My Brother’s Workshop Launches ‘Double the Hope’ Fundraising Campaign

My Brother’s Workshop Launches ‘Double the Hope’ Fundraising Campaign

In response to a 50% cut in government funding, My Brother’s Workshop has launched the “Double the Hope” campaign with a $25,000 matching pledge, aiming to sustain vital programs that serve at-risk youth across the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the VI Consortium, the campaign offers donors a chance to double the impact of their contributions thanks to a generous matching pledge from the Anasetti Family, who will match all donations up to $25,000 through August 30. Every dollar raised during this window will be matched, giving My Brother’s Workshop the opportunity to continue delivering holistic services to the youth it serves.

According to the St Croix Source, the organization currently serves 41 young people, both male and female, ages 16 to 24, by teaching valuable skills in construction, woodworking, agriculture, and culinary arts. The workshop focuses on building real-world experience that trainees can carry into the job market through the program’s job placement efforts.and has the capacity

The Vi Consortium said My Brother’s Workshop can reach more than 200 with sufficient funding and the organization’s model has proven economic and social benefits. According to federal data, programs like My Brother’s Workshop can save communities millions of dollars per participant by reducing rates of crime, poverty, and unemployment. Read the full Vi Consortium article here and the St Croix Source article here about the proven program.

If you are interested in donating to My Brother’s Workshop and help meet their $50,000 goal go to the organization’s page: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/705654/donate. The matching pledge (up to $25,000) runs through August 30.

Photo courtesy of VI Consortium

St Croix Properties with Patios, Galleries, and Decks Add Value

St Croix Properties with Patios, Galleries, and Decks Add Value

Maximizing the indoor-outdoor living experience is desirable on St. Croix. Homes and condos with inviting and comfortable galleries and patios are very desirable and useful in a tropical climate. We love outdoor living spaces especially if they offer a cozy relaxing sitting area and some shade! Our galleries, patios, and pool decks are outdoor extensions of our living space. Because of the temperate climate, be sure to think about creating wonderful outdoor spaces. You’ll want enough space for you to relax and enjoy the view and breezes, plus space to entertain your friends and family.

If you are looking to buy a property on St Croix, think about what you enjoy. Consider the features which suit the needs of your lifestyle now, and what you see in the future. Partially and fully shaded outdoor spaces may be a feature you will appreciate.

Here are some featured properties that offer indoor-outdoor living. If you are interested in one of our featured properties, please contact us. We would love to help you find your dream island home.

Mango Melee 2025 Festivities

Mango Melee 2025 Festivities

Mango Melee is one of our beloved food festivals on St Croix! It was amazing to see local vendors and some of our favorite non profits representing at this year’s event. The tropical fruit and mango festival took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. According to the St. Croix Source, crowds packed into the St. George Village Botanical Garden Sunday for the annual Mango Melee — an event that has become the garden’s largest fundraiser and a community favorite and full day of activities, food, and entertainment. More than 100 local vendors offered a wide array of crafts and cuisine. 

Environmental education was also part of the lineup, with the St. Croix Environmental Association sharing information on the role of bats in the local ecosystem. The Children’s Museum and Orchid Society also had booths, and the garden’s nursery featured a special selection of orchids for sale. We always look forward to the Botanical Garden’s nursery sales!

The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center offered puppy cuddles and adoption opportunities. Three adoptable puppies were at the booth, bringing smiles to visitors of all ages.

It would not be the Mango Melee without the famous mango eating contests! Crowd favorites, the children’s and adult mango eating contests had spectators cheering as contestants devoured fruit from large silver bowls. For the winners and more on the event, read the full St Croix Source article here.

Photos courtesy of St Croix Source, credit to Linda Morland

June 2025 St Croix Realtor Recap

June 2025 St Croix Realtor Recap

It’s Chris and Christie Powers, your St Croix Realtor team. We are happy to share the latest sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market. Here is few quick highlights about June’s data:

  • There were 20 new home listings and 17 homes sold. Both of these numbers are higher compared the same period last year.
  • There were 15 new condo listings. Although there were only 4 sold listings, the number of total condos sold year-to-date in 2025 is up 16% compared to same period a year ago.

Download the Coldwell Banker St Croix real estate market reports for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land to see all the details!

We are Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and have the experience and local knowledge to help you in every step of the process. We will help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. Whether you are searching for a starter home or a forever home, we will also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods. Let us help you find your dream home. Contact Chris and Christie! Luxury real estate, residential real estate, condominiums, and more — contact us here.

Click on links below to access the reports:

Homes & Condos – June 2025 Report

Homes – June 2025 Report

Condo – June 2025 Report

Land – June 2025 Report

Note: The average sales price and the average days on market could be skewed greatly by only one sale or because of the small number of sales

Hot Start for USVI Tourism in 2025

Hot Start for USVI Tourism in 2025

As we reach the reach the half year mark, the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department is reporting strong performance across key sectors — including airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global visibility — as the territory continues to establish itself as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destinations according to the St. Croix Source.

2024 was a record-breaking year in tourism for the USVI and we are excited! 2025 is showing strong mid-year results with increases in air travelers, cruise passenger arrivals and more. For example, the Source reported that air service to the territory continues to expand, with daily nonstop flights now operating between Dallas and St. Thomas. St. Croix will receive new nonstop flights from Chicago later this year. The new American Airlines service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport is scheduled to begin December 6 and will operate on Saturdays, bringing travelers from the midwest to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix.

Read more on St Croix Source here and on Travel Pulse here.