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WELCOME! | October 2026
Before we get into what's happening this month, a quick note: we've given this newsletter a bit of a refresh! A new format, new touches, and hopefully a better read all around. We'd love to hear what you think as we settle into it.
Now, onto the good stuff. If you've driven down Ocean Drive lately, you've probably noticed Vero Grounds has opened up shop right next to Kilwin's! A solid new spot to grab coffee before (or after) a walk on the beach. And keep an ear out: word around town is that Sol Mar Cocktail Lounge is taking over the space where Sailfish Brewery used to be. Named 27 North Kitchen & Bar it will be offering food, cocktails and coastal energy. A grand opening will be announced soon. It is sure to be a nice addition to the beachside dining options.
Beyond that, October's got plenty going on…from Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds to the Halloween Parade downtown at month's end. We'll always try to keep you looped in on what's new, what's changing, and what's worth checking out around town.
And as always, if this season has you thinking about your own next move (whatever that looks like) we're happy to talk whenever you're ready. At AMAC | Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, we like being part of this community, not just its real estate.
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Saturday, OCT 24th – 10th Annual Toss Out Child Abuse Cornhole Tournament
Join your neighbors for a meaningful event supporting prevention of child abuse in our community. $1,000 total prize money. It's a great way to give back and make a difference for local kids and families. Learn more here
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Sunday, NOV 1st – Gold Star Moms Annual Walk-a-thon
Lace up your walking shoes and come out, stroll together, and show your support for the organization's primary fundraiser to raise awareness of this tragic circumstance and learn about programs, discounts, businesses and organizations that are available for Veterans and their families. Learn more here
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Sunday, NOV 8th – "All Creation Sings!" Season Opening Concert
Enjoy an uplifting afternoon of beautiful music as the Chorale kicks off its 25th Anniversary season. Celebrating both space and time, get ready for an "out-of-this-world" celestial experience. A lovely way to spend an afternoon harmonizing with friends and family. Learn more here
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Check out these links to see what else is happening around town and where to get involved and give back.
| | AMAC Agent Candace Kennedy | |
For Candace, giving back is about being there for the next generation and sharing her time, encouragement and heart with the children in her community.
For the past four years, Candace has spent her Thursday evenings volunteering with Calvary Chapel’s AWANA children’s ministry. This year, she’s working with girls in the 3rd through 5th grade “TNT” program, after previously volunteering with 1st and 2nd graders in the “Sparks 1&2” program.
AWANA (“Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” (II Timothy 2:15)) brings children together for Bible lessons, Scripture memorization, worship, activities and fellowship, creating opportunities to learn, grow and build lasting relationships. It also includes reaching parents and other family members with the gospel and training adults to minister to kids.
A fourth-generation Vero Beach native whose family settled here in 1919, Candace graduated from Vero Beach High School before studying child development at Pasadena City College. Her years as a nanny for elite families in California, followed by a career in personal assisting and house management, helped shape her into the highly organized, compassionate self-starter she is today. Those same qualities serve her well each week with AWANA, where patience, organization and genuine love of children come together. “I feel very fortunate to be part of such a special program,” Candace says. “Watching these children learn, grow and discover their own gifts makes every Thursday night worthwhile. It’s my small way of giving back to the community I’ve always called home.”
| | Porches, Patios and Lanai's, Oh My! | | |
Your porches and patios are the little outdoor stage that takes a bow every season, and it does wonders for curb appeal. This October, let the pumpkins put on a show! Ditch the all-orange lineup and go a little fancy with white, green, blue-gray, and heirloom varieties. Stack them in odd numbers, add a few mums, and watch the neighbors slow down for a peek.
Once the cooler air rolls in, the lanai turns into the coziest dining room in town: think morning coffee with a sweater on, dinner al fresco, or s'mores by the fire pit. Come the holidays, a fresh wreath, twinkle lights, and a pile of soft blankets make porches, patios and lanai's the place everyone wants to gather. Whatever the season, a well-loved outdoor space says "come on over"!
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August 2026 vs. 2025 Statistics
Statistics developed by the REALTORS® Association of Indian River County through its Multiple Listing Service and in conjunction with Florida REALTORS® reflect the following data for August of 2026 vs. 2025.
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SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOMES
Residential Closed Sales totaled 183 homes vs. 217 representing a 15.7% decrease YOY.
Median Price was $410,000 vs. $390,000 representing a 5.1% increase YOY.
Active Inventory totaled 952 vs. 1,161 representing a 18% decrease YOY.
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CONDOMINIUMS
Residential Closed Sales totaled 74 homes vs. 66 representing a 12.1% increase YOY.
Median Price was $240,000 vs. $254,950 representing a 5.9% decrease YOY.
Active Inventory totaled 537 vs. 644 representing a 16.6% decrease YOY.
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Report Prepared on September 16, 2026
To learn more about the FLORIDA Market Update for August 2026, watch this video. For our WEEKLY LOCAL Market Report Click Here.
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Fredrica "Fredi" Ash
Fredrica “Fredi” Ash brings more than 30 years of business experience and over two decades in real estate to her work with buyers and sellers throughout Vero Beach. As a licensed Broker-Associate and multi-million-dollar producer, Fredi has built her career around thoughtful negotiation, strategic problem-solving, and a genuine.......keep reading about Fredi
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Michelle Hazellief
Michelle Hazellief brings a unique blend of international perspective, entrepreneurial experience, creativity, and deep Treasure Coast roots to her real estate career. A Vero Beach resident since 1997, Michelle has spent much of her life exploring the connection between people and the places they call home.......keep reading about Michelle
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Meet Cricket…the new AMAC mascot and one of many critters owned by AMAC agent Mike Sexton and AMAC Social Media Manager Chandler MacWilliam Sexton.
Cricket is a chocolate lab with three human siblings that she loves to snuggle with. Since early puppyhood, her favorite toy is an AMAC frisbee (so much that they had to hide it). Besides lounging around the house…she thrives being a ranch dog. She enjoys chasing cows alongside her 6 other ranch dog siblings and 3 kittens. She loves to run through a muddy puddle and cool off in a water trough. Rolling over for a belly rub is her favorite way to greet someone and she loves to chew anything in sight.
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Amendment 3…Your Home, Your Taxes, Your Potential Savings.
What could Amendment 3 mean for your Florida property taxes? If approved on November 3, 2026, the measure would increase the homestead exemption for certain non-school property taxes and reduce assessment caps for non-homesteaded property beginning in 2027. Click here to learn more about Florida Property Taxes and here to learn more about the proposed changes and explore what they could mean for your potential savings.
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Riddles...
Q: How many Friday the 13ths can there be in one calendar year?
A: ˙ɹǝqɯǝʌoN uı sı ɹɐǝʎ sıɥʇ ǝuo pɹıɥʇ ǝɥʇ pu∀ ˙ǝǝɹɥ⊥
While we're on the subject of Friday's...
Q: A cowboy rides into town on Friday. He stays three days, then rides out of town on Friday. How?
A: ˙ʎɐpıɹℲ pǝɯɐu sı ǝsɹoɥ sıH
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As we celebrate our 78th year, we are especially grateful to the generations of clients, friends, neighbors and families who have placed their trust in AMAC | Alex MacWilliam Real Estate.
For nearly eight decades, our family of compassionate professionals has remained committed to the values that have guided us from the beginning: trusted expertise, genuine relationships, community, and a deep connection to the place we call home.
Thank you for sharing your experience as one of our treasured clients. Your confidence, referrals and kind words allow us to continue serving you, and welcoming your friends and family, with the same personalized care and neighborly spirit that have defined AMAC for generations.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our story, our community, and allowing us to welcome you to...
“Our Neighborhood, Your Home.℠”
Click here to view our current listings.
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How AMAC | Alex MacWilliam Real Estate Came to Be...
The MacWilliam family history in Vero Beach is a deep-rooted one, beginning in 1919 when Alex MacWilliam, Sr. moved here, after serving in World War I. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 25, 1891, his parents and grandparents were landscape architects. When the family immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1909, he was 18 years old. Read More
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