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For the past few years, home sellers have been in the driver’s seat. With hordes of buyers fighting over a very limited supply of properties, many homes sold in days—and landed their sellers a windfall. But lately, sellers have been getting nostalgic for the good ol’ days as the market has slowed down, with residences taking longer to sell and some even having their price cut.
So sellers angling to unload their abodes fast—and for a boatload of cash—might pin their hopes on the first week of April. The week of March 31 to April 6 was deemed the best time to put a home on the market, according to a recent realtor.com® report. (The report looked at the 50 largest real estate markets in the nation over the past three years.
In that week, homes are listed for an average 6% more than at the beginning of the year, totaling an extra average $17,000. They also receive 14% more views on realtor.com than at other times of the year. And they get 5% less competition (the most homes go up for sale in late spring) and sell about six days faster. Plus, they’re 1% less likely to experience a price drop.
“Sellers have to think about the competition in a way they haven’t before,” says Chief Economist Danielle Hale of realtor.com. “Getting ahead of other potential sellers could be even more of a bigger advantage this year given market conditions.”
To be clear: Prices aren’t the highest in April. They typically peak around June, as buyers flood the market, hoping to close on a new property before their children go back to school. But sellers face less competition and homes sell quickly during the first week of April.
Low mortgage interest rates may also incentivize more buyers to get into the market rather than risk getting stuck with a higher rate later on. (Even a single percentage point increase can add more than $100 to a monthly mortgage payment.) Rates were expected to shoot up this year, but instead have hovered around 4.4% for 30-year, fixed-rate loans. They fell to 4.31% on Thursday, according to Freddie Mac.
“Home buyer demand is really sensitive to [mortgage interest] rates right now,” says Hale.
Spring is in full swing this weekend on the Treasure Coast.
Some of the best events and things to do include a seafood and craft beer festival, a Native American powwow, a manatee education day, a pig roast party, a dog festival, classic car shows and a brewery’s one-year anniversary celebration.
Here’s What To Do in 772.
Seafood and beer
Main Street Fort Pierce’s Sandy Shoes Seafood & Brew is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at Indian River Veterans Memorial Park at 600 N. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce.
The event has live music throughout the day, a large variety of local seafood, cooking competitions, a chowder cup competition, a citrus squeeze-off, a children’s zone, booths and more than 100 artists selling paintings, photography, jewelry, clothing and sculptures.
Plus, a craft beer pavilion features 12 breweries with 24 craft beers to sample from 2-6 p.m. A wristband, which comes with a collectible tasting glass, is $20 in advance and $25 at the event.
Here are the breweries: Sailfish Brewing Company, Islamorada Beer Company, Side Door Brewing Company, Hop Life Brewing Company, SweetWater Brewing Company, Motorworks Brewing, Coppertail Brewing Company, 3 Daughters Brewing, Big Top Brewing Company, Elysian Brewing Company, Big Storm Brewing Company and Goose Island Brewery.
Fly The Whale is offering seaplane rides every hour beginning at 10 a.m. for $75 plus tax per person. To make a reservation, go to flythewhale.com.
Admission to Sandy Shoes is free. For more information, call 772-466-3880 or go to sandyshoesseafoodandbrew.com.
The Florida Indian Heritage Association’s 54th annual Native American Powwow is this weekend at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds at 15601 W. Midway Road, west of Fort Pierce. Gates open 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Grand entry parades are 6 p.m. Friday, noon and 6 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.
The powwow includes Native American food for sale, intertribal dancing, a crafts competition, a tipi display, gourd dancing, a princess competition, dance seminars and vendors.
Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. Kids ages 6-12 are $5 and ages 5 and younger get in free. Military in uniform and veterans with ID also get in free. To get tickets in advance, go to store13280038.ecwid.com. For more information, call 772-519-7888 or go to fiha.us.
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Manatee education
Manatee Discovery Day is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Smithsonian Marine Station and Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium at 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce.
Celebrate the upcoming National Manatee Appreciation Day at an event where kids can meet Florida Atlantic University’s Beth Brady, a scientist who studies manatees and manatee vocalizations. They also can learn about manatees, help put together a real manatee skeleton, see and hold manatee biofacts like bones and a manatee brain in a jar and learn how manatees talk to each other with squeaks. Kids then can record their own manatee squeaks, and aquarium staff will provide a digital recording and spectrogram, or a visual representation of voices, to keep as souvenirs.
Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for kids ages 4 and older and seniors, and free for kids ages 3 and younger. Registration isn’t required but appreciated by calling 772-465-3271. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/smithsoniansms.
Jazz Week with the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society kicks off this weekend with free live music from the Waterside Blues ensemble at 1:15-2:30 p.m. Sunday and the Rusty Wright Band at 3-5 p.m. along the downtown waterfront in front of the library at 101 Melody Lane.
The week continues: Steve Ahearn at 8:30 p.m. March 26 at the Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box for $10-12 each, then more free live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27 on Melody Lane, from 6:30-9 p.m. March 27 in front of 2nd Street Bistro and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 29 on Melody Lane. For more information, call 772-460-5299 or go to jazzsociety.org.
The Mutt March and WaterFest from the City of Stuart, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and Students4H2O is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Park at 100 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart.
Activities include a 5K race, food trucks, a pet photo booth, the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen testing, a flea-less vendor market, a famous canine costume contest, mini derby races, a lure course and a raffle.
Admission is free. Registration for the 5K is $35. For more information, go to www.hstc1.org/muttmarch.
The Stuart Tacky Tourist Pub Crawl is 4:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, starting at Duffy’s at 1 S.W. Osceola St., where you check in and get a name tag with a list of participating locations.
Dress in your tackiest tourist attire and pretend you’re on a Florida vacation as you visit neighborhood watering holes, all within a few minutes of walking distance from each other.
Admission is free. Ages 21 and older only. Drink responsibly and plan for transportation home. For more information, go to facebook.com/treasurecoastsocialsports.
The Elliott Museum’s 23rd annual Classics at the Beach Car Show is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 825 N.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart.
The grounds of the museum are filled with an array of automotive gems that come to Stuart from all over Florida. Featured marques this year are Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi, but there are classics of every make. Other highlights include more than 50 silent auction items, food trucks and wine and beer for sale.
Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for kids ages 6-12 and free for kids younger than 6. Free parking with a shuttle operates from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between the museum and Smithfield Plaza at the corner of East Ocean Boulevard and Monterey Road. For more information, go to elliottmuseum.org/classics-at-the-beach-car-show.
Also, the Spring Cruise-In Car Show at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce. Admission is free to spectators. For more information, call 772-460-0500 or go to summercrushwine.com.
Mash Monkeys Brewing Company’s One-Year Anniversary Party with live music and catered food is 1-10 p.m. Saturday at 920 U.S. 1 in Sebastian.
Mash Monkeys Brewing Company is the Treasure Coast’s ninth brewery and the second one to open in Sebastian. It’s the first one in the tri-county area to be within walking distance of another brewery. For more information, go to facebook.com/mashmonkeysbrewingcompany.
The Citrus Classic 5K at Pocahontas Park starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday on 15th Avenue in downtown Vero Beach, travels through scenic neighborhoods and ends back downtown.
The run/walk celebrates the history of the citrus industry in Vero Beach and Indian River County. Post-race festivities at Pocahontas Park on 14th Avenue include music, refreshments, raffles, an awards ceremony and plenty of juice. For more information, go to runvero.com.
The second annual Pareidolican Challenge in the Indian River Lagoon is Saturday at Pareidolia Brewing Company at 712 Cleveland St. in Sebastian. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on the brewery’s deck.
Participants can paddle any type of vessel, launching from the end of Cleveland Street. The 350-yard children’s race starts at 9:50 a.m. The 10K race begins at 10 a.m. The 5K race starts at 10:05 a.m. The PaddleBrew begins at 11:45 a.m.
The after-party and awards ceremony start at noon at the brewery. Proceeds benefit the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation. For more information, go to paddleguru.com/races/pareidolicanchallenge.
The Gifford Dock Road Cleanup from Keep Indian River Beautiful and Walking Tree Brewery is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the end of 45th Street.
Volunteers remove litter from the Indian River Lagoon and get a Great American Cleanup shirt. For more information, go to keepindianriverbeautiful.org.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
More than 4,800 households per year are moving from Broward and Palm Beach counties to the Treasure Coast, according to IRS data.
New home buyers from Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties are turning to the Treasure Coast in increasing numbers to get more home for the money, avoid congestion and enjoy more peaceful neighborhoods.
Year over year data from the IRS reveals a 60 percent annual increase in families moving from the three South Florida counties to Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. In 2015, just over 3,000 households moved to the Treasure Coast from Palm Beach, Broward and Dade. That number increased substantially in 2016, jumping to 4,800. Conservative estimates suggest as many as 6,000 to 10,000 households could make the transition annually in the coming years.
Those who have already made the move have noted affordable housing prices, safer neighborhoods and less traffic congestion as positive motivators. With home buyers looking for good deals, Port St. Lucie — in the heart of the Treasure Coast — offers some ideal options to Florida households.
For instance, it only costs an average of $1,600 per month to purchase a brand new and beautifully designed three-bedroom home in the county. And that estimate includes taxes, insurance and homeowner’s fees as well as an idyllic resort-style environment, with a pool, a gym and a playground for the little ones. Comparatively, just to rent a three-bedroom apartment in Broward County costs significantly more, averaging about $2,400 to $2,600 per month.
Beyond the affordable living costs, those looking for a relaxed pace of life welcome the less-congested and calmer reality of the Treasure Coast. Additionally, safe neighborhoods are an important factor. According to SafeHome.org, the coastal city of Port St. Lucie is among the safest in the entire country. As of last year, the city was also ranked as the third safest in the state of Florida.
The gated community of Vizcaya Falls features a lakefront clubhouse, boat launch, beach and fitness trail and kids splash zone, among other amenities.
Depending on where individuals work, relocating to Martin, St. Lucie or Indian River may only add a few minutes to their daily commute. Even if it’s a more substantial amount of time, the comfort and affordable prices are a worthwhile trade off to many.
Home buyers, particularly young families, often recognize a positive opportunity for their finances and a better environment for their children. Instead of paying high prices to rent, they can purchase their own home and give their children access to great recreational facilities, private pools and more play space to enjoy. At the same time, they can sleep easier with low crime rates and avoid the stress of more congested cities.
However, young families aren’t the only demographic noting the appeal of the Treasure Coast. In 2014, Forbes ranked Port St. Lucie as one of the 25 best places for Americans to retire. The publication cited the area’s “warm coastal climate, above average air quality, [and a] cost of living five percent below [the] national average.”
Home builder Kolter Homes has launched the Vizcaya Falls development in the city to accommodate the needs of young families and retirees alike. With three-bedroom town homes starting under $200,000, the American dream of owning a picturesque home in an idyllic location is within reach.
The city also features 21-miles of incredible — and award-winning — white sandy beaches, world-class golf facilities and of course, the tropical breezes that make every day feel like vacation. With the trend clearly showing homeowners have recognized the many benefits of relocating to the Treasure Coast, there’s no better time to look at the options available. Those considering purchasing a home, however, should move fast before the market shifts.
As the trend of South Floridians moving northward grows, some real estate professionals predict that both home prices and interest rates will increase in 2019. They advise that if you are considering a move, now is the time so you don’t miss the opportunity to find the perfect home for you and your family.
After years of home ownership, you’ll probably have to replace a few windows in your home. Although you may take your windows for granted, they remain an integral part in maintaining a comfortable home.
Unfortunately, these invisible barriers are fragile and can be broken with minimal amounts of force. The cost to replace windows will vary upon size, amount of windows needed, style and quality, but despite the many brands and options available, affordable replacements are easy to find if you know what you’re looking for.
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Are your window frames rotting?
Before you estimate replacement costs, it’s important to inspect the existing window frames for damage or rot from insects and moisture. If the window’s frame is soft to the touch, cracking or showing other signs of wear, it will need to be replaced. If it’s still solid, you can opt to simply install new glass, which will save you money.
If you have to replace the wooden frames, expect your final price for installation and material to double.
Window Replacement Costs
Before you construct a window-replacement estimate, it’s important to have a general idea as to where you plan on making a purchase.
Big-box stores may be the best option if you don’t want to get “hands on.” These stores will generally have fair prices for material and great insurance, but the commission and installation costs may be high.
For a complete window installation, find your own qualified contractor and window manufacturer. For a standard-size, double-hung, double-pane (energy efficient), vinyl window, expect to pay between $450 and $600, including installation.
Wood windows are more expensive. The cost of a wood replacement window can range between $800 and $1,000 per installation.
If the entire window and framing has to be removed (down to the studs), be prepared to add at least $50 to $100 per installation. This is referred to as “new construction” windows or “full-frame” replacement windows, and requires more work at an additional cost.
Although the overall cost to replace windows can be very steep, it should be looked at as an investment, and you can reasonably expect your home’s value to increase.
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The Different Types of Windows
Depending on climate or preferences, there are several different types of windows, each of which features its own set of attributes.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are designed to be opened from the top or bottom, are great for hard-to-reach areas, and are generally the most inexpensive. These traits make double-hung windows the most commonly installed type.
Tilt-Out Windows
Tilt-out windows fold in or out to reveal the glass’s exterior, which allows it to be cleaned from inside your home. These types of windows are great for areas where exterior accessibility is limited, but they are typically more expensive than standard double-hung windows.
Double-Pane Glass
Double-pane glass is widely available with the different encasement types, but it does carry an enhanced cost. Double-pane glass features an airtight space that is filled with inert gas. This method of construction helps with climate control, and paired with a properly sealed home, you can expect to save on utility costs.
High-Performance Glass
Depending on your environment (or your wallet), you might want to explore the performance offered from the different types of specialty glass. You can get triple-pane windows for added savings, impact-resistant windows for areas of extreme conditions, or windows with shades built between the glass for a touch of modern living. These high-performance glass types are the most expensive to procure, but the added benefits may be worth the extra cost.
Laurie K. Blandford, Treasure Coast NewspapersPublished 4:39 p.m. ET March 13, 2019 | Updated 9:57 a.m. ET March 14, 2019
ShrimpFest & Craft Brew Hullabaloo kicks off in Sebastian
Top o’ the weekend to you.
St. Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday this year, so you can find Irish-themed music, food and events across the Treasure Coast throughout the weekend. These picks include the biggest and best ones.
In addition to the St. Paddy’s parties, you also can find a shrimp and beer festival, a surfing competition, country music concerts and an airport heritage day.
Here’s What To Do in 772.
St. Patrick’s Day events
In downtown Stuart, the second annual St. Paddy’s Block Party starts at 5 p.m. Friday and lasts until 2 a.m. inside The Crafted Keg at 555 S. Colorado Ave., in the parking lot and along Southeast Sixth Street with Terra Fermata at 26 S.E. Sixth St.
The block party includes a craft beer tasting of local and national brews, live music throughout the night, food trucks and traditional Irish cuisine from Ellie’s Downtown Deli. Sample beers from Orchid Island Brewery, Hop Life Brewing Company, Side Door Brewing Company, Sailfish Brewing Company, Pierced Ciderworks, Islamorada Beer Company, Funky Buddha Brewery, SaltWater Brewery, Twisted Trunk Brewing Company, Florida Keys Brewing Company, Copperpoint Brewing Company, Barrel of Monks Brewing, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Founders Brewing, Boulevard Brewing Company and Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company.
Admission is $28 with the beer tasting or $12 without it. Proceeds benefit House of Hope, SafeSpace and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. For more information, go to www.thecraftedkegstuart.com/block-party.
Shamrock Fest is 3-9 p.m. Saturday at the Riverwalk Stage area behind City Hall at 121 S.W. Flagler Ave. The festival has live Irish music, cold green beer, an Irish whiskey bar, a children’s zone, Irish food, bagpipes and drums, Irish step dancers and a costume contest.
Tickets are $8 in advance, including a free green beer, and $10 at the door. Kids ages 12 and younger get in free. For more information, go to stuartmainstreet.org/event/shamrock-fest.
In downtown Fort Pierce, the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on Second Street starts at 2 p.m. Saturday and continues until midnight.
The party from 2nd Street Bistro and Sailfish Brewing Company includes live music, special beer releases, a full bar, Irish food, a vendor village, a children’s area and a bagpiper from 8-9 p.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sailfishbrewingcompany.
Sailfish beer releases include Timmy McDaniel’s dry Irish stout; Sheetfaced IPA, a collaboration with Butter & Love Cakery (brewed with two sheet cakes and treated with Vero Beach lemons and Plant City strawberries); Zest-A-Peel sour ale (treated with tangor limes and Vero Beach honeybells); and Irish Cream White Marlin Wit (treated with vanilla, chocolate and coffee).
Earlier that day, St. Paddy’s Day on Marina Way starts at 8 a.m. in the lot next to the future Bottom’s Up Public House at 208 Avenue A.
The morning kicks off with $1 Guinness drafts from 8-10 a.m., followed by live music starting at 10 a.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/bottomsuppublichouse.
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The next day, the St. Patty’s Day Party at Pierced Ciderworks is 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 411 N. Second St. The party includes green cider, a food truck, drink specials and live music from noon to 9 p.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/piercedcider.
In Port St. Lucie, the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center is 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place.
Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine, beer, live Celtic rock music, Irish dancing, carnival rides, vendors and a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday featuring the first Miss Irish Rose Pageant. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.cityofpsl.com.
The next day, the indoor and outdoor St. Patrick’s Day event at Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub begins with breakfast at 7 a.m. Sunday at Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub at 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd.
The party lasts until midnight and includes five live bands playing Irish music, food, Irish beer on tap and giveaways. Cover charge is $5 from 3-5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m. For more information, call 772-785-6202 or go to www.shindigpub.com.
Also, the third annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Port St. Lucie Applebee’s is 2-10 p.m. Sunday at 10501 S. U.S. 1.
The celebration has live music and a vinyl party from Sounds Good Music, as well as two-for-one drinks, raffles and giveaways. Tickets are $10 each. Proceeds benefit BlueBird Educational Foundation. For more information, call 772-337-0408 or go to www.facebook.com/snorkelcorn.
In downtown Vero Beach, the St. Patrick’s Day Alley Party starts at noon in the alley between Kilted Mermaid at 1937 Old Dixie Highway and Southern Social at 1932 14th Ave.
The party includes green beer, Irish whiskey, a special menu, entertainment, live music from 6-9 p.m. and bagpipers at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/eatsouthernsocial.
The ShrimpFest & Craft Brew Hullabaloo is 3-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Riverview Park at 600 U.S. 1 in Sebastian.
The festival features Florida shrimp prepared in different recipes by local restaurants, as well as non-seafood and kid-friendly food options all for sale. It also has live music, children’s activities and craft beer from across Florida.
A craft beer tasting from 1-5 p.m. Saturday includes unlimited samples of 30 local breweries and homebrewers. Tickets are $25 plus tax before the event and $30 plus tax the day of the event.
Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Sebastian and the Exchange Club of Fellsmere. A trolley to and from additional parking areas runs from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to www.shrimpfestfl.com.
The 11th annual Single-Fin Showdown starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the south end of Stuart Beach at 825 N.E. Ocean Blvd. It typically attracts more than 150 competitors and 1,500 spectators.
The showdown was created by the Ohana Surf Shop in 2009 with a small group of surfers riding vintage single-fin surfboards for bragging rights and has grown into one of the largest one-day, amateur surf and skim festivals in Florida. The contest has become so popular that more divisions have been added, but the single-fin and longboard divisions are the biggest draws as spectators watch competitors ride vintage boards provided to them at random before each heat.
Proceeds benefit Brooke Thabit, a member of the Ohana family who fractured her neck in 2012 and immediately suffered paralysis. For more information, call 772-287-0041 or go to www.facebook.com/singlefinshowdown.
Also, the 2019 Skim USA Tour kicks off this weekend with the Shore LB. Throwdown, a two-day skimboarding contest, at Stuart Beach. Riders meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and hit the water at 9 a.m. Finals are Sunday. For more information, go to skimusa.org.
On Friday, the Lonestar concert starts at 8 p.m. at the Sunrise Theatre at 117 N. Second St., in Fort Pierce. Tickets are $35, $45, $55 or $65, depending on seating location. To get tickets, call 772-461-4775 or go to www.sunrisetheatre.com.
Lonestar, which includes Richie McDonald, Michael Britt, Keech Rainwater and Dean Sams, burst onto the country music scene in the mid-1990s with “No News,” “Come Cryin’ to Me,” “Amazed,” “Smile,” “What About Now,” “Tell Her,” “I’m Already There,” “My Front Porch Looking in” and “Mr. Mom.”
On Saturday, the Flat Natural Band with Bruce Hunter performs from 1-4 p.m. at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit Save The Chimps.
Then, the T.G. Sheppard concert begins at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for opener Tom Jackson from 5:45-6:45 p.m. Tickets still available are $35 or $42, depending on seating.
Both shows have food trucks. For more information, call 772-460-0500 or go to www.summercrushwine.com.
Airport Heritage Day is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Vero Beach Regional Airport at 3600 Cherokee Drive.
Activities and displays are designed to celebrate the airport’s 90-year history during the Vero Beach Centennial. The event includes aircraft displays, exhibits and a flight simulator.
Admission is free. C.J. Cannons Restaurant & Lounge opens at 11 a.m. with a special menu for the day. For more information, call 772-978-4930 or go to verobeachairport.org.
The second annual Garden & Antique Show and Sale at McKee Botanical Garden is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 350 U.S. 1 in Vero Beach.
More than 25 antique and art vendors from the Eastern U.S. showcase a range of furniture, paintings, garden benches, fountains, accessories, statuary and estate jewelry on display through the garden.
Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for kids ages 3-12 and free for McKee members and kids younger than 3. For more information, call 772-794-0601 or go to www.mckeegarden.org.
The 11th annual Manatee Center 5K starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Manatee Observation & Education Center at 480 N. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce.
It’s followed by refreshments, an awards ceremony and a drawing. First place can celebrate at the downtown St. Patrick Day Block Party with $50 to Sailfish Brewing Company and $50 to 2nd Street Bistro.
Registration is $35 for adults and $15 for kids ages 17 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation. For more information, call 772-429-6266 or go to www.manateeeducationcenter.org.
Comedic Relief Night to raise money for United Against Poverty is 7-10 p.m. Friday at the Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box at 117 S. Second St., in Fort Pierce.
The night includes headliner Grandma Lee, a finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Tickets start at $27. For more information, go to upslc.org/event/comedic-relief-night.
Exotic birds
The 22nd annual Exotic Bird Expo is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Martin County Fairgrounds at 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway in Stuart.
The expo includes a variety of birds, cages, feed, toys, speakers, show, raffles and a silent auction. Admission is $5, but kids younger than 10 get in free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/tcebc1989.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
More Americans are becoming homeowners. The national homeownership rate increased slightly to the highest level since 2014 in the fourth quarter of 2018, reaching 64.8 percent, the U.S. Census Bureau reported this week. The homeownership rate has been gradually increasing since reaching an all-time low of 62.9 percent in the second quarter of 2016.
Researchers at data analysis firm CoreLogic attribute the housing market’s “healthy path of recovery” to three main factors: An uptick in homeownership that has been persistent “despite the existence of low housing affordability and inventory;” household formation that has been on the strongest streak in more than a decade; and an increase in the rate at which young households—who represent the largest pool of potential buyers—are entering homeownership.
The homeownership rate of young adults ages 34 to 44 rose 1.2 points year over year to reach 61.1 percent in the fourth quarter, the largest gain of any age group.
“American households, especially young households, are becoming confident enough in their financial and familial circumstances to take the plunge into homeownership, despite rocky outcrops of affordability and sparse inventory,” says Ralph McLaughlin, deputy chief economist at CoreLogic. “This is good news for proponents of homeownership in the United States since young households represent the largest pool of potential homebuyers since their parents, the baby boomers, came of homebuying age over three decades ago. The future of homeownership in this country indeed looks bright.”
Young adults are increasing their stake in the housing market, but it’s not happening everywhere. Millennials are buying homes at the highest rates in more affordable areas, and they’re buying homes at the lowest rates in the priciest pockets, such as coastal California and Florida. Millennials comprise the largest share of purchase mortgage applicants in Pittsburgh (57 percent); Provo, Utah (56 percent); and Rochester, N.Y. (55 percent). However, they make up the lowest share of mortgage applicants in Sarasota, Fla. (24 percent); Cape Coral, Fla. (30 percent); and Ventura, Calif. (32 percent), according to CoreLogic research.
Overall, the Census Bureau data shows that in the fourth quarter of last year, owner-occupied households rose by more than a million, to 1.7 million new owner households. Also, the number of new renter households is decreasing, which suggests that some households are switching from renting to owning, according to CoreLogic.
The best events and things to do include a country concert at the last local county fair of the year, a festival for the first national wildlife refuge, an arts and crafts show under oak trees, a cornhole tournament to fight child abuse, a reptile show, a pit bull party and a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Here’s What To Do in 772.
County fair
The Indian River County Firefighters’ Fair kicks off this weekend at the Indian River County Fairgrounds at 7955 58th Ave., north of Vero Beach. The fair lasts through March 17.
A highlight of this year’s fair is a concert with country music singer Clay Walker at 7 p.m. Sunday. The Tom Jackson Band is the opening act at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are required to get into the concert area of the fair, and different seating options are available.
General admission bleacher seating or standing is $10, plus a $2.50 service fee. Fair admission, which must be bought separately, is $8 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12, adults ages 55 and older, veterans and first responders.
VIP silver tickets are $40 each, plus a $5 service fee. VIP gold tickets are $100 each, plus a $9 service fee. Both silver and gold include seating, early access to the seating area and a private bar. Neither include fair admission.
VIP platinum tickets are $250 each, plus a $13 service fee. Platinum includes fair admission, elevated seating, a meet and greet, early access to the seating area, a private bar and private restrooms.
Other new fair highlights include pig races, a “Farmily Feud” agricultural game show, Indian River County Fire Rescue vehicle extrication demonstrations and the traveling 100-year photographic timeline on display in the exhibition hall through March 14.
Proceeds benefit Indian River County’s Burn Fund, and a check will be presented to a burn victim before the concert. To buy concert tickets or for more information, go to www.firefightersfair.org.
The 27th annual Pelican Island Wildlife Festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Riverview Park at 600 U.S. 1 at the corner of C.R. 512/Sebastian Boulevard.
Activities include live wildlife shows, a rehabilitated pelican release if available, environmental exhibitors, arts and crafts, native plants for sale, children’s activities and games, food vendors, educational presentations, historical reenactments, an amateur photography contest, raffles, silent auctions and boat tours to Pelican Island.
Admission is free. The festival celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge by President Theodore Roosevelt on March 14, 1903. The late president is brought to life by Roosevelt interpreter, Joe Wiegand. For more information, go to www.firstrefuge.org/pelican-island-wildlife-festival.
The 68th annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts & Crafts Show is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Riverside Park at 3001 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach.
More than 200 artists from across the nation exhibit their work throughout the park, and vendors have local food for sale. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the Vero Beach Art Club. No pets allowed. For more information, go to www.undertheoaksartshow.com.
2018 ‘Toss Out Child Abuse’ charity cornhole tournament
The Exchange Club of Indian River’s third annual Toss Out Child Abuse Charity Cornhole Tournament starts at noon Saturday at Walking Tree Brewery at 3209 Dodger Road in Vero Beach. Registration and practice begin at 11 a.m.
It’s a double-elimination tournament. Each team of two plays a minimum of three games. Teams are divided into two ability levels determined by qualifying rounds. Payouts are $400, $300, $200 and $100.
The cost is $40 per team in advance and $50 at the door. Proceeds benefit local projects for the prevention of child abuse. To register, go to www.exchangeclubofindianriver.org/cornhole.
ReptiDay is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Community Center at 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd.
Those who attend the reptile show can see live animals from across the world, buy pets and pet products directly from experts and learn about reptiles and exotic animals at seminars and demonstrations. Pets for sale include reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals. Many vendors allow people to interact with the animals.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12 and free for kids younger than 5. For more information, go to repticon.com/15656-2.
The St. Pittie’s Day Party is 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Pet Supplies Plus at 3215 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Unit A.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and pit bulls with doggie beer, Irish food for dogs and humans and goodie bags. Plus, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast will have pit bulls available for adoption. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/humanesocietytc.
Boat blessing
The second annual Blessing of the Fleet in Fort Pierce starts at 11 a.m. Saturday in the turning basin and travels east toward the Fort Pierce Inlet.
Powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are blessed at they pass the U.S. Coast Guard vessel, marking the beginning of a safe boating season.
Then, a free community barbecue with marine safety booths, Coast Guard demonstrations and live music starts at noon at South Causeway Park at 414 Seaway Drive. For more information, go to www.lovefortpierce.com/about-1.
The final Gnarly Charley Surf Series Winter Contest for groms ages 15 and younger starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Pepper Park Beach at 3302 N. State Road A1A, north of Fort Pierce. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Here are the divisions: ages 6 and younger push in; ages 10 and younger push in; ages 10 and younger longboard; ages 15 and younger longboard; and exceptional/autistic.
The Pre-Paddy Pardy is 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce.
The party includes two live bands playing Irish pub songs, traditional tunes, Irish folk song and contemporary music. Plus, there will be food, including Irish dishes, for sale. For more information, call 772-460-0500 or go to www.summercrushwine.com.
The 19th annual “Raid on Fort Pierce” Civil War living history and reenactment is this weekend at the Savannas Recreation Area at 1400 E. Midway Road in Fort Pierce. Battles begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days.
Admission is $5 each and free for kids younger than 5. For more information, call 772-318-8258 or go to www.facebook.com/ftpierceraid.
Irish parade
The 12th annual Jensen Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday along Jensen Beach Boulevard. The parade begins at 2 p.m.
The pet parade and the bagpipers kick off the main parade. The festival includes street vendors, Irish food for sale, arts and crafts, games and a kazoo band.
The sixth annual Plein Air Festival Quick Draw painting contest is 9-11 a.m. Sunday at Flagler Park at 201 S.W. Flagler Ave., in Stuart. Artist registration begins at 8 a.m.
The contest is open to all artists, who have two hours to paint a local landscape. The art is judged, and awards are given at noon. Then, the art is for sale from noon to 2 p.m. Unsold paintings will be displayed in the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery in Tequesta.
Registration is $30-$40 for each artist. En plein air is a French expression that means “in the open air” and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. To register, go to www.pleinairlac.org.
The ninth annual Polo Classic for Molly’s House is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Port Mayaca Polo Club at 12499 S.W. Conners Highway, west on Indiantown, on Lake Okeechobee. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
