You build it, they will come. Economically, we have proven that this works in Tallahassee. Prime example, Southwood. A planned unit, mixed use development still growing, surrounded by a growing commercial area, Publix, Starbucks, etc. all who had a vision for the business to come.  Some are going to argue with this post, saying, “Have you seen the foreclosures in Southwood? Are you oblivious to the unemployment rate in Tallahassee?”  My answer is, “No.” 

I am a third generation Tallahassee native. I not only see what is happening, but I feel what is happening with employment here in Tallahassee. (Remember, I am self-employed 100% commission!) However, what I do see, that most seem to forget, is that people are hanging on here. Tallahassee, Florida offers a quality of life that people seek when looking for a place to live, to raise families, to retire. Entrepreneurs and small business people have a spirit of perseverance. Creativity and community support rise up in times of economic struggle.  Unemployed citizens scramble for any and every possible way for them to stay here in this city. Tallahassee is home to a population that wants to see it grow and who will stay to see it support itself.

City and County officials are increasingly aware of the Tallahassee, Florida’s citizens needs and desires for growth. This year’s elections spurred dozens of community forums where hundreds of citizen and professional organizations and small business owners have vocalized their concerns promising to remain “watchdogs” of these officials to insure a higher level of accountability in the years to come. All more reasons to consider Tallahassee Florida and it’s citizens as a home base for technology based, industrial and medical based businesses.

These are the positive things I see:

• Citizens are what make this city what it is. Citizens have never been more active in participating in not only electing officials most qualified and dedicated to running our government, but in working with these officials to insure that we do grow in the ways that support our citizens.
• There is a huge skilled workforce in Tallahassee. There are brilliant minds, medical professionals, cutting edge mechanics, engineers and computer scientists who are innovative and creative, world recognized artists, musicians and fine arts performers. There are restaurateurs and chefs, graduates of a culinary school who are primed for work, ready to offer their services and grow their careers. 
• There are more than 60,000 students that pass through our college systems and graduate from our universities and community college. Why wouldn’t a business want to employ hungry graduates, primed for entry level positions. Would student’s think about staying here if they knew they had jobs and could advance within a corporation? Students came to Tallahassee because they love our universities. They live here, they know what the community has, and what it needs to sustain them after graduation.
• The Leon County’s school district is an “A”-rated district, with 33,000 undergraduate students. In addition to traditional high schools, the district also offers a non-traditional magnet high school, Sail and an International Baccalaureate Program. Also, Lively Vocational-Technical Center offers a broad range of career-oriented programs.
• County and city governments have collaborated during the recession in seeking to stimulate the area’s economy. The county waived permit fees for the extension of environmental management permits and partnered with the city in helping to finance a downtown mixed-use retail and office building called Gateway Tallahassee. This year, the county created a countywide energy improvement district to help residents finance the weatherization of their homes and businesses and help create “green” jobs — the first such effort by a Florida county.
• Projects to stimulate growth such as the Gaines Street Development Project, affecting Gaines Street,College Town and FAMU Way will provide jobs and bring opportunities for an art-district to expand and develop, all within walking distance of the Capitol, FSU and FAMU universities.
• An Economic Development Council is playing  a big part in helping facilitate growth and development and in developing incentives for businesses considering a Tallahassee location.
• Commercial Real Estate is at an all time low, infrastructure is in place and incentives for bringing business to Tallahassee are in place and negotiable.

Take a look at a few of these commercial properties, what can you do with them? Got an idea? Call me for discussion.

Join Tallahassee Florida thought leaders, consider Tallahassee for Your Business Base. The people of Tallahassee, Florida welcome new business. For business opportunities,  and a list of commercial properties for sale, contact Debbie Kirkland.

d d

It’s a tradition in our family to take a night and make the Tallahassee Christmas Light tour. With the economy in shambles, I think most families look for events just like this to bring the joy of the holidays back. We are spending more time with family and friends.. a blessing in disguise  really!

This year we set out and I captured a few of my favorite shots and spots along the tour and around town.

I’d also be remiss if i did not point out some of the Christmas miracles that took place around Tallahassee as well.

Yes, Virginia, there are Christmas miracles as well, even here in Tallahassee, FL. On Christmas eve, a local family received a NEW Roof. This may not seem like a miracle to you.. but when battling cancer..a roof is the last thing on your mind, and finances are scarce.  Thank you Rowe Roofing! Hungry residents also received a blessing of a traditional Christmas dinner thanks to the Hope House dinner and Project Annie Christmas dinner. Christmas Connection, Salvation Army, all the small individual gifts to those in need. That is what makes Tallahassee a wonderful community. The best thing about Christmas by far is the spirit of giving that constantly brings this community together whenever there is a need.

Tallahassee is a beautiful place to live.. and to visit! Hope you all had a beautiful holiday and were able to get out to see some of the sights!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone.

Dorothy B. Oven Park, Tallahassee, FL

Killearn Musical House

Huntington Woods Plantation home

Dorothy B Oven Park

The Best Shakes and Butts in Tallahassee!

Oh my! Can you smell it now? It’s autumn here in Tallahassee, despite the 85 degree day that we had today, there is still a twinge of fall in the air. Driving back roads in Tallahassee you often smell the smoke from leaves burning, freshly mown fields, even boiled peanuts on the corners of the remote intersections just outside the city limits.

But today was extra special! Today I wound up off Highway 90 east at the intersection of Crump Road, just west of Maxwell’s grocery and BP station, and it was lunch time! I had to stop and get gas.. and that’s when I was reminded of what fall really smells like! Butts! Smokin’ Hot Butts!  Boston pork butts that is!

Locally owned and operated, Ali’s Strawberry shakes is a virtual food and produce delight! It’s a fun stop just about any time of day!  If you don’t quite know what to fix for dinner…don’t worry! Between the fresh produce at the Farmer’s market, the homemade jellies and jams that would make any biscuit proud, and the Butts.. the perfectly smoked boston butts just waiting for knife and fork.  Buy the whole thing! you won’t be able to resist and  your family will thank you, believe me!  If you want to eat it right there, the friendly staff. locals and family, will give you a knife and fork and set you up!

We love Ali's Shakes!

On the weekends, the kids line up for the thickest, yummiest shakes in town! made with creamy ice-cream and whole milk and fresh strawberries,…you will not find a better treat! If it wasn’t for the butts, I’d almost skip dinner to have one!

So if you are looking for a way to spend a beautiful day outdoors, or if the butts have made you begin to drool, head out to east Tallahassee, and follow the smoke! You’ll be glad you did!

Alis Strawberry Shakes and Farmer’s Market – Directions

Welcome To Florida,.... We Have What You Want!

Now this is scary news!  For the first time since 1920, Florida has experienced a decrease in new residents!  This is a great read:

“A must-read from this weekend’s New York Times: Ever since the 1920s Florida has been cast as the place people go to escape contemplation, not to indulge in it. But in the past year, from Pensacola to Miami Beach, Floridians have been soul searching. And for good reason.” Read More,…

Let’s hope Governor Crist is listening!  Have budget cuts to tourism, recreation and parks, etc. made a difference.. I think more than we realize. Meanwhile, let’s put Florida back on the Map ourselves! We must create our own destiny as Floridians always have. What makes Florida a great place to live,…. go tell someone today!