Waterfront vibes without the beach drive. We take you inside Tampa Bay’s lagoon communities to show how crystal-clear, seven-acre lagoons, cabanas, bars, slides, and event calendars are changing the way families live, play, and connect. From golf cart parades and movie nights to football Sundays and teen hangouts, the amenities feel like a resort layered onto everyday life—especially for those who want the water without the crowds, parking hassles, or wildlife worries.

We map the major stops: Epperson in Wesley Chapel, Mirada in San Antonio with its Connected City backroads and 55-plus options, Angeline in Land O’ Lakes near the Veterans corridor, Southshore Bay Lagoon in Wimauma, and Seaire in Parrish where construction is surging ahead of the lagoon’s debut. Along the way, we talk builders and budgets, from mid-300s townhomes to luxury WestBay homes north of a million, and why proximity to schools and new retail often accelerates demand when a lagoon opens.

Costs matter, so we unpack the one-time lagoon buy-in at closing, monthly HOA dues, guest access, and the Florida-specific CDD that funds infrastructure and appears on your tax bill. We compare how CDDs differ when counties vs HOAs maintain roads, why some neighborhoods show higher taxes but lower HOAs, and how to evaluate long-term value and resale. If you’re moving to Tampa Bay—or just rethinking your ZIP code—this tour helps you find the right fit for your lifestyle, whether you crave a social hub, quick commutes, or a quieter pocket near the water.

If this helped you see Tampa Bay living in a new light, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review so more locals can find it.

If you are looking for more information, please fill out this form HERE and we will be in touch shortly.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Unlock the secrets to a magical Walt Disney World Christmas with our ultimate guide to festive fun and unforgettable experiences, many of which are free or budget-friendly. We lay out a step-by-step plan for savoring Walt Disney World at Christmas, from the big-ticket thrills of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to a resort-hopping strategy that trades lines for lights, gingerbread, and unforgettable photo spots. If you’ve ever wondered how to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks for free or where the most jaw-dropping decorations live, this guide turns curiosity into a ready-to-run plan.

We start with the essentials: select 2025 dates for the Very Merry party, what makes the parade and Minnie’s fireworks worth the splurge, and how to time your night so you actually enjoy treats and rides. Then we pivot to the real superpower—moving around property like a local. Park at Disney Springs, bus to Magic Kingdom, and ride the monorail through the Contemporary and Polynesian before gliding to more resorts. Even with the Grand Floridian lobby under refurbishment this year, there’s no shortage of wonder: the Beach Club’s motorized gingerbread carousel, richly themed trees at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and meticulously crafted displays that match each resort’s story.

Food lovers get more than cocoa. Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays stacks cultural traditions with tasting portions, so you can sample seasonal plates and festive drinks around the World Showcase without falling into decision fatigue. At Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Stroll becomes a cheerful scavenger hunt—grab a map, match themed stickers to trees, and discover a few clever hides in shop windows. Cap the night with a lounge stop at the Contemporary and slip outside for a perfect view of fireworks, no park ticket required.

Whether you’re planning a once-a-year splurge or building a free-and-festive evening, these routes, dates, and tips help you do more with less. Subscribe for more smart travel playbooks, share this with your Disney crew, and leave a review with your best holiday hack—we might feature it next.

To see all the happenings at Walt Disney World during the holiday season, click here.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

What do grape-stained feet, a fashion sketchbook, small-business consulting and a cleanly negotiated contract have in common? For Candace, they’re all chapters of the same story: learning to see clearly, move decisively, and put people first. We hand her the mic to trace the path from Oregon’s boutique wineries to a real estate practice built on trust, taste, and relentless follow-through.

Candace opens up about harvest days in the Willamette Valley, where she experienced doing everything from pouring flights for guests to standing waist-deep in fermenting grapes. That grit shaped her process mindset: prepare carefully, adapt quickly, and protect quality end to end. Pair that with fashion design training and you get a rare talent in showings—someone who can help clients visualize how a space might live, not just how it looks today. Black walls stop being a problem; they become a plan. Small changes unlock big potential.

We also dig into the reality of career change and exam anxiety. Candace shares how disciplined study and a willingness to face discomfort gave her a new lane, and how that rigor now benefits buyers and sellers under pressure. Her sales background isn’t about scripts; it’s about consultative listening, smart questions, and principled negotiation that defends client outcomes without the pushy vibe people dread.

A powerful through-line is her service to military families. With a Navy veteran husband and deep community ties, Candace understands PCS moves, compressed timelines, and the emotional load of relocating every two to three years. She leverages VA expertise and a trusted referral network to match families with the right neighborhoods, schools, and support systems, whether they’re arriving or shipping out. It’s more than a purchase; it’s a landing.

If you care about thoughtful real estate, military-friendly guidance, and practical design vision, you’ll feel at home here. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s facing a move, and leave a review to tell us what topics you want next. Your feedback shapes where we go.

For more information about Winderlea Vineyard & Winery, where Candace previously worked and is mentioned in this episode, visit their website at winderlea.com.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Home buying doesn’t have to feel like decoding a secret language. We sit down with mortgage pro Carlos Ramos to unpack what has changed since 2021, why lenders ask for so much documentation, and how to position yourself for a payment that fits real life. If headlines about “rate cuts” leave you wondering why your mortgage quote didn’t budge, you’ll get the clean breakdown of the 10-year Treasury, short-term vs long-term rates, and what actually moves mortgages in Tampa Bay and beyond.

We get practical fast: how seller concessions can beat a small price reduction, when a 2-1 temporary buy-down makes sense, and why paying big points right now may not be worth it if a refinance window opens within a year. Carlos walks us through the math mindset that matters—starting with credit checks to catch errors early, building a budget using minimum monthly payments (not balances), and accounting for full ownership costs like taxes, insurance, HOA, and potential flood coverage. We also highlight the expenses buyers forget: moving, furniture, and the surprise repairs that show up even in newer homes.

To keep you out of the “house poor” trap, we outline five steps: pull your credit, set a real budget, trim recurring spending, stack savings and gift strategies, then secure a strong preapproval before touring. For many offers today, requesting concessions and applying them to a temporary buy-down or closing costs can lower monthly payments more effectively than negotiating a small price cut. If the numbers say “not yet,” we help you design a timeline so six months from now you’re shopping with confidence instead of guesswork.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who’s gearing up to buy. Your support helps more Tampa Bay buyers get clear, calm, and ready to close.

If you are in need of a great lender, please feel free to reach out to Carlos Ramos with The Ramos Mortgage Team at (813) 767-1887‬ and let him know you heard him here! 

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

What happens when a life built on movement finds a new stage in real estate? We sit down with Lisa to follow her arc from Spring Hill to Disney entertainment, onto the Olympic floor in Atlanta, through a brutal knee reconstruction, and into a ballroom career that taught her timing, trust, and poise under pressure. The story is part grit, part artistry, and fully human—rooted in family, community, and a deep need to help people feel at home.

We unpack the pivots that shaped her path: choosing Atlanta for creative opportunity, discovering ballroom by chance at a salsa and swing club, rising fast to win Ohio Star Ball, and partnering with her now-husband both on the dance floor and in life. When the pull of living by the water, taking care of parents, and a better rhythm for their kids called, the family left landlocked Atlanta for Tampa Bay. That move sharpened Lisa’s understanding of relocation—from military moves to senior living decisions to finding the local spots that make a neighborhood feel like yours.

What makes her approach to real estate different is everything that came before it. A builder father taught her how homes are made. Coaching figure skaters gave her a language for flow and balance. Costume design honed her eye for fit, finish, and story—skills she now uses for staging and marketing. Most of all, performance trained her to manage nerves, read the room, and keep the experience warm, clear, and steady when the stakes feel high. If you want a people-first guide who knows Tampa Bay and believes preparation beats panic, you’ll find practical takeaways and a lot of heart here.

If this story resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s navigating a big move, and leave a quick review—what part of Lisa’s journey inspired you most?

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Craving the October vibe without the jump scares? We pulled together a warm, welcoming Halloween game plan across the Tampa Bay Area—one that works for allergy-aware families, sensory-sensitive kiddos, and anyone who wants more delight than dread. From teal pumpkin tips to a pirate cruise on the bay, consider this your easy-to-use map for a sweeter, calmer season.

We start with a verified resource for kid friendly events in the area. Then we dig into standouts: an allergen-friendly party at Steinbrenner Stadium with non-food trick-or-treating, and sensory-friendly options at the Florida Aquarium and Glazer Children’s Museum where lights and noise are dialed down. Prefer motion over lines? Hit costume jams at Carrollwood Village and Jackson Springs skate parks, or glide through a Halloween session at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

If you’re chasing unique experiences, Weeki Wachee’s Wicked Nights blends a carnival vibe with iconic mermaid shows at 8, 9, and 10 p.m., perfect for family memories that don’t require a tolerance for terror. Nostalgia more your speed? The Florida Railroad Museum’s Pumpkin Patch Express in Parrish delivers hayrides, crafts, and the simple joy of a train day. For grown-ups and older kids, the Lost Pearl Halloween pirate adventure cruise adds skyline views, complimentary drinks, and easygoing pirate fun without the chaos.

Want more Tampa Bay finds like these? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and tell us which event you’re trying first so we can feature your picks next time.

Links to all events mentioned:

General Information for the area: www.Fun4TampaKids.com

Allergen Friendly Halloween Party at Steinbrenner Stadium 

The Florida Aquarium - a sensory-friendly Guppyween 

Glazer Children’s Museum Sensory Friendly Halloween Spree 

Carrollwood Village Skate Park Halloween Skate Jam 

Halloween Skate Jam at Jackson Springs Skate Park 

Advent Health Center Ice Hallowrink Themed Skate 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Wild N' Wicked Nights

Florida Railroad Museum Pumpkin Patch Express

Lost Pearl Halloween Pirate Adventure Cruise

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Spookquarium

Busch Gardens Kandy’s Sweetacular

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay's music scene stretches far beyond stadium headliners, with a rich tapestry of venues that many locals don't even know exist. Candace and Lisa pull back the curtain on these hidden gems, sharing their personal concert adventures and insider knowledge about spaces that transform live music from spectacle to experience.

The conversation begins with Ruth Eckerd Hall, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architectural marvel established in 1983. This nonprofit venue anchors a trio of performance spaces in Clearwater, including the beautifully preserved Capitol Theater – a 1921 movie palace and vaudeville house that breathes history into every performance. With its renovated boxes and rooftop area, this theater offers the perfect setting for catching beloved artists from yesterday and today in an atmosphere that feels almost like a private show.

For those who prefer sunshine with their soundtracks, Baycare Sound delivers concerts right on the Intracoastal waterway. This outdoor amphitheater located on Coachman Park combines assigned seating with lawn spaces where you can spread out and soak in performances against a stunning waterfront backdrop. Meanwhile, downtown St. Petersburg offers Jannus Live, an energetic open-air courtyard surrounded by buildings that creates an electric atmosphere for standing-room-only shows. The hosts also explore other options like the Seminole Hard Rock's 1,500-seat venue and Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheater, which accommodates up to 20,000 fans.

Whether you're a longtime Tampa resident or planning your next visit, these venues provide doorways into the region's vibrant music culture. Each space carries its own personality, history, and concert experience waiting to be discovered. Subscribe to Snapshots Tampa Bay for more local insights and let us know which Tampa Bay hidden gem you're most excited to explore!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Are you turning down qualified buyers just because they're using a VA loan? As a seller, you might be leaving money on the table and we are going to show you why you shouldn't be afraid of a VA buyer.  In this eye-opening conversation, Candace and Lisa tackle the persistent myths surrounding VA loans that continue to disadvantage military families in today's real estate market.

Candace shares her personal experience of losing out on a townhome despite offering $15,000 more than the winning bid—all because the seller didn't want to work with a VA loan. This practice continues despite significant modernization of the VA loan process. Today's VA loans focus on practical concerns that benefit both buyers and sellers: electrical systems, termite inspections, roof integrity, plumbing, and air conditioning.

The hosts explain why VA requirements can actually protect sellers in an increasingly litigious real estate environment. By addressing potential issues upfront through required inspections, sellers reduce their risk of post-sale disputes. For older homes, a simple four-point inspection (often under $200) can reassure buyers that while a property might need cosmetic updates, its fundamental systems are sound.

Military buyers bring unique strengths to real estate transactions. The rigorous pre-approval process for VA loans often exceeds conventional loan standards. Their ability to purchase with 100% financing doesn't indicate financial instability but rather enables service members to build wealth through real estate despite frequent relocations. Many follow a strategic pattern: buy at their first station with a VA loan, later refinance to conventional, then use their VA benefit again at their next station.

Ready to expand your buyer pool and support those who serve our country? Join Candace and Lisa as they demystify VA loans and showcase why military buyers might be the most organized, prepared, and motivated clients you'll encounter. Leave your questions in the comments or reach out directly—we're here to help Tampa Bay's military families find their perfect homes.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

How do we protect our aging loved ones from those who might take advantage of them? This question sparked a heartfelt conversation about the unique challenges seniors face in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Lisa shares a revealing story about her mother nearly falling victim to predatory sales tactics when shopping for a whole-home water filtration system. What started as a $7,400 quote mysteriously dropped to $3,100 overnight after repeated rejections – a classic high-pressure sales approach targeting vulnerable seniors. This experience highlights why having trusted advisors around our aging loved ones is more crucial than ever.

The conversation expands beyond this single incident to address broader challenges seniors face. From navigating digital real estate transactions to managing home transitions when families live far away, our elderly community often needs specialized support. Candace details a remarkable service called Caring Transitions that completely transformed an inherited home situation for distant family members, handling everything from estate sales to donations and cleanout.

We're building a network of trusted service providers specifically vetted for their integrity when working with seniors. From attorneys specializing in elder law to companies assisting with home transitions, these relationships form a safety net for our community's most vulnerable members. If you know exceptional vendors serving seniors in the Tampa Bay area (from Wesley Chapel to Sarasota), please share them with us – because everyone deserves advocates who genuinely care.

Subscribe to Snapshots Tampa Bay for more conversations about navigating life's transitions in our vibrant community, and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Ready for a taste of Disney magic without leaving the Tampa Bay area? Join Candace and Lisa as they take you on a virtual journey to Walt Disney World's spectacular fall festivities - all just a quick drive away!

We're diving into the not-so-spooky world of Mickey's Halloween Party that kicks off in mid-August (yes, August!) while temperatures still soar above 100 degrees. Learn about this special ticketed event where families can experience the Magic Kingdom transformed with unique character experiences, trick-or-treating, and a Halloween parade unlike any other. As Tampa locals with Disney connections, we share insider tips on planning your visit around these special event nights.

Food lovers won't want to miss our breakdown of EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival running from late August through mid-November. Discover the strategic approach to "drinking around the world" (never start in Mexico!), sample culinary delights from global cuisine stands, and experience special chef demonstrations. For the fitness enthusiasts, we also cover the Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend in late October - though we freely admit we'll only be cheering from the sidelines with our "0.0" stickers proudly displayed!

Whether you're planning a move to Tampa Bay, checking out the area, or a local looking for seasonal fun, these Disney experiences offer magical memories just a short drive away. Subscribe and follow for our upcoming episodes, including our holiday special where we'll share how to experience Disney's Christmas magic without paying park admission!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!