Michiana Loves Southwest Florida

Michiana Loves Southwest Florida Welcome to Michiana Loves Southwest Florida! I'm Rich Townsend...born and raised in Elkhart and now living in paradise...Naples, Florida. Let's talk!

Greetings from beautiful Naples, Florida! Southwest Florida (Fort Myers to Marco Island) has long been a vacation and retirement location for us from Michiana and I've had the privilege of serving many fellow classmates and friends with their real estate needs here in paradise. Having been born and raised at Simonton Lake and graduating from Elkhart High School in 1971, I couldn't think of a better place to raise my family than here. This page is designed to be YOUR MICHIANA TO FLORIDA RESOURCE CENTER and serve as a place to share common ideas like airline fares, auto transportation rates, service personnel, and more. Just jump in and ask a question or share favorite restaurant or golf course. That's what we are here for. Know anyone considering visiting or relocation to Southwest Florida? Share this page...the more the merrier!

One of the big questions for us Florida voters will be Amendment 3, an amendment to the Florida Constitution impacting p...
09/27/2026

One of the big questions for us Florida voters will be Amendment 3, an amendment to the Florida Constitution impacting property taxes.
As in most things, there are many views on this measure so please educate your self. Florida TaxWatch, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog, is recommending a “no” vote on Amendment 3 on Florida’s Nov. 3 ballot. The measure would increase the homestead exemption for nonschool property taxes from $51,411 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while reducing the annual assessment cap on nonhomestead property from 10% to 5%. Florida TaxWatch said the measure would provide significant savings to homestead owners but could shift more of the property tax burden to businesses, renters and other nonhomestead properties. The organization also raised concerns about potential service cuts or increases in other taxes and fees. State economists estimate local governments would lose $4.9 billion in property tax revenue in 2027 and $8.7 billion in 2028 at current millage rates, with the five-year impact reaching $45.8 billion.

Speaking strictly for myself, amending the constitution is not a casual decision. The only reason to amend would be to see no legitimate risks and there have been numerous risks raised. When in doubt, do nothing. For the full report complete with what the proponents say and the opponents say, click here:
https://floridataxwatch.org/the-florida-taxpayers.../...

Apart from the swanky JW Marriot Hotel currently under construction there, Bayshore will now be the site of the hugely p...
08/30/2026

Apart from the swanky JW Marriot Hotel currently under construction there, Bayshore will now be the site of the hugely popular "Cars on 5th" event. But there's more! The area around Fifth Avenue South is growing up — literally. Rising three to 15 stories, six luxury condominiums within a 1-mile radius are ushering in a new era of urban living that’s closer to downtown’s restaurants and stores than Port Royal and The Moorings. With addresses along Fifth Avenue South, Davis Boulevard and Third Street South, the buildings will collectively add 214 residences, a 126-room hotel, a 120-slip marina, retail, restaurants and office space.

Who says living the Naples lifestyle has to cost a fortune? This first floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers an incredibl...
08/08/2026

Who says living the Naples lifestyle has to cost a fortune? This first floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers an incredible opportunity to live just 8 minutes from iconic 5th Avenue South and the gulf beaches for under $200,000. Everyone knows condo prices have softened, creating opportunity for savvy buyers, and this residence has been strategically priced to reflect today’s market realities — making it a true SELLER'S LOSS and BUYER'S GAIN! Kitchen, living room and master bedroom open via sliding glass doors to an extraordinary garden lanai surrounded by a palm filled, lush preserve. Ever long for a quiet, nature space to enjoy your morning coffee or cool beverage? This is the spot. Bedrooms are split with the guest suite sporting a queen size murphy bed allowing the room to easily serve as a den or home office. Kitchen range, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher were all newly replaced. Located just steps from the community pool, the home also offers the peace of mind of hurricane shutters. Beyond the condo, residents love King’s Lake’s scenic walking and biking paths—including the peaceful lakeside trail that circles the community’s centerpiece lake. **You’re also just a 8 minute stroll to King's Lake Square, home of Publix, charming restaurants/bars, Starbucks and more! A perfect blend of relaxation and convenience. Bring your imagination and make this home your own. This is your chance to experience the Naples lifestyle—where every day feels like a vacation.

Have you heard the buzz around potential return of commercial flights to Naples?  As Naples Airport weighs a proposal fr...
07/29/2026

Have you heard the buzz around potential return of commercial flights to Naples? As Naples Airport weighs a proposal from American Airlines to restore commercial passenger service for the first time since 2017, Gulfshore Business readers are signaling strong support for bringing scheduled flights back to the city.

In a survey conducted June 5-11 that drew 658 responses, 75.8% of respondents said they support American Airlines launching service between Naples and Charlotte, North Carolina. Another 21.1% opposed the proposal, while 3% said they were unsure. For the full article, click here:

https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/gb-daily/commercial-flights-gain-backing-at-naples-airport-in-survey/article_aaa0223c-6f24-48bb-988d-829651df3768.html

Got this Seller's home under contract in just 19 days and a closed sale less than 30 days later!  How may I assist you i...
07/19/2026

Got this Seller's home under contract in just 19 days and a closed sale less than 30 days later! How may I assist you in Selling (or buying)?

Before we get to the recent market activity, I wanted to share recent Florida County warnings of potential impacts as a ...
06/23/2026

Before we get to the recent market activity, I wanted to share recent Florida County warnings of potential impacts as a property tax measure heads to ballot. The Florida Association of Counties went on the offensive against a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate most property taxes, even before the Legislature voted to place the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Farewell my longtime clients, turned friends!  Off you go on to your next chapter!
06/19/2026

Farewell my longtime clients, turned friends! Off you go on to your next chapter!

A condo under contract in 14 days?  That's how it's done! I'm still having FUN in this crazy racket!  Interested in buyi...
06/03/2026

A condo under contract in 14 days? That's how it's done!
I'm still having FUN in this crazy racket! Interested in buying or selling? Let's talk 😊

I promised to give you the good, the bad, and the ugly...Nowhere in the country is there mismatch between residents and ...
05/30/2026

I promised to give you the good, the bad, and the ugly...
Nowhere in the country is there mismatch between residents and rental rates more pronounced than in than in Collier County, according to ATTOM's 2026 report. It is also the only market where rent, on average, exceeds 100% of local wages (it's actually 119.4%) − underscoring how even a softening of rental prices has not fundamentally changed the equation for many residents.

And off my Seller goes to their next adventure after the closing of their home this morning.  It can be a bit tough out ...
05/22/2026

And off my Seller goes to their next adventure after the closing of their home this morning. It can be a bit tough out there, but we got it done! Safe travels and wishing you well...☺️

Address

8950 Fontana Del Sol Way
Naples, FL
34109

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