-296-8565
City Mortgage Services Inc., 3302 Eagle Ave., Key West 305-294-2999
Conch Republic Morgage, 82681 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, 305-664-4555
Condella Financial Services, 3432 Duck Ave., Key West 305-292-7554
Dunhill Mortgage Company, Inc., 1762 74th Street Ocean, Marathon, 305-743-7811
Equity Options-Key largo http://www.equityoptionscorp.com/
ERA Dockside Properties, 102800 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, 305-451-0082
1st Florida State Mortgage Corp, 524 Eaton St., Key West 305-296-1305
First National Bank of South Florida, 82205 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, 305-517-9250
First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Keys Wide, 1-800-451-6556
Flagship Financial Services Inc., 302 Southard St., Key West 3305-292-9199
Florida Keys Mortgage Company, 530 Southard St., Key West, 305-295-0430
Florida Keys Mortgage, 88181 Overseas Hwy., Plantation Key, 305-852-0830
Hometown Mortgage of the Keys, Inc., 85998 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada 305-517-4273
Independent Mortgage & Finance, 600Whitehead St., Key West 305-294-5105
Kavney Tom Mortgage Broker, 81611 Old Highway, Islamorada 305-664-9135
Keys Assets, 21 Whisstling Duck Lane, Key West 305-293-9423
Key West Funding Corp., 302 Southard St., Key West 305-292-5700
Keys Federal Credit Union, Keys Wide, 1-800-805-7535
Keys Financial Corporation, 1509 Josephine St., Key West 305-294-1484
KeysFirst Mortgage Corp., 25000 Overseas Hwy., Summerland, 305-745-1272
Marine Bank of the Florida Keys, 11290 Overseas Hwy., Marathon 305-743-3030
Mortgage Company of the Keys, Inc. 3706-F N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West 305-292-3233
Mull and Associates Mortgage Solutions, 91760 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier 305-852-8988
Orion Bank, Keys Wide, 1-800-648-4262
Realty Mortgage Corporation, 600Whitehead St., Key West 305-293-9222
Simplicity Mortgage, 1213 Truman Ave., Key West 305-296-7744
Southernmost Mortgage Co., Inc., 529United St., Key West 305-292-2000
Southern Trust Mortgage, 91861 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier 305-853-0056
TIB Bank of the Keys, MM100.2, Key Largo, 305-451-4660
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, 530 Southerd St., Key West 305-296-0521

Upper Florida Keys Banks
BB&T, MM90.184, Tavernier.....(305) 852-4500
Community Bank of Florida
MM 100.150, Key Largo.....(305) 451-5733
MM 91.390, Tavernier.....(305) 852-0516
First State Bank
MM 97.670, Key Largo.....(305) 852-2070
Key Largo Tradewinds.....(305) 451-3033
MM 81.621 Old Hwy, Islamorada..... (305) 664-9070
Gibraltar Bank,35 Ocean reef Dr, Ocean Reef.....(305) 367-3040
Marine Bank
MM 100.280, Key Largo.....(305) 451-1631
MM82.787, Islamorada......(305) 664-5553
Orion Bank, MM82.681, Islamorada.....(305) 664-4466
TIB Bank of the Keys
MM 103.3 Bayside, Key Largo.....(305) 451-2000
MM 99.4, Key Largo....(305) 451-0211
MM 91.9, Tavernier.....(305) 852-9500
MM 80.9, Islamorada.....(305) 664-4483

Middle Florida Keys - Marathon Banks
BB&T, 6090 O/S Hwy, Marathon.....(305) 743-4105
Bank of America, 5401 O/S Hwy.....(305) 743-4121
First State Bank, 6900 O/S Hwy.....(305) 289-4393
Marine Bank
Duck Key.....(305) 743-7735
Marathon-Main.....(305) 743-3030
Marathon-Midtown.....(305) 743-3344
Orion Bank
Marathon.....(305) 743-0440
Marathon Shores.....(305) 743-9444
BB&T, 6090 O/S Hwy, Marathon.....(305) 743-4105
TIB Bank of the Keys
Marathon Shores.....(305) 743-7845
Marathon.....(305) 743-0072

KAREN ANGLE
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon Fl, 33050
(305) 743-5181 Business
(786) 282-8117 Cell
(305) 743-7012 Fax
1-800 366-5181 Ext 6504

http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

The importance of Pre-qualifying

2009-03-19T10:44:00.001-04:00

The importance of Pre-qualifying

Should you talk to a mortgage professional before house hunting?

Absolutely! Even if you haven't so much as picked out houses to visit yet, it's important to see your mortgage professional first. Why? What can we do for you if you haven't negotiated a price, and don't know how much you want to borrow?

When we pre-qualify you, we help you determine how much of a monthly mortgage payment you can afford, and how much we can loan you. We do this by considering your income and debts, your employment and residence situations, your available funds for down payment and required reserves, and some other things. It's short and to the point, and we keep the paperwork to a minimum!

Once you qualify, we give you what's called a Pre-Qualification Letter (your real estate agent might call it a "pre-qual"), which says that we are working with you to find the best loan to meet your needs and that we're confident you'll qualify for a loan for a certain amount.

When you find a house that catches your eye, and you decide to make an offer, being pre-qualified for a mortgage will do a couple of things. First, it lets you know how much you can offer. Your real estate agent will help you decide on an appropriate offer, but being pre-qualified gives you the confidence to know you can follow through.

More importantly, to a home seller, your being pre-qualified is like you walked into their house with a suitcase full of cash to make the deal! They won't have to wonder if they're wasting their time because you'll never qualify for a mortgage to finance the amount you're offering for the home. You have the clout of a buyer ready to make the deal right now!

You can always use the calculators available on our site to get an idea of how much mortgage you can afford -- but it's important to meet with us. For one thing, you'll need a Pre-Qualification Letter! For another thing, we may be able to find a different mortgage program that fits your needs better.

Courtesy of http://www.equityoptionscorp.com/WhentogetQualified

KAREN ANGLE
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon Fl, 33050
(305) 743-5181 Business
(786) 282-8117 Cell
(305) 743-7012 Fax
1-800 366-5181 Ext 6504

http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

Fl Keys Schools

2009-03-19T10:37:00.001-04:00

Complete Details for 2008-2009 Fl Keys Elementary Schools

See article at the bottom showing Monroe was at the top of the list with a 3.92 GPA; the second-highest, Brevard County, had a 3.87 GPA.

Monroe County is totally dedicated to good education. The school district offers a first class educational system to all its residents. With over 1500 employees
To see the Monroe County mission statement and for more particulars go to http://www.monroe.k12.fl.us/
Schools listing
• ASD 275828-Public Big Pine Key Neighborhood School Big Pine Key Monroe 33043
• ASD 9902- Public Coral Shores High School Tavernier Monroe 3307o
• ASD 144250 Public Gerald Adams Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 144249 Public Glynn Archer Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123786 Private Grace Lutheran School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 39184 Public Horace O'Bryant Middle School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123787 Private Island Christian School Islamorada Monroe 33036
• ASD 9972 Public Key Largo School Key Largo Monroe 33037
• ASD 9981 Public Key West High School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123788 Private Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 44232 Public Marathon Junior Senior High School Marathon Monroe 33050
• ASD 9983 Catholic Mary Immaculate Star Of The Sea School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 144254 Public Plantation Key School Tavernier Monroe 33070
• ASD 9982 Public Poinciana Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 140995 Public Sigsbee Elementary School Key West Monroe
• 33040 144253 Public Stanley Switlick Elementary School Marathon Monroe 33050
• ASD 144251 Public Sugarloaf Elementary Middle School Summerland Key Monroe 33042

Private schools
• ACADEMY AT OCEAN REEF, 2 Dockside Lane N, Key Largo, 305-367-2409
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, MM 83.2, Islamorada, 305-664-2781
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-SOUTH, 14 125th St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-743-2200
• MARATHON LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 325 122nd St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-289-0700
• MARY IMMACULATE STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL, 700 Truman, Key West, 305-294-1031 Pre schools and kindergarten
• ABC DAY SCHOOL, 6630 65th St. Ocean, Marathon, 305-743-3521
• COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, 550 122nd St., Marathon, 303-743-3517
• EASTER SEALS FLORIDA, 5220 W. Junior College Rd., Key West, 305-294-1089
• FREDERICK DOUGLASS CHILD CARE CENTER, 103 Olivia, Key West, 305-294-3934
• GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 2713 Flagler Ave., Key West, 305-296-6262
• GROUPER LANE PRESCHOOL, 735 Grouper Lane, Key Largo, 305-852-9520
• HAPPY APPLE PRESCHOOL, 12350 O/S Hwy., Marathon, 305-743-9020
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-SOUTH, 14 125th St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-743-2200
• ISLAND PRE-SCHOOL, 5 Transylvania Ave., Key Largo, 305-451-1181
• KEYS ACADEMY AT ST. JUSTIN, MM 105.5, Key Largo, 305-451-6415
• KEY WEST PRESCHOOL CO-OP, 2610 Flagler Ave., Key West, 305-296-4749
• KREATIVE KIDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 4711 O/S Hwy., Marathon, 305-743-7165
• LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 5580 MacDonald Ave., Key West, 305-292-5582
• LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL & DAYCARE, MM.100.4, Key Largo, 305-451-0755
• LITTLE SEAHORSE ACADEMY, MM.104.9, Key Largo, 305-451-6045
• MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, 241 Trumbo Rd., Key West, 305-293-1400
• MONTESSORI IN KEY LARGO, MM. 99.5, Key Largo, 305-453-3939
• MONTESSORI ISLAND SCHOOL, MM 92.3 Oceanside, Tavernier, 305-852-3438
• ST JAMES CHILDREN'S CENTER, MM 87.5, Plantation Key, 305-852-2161
• TEMPLE CHRISTIAN PRE-SCHOOL, 5727 2nd Ave., Stock Island, Key West, 305-294-2775
• VINEYARD EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER, County Rd., Big Pine Key, 305-872-3404
• WESLEY HOUSE CHILD CARE CENTER, 1100 Varela, Key West, 305-296-5231 Universities and colleges
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Upper Keys, Tavernier, 305-852-8007
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Middle Keys, Marathon, 305-743-2133
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Main Office, Key West, 305-296-9081
• GOSHEN COLLEGE MARINE BIOLOGY LABORATORY, Layton Dr, Layton, 305-664-5454
• NATIONAL UNDERSEA RESEARCH CENTER, 515 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, 305-451-0233
• SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY, 718 Boca Chica Naval Air Station, Key West, 305-293-284 Junior/Community Colleges:
• Florida Keys community College and Adult education

Monroe tops in its class
Board: Schools should exceed state standards
BY JOHN L. GUERRA Citizen Staff

Monroe County schools this year collectively earned the highest grade point average in the state, besting more than 65 other school districts, Schools Superintendent Randy Acevedo said. Educators, however, think it's time to compare county student achievement with other scores nationally.

Monroe was at the top of the list with a 3.92 GPA; the second-highest, Brevard County, had a 3.87 GPA.
Monroe's score shows that of the 13 schools rated, 12 received an "A" rating. Key West High School received a "B." Three schools — Coral Shores High School, Horace O'Bryant Middle School and Marathon High School — improved one letter grade.

"When you look at the grades in a GPA format, we had the best performance statewide this past year," Acevedo said. "I am very proud of our staff, students, parents and community — it takes a team and a village."

It's the latest indication that county schoolchildren are performing well on standardized tests and improving scores; recent Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) results reflected higher scores in reading, writing, math and science. Third-graders, for instance, showed increases as high as 32 points at some schools in reading and math; 81 percent of the county's third-graders were reading at or above grade level. Upper grades also showed increases in test scores, with some schools showing more improvement than others.

The high scores have renewed calls by School Board members to take students to the next step by comparing Monroe County scores nationally, not just in-state.

"We have had discussions at the board table that these Florida standards are not stringent enough," member Debra Walker said, "and that we should compare our progress to national and international standards. Now we are free to set new goals based on even tougher criteria."

The scores in the Florida school report card program and FCAT results often clash with the federal government's annual yearly progress measurement under No Child Left Behind. That is the level of improvement each schoolchild is expected to reach year to year in reading, math and other subjects.

Though Florida may rate schools as "A" performers, the federal Education Department designates those same schools as "F" performers for failing to reach annual yearly progress under No Child Left Behind. In 2006, 712 schools that Florida considered "A" performers were listed as "F" schools.

Though Standard & Poor's education analysts rate Monroe students' reading proficiency in 2008 at 62.5 percent and writing proficiency at 67.7 percent, the county still isn't meeting annual yearly progress targets under federal No Child Left Behind requirements, S&P reports.

As in other states, Florida has a student testing regime — FCAT — that's similar to the one mandated by No Child Left Behind. Under the federal program, "F"-rated schools that don't improve over several years can be closed or turned into charter schools or put under a state's direct control.

The FCAT testing regime launched under former Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002 in effect puts Florida schools out of the federal government's reach. FCAT also is a better measure of Florida student success, the former governor has said.

Still, Monroe's "A" school ratings are nothing to sneeze at, said School Board member John Dick.

"It is great news for our schools and district," Dick said. "It is a job well-done by all the personnel involved, and of course, our students."

Being at the top of the state school GPA scorecard gives the county some financial rewards, Dick said.

"The state has what is called school recognition funds, and "A"-rated schools receive $85 per student as a bonus," he said. "Schools have discretion with how they use the money, but [most schools] use it to give staff members a bonus."

jguerra@keysnews.com

KAREN ANGLE
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon Fl, 33050
(305) 743-5181 Business
(786) 282-8117 Cell
(305) 743-7012 Fax
1-800 366-5181 Ext 6504

http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

Fl Keys Health and Medical

2009-02-25T12:15:00.000-05:00

Fl Keys Health and Medical

Flordia Keys Health
The Florida Keys demand good healthcare facilities. Although the total population is less than 90,000, due to the influx of tourists,
good healthcare has to be available. In addition Miami and its world class Baptist hospital and all the other facilities, is just hours away.
Healthcare Facilities in the Keys:

* Hospitals, 4
* Assisted living, 3
* Health Care clinics, 8
* Skilled Nursing facility, 3

For more information (other facilities and their address) see http://facilitylocator.floridahealthstat.com/
See the health department Web site http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdcollier/services/services.html

Another great site that has all the local resources for Monroe Colunty is at
http://www.aidshelp.cc/html/local_resources.html

Hospitals

* DEPOO HOSPITAL
* 1200 KENNEDY DRIVE
* KEY WEST , FL 33040
* TELEPHONE#:305 294-9200

* FISHERMEN'S HOSPITAL
* 3301 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
* MARATHON, FL 33050
* TELEPHONE#:305 743-5533
* http://www.fishermenshospital.com/

* LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER
* 5900 COLLEGE ROAD
* KEY WEST , FL 33041-9107 TELEPHONE#:305 294-9200

* MARINERS HOSPITAL
* 91500 OVERSEAS HWY
* TAVERNIER, FL 33070 TELEPHONE#:305 434-1582
* OWNER: BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA

A list of Services for people with disabilities
http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/Pages/MonroeCoFL_CommServ/guide

For names and numbers of physicians in the Keys go to http://www.mcms.org/contents/refserv/referralservice.htm
In addition to local facilities, the world class health facilities of Miami are 3 hours away from Key West.

Florida Keys Mortgage Loan sources

2009-02-25T12:14:00.000-05:00

Florida Keys Mortgage Loan sources

ALL KEYS MORTGAGE, INC. 99101 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo FL 33037, 305-451-9898, Fax: 305-451-9897
Ameri Mortgage Corp, 1300 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West 305-294-1141
American General Finance Services, 1105 Key Plaza Shopping Center, Key West 305-296-8586
Armstrong Kelly, 2505 Flagler Ave., Key West 305-296-2434
Bankers Mortgage Corporatin, 300 Atlantic Dr., Key Largo 302-451-5880
Casstle Mortgage Corp., 529 Whitehead St., Key West 305-292-0064
Century Funding Corp., 101925 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo 305-451-9224
Choice Mortgage Company of the Florida Keys, 102025 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, 305-451-4822
CitiFinancial, 2800 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West 305-296-8565
City Mortgage Services Inc., 3302 Eagle Ave., Key West 305-294-2999
Conch Republic Morgage, 82681 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, 305-664-4555
Condella Financial Services, 3432 Duck Ave., Key West 305-292-7554
Dunhill Mortgage Company, Inc., 1762 74th Street Ocean, Marathon, 305-743-7811
Equity Options-Key largo http://www.equityoptionscorp.com/
ERA Dockside Properties, 102800 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, 305-451-0082
1st Florida State Mortgage Corp, 524 Eaton St., Key West 305-296-1305
First National Bank of South Florida, 82205 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, 305-517-9250
First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Keys Wide, 1-800-451-6556
Flagship Financial Services Inc., 302 Southard St., Key West 3305-292-9199
Florida Keys Mortgage Company, 530 Southard St., Key West, 305-295-0430
Florida Keys Mortgage, 88181 Overseas Hwy., Plantation Key, 305-852-0830
Hometown Mortgage of the Keys, Inc., 85998 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada 305-517-4273
Independent Mortgage & Finance, 600Whitehead St., Key West 305-294-5105
Kavney Tom Mortgage Broker, 81611 Old Highway, Islamorada 305-664-9135
Keys Assets, 21 Whisstling Duck Lane, Key West 305-293-9423
Key West Funding Corp., 302 Southard St., Key West 305-292-5700
Keys Federal Credit Union, Keys Wide, 1-800-805-7535
Keys Financial Corporation, 1509 Josephine St., Key West 305-294-1484
KeysFirst Mortgage Corp., 25000 Overseas Hwy., Summerland, 305-745-1272
Marine Bank of the Florida Keys, 11290 Overseas Hwy., Marathon 305-743-3030
Mortgage Company of the Keys, Inc. 3706-F N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West 305-292-3233
Mull and Associates Mortgage Solutions, 91760 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier 305-852-8988
Orion Bank, Keys Wide, 1-800-648-4262
Realty Mortgage Corporation, 600Whitehead St., Key West 305-293-9222
Simplicity Mortgage, 1213 Truman Ave., Key West 305-296-7744
Southernmost Mortgage Co., Inc., 529United St., Key West 305-292-2000
Southern Trust Mortgage, 91861 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier 305-853-0056
TIB Bank of the Keys, MM100.2, Key Largo, 305-451-4660
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, 530 Southerd St., Key West 305-296-0521

Upper Florida Keys Banks
BB&T, MM90.184, Tavernier.....(305) 852-4500
Community Bank of Florida
MM 100.150, Key Largo.....(305) 451-5733
MM 91.390, Tavernier.....(305) 852-0516
First State Bank
MM 97.670, Key Largo.....(305) 852-2070
Key Largo Tradewinds.....(305) 451-3033
MM 81.621 Old Hwy, Islamorada..... (305) 664-9070
Gibraltar Bank,35 Ocean reef Dr, Ocean Reef.....(305) 367-3040
Marine Bank
MM 100.280, Key Largo.....(305) 451-1631
MM82.787, Islamorada......(305) 664-5553
Orion Bank, MM82.681, Islamorada.....(305) 664-4466
TIB Bank of the Keys
MM 103.3 Bayside, Key Largo.....(305) 451-2000
MM 99.4, Key Largo....(305) 451-0211
MM 91.9, Tavernier.....(305) 852-9500
MM 80.9, Islamorada.....(305) 664-4483

Middle Florida Keys - Marathon Banks
BB&T, 6090 O/S Hwy, Marathon.....(305) 743-4105
Bank of America, 5401 O/S Hwy.....(305) 743-4121
First State Bank, 6900 O/S Hwy.....(305) 289-4393
Marine Bank
Duck Key.....(305) 743-7735
Marathon-Main.....(305) 743-3030
Marathon-Midtown.....(305) 743-3344
Orion Bank
Marathon.....(305) 743-0440
Marathon Shores.....(305) 743-9444
BB&T, 6090 O/S Hwy, Marathon.....(305) 743-4105
TIB Bank of the Keys
Marathon Shores.....(305) 743-7845
Marathon.....(305) 743-0072

A quick overview of our Florida Keys

2009-02-25T12:13:00.000-05:00

A quick overview of our Florida Keys

I'm going to the Florida Keys! People all over the world love to say that.
The Florida Keys are in fact, one of the most desirable areas in the world to visit. Because of this, our property is some of the most desirable real estate in the world. The islands here comprise a unique American landscape. Called by some, Americas Caribbean. Our islands are reminiscent of the Bahamas, Caymans or Netherlands Antilles. Imagine low lying dots on an azure sea that separates Cuba from the U.S., strung 130 miles in a long narrow corridor athwart the Gulf Stream. Bordered by one of the world’s principal coral reefs that was the scourge of pirates and the Spanish fleet nearly 500 years ago.

Buying Real Estate in the Florida Keys

2009-02-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

Imagine owning a Vacation home rental in paradise. Imagine employment or retiring here. Imagine incredible sunsets, tropical weather and palm trees in your backyard. Imagine world-class fishing and diving, just minutes from home. How about year round fruits, vegetables and fresh seafood. Imagine balmy nights with soft tropical breezes and shades of green and blue you never knew existed. If that's not enough, what about clean air, quiet nights and pure nature mixed in with a laid-back Island attitude.
If all this sounds too good to be true consider this. Since we only spend a small percentage of our lifetimes outdoors, why not make the most of it.
How about going on vacation and never going home