I am so blessed to see how everyone involved worked together, sacrificing time and money, to bring about such a tremendous work to protect the coral and environmental issues of the Keys. I hope the winner of this HGTV Dream Home truly appreciates the care each person involved has taken to produce a work of art by maintaining the beauty and keeping the environmental spirit that is so prevalent in the Keys and to us who value it.

I was holding my breath, but Im starting to exhale as I see you taking every precaution, no matter the cost. GREAT JOB!

Thank you! =>

Awesome job!! I'm very impressed that you all went through the process of saving the corals. And I'm also glad to hear that the dock work is in progress. At least those working in the water can get some relief from the hot hot heat!!!!

I haven't run into any difficulties because I haven't encountered the luxury of building a new home.

If money weren't an object, I would discuss the challenges as I was faced with them. I supose some of these challenges could be avoided prior to building by discussing some of the issues that may pose a problem prior to planning.

I commend you on your decision to move the coral, although it may have been more cost effective if the dock were placed either to the right or left more. I'm by far an expert on this subject and I'm sure that the esthetic of the dock needs to be properly situated.

The coral will recover fine in its new home. Much like humans, we are asked to relocate when a new highway or renovation is built.

Thank you for working with the environment there in the Keys. It is beautiful there and they want to stay that way. Coral is so beautiful and is being damaged or distroyed all the time. It is nice to know, even though it put a cramp in the plans that they could come up with a compromise and work with it. Again, thank you for all you do.

DearJack and HGTV,
Thanks for posting the new construction photos of DH08! I'm thrilled to see that the floor plans will be posted soon! Way to keep us interested and checking the website daily!! I can't wait until January 1 to place my first entry! Unfortunately, I was out of town the week of July16 and didn't get to see the designs for the master suite. Will someone please describe the choices to me and elaborate on your favorite? Thanks,fellow bloggers! Keep dreamin!

absolutely awesome...fellow Floridian builders
should take notes...and follow, since they obviously can't lead in environmental areas as this team has done...hgtv wins again...just another FL native...mm

could this be built in south carolina, price per sq ft.I lived in south florida for 30 yrs 65-95 then to tallahassee until 1999 then moved greenwood in 1999.thanks nick

thank you! My wife and I have enjoyed many weekends thru the summer for years, snorkling in the Keys and really appreciate that you are taking these steps to preserve the envioronment for us and our future families. You should be commended publicly.
Art Westergren, Fort Lauderdale Florida

It is best to live in harmony with nature. I also hope that this new dream home is being built to withstand the fury of nature too. I think the efforts to not disturb the corals are wonderful and truly noble human behaviors.
Jayne

I'm so glad you did the right thing. It makes me proud to be a part of HGTV knowing that when it comes to making the real life choices you will choose to do what is necessary what is necessarilly easy!
You rock HGTV! (Long live the coral)

I'm gonna love to be able to walk this dock!!

Amazing Jack!

I am so happy to see the new location! My husband and I were married in Islamarada august 24, 1995. we have visited the Keys and enjoyed their beautiful habitat and nature. We are thrilled that you are taking such care of the environment and that the Dream Home location is there. That is paradise!
Good luck and we'll be watching and enjoying this one!
Paula Everts

It is really great to see information and construction progress on DH08. I am especially pleased that enviroment is being protected and extra effort to ensure its natural beauty remains pristine.

The question that I have is since this area may experience tropical storms and hurricanes what is being done to ensure the DH08 project is structurally sound and survives these types of severe weather events? Explain if there are any special building codes, such as FEMA guidelines, that are being incorporated.

Thank you.
- John

Strange, you didn't mention the sea grass which is also endangered and is more apt to be an environmental issue for the location of the dock in question. In all my years working here in the Keys I have NEVER heard of coral being a problem in constructing a dock. All docks I have been involved with here have to be approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is hardest and longest to gain this approval, now taking about 2 years in processing. You did not mention this approval. The Corps is most concerned with light transmission to allow the sea grass to grow. There are precious few corals on the bayside where the house is located. All docks here now require concrete piling to prevent chemical leeching and open grating for decking to allow light transmittal. This method meets the Corps requirements (SAJ82) without a "fight". But coral as an issue on the bayside? Go on!

WE in Northwest Arkansas would like for you to look at our area for a Dream Home site. Beautiful Lakes and Mountains lots of recreation areas to see. Phyllis Griffin

Everything looks great so far are there going to be storm shutters. The House is sturdy made out of concrete/siding but the storms are so devastating you people known that the location and with the amount of money that was spent it maybe out of harms way. I Hope?

I forgot to say hello to the lucky man JACK and the yep I hope your doin fine with this heat wave it most certainly beats the snow. The bones seem to work alot easier in the heat. You do have the knack for picture perfect and that includes you.

Dream Home 2008 is looking good , can`t wait to see floor plans , I can just picture the view looking out the master bed room over looking the gulf , beautiful, we live in Fl. and go to Islamorada , for long week ends , a friend has a house there and I would love to live there ,since I`am retired , what a great place to retire. guys are doing a great job,

Hi everyone,Thanks so much all of you for taking the time to do what is right.God bliss all of you.

sturdy hurricane protection is a must looks like you covered the bases

What structural means and ideas came into play with the Dream Home 2007 being that so many Hurricanes come through that area?

What is the square footage of this unbelievable home and how many rooms?

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Sullivan

Thank you one and all for building such a beautiful home, maybe it might be my year to win. In my old Navy days I've spent many an hour sipping drinks at was called the Half-way House on Islamarada before continuing the drive in Key West. Now in my golden years it would be great to return and live out my remaining years in paradise. Al

i don't think its EVER been 102 degrees in the keys....or ANYWHERE in florida for that matter.

and where are the hurricane shutters?
at least they could have used bahama type hurricane shutters to afford some protection against the inevitable storms, hopefully not a hurricane

I never seen any coarl up close, I can say what I have seen on T.V. and was simple beautful , but to see it in person it would be wondful.And to win in 08 Dream Home, what a blessing that would be.I can always dream. without a dream where would I be. Thanks

Congrats, this DH08 is a real Dream come true.
THis is my Dream Home.
Every little feature in the home is out of site.
And the view, is celestial. It is a God inspired
Home.
Thank you for the care that you have taken to protect the environment.
Alb.