| December 2016 |  |
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| SELL . BUY . LIVE. 941.365.1837 |
| Message From Bev |
Bird Key – Boater’s Paradise I have an affinity for Bird Key, in part because it is one of the reasons that my husband and I settled here in Florida. Nestled between downtown Sarasota and St Armands Circle, the island was originally owned by John Ringling. In the 1960s, Arvida Corporation developed the key, creating 510 bayfront, canalfront and garden homes. Since we arrived here in 1999, the face of Bird Key has changed dramatically. My father-in-law was actually the first person to buy an existing 1960s ranch home, tear it down and construct a beautiful new luxury home. The four bedroom, four bath bayfront house was located a 447 Meadow Lark, and it had high end finishings and floor to ceiling windows. It sold quickly in 1998 for $1,859,000, and those owners kept it for 14 years before selling it in 2014. Since then, Murray Homes has built or renovated 37 homes, including Bird Key Yacht Club, and The Murray Group has listed and sold a great many of those. We are currently building 4 new custom homes as well as one stunning spec home on Mourning Dove, which will be a 4 bedroom, 5,200 sq. ft. coastal contemporary style home overlooking Sarasota Bay. It will be completed in 2017. We have seen the architectural style of the new homes shift from classic Spanish Mediterranean, to traditional, coastal contemporary, and modern. If you drive round the key, you will see many of the 1960s garden homes (those not on the water) being renovated, updated or even re-built. Bird Key remains popular with retired executives, physicians, artists, athletes and even a few celebrities. The sheltered, deep-water canals are perfect for boaters, there are stunning city views from the east side and tranquil bay views from the west side of the island. Its proximity to downtown, St Armands and Lido Beach are a huge draw for snowbirds and full-time residents alike. 
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For the 5th consecutive year, I have had the honor of being on the Pillar of Hope committee. This is a fun awareness and tasting event hosted by the Child Protection Center.
The mission of the Child Protection Center (CPC) is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse in our community.
Please join me November 3rd during this fun community gathering with entertainment, food tasting, and beverages from 20 of the area’s best restaurants.
For more information, visit the Pillar Of Hope website.
When: Thursday, November 3. 5-9 PM
Where: Child Protection Center. 720 South Orange Avenue
Bird Key Market Snapshot
18 active listings
priced between $759,000 and $6,250,000
1 home under contract
priced at $2,195,000
13 homes sold in past 6 months
ranging from $695,000 to $5,250,000
Average sales price per square foot = $544
| The 5K Zombie Run Sarasota |
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Run for your life from flesh hungry Zombies through a 3.1 mile trail run where ZOMBIES are the obstacles! Price: $35-$60 When: Saturday, Oct 15. 9:00 AM |
| 16th Annual Bay fest |
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This is Anna Maria Island’s largest and longest running music, crafts and food festival. This is a free, family-friendly, public event. When: Saturday, Oct 15. 10:00 AM |
| The 5K Color Blast |
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Run, walk, or skip your way through 5 color zones. Post-race color dance party with DJs and fun giveaways. Price: $35-$60 When: Saturday, Oct 15. 12:30 PM |
| Night of Fish, Fun, and Fright |
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Sail the spooky seas and discover creatures from the deep in a safe and fun trick-or-treating zone. Signature underwater pumpkin carving in the shark tank. Price: $8-$12 When: Saturday, Oct 21. 5:30-8:00 PM |
| Haunted Trails |
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The 4th Annual Haunted Trails Halloween event. Activities include kid's costume contests and a "Trick-or-Treat Trail" with candy and games. Tickets are limited and are available online only, at www.OSSPEvent.com. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for 5 and under. When: Friday & Saturday, Oct 21-22. 8-10 PM |
| 6th Annual Greater Sarasota Eat Local Week |
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week-long celebration of the best of local food in Sarasota and Manatee counties. For more info, please visit www.LocalWeekSRQ.org When: Saturday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 30th |
| 22nd Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival |
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A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more. An expansive Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, and gourmet spices. When: Saturday, Oct 22. 10:00 AM |
| Circus by the Sea |
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Watch performances by Sailor Circus students surrounded by underwater wonders. Performance times are 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Each performance is 20 minutes. This event is free with paid admission to Mote Aquarium. When: Saturday, Oct 22. 2:00 PM |
| Sarasota Pumpkin Festival |
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8th Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival. Outdoor fall festival with all things pumpkin free shows, live entertainment, thrill shows, pumpkin patch and maze, hayrides. www.SarasotaPumpkinFestival.com When: Friday, October 28. 12:00 PM |
| Garden Bros Circus |
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Garden Bros Circus celebrates 100 years entertaining families throughout North America. When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Oct 28-30 |
| Fright Night On St. Armands |
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Decorated store fronts, frightening characters and children trick-or-treat throughout the circle. In collaboration with the Sarasota High School Drama Department, a performance of "Thriller" will take place around 8:00pm When: Monday, Oct 31. 6:00 PM |
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The Murray Group | 941 365 1837 | 25 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota FL 34236