The SS American Victory is hosting a fundraiser with Cajun fixins, including crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo and more; also self-guided tours of the mariner’s museum and cruising ship. 6-9 p.m. aboard ship docked at 705 Channelside Drive, next to Florida Aquarium, Tampa. $50 advance (through Fri.), $60 door. (813) 228-8766; www.americanvictory.org. Funds raised will be used for continuing maintenance and restoration of the SS American Victory.

Come enjoy a replica of a 16th century village with entertainment on multiple stages, street theater, live armored contact jousting, human chess matches, fire eaters, kid’s realm,and vendors. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Fowler Avenue and N 46th Street, next to Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry. Adults $13.95 advance, $15.95 gate; children $5.95 advance, $7.95 gate; seniors $12.95 all times. 4 and younger free. (813) 983-0111, 1-800-601-4848

Get ready for some family fun and entertainment, along the banks of the beautiful Pithlachascotee River in downtown New Port Richey. The Chasco Fiesta features a traditional Native American Festival, carnival, boat parade, street parade and many Music in the Park performances. There will be a country concert on March 31, featuring Rodney Atkins. For more information, call the Chasco hotline toll free: 1-877-424-2726 or visit www.chascofiesta.com.

Hernando County Code Enforcement will begin stringently enforcing the current watering restrictions. The new once a week restrictions went into effect in January. Officers patrol at different times, both day and night. Violators can receive anything from a $100 citation, to a court appearance. Watering is allowed only before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on resident’s designated day. No watering is allowed on weekends. For a complete copy of the current watering restrictions, please visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions.

Mr. and Mrs. Rossetto wrote:
“We have always been pleased, since 2001, with your Property Management personnel. Our home has been rented every year, and you have always found the right tenant. When we return from up north, our home here is in the same condition as when we left. Our home had some issues this past year, and your associate really took charge and handled all problems as if she was caring for her own home. She exhibits a passion for the profession, and it is obvious that she truly enjoys working within the Property Management Department. We can not express how much we appreciated your associate’s professional service, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with both your associate, and CENTURY 21 Alliance Realty Property Management.”

Marilyn Pearson-Adams, President, and Dennise L. Vandegrift, Vice-President, General Manager of CENTURY 21 Alliance Realty recently attended the CENTURY 21 International Convention at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, Convention Center in Las Vegas Nevada.
There were many educational offerings and classes relevant to the current real estate market for the 5000 attendees. The highlight of the Convention for this writer was the keynote address, given by General Colin Powell, a dynamic American Patriot. CENTURY 21 is truly the “GOLD STANDARD” in Real Estate with 146,000 Sales Associates in 7500 Offices in 44 Countries around the world.

The most significant factors affecting housing during the coming years will be whether aging baby boomers decide to grow old where they are and where young immigrants decide to settle, according to a recent study released by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
William H. Frey of the Brookings Institution, conducted the study for MBA’s Research Institute for Housing America. The report finds that the overall U.S. population will experience rapid aging, as boomers grow older, while absorbing large numbers of young recent immigrants. Different regions of the country will have different demands for housing driven by the relative impacts of aging in place vs. migration within the country and immigration from other countries. For example, suburban areas will gray faster than urban areas due to the boomers aging in place.

Spending winters in Florida appears to be a preliminary step to a permanent move for many snowbirds. A recent study by the University of Florida found nearly one in four (23%) who moved permanently to Florida between 2000 and 2003 reported they had lived part of the year in the Sunshine State before moving here year round.

A Real Estate rebound is likely in the second half of 2007, economists say. The second half of the year will likely begin the recovery from a slight downturn that followed a prolonged boom in sales and home prices, economists generally agreed during a panel at the Real Estate Connect NYC Conference.
“We’re going to hit the trough in the first half of 2007,” said Frank Nothaft, cheif economist for Freddie Mac and a panelist for “Housing Outlook: 2007″ session. Other panelists included representatives from Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania.

May-Stringer Heritage Museum at 601 Museum Ct. is open Tuesday-Saturday from Noon to 3:00pm. The Russell Train Depot Museum is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 3:00pm. Call 352-799-0129 or visit www.hernandoheritagemuseum.com.