Monday, April 16, 2007

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE REPORT ON PROPERTY TAXES REFORM

The Florida Senate’s property tax plan, unveiled last Thursday, is generating mixed reactions. Proponents of lower taxes say it doesn’t go far enough, while local governments and business interests generally prefer it. It’s clear that there’s one tax change no one is considering, however: the creation of a state income tax.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-041607.cfm

Thursday, April 5, 2007

HOW SHOULD FLORIDA PROPERTY TAXES CHANGE?

FAR leadership needs to know what you think about property tax reform and current proposals in the Florida Legislature. If you have not already done so, please link to an FAR survey designed to gauge members’ opinions on this year’s high-profile issue for the 2007 Florida Legislature.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/LegislativeCenter/LegislativeNews/Property-tax-reform-survey.cfm

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Chico's Wood Fired Grill in Westchase


Chico's Wood Fire Grill located at 12217 W. Linebaugh Ave in the Westchase area is definitely worth the trip and they are ready to Salsa..Smoke...and Sizzle your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. This place is family friendly and is a favorite among locals in the Westchase area. The staff is always fast and friendly and Laura our server always gives us great recommendations. If you go make sure not to get filled up with the chips and salsa that come free with every meal. Although it is not that hard to do because they have the best salsa in town. My recommendation for first timers is the Pork Tacos made with slow roasted pork,mango salsa, red onion, cilantro and lime and is served with a side of black beans for $6.49. What a deal. In fact I would recommend that you try all their tacos especially the Filet Mignon Tacos. Tonight I tried the Smokin Chicken Wrap made with wood fired chicken breast, cajun spice, mixed greens, mango salsa, shredded cheese, roasted peppers, cilantro, lime dressing and crispy onions and it was excellent. My last recommendation is the Latin Barbecued Pork meal for $11.95 but you better be hungry if you order this one or you can share it with someone at your table. Chico's is also a great place to enjoy this year's Cinco De Mayo Fiesta from 3 -9pm featuring live music, drink specials, face painting for the kids and an outdoor tent. To find out more about Chico's Wood Fire Grill and see what else they offer visit them at www.chicosgrill.com or call them at 813.814.2023 and ask for Jason. This is truly a place I love to recommend because at Chico's Wood Fire Grill you come as strangers but leave as friends. They can be reached at 813.814.2023.

Samari Blue Sushi Restaurant in Westchase/Highland Lakes



I was so excited about Samari Blue opening up and enjoyed it the first couple of times but was disappointed with the way they decorated the inside and the owners don't seem to care to much about customer service. The sushi there is excellent and the "Volcano Roll" is a must along with their spicy tuna roll, however my wife and I received very poor customer service one night when we had to wait for over a hour for a table then another hour for our food. The waitress didn't even come take our drink orders during that time and the Manager said sorry but we are very busy tonight and that was that. Has anybody else had any customer service issues there? Maybe it's just the kinks being new. Now that Zen Bistro Bar & Grill has opened in the New Shops at Westchase Village and we have dined there several times, we prefer Zen Bistro over Samari Blue. We perfer Zen Bistro because it has a better sushi selection and the atmosphere there is warmer and actually more upscale. Check back for more Tampa Bay area restaurant reviews at http://www.insidetampabayrealestate.blogspot.com.



If you are considering a move to Tampa you owe it to yourself to visit Waterchase and the Westchase area as part of your home tour. The Burkett Collection at Charles RutenbergRealty has full time team members living in Waterchase to help you with your home search!