Friday, October 7, 2011

CRAVE KICKS OFF FANTASY CRAVEBALL SEASON WITH HELP FROM SOLODEV

ORLANDO, Fla. - Solodev, a leading website design and software development company, has teamed with CRAVE’s web development team to create Fantasy CRAVEball, a unique way for that restaurant to engage its customers and fans during football season.

A new twist on traditional fantasy football where participants earn points based on the performance of the players they have selected, Fantasy CRAVEball allows contestants to choose the menu items they think will be the week’s best seller in five categories: beverage, appetizer, entrĂ©e, sushi and dessert. Points are accumulated throughout the contest and winners are announced weekly leading up to the CRAVEBowl.

The site, www.fantasycraveball.com, was built on Solodev’s proprietary website software platform with custom programming integrated to execute the game. CRAVE has six locations across the country, including one near the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. Its investment in the promotion has a retail value of more than $200,000 and the grand prize winner receives a two-year lease on a 2012 Range Rover.

Fantasy CRAVEball is a follow-up to the wildly popular “Menu Madness” promotion Solodev helped CRAVE execute in the spring in conjunction with the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The tournament-style bracket application allowed website visitors to predict which menu items would be the top sellers during the tournament.

Solodev is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.

About Solodev
Solodev is a website design and Internet software development company in Orlando, Florida with a satisfied client list that spans a variety of industries across the country. With its proprietary website content management system, Solodev empowers organizations to comprehensively and efficiently manage their online presence. Multiple websites, intranets, extranets, landing pages, various directories, social media feeds, event calendars and more can all be easily controlled through this single application. More information is available at www.solodev.com.

About CRAVE
CRAVE fulfills the vision of a vibrant restaurant where the cuisine, service, atmosphere, energy and value are second to none. CRAVE offers fresh and innovative cuisine along with an impeccable wine selection brought to life in a chic yet casual atmosphere. A grand sushi bar extends the dining experience, appealing to both traditional sushi lovers and adventurous epicureans. CRAVE has four Minnesota locations, recently opened in Orlando and Omaha, and is scheduled to open Coral Gables, Florida, later this year. At each location patrons enjoy a familiar yet unforgettable dining experience. For more information visit www.CRAVEamerica.com.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Golden Brothers Studio Starts Location Filming for “365 Decision Time” in Downtown Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Golden Brothers Studio, a professional movie studio headquartered at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Kissimmee, has started location filming in downtown Kissimmee for their upcoming feature film, 365 Decision Time.

Rafael Caamano, site manager at the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee, said the filmmakers are making use of local homes and businesses and local talent.

“It’s not so much a case of Hollywood has come to Kissimmee as Kissimmee has gone Hollywood, but Florida style,” Caamano said. “This is a full-fledged production, and it’s exciting to watch,” he said.

The motion picture tells how an average American family deals positively with drugs, sex, abortion and its aftermath to become stronger.

You can see behind the scene shots, and updates daily by visiting www.365decisiontime.com.

About Golden Brothers Studios:
Golden Brothers Studios, based in Kissimmee, is an independent filmmaking company founded by three professionals with more than 50 years of combined experience in the audiovisual and multimedia medium. The mission of the company is production of feature films and television programs that convey a positive, uplifting message to a cultural society who frequently witnesses the disintegration of the family unit and lacks positive role models and spiritual foundation. It strives to produce films and programming with the latest technological advancements available to present relatable life issues, providing solutions that will positively change lives.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Agents Tout Central Florida Properties on Marketing Mission to Lisbon, Madrid

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Orlando has been flexing some of its international muscle. Marcus Faller, a member of the Global Real Estate Advisors affiliate of Stirling Sotheby’s recently completed a trade mission to Lisbon and Estoril, Portugal, and Madrid to tout Central Florida investment properties to wealthy European investors.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Faller organized the trade mission to network with Sotheby’s International executives in Europe.

“We have spent the last several months building key relationships with real estate developers, law firms and CPAs in the U.S.,” Faller said. “Our trade mission showcased our Central Florida network to European agents, representatives and investors who may consider acquiring residential, commercial and investment properties in Central Florida, he said.

Faller said more than 30 percent of recent real estate purchases have come from overseas individuals or businesses.

“Our trip was a tremendous success and the meetings with Sotheby’s International Realty representatives were extraordinary,” he added.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Port Orange Law Firm Helps Sponsor Rotary Club’s 5th annual Charity Casino Night Oct. 14 in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH – The law firm of Rue & Ziffra is a sponsor of this year’s “Viva Las Vegas” casino night presented Oct. 14 by the Rotary Club of Port Orange/South Daytona.

The 5th annual event – which begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at the International R.V. Resort, 3175 W. International Speedway Blvd., will feature a VIP Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and silent auction, along with other gaming activities such as Black Jack, craps, roulette and slots.

Tickets, which are $25 per person, include $2,000 worth of gambling chips, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and dancing to music provided by a disc jockey.

Funds raised from the casino night will be used to help local Rotarians fund numerous community charities like the Student Athlete Scholarship Program at Daytona State College, and Christmas gifts for more than 550 foster children in Volusia and Flagler counties.

“This is a great event put on each year by the local Rotary,” said John Rue, co- founder of the Port Orange-based law firm. “For only $25 a person, residents can have a great night on the town while contributing to a deserving philanthropic organization that helps so many in our community.”

For more information or to order tickets for “Viva Las Vegas,” contact Rotary Chairwoman Deb McCall at 386-383-8400 or debra.mccall@dignitymemorial.com.

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 nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

African Animals at Lakefront Ranch near Lake Nona Medical City Creates International Web Sensation

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A 40 acre lakefront ranch for sale in Osceola County south of Lake Nona Medical City that includes zebras, Ankole-Watusi cattle, water buffalo and miniature donkeys along with horses has started an international web sensation for Orlando based Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty.

The property, listed for sale at $4.25 million, received significant international exposure as it was featured in the International Herald Tribune through its affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty who also featured the property on its web site home page.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the exposure on the multiple sites garnered more than 15,000 views worldwide during the month of September.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty serves as the exclusive brokers for the property, which includes 1,224 feet of lake frontage on Lake Lizzie, part of a Chain of Lakes.

Dan Natoli, International Luxury Home Specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty represents the award winning Spanish Mediterranean estate with 8,863 square feet of living space in the main house built in 2007.

The property, which also features a waterside gazebo and private dock with jet-ski and boat lifts, is beautifully landscaped and fenced for pastures and corrals, according to Natoli.

A gourmet kitchen opens on the family entertainment area with views of a resort style pergola and tropical pool with splash pad, waterfall, water slide and stone bridge that is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.

To see a brochure and video on the property, http://www.stirlingsir.com/eflyers/agents/lrteam/lr-team-bro.html

“In addition to the main estate home the property includes a private pond with fishing pier, stable master’s suite and a spacious caretaker’s residence that could also be used as an in-law residence or guest house,” Natoli said.

The property has future development potential for lakefront lots, he added.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Lennar Offers Orlando-Area Realtors Seven Percent Commissions On Ready-To-Move-In Homes that Sell By Oct. 31

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering Orlando-area Realtors a whopping seven percent commission on select ready-to-move-in homes in 20 Orlando-area communities and 10 percent commissions on new homes in two additional Orlando-area communities.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar’s Fiscal Year End Savings Event includes new homes that go to contract by Oct. 31 and close by Nov. 30.

Lennar is offering Realtors 10 percent commissions on new homes sold at the Shire at Westhaven, located on Suffolk Place off Ronald Reagan Pwy. (CR 54) and ChampionsGate Blvd. in Davenport, and at Lennar’s Paradise Palms vacation home community in Osceola County off Westside Blvd. south of U.S. 192, Metheny said.

Lennar’s seven percent commission offer is good at Sorrento Springs and Stoneybrook Hills in Lake County; Celery Estates, Treviso and the Retreat at Twin Lakes in the Sanford area; Independence in Winter Garden; Nona Terrace in southeast Orlando; Camden Landing and Preston Pointe in the Wyndham Lakes area of south Orlando; Legacy Park and Courtland Woods in Davenport, Heritage Hills in Clermont and Heritage Isle in Viera in Brevard County.

Lennar is offering home buyers in all 22 Orlando area communities a new 42" 3D TV on sales that close by Nov. 30, Metheny added.

“We’re pulling out all the stops for our Fiscal Year End Savings Event,” Metheny said

Since Aug. 1, Lennar has sold 153 new homes throughout its 22 communities in the Orlando region.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Designed a New Truffles Restaurant at Winter Park Village in Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. — Baldwin Park Architects Cuhaci & Peterson recently designed a new Truffles Restaurant in the Winter Park Village on So. Orlando Avenue in Winter Park.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC said the new restaurant is a prototype. It will be 3,000 square feet and seat 160 people when it opens Oct. 26.

Ryland Homes to open Boca Raton Model Home at Eagle Bay in Kissimmee in November

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Ryland Homes will open its new Boca Raton model home and start sales in November at its newest single-family community, Eagle Bay, located off Boggy Creek Road in Kissimmee.

Angela Colston, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Orlando region, said the Boca Raton model home offers four bedrooms and two baths in 1,853 square feet of living space with a two-car garage.

Ryland is building three and four bedroom single family homes in exciting new one and two story designs with two-car garages at Eagle Bay a neighborhood with easy access to Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona’s Medical City, The Loop, Greeneway (417) and the Florida Turnpike.

New homes at Eagle Bay will range from 1,481 square feet of living space to 2,574 square feet priced from the mid-$100s.

Seven distinctive floor plans will be available at Eagle Bay, Colston said.

New homes at Eagle Bay feature Ryland’s exclusive Houseworks package of appliances, engineering, construction and design that increases your comfort, safety, savings, quality and sustainability, Colston added.

Ryland’s Houseworks ranks among the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable new homes on the market, with Energy Star® appliances throughout, a minimum 13 SEER Carrier air-conditioning system, programmable thermostats and quick recovery energy water heater that will cut hundreds of dollars from the electric bill.

About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 28 markets across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.”

Luxury Residences at Emerson International’s Emerson Plaza at Crane’s Roost 100 percent leased

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International reports that all 85 luxury residences at Emerson Plaza overlooking Crane’s Roost Lake in Altamonte Springs have been leased.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said leasing units began in early 2010.

Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

Lennar Offers Free 42" 3D TVs to New Home Buyers in 22 Orlando-Area Communities through Oct. 31

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering reduced pricing, below-market financing and free 42-inch 3D TVs to buyers of select new homes in 22 Orlando-area communities through Oct. 31.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar’s Fiscal Year-End Savings Event applies to select new home sales that go to contract by Oct. 31 and close by Nov. 30.

Lennar builds new townhomes, single-family homes, vacation homes and active adult homes priced from the $90s in 22 Orlando-area communities.

“We’re pulling out all the stops for our Fiscal Year-End Savings Event,” Metheny said.

Since Aug. 1, Lennar has sold 153 new homes in all 22 communities.

Lennar’s Fiscal Year-End Savings Event is underway now at Sorrento Springs and Stoneybrook Hills in Lake County; Celery Estates, Treviso and the Retreat at Twin Lakes in the Sanford area; Independence in Winter Garden; Nona Terrace in southeast Orlando; Camden Landing and Preston Pointe in the Wyndham Bay area of south Orlando; Paradise Palms in Osceola County; the Shire at Westhaven, Legacy Park and Courtland Woods in Davenport and Heritage Hills in Clermont and Heritage Isle in Viera in Brevard County.

Visit www.Lennar.com.