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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Best Places in Tampa'

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Taps Wine and Beer Hits the Spot for Downtown Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

I had heard really mixed reviews about Taps Wine Bar  since it’s entry on the Downtown Tampa Restaurant Scene.  A prime location on the ground level of Skypoint, the only Condo Skyscraper, it has a natural clientele with the “resident GenX/yuppie crowd” who inhabit the glassy tower.

I stopped in for a bite after a movie at the Tampa Theatre nearby, and was pleasantly surprised.  A female vocalist, Kim, was crooning sweet melodies and keeping the back room crowded, so we headed to one of the sofas in the front room and settled in for a bite.   The atmosphere was very relaxing and the servers were very apologetic about being busy. I thought they were fairly attentive, though they continued to apologize for the slow service.  Though the menu is a beer drinkers delight, we focused on the wine list and perused the dinner menu. I ordered the Ridge Zinfandel, which I really enjoy and  is hard to find on a wine list. One of the managers, “Matt”, suggested I try the Prisoner Zinfandel Blend instead.  His suggestion was “right on” with a blend of Zinfandel, Cab and Syrah, it was bold and rich with just the right “berry” fruit finish. Next up, he suggested the Carmenere, from Chile and poured me a sip! Rich and dark, but not heavy tannin, I could taste a hint of current and oak.  It was very smooth and a great alternative for Cabernet drinkers. With a glass of that in hand, I was ready to order a bite to eat.

The variety and reasonable pricing would please most palates, from appetizers to salads, sandwiches and desserts, it was a decent “noshing” menu.  The Far East salad was delicately flavored and loaded with fresh Ahi Tuna.  It was delicious.  The cheese plate featured five very generous portions of various domestic and imported cheeses, salted nuts and sliced fruit.  My only complaint was the lack of a “blue” cheese and a sharp knife. Overall, the food and wine pairings were very good and I will definitely be back for more “sampling”.

Servers were busy, but they continued to check on us and Matt seemed thrilled to have a couple of adventurous “guinea pigs”  for his wine recommendations.  The music was great and the atmosphere cozy…check it out and tell me what you think!

Taps Wine & Beer Merchants on Urbanspoon

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.31.2010

Ciro’s Speakeasy Heats up the Howard Avenue Scene…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Where is Jackie Now?

Bored with the “same old” South Tampa restaurant scene, I was pondering some dining choices last week, when a friend suggested trying the “new place” in the spot on Howard Avenue once occupied by Ceviche. Intrigued by his recommendation about the fabulous food served in “private, curtained booths”, I decided to check it out.

Ciro’s Speakeasy is the latest venture by Gordon Davis and is located in the first floor of the Bayshore Royal Condominium. I was anxious to see his latest creation, as I loved Le Bordeaux and Ceviche is one of my favorites. The entry to the restaurant is unmarked! Ring the bell and they “peek” before granting entry! Step into the bar and your eyes must adjust to the very dimly lit (pitch black) bar area which features the same high tops as the old Ceviche, but with a fabulous aquarium, as the focal point of the room. The “sultry experience” and prime seating is definitely achieved via the “private booths” with curtains, so plan to get there early if you want to snag one of those precious spaces. They are first-come, first-served.  Positioned well away from the bar, they offer a very intimate lounge experience. Draw the curtain, dim the light and press the button to summon the wait staff for your hand made libations. Enjoy some of the “french inspired” items on the menu, which are  more tapas-style than full-course. The menu has some nice options.  The tuna poke was fabulous.  A huge fan of “pork belly”, we also ordered the flatbread but the barbecue sauce was overwhelming and the “flatbread” was really focaccia. Please, Gordon, leave the barbecue sauce over at Smoke, but keep the pork belly.  Overall, I really enjoyed it.  On the plus side, the atmosphere is intimate and romantic. The small tables and booth configurations can be cramped, as the tables are tiny and won’t hold more than a couple of drinks and plates.

A large, loud group seated across from us was “cramping my style”. I think being “loud” is against the rules (yes, they have rules), but they never did get around to telling us what the rules were!

If you are looking for the most interesting and romantic spot in South Tampa…this is it! It’s on my “Best Places” list.

Ciros Speakeasy and Supper Club on Urbanspoon

Real Estate Sizzle Tampa Bay restaurants

Looking for the perfect house in Tampa? Wondering about the best Tampa neighborhoods? Contact me today!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.13.2010

Beach Park and Sunset Park…Great Neighborhoods in the Plant High School District…Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The latest news on the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, Moving to Tampa and PCS to Macdill Air Force Base….
Many Families are searching the Tampa Real Estate Market for homes in highly-rated school districts in Tampa.  The Plant High School District is always at the top of that list.  Here is another article in my series on “Plant High School Neighborhoods.”

Beach Park and Sunset Park, two well-established South Tampa neighborhoods, run South of Kennedy Boulevard and East and West of Westshore Boulevard and border Tampa Bay.  Large lots, along with grandfather oaks, line the winding streets that Tampabeachparkhave been popular since their development in the 1950’s.  Brick ranches, Mediterranean and Traditional styled-homes fill these neighborhoods which include waterfront homes in Beach Park Isles and Sunset Park Isles, commonly known as the “fingers”.

Grady and Dale Mabry Elementary Schools, Coleman Middle School and Plant High School are all “top” rated, making Beach Park and Sunset Park an ideal choice for families with children.

Prices range from $400,000 to several million. For a list of the homes available in Beach Park, or Sunset Park, you can contact me today!

You can read some of my previous articles about Tampa neighborhoods:

New Suburb Beautiful

Parkland Estates

Culbreath Isles

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles. South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate contact me!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.02.2010

Where are the Most Family-Oriented Neighborhoods? The Best Schools In Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Expert to Help With Your Move to Tampa

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for your family?  PCS to MacDill?

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 15 years.

What is the BEST neighborhood? That is different for every family and every price range. The Tampa area has many different areas at all price ranges from city living in South Tampa and the Plant High School District, to the northern reaches of the county and some families choose Pasco county.  How to decide where to live? That’s easy…contact me.  Internet searches are no substitute for an experienced real estate agent.

Tell me about your family situation, work location, desired commute time, school needs and your social life, along with your housing needs and price range.  I can quickly identify which areas and neighborhoods might suit your needs!  This is the busy season, so if you are trying to find the perfect home this summer, now is the time to start when the inventory is most plentiful!

You can read some of my previous articles on “Moving to Tampa”:

New Suburb Beautiful…A Top Choice in The Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, Pasco County, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.01.2010

Moving to Tampa? Start Searching for Tampa Homes Ahead of the Crowds…Tampa Real Estate Searches and More

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Hunter's Green Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate

Finding a home in the Best Neighborhoods, or the Top-Rated School District in Tampa, means start EARLY!

This is “Relocation Season” in Tampa!  Many families, with school-aged children, are busy “house-hunting” in the Tampa area, so they can get settled in time for the new school year, which begins in August. This is a busy time of year for a PCS To  MacDill AFB, as well.  Moving to Tampa with children involves, not only finding the best neighborhoods, but it also requires some research about the best schools in Tampa. Most families want to get settled during the summer, but the best homes, at the best prices, are the FIRST to sell.  If you are looking for the most choices in the Tampa Real Estate market, you should start looking NOW.  By June, or July, your options will be limited and the “best” homes will already be sold! The earlier you start house hunting, the more likely you are to find exactly what you want in the Tampa Real Estate Market.

If you are moving to Tampa, or looking for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, and you have children, finding the right school will be at the top of your “to do” list!  Hillsborough County is the 8th largest school district in the Country and has many top-rated schools, both Nationwide and Statewide.

Each street address has a specific “school district” assigned to it, but another option to consider is one of the many “Magnet Schools” available at all grade levels.

I deal with a heavily “International” clientele.  Many of my clients have bi-lingual children and want to immerse them in a curriculum that is focused on languages and international studies.  I, personally, studied at a French elementary school and later at a university in Switzerland.  While studying Russian History in French may not appeal to everyone, it is EXACTLY the kind of challenge that many students thrive upon!

Hillsborough County offers the Interational Baccalaureate programme at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels. MacFarlane Park Elementary,  offers the IB program at the primary level, focused on ages 3–12.  Located on MacDill Avenue, close to South Tampa, MacFarlane Park Elementary is rated in the top 1% of all Florida School.  You can find more information about their program here.

Hillsborough County offers Magnet Programs in Math, Science, Arts, Performing Arts, International Studies and more.  Before you enroll your child, consider all of the options available to you.  To be considered for a magnet program, there is an application process and a spring deadline for the following school year.  This is the time to start investigating your options for the 2009–2010 school year.

Looking for real estate in Tampa? Need a list of the “A rated” schools in Tampa?  Send me an email today!

 

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including:

 

South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me!

 

Sign up for my email list to receive the latest information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa, and the International Real Estate Market!

For more information about the schools in Tampa, or assistance in relocation to any Tampa neighborhood, contact me today.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   02.01.2010

Moving to Tampa? Orders to MacDill AFB? Plenty of Bargains in Tampa Real Estate Today!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, First-Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Moving to Tampa, The Best Tampa Neighborhoods and MacDill Air Force Base Relocation, every day…

MacDill AFB is one of the largest employers in Tampa, with many military and civilian employees, who live all over the Tampa Bay area. It is “relocation season”…the time of year when many families with children are planning their move, or PCS,  to Tampa. The top priority for those families is always the school district. This is a great time to find a “bargain” in the Tampa Real Estate Market. Prices are the lowest in YEARS!

If you are moving to Tampa, for a position at MacDill Air Force Base, contact me, to find the right neighborhood for you, and your family. I have been relocating military families in Tampa for 15 years! I can find a “bargain” in any Tampa or Pasco County neighborhood!

You can read some of my previous articles about moving to Tampa, and relocation to MacDill Air Force Base:

MacDill Air Force Base…One of Tampa’s Largest Employers

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Tampa Neighborhoods

Looking for real estate in Tampa?

 

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including:

 

Brandon,  Riverhills, Valrico, South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me!

 

Sign up for my email list to receive the latest information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa, and the International Real Estate Market!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.30.2010

Moving to Tampa? Find the Best Schools in Tampa! Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Schools, Westchase

We are busy in the Tampa Real Estate Market. The school year is nearly over and this is the time when many families are searching for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market. The big question is…”Where are the best schools and the best neighborhoods in Tampa?

For more in-depth information on Tampa Schools and Tampa Neighborhoods, you can read some of my previous articles:

Golf Course Communities:

Cheval

Hunter’s Green

Westchase

Davis Islands

Tampa Schools

Relocation to MacDill Air Force Base

Hyde Park

Find the Right Neighborhood in Tampa

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.28.2009

Just Weeks to Superbowl in Tampa…Find Superbowl Rentals and Great Places to Eat in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Restaurants in Tampa

Superbowl Sunday is fast approaching and football fans will be heading to Tampa!  Tampa is a great city with plenty of things to do and great places to eat! You can get from Downtown Tampa to the airport, or Raymond James Stadium in 15 minutes.  You can be on Clearwater Beach in 30 minutes!

If you choose to stay “in the heart of South Tampa”, you will find great places within a 5 minute drive.  I live in South Tampa…it has unique shops and restaurants, little traffic and a “small town feel”…like “Mayberry” in the middle of a big city!  Just ten minutes to the Stadium…you can’t beat it!While there is a “Bonefish Grill” or “Outback Steakhouse” nearly everywhere (though they started in Tampa), you should avoid the “chains” and experience some of our unique places to eat.

Enjoy some of my previous articles on “Great Places to Eat” in Tampa…you are likely to see me at any one of them while you are here!

Enjoy your stay in Tampa….please contact me if I can help with a luxury rental for Superbowl week, Tampa Real Estate, Clearwater Real Estate, or just need a little “local” advice while you are in town!

Best “Sizzle Reader” Restaurants in Tampa

Best Restaurants in Clearwater

Best Restaurants in Tampa

Great Outdoor Dining in Tampa

Ethiopian Food in Tampa

I can help with your move to Tampa, or an investment property, second home, or beachfront condo in Tampa Bay….contact me today!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   01.07.2009

Mortgage Rates Dip Below 5%…Time to Buy in The Tampa Real Estate Market!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate Trends, Relocation, South Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and the International Real Estate Market, every day on The Real Estate Sizzle!

While Christmas shoppers head into the last week of scooping up the “bargains” in  the retail industry, homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market should be focused on buying a house in the next month, or so.  Local mortgage brokers are offering mortgage rates below 5%.  Combine low interest rates, with discounted home values and you have the “Buyer’s Dream Market” in Tampa!  I saw Jumbo Rates (mortgages over $417,000) for 5.75% yesterday!  Get those visions of sugarplums out of your heads and start thinking “long term”….a 30 year fixed rate below 5% vs. 6% will save you over $100,000 in payments.

Want to get an even LOWER mortgage rate when you buy a home in Tampa, or Clearwater Beach right now?  Contact me today about how to take advantage of the “buyer’s market” and how to get a “free appraisal”, or “lower interest rate” in the Tampa Real Estate Market!

Contact me Today! 

You can read some of my previous articles about moving to Tampa, and relocation to MacDill Air Force Base:

MacDill Air Force Base…One of Tampa’s Largest Employers

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Tampa Neighborhoods

Looking for real estate in Tampa?

 

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including:

 

South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me!

 

Sign up for my email list to receive the latest information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa, and the International Real Estate Market!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   5 Comments »   |   12.18.2008

Looking for a “Walkable Neighborhood” in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Pet Friendly Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market

One of the great things about “City Life”  in Tampa, or anywhere in the World, is the ability to walk to shops, restaurants, schools and more.  I’m a “City Mouse”.  I have enjoyed life in cities where I walked, hopped on the tram, or traveled by train every day!

At Walkscore, you can check the “walkability” of any neighborhood!  What a great idea for someone new to town, or looking for a house in a specific neighborhood. 

It’s easy…type in the street address and you get a “walkability score”, along with all of the closest stores, bars, restaurants, schools, libraries and more! It also gives you a detailed map, with the all of the local “joints” indicated by location! Very cool!

I live in a very “walkable” neighborhood in South Tampa. If you are looking for the perfect Tampa neighborhood for your family, contact me today!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real.  Questions about the best “Walkable” neighborhoods in Tampa…send me an email!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.10.2008

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