The time to let it loose, get out of school routines – summer months are months for children to learn through adventure and fun. Pensacola Florida has lots of great camp experiences to enhance your childrens’ summer, and some are even free!
Whether you live in Pensacola, or perhaps are spending the summer here and renting a home to give your family a summer by the seashore, Pensacola has great choices to keep little hands very happy and busy. You may be looking for day camps or residential sleep-away. Here are just a few of the many choices you will find:
Free and Fun!
Florida has many national parks, and Pensacola is no exception. Gulf Islands National Seashore provides a fantastic experience for your child to be a Junior park ranger. These camps are one day events that run from 9-12 with themed activities and are FREE! Options are available starting at ages 6-8, ranging up through 11.
Sailing the Seas
If your child love boating and learning to skipper a sail boat, Penesacola Yacht club provides a fantastic sailing summer experience.
History buffs aren’t stuffy!
History can be fun, and the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum has fun history camps to prove it! Historic Pensacola Village has much history to explore, mixed with games, tours, activities, crafts and so much more. These week-long camps run in groups for grades 4-6 and 7-9.
Space and Flight Lovers Unite at the Naval Aviation Summer Day Camp!
Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp 2012 is here! Your kids can launch their own rocket and so much more! The museum has an exciting flight simulator, IMAX movies and your child can even building his or her own gliders. The National aviation museum in Pensacola is where the Blue Angels practice. There's alot to see and do! Sessions run one week at a time.
Sleep Away with the Animals
Is your child an animal fanatic looking for an exotic jungle adventure? Perhaps you even have a college age student who wants to be a veterinarian. While you enjoy the warm Pensacola seashore your youngster can spend an incredible sleep away educational and fun experience. Busch Gardens has residential Summer Camps for 5th graders through college. Whether working with the zoo keepers or learning about exotic animal medicine, there’s a wonderful mix of fun and learning to be had by all.
Whatever your child's fancy, Pensacola has an adventure to thrill them - fun with a purpose!
Usually noise is a bigger problem when renting an apartment or living in a condo. But even in a freestanding home, noise from neighboring homes can be a big nuisance, as well as a delicate situation to deal with.
On first approaching the issue of noise with your neighbor you really want to remain calm, reasonable, quiet and polite. Step One is to communicate with your neighbor about the situation, and involves a number of communication skills to keep in mind.
-Speaking in “I” statements helps prevent defensiveness. Don't accuse, talk about how a noise that you experienced coming from their home affected you.
-Perhaps your neighbor
isn’t aware that what they’re doing is causing problems. Don't come at them expecting that they are being noisy deliberately to annoy, or thinking they don't care about others.
-Start out with a question to gather information, like “I don’t know if you are aware of this…” Don’t make them wrong.
-Say something in the form of a brief explanation of what the noise is and make a request. Here are some possible ways to say it:
1. “I’ll bet you aren’t aware of it, but when you play rock music it kept me awake last night. Would you be willing to turn the volume down after 9pm so I can get plenty of sleep for work?”
2. “You may not be aware that when you’re at work all day your dog barks all the time. Is there any solution we could find? I work from home and also take care of my elderly mother. She is unable to rest due to all the barking.”
3. “Hey, John I know you had a great party Saturday, but you may not have been aware that the music and party noises went on until 3 a.m. I wonder if, in the future you might stop the loud music and party noises at midnight?
You may also want to add – “John if there are any things that I do that creates extra noise in your home I would want you to let me know. I want to be a respectful neighbor.”
Now there may be neighbors who look at you like you have two heads, or who may become hostile. In that event you may be pretty sure the noises will continue. So Step Two is to write a letter clearly stating the noise issue and keep a copy for you. But be very careful. If your neighbor seems threatening or offensive such that you fear your safety you may need to call in police.
1. In your letter be specific. Give dates; say what the noise was, and any particulars noted.
2. Then check your city ordinances, so you know just what “leg” you have to stand on.
3. If there is a home owner’s association (HOA) check their polices on noise. There are rules and regulations on noise, in addition to what the city ordinances are.
Finally, Step Three, if the noise just won’t stop you should report it to the local authorities.
-Start with the Home Owner’s Association and continue to call the police department when it is absolutely necessary.
-See if there are other neighbors in homes nearby who are also being affected and find out if they will be willing to make formal requests as well. Having more than one voice establishes a pattern of behavior your noisy neighbor persists with, and may be critical information should you need to sue.
Remain calm and courteous whenever possible. Don’t retaliate or make all kinds of noise yourself. Continue to report to authorities. “Tit for tat” weakens any case you may need to bring in small claims court.
In the competitive world of home security systems industry, consumer beware! While most home security companies are highly reputable some of the “too good to be true” deals offered by newer companies are purposely trying to defraud consumers.
To illustrate the point, the Better Business Bureau announced having received 25,000 plus complaints about home security scams during 2010. A a consumer, then, must be very cautious of being propositioned by a home security scam artist/scam offer.
Whether you are renting a home or you own one, it may not be a "castle" but it is your "castle," so to speak, and having a home security system is a good idea. However, statistics are surprisingly low. According the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately only one in nine consumers in the U .S. is using a security system.
So what might a scam offer be? How might you know whether an offer is legit or not?
Here’s one good example to be wary of: if you receive a telemarketing call that says you have won a home security system hang up! If they don’t leave a message with the company name but just a phone number don’t call back. You will probably get a pre-recorded sales message which is created to draw you in even further.
As you would probably guess seniors are an easy target for these “you’ve won a prize” scams. Once the person accepts the so-called prize then they are asked to make an appointment to sign a winner’s agreement of acceptance, and the representative will come to their home. What is a “winner’s agreement of acceptance”? It’s a disguised contract filled with all kinds of legal mumbo jumbo that is confusing. It also locks in the homeowner in for three year agreements at an overinflated rate. In addition, the contract also covertly states that they will be automatic renewed at the end of the original three-year term!
So what should you do?
1- Read fine print on anything you sign.
2- Never allow yourself to be rushed into any decision about any product or service.
3- Check out the company before you sign anything.
4- Shop around. Be picky.
5- Ask the tough questions, like are there extra charges for any service calls during the course of the contract? Are there any hidden fees? What precisely does your monthly fee cover? Understand the details.
In the world of home protection you have many choices. Having a home security system is a smart thing to do whether you’re buying or renting. Just make sure, as with any other purchase you might make, that you know what you’re getting and paying for.
If you’re looking for a Pensacola Beach Rental you already have a pretty good idea about how beautiful and exceptional Pensacola Beach is.
But if you are a first time visitor or just moving down to Pensacola you may not be familiar with yet the wonderful events at the Beach that add to the many reasons you’re going to love it here:
Pensacola Florida’s “Bands on the Beach” events!
April has a line-up of terrific bands to enjoy, whether you like country music, relaxing and listening to jazz or love to rock the night away. Find your ideal Pensacola Beach Rental now and you can be settled and ready to enjoy all that the Beach has to offer by the time Bands on the Beach welcomes the Kyle Parker Band on April 3rd at the Gulfside Pavilion.
Only twenty-three years old, Kyle’s been playing and making music for more than ten years.
At the age of 12 he played music in local bars and restaurants. Through the past ten years Kyle didn’t have a specific direction for the type of music he wanted to develop. In 2008 he cut a country record in Nashville, TN, but he has found his heart lay in Rock and Soul. In this concert you’ll get to hear a preview of three songs soon to come out on his newest album “Right Down to Good.”
Shades – a band with a wide range – graces the beach with tunes from Chicago, James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald. Not only these, but many multi-instrumental jazz jams to enjoy. Their vocalist Erma is not to be missed. Shakes began as a family band. Over the years they added Erma and then Chase Street Horns as a perfect accompaniment to Erma’s smooth sounds.
Then, no doubt about it, on April 24th you’ll be rocking and rolling to the Beulah Land South Band, as they provide you with rock, southern rock and country music. Do you love Stevie Ray Vaughan? Johnny Cash? Jon Bon Jovi? This versatile band will play these artists songs and much more. Once again the concert begins at 7 and goes until 9pm at the Gulfside Pavilion.
Call the Santa Rosa Island Authority for information at (850) 932-2257 or the Visitors Information Center at 1-800-635-4803. Remember on Pensacola Beach they do not allow pets or glass. Bring some lawn chairs and prepare to relax and enjoy!
These are just the April line up of events. We'll keep you abreast of the bands on the beach that will be coming to the Beach so that you can enjoy your Pensacola beach rental, and "Bands on the Beach" more and more each month.
Signing a lease is akin to saying the words, “I accept and rent this house ‘as is’,” and to accepting the condition in which you find it.
Now if there are changes you want made those requests can be made during lease negotiations, but the owner is not obligated to make any changes unless agreed to in writing. If you go ahead and make changes to the owner’s property you could have a big problem when you vacate the premises, so let’s look at how you should handle these issues before hand:
1. If the owner believes you will make a good tenant he or she may be willing to make some reasonable changes before you move in. These might include:
-Painting the walls and ceilings
-Cleaning the carpets or even replacing them.
-Minor repairs of cabinets, floor boards, stairways, and anything that might be a hazard.
2. Discuss changes you might personally want to make with the landlord beforehand and get them down on paper with legal agreement. Items such as:
-New bathroom fixtures
-New cabinet knobs or handles
-Landscaping, etc.
If you are going to do any of these things yourself, get the landlord’s agreement in writing to the changes and some landlords will even happily pay for the materials as long as they don’t have to hire someone to get it done.
3. Let the Landlord Make and Pay for Any Renovations Needed. If renovations are needed you are far better off to have the landlord do them (if they agree) than to do them yourself. When the landlord handles renovations he/she pays for them. Not only that, but you won’t be stuck being blamed if the results and quality of the work isn’t to the landlord’s liking – or even worse, if there is damage done in the process of renovating.
4. Negotiating power comes when the landlord/owner not only believes you will be a good tenant, but it also helps if they sign a multi-year lease which tells them you are steady and reliable for a longer period. Landlords like knowing they don’t have to hassle finding a new renter anytime soon, and they appreciate knowing they will have the rent each and every month for several years.
That’s big. Use this to your advantage in negotiating changes like what’s noted above, but even for any other renovations or other larger improvements that you might desire.
5. Finally, if you have no luck with getting the landlord to make changes or to help pay for any of them you may want to reassess whether this is the place for you. Take a truly good look around. Be sure you can live with what it is you’re getting, because if you do make changes without approval in writing it could cost a whole lot more to have to remove or reverse them when you’re moving out.
Leasing is a great option, and if you're considering Pensacola, Florida we have some great deals. Check us out. Give us a call. We’d be happy to show you some of our best houses.
When searching for the college that will match you desires, needs and aspirations, there are some tips and principles you will want to keep in mind.
You may wonder why we're writing a blog about colleges when we are a Pensacola, Florida home rental company, but whether you're looking in Pensacola for a college because you live here currently, or location is no object, it's important to understand just what a college offers; what resources it has; what campus life is like (and so much more) before you make your choice.
It isn't an easy decision. Each student is unique. Traditional college studies aren’t suitable for every profession, career goal, or personality, so let’s look at some important ponts to consider:
First of all, if you don’t know what you want, how will you know when you find it? In other words, you need to understand why you are going to college even before you begin to search. If you start with the end in mind it makes a big difference and narrows down your search. So in addition to financial and logistic considerations, the key question to ask yourself is: "What do I truly want as a result of going to college"?
Here are five college choice tips to keep in mind as you ask yourself that question:
- Many people think potential employers are mostly concerned with the “status” of your college (i.e., Ivy League, etc.), but this may or may not be the case. Employers want staff that portrays exceptional skills, experience and a positive, “can do” attitude. They want fresh and innovative self-starters, whether it comes from a “name brand” college or not.
- Remember to check things out for yourself. If you only listen to hearsay about a college (perhaps your best friend’s cousin who went there ten years ago, for instance) then you aren’t doing your due diligence about the institution.
- In order to ask the right questions it helps to know beforehand what is important to assess. One resource for this is NSSE “The National Survey of Student Engagement.” Contrary to popular belief, picking a major right off the bat isn’t necessarily the best way to choose a college either. Though in #1 above we stated that you want to know your goal for going to college, that doesn’t necessarily mean which major you will pick right off the bat. Many roads lead to the same outcome. Most young college freshmen haven’t had enough time to explore various courses of study, so allow yourself room to “try before you buy” a career path.
- A smaller college can create a real sense of community. In fact, large universities know the importance of community and how lost and huge the university environment can seem. To remedy this many of them have established honors colleges that are within the larger university, but which cloister students into a sense of community that supports them. College itself is a big and expansive experience. University administrators and educators know this. They want to remove some of the overwhelm so many freshmen go through. It is this overwhelm that can cause a freshman to sink instead of swim, and the last thing a college or university wants is for students to fail or to feel lost or be just a number.
There are far more tips and ideas than can be included here, but needless to say, college choice is
one of those important life steps that should be considered carefully for each and every student. Here is a resource that can assist: Colleges that Change Lives is one organization which assists students in the college search and match-up process. But if you’re sticking to Pensacola, Florida because your family, work and life are here, then there is a wide array of schools to choose from. Here is just a partial list:
-University of West Florida
-Pensacola State College
-Troy University
-Pensacola Christian College
-Fortis Institute
-Pensacola junior college
-Virginia College
If you are moving into Pensacola to go to college and looking for a rental instead of living on campus, please check out what we have to offer. Good luck in your search!
Northwest Florida has much to offer, and among its best cities is Pensacola. Pensacola and its surrounding communities is nearly five centuries old, having had the very first Spanish Conquistador explorer reach its shores in 1559.
The Pensacola coastline is one of Florida’s most beautiful. Called the “Emerald Coast,” people are dazzled by its sparkling white beaches, and tourism is still one of Pensacola’s biggest contribution the the City’s economy. But that’s not all that makes this special city appealing. 
Life in this city isn’t just good in the tourist season when northerners want to escape the Winter’s bluster. With an average temperature of 67 degrees, outdoor, active living, culture and so much more abound, and Pensacola has something for everyone all year around.
So just where on the map is this “Emerald City”? Pensacola lies an hour from Mobile, AL, and three hours from Tallahassee, as well as only a one-day ride away from Orlando and major theme parks. But more than that, Pensacola is a place to build your life and put down roots. The economy is good, and this city, so rich with history boasts strong military presence and community involvement.
Relocation is a tough choice unless an employer is deciding for you. But with so many people looking to retire and put down roots in warmer climates, if you examine Pensacola closely it will most likely be in your top 3 choices. So as you narrow down your decision, here are some resources to help you learn more about our picturesque, fair City and make a decision:
1. We found a great “Relocation guide” online, which helps you plan and search for the best options for you. The State of Florida also provides a ton of information
2. Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
3. Pensacola Visitor Information Center
4. Florida Housing Authority
5. Rentals in Pensacola
6. Event calendar for Pensacola
Vacationing, renting or buying, Pensacola has so much to offer. We hope you’ll join us!
As far back as 1559 the Spanish Conquistador Tristan de Luna y Arellano came on a mission to conquer Florida.
In what is now known as our historic Pensacola Florida, the colony he established is one of Europe’s earliest settlements on our U.S. continent. Just recently the Pensacola Historic Society held their annual Fair and Research Competition
Pensacola is alive with the voices and architecture of the past. West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. collects, holds and administers many artifacts (kitchenware, military objects, furniture, archives, photograph, medical and scientific apparati – the list goes on). What a fitting site to hold the 4th Annual Regional Educator’s Conference this April 28th, 2012! Session proposals are still being accepted, to present outstanding projects in the classroom
This important conference has been sponsored by such prestigious organizations as The Florida League of Cities,, The Florida Council for the Social Studies, McGraw-Hill School Education Group and a host of banks and more.
The history of Pensacola has been of note to the Smithsonian Museum, and in their 2009 article they state, “The unspoiled shoreline is virtually unaltered from the time Spanish explorers first made landfall here nearly five centuries ago. Yet this marine wilderness lies only a few minutes’ drive from the center of Pensacola, the lively and historic city of 56,000 at the westernmost tip of the Florida Panhandle on the border with Alabama. Pensacola boasts a surprisingly little-known past: it is the site of the nation’s oldest European settlement.”
If you’re someone who enjoys guided tours, with guides who can really give you the details, adult tours are available
Life in this beautiful and historic city sparkles as bright and clear as the sun on the beautiful coast line! Discover Pensacola Florida, it’s a great place to live!
Tristan de Luna y Arellano would be proud!
If you’ve been considering a move to Pensacola, the pre-spring month of March is a perfect time to plan your exploration of the City!
Four fabulous March events in Pensacola are not to be missed. They explode the City with fun, mirth, and a Festival-like quality as Spring begins to pop its head out.
Many people, prior to making a house purchase here, have either travelled to, or fallen in love with the City. But it isn’t just home buying that warrants a good “look-see!” Moving from another part of the U.S.A. to Florida is a major life change. Unless recruited by a Company with “orders” to move, you may be trying to decide where you really want to live – maybe for five years or maybe even for the rest of your life. If you've narrowed it down to Florida, take a closer look at Pensacola and combine it with a fun vacation!
You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive right? Why not plan to spend a solid two-week Spring Break vacation and enjoy these wonderful events that add to making Pensacola a desirable place to live and work. We believe that once you visit here, you’ll want to stay here! But even at that, smart people have found that renting a home, instead of buying, allows even more flexibility without being tied to a mortgage.
1. Downtown Pensacola is holding its fabulous Gallery Night on March 16th. Gallery Night is a lovely evening to stroll downtown and see all the art galleries and the culture so prevalent in this beautiful City.
2. St. Patrick’s Day is especially special on Pensacola beach! March 12-17 is “Go Irish on the Island.” Visit a pub crawl, watch the green bikini contest (or enter it?), jig dancing contest and even leprechaun hunt. Loads of fun activities are here for those with a little blarney in their souls.
3. Nashville is bringing country music starts and so much more to the annual Beulahfest on March 18-20. Carnival rides, food, arts and crafts and top entertainment for all to enjoy!
4. On March 30-31 the University of West Florida has its annual Festival on the Green. Are you a dog lover? They have a dog agility showcase. The Festival includes live music, sporting events, children’s fair and so much more.
All-in-all Pensacola is teaming with fantastic events in March and the weather is just right! While you’re here you will have plenty of time in between to learn about great rentals, and the “in’s and out’s” of moving here as your new home. We’re here to assist you. Pensacola – a wonderful place to live!
“Yes, Virginia, Pensacola is not your Grandmother’s quiet town!”
If you think of Florida as a quiet retirement state, think again! 
When you think of Florida, naturally Orlando and Miami come right to mind. But they aren’t the only two Florida cities with culture and entertainment! To, perhaps, great surprise, Pensacola, Florida, is quite sophisticated and nightlife in Pensacola provides a range choices for all, for a city of its size. Pensacola, Florida is a “happening” place to live, not just for nightlife, but for culture of varied kinds. Work or play, Pensacola, Florida will surprise you!
What is your style of nightlife? Do you like clubs and bars? Check out Seville Quarter, where you’ll find some of the hottest spots in this Historic district -- not to mention there are beautiful 
restored New Orleans-style balconies on an antique-brick complex of buildings. You'll find a vast collection of restaurants, pubs and fabulous dance halls. From Dixieland jazz to country and western, Irish pubs and bands – you’re going to be happily surprised.
Looking for a quiet beach walk with your loved one (and romantic dinner on or near the beach? Quietwater Boardwalk is the place! Or, enjoy Santa Rosa Sound for shopping, dining and live bands in the summers and on weekends in the off-season, as well as even a sports bar, and reggae bar too.
If you absolutely love unique, the Interstate Mullet Toss and Beach Party held the last weekend in April just cannot be described! There is the ever popular raw oyster bar with beautiful Gulf views and cold beer. Country Music lover? Check out The Last Great Road House, Flora-Bama Lounge on Perdido Key Drive right on the Gulf has jam sessions on weekends from mid-day to midnight! They also hold a famous Frank Brown Int’l Songwriters’ Festival first week of November.
Is performing arts is your passion? Check out the Saenger Theater with its incredible Spanish baroque architecture, the ambiance adds to the joy and pleasure of opera, symphony,
Broadway musicals and major name touring performers. Major concerts, exhibitions, sports events and a host of conventions at the 10,000-seat Pensacola Civic Center are bound to hold events of interest throughout the year.
Pensacola is also a great place to live and work. This beautiful city is a gem still being discovered. Whether it’s Pensacola nightlife you care most about, or living on the Gulf, it’s a city teaming with charm, ambiance and so much more. Discover Pensacola!