The Daily Soak - September 11

Auction Update: Fort Lauderdale, Tampa & Vero Beach

Alabama-based auctioneer J.P. King today announced the upcoming auction of a 6 bedroom/6.5 bath tri-level Mediterranean townhouse in Fort Lauderdale. The company's website lists the ocean estate's amenities including "a luxurious pool and spa, gated entry, commercial elevator and sleek modern bar. This waterfront community is adjacent to several mega-yacht marinas, top rated golf courses, private executive airports, fine dining establishments and numerous chic boutiques." The home will be sold at absolute auction on October 16. In other auction news, the Antilles auction in Vero Beach had a solid turnout and all 21 properties were sold. Meanwhile, the Bella Sol auction south of Tampa was not as successful last Saturday. 23 condominiums were offered at absolute auction; however, only 9 were sold. 14 of the properties are still listed online as available priced from $275,000 for an "End unit" to $575,000 for a "Penthouse Waterfront unit."


Prudential Florida Drops "WCI" From Real Estate Name

The letters "W," "C" and "I" have been dropped from the Prudential Florida Real Estate name and company logo. The Bonita Springs-based homebuilder recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, so those three letters--once synonymous with luxury high-rises and gated golf communities in Florida--have lost some of their luster in recent months. Company spokesperson Rei Mesa did not comment on WCI's financial situation and described the decision as "strategic." The company did not waste time making the changes online. While the old Purdential WCI domain is still active, the redirect takes you immediately to a Prudential real estate site without any mention of WCI. Posters on the Naples News site had their own unique opinions about the rationale for the name change.


Online Scammer Used Craigslist to Rent House He Didn't Own

What is it with crazy Craigslist posts and Florida connections? First there was the Palm Beach Gardens divorcee who was offering the package deal of her house and her hand in marriage. Now, word out of California that a man has been posting on Craigslist offering to rent a condo he did not own. Four victims apparently took Michael Eugene Blair up on his generous offer. In reality, Blair had been living in the Sacramento condo until he was evicted by the real owner. According to the local news team, "Blair portrayed himself as the owner of the property and collected thousands of dollars in deposits and rent from at least four victims. He was allegedly in the process of defrauding other victims at the time of his apprehension." Blair faces fraud charges in both Colorado and our beloved Sunshine State where he committed assorted "theft-related crimes."