Where Have I Been?!?

Well, it looks like I went missing again. I've really got to work on this 'blog' thing. O.K., so what's new? It's friggin' hot, that's what's new. Anything that involves being outside of a climate controlled environment is brutal. The humidity is about 102% and rain seems to just appear out of nowhere. But, the good news is - we don't have to shovel anything in the winter. I still love Florida and the beautiful beaches.

The vacation rental business is still cooking, even in the summer. It looks like tourist season around here lately, that's good news for all of our tourist related businesses.

We've had a new restaurant open in John's Pass Village - Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. officially opened on Sunday. Of course, I was there on opening day to check things out. The final verdict - it's O.K. I was expecting more, but I will definintely go back for another visit. The place was pretty chaotic, and no one seemed to really know what they were doing, with the exception of "Sunshine" the Chinchilla farmer-turned bartender. We only tried one appetizer, and it was mediocre at best. We'll have to go back for another try before we send in the final decision.

Check back on the Mad Beach blog soon, hopefully, I'll remember to write some more.

I'm Baaack

O.k., so, I haven't been around in a while. Can you blame me? With all of the activity around here since the holidays ended - the "season" was a crusher. I've read in the paper that the analysts are saying that tourism is down. Well, you can't prove that by us. Our vacation rental properties were jammed full and the traffic on Gulf Blvd. was unbelievable. I guess it doesn't help that our never-ending bridge project has the traffic bottle-necked at the busiest part our little city.

You're not going to believe this - I hear that our bridge replacement project is behind schedule... who would've thought that could happen? It amazing to think it's behind schedule - only 5 months behind schedule - after a year of work. I can't figure it out, there seems to be people working almost every 3rd or 4th day, how could they possibly be behind schedule? We will go through another hurricane season with a congested evacuation route - OH GOODIE!

Happy New Year!

It's a whole new year! Finally! It seems that even numbered years turn out much better for MikeMadBch, so I have been waiting for 2008 and counting down the days until it's arrival. Last year was pretty close to a disaster, so things are looking up.

We've had our Arctic Blast and had temps in the 30's - BRRRRR! But, it's back to the 70's tomorrow. Gotta love living in paradise.

We made a visit to Walt'z Fish Shak last night for some of the best seafood you can find anywhere. The beer is cold and the wine is served in large goblets, so sometimes it gets a hazy upon departure (I know from experience).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Where did the time go? - Christmas is here!

Can you believe it, it's almost Christmas? This one really snuck up on me.

Here's a great gift idea for those on your Christmas list who seem to have everything - the "Madeira Beach Nikes". These boots are standard issue for all true Mad Beach folks. They go with everything... they look best with cut-off jeans and are usually accessorized with a 24-pack of Busch Light.

They are available at your finer bait and tackle shops. Prices vary.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

The Weather is Here...Wish You Were Beautiful

It's beginning to feel a lot like ... SUMMER! This is an incredible fall so far, chamber of commerce weather. While the north is getting snow dumped on them, we're at the beach. You ought to come on down! If you are coming down to the sunshine state be sure to check out www.IslandPropertiesByCheryl.com for your place to stay. Don't stay in some run-of-the-mill hotel, you can stay in a beach cottage, a condo, or an apartment, much more comfortable than a hotel 'room'.

If you're thinking of coming to the area for good, so you can throw away your snow shovel, check out www.VicinityBeachTeam.com for the best real estate company on the Gulf Coast. The firm is owned and staffed by long-time local residents who really know the beaches better than anyone.

Hope to see you soon - don't forget your sunscreen!

MikeMadBeach

Boat Show's in Town

This weekend is the annual St Petersburg boat show. I'm heading out there today with the masses to look at boats that most of us cannot afford to buy, not to mention can't afford to fuel up. Anyway, it's good fun to dream. The weather is perfect for dreaming of a boat trip to some idyllic tropical getaway... oh wait a minute - I already live here, Madeira Beach is a great spot. Come on down and visit. If you need a nice place to stay while you're here, check out www.IslandPropertiesbyCheryl.com. Lot's of nice places at bargain prices. No cookie cutter hotel rooms - there are condos to cottages. Stay somewhere that has 'beach character' not some boring hotel room.

See ya'

Old Man Winter has left the building

What a difference a day makes! I went from having the heat on in the house to having to turn on the air conditioner. What the heck? It was 80+ degrees today and sunny. I guess that's why we live here.

Time to head to the beach.