TOURISM
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Joan Ascher had originally used the addition behind her house for longterm
rentals but switched to vacation rentals this year.
PELICAN’S NEST IN JENSEN BEACH
Joan Ascher had a long-term rental property attached to
her home for years but decided to switch to vacation rentals
this year and says, “It has been delightful!” A people person,
Ascher enjoys meeting new people with her Airbnb on a quiet
dead-end street. “I love interacting with people and hearing
their stories,” she says.
At one time, Ascher had considered operating a bed and
breakfast somewhere but says, “You have to be married to
it, there all the time.” Vacation rentals provide income while
maintaining more freedom. Ascher’s son and daughter-inlaw
renovated the one-bedroom apartment, taking out a large
closet to make more room for a king-size bed and adding a
vanity in the bathroom. “Pelican’s Nest,” first offered in July
2019, has received good reviews from guests, perhaps because
of Ascher’s high standards.
To potential hosts, she says, “You need to be there, know
your area and make suggestions about places of interest. Everything
should be immaculate. Pricing needs to be fair. And
be flexible!”
REGULATIONS FOR RENTALS
There’s a balancing act at both state and local levels: protecting
the rights of property owners while protecting the
rights of neighbors and businesses. On the Treasure Coast,
each county has extensive — sometimes differing — requirements.
About five years ago, “when the world began to
discover Airbnb,” Powell says that some towns embraced the
idea; others balked. “Still others said, ‘Now that this exists,
how can we be fair?’”
One hot button: special events. Renting a huge home for >>
Comfort Crisis?
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