This, the second issue of our 30th year, we are calling our LOVE edition, with Valentine month on our minds. There is an article by our newest writer, Kelly Rouse, on self-love, and one by yours truly with advice on “keeping the spark alive.” Part of self-love is the pursuit of vitality and longevity. Paradise News’ health and wellness content provides a choice of local dentists, acupuncturists, a veterinarian, hospital, massage and more.
We’ve made some staff changes. Let us know what you think about any content shifts you may notice. Most long-time readers will recognize a Paradise News they used to love. We hope you do too. A third of our editorial pages remain a constantly updated arts and leisure and event calendar, usually page 43-55. In the online version, all the provided web links are active so you can get more info and buy tickets directly. Kelly is also writing a downtown dining column focused on options for vegetarian and vegan options. We aim to add retirement living and a holistic primary care doctor with legendary diagnostic abilities.
The local real estate market has adjusted somewhat to the higher interest rates instituted by the Fed to slow post-pandemic inflation. Home and condo sales have slowed allowing home and condo for sale inventories to rise. State mandated condo building inspections have resulted in certifications and adequate reserves built up. In most cases, surprise assessments are history. With due diligence, now may be the best time this decade to buy a home or condo, especially if you can pay cash. Choices are more available and historical and projected increase in values exceed current and expected long term returns elsewhere.
February is also local campaign season, complicated by commissioner resignations over new Florida Form 6 disclosure requirements. Roof-top solar production has been expanding and electric cars are catching on. Our solar system is ten years old. We have been charging our all-electric Chevy Volt using solar power for a decade with a power bill under $100/month. Neighbors have been making improvements in their dwellings, renewing window treatments, organizing closets, updating electrical service, including installing new panels and car chargers as well as generators, hardening homes against rising tides. Paradise News’ home improvement section helps connect readers with trustworthy contractors.
Our advertisers pay for the printing and mailing of Paradise News because they want your business. Reader and advertiser satisfaction with us has provided us with security and longevity. Please let advertisers know “Paradise News sent you” and let us know if anything could have been better. A Letter to the Editor form and so much more is now available at www.paradisenewsfl.com. We have been building that site for ten years and it is loaded with great history too. There are even 10 years’ worth of back issues accessible through the past issues tab under current issue.
If you are seeing this magazine for the first time, you are part of our outreach program. If you like what you see, you can subscribe for just $19.95 a year (and as little as $1.50 each on a 5-year). You can buy online at www.paradisenewsfl.com/get-paradise-news-in-print or link to the subscription form below. Our weekly Thursday digital newsletter is still free to subscribe after 10 years and provides a reminder of the top 5 things going on in the area each weekend.
We LOVE publishing the news from paradise and we LOVE that you are enjoying reading it.