BCC SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTER

The Beacon Gazette

NEWS FROM AROUND...

Trader Joe’s announced it will open another grocery store in Pinellas County this year.

The California-based grocer chain listed 33591 U.S. Highway 19 N. in Palm Harbor as “coming soon” on its website, with the store expected to open sometime this year.

This will be the fifth store to open in the Tampa Bay area, following St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota and most recently Lakewood Ranch locations. It’s the chain’s 10th store to open in Florida.

“We’ve consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in Clearwater,” reads a news release. “We are proud to be joining the neighborhood.”

A specific opening date for the store has not been released. The store will take over a former 40,386-square-foot SteinMart space and join a Michael’s craft store, Orangetheory and Famous Footwear in the Highland Lakes Plaza.

The anticipated opening comes with much fanfare to North Pinellas residents, who have petitioned to bring the chain with a cult following to the area for years. Another grocer chain — an Amazon Fresh store — may be filling a former Winn-Dixie space at 2519 N. McMullen Booth Road later this year, too.

By Justine Griffin, Tampa Bay Times

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS EXPO 2024

Hurricanes Happen!

Preparedness can help save you during a time of weather crisis. Stop into the Centre to get valuable information from vendors and experts on how best to prepare yourself and your property from the weather that can go from glorious to dangerous in a blink of the eye. Participate in the chance to win items to start your own Hurricane Supply Kit, chain saws and a portable generator.

Event Date: May 11th, 2024

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: The Centre

Cost: Free

www.FeastFoodPantry.

GIVE FOOD

Your in-kind donations of non-perishable shelf staples and household essentials are provided to our families every day.

• Canned soup

• Cereal

• Rice

• Boxed Side Dishes

• Canned Fruit

• Peanut Butter

• Canned Tuna or Chicken

• Beans

• Pasta and Sauces

• Canned Veggies

• Ramen

You can donate 24/7 at our location in our secure orange donation bins as well donation locations around the community.

FEAST Food Pantry

2255 Nebraska Ave.

Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation

1500 16th St, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Palm Harbor Library

2330 Nebraska Ave.

Palm Harbor, FL 34683

East Lake Library

4125 East Lake Rd.

Palm Harbor, FL 34685

YMCA

1600 16th St.

Palm Harbor, FL 34683

A fun and informative newsletter for the Beacon Groves and Orangepointe community.

A Brief History of the Strawberry

The strawberry is a member of the rose family, with the most common varieties being a hybrid of the wild Virginia strawberry (native to North America) and a Chilean variety. The plant produces succulent, red, conical fruit from tiny white flowers, and sends out runners to propagate.

Why Are They Called Strawberries?

Most likely the word strawberry comes from the Old English streawberige because the plant sends out runners which could be likened to pieces of straw.

But others contend the practice of mulching strawberries with straw or finding them growing wild among matted hay or straw led to their name. And yet, other pundits believe the name came from the practice of selling the berries skewered on a piece of straw in open-air markets as a treat.

Where Do Strawberries Come From?

Strawberries are native to North America, and Indigenous peoples used them in many dishes. The first colonists in America shipped the native larger strawberry plants back to Europe as early as 1600. Another variety, also was discovered in Central and South America, is what the conquistadors called “futilla.” Early Americans did not bother cultivating strawberries because they were abundant in the wilds.

Although they have been around for thousands of years, strawberries were not actively cultivated until the Renaissance period in Europe. The plants can last for five to six with careful cultivation, but most farmers use them as an annual crop, replanting yearly. Strawberries are social plants, requiring both a male and a female to produce fruit. Crops take eight to 14 months to mature.

Chocolate-Cove red Strawberry Cheesecake

(Servings: 12)

INGREDIENTS

For the Cheesecake:

• Cooking spray

• 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

•6 tablespoons (3 oz.) salted butter, melted

•1 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided

•1 cup coarsely chopped fresh strawberries

• 4 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 to 2 drops soft pink food coloring gel

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)

• 1/4 cup salted butter

• 4 teaspoons light corn syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

By Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Cheesecake

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap outside of pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar in a medium bowl. Press mixture on bottom and 1 inch up sides of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven until set, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely, about 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, process chopped strawberries in a food processor until completely smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

• Beat cream cheese with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add flour and remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar, beating until smooth, about 1 minute. Add whole eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed just until blended after each addition (do not overbeat). Add egg yolk, and beat just until incorporated. Beat in zest, strawberry puree, and 2 teaspoons vanilla on low speed just until combined. Gently stir in food coloring gel until desired shade is reached. Pour batter into prepared pan, and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.

• Bake in preheated oven just until center is set, 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Turn oven off, and let cheesecake stand in oven, with door closed, 15 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven, and gently run a knife around outer edge of cheesecake to loosen from sides of pan. (Do not remove sides of pan.) Cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

• Place chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup in a small microwavable bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM (50%) power until melted and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Assemble the Cheesecake

• Remove sides of pan, and transfer cheesecake to a serving platter. Pour chocolate ganache over top of cake, spreading to edges using a small offset spatula and allowing some to drip down sides. Chill cheesecake until ganache is firm, about 20 minutes. Garnish cake with whole and halved fresh strawberries.

local markets Zone

Shop Local in this incredible outdoor markets that bring together our local communities and local businesses.

Dunedin Downtown Market

John L. Lawrence Pioneer Park

422 Main St., Dunedin Friday and Saturdays | 9am – 2pm

Tarpon Springs 2nd Saturday Market

44 E Tarpon Ave Tarpon Springs

2nd Saturday | 9am – 2pm

Second Friday at Downtown Oldsmar

City Hall East Lot

100 State Street West, Oldsmar

2nd Friday | 6pm – 9pm

Safety Harbor’s Market on Main

John Wilson Park, 353 Main St, Safety Harbor Sundays | 10am – 3pm

Keystone Farmers Market in Odessa

12615 Tarpon Springs Road, Odessa

Open daily | 8am - 7pm

The Market Marie at Coachman Park

300 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755

2nd Saturdays | 10am – 3pm

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot

Saturdays | 9am – 2pm

Fresh Market Hyde Park Village

742 South Village Circle, Tampa

1st Sunday | 10am – 2pm

Heights Market Armature Works

1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa

2nd Wednesday | 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Second Sunday Armature Works

Armature Works

1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa

2nd Sunday of the month | 11am – 3pm

Market on Water Street Tampa

Water St, Tampa

3rd Sunday | 10am–3pm

KNOW YOUR LOCAL PARKS

WALL SPRING PARK

3725 Desoto Boulevard

Palm Harbor, Florida 34683

Wall Springs Park is 210 acres that connects to the Pinellas Trail in Palm Harbor. This park provides a viewing area and boardwalk of the natural spring that once was used as a spa and bathing area. There is also a 35-foot observation tower to enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Wall Springs Coastal Addition, which was added to the park, includes a picnic shelter, restrooms, parking, elevated observation deck, both natural and paved trails, and a 5-foot wide sidewalk connecting Alt. U.S. 19 to the park. The separate entrance to the Wall Springs Park Coastal Addition is 621 Wai Lani Road, Palm Harbor.

AMENITIES:

• Bike Racks

• Boardwalk, Nature Trail

• Butterfly Garden

• Educational and Informational Displays

• Fishing – Saltwater License

• Historic Interest

• Multipurpose Trail

• Observation Tower

• Parking

• Pier

• Playground Equipment

• Restrooms

• Six Picnic Shelters with Grills

HOURS:

Open 7 days a week, 7 am to sunset

County Parks are closed two days throughout the year, the day after Thanksgiving and December 25.

CLEANING HACKS

This Cool Ice Cube Trick Will Completely Clear Your Stinky Garbage Disposal

Step 1: Add the ice

Dump a bunch of ice into your sink. Easy!

Step 2: Turn on the garbage disposal

Flip the switch to activate the garbage disposal. (Be sure it’s clear of any other debris first.)

Step 3: Add the hot water

Turn on your faucet or dump hot water into the sink.

Step 4: Goodbye, stench!

Watch the magic happen! This simple process eliminates any nasty odors coming from your garbage disposal— and you’ll be able to see all the gunk before it washes down the drain.

To keep your garbage disposal clean and fresh, avoid dumping things like eggshells and potato peels in the sink. Toss ’em in the trash instead.

WHEN PASTA SOAKS, IT EXPANDS AND IT COULD CREATE A CLOG IN YOUR PIPES.

(Source: Taste of Home)

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

—Nelson Mandela

HELP SAVE OUR SIGN

We have a wonderfully large sign at our front entrance. However, over the years, it’s developed a leak and it’s time to invest some money in repairs and a little face-lift. In addition, the lights out front are old. Each year they need repairs. And, not far into the future, they’ll need replacing.

Unfortunately, after Covid, our membership numbers dropped significantly and construction costs have risen. Presently, we only have approximately 25% of the neighborhood as members.

The sole purpose of the BCC is to maintain the entrances to our neighborhoods. All membership fees go directly to maintaining those entrances: paying our monthly power bill, maintaining the sprinkler system, maintaining the landscaping, and trimming the palm trees.

Our goal is to increase membership from 25% to 50%. That’s only half our neighborhood. This would allow us to repair and paint the front entrance sign. It would also allow to start saving funds for the lights out front.

Please help our neighborhood and save our sign by talking with your neighbors.

DONATIONS ARE ALSO WELCOME!

• You can use Zelle: beaconclubllc@gmail.com (PO Box 1431 Palm Harbor; (727) 314-3116)

• You can drop a check at the brick mailbox at the front entrance. This box is for corresponding with The BCC. Snail mail at the PO Box listed above is also an option.

• You can use a credit card. Please contact Scott Hook at (727) 314-3116).

If you would like to join The BCC, please contact Scott Hook at the phone number or email address listed above.

Thank you so much for your time and for supporting our neighborhood!!

So What’s Happening in Today’s Real Estate Market?

Are we in a Seller’s Market or a Buyer’s Market? In my opinion, we are in a unique market, where inventory levels would indicate it’s a Seller’s Market, but the higher interest rates have many buyers waiting to purchase. You see many homes with several downward price adjustments to their original list price (look at the market activity of specific homes in Beacon Groves and how much lower some closed at as compared to their list price for specific examples). Days on market are increasing as well. Buyers want more move-in ready homes and are not as willing to pay premium dollars any longer. Competition is nowhere near as fierce as it was during the pandemic. One of the most important considerations a seller should take into account is to not overprice their homes.

Our market today as compared to a year ago is very different, so if you expect to sell your home for what your neighbor did, the reality is you will not be able to. Our market is softening and prices are not going to tank, but the unprecedented appreciation we experienced in the past 3 to 4 years is gone. We are expected to have moderate growth of perhaps 3% or so appreciation, but hey, at least it’s not depreciation, right?

If you would like to discuss further, I’d welcome the opportunity to buy you a cup of coffee.

Virginia Werneken (727) 207-5738

Future Home Realty

Your Neighborhood Realtor

Redfin Home Price Index: Prices Rose 0.6% in February, Marking Return to Pre-Pandemic Norm

Published by Lily Katz on March 19, 2024

While mortgage rates remain elevated, they’re not as volatile as they were at the height of the pandemic, which has helped stabilize home price growth. Home price growth is finally back to where it was before the pandemic following a three-year rollercoaster ride in which prices soared when ultra-low mortgage rates fueled a home buying frenzy and cooled when rates jumped due to the Federal Reserve’s effort to quell inflation.

U.S. home prices climbed 0.6% from a month earlier in February, on par with the 0.6% average monthly gain in the roughly eight years leading up to the pandemic. Prices seesawed during the pandemic, rising by as much as 2% month over month in January 2022 and falling by as much as 0.2% in August 2022.

The story is similar when looking at year-over-year changes. U.S. home prices climbed 6.7% from a year earlier in February, similar to the 6.9% average annual gain in the years leading up to the pandemic. By comparison, prices rose by as much as 22.9% year over year in March 2022 and by as little as 3.4% in June 2023.

This is according to the Redfin Home Price Index (RHPI), which uses the repeat-sales pricing method to calculate seasonally adjusted changes in prices of single-family homes. The RHPI measures sale prices of homes that sold during a given period, and how those prices have changed since the last time those same homes sold. It’s similar to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.

Mortgage rates remain elevated, but they’re not nearly as volatile as they were before, which has helped stabilize home price growth. And while elevated mortgage rates have taken a bite out of homebuyer demand, that’s not translating into lower home prices today because there still aren’t enough homes for sale—even as new listings rebound. New listings rose to the highest level in nearly a year and a half last month as the mortgage rate lock-in effect eased, but housing supply was still far below pre-pandemic levels.

Prices are likely soft in Florida in part because those two states have been building a lot of homes, which means supply has increased (rising supply often puts downward pressure on prices). In Florida, condo listings in particular are contributing to the jump in supply amid a surge in HOA and insurance fees.

Movies playing now in theaters

Michael Urbanski Financial Advisor

The Fountains Plaza 34650 U S Highway 19 N • Suite 204 Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Bus. 727-784-1952 • Cell 727-729-9667

Fax 888-404-7048 • TF 888-784-2010

michael.urbanski@edwardjones.com

www.edwardjones.com/michael-urbanski

Neighbors, please thank our advertisers by choosing to give them the opportunity to gain your business!

Your club fees and our advertisers give us the means to keep our front and back entrance maintained and our lights on out front.

So, let’s show our appreciation by giving them first chance at obtaining your business.

Give one of them a call!

Local Pharmacist Owned Business Dedicated to Your Health

34650 US HWY 19 N. • Ste 101 Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Phone: (727) 787-2273

Fax: (727) 787-0044

The Fountains Plaza

34720 US Hwy 19 N Palm Harbor, FL 34683

(727)408-5425

E-mail: info@fatjaxs.com

Web: www.fatjaxs.com