The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Convention Center was awarded the
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) for Existing Buildings:
Operations & Maintenance Gold certifi cation! Our venue is the fi rst in Florida
to be LEED certifi ed and one of three in the nation to achieve LEED Gold
certifi cation. Altogether, Broward boasts seven LEED certifi ed buildings with
four more on the way. This saves money by providing effi cient use of energy,
water, recycling and overall building operations. Most important is the protection
of the environment, our number one priority.

Broward is also home to twenty-fi ve certifi ed green lodgings with twenty
more awaiting inspection. For a list of Certifi ed Florida Green Lodgings, visit
www.sunny.org/greenbroward.

With 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, Broward was recently granted a U.S.
Department of Energy Rooftop Solar Challenge, to spur solar-power through
streamlining the permitting processes.

So, please come visit and enjoy our blue and green and sun-kissed shores!

Play Like a Rock Star

2. Buy when you know you will stay “put” in an area whether it will be your primary residence, vacation home or investment property. Real Estate is a wise investment but only if you buy and sell right. There are cost associated with buying and selling so timing can be very important!

3. Buy what you can afford. Besides the purchase price there are additional carrying costs so make sure to not over extend yourself. Aim for a price point that you are comfortable with and then locate the property to meet your needs. Don’t make the mistake of being “mortgage poor!”

4. Buy in good school districts even if you don’t have school age children. They insulate and boost your property values thus protecting your investment. When it comes time for you to sell you will find what a top priority they are for many buyers!

5. If you will be using financing work on raising your credit score prior to starting your property search. Ask your Realtor and friends for a lender and work with that lender to get your credit score as clean as possible. Get pre-approved so you can be ready to strike the match and make a serious offer when you locate the ideal property!

6. Make a realistic offer. If you want to own a property you must make an offer that will be taken seriously. The market is always changing so you must consider recent comparables and current market inventory. If you want it go get it!

7. Hire a property inspector. They can point out potential problems with the property and save you a bundle of money down the road!

Bobbi Ocean is a top-producing realtor in the Greater Fort Lauderdale market with over 20 years of experience and an impressive $210 Million in sales. Bobbi’s genuine enthusiasm, sales approach and attention to detail have made her the most reliable resource to clients. Whether clients are purchasing a vacation home, weekend getaway, investment property or primary residence, Bobbi provides the accurate and up-to-date information to make their ultimate real estate decision. Click here to connect with Bobbi.

• The sun in South Florida is powerful and can burn skin quickly.  If you are snorkeling, you will be face down in the water with the sun beating on your back.  Even the boat ride out to a diving or snorkeling spot can be enough time for sunburn to set in.  Plan ahead.

2. Always bring a Buddy. 

• Share the experience with a friend or loved one!  Not only will bringing a buddy make your dive or snorkeling trip more enjoyable, it will make it safer, too.  Having a buddy near can help prevent unforeseen problems and give peace of mind.

3. Take off your jewelry.

• Your jewelry could become sunken treasure if you wear it snorkeling or SCUBA Diving!  Leave any rings, bracelets, necklaces, or other valuable items at home where they won’t get lost at sea.

4. Use the proper equipment.

• Your time in the water will be more enjoyable if you aren’t constantly fussing with your gear.  SCUBA Diving with gear that is too big or outdated can be dangerous.  Snorkeling with ill-fitting fins or mask can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

5. Avoid tightening your mask strap too much.

• The strap is simply to keep the mask on your face.  It is not intended to pull the skirt snug against your skin.  A strap that is too tight actually prevents the skirt from conforming to changes in your face (ie smiling) and can lead to more leaking.

1. 6. Don’t touch!

• Many sea organisms can sting or cut you.  Avoiding contact is not only to protect you but also to prevent damage to the ecosystem.  It only takes a single touch by you to destroy something Mother Nature has spent years building.

7. Make the memories last.

• Bringing an underwater camera or video equipment on your snorkeling or dive trip will enable you to capture memories of a lifetime.

Tim Griggs and Angela Salcito, both long-time employees of Divers Direct, are very active divers and have each spent time working in several of the Divers Direct store locations, including Key West, Key Largo, Orlando and our office in Dania Beach.

 Since 1984, Dania Beach, Florida based Divers Direct services the SCUBA community by offering a complete scuba certification curriculum and a large selection of scuba gear from the world’s top manufacturers.  In addition to being recognized as one of the United States’ largest scuba retailers, Divers Direct is also well known for their exceptional customer service. www.diversdirect.com