Living in Florida with Hannah Crews

08/11/2026

AI data centers are being proposed, paused, and debated across Southwest Florida. Here’s where. 👇

📍 Arcadia / DeSoto County
📍 North Port
📍 Sarasota County
📍 Manatee County
📍 Collier County

If you live in—or are thinking about moving to—any of these areas, this is an issue we have to make a stand on.

The conversation isn't just about AI. It's about land use, electricity, water, infrastructure, environmental risks, and what kind of growth we want for Southwest Florida.

Just to be clear, I am not against responsible growth. But when we've already seen the impact that largescale data centers have in Texas, Virginia, Utah, and Michigan, we need to be smart with their design and placement.

👉 What we can do:

If you're able, I would love to see you at North Port's City Hall on August 31st at 6pm. There's a meeting to discuss the Data Center Moratorium Ordinance. The more people that come, the more we can show where we stand on these largescale data centers.

And if you can help us stop the AI data center coming to Desoto County:

👉 Comment "STOP BIG DATA" and I'll message you with the link to the petition.

You can learn more about the status of Desoto, Sarasota, Manatee, and Collier County in the pinned comment.

Hannah Crews
🌴 SWFL Real Estate
Waterfront • Land Investment • Relocation

07/29/2026

If this looks like the life you want, you're in the right place. 🌴

Hi, I'm Hannah— a fifth-generation Floridian and local realtor helping people buy waterfront homes, acreage, and buildable land throughout Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities.

I'm sure you've seen plenty of real estate accounts that only show you the good.

Around here, we talk about the pros and the cons— because choosing the right home starts with choosing the right town.

That means conversations about:

🏡 which Southwest Florida community actually fits your lifestyle
🌊 the reality (and cost) of waterfront living and Gulf access
🌾 buying acreage, land, and building a custom home
📈 what the local market news actually means for you
💰 and the expenses you need to see coming before you buy

Because the best realtors aren’t here to “sell you Florida.”

They’re here to help you understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

👉 If you're thinking of relocating to Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Naples, or any of the surrounding areas in Southwest Florida, comment GUIDE.

I'll help you land somewhere that truly supports the life you're planning.

Hannah Crews
🌴 SWFL Real Estate
Waterfront • Land Investment • Relocation

07/28/2026

Thinking about buying land in Southwest Florida? Read this first. 🌴

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone buying land in Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, Fort Myers, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, it would be this:

Don't buy land just because it's cheap, peaceful, or has a beautiful view.

I've seen people get a "great deal"... only to discover later that:

🌊 The lot has a low elevation, which can mean thousands 💰 just to bring in fill dirt.
🌿 Protected species limit what can be built (and when).
🚧 Utilities, well, septic, or impact fees add tens of thousands to the budget.
🏡 The lot doesn't actually work for the home they wanted to build.

The purchase price is only one piece of the puzzle.

Before you buy, ask questions like:

✔️ Is this lot actually buildable?
✔️ What will site preparation cost?
✔️ Are there zoning or setback restrictions?
✔️ Are there any future developments planned nearby?
✔️ Does this property fit the lifestyle I want five or ten years from now?

Because buying land isn't: buy land → Build house.

It's more like...

Ask 100 questions → Buy the right lot → Solve a few challenges → Build your dream home. 🏡

The good news?

People build incredible homes in Southwest Florida every single day.

The difference is they buy the right lot first.

If you've been asking:

❓ How do I know if land is buildable?
❓ Where is the best place to buy land in Southwest Florida?
❓ How much does it cost to prepare land to build?
❓ Can I build the home I want on this property?
..you're starting with the right questions.

I grew up in the construction industry, and today I help buyers compare land throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hendry, and Sarasota Counties—whether you're looking for waterfront property, acreage, or land for a custom home.

💬 Comment "LAND" if you're thinking about buying. I'll help you make sure the property supports the lifestyle you're planning—and help you avoid expensive surprises.

📌 Save this reel. These are the questions you'll wish you had asked before signing a contract.

Hannah Crews
🌴 Southwest Florida Real Estate
Waterfront • Land Investment • Relocation

07/27/2026

If you live in Charlotte County and are dealing with hookup fees to connect to sewer and water, you may want to read this. 👇

Charlotte County is resending hookup fee notices by certified mail with loan info after many property owners missed the original letters. Connection fees will revert to pre-April 1 rates and refunds issued.

07/26/2026

Did you see the news about Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda? 👀

Whether you've lived in Southwest Florida your whole life or you're thinking about moving here, I'm curious...

What would you love to see happen at Fishermen's Village?

Personally, I'm excited to see the marina get fully restored. Bringing back a vibrant marina would really help support the restaurants, shops, and small businesses that make Fishermen's Village special.

👇 Share your ideas in the comments— what would make you want to spend more time at Fishermen's Village?

A new chapter is beginning for one of Southwest Florida's most iconic landmarks. Fishermen’s Village has been sold for $43 million to a partnership that includes Punta Gorda-based Harborview Capital Group, whose founders say they're committed to restoring the marina, investing in the property and preserving the waterfront destination for generations to come.

🖋️ Nancy Semon
📸 Fishermen’s Village

Read the full story: https://tinyurl.com/2ys7cxdz

07/24/2026

If you don't want to give up the beach for the country life, this is for you. 🌴

One of the questions I get asked most is:

"Where can I buy buildable land in Southwest Florida that's close to the beach, but still has room for chickens, horses, or a workshop?"

If I were buying acreage within about an hour of the Gulf Coast, these are the areas I'd start looking:

📍 Punta Gorda – It's not just about living on the water here. There's horse properties, larger lots, older builds and custom homes, located just 20-30 minutes from Downtown Punta Gorda and Gulf boating.

📍 Alva and North Fort Myers – A great option if you want land within 20-30 minutes of shopping, dining, and schools, and an hour from Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach.

📍 North Port Estates – Located in one of Florida's fastest-growing cities, offering larger homesites, newer construction, and easy access to Englewood, Venice, and Manasota Key. Drive time: 45-55 minutes.

📍 Sarasota East – One of the best places to find premier equestrian communities with 5 to 20-acre pastures, private bridle trails, and access to the TerraNova Equestrian Center. There's multiple options in this area, so drive time to the beach varies.

📍 Arcadia – If your priority is affordable acreage in Southwest Florida, Arcadia offers some of the best opportunities for farms, ranches, equestrian properties, and custom homes— all within an hour of the coast.

Hold your horses though— before you buy land, make sure you know what you can actually do with it.

Not every property allows:
✔️ Horses or livestock
✔️ A barndominium
✔️ Business operations
✔️ A detached workshop
✔️ RV or boat storage
✔️ The custom home you've been planning

I've seen buyers fall in love with a property only to discover it has environmental restrictions, easements, zoning limitations, or utility challenges that completely change what's possible.

👉 If you want help finding acreage, comment LAND. I'll help you make sure the property truly supports the lifestyle you're planning— and avoid costly surprises.

Hannah Crews
🌴 SWFL Real Estate | Waterfront • Land Investment • Relocation

07/20/2026

If you want to know what's happening with the Seven Islands— there are proposals on the table that could help prevent costs from falling on the general public.

If you live in Cape Coral 👉 how do you feel about this project?

Two major Cape Coral developers propose Community Development Districts to fund infrastructure for new residents, requiring City Council approval to establish independent local governance.

07/03/2026

There will be a multitude of Independence Day Celebrations in Charlotte and Sarasota County on July 4th. Here is our attempt to run them all down! Charlotte County first. Here we go!

Charlotte County

✅ 10AM The Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim. This is an event, not a race. The Freedom Swim will start from at the north end of the southbound US 41 Bridge.
Swimmers are to gather in the water offshore of the public beach and offshore from the
Riverwalk boardwalk at the northwest side of the north end of the northbound U. S. 41 Bridge. There will be no land access to the starting point. There is no access from Sunseeker Resort. Swimmers must arrive by boat. Swimmers will paddle, swim, or float to the channel and across the Peace River towards the landing site at the landing site at Fishermen’s Village.

✅11AM Charlotte Harbor July 4th Boat Parade. Laishley Marina will be home to the boat parade. If you have a boat you are welcome to join in.

✅ NOON Fishermen's Village Independence Day Celebration - they are going all out for their 4th of July celebration with family friendly festivities and live music featuring several bands that build toward fireworks over the harbor at 9PM. Free parking and entry.

✅3PM - 10PM Fourth Fest Laishley Park Punta Gorda. Fourth-Fest is a celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States with nonstop entertainment for the entire family. This year’s event features The United Way Kid’s Fun Zone! A large variety of family fun with slides, giant game inflatables, a foam carwash, bubble station, face painting and more. Plenty to keep the young ones excited throughout the day and evening! Culminates with fireworks display over Charlotte Harbor.

✅9PM Fireworks over Lemon Bay in Englewood. The fireworks will launch from Blind Pass Beach on July 4th and light up the skies above Lemon Bay. Arrive early for the best viewing spots around Lemon Bay and nearby beaches. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, patriotic attire and plenty of community spirit.

Keep following our page to see our next post about Independence Day festivities in Sarasota County later today!

05/09/2026

A historic restaurant and marina is coming back to life on Matlacha thanks to a business owner on the island.

04/29/2026

Here are 5 things Floridians do to survive the heat 🔥

• Use your AC like you use your heat up north.
Set it, respect it, and don’t play games with it. Get it serviced twice a year—spring (March–May) before the real heat hits, and fall (September–November) after it’s been fighting for its life all summer.

It’ll save you money, stress, and that one breakdown you absolutely don’t want in July. 😅

• Slowly acclimate yourself.
This isn’t the place to go from “never outside” to “midday beach workout.” Water and shade are your best friends. Ease into it. And if you start feeling chills, dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps… get inside and soak up some AC ❄️, water, and electrolytes.

• If it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs 🐾
Pavement in the summer will cook your dog’s paws. Grass, shade, or booties — your pet and your vet will thank you.

• And the dress code?
Light, loose clothing, sandals, and do NOT forget an umbrella ☔️
During our rainy season — typically May through late September — random rainstorms and sunshowers will become a part of your daily routine.

I also never go anywhere without a giant cup of iced peach tea (but that’s just me).

• Bonus tip:
If you can avoid being outside between 12–4… do it. That’s peak “why do I live here” hours.
Get your workouts 🏃‍♀️ and outdoor chores done early or later in the evening.

Did I miss one? If you’re a long-time resident, tell us how you handle the heat in the comments. 💬
Even as a 5th generation Floridian, I’m still getting used to it 😂

Hannah Crews
🌴 Local SWFL Realtor® | Waterfront • Land Investment • Relocation