Economy - I'm totally confused??

[des1954]

I work and live in Sarasota county and things are bad here. There are MANY vacant homes here.

I lived in Sarasota from 1973 - 1987 - moved to Bradenton, left & moved to Polk County in 2002. I remember when North Port was a bunch of roads built by developers but never had the neighborhoods built. Then came the 1990's and everyone wanted to move to North Port because it was so affordable as compared to the rest of Sarasota County. Now, Sarasota County is #3 in the nation in foreclosures. I think that's because Sarasota County is full of second & third homes for many people. I was just down there two weeks ago and went out to St. Armand's. The circle was packed with people carrying packages.

For those of you that don't know St. Armand's Circle - they cater to the VERRRRRRY wealthy. Even during my highest earning years I couldn't afford to even think about shopping on the circle!!

 

[tinkerbell34]

I lived in Sarasota from 1973 - 1987 - moved to Bradenton, left & moved to Polk County in 2002. I remember when North Port was a bunch of roads built by developers but never had the neighborhoods built. Then came the 1990's and everyone wanted to move to North Port because it was so affordable as compared to the rest of Sarasota County. Now, Sarasota County is #3 in the nation in foreclosures. I think that's because Sarasota County is full of second & third homes for many people. I was just down there two weeks ago and went out to St. Armand's. The circle was packed with people carrying packages.

For those of you that don't know St. Armand's Circle - they cater to the VERRRRRRY wealthy. Even during my highest earning years I couldn't afford to even think about shopping on the circle!!

I can't even afford to think about shopping at St. Armands. Yeah, North Port had a big boom and then blew up. There are over five hundred homes here that are in various stages of construction that have been abandoned. On my street there is just me and my neighbor. The house across the street was foreclosed on. There are tons of people here who bought when the houses were at the peak of pricing and now their home is worth barely half of what they paid for it. I was very lucky to have bought my home when I did. At least I don't owe more then it is worth. I also bought down here because of the home prices being so cheap (at the time). This same house in Sarasota would be $200k more. I may have an hour commute but at least I own my own home.

 

[des1954]

When Verizon (the company I retired from) still had a satellite office on Ringling Blvd, quite a few of the younger people bought homes in North Port. Then, BANG!!! Verizon closed the Sarasota office & consolidated everyone into the Tampa office. North Port to Sarasota was a bad enough drive. North Port to Tampa? No way!!! I did B-ton to Tampa for about 3 years and then Lakeland to Tampa for 2. That was too much driving for me.

That's sad to hear about North Port. It was booming in the 90's. Did you know the original name was North Port Charlotte?? They dropped the "Charlotte" in the late 70's early 80's. I forget exactly when.

 

[tinkerbell34]

No, I didn't know that. Very interesting. I know that North Port is the third largest city in Florida for land size but it is only 10 percent developed. There use to be a rumor for decades around here that they were going to build a six flags. I heard they are building it north of Tampa now. I use to work for ADT and three months after I bought my home they annouced they were closing our center and laying off all 500 of us. I use to have an easy on and easy of the interstate. I have a longer drive now but I'm MUCH happier with my new job! I dont mind the commute at all (I actually drive from NP to Bradenton, where my kids go to school, and then back to SMH for work....3000 miles a month). Im happy I have the home I always wanted and I feel horrible for all of those suffering through being upside down right now.

 

[des1954]

No, I didn't know that. Very interesting. I know that North Port is the third largest city in Florida for land size but it is only 10 percent developed. There use to be a rumor for decades around here that they were going to build a six flags. I heard they are building it north of Tampa now. I use to work for ADT and three months after I bought my home they annouced they were closing our center and laying off all 500 of us. I use to have an easy on and easy of the interstate. I have a longer drive now but I'm MUCH happier with my new job! I dont mind the commute at all (I actually drive from NP to Bradenton, where my kids go to school, and then back to SMH for work....3000 miles a month). Im happy I have the home I always wanted and I feel horrible for all of those suffering through being upside down right now.

Wasn't ADT on Fruitville Rd?? IIRC....that place has been about 15 different companies since about 1979. The saying if you worked there was..."If you packed your lunch you're an optomist!"

I have an acquaintance who works at SMH. Last I knew she was a Director of Nursing. Her first name is Pam. I don't want to give her last name on a public board.

When I first moved to Sarasota, SMH was this tiny little neighborhood hospital. Doctors Hospital was on the corner of Tuttle & Beneva - now I think it's a Nursing Home.

Sarasota has gotten so big. That's one of the reasons we now live in Polk County (and we're that much closer to Disney - lol). The worst traffic day in Polk County is better than the lightest traffic day in Sarasota.

The Six Flags rumor has been perpetuated since the early 90's.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

participating in the propagation of enlightenment should not be perpetuated

 

[ntsammy5]

I know what you mean Deb, but anecdotal observations are not very good.

I don't know anyone who has died in the last 6 months - I don't believe there have been any deaths in that time frame - it's all a plot by the Catholic church to get people back. Someone found a cure for death since I haven't personally observed it, it doesn't exist!

Oh well - I agree though restaurants are very crowded.

What happened to your "the unemployment rate is 33%"

 

[auntie]

We went to our local Applebee's last night. Place wasn't empty..but by no means was it full. They had two for one drinks if you sat in the bar.

Bob and I felt it was our patriotic duty to sit in the bar.

What.. ....we're just doin' what we can to stimulate the economy.

 

[DaddyDon]

Don -

I truly know where you are coming from. My DH was unemployed for 6 months last year & the unemployment was about 1/4 of what he made in a bad week. Thankfully, the church that employs me bumped me up to full time & I took a part time job with Home Depot. That, plus a savings account we HAD, helped us thru. Now, the savings is gone, but DH - after one really crappy job found a job that, although we still have to watch our pennies, we don't have to watch them quite as closely.

See if your company or state is offering any $$$ to train for a different career. If so, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. You are going to have to learn to be flexible and you are definitely going to need to learn how to do more with less. If we can do it - and we're both in our mid-50's - so can you.

It's just not the same world we grew up in. There is no longer any such thing as a "safe" career.

Hey just wanted to answer you!
I am going to a wia(workforce investment act) workshop this thursday ,To see what is avail to us..I have been to 2 classes that they have given us for interviewing and resume building skills.We have been a master at cutting back since late Sept when my hours were cut back to 24 hrs and 36 hrs.I must say we still have a lot of pork to cutIt has not been that bad thus far but we still have allott more to cut .Me and my wife are both in our late 40's and i had no intention to look for a job this late in life...But i know we will survive Saving acct went with each check that was short during the past 6 months,but we are still holding on to what we have.Holding on as long as i can to get my severance...( is 17 weeks pay)and so i can get my pension out and then we can pay off all bills except house .Flexible....Nadia and Cathy Rigsby have nothing on my big hinnie I have been well trained on being flexible at work these past 16.5 yrs Thanks! for your kind words.
Don

 

[disney4dan]

I hope everyone sees some improvement soon.

One of our major clients has informed us of their decision to expand during this difficult time. We are welcome to join them so long as we sharpen our pencils and work with them on cost savings during the expansion. Don't need to tell me that twice!

I'm hoping that a few more courageous corporations take on this mentality and look for opportunities in times of chaos. I think this company is doing everything they can to make lemonade from lemons, and found the financial backing to do so (either internally or externally). Time for entrepeneurs to wade in make the most of the risky situation. Let's just hope that our changes in tax structure don't interfere.

 

[tinkerbell34]

Wasn't ADT on Fruitville Rd?? IIRC....that place has been about 15 different companies since about 1979. The saying if you worked there was..."If you packed your lunch you're an optomist!"

I have an acquaintance who works at SMH. Last I knew she was a Director of Nursing. Her first name is Pam. I don't want to give her last name on a public board.

When I first moved to Sarasota, SMH was this tiny little neighborhood hospital. Doctors Hospital was on the corner of Tuttle & Beneva - now I think it's a Nursing Home.

Sarasota has gotten so big. That's one of the reasons we now live in Polk County (and we're that much closer to Disney - lol). The worst traffic day in Polk County is better than the lightest traffic day in Sarasota.

The Six Flags rumor has been perpetuated since the early 90's.

ADT was in Lakewood Ranch...the call center anyway. There might have been a service center on Fruitville. Have you been here since Lakewood Ranch was built? I never knew a city could be built so quickly!
Doctors's hospital is still there. SMH is building a new bed tower as we speak and they are also building an emergency room in North Port (which will be very nice consdering we have no emergency services near by as of now). Everyone keeps wondering why they are expanding when they have laid quite a few people off and have a hiring freeze in place. I know my boss is doing everything she can to keep all of us employed!
I think I know the Pam of which you speak of. I was talking to one of my favortie patients today and she and her husband are heading to FW this weekend. Funny what a small world it is!

 

[des1954]

Yeah, Lakewood Ranch started out in the early 90's as a "neighborhood". It has it's own postal code now & if I heard correctly, they are going to incorporate as their own city. Nice place. 'Spensive, but nice!

The "Pam" I'm referring to is married to a lawyer - and we hung out with them (somewhat) when their 3 kids were born. We went to the same church. Their oldest is in college now. Whew! Time flies!!

It's about time SMH put something in N.P. They used to transport to St. Joe's or Venice Hospital E.R.'s. Maybe they still do? Doctor's Hospital on Bee Ridge is much, much bigger than SMH was in the 1980's!!!

We gotta catch up with you at FtW sometime. Share a beer or kungaloosh or several!!! Are you going over Memorial Day?

 

[tinkerbell34]

Yeah, I remember when Lakewood Ranch first started up too. Now it goes across Sarasota AND Bradenton. There is also another "city" within the city called University Park. They are trying to follow Lakewood Ranch. Well enough of that.
It would be fun to catch up at FW. I wish we were going Memorial day weekend but no. The week before I'm suppose to be in Shanghai (got an incrediable deal....less then what I'll be spending at FW in a couple of weeks) and I'll just be getting back that weekend. I have been debating about taking my youngest tent camping for this birthday (May 28th) but I'm afraid it will be way to hot.

 

[des1954]

Shanghai trumps FtW!!! We will catch up someday, I'm sure.

BTW - Your DS shares MY birthday!!! He must be an awesome Gemini!!!

Walt had it right..."It's a small world after all!"

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Shanghai trumps FtW!!! We will catch up someday, I'm sure.

BTW - Your DS shares MY birthday!!! He must be an awesome Gemini!!!

Walt had it right..."It's a small world after all!"

Hey, my wife and I are both Gemini's.

 

[des1954]

Hey, my wife and I are both Gemini's.

I KNEW there was sumptin I liked about you, Jim!!!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Hey, my wife and I are both Gemini's.

Congratulations !

 

[Just Beachy]

Hey, my wife and I are both Gemini's.

Me too!! May 23rd.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Me too!! May 23rd.

Congratualtions !!

 

[ntsammy5]

I'm a pervert!