St. Augustine Amphitheatre Gets Nominated for the ACM Outdoor Venue of the Year Award

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre has been nominated for the prestigious "Outdoor Venue of the Year" award at the 59th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. This nomination highlights the amphitheater's standing as a key player in the local and national entertainment scene, emphasizing its role in enriching St. Augustine's cultural landscape. Background on the ACM Awards The ACM Awards are a cornerstone in the country music industry, celebrating the finest in artistic and technical achievements. The "Outdoor Venue of the Year" award, in particular, is a testament to the excellence of facilities that provide memorable live music experiences. Being nominated for this award places a venue among the elite in the country music community, recognizing its quality, audience engagement, and overall contribution to the arts. St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s Road to Nomination Originally built in 1965 to commemorate St. Augustine’s 400th anniversary, the amphitheater has evolved into a beloved landmark. Recent renovations have modernized its facilities, increasing its capacity and enhancing visitor comfort, thus boosting its profile nationally. It boasts a unique blend of historical significance and modern amenities, accommodating a diverse range of events from concerts to local community gatherings. Aside from being nominated for an ACM Award this year, the venue has also previously received acclaim for its exceptional programming and community involvement. In 2022, the St. Augustine Amphitheater was the #1 top-selling amphitheater venue in the U.S. beating the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, and it continues to be one of the top-selling amphitheater venues in the world today. What Got It Nominated The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, a notable venue in St. Augustine, Florida, has become a favored stage for numerous country music artists. The recognition by the ACMAs is largely due to its stellar lineup of performances by celebrated country music stars. Some of the notable country artists who have graced this venue include Parker McCollum, Zach Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Riley Green, Cole Swindell, Cody Johnson, Blackberry Smoke, Lainey Wilson, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Trace Adkins, and Kelsea Ballerini. . The legendary group, Alabama, has also performed there several times, bringing their classic country hits to the stage​​. Willie Nelson, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Whisky Myers, Marshall Tucker Band and Old Dominion are other country music stars that continue to return to the St. Augustine Amphitheater when on tour.   Looking ahead this year, the venue continues to attract big names with more to be added to the lineup in the coming months: - Megan Moroney: May 17th- Billy Currington: June 8th- Jamey Johnson:  June 20th- Alabama: November 8th & 9th Each of these performances highlights the venue's ongoing commitment to bringing top-tier country music to its audience. Conclusion The nomination of St. Augustine Amphitheatre for "Outdoor Venue of the Year" is a significant accolade, reflecting its excellence in providing a premier venue for artists and music lovers alike. You can watch the 59th ACM Awards on May 16, 2024, at 8:00 PM EST on Prime Video.

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Old Coast Pickleball: St. Augustine’s New Sporting Venue

Pickleball, a sport that melds the best aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has been sweeping across the United States, captivating a diverse range of players with its engaging, easy-to-learn gameplay. The spring season marks an exciting development for sports enthusiasts in St. Augustine, Florida, with the opening of the new Old Coast Pickleball venue at the St. Augustine Shipyard. This venue is set to become a vibrant community hub for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.  The Rise of Pickleball in St. Augustine St. Augustine's interest in pickleball reflects a nationwide trend. Local community centers and sports clubs report escalating participation rates, with some hosting daily games to meet demand. There has been an enthusiastic response from the senior community, who find the sport both accessible and physically rewarding, as well as from local teens, college students and young professionals. This broad demographic reach showcases pickleball's appeal as a cross-generational, inclusive sport.  Unveiling Old Coast Pickleball Strategically situated at the St. Augustine Shipyard, Old Coast Pickleball is designed to be more than just a sports facility; it's a destination. Old Coast Pickleball has the only indoor pickleball courts in St. Augustine and it has opened just in time for the hot summer season! With cutting-edge design that includes premium court surfaces ideal for minimizing injuries and enhancing play, the venue sets a new standard for pickleball facilities. Spectators can enjoy matches from comfortable, well-placed seating that ensures a great view of the action, making the games enjoyable for players and viewers alike.  Facilities & Amenities Old Coast Pickleball's offerings are comprehensive: Courts: The venue features indoor courts allowing for play in all weather conditions, which is a significant draw in Florida's variable climate. Seating Areas: These are not merely functional; they are crafted to enhance the social experience, fostering interactions among players and spectators. Equipment Rentals: Offering top-notch equipment rentals lowers the barrier for newcomers to try pickleball without a significant upfront investment. Indoor Golf: Not into pickleball? You can play golf instead at Old Coast Pickleball's indoor golf simulators regardless of weather conditions. Enjoy a comfortable and immersive golfing experience with state-of-the-art technology, virtual courses, and instant feedback to improve your game. Additional Amenities: Additional on-site amenities include modern locker rooms,  a full bar, and a professional shop equipped with the latest in pickleball gear and apparel, catering to both novice and experienced players. Programs & Events Old Coast Pickleball is committed to developing a vibrant pickleball community in the Nation’s oldest city through a robust schedule of events and programs: Clinics & Workshops: Tailored to different skill levels, these sessions are led by experienced instructors who focus on everything from fundamental skills to advanced strategies. Tournaments: These events aim to draw competitive players from across the region with well-organized, enjoyable competitions. Social Play Sessions: Designed to be less competitive and more about enjoyment and socializing, these sessions are perfect for those looking to make new friends and enjoy leisurely play. How to Get Involved Becoming a part of Old Coast Pickleball is easy and accessible: Membership Options: Various membership packages are available, each offering different levels of access and benefits, tailored to accommodate individual preferences and schedules. Drop-In Rates: For those looking for flexibility or occasional play, drop-in rates provide an easy, commitment-free option. Program Registration: Interested parties can easily sign up for various programs and events either online or at the venue, with options available for all ages and skill levels. For more information, or to sign up for a membership, program, or event, visit the Old Coast Pickleball website or get in touch with their customer service team.  As Old Coast Pickleball opens its doors, it's set to become a cornerstone of the local sports and recreational landscape, promising active, engaging fun that's sure to enrich the lives of all participants. I personally have gotten into pickleball over the last few months. It is a lot of fun and very easy to learn. I’m very excited to check out Old Coast Pickleball soon. Hope to see you there!

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Real Estate Strategy: When to Consider Selling

Selling a rental property is a decision that should be guided by detailed analysis of current market data. Here's a look at each factor with statistics to help inform your decision to sell: Strong Seller's Market: In areas like St. Augustine, Florida, the average days on market is around 85 days with an average sales price of approximately $550,000. Property Appreciation: Over the last year, certain regions have seen appreciation of 8-10%. In St. Augustine, properties have appreciated by nearly 12% year-over-year, making it enticing to capitalize on increased equity. Stagnant or Declining Local Market: In markets where inventory levels rise by more than 15% without a corresponding increase in demand, property values may start to stagnate or decline. If your local market shows these signs, it may be prudent to sell before potential depreciation. Negative Cash Flow: If operational costs exceed rental income by more than 10-15%, continuing to hold onto the property may not be financially viable. For instance, if maintenance and management expenses rise by 20% without a corresponding rent increase, this could be a strong signal to sell. In Florida, insurance is one of the main expenses that has increased dramatically over the years.  Evolution of Investment Goals: Markets evolve, and so might your investment goals. For example, if newer markets are showing average annual returns of 10-15%, while your current investment is underperforming with only 3-5% returns, reallocating your investments could yield higher profits. Increasing Property Taxes: In certain high-demand areas, property taxes have surged by up to 10% annually. This can significantly affect your bottom line, particularly if rental income isn't keeping pace. Escalating Maintenance Costs: When maintenance costs rise (especially in older properties), selling may be more economically sensible than enduring ongoing high expenses. Challenges with Tenants: Problematic tenants can lead to increased costs, such as higher legal expenses and vacancy rates. If resolving tenant issues is leading to costs that exceed 15% of potential rental income, selling might be a more favorable option. Management Burnout: The stress and time commitment of managing rentals can become overwhelming. If managing your rental is detracting from other business opportunities, selling could be the right move. Irresistible Offers: In hot markets, sellers sometimes receive offers that exceed the current market value. Such premium offers, especially if they come without the usual marketing and selling efforts, should be considered. Capital Gains Tax Strategies: Utilizing tools like the 1031 exchange can be beneficial. This strategy allows property owners to defer paying capital gains tax by reinvesting the proceeds into similar types of properties, thus maintaining investment momentum and tax efficiency. Major Life Events: Personal circumstances such as retirement, needing to liquidate assets for medical expenses, or funding a child’s education can necessitate a sale. Selling property to free up could be more beneficial than maintaining an investment. Inheritance Issues: Dealing with inherited properties can often be cumbersome, particularly if they don’t align with your investment goals or geographic preference. Liquidating such assets can simplify estate management and provide liquidity to heirs. Exiting Real Estate: If you've met or exceeded your investment goals and are considering retirement or reallocation of assets, selling your properties in a high-value market could secure your financial future and ensure a higher return on investment. In each case, incorporating the latest market trends and personal circumstances into your decision-making process can significantly influence the optimal timing and strategy for selling your rental property. If you are looking for expert advice tailored to your situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Allow our personal and professional experience in real estate investing to help you be successful.

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