Rue & Ziffra Firm to Sponsor Float in Port Orange Christmas Parade and Serve as Drop-off for Toys for Tots

PORT ORANGE – In addition to marching bands, clowns and cheerleaders, this year’s Port Orange Christmas Parade from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 will feature a float sponsored by the law firm of Rue & Ziffra.

With the theme of “Christmas Around the World” the parade is sure to get the thousands of onlookers who wait patiently along Dunlawton Boulevard each year into the holiday spirit, according to Shane Snipes, the firm’s promotions/advertising director.

The Rue & Ziffra float will feature 10 employees who also helped build the entry. It will join more than 30 other floats, as well as members of community groups, churches, local clubs, schools and businesses who participate in the annual event.

The float, which will include a collection box for toys donated to Toys for Tots, will pass in front of Rue & Ziffra’s Port Orange office on Dunlawton, where other employees will be busy cooking and serving free hot dogs, hamburgers and other foods.
Toys for Tots collection boxes also are set up at the firm’s offices in Port Orange and Orange City, Snipes said.

Last year, the firm collected enough toys for the program to fill three full-size trucks, he said. This year, they hope to exceed that amount.
For details, call 386-788-7700.

About Rue & Ziffra:
Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of eight attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange and Orange City.

For more information about this release, please contact:
Allan L. Ziffra, President, Rue & Ziffra, 386-788-7700 or allanz@rueziffra.com

Shane Snipes, Promotions/Advertising Director, Rue & Ziffra, 386-788-7700 or shanes@rueziffra.com

Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-532-8862, 407-644-4142 or chagervandyke@yahoo.com

Osceola School Board Awards Rhodes+Brito Architects Continuing Services Contract

ORLANDO, Fla. – The School District of Osceola County recently awarded Rhodes+Brito Architects a contract to provide continuing services in 2009-2010 worth up to $2 million.
Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said the continuing services contract means the award winning architectural firm can be called on at any time to work on a variety of projects during the term.

For more information contact:
Ruffin Rhodes, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 ruffin@rbarchitects.com
Maximiano Brito, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 max@rbarchitects.com
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407-644-4142 (fax: 4410)

NAI Realvest negotiates $1.6 Million sale of 48,592 square foot industrial building in Daytona Beach

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the 48,592 square foot industrial facility located at 1870 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach for $1,600,000.00.

Robert Blackwell, SIOR principal at NAI Realvest, associates Sean DuPree, CCIM and Jim Murr negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company.

Blackwell, DuPree and Murr teamed up with Chris Pacheco of Albuquerque-based NAI The Vaughn Group in the negotiations on behalf of the seller.

The buyer is Juno AO Real Estate LLC of New York, N.Y.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

For more information contact:
Robert Blackwell, SIOR or Sean Dupree, CCIM or Jim Murr at NAI Realvest 407-875-9989; rblackwell@realvest.com, sdupree@realvest.com or jmurr@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, Chief Operating Officer, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Beazer Homes Starts Development of 36 New Home Sites at Sawgrass in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has started development of 36 new 50 and 70-foot home sites at Sawgrass, off Weatherbee Rd. between S. Orange Ave. and Boggy Creek Rd. in southeast Orlando.

David Byrnes, Beazer Homes’ Florida division president, said new three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes at Sawgrass will include Beazer’s new eSMART features that increase energy, water efficiency and indoor air quality, and will range in size from 1,400 to 3,300 square feet of living space priced from the $170s.

Byrnes said Beazer Homes will start construction of a new model home at Sawgrass in January. The Newberry II model home will offer 3,300 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage.

Beazer only builds high performance homes engineered for energy efficiency, cost savings, and comfort. Its high performance homes are called eSMART. Homeowners can save money, conserve energy, improve indoor air quality and lower ongoing costs of home ownership with a Beazer eSMART home.

For more information, contact:
David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com;
Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes /Florida Division 407-339-4114; ttilton@beazer.com;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142
About Beazer Homes:Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange will double U.S. Tax Credit for qualified new home buyers

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange, voted one of America’s 100 best master planned communities by readers of Where to Retire magazine, announced it will double the U.S. Tax Credit for qualified home buyers through the end of the year.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., which is developing the Villages of Royal Palm, said through Dec. 31 the Villages of Royal Palm will double the $8,000 U.S. Tax credit available for first-time home buyers or the new $6,500 Federal Tax credit available to qualified move-up homebuyers.

Schwartz said five new single-family homes at the Villages of Royal Palm qualify for either tax credit now and are ready for immediate move-in.

The Villages of Royal Palm offers villa homes priced from the $160s and single family homes priced from the $200s

Schwartz said 100 new homes remain for sale.

For more information about this press release, contact:
Winston Schwartz, President, Winston-James Development, Inc. Beville Rd., South Daytona, Fla. 32119; 386-760-2555;

James Adley, Principal, Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555;

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

Cuhaci & Peterson Hired to Re-design exterior of Old Publix Grocery Store in Winter Garden

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, has been awarded a contract to design the exterior renovation of an old grocery store building that was formerly a Publix supermarket at Winter Garden Center located off South Park and SR 50 in Winter Garden.

The developer of the 50,000 square foot facility is Barron Realty, Inc., according to Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC.

For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Beazer Homes will start pre-selling new town homes in December at Hampton Lakes in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – Beazer Homes will start pre-selling new town homes at its Hampton Lakes community located on Race Track Road and Country Way Blvd. in Tampa in December.

Kareyann Rhodes, sales manager for Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said 68 two and three bedroom town homes with two-car garages and private rear courtyard will be offered.

The town homes at Hampton Lakes, which include Beazer’s new eSMART features that increase energy, water efficiency and indoor air quality, will range from 1,300 square feet of living space to 1,850 square feet, and are priced from the mid-$100s, Rhodes said.

New models will be featured and ready-to-move-in town homes will be available in the first seven-unit building, which is expected to begin construction in early January at Hampton Lakes.
For more information, contact:
Karey Rhodes, Sales Manager, Beazer Homes/Tampa 813-663-9002 Krhodes@beazer.com;

David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com;
Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes /Florida Division 407-339-4114; ttilton@beazer.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Negotiates Sublease for 16,160 Square Feet of Warehouse Space for a Family Fun Center in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida which is associated with 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, recently negotiated a sublease agreement for 16,160 square feet of surplus warehouse space located at 622-624 Ware Blvd. in Tampa.

Chuck Bohac, vice president with the Industrial & Land Services Group at Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, negotiated the transaction representing the sublessee, Xtreme World Fun Center, LLC based in Orlando. The family entertainment center will be equipped to accommodate birthday parties and other groups with full indoor trampolines when it opens in the first quarter of 2010.

The sublandlord is Third Dunkin’ Donuts Realty, LLC based in Canton, Mass.

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:
Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace. Visit www.commercialfl.com.

About Grubb & Ellis:
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Contacts:
Chuck Bohac 813-639-1111
Jeff Sweeney, President 407-481-5387
Larry Vershel 407-644-4142

NAI Realvest negotiates five-year renewal lease for 52,590 square feet of industrial space at Crossroads Business Park in South Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently completed a five-year renewal agreement for 52,590 square feet of industrial space at Crossroads Business Park located on Gills Drive off W. Landstreet Rd. in south Orlando.

Robert Blackwell, SIOR principal at the firm, associates Sean DuPree, CCIM and Jim Murr negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Ace World Wide Moving & Storage Co., Inc. The leased space consists of 40,140 square feet in Suite 400 at 1125 Gills Drive and 12,450 square feet in suite 500 at 1075 Gills Drive at the industrial park.

The landlord, CRP-2 Crossroads, LLC, was represented by Matt Sullivan and Wilson McDowell of Colliers Arnold.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

For more information contact:
Robert Blackwell, SIOR or Sean Dupree, CCIM or Jim Murr at NAI Realvest 407-875-9989; rblackwell@realvest.com, sdupree@realvest.com or jmurr@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, Chief Operating Officer, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Appoints John Kappeler Purchasing Systems Manager

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida division, which builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $100s to more than $400,000 throughout Central Florida, recently appointed John Kappeler purchasing systems manager.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida division, said Kappeler has more than 10 years of experience as a home building executive and formerly served as purchasing systems analyst at Kimball Hill Homes in Tampa.

“John Kappeler is a high knowledgeable home building executive who will play a key role in our continued growth in the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Space Coast regions,” said Metheny.

Lennar’s Central Florida Division builds in more than 30 communities throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Lake, Polk, Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Brevard counties.

For More Information About This Press Release:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Central Florida, 888-317-7489
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Ride Green Scooters a Big Hit at UCF Housing Fair

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ride Green Scooters of Winter Park---the new venture by Orlando entrepreneur Ron Schwartz that markets fuel-efficient scooters priced from under $1,000 rated at 75-110 miles per gallon---was a big hit at the University of Central Florida Housing Fair on the east Orlando campus recently.

“About 3,000 students attended the Housing Fair and at least 1,000 of them visited our exhibit,” Schwartz said.

Located on Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park, Ride Green Scooters has recently received two new 2010 models adding to its Jonway and Shenke motor scooter inventory. Both are made in China.

“We are one of the first dealers to import these two new models in the Orlando region and they are selling well,” said Brian Schwartz, managing partner. Both scooters offer versions that range from 50-cc to 250-cc and feature upgraded suspensions and disc brakes.

“For more than half the world’s population, these energy-efficient vehicles are the principal means of transportation,” said Schwartz. “Most UCF students see them as an ideal solution to the on-campus parking shortage,” he added.

Ride Green Scooters offers a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week road service program for all participating scooter owners and expert scooter maintenance and repair on all models is available at the Ride Green Scooters Showroom and Garage at 671 W. Fairbanks.

* * *
For more information, contact:
Ron Schwartz, Principal, Ride Green Scooters 407-342-3648 (direct)
Brian Schwartz, Principal, Ride Green Scooters 407 467-3214
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

ABD Development Company offers smaller, smarter custom built homes at Heritage Green in Providence

ORLANDO, Fla. --- With the challenging economic times, ABD Development Company is now offering four smaller, smarter custom built single-family homes at Heritage Green at Providence Golf & Country Club off U.S. 17-92 and CR 532 in Davenport in Polk County.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said the recently designed homes that focus on smaller but smarter design and energy efficiency range from 2,400 square feet and are priced from under $400,000.

For information call 863-427-7528 or visit www.providenceFlorida.com.

* * *
For more information contact:
Alene Raskin, Marketing Manager, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to design three new retail facilities at The Villages in Lady Lake

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded contracts to design interiors for three retail facilities at Village Crossroads retail center at The Villages in Lady Lake.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the facilities include a Dollar Tree Store, Fantastic Sam’s Hair Salon and Casablanca Restaurant.

The three facilities total 15,000 square feet of retail space, Peterson said.

Developer Benchmark Properties awarded the contract.
* * *
For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Emerson International Negotiates Office Lease for 15,000 Square Feet at CenterPointe I in Altamonte Springs with Crump Insurance Services of Florida

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 15,000 square feet of Class A office space at CenterPointe I, located at 240 E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs.

Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio manager at Emerson International, negotiated the lease agreement with the new tenant, Crump Insurance Services of Florida, on the landlord’s behalf.
Steve Andrews with Fischer & Company and Matthew Mckeever with Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant.

Crump Insurance Services of Florida is a property and casualty insurance wholesaler.

For more information contact
Eric J. Emerson, Vice President and General Manager Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560; ejemerson@emerson-us.com;

Kenneth Koch, Commercial Portfolio Manager, Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contracts to design renovations for Sweetbay Supermarkets in Sarasota, St. Petersburg and S. Pasadena

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, which ranks as one of the largest commercial architectural firms in the southeast, was recently awarded contracts to design renovations for Sweetbay grocery store facilities in Sarasota, St. Petersburg and South Pasadena.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said all three facilities measure 35,000 square feet of retail space.

* * *
For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Beazer Homes Opens Third Phase with 79 Home Sites at Dupree Lakes in Land O’Lakes

TAMPA, Fla. – Beazer Homes has opened a third phase with 79 new single-family home sites at Dupree Lakes, located off Ehren’s Cutoff and S.R. 41 in Land O’Lakes.

David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes in Florida, said new three, four and five-bedroom homes in the new third phase at Dupree Lakes will include Beazer’s new eSMART features that increase energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality, and will be priced from $189,900
Dupree Lakes features a community clubhouse with resort-style swimming pool, soccer field, basketball and tennis courts and walking trails.

For more information, contact:
Karey Rhodes, Sales Manager, Beazer Homes/Tampa 813-663-9002 Krhodes@beazer.com;

David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com;
Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes /Florida Division 407-339-4114; ttilton@beazer.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142.

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design Pizza Hut Restaurant facilities in Georgia, South Carolina

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design two Pizza Hut restaurant facilities in Baxley, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina.

Jed Downs, president of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Yum Brands, Inc., the Louisville, Ky. Company that owns the Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell and Long John Silver’s brands and ranks as the largest restaurant company in the world, awarded the contracts.

Both restaurant facilities will total 1,200 square feet of space, Downs said.
* * *
For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Data Transfer Solutions Named Gold Certified Solutions Partner by Kentico Software

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Data Transfer Solutions, LLC, the Downtown Avalon Park-based firm that provides GIS, transportation planning and engineering, asset management, web design, database applications and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S., has been named a Gold Certified Solutions Partner by Kentico Software, named the fastest growing young technology company in the Deloitte FAST 50 Rising Stars last year.

Kentico, based in Brno, Czech Republic, designed a state-of-the-art content management system (CMS) that ranks as one of the most efficient platforms for large-scale, fully-dynamic web portals that meet the needs of government agencies and corporations, said A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, Chief Operating Officer at Data Transfer Solutions.

Data Transfer Solutions, LLC (DTS), recently launched a unique environmental web site for Park City, Utah, (www.parkcitygreen.org) that currently ranks as one of three international finalists in the running for Kentico’s prestigious Site of the Year 2009 Award, voted on by more than 2,000 Kentico users in 74 countries worldwide.

“Kentico’s powerful content management system will likely rank as the leading platform for large-scale users such as government agencies and large corporations,” Fragala said. “Government’s effort to show greater transparency and to elicit the participation of more citizens converges with Kentico’s adaptability and user-friendly interfaces,” Fragala said.
* * *
For more information, contact:
A.M. “Trey” Fragala, III, AICP, Chief Operating Officer, Data Transfer Solutions, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, 32828; 407-382-5222; tfragala@edats.com

Jade Winfrey, Marketing Coordinator, Data Transfer Solutions, 407-382-5222; jwinfrey@edats.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

New Stimulus Effort Should Focus on Small Business, Business Incubators, Economic Gardening, says Incubation Expert

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The next step in stimulating the national economy’s recovery from the worst recession since World War II should focus on small business, business incubators and economic gardening, said Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and executive director of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

“Most of the net new jobs in the U.S. are created by a relatively small number of small businesses,” Dr. O’Neal said.

“A stimulus package that targets small companies and support programs such as qualified business incubators and economic gardening efforts, would likely generate a substantially higher return on investment than other efforts that target the nation’s economic recovery,” Dr. O’Neal said.

Dr. O’Neal said that while current stimulus programs have shored up the nation’s financial system, investment capital programs targeting small and expanding business that would generate growth and new jobs isn’t forthcoming.

“Something to stimulate investment in small business would be huge right now,” Dr. O’Neal said.
“Incubation programs and economic gardening is a good investment, but the well is dry right now for expansion capital. Many sound, promising new businesses are poised for growth and expansion, but they don’t have access to capital to fund that growth,” Dr. O’Neal explained.

“They’re successful but they’re stuck. We need something to free up the capital markets and get the investment capital flowing again,” he said.

Dr. O’Neal, who recently received the Regional Outstanding Resource Partner Award from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, said successful incubation programs help entrepreneurs shape promising business concepts into thriving enterprises that create new jobs and new revenues.

“We know how to identify startup enterprises with the highest chances of success, and we know how to accelerate their growth as sustainable companies,” O’Neal said.

“There is a lack in investment capital, and that’s where stimulus efforts could help the most,” he concludes.

For more information about this release contact:

Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com.

About the UCF Incubation Program:

Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Kinetic Analysis Corporation Awarded Major Contract from Willis RE to Assess Hurricane Damages

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Kinetic Analysis Corporation (KAC), with offices in east Orlando, was recently awarded a major contract by Willis RE to provide real-time analysis of hurricane threats and damage on property assets in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Willis RE is one of the world's premier global reinsurance brokers with more than $12.2 billion in U.S. insurance premiums.

Chuck Watson, chief operating officer of Kinetic Analysis Corp., said his company’s real-time analysis will help Willis RE measure the financial impact of weather events accurately and immediately.

“KAC seamlessly integrates global data collection, advanced numerical modeling, statistical analysis and GIS technology to focus on a wide range of issues that concern government agencies and private sector investors,” Watson explained.

KAC incorporates a wide range of data resources, including remote sensing from orbital platforms developed by NASA and other agencies, automated weather stations, data from ships and aircraft, and economic and news reports, integrated in real time.

Kinetic Analysis Corporation’s clients include commercial weather services, catastrophic risk underwriters, national and state emergency management agencies, international development financing agencies and commodities traders.

Kinetic Analysis Corporation is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program with offices in the Central Florida Research Park and Silver Springs, Md. KAC is an industry partner with UCF through their work with Dr. Mark Johnson, a renowned professor of statistics.

Contacts:
Chuck Watson, Chief Operating Officer, Kinetic Analysis Corp. 912-398-9753; cwatson@kinanco.com;

Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Mattamy Homes Acquires 43 Home Sites at Durbin Crossing in South Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, recently acquired 43 new single-family home sites at Durbin Crossing, located in south Jacksonville off I-195 and Racetrack Road.

Dennis Ginder, division president for Mattamy Homes U.S. Group in Jacksonville, said Mattamy will start construction in December of five ready-to-move-in single-family homes ranging from 1,600 to 2,900 square feet of living space, priced from the $180s which are now available to purchase.

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group will also introduce its new Innovations Series of designer homes at Durbin Crossing, and will start construction in January of a model in the new series. The two-story home, with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths an oversized second-level loft in 2,715 square feet of living area, will be priced from the $230s, Ginder said.

For more information contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes U.S. Group-Jacksonville 904-279-9502
Dennis Ginder, Division President Mattamy Homes U.S. Group-Jacksonville 904-279-9500
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

Longtime Area Property Broker Maury L. Carter, Sr. Inducted into University of Florida’s Real Estate Hall Of Fame

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Longtime Central Florida property broker Maury L. Carter Sr. was inducted into the University of Florida’s Real Estate Hall of Fame recently in recognition of his lifetime achievement in the real estate industry and contributions to the University of Florida’s Real Estate program. The award was presented by John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast.

Photo (Left to Right) Dr. Wayne Archer, professor MSRE program at UF, Maury L. Carter Sr., Halbert C. Smith, ret. professor UF Graduate School of Business, Dr. David Ling, professor MSRE program at UF.

For more information, contact:
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com;

Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581- 6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com;

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com.

About Crossman & Company:

Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit http://www.crossmanco.com/, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group to Start Construction of 11 new City Homes at Baldwin Park City Homes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, will start construction of 11 new homes in December at City Homes at Baldwin Park located on Meeting Place in Baldwin Park off Corrine Drive and Bennett Road near downtown Orlando.

Steven Parker, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group (www.mattamyhomes.com), said the three-bedroom city homes will range in size from 2,003 square feet of living space to 2,283 square feet.

Three-story City Homes at Baldwin Park, in five distinctive floor plans, are priced from the mid-$200s.

For more information, contact:
Steve Parker, President Mattamy Homes U.S. Group 407-599-9994
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group:
Mattamy Homes www.mattamyhomes.com expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Orlando, Jacksonville Phoenix, Minneapolis and Charlotte. The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida negotiates long-term lease agreement for 37,175 square feet at Tampa multi-tenant facility

TAMPA, Fla. – Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida’s, associated with 130 offices worldwide, recently negotiated a long-term lease agreement for 37,175 square feet of office/warehouse flex space at 8800 Adamo Drive just east of downtown Tampa.

Mia Jarrell, vice president of the Office Group at Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, negotiated the transaction representing the new tenant, Non Stop Digital Services South, LLC. Non Stop Digital specializes in sales, service and custom manufacture of broadband products for the industrial and retail industries, and is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz.

The landlord at the 379,834 square foot multi-tenant facility is Exeter Property Group, based in Plymouth Meeting, Penn.

# # #

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:
Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace. Visit www.commercialfl.com.

About Grubb & Ellis:
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Contacts:
Mia Jarrell 813-639-1111
Jeffrey Sweeney 407-481-5387
Larry Vershel 407-644-4142

New Name, New Partner, New Menu Proves Winning Combination for Mia Bella Scalini Family Restaurant

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A new name and a new partner---well known Italian restaurateur Donato Masrontoni---and a new family-style Italian menu has proved the winning combination for Mia Bella Scalini Family Restaurant in the Grand Oaks Village Shopping Center at 5106 Dr. Phillips Blvd. near Windermere in southwest Orlando.

Principal Ron Schwartz said sales have tripled since Donato Masrontoni joined the restaurant team and instituted a new family menu that includes pastas, chicken, veal and shrimp entrees, salads and sub sandwiches, along with Scalini’s classic and gluten-free pizzas.

“We’ve added wine by the glass, but Donato’s name and reputation have proved the biggest boost,” said Schwartz.

Masrontoni formerly operated an Italian restaurant in the same Grand Oaks Village location before relocating his Mia Bella Italian Restaurant to 11801 W. Colonial Dr. in Ocoee.

“Donato Masrontoni is well known and loved as an innovative restaurateur whose eye for quality is unmatched,” Schwartz said. “Mia Bella's Scalini Family Restaurant now has all the resources it needs to emerge as the best small Italian restaurant in the southwest Orlando area,” Schwartz said.

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For more information, please contact:
Scalini’s Pizza and Pasta, 407-291-9349, info@scalinispizza.com
Ron Schwartz, Owner, Scalini’s Pizza and Pasta, 407-342-3648
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-461-3780 or 644-4142

Sanford Airport Authority Solicits Bids to Build 44,000 Square Foot Tension Membrane Hangar and Attached Office/Maintenance Shop

SANFORD, Fla. --- Orlando Sanford International Airport is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to build a new 44,000 square foot tension membrane hangar and an attached 5,040 square foot office and 4000 square foot maintenance shop.

Diane Crews, vice president of administration at Orlando Sanford International Airport, said the airport is developing the hangar space to accommodate Avocet Capital LLC, which relocated its facilities from Opa-Locka Airport to Orlando Sanford International Airport in May. According to Crews, Avocet plans to employ more than 150 employees at the newly constructed facility.
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For more information contact:
Diane Crews, VP of Administration, Sanford Airport Authority, 407-585-40021
Larry Dale, President, Sanford Airport Authority; 407-585-4002
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Plainvue Software, Inc. Offers Custom Learning Games for Publishers, Virtual Schools and Digital Texts

ORLANDO, Fla., --- Plainvue Software, Inc., an independent video game studio based in Orlando, is expanding to offer publishers, virtual schools and digital text producers custom design of learning games for late elementary and middle school students.

Plainvue produces the Order of the Abacus™ series of video games available for download at the Apple iTunes Store for iPhone and iPod Touch. The game series is designed to sharpen the math skills of late elementary and middle school students. Recent releases include Fraction's Kitchen™ which reinforces pre-algebra topics, quantities and manipulation of fractions, Chainshooter™ which teaches math orders of operations, and Fortune's Prime™ which teaches prime numbers.

Daniel Roy, chief executive officer of Plainvue Software, Inc., said educators and artists can create custom games, animations and other digital learning media for virtual classrooms and digital textbooks.

The Order of the Abacus™ game series was developed for iPhone and iPod Touch platforms, Roy said. Plainvue has also developed games and prototypes for Adobe Flash player and can rapidly transpose its games to all platforms supported by the Torque game engine.
Plainvue's Order of the Abacus™ series of games explore pre-algebra math concepts through play, in order to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the underlying abstract concepts in mathematical thinking, Roy said.

“Digital kids---children raised after the advent of the Internet---identify with virtual representations which interact to achieve specific learning goals. Plainvue's games offer the interactivity and engagement digital kids crave while meeting standards-based learning objectives,” Roy said.

For more information about Plainvue’s Order of the Abacus™ games for late elementary and middle school students, visit www.orderoftheabacus.com.

Plainvue is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.

For more information, contact:
Daniel Roy, CEO, Plainvue Software, Inc., 407-277-2973, droy@plainvuesoftware.com

Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Sanford Airport Authority Re-Elects Geof Longstaff Chairman, New Secretary-Treasurer, New Vice-Chairman

SANFORD, Fla. --- The Sanford Airport Authority, which manages Orlando-Sanford International Airport, has re-elected Geof Longstaff to his fifth one-year term as chairman of the board of directors.

Longstaff is chairman of Mercantile Capital Corp. in Altamonte Springs, and is currently in his third term with the Airport Authority

Also elected was Tim Donihi, vice-chairman. Donihi, a real estate broker with Pilot Properties in Sanford, is in his second term on the board, and formerly served as secretary-treasurer. Bill Litton, a new member of the board, was elected secretary-treasurer. Litton is employed with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information contact:
Diane Crews, VP of Administration, Sanford Airport Authority, 407-322-7771
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Winston-James Development negotiates new lease agreement at Beville Road Business Park in South Daytona

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. --- Winston-James Development, Inc. recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,050 square feet of office/warehouse space at the Beville Road Business Park, located on Beville Rd. at SR 5A in South Daytona.

Joseph Schwartz, development coordinator for Winston-James Development, negotiated the lease agreement with Makotek, Inc. a prime contractor with Time-Warner Cable.

For more information, contact:
Winston Schwartz, President, Winston-James Development, Inc. Beville Rd., South Daytona, Fla. 32119; 386-760-2555

James Adley, Principal, Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

Paul Partyka, former Mayor of Winter Springs announces candidacy for Congress, Pledges to work for more “affordable” Healthcare

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- In his formal announcement for Congress, Paul Partyka, former mayor of Winter Springs, told a packed house at the Winter Springs-Oviedo Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon that he is a candidate for the District 24 congressional seat now held by Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach.

Partyka, a Democrat, will challenge Kosmas in the party primary in 2010.

Partyka told the audience at the chamber luncheon that he wants to work with Congress to help make a better living for our children and grandchildren.

“My principal goals will be to create jobs and establish job retraining programs for unemployed workers. I believe this is the greatest nation on earth, we can, we should and we will provide access to affordable health care for every citizen,” he said.

Partyka, a Ukrainian-Bulgarian, immigrated from Germany with his family as displaced people through Ellis Island in 1952. He grew up in Philadelphia, learned English and became a naturalized citizen in 1962.

The University of Norte Dame graduate is a former boxer and wrestling champion who ran the Boston Marathon in 1996.

He has been a steel worker, teacher, insurance agent and sales manager before earning his license as a Florida commercial real estate broker in 1999.

Partyka was elected mayor of Winter Springs in 1996 and again in 1999. He has been active in the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as president.

Ten years ago he joined NAI Realvest in Maitland, one of the region’s most active commercial property companies.

For the past two years he has served as managing partner of NAI Realvest.

For more information contact:
Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

Crossman & Company Intern Awarded Maury Carter Scholarship at University of Florida School of Real Estate

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashley Brown, an intern at Crossman & Company in Orlando was recently awarded the Maury Carter Scholarship to pursue her M.S. Degree in Real Estate at the University of Florida.

The annual scholarship award is provided by University of Florida alumnus Daryl Carter, president of Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc., one of the Central Florida region’s oldest and largest property brokers.

Carter, who serves on the University of Florida Real Estate Advisory Board, awarded the scholarship in honor of his father, Maury L. Carter Sr.
B
rown earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University.
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For more information, contact:
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581- 6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

About Crossman & Company:
Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group to Start Construction of Two Model Town Homes at Tuscany Place near Mall at Millennia

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, will start construction of two new model town homes in December at Tuscany Place, located on Millennia Blvd. and Florazante Avenue near the Mall at Millennia in southwest Orlando.

Steve Parker, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, said Mattamy Homes plans to build 114 new town homes at Tuscany Place and presales will start on Dec. 5.

New three bedroom town homes at Tuscany Place will range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 1,700 square feet with one and two-car garages priced from the $160s.

* * *
For more information, contact:
Steve Parker, President Mattamy Homes U.S. Group 407-599-9994
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group:
Mattamy Homes www.mattamyhomes.com expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Orlando, Jacksonville Phoenix, Minneapolis and Charlotte. The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.

OC Grant Consulting Offering Seminars for Those Interested in Attaining Non-Profit Status and Grant Funding

ORLANDO, Fla. – Olivette Carter, owner of OC Grant Consulting Associates in Orlando, has begun a series of Nonprofit Capacity-Building seminars on attaining non-profit status and grant funding.

The next session, “An Introduction to Grant Writing,” will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 5 at the Orlando Business Development Center Office, 3218 E. Colonial Drive Suite G.

OC Grant Consulting is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the OBDC site, one of the program’s six business incubators throughout metro Orlando.

Designed for executives, administrators, managers and other leaders of aspiring or new start-up grassroots organizations, the series kicked off recently with “How to Start a Non-Profit and Obtain 501(c)3 Status” seminar. Carter said that session will be repeated Jan. 9.

Additional Saturday seminars are: “Board Development for New Non-Profits,” Jan. 23; “Program Design and Planning,” Jan. 30; and “Volunteer Management,” Feb. 6. The December introduction to grant writing session will be repeated on Feb. 20.

Each seminar is $25.00. To register, go on-line at www.ocgrantconsulting.com or call 321-281-8346.

* * *
For more information about this release, please contact:
Olivette Carter, Owner, OC Grant Counseling, 321-281-8346 or ocgrants@obdc2.fdn.com

Melissa Wasserman, OBDC Site Manager, 407-281-8383, mwasserm@mail.ucf.eduGordon

Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1157; bizdev@mail.ucf.edu

Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-837-8780, 407-644-4142; Lvershelco@aol.com or chagervandyke@yahoo.com

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, City of Sanford and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Beazer Homes Acquires 68 Home Sites at Hampton Lakes in Tampa, Plans to start Construction of Neotraditional Town Homes priced from the $150s

TAMPA, Fla. --- Beazer Homes recently acquired 68 home sites at Hampton Lakes, located off Race Track Road and Country Way Blvd. in Tampa.

David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes in Florida, said Beazer will start construction of 68 neotraditional town homes at Hampton Lakes early next year.

Beazer will build town homes at Hampton Lakes that range from a two-bedroom, two-bath model with 1,300 square feet of living space---priced from the $150s---to a four-bedroom, two-bath unit with 1,850 square feet priced from $199,900.

Beazer Homes will start construction of the first seven-unit town home building in January, Byrnes said.

* * *
For more information contact:
Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes /Florida Division 407-339-4114; ttilton@beazer.com

David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

ABD Development Company Foresees Big Boost for Move-Up Home Buyers in $6,500 Federal Tax Credit

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The recently-enacted $6,500 U.S. federal tax credit for new home buyers includes a provision that particularly interests ABD Development Company in Orlando: though smaller than the incentive for first-time home buyers that ends Nov. 30, the new $6,500 tax credit is available to all home owners, even those who already own a home.

“The new tax credit incentive targets move-up buyers---young families who have outgrown their starter home or older adults whose children are grown and who want to down-size their lifestyle,” explained David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company.

ABD Development, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s largest custom home builders, is also the developer of Providence Golf & Country Club in Polk County.

ABD builds award-winning single-family homes priced from the $300s at Heritage Green at Providence that offer an excellent choice for move-up home buyers. Spacious, energy-efficient and designed for active family lifestyles, Heritage Green at Providence is the perfect move-up neighborhood, Kohn said.

ABD also builds distinctive luxury town homes priced from the $300s at Lakeside Villas at Providence.

“For active adults who want to spend more of their time enjoying their lifestyle, Lakeside Villas at Providence provides a unique environment,” Kohn said.

ABD also builds distinctive new three, four, five and six-bedroom family homes priced from the mid $300s at Windsor Landing at Wyndham Lakes Estates in south Orlando.

“Substantially reduced pricing, record low interest rates and now a $6,500 tax credit means the door is open for move-up home buyers to take advantage of what will likely be remembered as the best opportunity of our lifetimes,” Kohn said.

* * *
For more information contact:
Alene Raskin, Marketing Manager, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

NAI Realvest Negotiates Long-Term Lease of former Captain D’s Restaurant Facility on East Colonial in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a six-year lease agreement for the 2,500 square foot former Captain D’s restaurant facility at 10414 E. Colonial Drive in southeast Orlando.

Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail and investment services at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Nashville-based Captain D’s Restaurants/Sagittarius Brands, and the new tenant, The Grill.

Birdie provides various outsourced real estate services including sale-leaseback, leasing, brokerage and surplus site selection to Sagittarius Brands, the parent company for Captain D’s and Del Taco restaurants.
* * *
For more information, contact:
Mez Birdie, CCIM, Director/Retail & Investment Services NAI Realvest 407-875-9989, Mbirdie@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, President and COO NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, pmahoney@realvest.com

Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIrealvest.com.

Mattamy Homes opens first new Innovations model home with more outdoor living at Sevilla in St. Augustine

Mattamy Homes opens first new Innovations model home with 2,189 square feet of living space showcasing efficient design, more outdoor living at Sevilla in St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group (www.mattamyhomes.com), the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, recently unveiled the first model in its new Innovation Series of floor plans at Sevilla located in World Golf Village off World Commerce Parkway and International Golf Parkway in St. Augustine.

Dennis Ginder, division president of Mattamy Homes in Jacksonville, said the new two story Innovation Series Plan 4 model home at Sevilla offers 2,189 square feet of living space and a huge backyard.

The one and two story Innovations Series floorplans were designed by Mattamy’s architects in Canada and based on results of Mattamy U.S. Group’s extensive consumer research in northeast Florida, Ginder explained.

“Outdoor living areas, with enough backyard for a garden, play areas for the children or a swimming pool is the single most important feature homebuyers said they want in a new home,” Ginder said.

The Innovation Series Plan 4 model home offers three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and an oversized second floor loft, priced from the $190s.

Ginder said all Innovation Series floor plans were designed with room flexibility.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9502
Dennis Ginder, Division President Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9500
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Sabalcore Computing Inc. Wins One-Year Contract to Provide Online Cluster Computing Services to U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center

ORLANDO, Fla. - Sabalcore Computing, Inc., formerly known as Tsunamic Technologies, was recently awarded a one-year contract to provide high performance cluster computer services, system management and technical support to the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Geophysics Branch at China Lake, located in the northeast of California's Mojave Desert.

John Van Workum, president and chief executive officer of Sabalcore Computing, Inc., said Sabalcore will provide access to its high performance Linux cluster of computers over the Internet.

NAWCWD will utilize the cluster computer network to calculate atmospheric modeling applications, including the Navy’s Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS®), COAMPS On-scene (COAMP-OS®), and the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF), Van Workum said.

“Sabalcore’s cluster computing networks were specifically designed to provide the enormous volume of computing power such complex calculations require at a fraction of the cost of in-house servers,” Van Workum said.

Sabalcore’s cluster computing networks have played a key role in computer aided engineering, oil and gas exploration, weather modeling and prediction, genomics, helping communities predict the spread of infectious diseases, and modeling the benefits and effects of experimental pharmaceuticals.

Sabalcore is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.

For more information, contact:
John D. Van Workum, President Sabalcore Computing, Inc. 877-492-8027; John@sabalcore.com
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Beazer Homes Offers Special Incentives "Black Friday" at Five Orlando Area Communities

ORLANDO, Fla. – A special “Black Friday” Nov. 27 incentive is being offered by Beazer Homes in Orlando.

David Byrnes, Beazer Homes’ Florida division president, said for just one day only, anyone buying a Beazer home at five communities in the Orlando region will be given up to $2,000 in free appliances.

At the same time, the Federal Tax Credit for qualified new homebuyers at $8,000 and $6,500 for existing homebuyers is still available.

The special one-day incentive is being offered at Heritage Commons in Winter Springs off Dodd Rd. two miles west of the Greeneway (417); Legacy in Orlando overlooking Lake Jessamine off S. Orange and Holden Avenues; The Enclave at Moss Park in southeast Orlando off Moss Park Blvd. on Great Commission Way; Sawgrass, also in southeast Orlando off Weatherbee Rd. between S. Orange Ave. and Boggy Creek Road, and at Victoria Park Trails in DeLand off the West Volusia Beeline and Orange Camp Rd.

Beazer only builds high performance homes engineered for energy efficiency, cost savings, and comfort. Our high performance homes are called eSMART. Explore how you can save money, conserve energy, improve indoor air quality and lower your ongoing costs of homeownership with a new eSMART home today. Visit www.beazer.com.
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For more information, contact:
David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com

Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes /Florida Division 407-339-4114; ttilton@beazer.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

New River Township Wants SportPlex USA Facility, Will Finance Entire Project, Offers Pasco County Range of Options

Wesley Chapel, Fla. --- New River Township on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel wants to host the new Pasco County SportsPlex county commissioners plan to develop and New River Partners, LP has offered to partner with Pasco County to finance the project.

“We propose to develop a new Pasco County SportsPlex at New River Township,” said Eric Marks, senior vice president at New River Partners. “We have offered Pasco County Commissioners a wide range of partnership proposals to choose from, up to and including full financing of the project,” he explained.

“We wanted to give Pasco County the best range of options to consider. We believe a public-private partnership will give Pasco County the opportunity to leverage its tourist tax dollars to benefit the entire county,” Marks said.

New River is an 1,800 acre community that will include 4,800 traditional-style homes, condominiums and town homes, a pedestrian-friendly Town Center Park that will be home to a variety of commercial, retail and service opportunities along with stores, restaurants, daycare and a medical center.

Marks said the New River Township site offers Pasco County its best SportsPlex location, with easy access to State Road 54, Interstate 75, and State Road 301 and US 41.

“New River Township is centrally located with frontage on State Road 54 and access to all major roads in Pasco County,” said Marks.

New River Partners LP is part of Avalon Park Group of Orlando.

In East Orlando, Avalon Park Group has financed and built everything from football bleachers to road projects to entire schools.

“We are a soundly financed, conservatively run development company that takes the long view to community development,” Marks said. “New River Township is planned as a community that will raise generations, not just families,” he said.

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For more information contact:
Eric Marks, Senior Vice President, New River Partners LC/Avalon Park Group 407-658-6565; ericm@avalonparkgroup.com

Stephanie Hodson, Marketing Coordinator, New River Partners LC /Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565; Stephanie@avalonparkgroup.com

Beat Kahli, Owner/Founder, New River Partners LC/ Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Melrose-Sovereign Companies expected to open new office in Daytona Beach by first of the year

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Melrose-Sovereign Companies, the Orlando-based firm that ranks as one of the largest community management companies in the southeast, expects to open a new Daytona Beach office in the S.H. Kress & Company building at 140 S. Beach St. by the first of the year
Ellen Lumpkin, co-founder and partner at Melrose Sovereign Companies, said the new office is in good company. Neighbors in the S.H. Kress & Company building include the Daytona Beach Symphony Orchestra Society.

Jack Hanson, co-founder and partner at Melrose Sovereign Companies, said the building has an historic appeal. Constructed in 1925, the S.H. Kress & Company building is a Daytona Beach landmark that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Melrose-Sovereign Companies manages properties for more than 150 developers, investors and owners throughout Florida. The firm now has eight offices throughout the state.

For more information contact:
Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com

Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Beazer Homes Renews Lease in Maitland Center for Florida Division Headquarters

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has renewed its lease of the 14,713 square feet of Class A office space it occupies at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway. The Florida division headquarters office lease was renewed for five years and Craig Castor of Cresa Partners represented Beazer in the transaction. Emerson International is the landlord.

For more information contact:
David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design Remodel of Hannaford Supermarket in Hudson, N.H.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park was recently awarded a contract to design the exterior and interior renovations of a Hannaford Supermarket.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson, said the 35,000 square foot facility is located in Hudson, N.H., a bedroom community of the metropolitan Manchester area.

For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Mattamy Homes Offers Five-Year Deferred CDD Fees at Sevilla in St. Augustine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, is offering a five-year deferral on Homeowner Association CDD fees on selected lots and inventory at Sevilla, located in the World Golf Village off World Commerce Parkway and International Golf Parkway in St. Augustine.

Dennis Ginder, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group in Jacksonville, said monthly CDD fees, which pay for maintenance and upkeep of amenities including the community swimming pool, clubhouse and children’s water feature, basketball court and children’s playground, can add up to as much as $150.

“We are pleased that we can offer this incentive to help keep our customer’s monthly expenses low,” Ginder said.

New single-family homes at Sevilla priced from the $150s range in size from 1,450 square feet of living space to 2,960 square feet.

Only 41 home sites remain for sale at Sevilla and most offer conservation area or lake views.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9502
Dennis Ginder, Division President Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9500
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

Emerson International starts Preleasing of Emerson Plaza II overlooking Crane’s Roost, Emerson Plaza I fully occupied

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International has started preleasing of luxury apartment homes at Emerson Plaza II, one of two 12-story luxury residential towers overlooking Cranes Roost Park at Center Pointe on the Park in Altamonte Springs.

Eric Emerson, vice president of Emerson International, said Emerson Plaza I is fully occupied.

One, two, three and four-bedroom luxury apartment homes in Emerson Plaza II will lease from $1,200 per month, Emerson said. Altogether, 64 luxury residents are available for lease.

The Twin Towers at Emerson Plaza ranks as one of Central Florida's most prestigious new, gated master-planned communities and is being developed by Emerson International Inc., a member of The Emerson Group a global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies in the U.K.

For more information contact:
Eric J. Emerson, Vice President / General Manager Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560; ejemerson@emerson-us.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

Lennar Expecting Hundreds of Visitors during Holiday Festival of Lights at Stoneybrook at Venice and Bella Terra Estates in Estero

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lennar, Florida’s largest home builder, and residents of Stoneybrook at Venice and Bella Terra Estates in Estero, expect visitors by the hundreds during the Holiday Festival of Lights Dec. 18 and 19.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar is teaming up with home owners at both communities to create magical neighborhoods of lighted displays to celebrate the traditional Christmas holiday.

“Our residents are very excited about the Festival of Lights and many of them are competing for prizes for the most creatively-lit homes,” Devereaux explained. “It will be something to see, that’s for sure,” he said.

Lennar is participating in a big way---festooning the community’s gated entrances, city streets and Lennar’s Welcome Home Centers to the max for the duration of the holidays.

The gates will be open until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights to accommodate the expected crowds, Devereaux said.

Santa Claus will be on hand to greet families at the Welcome Home Centers and Lennar is providing free photos with Santa for the kids.

“This is our way of giving back to the community,” Devereaux said. “We’ll be happy if everyone in the Venice and Estero areas comes for a visit,” he said.

Stoneybrook at Venice is located South of Venice Farm Rd. on N. River Rd. in Venice.
Bella Terra Estates in Estero is located south of Corkscrew Rd. approximately 2.5 miles east of I-75.

For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Mattamy Homes starts construction of new Innovations Series model home at Covenant Cove near Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, recently started construction of a new Innovation Series model home that is sure to draw lots of attention at Covenant Cove, located off Beach Blvd. minutes from Jacksonville Beach.

Dennis Ginder, division president of Mattamy Homes in the Jacksonville region, said the new two story Innovation Series Plan 5 model home at Covenant Cove is one of seven new designs by Mattamy’s architects in Canada and based on results of extensive consumer research in northeast Florida

“We conducted extensive surveys of new home buyers to find their most desirable preferences,” Ginder explained.

The Innovation Series Plan 5 model home features a massive back yard. — the number one important feature home buyers said they want in a new home. Plan 5 also boasts a unique split two-car garage and is the model that so far is drawing the most interest among homebuyers since the new series was introduced this fall, Ginder said.

“Once we open the new Innovation Series Plan 5 model home we expect a big jump in the number of visitors at Covenant Cove, Ginder said.

“Mattamy’s Innovation Series Plan 5 model home at Covenant Cove features 2,514 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and an oversized second level loft with option as a fourth bedroom with a third full bath, all priced from the mid-$200s.

Mattamy currently has more than 40 homesites remaining with 60-foot widths at Covenant Cove for new three and four bedroom, one or two-story single family homes.

For more information contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9502
Dennis Ginder, Division President Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9500
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

Scheduled Auction of the Plaza's entire 10th Floor Cancelled by Legal Counsel in Bankruptcy Proceedings

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 18, 2009.... Worldwide Auction Realty Services’ auction of the entire 61,545 square foot 10th Floor of the Plaza on Orange Ave. and Church St. in downtown Orlando scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 has been cancelled.

In a prepared statement, Jon Chipps, managing director for Worldwide Auction Realty Services said his firm was informed by the legal counsel for Plaza LLC, Elizabeth Green, that the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida granted a continuance to parties involved in the Plaza LLC bankruptcy. Green confirmed that the Plaza creditors did not approve the debtor’s reorganization plan and as such, a new hearing date was scheduled for Jan. 18, 2010.

Chipps said Green’s announcement was unforeseen and that the auction had been approved by Plaza LLC managing member, Cameron Kuhn.

Chipps added that the Worldwide Auction Realty Services team had made a considerable investment in facilitating the auction and that he was very disappointed that the parties were unable to reach an agreement.

Chipps also expressed his apologies to any potential auction buyers that had invested their time in preparing to purchase at the auction.

For more information, contact,
Jon or Lori Chipps, Worldwide Auction Realty Services, 800 327-104
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407 644-4142

Volume of Distressed Commercial Properties to Increase in 2010 as Lenders Respond Lethargically, Says Leading Broker

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The volume of distressed commercial properties---offices, retail buildings and industrial properties in danger of foreclosure---will likely increase substantially in 2010, says Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR, president or Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, one of the state’s largest commercial property companies with offices in Orlando, Tampa and Melbourne and associated with 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide.

“Lenders have developed the internal processes to deal with distressed properties and are now ready to deal with them,” Sweeney said.

“Regulators have put significant pressure on banks to shed underperforming loans, and the real estate downturn has depressed the loan value of many commercial property assets,” Sweeney said. “Property sales volume will increase in 2010 but prices will be depressed,” he said.

The situation is a mixed blessing for commercial property companies, Sweeney said. Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida projects its brokerage business will grow by 10 percent or more next year due primarily to distressed property sales.

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 40 brokers divided among its Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis:

Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/.

Contacts:

Jeff Sweeney, SIOR 407-481-5387 315 E. Robinson St. Suite 555 Orlando, FL 32801

Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Kolter Homes Starts Construction of 10 Luxury Townhomes at Grande Oaks at Heathrow

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Kolter Homes has started construction of 10 luxury townhomes in the Oak Building at Grande Oaks at Heathrow.

Steven Bovio, senior project director for Kolter Homes at Grande Oaks at Heathrow, said four-bedroom townhomes in the Oak Building will range from 2,387 square feet of living space and are priced from $279,900.

Kolter Homes recently topped out the Evergreen Building at Grande Oaks at Heathrow with six two and three bedroom luxury townhomes ranging from 1,926 square feet and priced from $259,900.

Luxury townhomes in the Evergreen Building will be ready in late December.

The new four-bedroom townhomes in the Oak Building are expected to be completed in late February.

Both buildings are elevator ready, Bovio said.

Located at the corner of CR 46A and Orange Blvd. in Lake Mary, Grande Oaks at Heathrow (www.KolterGrandeOaks.com) features its own private lakefront recreation center with fitness area, meeting rooms, kitchen, swimming pool and spa with deck area and a tot lot.

The Grande Oaks at Heathrow sales and preview center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and Sunday Noon to 6 at 1450 Lake George Drive. From I-4 go west on H.E. Thomas, Jr. Pkwy. (CR 46A) to the community entrance just past International Parkway. For information, call 407-829-8961.

For more information contact:
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

Steven V. Bovio, Senior Project Manager, Kolter Homes/Orlando 407-333-1733 sbovio@kolter.com

About Kolter Homes:Kolter Homes is part of the Kolter Group, a private investment firm focusing on real estate development, investment and construction. Kolter Homes brings more than a decade of experience in Florida homebuilding to each of its communities in Orlando, South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Visit www.KolterHomes.com for additional information.

Recession Generating Big Changes in Retail Property Strategies, but Classic Values, Conservative Approach is Winning

ORLANDO, Fla. --- All economic cycles help generate evolutionary changes in the way people buy and sell things and the current national economic recession may be responsible for more than its share, according to one longtime retail analyst.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, said that despite a number of new trends, the most successful retailers today embrace core conservative values.

“Look at a chain retailer like Publix,” Crossman said. “Publix stock is up. They are doing deals---opening new stores and redeveloping old ones in down a market when some of their competitors are closing stores. They have weathered the storm and they will grow their market share because they developed a classic conservative strategy to the recession,” Crossman said.

Other retailers are taking a more progressive approach to practical necessities.

“One of the hottest trends in retail leasing right now is short-term leases,” Crossman said.
Historically, retail spaces have been leased in five and 10-year terms.

“Recently, we’ve seen three-year, one-year, and even month-to-month lease terms, and ‘temporary tenant’ who need space for 30 days for a big event or a seasonal sales campaign.” Crossman said. “We’re seeing a lot of that for the upcoming holiday season.”

Crossman said such short-term tenants create activity, traffic and energy at a retail center or mall, and that helps other tenants.

But some property owners aren’t so sure.

“Some people see the negative, and assume that more tenant rollover will shadow a retail center’s image,” Crossman said, “but that’s a misnomer. Fifth Avenue in New York has plenty of rollover tenants, and Fifth Avenue is still the number one retail destination in the world,” he said.

For more information, contact:

John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581- 6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

About Crossman & Company:

Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit http://www.crossmanco.com/, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Lennar offers to double your tax credit now through Dec. 31 in Four Lennar communities in Southwest Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division has announced it will double the U.S. Federal Tax Credit available to qualified new home buyers through Dec. 31 on the purchase of any new home in four Lennar communities in Southwest Florida.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said the $8,000 Federal tax credit is available to first time home buyers through next April and a new $6,500 tax credit is now available to home buyers who already own homes.

“Lennar will double the tax credit and new home buyers can apply the savings to their down payment, to their closing costs, to upgrade on their new homes or pocket the cash,” Devereaux said.

The offer is good through the end of the year at all of Lennar Southwest’s communities, including:

Bella Terra in Estero, where Lennar builds Villa homes priced from the high $100s, Manor homes priced from the high $200s, Executive homes priced from the $200s, and Estate homes priced from the mid $300s;

Heritage Bay in Naples, where Lennar builds town homes priced from the low $100s, Terrace condominiums priced from the high $100s, Coach homes priced from the high $200s, Verandas priced from the low $200s, Executive homes priced from the high $400s and Classic homes priced from the $500s;

Stoneybrook at Venice, where Lennar builds Inaugural homes priced from the mid $100s and Manor homes priced from the low $200s;

River Strand at Heritage Harbour in Bradenton, where Lennar builds Terrace condominiums priced from the mid $100s, Coach homes from the low $200s, Manor homes from the mid $200s, and Classic homes from the mid $300s.

For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group Reports Sales of Eight New Homes at Heritage Park in Woodbury

BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, www.mattamyhomes.com the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, reported it has sold eight new homes over the past 60 days at Heritage Park in Woodbury, located off Lake Rd. and Independence Way south of Valley Creek Rd. in Woodbury.

Jennifer Anderson, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes in Minnesota, said Mattamy Homes launched its new Classic series of model homes during the Parade of Homes in mid-September with the Yorkshire model home, priced from $269,990 with three bedrooms, a loft and an open floor plan, formal living room, upgraded kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, granite counters and a spacious dinette.

"We have sold four new Classic Series homes, the majority of which are the Yorkshire floor plan,” Anderson said.

Mattamy Homes recently started construction of a ready-to-move-in single family home priced from the high $200s and six ready-to-move-in three bedroom, three bath town homes priced from the high $100s at Heritage Park.

Anderson said the Oxford II will be ready in December. The two-story Traditional design, single-family home with four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, 2,129 square feet of living space and a three-car garage is situated on a look-out home site with unfinished basement on ground level.

Town homes range from 1,680 to 1,876 square feet of living area, plus two-car garages.
Only 70 single-family home sites and 20 town home sites remain to be sold at Heritage Park, Anderson said.

For more information contact:
Jennifer Anderson, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Minnesota 952-898-6131; Jennifer.Anderson@mattamyhomes.com

Steve Parker, President Mattamy Homes US Group 407-599-9994; Steve.Parker@mattamyhomes.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group:
Mattamy Homes U.S. Group builds single-family homes priced from the high $100s in the Twin Cities area. The Canadian based homebuilder, with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion, operates US home building divisions in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Orlando. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

Crossman & Company Announces Long Term Lease at Orlando Fashion Square with Barnie’s Coffee

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Orlando Fashion Square has added another tenant to their lineup. Barnie’s Coffee will be opening in the mall in time for the Holiday season this month [November].

John Crossman, President of Crossman & Company said the owner and landlord Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) leased the space to Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co., a 1,288 SF space near the center of the mall.

Crossman & Company serves as exclusive local leasing representatives at Orlando Fashion Square mall on Colonial Drive and Maguire Blvd. in Orlando.

* * *

For more information please contact
Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581-6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com

John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

About Crossman & Company:
Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Paul P. Partyka, Real Estate Executive, Former Winter Springs Mayor to Announce Candidacy for U.S. Congress, will challenge Suzanne Kosmas

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Former Winter Springs Mayor Paul P. Partyka is expected to announce his candidacy for U.S. Congress District 24 during a luncheon meeting of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce starting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Tuscawilla Country Club, 1500 Winter Springs Blvd., Winter Springs, Fla. 32708. Partyka will run against Suzanne Kosmas in the Democratic Primary.

CONTACT:Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Lennar's Central Florida Division Names New Sales Manager for the Tampa Region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has promoted Dale Human to sales manager for the Tampa Bay region.

Mark Metheny, division president, said Human joined Lennar three years ago and most recently served as a new home consultant.

Human holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida and has more than four years of experience in real estate sales, and 12 years in the hospitality industry.

As sales manager, Human will oversee new home sales at eight communities throughout Pasco and Polk Counties, according to Metheny.

“Dale’s contribution to Lennar and the Central Florida Division has always yielded exceptional results and his promotion exemplifies how talent, commitment and hard work are valued and recognized by our company,” Metheny said.

Lennar’s Central Florida Division builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $100s to the $400s in more than 30 communities in the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Space Coast areas.

For media information, contact:
Mark Metheny, Division President, Lennar Tampa Division 888-317-7489
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager, Lennar Tampa Division 888-317-7489
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, Inc. 407-644-4142