Home construction figures on the mend in greater Orlando; SR 44 beautification and enhancement project in NSB planned

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- New home construction got a boost in the third quarter for the Central Florida area. Builders started work on 1,163 single-family homes in the metropolitan area of Orlando. This is an upward bounce compared to last year's figure of around 900 new homes.

Condo sales are gradually picking up across Florida. High-dollar and median priced sales for Volusia and Flagler counties have increased according to Florida Realtors.
The increasing market activity is due to the attractive prices of condos, some discounted up to 50 percent. These prices are attracting buyers eager to rent the condos or to have a second home along the beach. The natural assets of Volusia and Flagler counties attract people from all over.

Local Update: SR 44 to be enhanced and beautified
The State Road 44 corridor is going to be improved, from the I-95 ramp heading east on 44 to the Canal Street intersection.
It includes landscaping, irrigation, hardscape and lighting. Each location will feature a sculpted wall with the city of New Smyrna Beach seal. Each project is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Transportation Planning Organization. Community Redevelopment funds  were used for the design of the project. Construction is expected to begin this month with completion in August.
The budget on these two projects is $1.4 million. Ocean Properties and Management, Inc. is very excited as we have been encouraging the improvements for more than 15 years.